The Sun.
London, England, 1841-03-04 00:00:00

THE CONSTABULARY BILL.

Mr. HODGES, in moving that the House
go into Committee upon the Constabulary Bill,
said, that the second reading of the Bill
had passed without opposition, on the understanding
that the discussion should be taken at this stage. It
had since been suggested to him that the Bill was un-
necessary, on account of the peaceable state of the
country, and that his measure was suspersedcd by the
Rural Police Bill. But there was nothing in the pre-
sent Bill which would at all interfere with that Act. The
question was a very important one, and excited great in-
terest eut of doors. He hoped, therefore, that the
House would not object to the motion for going into
Committee.

Mr. FOX MAULE said that he was then about to
state those objections to the measure, which he should
have submitted to the House on the motion for the
second reading, were it nut for the understanding come
to on the subject. He was persuaded that his lion.
Friend bad introduced tl:e measure with the best in-
tentions, but he thought that he Iva: el-ogether mis-
taken in the views he entertained. A Bill had bten
formerly passed on the same subjirct in 1839 ; and
though that Bdi contained some defects it had been
materially improved in the course of last Session. .'Page
County Constabulary were now under the control of a
Chief Constable responsible for the conduct of
the men ; and that system gave great satisfaction.
Besides the authorities in counties were now enabl Id to
appoint special constables of their own whenever that
might be required. These were great improvements
on the old system. No douht the present Act led to
considerable expense, but he thought that expense was
attended v‘ith corresponding advent tges. lie felt that
the Bill of his Hon. Fri. nd would completely overturn
the enactments of 1839 and 1840, and unnecessarily
unsettle the law on a vary important subject. He
would therefore move that the Hout,e should go into
Committee on that day six months.
Mr. MILES thought that the propose I measure
would be a material improvement on the old Consta-
bulary Bill.
Mr. GIS BORNE objected to the committal of the
Bill. It could not be denied that the old constables
were inefficient, but he thought the new rural police
would be found to be perfectly sufficient for all purposes
required. If the present measure was carried it would
interfere with the law now in existence, and would
effect na real public benefit. He thought the experi-
ment of the law at present in existence had not been
sufficiently tried.

General JOIINSTONE supported the Bill going
into Committee, as he had riot heard one argument
against it. He believed the provisions of the Bif
would very much improve the condition of the consta-
bulary force throughout the country.
Colonel RUS H BROOK supported the 811.
Mr. RICE objected not only to the principle of the
BiO, but he felt sorry that the discussion of it had
prevented a more efficient movsuie being brought in.
Mr. T. EGERTON supported the Bill because it
was founded upon the smile principle as the Bill that
had worked so well in the county which he represented
for twelve or thirteen years.
Mr. SANFORD opposed the Bill going into
Committee, believing that no measure was neces!ary
upon the subject.
Mr. BRUGES supported the Bill. The measure
of 1829 was well suited to part'cular districts ; but
the Bill before the House applied more extensively.
With regard to the expense, the rural police could
not be efficient unless they were establ shed upon an
extensive scale, and it must, therefore, be alended
with a considerable expenditure.
Mr. E. TURNER supported the 811 became it
give legitimate authority to Magistrates in the appoint-
inert of con,table.s.

Mr. II ODGES briefly replied.
Toe House the., divided, when there appeared—
For going- into Committee

Against a
Maiirity against going into Committee —22
PUNISHMENT OF DEATH BILL.

Mr. KELLY said that as it was not convenient
to enter into a discussion on his Bid at thst late hour of
the night, he should cont3nt himself with moving the
second reading.

The Bill was then read pro forma, and ordered to
be committed that day fortnight.

LEASE AND RELEASE BILL.

The Lia3e and Release 811 went through Com,.
mittce.

COUNTY COURTS' BILL.

On the motion for going luta Comm.ttee on the
County Court;' Bill,
Mr. FOX MAULE stated, that although there
gas a dame providing for an deficiency which
might occur out of the Consolidated Fund, he did
not anticipate that any deficiency would arise ; but
unle s there was a clause to that effect, there was
a risk that the Judges might not receive their salaries.

Col. SIBTHOB.P made some observations which
were very inaudible, but we understood him to taunt
the Hon. Member for K.lkeany for not opposing tht.t
part of the B 1! which relates to the paying of the
Judges out of the Consolidated Fund.
Mr. HUME was anxious to be economical, but when
the justice of ttp country was concerned, he would
never throw any difficulties in the way of a full consi-
deration of the measure. They tk ere not pledging
themselves to one sh.lling, for probably the fees of the
Courts woull pay all expenses.
Tne House then went into Committee, Mr. BERNAL
in the Cha'r.

On the Re3olution that the House would make up
any deficiency that might accrue, _

Mr. H UME inquired whether the G,:vernment:bad
yet made up their miuds as to the sa'ary to be given to
the Judzes.

Mr. F. MAULE said the saltry would depend upon
the amount of labour attached to the office—in no case
would it mote than 1,500/.

Tae ll!solutio❑ was then agreed to, to be reporttd
on Friday.
The other Orders of the D.ty were then disposed of,
and the House Adjourned.