The Sun.
London, England, 1847-03-31 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY MORNING, MARCH 31, 4847.

TENANT-RIGHT BILL.

l The i'ollowing is an abstiaet of Div.harmaa CMS'S •
tord'n Bill :
The Bill is entitled, a " Bill to senile the rights of
occupying tenants in Ireland, and thereby to promote
the improvement of the soil, and the employment of the
lab, airing classes."
The preamble recites that the practice has long existed
in L eland of letting land on terminable leases, or at will,
witi:out suitable buildings or other appendages, and
without any filli:wance in rent for the want thereof, and
also without any agreement for improvements to be made,
and that this practice ha's led to just complaint on the
part of the tenant, on account of his liability to eject-
ment without any security for compensation for labour
and capital expended—thus checking improvement, pre-
venting employment, and creating violence and disorder.
Clausq 1 gives compensation to any ejt cted tenant
who &hall have made permanent improvements, for the
value of his tenant-right created by such improvements.
Clause 2 insets that a tenant claiming under this
Act, on reeei%ing notice to quit, or a demand of increased
rent, or service of a declaration in ejectments, or within
ten days afterwards shall serve a notice in writing of his
claim on the landlord, and an offer, in case of terms not
being agreed on, to refer matters to arbitration. If
agreement not made, landlord to appoint an arbitrator
within ten days, to act with the tenant's arbitrator, which
two shall appoint a third, and these three, or any two of
theta shall settle the amount of compensation.
Clause 3 enacts that if the landlord proceed with the
process of ejectment, the tenant may prove on trial that
the landlord refused to appoint an arbitrator, or that the
award was made in his favour, and is not paid ; and then,
unless the tenant be settled with, he shall be entitled to
judgment in his favour ; but if no award have taken place
through default of the arbitrators, the court shall, if
required by landlord or tenant, appoint an arbitrator,
with power to award ; no hubtre to issue before award
paid, and if not paid within time fixed by court judgment
to be for the tenant.

Clause 4 enacts that if award is not made by arbitra-
tors according to regulations of this Act, appeal lies to
the court, which may:cancel, alter, or amerd the award,
or appoint an arbitrator as if no award had La via made.
Clause 5 enacts that arbitrators may, if required by
the landlord or the tenant, name a fair rent f( r the pre-
mises; and if landlord accept the tenant at the rent
named, and the tenant refuse, the tenant cannot then
claim compensation. Rent to be computed by that which
a solvent tenant would pay, according to the usual let-
ting value, not charging an increased rent for buildings
erected by tenant at his own cost.
Clause 6 enacts that no tenant shall claim tenant-right
who cannot show that he has expended labour or capital,
so as to increase the value of the premises. Claimant to
be in sole occupation, and residing on the premises,
which must be in tenantable condition.
Clause 7 enacts the mode in which the arbitrators
shall proceed in determining the award.

Clause 8 enacts the manner in which the value of
buildings, and also of improvements of the soil, shall be
ascertained, the main principle being that they shall
cause a permanent increase of the value of the pro•
perty.
Clause 9 enacts that the landlord may set off against
the tenant's claim any injuries to the property resulting
from bad management on the part of the tenant, and also
all rent or other debts ; and if an overplus in favour of
landlord, he may recover same as rent, or else by action,
or by civil bill.
Clause 10 enacts that any tenant who shall, after the
passing of this. Act, sell or sublet any portion of the
premises without—the,. landlords consent in writing, or
who shall without the like consent erect houses fur cot-
tiers, or give ground for the erection of such houses,
or bring such persons to inhabit on the premises, ex-
cept as hired servants, such tenant and the holder of the
transferred portions shall fOrfeit all claim to tenant-
right. Not to be construed to apply to any sub-divi-
sion or sub-tenantcy created previous to the passing of
this Act.

Clause 11 regulates the principles by which the ens,
torn of tenant-right in Ulster shall be brought within
this Act, and enacts that the tenant may tier evidence
of the sum which a solvent tenant would give for the
right of occupancy, and the arbitrators may make their
award without entering into it detailed excraitiation of
improvements, which in other cases 'lacy must do, ac-
cording to the 7th clause.
Clause 12 enacts that in case of ejectment for non-
payment of rent there shall be no claim for comps nsa
tion except in two cases—firstly, if landlord shall re fuse
to allow tenant to sell his interest; s. cundly, it ttie rent
payable exceed by one-tenth tne poor law valuation.
Clause 13 enacts that the landlord shall get just credit
for the improvements madee at his entire or joint expense,
or for which a reduction in r,•nt has taken place.
Clause 14 defines the term used in the Act " Tenant"
to mean a person in occupation of land let for purposes of
agriculture or pasture, but not of land let for building,
or in conacre, or for special or temporary purposes, and
which shall be held at will or from year to year, or for a
life or lives; " Landliord," the person entitled to the
immediate possession on the determination of the interest
of the tenant ; " Improvements " all buildings and
works tending to increase the permanent value of the
property ; and "services of notice " may include service
by post-office as well Its the service usually adopted in
legal transactions—the address to be the last known ad-
dress, and the letter to admit of being delivered within
the time prescribed for the notice being given.

Clause 15 limits the Act to Ireland.
Clause 16 is the usual alteration and amendment
clauses.

MURDER IN CAITHNESS.

This district has this week been thrown into a state of
great excitement, by the commission of one of those dia-
bolical crimes which are fortunately of extremely rare
ocearrence in this county, and, indeed, in the north of
Scotland. Isabella Gunn, an old woman, apparently
about sixty years of age, living in the Achow of Swiney,
in the parish of Latheron, has been made the victim of
a most atrocious, yet evidently deliberate murder. Her
residence is at the end of the Free School of Achow,
situated about two hundred yards from any other dwel-
ling. O❑ the morning of Sabbath a school is taught,
and it is customary on that, as on other mornings,
for some of the children to go to her room for
fuel to kindle the fire. Accordingly on the morn-
ing of Sabbath last one of the scholars went for
that purpose, and was surprised to find no reply given to
the customary salutation. Another of his school-mates
speedily followed, and discovered the body of the unfor-
tunate creature lying under a quantity of straw which
had been spread over her. She was dead ! The alarm
was immediately raised, and forthwith a number of the
neighbours were assembled. They found that the crime
of murder had been that morning committed upon the
lonely woman, and judged that it could not have been of
very late occurrence, as the body was yet warm. The
foul deed had evidently been committed by means of
strangling, as a pi,ce of rope was found round the neck
of th, deceased. _ . _ _ .

Immediately on the fact being known to the authori-
ties, Sheriff Gregg, and Mr. Henderson, procurator-
fiscal, proceeded to the place, and ectunaenced a judicial
investigation into the circumstances connected with the
diabolical deed. The body was examined by two medical
gentlemen, who found certain parts of the neck tam face
of a livid odour, evidently the result of strangling.
There were also marks of violence on other parts of the
face, one in particular on the chin, where, to all appear-
ance. an iron instrument had been applied. On one of
the hands there was also a blue mak. Several small
sums of money, amounting, in all, to upwards of ts%o
pounds, were tound 0 different parts of the deceased's
person, and lying between the body and the chest.
According to a statement said to have been made
by her to some neighbours oil Saturday, she had occa-
sion to le,.ve her hitt for a short time, in the dusk of
Friday evening,',and m her return she discovered that
some one had °titan-aid admission during tier absence.
On entering, she obst-rvt,d, according to our infortna•
don, a man in her be i turning over the bedclothes, for
the evident purpose of obtaining booty. So soon as he
observed he was detected, he threw a small shawl over
his f,ice, and made his escape as fast as possible, throw-
ing away the shawl when he found himself beyond the
reach of recognition.
No other object can appear to have dictated the com•
mission of this foul murder, than to lay hold of the
reputed money of the deceased. In this. the perpetrator
cannot have been more than partially successful, from
the small sums on her person. Some papers belonging
to her were also found in an adjoining field. It would
appear that a shawl was also found round the deceased's
neck, being placed between the rope and the neck.
Of course, there are a great many other circumstances
which have come to light, during the progress of the
investigation, both from the examination of witnesses
and otherwise, but, for obvious reasons, in the present
state of the precognition, it would be injudicious to
record them. It is sufficient to say, that a young man
has been apprehended and lodged in jail, under suspicion
of being connected with the murder.—John 0' Groat
Journal.

DONATION FROM THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.—In
the published statement of the proceeds of the sale of ladies'
work in Dundee lase week, the following entry occurs His
Grace the Duke" of Wellington, per a lady, 51." The explana-
tion of this is, thilt a young lady of that town wrote to his
Grace, explaining the object of the sale, and soliciting a few
autographs, which, she said, would doubtless find ready and
liberal purchasers. His Grace politely declined the request,
but enclosed a money subscription instead.
Sir William Gossett, Sergeant-at-Arms of the
House of Commons, whose illness was announced some time
since, has again lately been seriously indisposed. We have
much pleasure in stating that within the last few days, he
has considerably improved, and that it is expected he will
be able to resume his official duties before the close of the
session. He is staying at St. Leonards-on-theSea. Colonel
Perceval, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Lords, is absent
in Ireland.
THE GENERAL FAST.—The Fast Was observed in
Dublin, by all classes of Christians, with the solemnity
and humbleness of spirit, which one is not surprised,
certainly, to witness amongst a people who, however
divided in sections, are undoubtedly the most religious
portion of the Queen's subjects. The Catholics solem-
nised the Fast on the same day with their brethren, the
Protestants of the Establishment and the Dissenters.
And we believe, on that occasion, that for once there
was a cordial unity in the prayers of all the people of
Ireland.—Dublin Evening Post.
Miss iIERSCIIELL.—..4. letter from Hanover says,
that on the 16th, Miss Caroline Herschell, sister, and for a
long time assistant of the illustrious astronomer, celebrated
he 97th anniversary of her birth-day. The King sent to
compliment her; the Prince and Princess Royal paid her a
and the latter presented her with a magnificent arm-
-hair, the back d wl, -cli had been embroidered by her Royal
I ighoess ; and the Minister of Prussin, in the name of his
Sovereign, remitted to her the geld medal awarded for the
-xtension of the sciences. Aliss Herschell is herself distin-
...uished for astronomical researches. and particularly to:- the
construction t f a selenographical globe in relief of the sur-
•ce of the mo"n. Notwithstanding her advanced age and
otirmities' he still passes several hours every day in amtro-
domical labours, sud nut, uninqueutly spends the whole night
a tier observatory.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS, Marcia 30.
ROYAL ASSENT.
The Royal Assent was given to day by Commission, at
Four o'ci ek, to the Drainage of Land Bill, the Llynvi
Iron Company, and the Whiteburn and Ke!so arid Lauder
and Kelso Road Bills.
The Lords Commissioners were the Lard Chancellor,
the Earl of Shaftesbury, and Lord Monteagle.
Their Lordships then adjourned during pleasure.

The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Wool-
sack at Five o'clock.
WATERWORKS CLAUSES BILL.

This Bill was read a third ,iriao and passed ; as were
also the Gas Works Clauses Bill, the Markets and Fairs
Clauses Bill, and the Commissioners il,nises Bid.
GOVERNMENT PLAN OF EDUCA HON.

The Earl of CLARENDON presented severe,: peti-
tions, on the part 'of the Marquis of Lansdowne, from
congregations of Baptists at Oakham, from Protestant
Dissenters at Bucking, in Essex; and from Protestant Dis-
senters at Eddington, in the con ty of Bedford, against
the Government scheme of education.
POOR-LAW SE ITLEMENT.

The NOBLE EARL also presented a petition from the
rector and churchwardens of a parish in the county of
Pembroke, praying for a repeal of the Poor-law Settle-
ment Bill.

col e!ors of the income and assessed taxes, praying kr
a higher scale of remuneration for their duties.

ROYAL ASSENT.

The Usher of the Black Rod appeared at the table of
the House for the purpose of summoning the Commons
to hear the Royal Assent given by commission to several
public and private Bills, tor a li,t of which see Lords'
report. ,

_
SECOND READINGS.
The following Bills were read a second time :
Blackburn Improvement, Market, &c.
British Commercial Insurance Company (No. 2).
Coventry, Banbury, and Oxford Junction Railway.
Dublin Consumers Gras.
Falmouth liraterworks.
Inverness Harbour and Navigation.
Inverness Municipal and Police, &c.
Ruthinioes Improvement.
Turista!' Paving, Lighting, Cleansing, Watching, Im-
provement, and Market.
SHIPLEY GAS BILL.
Mr. GREENE wished to call the attention of the
House to a special report from the Committee on the
Shipley Gas Bill, showing a direct variance, on the part
of the Committee, from the report of the surveying
officers appointed under the Act 9 and 10 Vic., c. 106, to
make the preliminary inquiries, and moved that the Bill
be re-committed.
After a few words from air. H. BERKELEY,
Mr. HOME moved that the Bill should be referred to
a Select Committee up stairs.
After a few words from Mr. Brotherton, Sir W. Clay,
Dr. Bowring, and Mr. Ag,,lionby,
Mr. CARDWELL said, that as a Member of the
Privote Bills Committee, he wished to say one word,
and he did not wonder that the Hon. Baronet with whom
he had served was anxious that the proceedings of the
Committee should not be judged by the present case.
The circumstances were these : there was a large
district which required lighing by gas, and it
was desirable by every means to save expense,
and with the furtherance of that object the
Commissioners had sent down surveying officers to see
what really the state of the case was. Their report was
in every respect favourable to the object of the petitioners,
but it was stated that the population of the district were
quite unable to bear any heavy expenses,. and with a
view to save the outlay, the Committee had agreed to
avoid any of those preliminary expenses which are so
frequently made the grand difficulty in obtaining an
Act of Parliament. Notwithstanding all this endeavour
the Hon. Member for Cockermouth wished the Bill to
be treated as an opposed Bill, and this was the way in
which the expense was to be saved. He sincerely trusted
that the Hon. Member for Lancaster would oppose such
a course with all his might. He had only to say that he
had personally no interest whatever in the district ; but
he could not but observe that he was now not at all sur-
prised at the way in which the able reports on railways
had been treated when they had been made by the Board
of Trade.

Mr. STRUTT said it was extremely uufair to judge of
the utility of those local inquiries by one instance. He
should give his support to the original motion, but at the
zaine time he did hot wish to cast the slightest slur
whatever upon the report of the local officers.
After a tew words from Mr. GREENE,
Mr. HUME thought if the local surveyors bad been
cant(' it would have been satisfactory. But as it was
not to be drawn into precedent, he would withdraw his
am( ndment.

The motion was then agreed to.
SUTTON HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT.

Mr. STRUTT moved that the Sutton Harbour Im-
provement Bill be referred to the Commissioners of
Riilways, an,' that the said Bill be nut considered in
Committee until the Commissioners shall have reported
upon the Bills promoted by the London and South-
Western Railway Company, in conformity with the
res4utions of this House of the 23d day of February.
Agreed to.
DUBLIN IMPROVEMENT BILL•

Oti the motion for the second reaJing of this Bill,
Mr. GREGORY begged Mr. Smith O'Brien to post-
pone the second reac,ing till after Easter, in consequence
of the absence of certain returns which be had moved
for rehvive to the Bill, and he moved accordingly.
Mr. GROGAN seconded the motion.

Mr. SMITH O'BRIEN had no objection to the post
ponetnent ot the Bill it the Government considered such
a course advisable.

Mr. I). BROWNE opposed the postponement. There
had been no reason given to justify it. 'The corporation
of Dublin, who were the promoters of :he measure, re-
pre,;en.ed a constituency of 200,000 persons, and they
t.ere very desirous to have it carried into eift et. He
thought, therefore, it would be a great injustice to them
If it were postponed, and would had to the
belief, already strongly impressed on them, that
if it were postpon ,d, and would lead to the
belief, already strongly impressed on them, that
there was one law for Ireland, and anuther for this
cuuntrv.

Mr. HERBERT was in favour of postponement, that
they might have an opportunity of reading the evi-
dence, so as to enable them to come to a
proper conclusion on the merits of the Bill.
Mr. LABOUCHEItE said he should not have inter-
posed to prevent the Hon. Gentleman from pursuing
the course he had thought proper to adopt, but he (Mr.
Labouchere) must say that he still adhered to his
opinions on the subject, and he was prepared to give
his assent to the principle of the Bill. He conceived
that the principle involved in the Bill was, whether or no
the city of Dublin, the second city of the United King-
dom, should have municipal privileges equal to the cities
in this country, and to which they were so justly entitled.
There were some of the positions put forward by the
corporation of Dublin to which he could not assent,
but he was told that they were ready to withdraw
what was objectionable. He would take this opportunity
of stating that he held in !his hand a petition,
signed most numerously by the inhabitants of Dublin,
in favour of this Bill. He was prepared to proceed in
that course which had for its object the improvement of
the municipal. condition of the Corporation of Dublin.
The Earl of LINCOLN said that the Bill stood at
present before the House in this position. At the sug-
gestion of the Honourable Gentleman the Member for
Montrose, the Noble Lord at the head of the Woods
and Forests commissioned two gentlemen to investigate
this subject, and they, after a careful examination into
every point, reported most strongly against the Bill.
Now, surely this was a prima facie case against the Bill.
His Hon. Friend did not call upon them to reject this
Bill, but he said they ought to ascertain the facts that had
influenced thoSe gentlemen in coming to a decision before
they came to . a decision in favour of this Bill. He
thought that they should ascertain what the circum-
stances had been that had influenced the promoters.
Now, he should like to see the evidence before he
would say that the report was borne out. If the
Right lioneursible Geutleman had carefully considered
the subject he , would be aware that these powers were,
in a great majority of instances, not vested in the muni-
cipal corporatiOn. Until very lately in Liverpool the
powers for paring and lighting were not vested in the
municipal corporation. It was a monstrous proposal
to say, after porsons had been appointed under the Act
to make a legislative investigation of this subject, for
shouLlltriP°Lostehoaf saving
gtoexhpse toecanran
the express P
that they further
r tei
vei: s
deuce upon the subject. He should therefore support
the motion fur the postponement.
Lord NIORP EHI did not wish to extend the dis-
cessieu, and he rose to suggest, as the evidence was not
yet printed, that the tux titer consideration of the Bill be
postponed tall after Easter. At the same time, he might
remark, that Ili the second reading was now agreed to,
it v.,.ttld not b 4 against the usual course adopted in
reference to private Bills, even when it was necessary
that the evidenco should be printed.
Mr. H si F. dhought it was desirable to postpone the
second reading 6t the Bill. He would certainly advise
that until the e‘lideuce was printed and placed in the
hand.. f Metub,rs of the House.
Mr. M. J. O'CONNELL hoped that the suggestion
tor the puss pohein-ht would be agreed to.
Mr. S. O'BRIII.N said, as the House appeared to be in
favour of the postponement of the Bill, he would nut
press the second reading at present.
Tue tnsasure was accordingly postponed till after
Easter

CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY (No. 2)
(EXTENSION AT CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD)
BILL.
On the motion that this Bill be read a second time.
A short discussion ensued, in which Lord Sandon,
Mr. W. 0. Stanley, and Mr. R. Collett, took part,
The Bill was read a second time.
STEAM COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LONDON

C.

FA-elan-erne:, on the subject of such correspondence.
Agreed to.
SUPPRESSION OF SEDUCTION AND PROSTI-
TUTION.
Mr. SPOONER presented two petitions from congre-
gations in Bradford, praying for a measure to suppress
trading in seduction, and for the better protection of
fe.males.
Lord ROBERT GROSVENOR presented five peti-
tions to the same effect.
MERCHANT SEAMAN'S FUND.
Mr. AGLIONBY wished to ask a question before
the order of the day was gone into. It was one of
the greatest importance to the public, and had
reference to the Merchant Seaman's Fund
some days ago, he had been led to understand
that a Commission of inquiry was about to be issued,
and he wished to know if such were the fact.
Captain BERKELEY said that he had every reason
to suppose that the Commission would immediately be
issued and the inquiry gone into.
BILL TO SUPPRESS TRADING IN SEDUCTION
AND PROSTITUTION.
Mr. SPOONER then proceeded to ask leave to intro-
duce the Bill of which he had given notice for the sup-
pression of the trading in seduction, and for the better
protection of females. He eould assure them that he felt
great difficulty in bringing the question under the
rp,tice of the House, as he was persuaded be could not
do it that justice it deserved. He would have been better
satisfied had the measure been placed in abler hands,
and if the Members of the Government opposite had
taken it under their protection. There existed in the
metropolis an association—
Mr. GRANTLEY BERKELEY—Sir, I rise to a
point of order. The Hon. Member, to make good his
case, must bring before the House matters and details
which are altogether unfit for publication. I therefore
call the attention of the House to the fact that there are
strangers in both galleries.
The Galleries were then cleared, and the debate pro-
ceeded with dosed doors.

HEALTH OF TOWNS BILL.
On our re-admission to the gallery of the House, we
found
Lord MORPETH moving for leave to bring in a Bill
for the establishing regulations for the improvement of
the health of towns. This he observed was no new sub-
ject, for it had been repeatedly brought under the notice
of the legislature, and more especially of late by the re-
ports of Dr. Arnott, early in 1838 ; again, in January,
1839, by a report of Dr. Southwood Smith ; again, in
August, 1839, a general report was made to the House
by commissioners engaged to investigate the state of the
country ; in January, 1840, a return had been made
under the commission authorised by the Marquis of
Normanby ; again, in 1842, there was a report of the
general sanatory condition of Great Britain ; again, there
were similar reports in 1843, 1844, 1845, and again
there was a second report made by the commissioners.
In 1845 the Earl of Lincoln had presented a report to
the House on the state of health in towns, and from this
report he would read a summary, so that the House
might see that an amount of labour had been expended
on this subject, and who had contributed to furnish the
facts on which he desired that they should legislate. He
was the more desirous that this should be made known
to the House, as by that it would be perceived that he
had been no party to the accumulation of these facts,
but that he was come in, as he trusted, at the last hour,
to the accomplishment of an important object, though he
was not the party entitled to the credit of its achieve-
ment. He would place before the House the circum-
stances which, whether they were viewed in their
political, social, or statistical aspect, were worthy of the
gravest consideration. But in doing this he should only
take the primary features, and reserve the details till
some future opportunity, but he felt that he
could not do anything like justice to the subject, or pro-
perly lay this matter before the Legislature, without
stating some of the evils which had resulted from the
neglect of the itni ortant measure which he had now to
introduce. lie was quite aware that there were some
persons in that. House with whom he was not so fortu•
nate.as to agree that it was nut the duty of the Legisla-
ture to take any steps for directing or improving the
public mind. But if there was any question on the
subject of education, there could be none upon the sub-
ject that it was the bounden duty of the Legislature to
overlook, superintend, and provide for those physical and
external necessities, under any circumstances, which
might materially affect the health and the happiness of
a .1 eople ; nor did he feel that there was anything that
could justify their dispensing with attention in this way
to the welfare of the people, or that would exonerate them
from hringiug these matters forward ; nor s'iould he re-
frain from doing so with all the powers he could command.
He found by the statement of Mr. Guy—the gentleman
who had been appointed to make a report of the com-
parative health of town and country districts, and who,
for his extensive hospital practice, had a most complete
knowledge of the subject to which his attention had
been directed—he found by the statement of that gen-
tleman to the Registrar General, that in the country
districts, where the population only have the proportion
of 199 to the square mile, the number of deaths was
19,300, while in the town districts, where the population
was 5,108 to the square mile, the number of deaths
amounted to 27,900; thus showing an excess in towns
of upwards of 8,000 deaths that might have been avoided.
The rate of mortality in country districts was 1 in 52,
while in towns it was 1 in 37. He was aware that this
might be said to be the case of particular places; but
the present rate of mortality throughout England was
1 in 45; while in the Isle of Wight it was 1 in 58, and
in the sle of Anglesea in was 1 in 62; but iu London,
instead of being 1 in 58, or I in 62, it was 1 in 39. In
Leeds and Birmingham it was 1 in 37; in Sheffield it
was 1 in 33; in Bristol 1 in 32; in Manchester 1 in 31,
and in Liverpool, which he regretted to perceive, en-
joyed a bad pre-eminence, instead of being 1 in 58 or
62, as it was in the healthy islands to which he had
referred, it was 1 in 29. So that it followed, that in
this capital the greater number of inhabitants, as com-
pared with the rest of England, were deprived of eight
years of their lives, and in Liverpool they were, accord-
ing to this statement, deprived of nineteen years of
existence. The population of the great towns is com-
puted at 4,000,000, so that the loss of life throughout the
whole of the country was not less than 31,000 or 32,000
annually. But all towns did not exhibit the same rate
as Liverpool. The average loss of life in that town was
about 38 in a thousand per annum. In Manchester it is
32 in a thousand ; in Carlisle it is 32 ; in Halifax and
Kidderminster it is 21 in a thousand. If he turned to
the mortality of the counties he found the same rule to
hold, for among the Cornish miners and in some parts of
Wiltshire the average is 49 in a thousand ; while the
mortality in Lancashire is as high as 36 in a thousand.
In Lancashire the general average is 32, and
in Liverpool it was only 23. The general
average of consumption throughout England is
105 lbs. of butchers meat, while in Manchester
the aggregate amount is only 201bs. for each person per
annum. In manufacturing towns, the deaths from parti-
cular diseases was 1 in 13 of the general population,
while in the country it is only 1 in 54. During
the prevalence of the cholera, the deaths in Manchester
daily were 343, while in the country the nu.nber was 50,
so that no less than 4,700 lives would have been saved,
had the improvements devised by the Government been
brought into play. The whole result of these calcu-
lations was, that the average of deaths in Great Britain,
was 46 in 1,000 in the country, and 54 in 1,000 in the
towns, showing that not less than 14,949 lives had been
sacrificed by the want of these sanatory regulations, or
one-seventh of the whole number of deaths that had
occurred in the country. This was Mr. Guy's opinion.
Nor was Dr. Southwood Smith less explicit in the state
meat of his opinion, expressing his belief in the state-
ment which he had made to the Registrar-General
that the whole of the evils endured were to be ascribed
to bad sewerage, the want of water, the want of sca-
vengers, and the consequent accumulation of filth and
the generation of pestiferous miasma. They mightform
some idea of the evil which the Sewerage Commis-
sioners had been unable to remedy, that in the worst
districts, out of 16,000 cases of fever, upwards of 150
out of every 200 had been occasioned by the prevalence
of the causes which he had stated : and throughout the
country not less than 700,000 unnecessary cases of fever
had occurred from this cause, and not less than 10,000
deaths. According to the regulation of the Registrar-
General, the whole of the country was divided into three
provinces, with ten districts in each, to ascertain the
rate of mortality. In ten of the healthiest districts,
where the quantity of ground allowed to each person was
202 square yards, the annual rate of mortality is 1 in 49.
In ten of the medium districts where the quantity of
ground for each person is 102 square yards, the rate of
mortality is l in 39, and in the worst districts it is one
in 36. The Rev. Mr. Kay, of Preston, who had paid
great attention to this subject, had divided the several
districts into four classes, and he found that in the
healthiest districts the annual average of deaths is 15 in
100; in the bad districts it is 38 in 100; and in the worst
districts it is 44 in 100. In the parish of St. George's,
Hanover-square, the annual average period at which
those in the upper classes die, is 45 years, while among
the labouring classes the average period of death is 27
years. In St. Giles's, and the neighbouring parish,
the usual term of life among those connected
with the gentry is 40, while among the labour-
ing classes it is only 17 years. In Liverpool,
the usual average period of death, among the upper
classes, is 35, while among the pourer inhabitants it is
only 15 years. For the sake of convenience, the whole
of the country is divided into 103 districts by the Re-
gistrar-General, and it appeared by the last report hut
one, which was rendered on June 30, in last year, that
during the three years preceding, as many as 33,000
deaths had been occasioned by the bad drainage
of towns, and that a thousand persons were an-
nually destroyed by miasma, which brought on cholera.
dysentery and diarrhoea. In June, 1840, it appeared
from the reports, that from the deficiency of the drain-
age of the ground areas, there was a constant diffusion
of malaria and volatile poisons arising from the stagnant
ditches which surrounded London as other towns are
surrounded by walls. In Sheffield and Liverpool the
number of deaths was one-third more from this cause,
than it was in London, and the mortality was ra-
pidly increasing. The deaths had increased, upon the
the previous year in 1845 by 14 per cent. The Noble
Lord then went through a series of statements of the
number of deaths which had occurred in Manchester,
Bristol, Liverpool, and the other chief places in the
country, to show the excess, the repetition of which
is ould only be a dry detail of a mass of figures, and
the result of which was to show that the increase would
soon amount to more than double the mortality which
had been suffered in previous years. This was not to be
wondered at when the nature of the summer which we
had had was taken into consideration, and the state of
(lie crowded lanes and dirty streets, which were con-
stantly throwing out a mass of poisonous miasma, and
there was little doubt that if we were to have a summer
like the last, that this mortality would be frightfully
n creased. The deaths of infants and of youeg children
e ere frightfully numerous. In Liverpool, out of 23,000
deaths, more than 5;000 were of children under :five
3 care of age, and in another place out of 21,152,

there were as many as 7,726 under seven years
o!d. In Manchester alone. there had been as many
as 13,362 who. had died in infancy and early child-
hood within a.very brief period; and in Liverpool the
deaths were not less numerous. And he regretted to
say, that by the last returns the sbiternerife were not less
melancholy or important. He would now turn to the de-
tails of the measure which they meant to propose for the
amendment of this growing and ;erious evil. When
Lord Lincoln had first introduced a measure for
improving the sanatory condition of towns he had
truly stated, that with the onerous duties pressing upon
the attention of the Secretary of State for the Home
Department, even with the assistance of the Committee
of Privy Council it would be utterly impossible for him.
even did the person holding that high office possess all
the qualities of the Right Hon. Baronet who held it
under the late administration, or of his Right Hon.
Friend who now filled that post—it would be utterlyim-
possible for him to attend to the duties which this Bill

Would impose. To the general care of the internal
Government of England, Scotland, and Ireland was
added the general superintendence of the police,
the care of prison discipline, and the ultimate
administration of the poor-law. The Privy Council
too, he was sorry to say, was not at the present
moment in the highest favour with the people.
If, therefore, the business in hand was important
enough, and happened to be specially connected with
some other duties and functions, it might be important
enough to justify the constitution of a medical board for
the purpose, framed very much upon the same footing
as the railway board of last session, composed of five
members, three of them to be paid, and the others, mem-
bers of the Government, receiving no pay ; and the
person who filled the office which he had then the honour
to hold, should be the ex-officio chairman of that board.
This board of health should be empowered, either upon
petition or otherwise, to direct an inquiry into what was
termed the sanatory condition of any town or district.
They should be empowered to appoint inspectors upon
recommendation, who should go down to these dis-
tricts and institute the necessary inquiries ; who should
make and direct surveys, and point out the direction of
streams and water courses, and define what should be
the proper area of any work which was to be
carried out, if there should be a case of neces-
sity for it. On receiving and considering this
report, the board of health would recommend that an
order in Council should issue, conferring the necessary
powers upon the local administration. Now what were
these powers, and what was that administration to be ?
With respect to these powers, he should revert entirely
to the old constitutional foundation, which he found
exercised by the commissioners of sewers, and which
was originally brought forward in an Act passed in the
reign of Henry Bth. As these powers were exercised by
the commissioners, they did not provide sufficiently for
the construction of house drains in connexion with the
main sewers, or furnish a proper supply of water. That
was the cardinal point on whit h all the recommendations
of all the various boards had been founded. What was
to be done to a house were these powers of sewerage,
drainage, cleansing, &c., to be entrusted to the occupier?
He would just mention that he should not find it neces-
sary to embody all the provisions respecting these
various functions in the present Bill. These were com-
prehended in the Bills which were drawn up in pursu-
ance of a resolution of a committee of this House last
session, and brought forward in the present session and
passed. Was it right to combine these powers
in the control and superintendence of our local ad-
ministrative body ? What was that body to be ?
Lord Lincoln's Bill provided for a new electoral
body, and that certain districts and wards should be
made for the purpose of these elections. He thought
that they had had almost enough of elections, and it
would be hardly desirable to bring forward any new
system for the formation of a body especially analagous
to the town councils. They would be comprised of, and
elected by, the same sort of persons—their attention
would be directed to many similar objects, and on ac
count of that very similarity they were more likely to
be jealous—counteracting and mutually repellent bodies.
Some had suggested a direct nomination from the
Crown, but he thought there would be reason to fear
the antagonism of those bu ies chosen by tie people.
The system should be frame , •n such a way as to induce
activity, energy, and practicer, philanthropy, and a de-
ll
sire to benefit the respective communities of these
bodies. The functions otdraining, clesnsing,and sewer-
age seemed to be the appropriate function ofa municipal
corporation.— (Hear, hear.) It was true that when
these corporations were first appointed there was
much jealousy springing up, but that evil was de-
creasing.—(hear, hear.) It had been caused by
these bodies feeling themselves intrusted with
extraordinary powers of which, by the ordinary reaction
that attended human affairs, they became jealous. They
had, however, selected the town councils as the parties
most free from objections, and he had reason to believe,
that the more useful functions that were intrusted to
these councils, the more useful would be the men who
joined them. With regard to large pieces of wood land,
where an appropriate outlet for drainage of the district
could be found, these councils
_would have power, under
the sanction of a higher authority, of appropriating part
of it with regard to those towns in which the Corpora-
tion Act was not in force, and there were very large places
in that condition. He had at first intended to adhere to
the practice of which they had an example in the com-
missioners of sewers, and that they should be constituted
by direct nomination from the commissioners, but he
now proposed that in such towns and cities the com-
missioners should be elected by the rate-payers, and the
Crown on the representation of the Board of Health
should nominate one-third of the number chosen by
public election. With regard to the application of this
Bill to Ireland and Scotland, he hoped that these gentle-
men who had the superintendence of the general affairs
of those countries would adopt the Bill. He did not
think it advisable to embody such a regulation for three
countries in one Act. He proposed that as soon as this
Act was passed, all existing commissioners and trustees
should be abolished. His object was that all conflicting
jurisdiction should cease, and for this purpose it was neces-
sary that all local commissioners and trustees should cease.
The recommendations went on to state that all works
should be undertaken by competent and impartial
persons, complete surveys of the proposed works should
be made, and all works performed by contract, and paid
for by the public board. These recommendations it was
proposed by the Government to carry out in the pro-
posed Bill. Medical inspectors would also be appointed
under the Act, whose duty it would be to visit all
portions of the districts consigned to them. Local sur-
veyors would also be appointed by the 'lowa Council,
and approved of by the public board, to see that the
works were all properly performed. An inspector of
nuisance would also be appointed. Provision would
also be made in the Bill to put down the smoke nuisance
by the proper building and ventilation of the houses to
be built. With respect to a sufficient supply of water he
thought that it was a fact not to be disputed that tubular
sewers and a constant and sufficient supply of water were
absolutely essential to procure good sewerage. The
Noble Lord then went on to read reports from Dr.
Hale, Dr. Robertson, Mr. Hawkesley, and other me-
dical gentlemen, showing the insufficient supply, and
the bad nature, of the water supplied to numerous
places in the country, and urging the necessity of con-
veying water to every house, and not to allow the per-
sons to make long journeys to the springs, or reservoirs,
for the purpose of obtaining it. It seemed, said the
Noble Lord, that they had not much advanced in this
respect since the days of Andromache, who had " to
bring water from Ilyperia's well." All these altera-
tions it could not be supposed could be carried out with-
out additional rates, but he did not suppose that the
benefits to be obtained under this Act would be dearly-
purchased by the imposition of' a small additional
rate.—(Bear, hear.) The Noble Lord then went on
to allude to the calculations of Dr. Lyon, Dr. Play-
fair, Mr. Coke, Mr. Smith, of Deanstown, eir. Ref-
itted, Mr. Gardiner, and other eminent persons.
on the subject of the immense lose which the country
sustained by the operation of the present inefficient
sanatory regulations, by the expenses of medical at-
tendance, premature deaths, and
.the rates of mortality,
and also the immense sums loste to the country by al-
lowing the refuse or manure of the country to run
away in water. In conclusion, the Noble Lord sand that
he could assure the House that the measure had been
dr.iwn up with the utmost consideration by the Gover-
nment, and with a sole desire to make it beneficial to the
interests of the public, and ha would be most thankful
if the measure, and the consideration which it would
receive from Parliament, and the ultimate sanction which
he hoped it might obtain from the Crown, should be
useful in carrying out to sonic degree the aim of the
Government. That aim was to diminish as far as in
them lay those noxious. influences within their reach,
which now so panitully afflicted the large majority of
theinhabitants of the towns and cities in this great
empire, and which proved the never-failing source of
uncleanliness and disease. To counteract these noxious
influences they proposed to let in a flood of pure air
and pure water, and by thus doing, diminish, as far as
they could, the prevalence of those epidemic diseases
which had now and then shown themselves with such
fearful ravages. The object of the Government in the
present measure was to wage war wherever they could
against filth, stench, and miasma, and its sure tenden-
cies and consequencies—bodily weakness, langour, fever,
and death-dealing pestilence—and thus, as they hoped,
be instrumental in lengthening the lives and adding to
the happiness of all classes of her Majesty's subjects in
these realms. lie would move for leave to introduce
the Bill.

Mr. MACKINNON thought the Government entitled
to the greatest praise for bringing forward the present
measure, and he begged to tender his thanks, on his own
account and those of his supporters, for the very com-
prehensive measure they had introduced. The Noble
Lord was nut, perhaps, aware of the great difficulties he
would have to contend with in his contest against the
existing corporations of the country, and more especially
those of the metropolis; he, however, wished him most
heartily all the success which the Noble Lore's most
sanguine wishes might lead him to anticipate. He should
like to know the Noble Lord's intention with regard to
the removal of cemeteries from large towns, and he hoped
he would explain the intentions of her Majesty's Go-
vernment on this subject, as the proposed measure did
not deal with it.
Lord MORPETH said that a measure for that pur
purpose was under consideration.
The Earl of LINCOLN said, that though his previous
knowledge of the subjects just brought under the consi-
deration of the House by the Noble Lord, was such as
to enable him to address himselt to the various points re-
ferred to, he would defer it to a future occasion
going into the subject at length. He would take
the liberty, however, of saying, with regard to
the obiervations of :he Hon. Member for Leamington
(ND-. Mackinnon) that the proposed measure was not
more comprehensive tha❑ the one which he (Lord Lin-
coln) had the honour to submit to the House about
two years ago. He was of Opinion that it interfered too
minutely with local affairs, and carried out the principle
of centralisation too far. The Noble Lord proposed to
constitute a now board of paid commissioners to carry

out the arranz,ments, the organ of Which in the House
was to be the Chief Commissioner or Woods and Forests. -
He believed the result of this arrangement would be, that
the Chief Commissioner would be involved in a multiplicity
of occupations to Rhich he could not efficiently attend. Be
had a very great eljectiun on principle to the construc-
tion of new boards. He thought, moreover, when it was
proposed to devise a great scheme for the gooAof the
• 4 .
country, and to construct a large machinery, they had •
a right to know what were the Peculiar functions to be ‘--
discharged by that board. Before the second reading of 7 --x.ASAILIi
the Bill he would call upon the Noble Lt.rd for an ex=
planation on this point.
Mr. AGLIONBY spoke in favour of the general pro-
vi.ions of the Bill. He, however, considered that a
Committee of the House of Commons was the very
worst tribunal that such subjects could be referred to,
by reason of the expense which they created. The rate-
payers themselves ought to manage their own business.
Mr. GREENE said that the private Bills on the
table of the House should be suspended until the pro-
visions of the Bill were carried out.
Sir WM. CLAY desired to add his approbation to
that of the Noble Lord opposite in favour of this Bill ;
he, however, considered that it was inexpedient to
include the ..metropolis. The Noble Lord would
have to dissolve some hundred local boards,
many of them possessing the confidence of their con-
stituencies and popular, he was of opinion, therefore,
that the Noble Lord had not calculated the difficulty of
the task which he had undertaken to perform. He
would support the Bill, but he would entreat that ample
time would be given to the great interests involved.
Mr. HUME hoped that, as soon as the House met,
the Noble Lord would forthwith proceed with the Bill,
fifteen days would be enough to give to the interests
affected. The object of the Bill was to afford accommo-
dation to those who had been neglected heretofore. He
considered it, therefore, the duty of the House to support
the Noble Lord, in opposition to those selfish interests
which always interposed between great and permanent
improvements.
Mr. BROTIIERTON could not refrain from offering
his tribute of thanks to the Noble Lord for having
brought the measure forward. He had no doubt diffi-
culties would be met with, but as the Noble Lord must
have the co-operation of the whole country, he was sure
they would be overcome.

Sir. P. HOWARD thought that all private measures
upon this subject ought to be withdrawn until this
general Bill was passed. He approved of the measure
as a whole, but he hoped the suggestion of his Hon.
Friend the Member for Lancashire would be adopted,
and that Government would announce before the recess
their intention with respect to the private measures
upon this subject.
Leave was then given to bring in the Bill.
Mr. C. O'BRIEN asked the Secretary for Ireland why
the return of the number of extraordinary sessions held
in each barony in the county of Clare, under the Act 9
and 10 Vic., c. 107, with the schedules and other infor-
mation in the order of the 9th day of March particularly
mentioned, has not been laid on the table of this House,
in obedience to said order.

Mr. LABOUCHERE said, the officers of the Board
of Works were most anxious to give the House every
information upon subjects connected with their opera-
tions, and no time would be lost in supplying the return
required. As yet, however, sufficient time had not
elapsed to admit of the return being got ready.
Mr. C. O'BRIEN moved that the several petitions
from the relief committees of Liscannor, Killilagh and
Ktlshanny, Ennistymon and Clooney, and Kilfenora and
Kiltonarta, in the county of Clare (presented 23d Feb-
ruary and Ist and 9th March), be referred to the Select
Committee on Captain Wynne's case.—Agreed to.
Mr. HUME moved for returns from the Parlia-
mentary Trustees of the River Clyde and Harbour of
Glasgow, of the amount paid or agreed to be paid by
the trustees, on or before the Ist day of April, 1847, for
land and compensation, under the powers of the Act
3 and 4 Victoria, c. 118, passed the 4th day of August,
1840, and the amount paid for the construction of works
authorised by the said Act ; also, the number of square
yards of ground so paid for, or agreed to be paid. Of
the amount of tonnage or other dues, levied by the
trustees on steam vessels plying ke,teveen the harbour of
Glasgow, and ports or places on the River or Forth of
Clyde, during the year ending the Bth day of July,
1846. Of the names of all ports and places from which
sailing vessels have arrived during the yer ending the Bth
day of July, 1846 ; also the number of vessels, and
total tonnage, arriving from each port and place. Similar
return of departures. Of the name of each vessel arriv-
ing at or departingjrom the harbour of Glasgow during
the year ending the Bth day of July, 1846; a!so the ton-
nage and draught of 'water of each vebsel, with the num-
ber of times that each vessel has arrived during that
period, and the average time she remained in harbour
between arrival and departure. Abstract account of the
revenue, expenditure, surplus, or deficiency, stating the
amount of the debt of the Trust, fen each of the years
ending the Bth day of July, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843,
1844, 1845, 1846. List of the number of vessels (both
sailing and steam), lying in the harbour of Glasgow for
each day of any seven consecutive days after this date
and previous to the 21st day of April, 1847.
Agreed to.
Mr. CORNELIUS O'BRIEN moved for copies of
the presentments made or passed by the magistrates
and rate payers of the Extraordinary Sessions held at
Corofin, for the barony of Inchiquin, in the county of
Clare, on the 30th day of November, 1846, and at
Ennistymon for the barony of Corcomroe in the same
county, on the 4th day of December in the same year,
both being for reproductive works, under Mr. Labou-
chere's Letter of the sth day of October, 1846, and
which were sent to the Under Secretary for Ireland, or
to tho Board of Works ; and though included in the
Order of the 11th day of February last, are not amongst
the papers laid on the table, pursuant to the said Order,
whether sanctioned or not.

Mr. LABOUCHERE said the return required bad
already been moved for, and laid upon the table of the
House, but there might be some confusion of dates, and
ho would make inquiry as to whether that were the
case or not.

Mr. C. O'BRIEN, under these circumstances, con-
sented to withdraw his motion for the present.
Mr. CHRISTIE, at the request of Sir G. Grey,
postponed his motion for returns connected with the ad-
ministration of the poor-laws.
ARMY SERVICE BILL.
On the question being put for going into Committee
on the Bill,

Sir H. DOUGLAS rose, pursuant to notice, to move
that the Bill be committed that day six months. The
Bill was disapproved of by the highest authority upon
subjects connected with the army. The Commander-in-
chief, it was admitted, altogether disapproved,of it. Had
that distinguished personage not done so, perhaps he
should not have felt himself called upon to support it.
But it was disapproved of not only by the Com-
mander-in-Chief, but also by almost every eminent
officer in the army, and before he sat down he would
endeavour to show that they lead good grounds for
doing so. In the first place he would consider what
effect this Bill would have upon the army generally.
Now in 1842 a Bill was passed for partially limiting the
time of enlistment, and then it was contended that the
measure would tend to add to the comfort of the soldier,
and increase the efficiency of the army, but experience and
subsequent results had proved such views to be erroneous.
Let them inquire into the new arrangements proposed.
What were the inducements to be held out to the re-
cruits? They were to be first enlisted for ten years, and
then if a soldier thought fit he might again enlist till he
had been in service twenty-cue years, when he could
retire with a pension. If he retired at the end of ten
years he was subject to be called out for twelve days
every year to be drilled along with those who were re-
ceiving pensions from the country. This drilling he
was called on to perform for the purpose of filling the
glorious post, it would seem, of standing behind stone-
walls to defend the country in the case of an
invasion. He considered it a perfect raockery
to suppose that such an arrangement would
gAl,s
would
t nri e
be
en
dbpf earot(r,it,eefer;oicaleill
pat
legs) ofrsnotl3o,
ea agwsr oshsliodet
liheleeffirrshee,
ea
was
aiacnd
osoautshe o
bs
entwhonateos
present
At
his
ld
assent, for he considered whatever the time of enli:t-
ment might be, that at the end of it there ought to be
pension. He thought that, if a soldier had served
twenty -one years, he should at least have a shilling a
day, and if for fourteen or fifteen years, fourpence
or sixpence at least; but in no case should there
be any discharge without a pension. Let .thern
do this, and, in his opinion, they would do
more to elevate the army than by any other
course they could adopt. Such was the plan he would
recommend, and if ha failed in arresting the progress of
the Bill in its present stage, then he should move amend-
ments to this effect in the Committee. While speaking
on this question, he might remark, that since he lust ad-
dressed the House on the subject, he had received com.
munications from a great number of persons in the army
who all sought to have pensions allowed for a regular
period of service, but none of theau seemed to be in
favour of the short period of service without a pension.
Now while they talked of getting a superior class of sol-
diers by this Bill, he would remark that it would not be
possible for them to get better ones than now. At
present the army was recruited from the very best
sources. He found that out of every 1,000 recruits,
643 were agriculturists, who made the very best soldiers.
About 300 out of every 1,000 were from the artizan and
mechanic class, who made good soldiers, but not so good
as the former. 43 out of every 1,000 were shopmen and
clerks, and these made very bad soldiers.—(Hear, hear.)
Gentlemen's sons, professional gentlemen, licentiates of
law, &c., made the very worst soldiers of all. In fact,
the higher they went in the scale of society, the
w.
count of the
worse soldiers they made, as it was found that
those from out of the better classes were those
in the decadence of life, who
enlisted on aeldlainffitcuNllteiem then
difficulties they
they wereoceedP
ed to
placed r
eiand.
The Hon. and Gallant
extracts from certain letters, to show
the bad effects
which had resulted from the passing of Mr. Wyndham's
limited
was enlistment
s o superior, Aet The reason why the British
soldier
in physical energy, to the 501-
dier of the Continental nations, was, that the conscrip-
tion of these latter countries gave no libel ty of sekction
while the voluntary enlistment of the agricultural la-
bourer of this country affOrded every oppm tunity for
the enlistment of the best men. He need only, in sup-
port of this assertion, instance the many cases in which
they had driven thrice there own number before them.
I Ho believed that the number of men who volunteered
last year to remain in
.I.edia was upwards of 2,000. The
soldier desired to remain in India because ho was a sol-
dier, but he thought that they ought not to permit him
to do so if they were to adopt the limited term of enlist-
ment. Supposing, for instance, a regiment in an un-
healthy climate—the West Indies, for example—they
would actually be incapacitating the man 6,r his future
duty. He regretted that the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer was not in the House, as he had saine remarks to
make which would have been of importance ; but he
might say that it was well worth the attention of the
Government that the expense of removals under the

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