The Sun.
London, England, 1871-02-22 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY.

WINDSOR CASTLE, FEBRUARY 21.
Her Majesty drove out this morning, accompanied by
Princess Louise.
Viscountess Clifden was in attendance.
Her Majesty, with Princess Beatrice, walked in the
grounds this afternoon.

The Princess of Wales drove out yesterday, attended
by the Hon. Mrs. W. Grey.
The Prince of Wales went to the House of Lords in the
evening. •

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS-TUESDAY.
Their Lordships assembled at five o'clock,
On the motion of EarI.GRANVILLE, the Princess Louise's
Annuity Bill was read a second time.
The Ecclesiastical Dilapidation Bill and the Juries'
Act (1870) Bill were also read a secoud time.
The West African Settlement Bill was passed through
committee. _ _ _

_ .
Lord ORANMORE and BROWN brought the subject of Mr.
Gladstone's letter to Mr. Dease, M.P., before their lord-
ships, and moved for papers.
Earl GRANVILLE, in reply, said he had nothing to do
with the statement that hadbeen made in another place
on the subject. He had no objection to the production of

the papers.
Earl MALMESBITRY inquired why the English consul
was absent from his post in Paris during the greater part
of the siege, and whether the English.population were not
left without protection during that time.
Earl GRANVILLE vindicated the conduct of Lord Lyons,
who, he said, had done all that was possible under the
circumstance for the security of the British residents prior
to his departure. Lord Lyons did not leave until the
other ambassadors did, and then he acted in accordance
with the counsel of M. Jules Favre.
Their lordships adjourned at seven o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TIIESDAY.
The Speaker took the chair at four o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.
On the motion for the second reading of the Wimbledon
and Putney Common Bill, Mr. DRAX moved that the Bill
be read a second time that day six months. He said the

powers given by the Bill were excessive and a gross
attempt to impose upon the public. Mr. Cowper Temple
said the measure would improve and not diminish the
value of land, and secure the common being kept open to
the public. The motion for the rejection of the bill was
ultimately withdrawn, and it was read a second time and
referred to a select committee. _

..
Mr. RYLANDS presented ten petitions from Bradford,
Bristol, Ventnor, and other places iu favour of closing
public houses on Sunday.
THE OFFICERS OF CUSTOMS.

Mr. GRAVES inquired if the committee, appointed in
1869 to investigate certain claims of the officers of customs
in London, had completed their inquiry, and if the result
would be submitted to the House. He further asked if
the investigation would be extended to the principal out-

ports.
Mr. STANSFELD said the inquiry was completed. and
the papers would shortly be laid on the table of the
House, and he hoped the result would prove to be a re-
duction of labour and a reduction of expenses. In reply
to the latter part of the question, he might say that the
Board had been instructed to deal with the larger out-
ports as they had dealt with the port of London.
MARITIME INTERNATIONAL LAW.
Mr. RATHISONE asked the First Lord of the Treasury
whether the Anglo-American Commissioners had instruc-
tions to discuss with the American Government the advis-
ability of England and America, as the two great
maritime Powers, co-operating to effect such changes in
Maritime International Law, as might minimise the risk
of collision between neutrals and belligerents.
Mr. GLADSTONE said this subject had been mooted for
a very long time, and he should be disappointed and sur-
prised if the settlement did not include all those improve-
ments which were found practicable to be introduced into
Maritime International Law.
TRAMWAYS IN IRELAND.

Mr. SYNAM asked the Irish Secretary if he intended to
bring in a bill this session to amend the Irish Tramways
Act, or extending to Ireland the Act of last session, with
the necessary modifications.
The Marquis of HARTINGTON said there had not been
sufficient experience of the working of the English Act,
and he should not propose to deal with it this session.