The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-18 00:00:00

SUN

CoFrEE.—To-day there was a fair business transacted in
Ceylon Coffee by private treaty, 175 bags were offered at
auction. With Mocha the market was much better sup-
plied, 473 bales and 63 half bales being put up to public
sale, the whole sold, and good kinds brought full rates, but
middling and inferior went 2s to 3s per cwt cheaper.
TIA.—To-day there was no improvement in the demand
for Black or Green Tea. At public sale 1,982 packages were
offered. of which 482 consisted of Assam, which sold irregu-
larly, and, upon the whole, went at very low prices. Of the
other kinds of Teas only 150 pkgs found buyers at easier rates,
Cocos—To-day West India was purchased with more
freedom, and 107 bags of Trinidad at public sale, sold at very
full rates, indeed the best sort went rather higher.
RICE—To-day Bengal Rice met with little attention, and
at auction 698 bags were taken in rather under former rates.
Srtclm.—To-day at public sale 66 cases and 286 bags Ben-.
gal Ginger were taken in at 25s for middling small hard
flinty home consumption kind 4 pkgs of Jamaica sold at 56s
middling. Black Pepper was Nought after, but stiffer rates
being required checked business. Nutmegs are wanted, and
30 chests at auction were sold at 2d advance. Of Mace 13
chests were sold at 2d to Sd advance ; 6 bales of Ceylon Cin-
namon sold at Ss 10d for sound, mouldy 2s 8d to 3s 2d, sea
damaged and broken 2s 2d per lb.
SPlRlTS.—Jamaica Rum at present is little wanted, and
there are sellers of 10 to 18 per cent over proof at 2s 9d to
2s 10d. Holders of Leeward Island are not disposed to
further reduce their prices, In Calcutta there has been
little passing. In strong Demerara several purchases have
been made at 24 9d to 3s. Although Brandy
is offered upon further reduced terms, still there
has been little business transacted. The business done in
Geneva has been to a small extent, and prices are still on the
decline. The price of British Corn Spirits is 10s 6d per
gallon nett cash, and Gin 8s 10d for 22 per cent under proof,
And 17 under 9s 4d per gallon, and a fair business has been
transacted. _ _

Private William Larkin, killed in action, 18th Dec., 1845.
Private Andrew Handridge, died of wounds, 30th Dec. 1845
Private James Kehoe, killed in action, 22d Dec. 1845.
Private Timothy M‘Dermott, died of wounds, 24th Dec. 184.
Private Patrick Muldoon, killed in action, 22d Dec. 1845.
Private James Wheeler, killed in action, 18th Dec. 1845.
Private James Cleary, killed in action, 22d Dee. 1845.
Private John Doyle, killed in action, 18th Dec., 1845.
Private Richard Fishwick, killed in action, Dec. 22, 1845.
Private Robert Kennaway, killed in action, Dec. 22, 1845.
Private Anthony Kennedy, killed in action, Dec. 21, 1846.
Private Samuel Marlow, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private Thomas Purdue, killed in action, 18th Dee., 1845.
Private James Steepleton, died of wounds, 25th Dec., 1845.
Private Patrick Healy, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private John Stephens, killed in action, 22d Dec., 4845.
80rn Renner.
Sergeant Thomas Storey, killed in action, 18th Dec., 1845.
Corporal Thomas Brown, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Drummer William M'Dermott, killed in action, 22st Dec.
Private Michael Hennessy, killed in action, 18th 845.
Private John Newel, killed in action, 18th
Dec.,Dec., 1845.
Private Robert Atkisson, killed in action, 18th Dec., 1845.
Private Thomas Dixon, killed in action, 18th Des., 1845.
Private John Money, died of wounds, 20th Dec., 1845.
Private William Clayton, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private Ebenezer Denton, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private William Frost, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private John &sward, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private Philip Lee, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private William almer, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private Peter Wilson, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private Daniel Butler, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1345.
Private Joseph Green, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private John Kelly, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private James Laurie, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private John Manebridge, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private John Nixon, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private John Williamson, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private William Cagby, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private Thomas Harvey, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private Thomas Milner, killed in action, Dec.,1845.
Private David Rae, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private John Robinson, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private Thomas Skinner, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private Patrick Madine, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private Thomas Bates, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private James Rathbone, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private Henry Cooper, killed in action, 21st Dec. 1845.
Private Thomas Wilson, killed in action, 21st Dee. 1845.
Private Nichelaa Hill, killed in action, 21st Den 1845.
Private Thomas Morton, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private John Cox, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private John Toole, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private James Woodward, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1145.
Private Joseph Yates, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private Thomas Rolfe, killed in action, 21st Dec., 1845.
Private James Douglas. killed in action, 21st Dee., 1845.
Private Henry Foote, died of wounds, 29th Dec. 1845.
George Burden, died at Moodkes, 20th Dee. 1845.
Commission by the Queen.
Monmouthshire Regiment of Militia—J. M. Carter, Esq.,
Captain Ist Royal Regiment, to be Adjutant from the 19th
January, 1846, January 26, 1846.
DECLARATION OF INSOLVENCY,
Thomas Bothams, victualler, Nottingham.
BANKRUPTS.
Themes Blackman, farmer, Biddenden, Kent, to surrender
March 24, at twelve, and April 28, at eleven, at the Court
of Bankruptcy. Whitemore, official assignee, Basinghall-
street ; Piercy and Hawkes, Three Crown- court.
George Langford, grocer, Southampton, March 27, and
April 28, at twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Belcher,
official assignee ; Fitch, New Bridge- street, Blackfriars.
Frederick Day, money-scrivener, Hemel Hempsted, March
24, at twelve, and April 30, at one, at the Court of Bank-
ruptcy. Bell, official assignee, Coleman-street-buildings;
Grover, Bedford-row; Smith and Grover, Hemel Hempsted.
Thomas Streeter, draper, High-street, Camden-town,
March 24, at half- past one, and April 30, at two, at the
Court of Bankruptcy. Johnson, official assignee, Basinghall-
street ; Reed and Langford, Friday-street, Cheapside,
Thomas Cooper, umbrella manufacturer, New Bond-street,
April 1, at one, and April 28, at half-past two, at the Court
of Bankruptcy. Edwards, official assignee, Frederick's-place,
Old Jewry ; Pullen, Basinghall-street.
Charles Poile, merchant, Rye, Sussex, March 27, at one,
and April 28, at two, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Ed-
wards, official assignee, Frederick's-place, Old Jewry ; Lovells,
South-square, Gray's Inn ; Bueler, Rye, Sussex.
William Edward Burman, hatter, High-street, White-
chapel, March 26, at twelve, and April 27, at the Court of
Bankruptcy. Turquand, official assignee; Ambrose, Chan-
cery-lane.
Richard Goodridge, baker, Exeter! April 1,, at eleven, and
April 23, at one, at the Exeter District Court. Hirtzel,
official assignee, Exeter ; Fox, Finsbury-circus, London;
Terrell, Exeter.
Josiah Austen, draper, Davenport, March 27 and April 21,
at eleven, at the Exeter District Court. Hemmen, official
assignee, Exeter; Soles and Turner, Aldermanbury, London;
Little, Devonport.
Thomas Dunlop Brown, commission merchant, Liverpool,
March 27 and April 24, at eleven, at the Liverpool District
Court. Morgan, official assignee, Liverpool; Vincent and
Co., Temple, London ; Jones, Liverpool.
Thomas Robinson, grocer, Swansea, Glamorganshire,
March 27, at twelve, and April 28, at eleven, at the Bristol
District Court. Acraman, official assignee, Bristol ; Leman,
Bristol.
Ebenezer Henry Darden, manufacturing chymist, Stan-
dish, Gloucestershire, March 30, at one, and May 4, at twelve,
at the Bristol District Court. Acraman, official assignee,
Bristol ; Brisloy, Pancras-lane, London ; Paris, Stroud.
William Habgood, merchant, Manchester, March 30 and
April 21, at twelve, at the Manchester District Court.
Fraser, official assignee, Manchester; Williamson and Hill,
Verulam-buildings, Gray's Inn, London ; Myers and Birk-
beck, Manchester.
John Roberts, farmer, Plasyn Derwen, Denbighshire,
March 31 and May 1, at twelve, at the Liverpool District
Court. Morgan, official assignee, Liverpool ; Williamson
and Hill, Gray's Inn, London ; Jones, Bryn Hyfryd, Mold,
Denbighshire.
Thomas Sleddon, cotton spinner, Liverpool, March 27 and
April 24, at twelve, at the Liverpool District Court. Caze-
nove, official assignee, Liverpool; Gregory and Co., Bedford-
row, London; Rogerson and Ratcliffe, Liverpool.
Samuel Littler, draper, Liverpool, March 27 and April 24,
at eleven, at the Liverpool District Court. Cazenove, official
assignee, Liverpool ; Reed and Langford, Friday-street,
Cheapside, London ; Dodge, Liverpool.
Sarah Tribe, innkeeper, Liverpool, April 3 and 24, at
eleven, at the Liverpool District Court. Bird, official assignee,
Liverpool ; Weetmacott and Co., Gray's Inn, London ; Tyree
Liverpool.

Immoko.—Holders of East India are not inclined to sell
under the rates of the last qaarterly sale, bat the business
transacted by exporters and the home trade has been ex-
tremely limited. For public competition on the 14th of next
month, 11,431 chests are declared. Although Spanish is to
be obtained upon lower terms, still there are few buyers to
be met with.
Hors.—The market has been more liberally supplied, and
the trade operating with caution, factors have been com-
pelled to take rather lower rates to make sales.
COCHINEAL is wanted; but, stiffer rates being required,
operated against business privately, and at auction 18 bags of
silvers were taken in at 5e 5s for middling Honduras.
Oms.—Although reduced rates have been submitted to
for Seal Oil, still the home trade operated with caution by
private contract, and for exportation there has been scarcely
any business transacted. Southern has been disposed of to
a fair extent, but not at better prices. In Sperm the opera-
tions are upon a more extended scale. Liassed Oil
has been in excellent request on the spot at 24s 6d
to 255, and for forward delivery many contracts have
been entered into at 26s to 26s 6d. Rape Seed Oil has been
disposed of to a fair extent, but not at better prices. There has
been a very good demand fir Olive Oil, but the stock being
yet on the increase, prices are prevented from improviag.
Cocoa Nut has secured a free sale, prices are firm, and the
supply yet small. Palm is wanted, and the parcels sold
privately at 24s to 27s for low to middling, and at 283 to 29.
for good to fine quality. Lard Oil is dull of sale, and American
can be obtained at 391 to 401 per tun.

LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH Is, 1646.

NAMUR AND LIEGE RAILWAY.
The first half-yearly general meeting of the proprietors of this
undertaking was held yesterday at one o'clock at the London Tavern.
in conformity with article 20 of the statutes, for the transaction of
the ordinary business of the Company ; Andrew Spottiswoode, Esq.,
President, in the chair. A considerable number of shareholders
were present.
The Secretary, J. CZAT, Esq., having read the advertisement con-
vening the meeting,
The Crum/deer said— Gentlemen, the directors have much
pleasure in meeting you, for the first time, in a body in accordance
with the provisions of the statute constituting this Company. They
meet you with a great deal of pleasure, because they think they are
in a position to lay before you the details of an extremely valuable
undertaking, and to !satisfactorily explain why it stands in a more fa-
' vourable position before the public than most undertakings of this kind.
♦lthough this Company was only suggested in March, 1845, just
twelve months ago, it has progressed with great rapidity, and occu
pies a high position, because it was not founded for the mere pur-
pose of attracting shareholders, in order to collect capital together,
to encourage some unknown and impracticable scheme, but
It was founded. on careful examination of the country
through which it was designed the line should pass, by the
late eminent Belgian engineer, Colonel de Puydt. He carefully in-
vestigated the whole subject, and ascertained that the country
through which he proposed to carry it was well calculated for a rail-
way, and that it would afford a profit to those who took shares in
it. This gentleman obtained the permission of a concession
from the Belgian Government for ninety years. However, he did
not live to avail himseitof it, and at his death it was made over to
his representatives, from whom the right which he obtained was pur-
chased. It was at first thought that a private company should be
formed to carry it out, and it was then settled that the conces-
sionaires, who stood in the shoes of Colonel de Puydt, should
take a fifth part of the capital, which they beand themselves to do,
whether the remaining porti: n was raised or not. But a few parties
raised the roost. However, many difficulties arose, and at
length it was not found either desirable or possible to carry
it out whilst in the hands of a private company. M•.
Rennie, whose abilities as an engineer are well known,
to everybody in this country, was appointed the engineer of the
Company, ant directed to survey the country in order that he
might report to the directors whether in his opinion such a
scheme was practicable, and if practicable, desirable, and likely to re-
munerate the shareholders ; and his report was so favourable, that
those who promoted theundertaking at once formed a public company
for its construction, with a capital of' 1,000,0001. in 50,000 shares of
201. each. The agreement entered into with the concessionaires
was this--that they should take one-fifth part of the capital, and that
the directors should take 1,000 shares each on the same terms. What-
ever was the result of the rest of the shares, they were to take
up, at least, this portion of the capital. It was then
settled that, as the scheme was a Belgian one, 8,000 shares should
be allotted to influential parties in that city, and that the remaining
half of the capital of the Company should be offered to per-
sons in England. These shares were taken up with—(l
was about to say greediness)—with great alacrity. That was
our position at the outset of the undertaking. The portion of the
shares having been fixed, the only matter that required to be settled
was the way in which the profits should be divided. It was settled
by agreement with the concessionaires that the first five per cent.
profit should be divided among the shareholders ; that they
should then receive one per cent. against any con-
tingencies; it was agreed, en all hands, that one-half
of the profits should go to the shareholders, and the other half to the
concessionaires and their assignees. However a deputation of the
directors visited Brussels in May, in order to make certain represen-
tations to the concessionaires with respect to this agreement on
behalf of the shareholders. After laying the matter before them
they conceded every important point to the shareholders,
namely, that instead of dividing 5/. per cent. among
the shareholders in the first instance, that 61. per cent.
should be divided. They behaved in the most handsome
manner, and showed by this concession their high opinion of the
project and their desire that the shareholders should receive 1/.
more per cent. than was originally intended. The directors, in
visiting Brussels in May last, had another object in view than
the one I have stated, namely, to watch the progress of the Bill
through the Chambers, as more difficulties and finesse had to be en-
countered and overcome. But 'nothing of a serious nature occurred,
and after a good deal of delay and discussion the Bill was passed.
But as many forms had to be gone through after it received the
sanction of the Chambers, the signature of the King was
net attached to it until the 10th of August. On the
following day it was wetted as a final measure ; and ever since
that time still further delays in the discussion of the plans have taken
place. The Ministers of every Government office happened, in this
case, to have different opinions with respect to these plane, so
that more time has been lost than we at first' anticipated.
The directors hoped, when in Brussels la May last, that they
should have had a portioa of the line opened by this time, but where
the opinions of large bodies must be had, it is found difficult to get
them to move as fast as we could wish. However, Gentlemen, we
are at last at work, and we are in such hands, and their works are in
such a forward state, as to lead us confidently to hope that we shall
be enabled in August next to open nine miles of the best
portion of the line. We have had one change in the direction
caused by the resignation of Mr. Coltman, who found it impossible,
on account of his numerous engagements, to attend properly to the
duties of a director in this Company, and we have filled up the
vacancy by electing a gentleman well acquainted with Belgium and
the most influential parties in it, Mr. Alex. Greig. There is one item
in the report which will, perhaps, surprise some of you, that we have
effected a loan of 16,0001. This did not arise from any want of
means, as we knew perfectly well, if we had sought more money
from the shareholders, that we should have received it ; but we
thought, by obtaining that sum in the shape of a loan, that it would
save the inconvenience and loss of time necessary to
make up a capital of five millions of francs, which
we were compelled to deposit with the Belgian Government.
We could effect a loan sooner than a call, and we. therefore,
borrowed this sum at 41. per cent., and invested it at 4% per cent.
interest, so that we have not done much ;harm; in fact we have
realised a profit on the transaction rather than lost by it.
There would have been no difficulty in obtaining the amount
from the shareholders, because we have 1,000 or:3,000 shares which
we might have forfeited, and thus realised a considerable amount If
we had thought proper; but we have not done so, because we believe
they have cot been taken through accident, in which opinion we are
confirmed by gentlemen wh o have arrived from abroad, st Ming that they
were ignorant of the fact that shares in the Company had been allotted
to them, some of whom, on paying 3/. percent., have been allowed to
take them up. Those who have not yet paid in their shares will
no doubt soon do so. 11,0001. out of the 16,6001., to which I have
referred, is deposited in the Belgian funds. I thought I would explain
to you the affairs of this undertaking in the way I have done, be-
cause I Imagined I could do so more familiarly than through an
official report, which, however, contains a statement of our proceed-
ings, and a great deal of information which you are no doubt desirous
to know. I shall therefore call on the secretary to read it.
The Szeisrreav then read the report, which simply described the
course of the line and the produce of the various districts which it is
designed to benefit. The concluding paragraphs stated that the
directors could not refrain from congratulating the shareholders on
their possession, for a term of ninety years, of a railway which not
only runs through some of the richest portion of country on the con-
tinent, but which forms a line in the extensive chain of
communication between England, France, and the centre of
Europe, as well as on the sure prospect of seeing it in active
operation within a few months, while, in the meantime, they enjoy
a safe investment for their capital, with interest at 4 per cent. per
annum. They, therefore, confidently relied upon the proprietors for
support in carrying en a project which they believe has no superior
on the Continent, and iu the marifierement of which they have en-
deavoured, to the best of their ability, to aii,nlisrge all the duties in-
cumbent upon them with prudence, discretion, mid determination.
The accounts showed that 81,8761. 18s. 2d. had heed deposited as
"caution money" with the Belgian Government, 127,6831. 6:. 104•
in the Belgian funds, and that there was a balance at the bankers of.
318,9371. Is.
After a short discussion the report was adopted, and ordered to be
printed and circulated amongst the shareholders.
The election of Mr. Greig having been confirmed, and a vote of
thanks passed to the Chairman and directors, which was suitably
ackuowlegod by the Chairman, the meeting separated.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
DOUSE OF LORDS, March 17.
The Earl of SHAFTISBrRY (in the absence of the Lord
Chancellor), took his seat on the Woolsack shortly after Five
o'cloak.

THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.
Lord BR( lUG H AM, seeing the Noble Marquis, the Chair-
man of the Committee appointed to inquire into the progress
of the New Palace of Westminster, in his place, would wish
to ask him if he could holdout any hope of their Lordships soon
being allowed to take possession of it? Although a member of the
Committee himself, he had not been able to give his attendance
upon it in consequence of his duties in that House ; and, there-
fore, it was that feeling the inconvenience of the present House,
he was anxious to know if there would be a chance of their soon
occupying the other. They heard that the new houses were
fitting up in the inside, and that some progress ws s being made
on the outside also. He did not know that anything had been done
since May. He hoped that the convenience of the inside would
be tantamout to the beauty of the outside certainly, if it were
not more convenient than it was beautiful, he could not antici-
pate much satisfaction for their Lordships.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE said that the evidence
of sesterday appeared to him to make it necessary that the Com-
mittee should make some report, and the Noble Lords who
were associated with him had unanimously come to the same
conclusion. He was bound to say, in justification of the architect,
that though little or no progress had been made in the building
that delay could only be attributed to the difficulties thrown
in his way by the scientific person who was appointed with
himself to superintend the arrangements. He did not think it
advisable to go into the matter then, but he should take the
earliest opportunity of communicating with the Committee of
the other House on the same subject, with the view of pre-
venting further delay in the progress of the Houses.
The Earl of BESBOROUGH thought that all the blame
of the delay should not be thrown upon Dr. Reid. Many diffi-
culties had been thrown in his way also.—( Laughter.) lie
did net consider the arrangement that had been made, namely,
to associate Dr. Reid and Mr. Barry together, a good one,
and some measure, he thought, ought to be adopted to remedy
the evils arising from it.
Lord CAMPBELL presented a petition from the Worshipful
Company of Fishmongers against a railway, the name of
which we were not able to catch.
Lord BROUGHAM said that as one of that honourable
body, being himself a member of the Fishmongers' Company,
he entirely differed from the opinions of his Hon. brethren.
The Earl of SHAFTESBURY—Then I suppose your name
was not attached to the petition.
OREGON TERRITORY QUESTION.
The Earl of CLARENDON, in pursuance of the motion
of which he had given notice, begged to move for the produc-
tion of such correspondence as might have taken place between
the Noble Lord the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the Minis-
ter for Washington as his Noble Friend might net think incon-
sistent with his public duty to lay upon their Lordships' table.
He trusted that it would be unnecessary for him to assure their
Lordships that it was the furthest from his intention to wish to
embarrass the Government or to press for any premature dis-
closures of any information which might prove injurious to the
country. When they considered the magnitude of the interests
involved in the solution, whether by peace or by war,
of the question now at issue between this country
and the United States, and the deep anxiety with which in-
telligence was looked for, and the influence which it exercised
upon the commercial and financial affairs of this country, he
thought that the people should not be altogether dependent
upon American newspapers for such information ; with
reference to the actual state of affairs, and the
transactions of the Government for many weeks, and almost
ithout interreption, the question has been debated in Con-
gress, while, although Parliament has been sitting now for
nearly two months, no allusion had been made to it,
except by two Noble Lords in that Hence, one
of whom he regretted to say was not present.
He thought such had been well intended ; and, moreover,
thought that it exhibited a prudent determination on the part
of both Houses of Parliament to leave the Government un-
fettered in its action, by not interfering in matters for which
Parliament could not be responsible.—(Hear.) He thought
the course pursued had been well understood and appreciated,
though abroad, without doors, it was liable to misconstruction,
and had been so misconstrued; and therefore it should be their
duty to guard against the notion that so indifferent were they
that they would submit to peace and concession, though on
dishonourable terms.—(Hear, hear.) If they bore in mind
that the language of the American Government was pacific,
and that the information which reached them was of the same
character; yet they would not be doing their duty if they did
not instantly proceed to the consideration of the question. He
therefore thought the time was come when his Noble Friend
might, without indiscretion, lay on the table of that House the
correspondence that had taken place, or else give such informa-
tion as would lead to the quieting of the public mind. They
had learned from the newspapers that all negotiation had ceased
some time since. Now he believed that the British interests
could not be confided to re Ministry more competent than the
present, nor would he doubt their reasons for instructing Mr.
Pakenham to renew the negotiations; but he should say he
could not agree in the policy of such. They had proved, that
however confident they were in their claims, yet so little de-
sirous were they of obstinately adhering to such that they were
anxious of submitting their case to a disinterested tribunal and to
abide the result.—(Hear.) They did so because the people of
England would not consent to a war until they were satisfied
that such was inevitable.—( Hear, hear.) The people
of England would not endure the disastrous conse-
quences of a contest so unnatural and unnecessary
until they are convinced that their exists a determination to
injure and insult us on the part of the United States. —( Hear,
hear.) Then, indeed, her Majesty's Government might se-
curely reckon on the cordial support of all persons and classes.
—( Hear, hear.) But that there should be such a de-
termination appeared to him to be little less than a
moral impossibility. For in the annals of history
there could not be found a record of any two nations, bound
together by the strictest ties of mutual interest, being so fool-
ishly wicked and wanton as to plunge themselves in war, owing
to the peremptory refusal of the one to accept of any terms or
any arbitration for the fee simple possession of an unoccupied
territory, the advantages to be derived from which could
not compensate for the loss occasioned by one single month,
True it was they had been rudely assailed, but the disposition
which did exist to insult was mainly owing to the system of
electioneering which prevailed in the United States, for which
sort“! allowance, he considered, ought to be made. But
that that (Anse faithfully represented the opinions of the en-
lightened majorit;'s he could by no means allow, especially
in a country where statesmen were to be found as en-
lightened as any in the worlel--( Hear)—and where morality
and religion exercised their influeSsee over the minds of the
community, and moreover at a time when they are about to
reap the most beneficial effects from the adoption of one of the
most enlightened systems of commercial policy ever proposed
by a Legislature. The Noble Lord concluded by moving for
he production of the correspondence.
Lord ABERDEEN, who spoke in a very low tone of voice,
said, I consider the motion just made by the Noble Lord rather
unusual, in consequence of the peculiar position in which this
country is placed in reference to the subject of the
correspondence, and felt certain that his sense of
public duty, his intimate knowledge of the course to be
perused in public negociations, would have prevented
him from adding anything to the embarrassments with which
this question is already invested. And I should also say that
his own feeling should have prevented him from making it the
subject of any remark. I think, however, the desire expressed
by the Noble Lord is one perfectly natural and per-
fectly reasonable. I think when we receive in-
telligence of interest and importance connected with
this question from the other side of the Atlantic,
it is perfectly natural that your Lordships and the people of
this country should desire authentic information on the sub-
ject, accompanied by such remarks as her Majesty's Govern-
ment might think proper and advisable. I have, therefore,
no valid reason to object to the production of this correspon-
dence, especially as the subject was pretty well known to your
Lordships. I must however suppress a large portion which
has taken place between her Majesty's Government and the
Ministers of Washington, as I consider, in the filet place, that
it is quite unusual in a negotiation of such magnitude to pro-
duce an account to Parliament on the particular position in
which we stand with reference to it. It is quite true that the
Government of the United States have acted differently, but
their position is very different from ours. The Legislature
called upon the President to take a fixed course upon this ques-
tion, and he was therefore under the necessity of complying
with this demand. But on this point I cannot express any
opinion. Indeed, I may say that at the present moment the
expression of any opinion would be anything but advantageous
to the settlement of the dispute. Another reascn is that the
production of those papers would materially add to the cl,ffi-
culties of terminating the dispute. I must also, in fairness,
admit that the aspect of the negotiation, as it would appear
from the papers which had been produced by the Government
of the Unites States, might have a very different effect upon
the result of the negotiation than individuals in this country
would anticipate. Under these circumstances, I will submit it
to the House whether it will be advisable to lay these commu-
nications before the Eouse. Certainly the Government have
no desire to keep tieeee papers back on their own account. I
am the more desirous to eefrein from placing these papers be-
fore the House, because I believe, and l think every unpreju-
diced person would conceive, that when i4E,' protest to which I
allude has been laid before the American overnment, that
there will be no reasonable cause to doubt that tin' matter will
be brought to an amicable conclusion. I am quite s:sse that
that is the unfeigned desire of the Governments of both coon-
tries, and I hope that the Noble Lord will not think me dis-
courteous if I continue to decline to produce the papers which
he desires in the present aspect of affairs. No one more than
himself, I feel assured, would regret any impediment being
thrown in the way of an adjudication which may prevent
hostile movements. Ido not hesitate to affirm that i believe
war to be the greatest calamity that can befal a nation, and
the commencement of it, without sufficient grounds, the
greatest crime a nation can commit. In the obviation of
uc h a calamity I am anxious to be the instrument, and if in
the fulfilment of my duty, I feel it necessary tocall upon the
House for its confidence, I am justified by the conviction that
the House will believe that I should accede to no settlement of
this dispute which is not consistent with national honour. In
calling for that confidence, and for the support of the country
at large, I would assure the House that my firm impression is,
that the dispute will be settled by a fair, conciliatory, mode-
rate, and just arrangement. The conduct of a great nation
like this must be firm, conciliatory, and just, without any sacri-
fice of honour or the real interests of the country.—(Hear,
hear.) It is possible that all these efforts may prove unavail-
ing, and in that case I shall endeavour to secure the counte-
nance and support of not only your Lordships, but the appro-
bation of every State in Europe, and throughout the civilised
world. The Noble Lord (Lord Clarendon) must not expect
me to go further at present, and I will conclude by repeating
emphatically what her Majesty was most graciously pleased to
say in the speech from the throne—that no effort should be
spared, consistent with the national honour to bring this
question to an early and peaceable termination.—( Hear. )
Lord BROUGHAM said he wished to refer to a letter
which he had received from his Friend, Mr. Everett, who had
recently so admirably fulfilled his duties as Minister for the
United States in this country. It was in reference to this
statement that he had purchased a globe on which a line was
drawn favourable to the United States of America and adverse
to the claims of this country. That globe it seemed had been
appealed to in America as a proof coming from this country
in favour of the United States' claims. He begged leave to
state that this was no wonder, seeing that the globe referred
to had been altered by the tradesman who made it, after the
order was given as a compliment to his customers.—( Hear,
hear, and a laugh.) But he (Lord Brougham) was bound to
say that Mr. Everett had no hand in the matter, or privity to
the "pious fraud," which had been practised ; nor had Mr.
Everett any communication with the globe maker— the
order had been given by another party. Thisclewreads
an explanation which he (Lord Brougham) considered
right to take the present opportunity
of nuking.
And, continued the Noble Lord, I agree with Noble Lords
on this important subject. I join rny}:aht
all twill
is
&heseill neg
leadoto a
theirs, end end express y confident hope
tions, painful and tedious though theynwmy full confidence in
her are. w
happy and lasting peace ; and I rest also
the Noble Lcrd opposite, and in Majesty's Government,
that should, unhappily for us and for America, and unhapppily
for humanity at large, their wise and,
finid hope,
to whom the oe'jexpectations
nst
blame
be frustrated, that all mankind will d,
should be imputed, and that that blame does not rest with us ; ,
and, moreover, that although the calamity of war will po-sibly
be looked on by all the subjects of the Crown with the utmost
aversion, • it will be looked upon by no one with apprehension or
alarm.
Lord ASHBURTON said it might probably be expaeteti