The Sun.
London, England, 1870-02-15 00:00:00

SUPPLY.

The report of the Committee of Supply was brought up
and received.

NATIONAL DEBT ACTS.
The report on this subject was brought up ana received.

PRESERVATION OF EPPING FOREST.

Mr. FAWCETT moved that an humble address be pre-
sented to her Majesty, praying that she would be graci-
3usly pleased to defend the rights of the Crown over
Epping Forest, so that the forest may be pre-
served as an open space for the recreation and
enjoyment of the public. Earnestly he hoped Government
would accept the motion, inasmuch as it concerned the
nealth and recreation of a large class of the community, and
that the poorest class. (Cheers.)
Mr. C. BUXTON seconded the motion. It was a cala-
mity to the poor of the East-end of London to be deprived
of that which was the greatest source of enjoyment and
►musement. He trusted the head of the Government would
give his best attention to the subject.
Mr. B HOPE said the question was one that affected the
:omfort and recreation of a greater number of our fellow-
,ownsmen than anything else possibly could do. He
trusted, if the Government did not choose to accept the
.notion, the House would pass it by an overwhelming ma-

jori ty.
Mr. COWPER suggested that the public should come to
is mutual agreement with the authorities that certain por-
tions should be dealt with as was all other property, While
come portions should be reserved for their enjoyment. On
that ground he supported the motion.
Mr. SAMUDA also supported the motion.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said what the motion
asked should be done was full of difficulties, and though its
passage through the Rouse might give satisfaction to its
?romoters, it would be very ineffectual fot the purposes in-
'ended.

Alderman LAWRENCE said the explanation of the Go-
vernment would be most unsatisfactory to the inhabitants
A the East-end of the metropolis. Here was a large tract
of land, which had for years been used as a recreation
ground, passing away from those to whom it undoubtedly
oelonged, and when the matter was brought before
Parliament the Government said they had no power in the
matter, and that, in fact, their hands were tied. He hoped
,he House would not be lead away by the specious arguments
A the Solicitor-General.

Mr. GLADSTONE said ho thought his hon. and learned
riend the Solicitor-General had stated what could, and what
muld not be done, in the clearest manner. He did not ques-
tion the right of the honourable member for Brighton
,o take the opinion of the House on the matter, and
he felt that ho had shown clearly that it was
the duty of the Government to move in the matter. It was
:learly the duty of the Government to do everything that
was practical to be done in the present emergency,to preserve
to the people of London the space as a place of recreation.
There were some questions to be fully considered, and one
of them was the extent to which the forestal rights over a
lortion of the land had been sold, and then that being
determined it was but right that the most active steps should
no taken to preserve the right over the portion still remain-
ing open. He hoped the hon. gentleman would not object
to alter the words of his motion to as not to bind the bands
of the Government in dealing with the matter, but leave
the matter open, in order that they might proceed
as they thought best. (Hear, hear.) The Government were
bound to take the motion at once in hand. (hear, hear.)
The right hon. gentleman then suggested an alteration in
the terms of the motion, which was agreed to Ly the hon.
member for Brighton, and the subject dropped