The Sun.
London, England, 1870-06-11 00:00:00

THE MINT.

Mr. MuNTz drew attention to the statement made by
the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regard to intended
operations at the Mint, and would have moved that Go-
vernment manufactories were injurious to the commercial
classes, and a burthen on the tax-payers, and that it
would be unseemly that her Majesty's Government should
compete with commercial houses for contracts with
foreign powers, had not the forms of the House
prevented him. The hon. gentleman at great
length, but in a very thin House, argued against the
principle of Government manufacturing establishments.
He protested against the Government, which suffered
no loss and paid no rates or income tax, using its funds
and plant in competition with private manufacturers. He
asked if the Chancellor of the Exchequer intended to
proceed with the foreign coinage.
Mr. WHEELHOUSE supported the views of the member
for Birmingham.

Mr. M. CHAMBERS contended that in cases of emer-
gency they had not been able to rely upon private manu-
facturers of arms, whereas at Enfield an immense num-
ber of useful arms had been obtained.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the hon.
member for Birmingham had spoken on subjects of which
his motion did not give any idea. He remarked
that it was found that when in 1850 it was contemplated
to let the work of the Mint be done by contract that it
would be to the disadvantage of the public. It was the
practice of mints all over the world to do work for
different countries, and he thought it was much better t o
take contracts with foreign countries than keep up an
expensive establishment, and the employes in idleness.
It was much better to keep the workmen employed, and
the machinery in gear, than kept absolutely idle in order
that the work might go to Birmingham. The real ques-
tion at issue had nothing whatever to do with Govern-
ment manufactures.

Mr. NEWDEGATE said that the Enfield Factory had de-
prived Birmingham of considerable employment in the
manufacture of arms, and therefore it was only natural
that the member for Birmingham should regard with sus-
picion the operations in respect of the Mint.
The subject dropped.
REAR-ADMIRAL ASTLEY COOPER KEY.

Sir JOHN HAY called attention to the removal of Rear-
Admiral Astley Cooper Key from the superintendence of
Portsmouth Dockyard.
Mr. CHILDERS, in a very lengthy speech, explained
the cause of Admiral Key's removal. He mentioned the
articles which the officer had rejected, and said the allow-
ances had been made for the inferior quality of the articles
by the contractors. He paid a very high compliment to the
ability of that officer, and said that he was remo red to the
office of second in command of the Mediterranean fleet
because it was deemed to the public advantage.
Sir JOHN PAKINGTON and Sir JAMES ELPHINSTONE con-
sidered that no real explanation had been given as to the
cause of removal, and he said it was because Admiral Key
was too honest.

The subject then dropped.
THE GAME TAWS.

Mr. LOCH called attention to the attempts that had
been made during the last and present sessions of Parlia-
ment by private members and by the Government to amend
the laws relating to game. The object of the hon. gentle-
man's remarks was to show that it was expedient to insti-
tute an inquiry into the operation and effect of the laws
relating to game through a committee of the House, espe-
cially as regarded Scotland.
Mr. MACFIE thought good grounds had been shown for
an inquiry.
Mr. C. PARKER said his constituents did not wish for the
total abolition of the game laws, but simply that some
limit should be made with respect to ground game.

Viscount ROYSTON defended the game laws, and con-
tended that a gentleman had a perfect right to do as he
liked with his land.

Mr. RYL ANDS said it was utterly impossible that the
game laws should remain as they now were.
Sir L. PAnn and Mr. KINNAIRD having made some ob-
servations,

Mr. BRUCE said there was a strong feeling on the sub-
ject in Scotland, and it was for that reason that the Go-
vernment had attempted to deal with such an extremely
difficult question. With great care they had framed a
bill, which was now upon the table of the House. He
denied that the members of the House were ignorant of
the facts connected with the preservation of game but
how to deal with them. He believed the bill would have
a great effect in reducing the quantity of ground game.
He guaranteed on the part of Government to give a day
as early as possible for the full. consideration of the sub-
ject.
COMMONS INCLOSURE BILL.

Mr. KNATCIIBITLL-HUGESSEN, in moving the second
reading of this bill, explained the principal objects aimed
at by the measure.
On the motion of Sir L. PALK, the debate was ad-
journed.
JEWISH UNITED SYNAGOGUE BILL.

This bill passed through committee, and was reported.
PROTECTION OF INVENTIONS BILL.
On the motion of the ATTORNEY-GENERAL, this bill was
read a second time.
TELEGRAPH ACTS EXTENSION BILL.

The Marquis of HARTINGTON moved the second reading
of this bill, which was agreed to.
VACCINATION ACT (1867) AMENDMENT BILL.
The debate on the second reading of this bill was
adjourned until Monday.
STOLEN GOODS ADVERTISEMENTS BILL.

The Attorney-General obtained leave to bring in a Bill
to amend the law relating to advertisements respecting
stolen Goods.

DIVIDENDS AND STOCK ACT (IRELAND), 1869.
Mr. STANSFELD moved for leave to bring in a Bill for
extending to Ireland the Dividends and Stock Act, 1869.
Leave was given, and the House adjourned at one
o'clock.