The Sun.
London, England, 1846-08-19 00:00:00

SMALL DEBTS BILL.

On the motion of Sir GEORGE GREY, the House re-
solved itself into committe pro firma on this Bill, that the
amendments might be printed.
After a short conversation the Bill was ordered to be re-
committed on Thursday next.
Lord GEORGE BENTINCK hoped that those who were
to be appointed judges under this Act would have time to get
rid of their common-law practice.
The Bill was then ordered to be printed, and to be recom-
mitted on Thursday next.
THE NAVY.

On the order of the day for receiving the report of the
Committee of Supply being read,
Mr. BERNAL wished to ask a question of the Honourable
and Gallant Gentleman opposite (Captain Berkeley),
It was in reference to the naval supremacy of Great Britain.
The question he wished to know from his Hon. and Gallant
Friend was, how the personnel of the navy was hereafter to be
maintained—how, in fact, the ships of this country were to be
supplied with efficient men in case of any emer-
gency? The best way for maintaining peace was
to be prepared for war, and when they saw the exertions of
other countries to improve their navies, they ought to look well
to this point. The present plan of dismissing men at the end
of three years service was most objectionable, and he wished to
know if it was to be maintained?

Captain BERKELEY said the subject came under his
more especial consideration, and he could assure the Hon.
Member that the subject was under the consideration of the
Admiralty, and they were doing all they could to place the
navy on the most efficient footing. The merchant
navy at the present time contained some of the
most efficient men in the world, and the object of those with
whom he acted would be to place the service in possession of
such a reserve force from these, in case of any emergency, so as
to turn out, in forty-eight hours, one of the most powerful and
efficient naval forces in the world.—( Hear, hear. )
After a few words from Mr. HUME,
Admiral DUNDAS said, in addition to what had 'fallen
from his Hon. and Gallant Colleague, he would do his best to
place the naval service on the best footing, so as to meet any
possible emergency.
Mr. WILLIAMS complained that the system of three
years' service had operated to drive great numbers
of British seamen into the American navy. This matter
ought to be remedied. He wished to know from the Hon. and
Gallant Admiral (Dundas) whether the iron steamers were
really fit for the service, as he had learned that when one of
them received a shot it completely incapacitated it for use.
He should like to know if it were so.
Admiral DUNDAS said there were much fewer seamen
going into the American service than hitherto. and the service
was generally improving in this respect. With regard to the
iron steamers, those referred to were constructed at the instance
of the predecessors of the present Admiralty, and until the effi-
ciency of these steamers was better proved, it was not their in-
tention to construct any more.
Captain PECHELC hoped the present Admiralty would
look well into all the matters connected with the navy that
improving,re-
and bring forward a definite plan on the sub-
yui ectrewd
hiobthe House could understand.