The Sun.
London, England, 1848-02-04 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY ETENING, FEBRUARY 4 1848.

on the occasion,`and said his excuse of not being able
to support her was of no avail, for he was bound as
a parent to share with her, and at least shelter her
until he obtained some situation for her. The magis-
trate added, that if the father still persevered in not
finding a home for his daughter, she must again apply
at the workhouse, describe the circumstances under
which she was kept from her home, and he had no
doubt she would be relieved, and the parochial autho-
rities would take special care that whatever expenses
they might be put to on her account they would
make her father reimburse them. lie then discharged
the girl, much to the astonishment of the father, who
intimated that he fully expected the magistrate would
have placed her in such a situation that she would not
call again at his house to annoy him,

ATTACHING A DWELLING-HOUSE ARMED.-Pa-
trick Rourke, Daniel Tierney, John Gorman, John
Smith, and Edward Hogan—all young men under 25
years of age—were indicted for attacking the habita-
tion of Wm. Ralph, at Coolbawn, in this county, in
the month of November last.

Evidence having been given,
The jury convicted the prisoners, who were sen-
tenced to eighteen months' imprisonment each.
THE COERCION BILL.—John Kennedy, a young
man about twenty-five years of age, was indicted for
a breach of the late Act of Parliament, by having a
pistol in his possession, in a proclaimed district, he
not being duly authorised to carry arms;
The prisoner pleaded guilty, and put in documents
to show that he was ignorant of the law.
His Lordship sentenced the prisoner to a fortnight's
imprisonment.
ATTACKING A HOUSE ARMED.—Thomas Cleary,
Thomas Magrath, John Bryan, and Daniel Ryan, all
young men, were indicted for attacking the dwelling-
house of Patrick Ryan, at Lieduff, in this county,
on the 10th of December last, and stealing arms and
money, his daughter's property.
Evidence was given to prove the charge, and Mr.
Rolleston having been beard for the defence, ex-
amined witnesses to prove an alibi for the prisoner
Magrath.
The CHIEF JUSTICE then charged the jury, who
were in consultation at post hour.
The Court will finally rise to-night; and it is ex-
pected that the Commission will, at its rising, be ad-
journed to the 15th of next month.
The Chief Baron is still confined to his bed from a
severs attack of influenza.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

ARRIVAL OF SIR H. SMITH.

We have received Cape of Good Hope papers to the
4th Deeember inclusive, which bring us the gratify-
ing intelligence of the safe arrival of Sir Harry
Smith, the new Governor, and suite, in the Vernon.
on the Ist of that month. He appeared in excellent
health and spirits, and met with a cordial reception
from all ranks and classes of the people. Sir Harry
at once proceeded to the Government House, where he
was duly installed into office. In the evening Cape
Town was brilliantly illuminated, when the streets
were filled with moving columns of decent, orderly
people, highly delighted with all they saw and beard,
The frontier journals inform us that Col. Somerset
had succeeded in effecting the passage of the Kye,—
an important fact in this stage of the Kafir war.
The chief Pato, in his difficulty, had expected to have
received shelter from Krell, which, however, the
latter refused; the former, therefore, recrossed the
Kye. Information of that fact was immediately
communicated to Captain M'Lean, the British Com-
missioner, and no doubt existed but Pato would
either be captured by the British troops, who were
in close pursuit of him, or that he would be com-
pelled to surrender.

We annex extracts :
(From the Zuid Afrihaan of Dec. 2.)
Sir Harry Smith, our new Governor, his lady and
staff, arrived here yesterday in the Vernon. His
Excellency and suite landed about a quarter to twelve
o'clock at the north jetty, and proceeded from thence,
amidst loud cheers from the populace, to Government
House, where about one o'clock the' usual oaths were
administered to his Excellency. The whole town
was last night brilliantly illuminated as a mark of the
respect of the inhabitants towards the distinguished
individual whom they had the honour to welcome as
their Governor. Addresses from the Cape Town
municipality and the mercantile body were presented
to Sir Harry after he had been sworn in.
(From the Graham's Town Journal of Nov. 27.)
The Kafirland mail which came in yesterday an-
nounces the important fact of Colonel Somerset
having, with about 900 men, effected the passage of
the Kye at the Bridle Drift. This force consists of
the Cape Mounted Rifles, and Hogg's Levies, all in
light marching order, having supplies only for about
five days. The general,: with the main body of the
troops, were to move towards Fort Warden, ready to
improve any advantage which might arise from this
forward movement, or to afford, in case of need,
support to Colonel Somerset.
The mail from Kafirland brings intelligence up to
the 23d inst. By this opportunity we learn that Krcli
has refused to afford shelter to Pato, and that the
latter has in consequence recrossed the Kye. It
seems that Colonel Somerset, after crossing that
river, very soon got on the spoor of the retreating
enemy. But finding that. Pato had doubled upon
him, he detached Captain Hogg with his levy, and
Captain O'Reilly with one hundred men in pur-
suit, and who found that the enemy bad
turned sharp round, and re-crossed the Kye
towards the country occupied by the Chief
Umhala. The cattle driven in this direction were
estimated to amount to 1,500 head, all apparently
oxen. The Kafirs in charge of these were mounted,
Ln i moved forward, notwithstanding their encum-
brance, so rapidly that all attempts to overtake them
proved fruitless, arising partly, however, from the
fact of their having, on fording the Kye,
divided the cattle into several droves, and
gone off with them in different directions.
Part of them seemed to take the direction of
the very centre of the territory allotted to
Umhala, in consequence -cf which an express was
immediately dispatched to Captain APLean, British
Commissioner, acquainting him with the circumstance.
We understand that he has since called upon Umhala
to explain this circumstance, and hopes are entertained
that the enemy will be caught in the toils which are
spread for him, though considerable doubt exists as
to whether Pato himself is actually west of the Kye,
as has been confidently stated. Should such be the
fact, then there is every reason to expect he will sur-
render ere long to the British troops.
About 400 head of cattle were taken in the course
of these operations ; but we regret to say that Ensign
Green, C.M.R., son of the Deputy Commissary
General, in charge at this place, was severely wounded.
It appears that while riding in the rear of the column
on the march, four or five Kafirs fired on him from an
ambuscade, a ball striking him on the thigh and pas-
sing through the muscular part of it. The wound,
we are glad to say, is not considered dangerous.
The accounts before us speak of this pursuit as a
most laborious affair, the men having to subsist for
four days on meat alone—neither, bread, biscuit, or
spirits to be had, and their only cover from the wea-
ther the clothes on their buck, and the shelter of the
bush.

(From the Frontier Times of Nov. 23.)
Private intelligence has been received here from
some farmers residing near Mooi River, detailing the
melancholy intelligence of the murder of Miehil
Combrink, and one or two of his sons, by a party of
Corannas, who it appears attacked and butchered them
without any warning. The emigrants in the neigh •
bourhood, immediately on the alarm being spread,
collected together and defeated the Corannas,
killing the captain and many of his followers. Some
of the emigrants are said to have been wounded. The
whole part of that country is represented as being
in a very great state of excitement in consequence of
the murder of Combrink and his two sons, and the
Corannas, no less daunted, vow vengeance against
the emigrants for the loss of their captain. It is fully
expected that a large Commando of Boers will be
made to repulse the marauding Corannas.

LONDON AND COUNTY BANK.

The annual general meeting of the proprietors of the
London and County Bank was held yesterday afternoon
at the London Tavern ; Mr. Frith, chairman of the
board of the directors, in the chair. _ _

The report stated that the financial statement
showed a reduction in the amount of customers'
balances, yet the increased current rate of interest
had enabled the directors to report a profit nearly
equal to that of last year. The directors therefore
would recommend that a dividend at the rate
of six per cent. per annum, free of income-tax,
he declared for the past year. After paying
that dividend and providing for bad debts there would
still be a surplus of 8641. 17s. 3d. which would be
carried to the reserved fund, which, with this addi-
tion, would amount to 25,6161. It appeared from
the balance-sheet that the capital amounted to
200,6001.—the customers, balances to 1,225,1201. ls.,
and the net profit for the half year, after paying
9,7811. 15s. for interest to customers, to 6,8821. lls. 3d.
On the other side of the account there appeared an
item of 265,822/. Bs. 10d. for cash in hand ;
1,140,889/. 7s. 3d. for securities, discounted bills, &c.,
and lastly, 18,814/. 14s. ld. for preliminary expenses.
The report and balance-sheet were unanimously
adopted, and the dividend having been declared pay-
able on Monday, the 14th of February, some routine
business was gone through, and the meeting termi-
nated with a vote of thanks to the chairman and
directors.

THE HIGH-PRESSURE STYLE.—Expansion and con-
densation are always busy abuat a newspaper, the former
amplifying upon local news, the latter sifting intellt?-calec
from abroad. If a doghouse burn down in the city, the
distressing intelligence should occupy a column. But if
the details of terrific calamities out of the city fall in
the way of the scissors they must be compressed into a
paragraph. Things are valuable in proportion to their
scarcity. Brevity makes queer work sometimes, as for
instance:—Suicide, James Dodd, 23, soap-boiler, wife,
one boy, two girls, jealous, poor, boiling fat, jumped in,
died.—Boston Chronctype.
CuKr ling
RIHICNITuIb, LLcOorbi„ —Four rinks ripnlaykseorfs,
metthe aKni rekg
ual c
reservoirsh
belonging
num-
ber of the Milton of Campsie Curling Club, on one of the
to the Llilyburn Print Works, on
Saturday last, from halt-past Ito half-past 4 o'clock P.M.
to play a friendly match. The ice was in splendid con-
diton, and after a very keen game, the Miltonians came
of victors by 36 shots.

HYDRAULIC TELEGRAPH.

We lately inspected a new species of telegraph,
produced from the action of water, patented by Mr.
Jowett, which appears to us very simple and ingenious,
and is likely to excite some attention, both from its
own merits and from the interest which is taken in
this means of communication at present. The idea of
using water as a medium by which to communicate
from place to place arose from its well-known incom-
pressibility, and we find Mr. Jowett quoting, in his
prospectus, from Dr. Lardner, the following passage,
which conveys the leading feature of his invention :
" A pressure excited on the liquid at one end of the
tube will be communicated to any surface in contact
with the liquid at the other end, whether the tube
between the two extremities be straight, curved, or
angular, or whether it pass upwards, downwards, or
in an oblique or horizontal direction. It may be
carried through the walls of a building, through the
course of a river, under, over, or around any obstruc-
tion or impediment, or, in fact, according to any course
or direction whatsoever.

"If a tube, filled with water, extended from
London to York, a pressure excited on the liquid at
the extremity in London would be instantaneously
transmitted to the extremity at York."
There is, perhaps, a limit to this doctrine, where
curves and undulations are to be overcome, and also
from the cohesive power of the particles of water to
that with which they are in contact.
The model now exhibiting consists of a small tube
with a piston and indicator at each end. An up-
right plate contains the letters of the alphabet, the
first letter being at the top of the plate at one sta-
tion, and at the bottom of the plate at the other.
Thus, if a telegraph of this description were
laid down from London to York, the indicator, if
pointing to the letter A, would be at the top of
the plate at the former place, and at the bottom at
the latter. As the one piston descends, the other,
from the pressure of the water, ascends in exact
proportion, each indicator pointing to the same
letter. In the model, as we have stated, the plates
containing the letters are placed upright; but it will
be easily seen that a horizontal dial can also be used,
by means of a rack upon the piston and toothed
pinion to guide the indicating hand. This dial may
contain two or more circles, into which contracted
sentences on any number of subjects can be inserted,
the indicator being shortened so as to meet each
circle. If it were wanted to communicate any in
telligence upon railways, as an example, suppose the
contracted sentences relating to this subject were in
the inner circle, the first intimation would be to
shorten the indicator, so that its point would ex-
actly touch the words which are to be commu-
nicated.

If a line of pipes were laid flown from any given
distance, each intermediate station would be com-
municated with by means of branch pipes. To each
piston a bell is attached, and the first motion would
sound this, putting every one on the qui the. If
the communication were intended for the first station,
the bell would strike one, and so on for the others.
Without passing any strong opinion as to the
merits of this invention, we must say that its ex-
treme simplicity struck us as an advantage of great
importance. The difficulties which may at first
sight strike the observer, such as getting over heights
above the level of the stations, are what upon con-
sideration it will be seen can be got over by local ap
pliances. Perhaps the most serious would arise from the
fact that the pipes will require to be placed under-
ground so far as to keep them from atmospheric in-
fluence, for in the event of any breakage taking place,
it would be difficult indeed to tell the precise locality
of the accident. In the case of wires as used at pre-
sent, any damage they may sustain is easily found
out, and can be as easily remedied; but in the case
of underground pipes filled with water, unless, indeed,
this agent be in sufficient body to force itself to the"
surface, we do not see how an accident can occur
without causing much labour and cost. The
inventor claims for his plan over the present electric
telegraph greater economy in construction to 9 the
extent of two-thirds, no expense whatever after
the first outlay, and the impossibility of any
physical impediment interfering with its work-
ing. Giving Mr. Jowett every credit for his inge-
nuity in bringing into practical operation a great
principle in natural philosophy, we must demur to
the conclusions he has come to. All things are liable
to destruction, and must be replaced ; height,
depth, sinuosity, and distance are impediments which,
even in the case of water, and notwithstanding its in-
elasticity, must he got over, and these cannot be ac-
complished without outlay. We admit, however, that
his plan would be less expensive in every way than
tije electric telegraph, and is certainly not liable to
the objection that the agent used is apt to lose its
power, thus rendering constant superintendence ne-
cessary. The plan, whether generally adopted or
not, is certainly well worthy of consideration, and Tu•
one can examine the model without being struck
with the principle which it so beautifully illustrates.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF LORDS, Feb. 3.

The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Wool-
sack at Five o'clock.
JEWISH DISABILITIES.

The Earl of ST. GERMANS presented two peti-
tions from places in Cornwall against the removal of
the disabilities complained of by the Jews.
HIGHWAYS (SCOTLAND).
Lord CAMPBELL presented a petition from the
town council of Cupar, in Fife, complaining of the
present defective condition of the management of the
highways in Scotland. The petitioners stated that the
cost of collection was equal to 50 per cent. upon the
amount realised, and prayed for remedial measures.
SUPERANNUATION TO POOR-LAW
OFFICERS. _ _

The Duke of Ricumortn and Lord MONT..
EAGLE presented petitions, praying that a measure
might be passel to effect this object.
VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.
Lord PORTMAN presented two petitions from
Van Diemen's Land, signed by a large number of
the inhabitants, praying that transportation might be
abolished, that free emigration might be promoted
(the very existence of the colony, they stated, de-
pending upon such emigrants), and for a local
assembly. The Noble Lord dwelt upon the import-
ance of such a body, and instanced the presentation
of the petition respecting transportation after it had
been abolished as a strong evidence in favour of
granting the prayer of the petition.
JEWISH EMANCIPATION.
The Marquis of WESTMINSTER presented
several petitions in favour of the emancipation of the
Jews.
Earl FITZHARDINGE presented several peti-
tions to the same effect.
DENUNCIATIONS FROM THE ALTAR.
Lord STANLEY, presented a petition from some
place in Durham, praying their Lordships to adopt
some measure to prevent denunciations by Catholic
priests in Ireland from the altar.
NATIONAL DEFENCES.
The Earl of HARD WICKE asked whether it was
the intention of her Majesty's Ministers to bring for-
ward the question of the national defences, on which
subject he (the Noble Earl) had a motion on the
paper in this House of Parliament?
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE (who was almost
inaudible in the gallery) was understood to say that the
subject would be first of all brought forward in the
other House of Parliament.
Their Lordships then adjourned.

ROUSE OF COMMONS, Feb. 3.
The House of Commons resumed its sittings to-day,
after the Christmas recess.
The SPEAKER took the Chair shortly before Four
o'clock.
NEW MEMBERS.
Mr. Hayter, for Wells, Mr. Matheson, for Ross,
Mr. Edward Ellice, jun., for St. Andrew's, the Earl of
Shflburne, for Calne, Mr. Ormsby Gore, for Shrop-
shire, Mi. Locke, for Honiton, Mr. Charles Goring,
for Shoreham, and Mr. Henry, for South Lancashire,
took the oaths and their seats.
PRIVATE AND RAILWAY BILLS.
Petitions were presented for leave to bring in Bills
by Mr. James Clay, Dr. Bowring, Mr. Duncan, Mr.
Cripps, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. George Thompson, and
Mr. Alderman Thompson. Among the Bills for
which leave was asked to be brought in by the peti-
tioners were the Londonderry and Enniskillen Rail-
way, the Blackwall Railway, the Dundee and Ar-
broath Railway, the Dundee and Perth Railwa', and
the Aberdeen Railway.
CONTROVERTED ELECTIONS.
The SPEAKER informed the House that he had
received information from the Examiner of Petitions,
that the recognieances of the petitioners, complaining
of undue elections in the borough of Dundalk, Scar-
borough, the county of Monmouth, the city of
Dublin, the counties of Longford and Sligo, had been
found to be unobjectionable; that the petition com-
plaining of undue election in the borough of Athlone
had been found to be objectionable. He also informed
the House that the petitions complaining of the re-
turn to the boroughs of Drogheda, Hythe, and Staf-
ford, had been withdrawn.
BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY LAWS.
Mr. BAINES presented a petition from the mer-
chants and shipowners of Hull, praying for an
Alteration in the present Bankruptcy and Insolvency
laws.
JEWISH DISABILITIES.
Sir R. INGLIS presented saveral petitions against
the removal of the civil and religious disabilities of
the Jews ; also against the Catholic Relief, and
Catholic Charities Bills.
INTRAMURAL INTERMENTS.
Mr. C. LUSHINGTON presented a petition nu-
merously signed by the inhabitants of Westminster,
praying the House to adopt some measure for the
prevention of intramural interments.
SANITARY IMPROVEMENTS.
Mr BROTHERTON presented a pe ion from
Salford, praying the House to adopt spec and effec-
tual measures with respect to the
..sanitary question.

there were any documents of an official
nature on the sulject alluded to by the
Honourable Member that could be laid before
the House. He had stated on a former occasion that
he should take an opportunity of stating generally
what had been done both by the present and former
Governments in this country, and he begged
now to state that when he made his finan-
cial statement, of which he had given notice, he
would bring forward that subject.

THE NAVIGATION LAWS.-THE UNITED
STATES.

Mr. ROBINSON wished to know from the Noble
Lord the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
whether any correspondence had taken place between
the Government of this country and the Government
of the United States respecting the navigation laws ;
and, if so, whether he intended to lay copies of the
correspondence on the table ?—(Hear, hear.)
Lord PA LME RSTON Correspondence has
taken place between the American Minister and
myself on the subject to which the Honourable
Member refers. The American Minister ex-
plained to me the position in which the Govern-
ment of the United States stood with reference
to these laws, and stated that that Government
would go hand in hand with the Government of this
country with respect to any alteration which the
Government of this country might deem advisable in
these laws.—(Cheers) The answer I returned
expressed the satisfaction which the Government had
derived from the communication, at the same time
stating that it was the intention of her Majesty's
Government to make a proposition to Parliament with
respect to the navigation laws. I have no objection
to lay copies of the communications before Parliament.
THE WEST INDIAN INTEREST.
Sir R. 11. INGLIS wished to know if it was the
intention of the Noble Lord (Lord G. Bentinck) to
bring forward the motion which stood in his name
on the paper (No. 5) respecting the West Indian in-
terests, as he had a petition to present on the subject
from Antigua ?

Lord G. BENTINCK—Not anticipating any op-
position, it is my intention, with permission of the
House, to bring forward the motion at any hour of
the night at which I may be afforded an opportunity
of so doing.

Sir It. H. INGLIS then presented the petition to
which he referred. It was from Antigua, complaining
of the injury to which colonial landowners were
subjected from the admission of slave-grown sugar
into this country, and praying the House to devise a
speedy and effectual remedy.
Mr. Hume presented a petition from the Council
of the island •f Nevis to the same effect, and
another with a similar prayer, from the associations
of Nest Indian merchants in London and the city of
Glasgow; as also did Mr. Goulburn, from Bermuda;
Mr. Ellis, from Tobago; Mr. Macgregor, from a
number of places, praying that a duty of 153. might
be levied upon all foreign sugar above the duty levied
upon British ; and by Sir E. N. Buxton, from the
British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Association, stat-
ing that the Sugar Bill of 1846 had led to an
increased demand for slaves, and praying the
House to use its utmost exertions to repress
the horrible traffic. As a preliminary step the peti-
tioners prayed the House to institute an inquiry into
the Act, as far as it bore upon the slave trade, and
to substitute a measure which would wholly exclude
slave grown sugar from the home market.
ENCUMBERED ESTATES BILL
In answer to a question put by Mr. B. Osborne,
Lord J. RUSSELL stated that it was the intention
of the Government to, bring forward the Encumbered
Estates Bill in the course of a few days in the House
of Lords.

NEW ZEALAND BILL.
Mr. LABOUCHERE stated, in answer to a
question put by Lord Lincoln, that it was the in-
tention of the Government to proceed with the New
Zealand Bill to-morrow it possible.
MISCONDUCT OF OMNIBUS DRIVERS.
Colonel SIB mom) stated that in consequence
of the gross misconduct of the omnibus drivers, there
was great danger to aged and infirm persons who
were in the habit of travelling in the metropolis.
lie had himself, upon several occasions, very narrowly
escaped receiving serious injuries, and he trusted that
the Secretary of State for the Home Department
would adopt some measure to put down the nuisance.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL rose for the pur-
pose of obtaining leave to bring in four Bills to
facilitate the performance of the duties of justices
of the peace. It would not be necessary for him to
interpose between the House and the motion
of the Noble Lord (Lord George Bentinek),
by entering at any great length into the details of his
measures. Although there might be differences of
opinion in that House with respect to the quantity
of power to be given to the magistrates, still there
could be no doubt that it was the duty of the house
to protect those persons in the due discharge of their
duties.—(Hear, hear.) It was at present very
difficalt for the magistrates to discharge their duties
without being subject to many vexations actions.—
lie thought that he should be able, by means of these
four Bills, to combine the provisions of the numerous
acts now in existence relative to the subject. In
three of the present acts he had introduced
othiog new ; his object had been to se-
lect and embody together the various enact-
ments and decisions which regulated the conduct
and performance of the duties of magistrates. One
of the present Bills contained a provision for enabling
magistrates to hold special sessions in a more fitting
and appropriate manner than they were at present
held, by causing suitable buildings, when required, to
be erected for the purpose, instead of holding their ses-
sions, as they were now frequently compelled to do, in
public-houses ; also a provision for the payment of ma-
gistrates' clerks by salary instead of by fees. The Bill
would also contain a proviso for equalising the fees in
all parts of the country. The power of receiving the
fees was to be accounted for to the country. The
other was a Bill to facilitate the performance of the
duties of the justices of peace out of sessions within
England and Wales, with respect to persons charged
with indictable offences. The third Bill was one to
facilitate the performance of the duties of justices of
the peace out of sessions within England and Wales,
with respect to summary convictions and orders.
The last of the measures was to make the whole sub-
ject coeiplete, and wss calculated to afford adequate
protection to the magistrates in the discharge of their
duties. Should the House agree with him upon the prin-
ciple of the measures, and afford them a second reading,
he should be quite content to allow the next session
to intervene before they proceeded to Committee upon
the Bilis. Numerous improvements might, no
doubt, be made in the course of the discus•
sion upon the Bills ; and he should be
most happy to receive the assistance of
lion. Members on either side of the House. The
subject was a very large one, and although the
present measure might not be perfect, still he thought
that it was a step in the right direction.
Sir JOHN PAKINGTON would follow the
example of his Learned Friend the Attorney-General,
and refrain from making any extended observations
on the sketch which his Learned Friend had given of
the Bills. He confessed, however, that he had listened
with some anxiety to hear what the intentions of his
Hon. and Learned Friend upon this subject were,
and he could not help briefly expressing his thanks
for the admirable, though concise, sketch which he had
given of the measures. The object his Hon. and
Learned Friend had in view was certainly most
praiseworthy, and he for one sincerely trusted
he would he able to accomplish it. He entirely
concurred with his Honourable and Learned Friend
that any arrangement that could be made for prevent-
ing the holding of petty sessions, was of the greatest
importance ; but he was afraid the expense of such
a change would be found a great difficulty in the
way of accomplishing it.—(Hear, hear.) h
Mr. CRIPPS wished to know whether the Bills
would limit the power of the judges of the local courts
with regard to actions Tor limited damages. Ile
did not know whether the Honourable and
Learned Gentleman had heard any complaints
upon that point, but he could assure the Hon.
and Learned Gentleman that they were exceedingly
common, for actions for damages, wi'h the view of
harassing magistrates, were daily being brought in
these local courts.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the Bills did
not embrace the point alluded to by the Honourable
Member; but, of course, if the Committee and the
House determined that the Bill should take cognizance
of this matter, he could have no objection to it.
Mr. lIUME hoped, if the publie,were not to have
the protection of the law against the improper
proceedings of justices of the peace, Government
would adopt some rule, providing that no indi-
vidual should be appointed a magistrate, until
he was fit and duly qualified for the
office. For his part, however, he was opposed to all
unpaid services. Such an opinion, coming from
him, might seem strange; but upon taking a list of
the public departments, he had generally found from
the highest to the lowest cffices, that were unpaid
hey
services appeared, it invariably happened
had to he paid for indirectly, or mesoed
some improper
mode.—(Hear, hear.) He, therefore, held that they
were in error, in having so many unpaid magistrates.
Leave was then given to bring in the Bills.