The Sun.
London, England, 1870-02-12 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT,

THE HERCULES.

Captain EGERTON asked the First Lord of the Admi-
ralty whether there was any foundation for a report which
appeared some weeks ago of the disabling of the heavy
guns of her Majesty's ship Hercules
Mr. CHILDERS said the vents of some of the guns had
peen improved, but it had been decided to revent the whole
of the 10-inch guns with copper. The injury referred to was
caused by the bursting of a shell at the mouth of the
HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FnIDAY. 11113.

HOUSE OF LORDS.-FRIDAY.

The LORD CHARCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack at
ave o;clock.
Their lordships sat for a few minutes this evening, but no
'susiness of importance took place.

MORNING SITTINGS.
Mr. BENTINCK asked the First Lord of the Treasury
whether it was the intention of her Majesty's Government
to propose, during the present session, any alteration of the
standing orders with reference to morning sittings, and to
the practice of counting out the House?
EMIGRATION. Mr. GLADSTONE said the present arrangement worked
Sir J. C. LAWRENCE (the late Lore Mayor of the City , well, and he did not see any necessly for disturbing it.
Of London) gave notice of his intention to call attention to With respect to counting out, the Government would watch
the proceedings, and if any alteration was required they
Pie fact that although the Imperial Government were under
obligation to send to Western Australia emigrants free of •would not shrink from proposing it.
expense they had not done so, and, in face of the prevailing PARTY PROCESSIONS ACT.
.
tiistress amongst the labouring population of this country W. JOHNSTON asked the Chief Secretary for Ire-
Mr
Le should ask what steps the Government were prepared to land whether the Government had caused the promised in-
take to assist free emigration to that colony?
quiey to be made into the operation of the Party Proces-
wornTHE INDIAN ARMY. ons Act ; and, if so, what was the result of the inquiry ?
Col. SYKES asked the Under Secretary Mr C. FORTESCUEAn inquiry had been made, and
of Slate for India) he would take an early opportunity of stating what the re-
en what grounds a pecuniary premium was paid out of the commendations were.
taxes of India to subaltern officers of the Royal Army to in-
TURNPIKE TOLLS.
duce them to enter the staff corps of India, to the exclusion , Mr. WHALLEY asked the Secretary of State for the
of the sons of old officers of the Indian Army, and others, Home Department whether it was the intention of the Go-
while numerous gentlemen were prepared to compete for a vernment to introduce any bill for continuing the tax known
commission in the military service of India, upon any pre- as Turnpike Tolls in those cases where the originr.l Act em-
ocribed standard of agreement, and proceed to India free of
powering the levying such tax on the public had expired;
cost to the State?
an, if so, whether such would e Mr. G. DUFF said the question pointed to a policy wholly period of the session thanbill heretofor be
?introduced at an earlier
at variance with that which had been pursued ever since Mr. K. HUGESSEN said it would become, he thought
the amalgamation of the Royal with the Company's forces. necessary to re-introduce the bill again, but he would take
INDIA STOCK. :are due notice should be given on the matter.
Colonel SYKES asked the Under Secretary of State for , FARM HORSE LICENCES.
India whether, as the dividends upon India Stock had al- Mr. MILBANK asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if
ways been paid upon the 6th of the month on which they his attention had been drawn to the letter that appeared in
became due, and as Consols and Reduced Government Stock the Times addressed to Mr. W. E. Welby, M.P., on the sub-
were now paid upon the 6th of the months upon which they ject o "Farm Horse Licences," and dated 29th January,
respectively became due, a day could not be fixed for the 1870; and, if so, whether it was proposed by the Govern-
payment of furlough and retired pay of Indian officers, in- ment to introduce a measure for exempting farm horses from
stead of the second Monday of the months which occasion- licence only when employed in drawing materials for the
ally, as in the present month of February, delays the pay- repair of the parish roads.
went until the 14th of the month, to the inconvenience of I The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the Act
the recipients?
of last session made no alteration on the subject, and it would
Mr. G. DUFF said that in future pay due the 31st of be well if so many puzzling questions wore not put on the
January in any year would be payable on the Bth day of point. The Government were quite willing to exercise a
February immediately following. little forbearance, but there was no intention to introduce
YEOMANRY CAVALRY. any fresh measure this session.
Mr. NEVILLE-GREN VILLE asked the Secretary of THE IRISH MILITIA.
state for War whether the Yeomanry Cavalry Forco was to Mr. S TACPOOLE asked the Secretary of State for War
be placed on a different footing; if so, by what regulations if the Irish Militia would bo called out for training this
was it to be governed ; and, if reductions were contemplated, year ; also, if he could state what had been the cost of that
whether they would take place at once or as vacancies body since it was last called out for training; and, if no;
occur?
whether he had any objection to have a return of that cost
Mr. CARD WELL—Some regulations are in center; made out, and laid upon the table of the House ?
Illation; for the purpose of increasing the efficiency ei the Captain VIVIAN said there was no intention of calling
yeomanry force, and I will state them when I introduce the out the Irish militia this year, and he could not state the
army estimates. Sundry reductions will be effected, both? cost of that body since the last training.
Immediate and others prospective THE THAMES EMBANKMENT.
CADETS AT WOOLWICH. I Captain GROSVENOR asked the Chancellor of the Ex-
Mr. NEVILLE-GRENVILLE asked the Secretary of chequer whether the Lords of the Treasury concurred in sfa
m
state for India whether any change was contemplated with of the forty-seventh report of the Commissioners of
respect to admission of cadets to Woolwich; if so, whether her Majesty's Woods and Forests and Land Revenues, pre-
the new rules would affect detrimentally young men pre- seated to Parliament June 29th, 1869, as recommends build-,
paring for their examinations on the faith of existing regu- ing upon property belonging to her Majesty upon the
Wiens? Thames Embankment, to the extent of 2 acres 2 roods 19
Mr. CARDWELL—Yes, sir; changes are in progress in poles, or whether arrangements would be made to deal with
the rules for the admission of cadets, in pursuance of the this portion of Crown property in the same manner as the
recommendations of the Commissioners on Military
id Educe- remainder of the site acquired by the Metropolitan Board of
Lion. They will not, however, affect the
candidates for
Works was dealt With in the Thames Embankment Act, by
which Act such remainder was set apart in perpetuity for
examination at midsummer, the only change being that the
examination will be conducted by the Civil Service exami- purposes of public recreation ?
tiers, instead of by those who used formerly to conduct the The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the two
examinationa-and a half acres were a portion of a very valuable property
belonging to the Crown, and he could not consent to devote
that to the purpose of flower gardens.
THE CHANNEL FLEET.
Mr. GOURLEY asked the First Lord of the Admiralty to
state to the House the object of his recent cruse with the
Channel and Mediterranean Squadrons: and whether ho
would Lavo any objection to furnish a return of the vessels
engaged in the same cruise; such return to incest,' their
names, tonnage, number of officers and men, cost of wages,
stores, and provisions per month, consumption and cost of
fuel per diem, average speed attained per hour under steam
or canvas, separately and together; together with the num.
ber of days' fuel each vessel is capable of carrying ?
Mr. CUILDERS answered that the object of the cruise
was with a view to making personal observations of the
performances of the different classes of the iron-clad fleet,
and especially of the performances of the ships of the newest
construction—broadsides, turrets, and unarmoured—and
great advantage had been gained from the experience he and
Sit Sidney Dacres bad had. is intended laying on the
table very voluminous papers, which might not present every
detail the Lon. gentleman wished, but they would give must
ample information.

The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock.
A number of private bills were read a first time
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

Notice of motion was given by Lord E. CECIL to call atten-
'ion to the unsatisfactory state of the law as regards weights
l►nd measures.

INDIA.
Sir C. WINGFIELD asked the Under Secretary of State
for India whether he would lay upon the table of the houso
copies of the despatch of the Secretary- of State for India o
the Governor-General of India, and of the minutes of the
members of council, on the subject of the Act passed by the
Council of the Governor-General for making laws and regu-
lations in October, 1868, called the Punjaub Tenancy Act
also the despatches of the First Governor of the Punjaub,
and other papers on the same subject?
Mr. G. DUFF said he should have great pleasure is
giving all the information in his power on the matter, and
he would Mierefore lay all the papers referred to on the
table.

eILITARY HOMICIDES.
Mr. STACPOOLE asked the Secretary of State for We:
If the General Order which was issued in September lir:
depriving soldiers when not on Suty of their service am-nu-
gallon, in order to afford security against military homicides,
lain force in Ireland; and:: not, why not? And if titi had
any objection to lay before the House any correspondence
that had taken place on the matter?
Mr. CARDWELL said that in the general order issued
last September it was directed with respect to the return of THE WOOLWICH LABOILITORY.
ammunition that officers commanding in various localitie7 Sir J. I'AEINGTON asked the secretary of State for
War le hetlier he intended to lay upon the table the papers
should use their discretion in the matter. Lord Stratheairn
relating to the dismissal of Colonel Boxer from the office of
tieing of opinion that it was necessary that the ammunition
ea
Should be returned into store in Ireland, au order had been Superintendent of the lb al Laboratory.
sued to that effect, and acted on. Mr. CARDWELL said if the right hon. baronet moved
THE CoURTS OF JUSTICE. for them they would be produced.
Mr. HEADLAM asked the First Commissioner of Works I THE NAVY ESTIMATES.
whether he would state what were the intentions of her Ma- ; Mr. CHILDERS informally announced his hope of being
besty's Government as to the site of the intended Courts of , able to move the navy estimates on Thursday week, the 24th
lustice, and as to the plan of the building. instant.
Mr. AYRTON said Mr. Street was engaged in preparing MR. ODGER AND THE SOUTHWARK ELECTION.
a contract according to the provisions of the Act of 1865, On the motion for going into committee of supply,
and also that the funds voted in that Act should Mr. Sergeant SIMON rose to call the attention of the
Dot be exceeded. The work was a difficult one, House to the'conduct of the returning officer for the borough
and assuminis that the consent of the various parties could of Southwark, as set forth in the petition of George Odger
be obtained, the building completed for the sum stated, and a candidate for the said borough. The learned gentleman
the consent of Parliament obtained, he did not see why the read the correspondence which has passed between Mr.
building should not commence at once. But then Mr. Street Odgers' agent and the high bailiff, and which has
had not advanced sufficiently to enable him to make any occupied the columns of the London daily press during the
definite announcement on the matter,
Mr. HEADLAM wished to know whether there was to last few days. He read the law on the subject, and having
thus laid before the House both the facts of the law, could
be a connection from the south to the north of the Strand. neither justified the High Bailiff in making the demand ho
Mr. AYRTON said that was just the point he could not had done upon Mr. Odger to meet the election expenses.
say. The subject was still under consideration. The estimated expense was, he contended, excessive ;
, SANDIIURS T. and Mr. Odger's deposit of £lOO was ample. The High
Lord E. CECIL asked the Secretary of State for War
Bailiff's object was to compel a luxurious provision at the
polling booths in the shape of cheque clerks. Mr. Odger
Whether the rumour that had appeared in the public
was not liable for a farthing of expense until the
that the giving of commissions without purchas to thpeape3r;
election was over, and the High Bailiff consequently
cessful cadets at the last half-yearly examination at Sand-uc- I had no right Whatever to insist on an
burst was indefinitely postponed in consequence of the cone up
-
templated reductions in the army was true; and, if so, h
Cher he was disposed to take the case of
theseyoung, wmena. instalment of £lOO, much less £2OO. But he (Sergeant
Simon) had other reasons for bringing the matter before the
House. He wished the House to see as he saw, that the pro-
into his especial consideration ?
Mr. CARDWELL said he should be glad to give corn- ceedings of the High Bailiff affected not only Mr. Odger
missions to all the young men passing their examinations. but electors throughout the kingdom. It struck at the
1 rout of tne electoral rights of the people of this
THE TELEGRAPHS. : country. The same power might be levelled against
Mr. HADFIELD asked the Postmaster-Generales or any member of this House, who might have again to pass
It was intended by Government
t-
hought,
tthheeroerfodreealitofwoanuldelheectvioen contest. e Hettnd certainlyver
tnunicating with India and the colonies by post and tale -
grapb, to cheapen
curacy of telegraphic messages;
Postage, and to increase the speed and ac-
curacy 1 safe to ;aye such a power in the harnyds ofwa p'ublic officer. In
aln
.and, also, as far as. practic.-
able, to give to her Majesty a subjects at home and in India , conclusion he moved that in the opinion of this House
11 charges and expenses of returning officers at Parliament
and the colonies the advantages conferred on merchants and
others engaged in transactions with the people of America 'all
elections shall be regulated by law, and that the same
and, if .
ued, when the desired. improvements shallrY not be in the discretion of the returning officers.
Mr. EYKYN seconded the resolution, on the ground that
may be expected to be reads ?
the course pursued by the High Bailiff of Southwark was
The Marquis of made
said the circumstances illegal.
differed very much
„,:- connection with the postal communica- Sir HUM' iloanz supported the resolution, as did else
Lions with AltletiCa and India. ln the first there were several A fines open to the Government •in the latter butand the
Mr. JaNDERSON.
matter was therefore l
.one,
oquiovbeernam'meonntoLtodyt in thathhen is f one case to stand thus :—The High Bailiff having the power
great company. The
by law to enter into a contract with the candidates for the
a large subsidy, niece than was received° irYthe Pecostm-op.ffiancye payment of the expenses he was put to in providing
even at the enhanced rates, and the yfore that f^ t
Would prevent a reduction in the Indian postage. facilities for carrying on the election, had endeavoured to
report to the telegraphs to India, those were private pro- make such contract in this instance. If ho could
not, he was still bound to incur the expense of providing
party, and the rates were fixed the t companies;
but they were ill communication bywith, such facilities, and he was at liberty to recover the same
increase of facilities to those a view of obtaining an
persons using their lines. afterwards by a process of law, i.e., if he could do so. (A
ECCLESIASTICAL TITLES ACT. 1 anal.) In this case the High Bailiff had undertaken
, o a for a
Mr. STACPOOLE asked the First Lord of the Trete:airy BIM make
of .£2OO contract
each. with
the
candidates
Two of the candidates
if it wars his intention to introduce this session a bill to re- had consented; the third was willing to pay £lOO, but not
peal or alter the Ecclesiastical Titles Act? #2OO. It was plan, as far as he (Solicitor-General) was able to
Jr.l GLADSTONE said it was the intention of the Go- read, the law that the High Bailiff could not, as a matter
vernment to bring in a measure, which they would endea- of compulsion force any candidate to enter into a contract.
sour
Let out
pa
besdones ; but it co
reuld not, ,
owing to the business already , It was purely a matter of option with the candidate. The
befo Eager
i famous contest of Sir Francis Burdett for the City of West-
THE NATIONAL GALLERY minster was a case in point. It was perfectly clear
Mr. B. HOPE asked the First Commissioner of Works ' that what the High Bailiff had threatened in the case
what steps her Majesty's Government had taken or proposed Of Southwark was wrong, and misconduct which
to take for the purchase of a site for the enlargement of the might expose him to an action at the suit of any one
National Gallery, for which votes had already been taken ; who felt injured by his conduct. He had said ho would give
and whether Ultras intended to proceed at once with the now exceptional facilitiies to those who hal contracted, and
leai!ding ? would not afford what were just and reasonable necessaries
Mr. AYETON said steps had been taken to neeeire h;;) to Mr. Odger, who had nut contracted. He (the Soli-
,zi.,
,rici
the
whole
of
the land, it
Iva ,
expect_ 1 "•;
.11 1,3 cl y iteoarr-IG orieral) apprehended that the High Bailiff bail
Icleared e
/leefore the close of the financial year, Int Govern. no right to do that. It seemed to hint (the
lnent };ad not yet decided on any definite steps with regard Solicitor-Generl) well worthy the attention of the High
to tkee erection of the Gallery. Bailiff whether ho might not hereafter hear of
THE WHIT WORTH GUN, the matter in a very unpleasant way. (Hear,
Sir 3e'llAY asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if there hear.) If any measure at any future time was
deemed necessary to be brought in for the purpose of dealing
'Was *Sty truth in the report that it was intended to arm any
with other matters in reference to elections, it should deal
of Her Majesty's ships with guns manufactured on the Whit-
with the question of the discretion of returning officers and
Worth pattern ; and, if so, whether he would lay on the table ,
;of the fees which some of them charged. On these grounds
of the House any report which had led him to adopt that gun a , for further trial? i eae begged the non. gentleman not to press his motion to a
Mr. CHILDERS said the Admiralty had proposed to the :* division.
War 13
epartment to ask Sir J. Whitworth to send in a con- Sergeant Simon at once withdraw his motion.
tra/et for the production of a rifle muzzle-loading gun to cone- THE NATIONAL DEBT.
1-eote with service guns, in order to test the best armament In committee of the whole House.
for the turret ships, but he could not then say that the . • The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved a
con-
...;
tract had been accepted. , nee•lution, as the foundation of_ a bill to be introduced.