The Sun.
London, England, 1846-02-10 00:00:00

11‘
initlirun
mr 4

LONDON, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1846.

Their Lordships commenced business shortly after
Five o'clock.
Lord STANLEY presented a petition from the county of
Lancaster, signed by 12,339 persons in favour of protec-
tion to agriculture.

Several petitions were presented by Lord BEAUMONT
and the Earl of REDESDALE.
Lord BEAUMONT gave notice, for the Duke of Rim-
310111n, of his intention, on Thursday next, to move for
certain returns regarding local taxation. He also moved
that their Lordships should be summoned for that day.
Earl GREY presented a petition from the tenant
farmers of Forfar in favour of the Ministerial plan for

the reduction of duties on the various articles of food
The petition, howtver, deprecated the delay of three
years, considering it injurious to their interests. The
Noble Earl trusted that the opinion of the petitioners
would have weight with her Majesty's Ministers.
Earl ST. GERMANS moved the second reading of the
Public Works (Ireland) Bill. He thought that the
measure would be found most beneficial in developing
the resources of Ireland. The Bill would bring home
to the peasantry of Ireland employment at their own
doors.

Lord MONTEAGLE supported the Bill, and deprecated
the conduct of the Government in withholding from the
consideration of Parliament the whole of the reports
they had received relative to the probable condition of
Ireland in consequence of the failure of the potato crop.

The Duke of WELLINGTON assured the Noble Lord
that the consideration be had suggested to him on Fri-
day last had been fully looked into, and every attention
would be given by the Government to the wants of
Ireland. Measures would be introduced in the course of
the present session for that purpose.
Lord STotraToN supported the Bal.
The Earl of DEVON supported the Bill, and trusted
tho Government would be liberal in their grants, not
only to improve public works in Ireland, but the con-
dition of the agricultural labourers in II e'anO.

The Earl of RODEN supported the second reading of
the Bill, but thero were some clauses in it which he
hoped to see improved and altered in Committee. He
hoped the condition of Ireland, in consequence of the
failure of the potato crop, would not turn out to be so
serious as was anticipated.

The Marquis of hANSDOWNE concurred in the prin.
ciple of the Bill as far as it went.

Lord COTTENRAM agreed to the principle of the Bill,
but he considered that its details would require altera-
tion in Committee.

The Earl of MOUNTCABLIEL was assured that ere long
there would not only be famine, but disturbances, in
Ireland. He trusted, therefore, that every facility
would be given, and that without loss of time, to the
employment of the poor of Ireland.
After some observations from Lord CAMPBELL, the
Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed
on Friday next.
The Earl of WILTON presented a petition from Man-
chester in favour of free trade.
Their Lordships then adjourned.

The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock.
Lord MORPETEI took the oaths and his seat for the
West Riding of Yorkshire. The Noble Lord was intro-
duced by Mr. BYNG, the Member for Middlesex, and
Lord JOHN RUSSELL, and • was most enthusiastically
cheered.
Mr. APCARTHY, for Cork, took the oaths and his seat.
The Hon. Gentleman was introduced by Mr.O'Coeneznn.
Leave was given to bring in several railway Bills.
Tho Edinburgh Waterworks Bill was brought in, read
a first, and ordered to be read a second time.
Mr. KENDE& brought in the London and South-
Western Railway Bill.
The report ,of the Sub-Committee on the Ayrshire
and Galloway Railway Bill, reporting that the standing
orders had net been complied with, was ordered to be
referred back to the Committee, after a short discussion.
Sir fI. ITALFORD presented a petition from Liverpool,
signed by 2,030 persons, against any alteration in the
corn-laws.
The Earl of MARC!! presented a similar petition from
Sussex, signed by 9,000 persons.
Mr. LEADER presente:l a petition from Westminster,
in favour of a total repeal of the corn• laws, signed by
73,000 persons.
Several other petitions having been presented on the
subject of the proposed alterations in the commercial
policy of the country, among which were 103 by Lord
MORPt.TH (who was received with enthusiastic cheer-
ing), from various places in the West Riding of York-
shire in favour of the Ministerial measures generally,
with the exception of that part which related to the
corn-laws, of which laws they prayed the total and im-
mediate repeal,
Mr. FZRRAND asked if the signatures to those peti-
tions were affixed to them with the free and unbiassed
wills of the parties signing, because he was prepared to
prove that many of the workmen had been forced ?
The SPEAKER—The Hon. Member may ask a ques-
tion on the presentation of a petition, but he cannot
make a speech.
The ZION. MEMBER repeated his question, to which
Lord MORPETH replied that, to the best of his belief
and the entireness of his conviction, the signatures had
been affixed by the free and unbiassed will of the parties
signing.
Mr. W. 0. STANLEY gave notice of an amendment in
the Committee on the Customs' Act, t) the effect that
wheat should be subject to a fixed duty of 55., barley
of 3s. 6d., and oats of 25., in place of the Ministerial
propositioa.
Mr. M. MILNES gave notice of an amendment to omit
in the resolution with regard to corn all words referring
to the duties payable after 1849.
Several unopposed returns having been agreed to,
The Members constituting the Committee on Parlia-
mentary Election Petitions were then sworn at the table.
In answer to Dr. Bownesc,
Mr. CARDWELL explained the measures w hick had
been adopted for the purpose of carrying out the re com-
mendations of the Committee on Colonial Accounts.
Mr. BRIGHT wished to ask if it was not the intention
that the Bums levied as fines on factory owners should
be fairly divided among all schools, and not SS they had
hitherto been, distributed at the rate of 1001. to schools
cAmeeted with the Established Church to 301. to schools
connected with Dissenters.
Sir J. GRAHAM said that the sums were to be fairly
distributed, but that he understood that few applications
had been made for Dissenting or Catholic schools.
Sir R. INGLIS wished to know whether it was intended
that an equal sum should be given to Church and Dis-
senting schools, or a proportionate sum ?
Sir J. GRAHAM said that it was intended that the sum
should be apportioned to the wants of the school.
Mr. LIDDELL asked if the Government was prepared
to take any steps for the improvement of the juvenile
population of the metropolis ?
Sir J. GRAHAM explained the steps which had been
already taken for the improvement and reformation of
juvenile offenders in the metropolis; and stated, if it
were the pleasure of the House to vote the necessary
funds, he would feel it his duty to propose further mea-
sures for the reformation of juvenile offenders.
Sir R. PEEL explained, in relation to his reply to the
Noble Lord's question the other night as to his answer on
the subject of the reduction of the corn duties, that he
could find no precedent for the Treasury sanctioning
the reduction of the duty on the receipt of the r, port,
and that, therefore, he could not consent to any reduction
on the corn duties until the proposed alteration should
become law, but so convinced was he of the necessity
of proceeding with the alteration in the corn-laws at once
that he proposei to proceed with the measure for the
alteration of the corn-laws, in preference to any other
public measure, and to every other alteration in the
tariff until it should become law.
In reply to Mr. M. PHILIPS,
Sir R. PEEL said that if the debate should be ad-

lonrned over Tuesday, there would be no alternative but

to resume the debate on Wednesday at twelve and finish
it at six. The Right llon. Baronet also explained that
necessarily there must be an interval between the first
and second reading of the Corn Bill, *during which he
might bring forward other articles in the tariff, but that
be would procecd with the Curn Bill with all the speed
that the forms of the House would permit.
On the motion that the order of the day for the House
resolving itself into Committee being read, a hest of
petitions on the subject of the corn-laws were presented.
After the presentation of the petitions, which lasted
until after six o'clock,

Mr. PUMP MILES rose to move the amendment of
which he had given notice, viz., that the House should
resolve into Committee this day six months. The pro-
posed change in our commercial policy was a change even
greater than that proposed by the Reform Bill, and on a
question involving such vital interests, the constituen-
cies of the country ought to be consulted, more especi-
ally when it was considered that this Parliament had
been elected upon protectionist principles. He ad-
mitted the failure of the potato crop in Ireland, but the
oat crop and the wheat crop in that country was above
the average. There was no fear of a famine.
Ile could well understand that the Right Hon. Baronet
might feel alarm at the state of things in Ireland, but if
he had watched the state of the markets he would see
there was no cause of alarm. He would say' if
there was danger of a famine, open your ports, but
he contended that there was no danger whatever
of famine, and, looking at the courso pursued by
the Right llonourable Baronet, he could not but
come to the conclusion that the cause of protection had
in the Right Hon. Baronet's mind been long doomed. He
thought the agricultural interests of the country was
entitled to moderate protection. He recollected the
talent with which the Right Hon. Baronet had upheld the
doctrines of protection, and he could foresee the ability
vs Rh which he would control them, but he feared not
because he felt that he had a largetTinihreeority months in
thatago
House, and a large party out.
of
aTnrdeaisfullisßoepnicn.hionsuspphoardteudndtheergdoc-
trineprotection, oefmber on
th e
bebroufnorrl tpoofrosleltoswhitrlei e.
esxucahm
palechor thgee'Nhoebslhe oLuoldrdlithaveeMfeemlt

He could not see where these changes were to end, and
if these were agreed to, greater still must follow ;
changes which would shake the public ci edit.
The Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to take a review of
the history of our commercial policy since the accession
of Sir R. PEEL to office, and contended that the proe-
perity of the industrious classes had been owing, net
to the free trade measures of the Government, but
to the immense increase of our railway system,
which had created a demand for labour, and Li
consequence of which the prices of iron had
risen enormously—to the cessation of war in
India—and to the succession of good harvests ;
and he believed that much of that prosperity would
have taken place if the Noble ,Lord opposite had been
in power. He denied that the amount of exports
afforded a fair indication of commercial proeperity-
Foreign markets were glutted with our goods. It was
the home trade which afforded the finest ele-
ments for the calculation of the amount of
our commercial prosperity. With regard to the
corn-lacy, the law of 1842 had worked well; it
had secured steadiness of price, and he could not con-
sent to its alteration. The Right Honourable Baronet
had said in 1842 that 565. was a fair price for the
farmer. He would like to know what he consid red
a fair price now ? The Right Hononurable Baronet
said that his proposed measure would not lower the price
of wheat, what then became of the argument of the cheap
loaf? There was a vast difference between cheapness
produced by a good harvest and cheapness produced by
importation. Mr. Ilaskisson had said that cheapness
produced by importation was the sure forerunner of '
a scarcity. He considered that a free trade in corn
would lead to greater fluctuation in price than had ever
I been known ; that it would be of greater advantage to
foreigners than to ourselves ; that it would produce
agricultural distress, and lower wages. If the mea-
sure passed, all other protective duties must be
repealed; navigation laws and reciprocity treaties must
be all swept away. Would the League dissolve if this
measure passed ? or if they should, would not others
rise up in their place to agitate other questions ? The
manufacturers would find it exceedingly dillicult to
compete with foreigners unless they reduced their wag, s.
In every other item except wages, the manufacturers of
this country were in every respect equal to the foreigners.
The manufacturer could do without protection better
than the agriculturist, because his position was better.
He could keep a closer superintendence over his work-
men than the agriculturist. He was not de-
pendent upon the weather. He could secure
his twelve hours' work, while the agriculturist could
not, he thought they ought not to be subjected to the
same laws. The manufacturer was less burdened
than the agriculturist. On a factory paying
30,000/. per annum wages, the burdens were
oaly 500/. a year. The burdens on agriculture were
greater in proportion, and the compensation propa:ed
really amounted to nothing. The agriculturists would
have been better pleased if the Right Hon. Baronet had
offered them nothing at all. Then with regard to sugar
—scarcely had the free-labour sugar been admitted, than
they were told the colonists could stand a little
more competition. Would not the same course
be pursued wi;h regard to the farmers? With
regard to the colonies, he would say treat
them as integral parts of the empire; extend free trade to
them, and do not let the manufacturers enjoy the mono-
poly of the colonial market. He eonsidered that the
manufacturing interest had been stimulated too much
The progress of our manufactures a as really alarming, and
he considered that he was Lest promoting the interests
of the country by maintaining the present system of pro-
. .•

tection.
Sir W. ITEATHCOTE seconded the amendment. He con-
sidered the measure visionary and delusive, but he did not
join with those who accused the Minister of acting dis-
honestly, although he could not but think that the shock
given to faith in public men by the conduct of the Go-
vernment was much to be regretted. Ihe scheme, (von
if impartial, would not have met with his approval, and he
considered the free-trade legislation of the last 20years had
produced most disastrous effects, which had only been
remedied by the increase of our colonial trade. But
the scheme was not impartial, inasmuch as it did not
equally depriv: all parties of protection. That branch
of labour to which manual labour entered
most largely was entirely deprived of protection,
which protection was continued to industry connected
with machinery, which did least require it. The
English farmer, living in a country where taxation was
heavy, and the money-price of articles very high, was
not in a position to compete with the foreigner;
and the position of the English farmer rendered it diffi-
cult to award to him any sufficient compensation. He
could not be insensible to the danger of depending
upon foreigners for a supply of food, ncr could
he forget that the farmers now fed a populaien
three times the amount of that fed fifty years
ago, or that at this moment England was
the only European country poss:ssing a full supply of
food. He would have supported a measure for facili-
tating the introCuction of colonial corn, but, the prL sent
measure was essentially- anti-colonial. He would not go
into the question of compensation, or any particular ques-
tion, fur so convinced was he of the impoliey of the mea-
sure, that he should oppose it g(nerally. He was not
indifferent to the fate of the Ministry ; he would
not transfer his support to the Noble Lord
and his friends, for he differed with them even
more than he. did with the Right Hon. Baronet-
The Right Hon. Baronet was bound to consult his sup-
rorters as to his measures, and if, because they differed
from him, he chose to throw up the Government, on
him, and not on them, rested the responsibility.
Mr. W. LASCELLES had watched with jealous care
the course which the Government had pursued since
they first came into office, and he denied that this
change had been a sudden or an unexpected one. The
alteration in the Tar:ff involved the IN bole principle of
free trade, and when the Right Hon. Baronet had been
asked if he intended to alter the corn-laws, he had
stated that he did not then intend to propose any altera-
tion, but that he would not bind himself to their main-
tenance under all circumstances. In every instance in
which the principles of free trade had been
adopted prosperity had been the result, and
their experience had confirmed the theory of free•trade.
He, therefore, should feel it his duty to support the
Government measure, however painful it might be to
him to differ from many of his friends.

LDrd NORREYS regretted that he was obliged, not
only to oppose the Government on this question, but
. . .

to withdraw his confidence altogether from the Right
Honourable Baronet. He had refused to pledge himself
to oppose the Government measure until he knew what

it was. He considered the conduct of the Cen-
tral Protection Sudety unconstitutional, and bad re-
fused to give any pledges, but having heard the
Right Hon. Baronet statement he felt bound to offer him
every opposition in his power. He thought the Right
Hon. Baronet ought not to have returned to power until
he had opened the eyes of the agriculturists, by telling
a Noble Duke, who had taken a great interest
in these questions, to endeavour to form an ad-

1.. ministration, and the. Right Honourable Baronet
would have found less difficulty in carrying his tnecsure.
But he could seare.ly have expected that the Ri;11:,
Hon. Baronet, who in )840 had objected to an Bs. duty,
should now propose a 4s. duty, to end in total repeal
He did not tax the Right Honourable Baronet with

dishonesty but with want of political foresight.
if the question were carried, it would be only because the
Irome preferred having the question by the Right Hon.
Baronet, to having it settled by the Noble Lord al-

though, for his part he doubted whether they would not
be better off in the bands of the Noble Lord than in those
of the Right Hon. Baronet. Whatever might be tke

confusion resulting from this measure the Right Hon
Baronet must be responsible for it.

Mr. BAILLIE COCHRANE went through the history of
tha corn-laws from the time of Henry VI. up to the pre-
sent time. He could not see in all this any question of
principle, and he thought a corn-law admitted of every
variety of enactments. Neither did:he consider that,
even upon a question of principle, it were

• _
requisite to appeal to the people, and quoted the autho-

rity of Mr. PirT in support of his opinions. He denied

that the House of Commons was a mere assembly of dole

g rtes, it was a deliberative and a legislative assembly, and
Members had a right to change their opinions•
The question of the corn-law was one of great difficulty.
It was impossible to propose an unalterable law on the
subject ; indeed, whoever imagined an unalterable law

was an unalterable fool. Looking to the social changes
which had taken place in the last sixteen years—to the
increase of our population and of our manufactures, he
could not contend for an unalterable corn-law. It was
necessary to alter our commercial policy in consequence
of these changes, and of the changes introduced by the
Reform Bill, so as to make it in accordance with the
feelings and interests of the people. The country had
confidence in the present Government, and he should
support the commercial alterations which they had pro-
posed. He believed that there had been a great change
in the feelings of the farmers of late with
gard to the repeal of the corn-laws, espe-
cially in Scotland. The Right Honourable
Baronet was neither a god nor a tyrant, but he
believed bim to be a man anxious to do good
for his country. He voted for this mea-
sure because he had confidence in her MAJESTY'S
Ministers, and because he was anxious for the welfare
and happiness of the poorer classes of his fellow subjects.
Mr. DEEDES could not support the proposition of her
MAJESTY'S Government with respect to the

corn-!aws, believing that that proposition would shake
public confidence, and drive the Englisdi agriculturists out
of the English market. The measure With respect to corn
had Peen revised and corrected in 1542, by Parliament.
and it was.astonishing that the very men who then pro-
posed that revision and correction were now declaring
that it was wrong. In early life he had looked up to
the Right Lion. Baronet at the head of the Government
as his political leader ; but he could consider him in that
light no longer. He considered that the agriculturists
of this country, under the existing law, had not
had more protection than they were entitled to.
He believed that the proposition of the Government was
only an experiment upon the native industry of the
country. He felt convinced, that if those propositions
were to become law, the country would 4e placztd at
the mercy of foreigners for the necessaries of life. On
that ground alone, he should feel himself bound to op-
pose the measures of the Government.

The House was then addressed by Sir J. Wnsu and
Mr. B. HopE, against the Ministeri4l proposition.
Lord SANDON, although he did not approve altogether
of doing away with all protection, would yet, consider-
iog the circumstances of the case, vote in favour of the
Ministerial proposition.

Lord J. RUSSELL, although he would have preferred
a measure for the total and immediate repeal of the corn-
laws, would yet vote in favour of the Ministerial propo-
sition. The Noble Lord, in a very caustic manner'
contrasted the conduct which the Whigs were pursuing,
is giving their support to the Conservative Ministry to
carry Liberal measures, with the factious opposition
which was offered to the Whig Ministry by Sir R. PEEL
and the Conservative opposition.

Sir R. INGLIS and Captain FITZ:MAURICE spoke
against the Ministerial proposition.
Mr. S. HERBERT supported the measure, and defended
the course that had been pursued by the Government,
and the change that had taken place in their opinions
with respect to the corn laws, He derided the notion of
the corn-laws being part or the constitution of the coun-
try, because they were contrary to it. He believed that
the proposal of the Government was calculated to
cement the interests of the agriculturists and the
manufacturers, and gave an opportunity of repairing
oile of the greatest errors that was ever committed by
the L-gislature of this country. He was confident of
the success of the measure in that House.
The debate was then adjourned to to-mo:row.

The other Orders of the Day were then disposed of,
and the House adjourned at One o'Clock.

When Sir ROBERT PEEL introduced his first new tariff
Bil', by which the duty on a large variety of foreign arti-
cles was totally abolished, and that on many others
greatly reduced, an outcry was raised by certain classes
against the scheme. Native industry, it was said, would
thereby be discouraged, a preference given to foreigners
most injurious to the hard-working and highly-taxed
English mechanic and tradesman, and a great many other
calamities were foreboded which, happily, have not been
realised. Indeed, the number of articles imported under
the new tariff are so extremely small, that the parties
who raised such objections must look back with
little self-complacency on what they regarded
as deep foresight, and a knowledge of the princi-
ples of trade and commerce from which such theorists
as linsatssox and PEEL were entirely debarred. Ex-
perience has shown that all these apprehensions were
totally unfounded, and that the importation of foreign
articles in consequence of the new duties could not have
the :lightest effect upon the native tradesman or pro-
ducer. From this experience, no doubt, there is almost
a perfect silence respecting the further reductions pro-
posed, for, with the exception or the SIDI talfields' weavers,
scarcely any one class raise their voice tgainst them,
and for the best reason in the world, because they find
that they have really nothing to fear from foreign com-
petition. A return has been laid before Parliament pre-
paratory to the discussions on the new tariff which
puts the matter beyond doubt. It is entitled
"An account of the duties received in the last financial
year on each of the several articles enumerated in the
resolutions moved on the 27th of January, 1846, by
theeßight Hon. Sir ROBERT PEEL, specifying the rate
th‘n levied, and the rate where the same is proposed to
be altered, and showing the aggregate of the duties re-
ceived." In these lists are included the articles the duties
on which are proposed to be repealed ; and our readers
will no doubt be surprised to learn the very small
amount of revenue produced by the fifty different
articles which form this list. The total sum amounts only
to 55,879/., about one-half of which is produced by the
duty on living animals, and nearly the same sum from
manufactures of wool or of wool mixed with cotton.
The reduction of duties on live cattle, which produced
such alarm at first, has in fact had no effect whatever,
for the price of cattle has been rising ever since, and the
amount of duties received from most of the- remaining
artichs is so small as hardly to deserve notice—for in-
stance the annual receipt on bacon is 37/., on pork,
fresh, 56./., on meat salted or fresh (not otherwise de-
scribed), 153/., on caviare, 8/., &c. And when we turn

;o the list, in which we find articles which compete with

those produced at home, the smallness of the
quantity imported is equally astonishing. When
the duty on foreign boots and shoes was reduced,
a belief prevailed in certain quarters that London would
be inundated with French boots and shoes, and that Eng-
lish masters and journeymen would be ruined. Here is
the result :—women's boots and slims, annual receipt of
duty, 5771. ; men's boots, 1,6271. ; boys' boots
and shoes, not exceeding seven inches in length, 11. ;
hats (felt, hair, wool, or be aver), 471. ; and a
large quantity of articles of a similar description in pro-
portion. Such a result is highly satisfactory, because it
shows that the skill, industry, and perseverance of our
tradesmen can set foreign competition at defiance,
and that Englishmen, even with a heavy load of taxes,
can outstrip foreigners, and safely dispense with every
protecting duty. We find, from the same return, that
the. total amount received for corn, grain, meal and flour
during the year, was only 357,203/ This is all the revenue
obtained by the operations of the sliding-scale; but how
much the people had to pay, and how much went into the
pockets of the landowners, is another question. This
glaring anomaly, however, is now on the point of being
abolished for ever; for fresh symptoms occurring every
day, leavo no doubt that the measures of Sir Ronaap
PEEL will be triumphantly carried.

Not the least extraordinary, among the political
changes which have supervened upon the Ministerial
conversion, is that of a re-examination, or, as it may be
appropriately termed, a revision of the sentiments enter-
, tained by various constituencies, and professed by their
different representatives. As any mere casual spectator
the List fortnight, ourcolumns
dig the
requisitions from electors
hmat ivset h
ba
ee
no b
Ile
ur vnedda
tdeudr iwn
dispatched from many quarters of the kingdom, and ad-
dressed to county Members, insisting either upon an an-
nouncement of their positive determination to support
the spirit of agricultural monopoly, in opposition to the
prop :sed commercial alterations, or, on the other hand,
instantly to vacate their seats in Parliament, as
traitors to the cause which they had origi-
nally advocated, and consequently as incompetent to
represent their interests in the Lower House. From the
numerous answers which these requisitions have elicited,
and which have likewise teen duly chronicled in our
columns, it is unnecessary to do raore than remark, that
in a vast mejority of cases the lion. Gentlemen in ques-
tion have candidly and boldly expressed their opposition
to a continuance of an exclusive system of pro-
tection, accomianying the declaration with a straight-
forward and manly account of the peculiar circumstances
which have induced them to recede from their previous
principles as untenable, and at the same moment ac-
cepting the alternative offered by their constituents, by
resigning their posts as Members of the House of Com-
mons. In acting thus, these gentlemen have been
actuated by one most laudable motive in particular ;
they have themselves, through a protracted analysis
of events, through a series of severe investigations, and
through a dispassionate experience of past sessions,
arrived at the very rational deduction that the present
system of import and export duties is prejudicial, not
only to the industrial classes in particular, but also
to every other individual in the community
that the existing restrictions upon trade are
contrary to the dictates of common sense, as
filching the pockets of the many for the emolument of
the few—that, in fact, some general and instantaneous
abolition of these clogs upon commerce was absolutely
requisite, and that the reduction of the abstract theory
into practice was incumbent upon the Legislature.
They had, by perseverance, obtained this more en-
larged view of things ; they took a wider sur-
vey of international trade than heretofore ; they saw
facts in a new light, and through a clearer atmosphere ;
and from a definite desire and expectation that the mul-

titude would take, or had taken, a similar review of these
particularities in our Constitution, they readily with-
drew from their onerous but honourable duties, leaving
the" ultimate deci.ion of the matter to time, or to popu-
lar reason. -Upon this great and memorable evening—
an evening which will be especially noted in the pages
of our country's history—we would direct a more than
cursory glance at the reply which Lord Lztirout has
just addressed to the electors of the Southern Division
of the county of Nottingham, in answer to a resolu-
tion, passed some few days since, at a meeting of the
Nottinghamshire Agriculture Protection Association.
We would direct attention to this document at this pre.
cise tiwe from an anxiety..on our part to signalise, in a

sentence or two at heat, the various expressions con-
tained in that letter—expressions which redound so
much to the credit, and to the honour, and to the con-
sisteney the Noble. Lord. We have alr,eaely, elsewhere,
deified our notion of what a true and far-seeing polio
tical consistency really is; and therefore it will suffice us
to observe th4t Lord LINCOLN merits this honourab's
epithet in a particular manner, as a man who adhere
more to the inferences of sound sense than the paltry
and narrow boundaries of party-feeling—as one
who rather regerds the whole than the infinitessimal
portion. While the Duke of NEWCASTLE can retain in a
certain degree of subserviency and thraldom to what
may in a particular manner influence his re-
venues, those of his tenantry who are capable
of participating in an election, his son can
thus throw off the straight-jacket of self-interest and
follow' the instigations of justice to his fellow-men.
Lord HENNIKER also has enacted a part in these recent
squabbles with an equal amount of credit to his
honesty of purpose, by acting in a similar
manner to his constituency of East Suffolk,
though his opinions upon the matter at issue are
not as definitely or comprehensibly expressed. In
concluaion, we can merely utter one more casual cern-
meat, namely, that, admirable as the main
characteristics of the Reform Bill were, an
extension both in their conception and in
their operation would have been productive of a still
greater amount of benefit to cur Constitution. If all
these recent exigencies, for example, had been
taken into account when that great and ever
glorious measure was being framed, we should never
have witnessed the misunderstandings to which we
have made this particular allusion. The discussion, how-
ever, 'which has already commenced in Parliament may
remedy more social grievances than we can well cal-
culate. This very period may in future times ba looked
back to as the starting point of our most memorable,
and most peaceful, and most triumphant Revolution.

I In another• column will be found a statement of
the amount of the proposed increase in the army
and navy. As to the necessity of this in.
crease, we imagine there cannot be two opi-
nions, fur even the most crotchetty of the members of
the Peace Society must perceive that at the present
moment the only possible way of preserving peace is
to let Mr. President POLK and his backers see that we
are fully prepared fur war. The increase in the artil-
lery and in the army may perhaps be sufficient,
although a e should by no means have objected to have
seen a still larger increase proposed in both those forces;
but with regard to. the navy and the marines, we con-
sider that the increase ie lamentably insufficient. In
the navy not only should there be an increase
in the number of men to at least double
the amount proposed, but there should be an in-
crease of pay and an increase of comfort. The pay of a
seaman in the British navy is somewhere about thirty
shillings a month. In the British merchant service,
and in the United States' navy, the pay is upwards of
three pounds per month—rather more than double.
The demand for able-bodied seamen is greater than the
supply, and Sir ROBERT PEEL as a good political
economist must know that the price of sailors' labour,
like the price of every other description of labour, is
regulated by the doctrine of demand and supply, and that
if the country wants the services of able-bodied seamen,
it must be prepared to pay the proper price to se
cure them. As to attempting to revive the
system of impressment, the Government might
as well attempt to revive the system of serfdom. "The
schoolmaster" has been abroad for the last thirty years,
and the pupils of the schoolmaster will never submit to
the press-gang. The nation which paid 20,000,0001. for
the emancipation of black slaves, while it
will not tole rate any attempt to revive the
atrocious system of white slavery, known under
the name of impressment, will not grudge a
fair and proper and liberal remuneration to those gallant
men to whose prowess it is indebted, net alone for its
station, its power, its wealth, and its honour,
but for its very existence. Let us hope, therefore,
that the present session of Parliament will not
close without some material increase being voted to the
pay of the ordinary seaman. Then again with regard
to the Royal Marines, the increase proposed is only to
the extent of 2,500 men. This is by no means a suffi-
cient increase to the effective strength of this the most
efficient and useful corps in her MAJESTY'S service. Be
it recollected that the marines are both soldiers and
sailors, that they are accustomed to be at sea, and that,
therefore, unlike the soldiers of the line, they do
not suffer from sea sickness, but are ready
for action the instant they land upon an enemy's coast.
We need only allude to the Chinese war, as a proof
of the usetuleces of a large body of marines in
conducting a coast warfare ; and as a vi ar
with the United States would, -as far as the
American Atlantic seaboard is concerned, partake very
much of the character of the Chinese war, we think it
would be but prudent on the part of the Executive to
ask for a much larger increase to the corps of Royal
Marines than the one proposed. In making
these preparations, the Government should b ar in
mind the maxim of the Duke of WELLINGTON, that " a
great nation cannot make a little war," and i; is only by
a great nation showing that it is determined
to make any war, into which it may be
forced a great one, that it can prevent a
community, which repudiates the laws of nations and
of honour as openly and avowedly as it has already
repudiated those of honesty, by repudiating its just
debts, from annoying it by a little piratical war under-
taken for the mere purpose of plunder.

We have raceived Madrid papers of the 31st ult. On that
day the new Electoral Bill was presented and read by the
Secretary. It is nearly the same as that brought forward
last session, and the principal feature is, that the elections
will take place by districts and colleges, and net by pro-
vinces. In answer to some complaints of Senor °ERNS'S re-
specting the persecutions against the press, the Minister of
the Interior said he considered the liberty of the press as ene
of the necessary conditions of a constitutional government,
but it was extremely difficult to regulate and keep it in
harmony with compete liberty and public order. Govern-
ment had prepared a Bill on the subject, which would be laid
before the Chambers in a few days.
On the 31st the Three per Cents, closed at 3SIA at 60 days;
the Five per Cents., at 2314 at 60 days; the Coupons, at
24% at 60 days; and the Madrid and Aranjuez Railroad
shares at 2,070 at 60 days.

In the French Chamber of Deputies M. Gtazor, after the
motion of M. D'ANGEVILLE respecting Madagascar had been

- -
adopted, declared tbat the expedition would not leave

France until the Committee on extraordinary credits had
examined the vote for tbat purpose. Most of the journals
express disapprobation of this unexpected delay. Even the
Epoque blames the Government: "Assuredly," it says ' if
there be anything in the world conducted with reserve, it is
this affair of Madagascar. We regard the conduct of the
Cabinet as even too cautious—it is absolutely timid. Our
flag has been insulted by the islanders of Madagascar, our
countrymen having establishments in the island have been
molested and pillaged. It is now decided to vindicate the
honour of our flag, and to afford an efficient support to the
interests of French subject.. In our opinion such a line of
conduct is the least that could be adopted. Under pain of
dishonour it was absolutely impossible not to decide en this
expedition. We should have blamed the Cabinet not to have
determined on it; we do not believe that it ought to be
lauded for doing what it has done, because the accomplish-
ment of a rigorous duty does not merit an eulogium. But the
Cabinet has thought it right to accompany its preparations
with restrictions and palliatives of which we do not perceive
the necessity. It has protested that it had not in view any
establishment or any project of colonisation. What is the
use of these declarations beforehand; why are these engage-
ments entered into? There is' always time to do or not to
do; but it appears to us absolutely superfluous to abjure
one's liberty of action fur the future. This conduct
appears
to us, therefore, prudent to excess, or to
speak more correctly, timid." The Presse is equally
epposed to delay:—" What it is now permitted to us to see
is that the expedition, if it should take place at all, will be
without result. We say if it should take pace, for nothing
can be more doubtful. The Minister of Foreign Affairs de-
clared that it will not set out until the Chamber, specially
discussing the question by a demand fur grants, shall have
categorically expressed its opinion on this subject. A month
will certainly elapse before that moment can arrive." The
Constitutionnel expresses great anger at the turn which
affairs arc taking, and thus closes an article on the subjz2ct :
" We are warranted in thinking that our ships and our troor.s
have been gut together, and the expedition been prepared,
only to disgust us with it. Can anything be more puerile
than such conduct and such avowals ? What esteem can
France have for a Government which renders the most im-
portant attairs dependent upon nu h sad calculations r
The following paragraph respecting the disputes between
the French and Hayti Governments Appears in the Pt esse
"Fresh information which we have received tends to con-
tradict the news which had been lately given us of an ar-
rangement between the Government of Hayti and our repre-
sentativt sat St. Domingo. The ultimatum sent in by Cap-
tain Lartigue to President Pierrot was composed of two parts,
an indemnity of 15,000 gourds (the gourd is worth a little
more than II), and the official retractation *1 a decree issued
by the President on the occasion. For the first part we be-
lieve there is no difficulty; but, for the second, the case is
quite the opposite. The last packet from the West Indies
did not bring any official news on the subject, but we believe
that we have received such information as enables us to de-
clare that the President has peremptorily refused the second
part of the satisfaction demanded. We may add, and the
next arrival will confirm our statement, that his refusal was
of such a nature as to add to our just complaint."
On Friday the Charaber of Deputies adopted the Address,
in reply to the Speech from the Throne, by a majority of 232
to 141.

A general meeting of the shareholders of the Great

Northern Railroad was held at Paris, on Thursday, when it
appeared, from the report of the Directors, that the line will
be opened, as far ag.clermoat, in March next,,and to Amiens
in April, or the beginning of May. The centre line will be
opened to the public iK June. • •

A letter from Berne states that, on the Ist instant, the pri-
mary assemblies had to pronounce on the decision of the
Grand Council relative to undertakingitself the work of revi-
sion. About 34,000 citizens voted, and only 10,000 sanctioned
the decisio❑ of the Grand Connell, the rest deciding that
the revision should be confided to a constituent assembly. The
greatest excitement prevailed. Trees of liberty had been
planted in various places, with other manifestations of popu-
lar commotion, which caused anxiety-to the more peaceable
portion of the community.

The Augsburg Gazette, of the 2d, states that the police of
Tuscany have arrested, at Leghorn, .a coffee-housekeeper, in
whose house they found a correspondence with the conspira-
tors of the Romagna. &veral other arrests were made after
this discovery. The same journal states that a police agent
has been assassinated at Ancona; and accounts from Flo-
rence aunounce that great dissdtisfaction had been manife.4ted
against the Government, for aelivering up RIENZI. The
most violent placards were posted up in tLe streets, and the
GRAND DUKE, to evade the annoyance, had retired to the

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Maremma for a time.
The Three per Cents. closed on the Paris Bourse on Friday at
83f. 85c. ; the Five per Ceuta , 123 t. Ac. ; the Orleans Railroad shares,
1.283 f. 75c.; Rouen, 1,005 f. ; Havre, 685 f.; Avignon, 985 f.;
Vlerzou, 705 f.; Bordeaux, 644. if. 24e.; Boulogne, 040 f.; Troyes and
Montereau, 4501. ; Basle, 2.55 f. ; Great Northern, 766 f. 25e. ; Fam-
poux (Paris to Strasburgh), 550 f. ; Spanish Three per Cents., 38 ;
Ditto, Domestic Debt, 33%; Ditto, Passives, 6%.
We have since received the Paris 'lope's of Saturday, but
they contain no news. The large majority (91) for Ministers
on the adoption of the Address, had given "a heavy blow
and great discouragement" to the Opputition, and the funds
in censNuence closed on Saturday at a considerable advance.
The prices were quoted as follows:
Three: per Cents. for Cash, 84f. 15c., for Account, 841. 25c. ; Flys
per Cents. for Cash, 123 f. 30c., for Account, 1231. 40c ; Bank of
r ranee Shares, 3,3951. ; Neapolitan Shares, 101 f. 50c. ; Spanish, not
quoted; New Loan, 84f. sc.

_ •
Paris and Orleans left off at 1,285 f. ; Paris and Rouen, 1,007 f. 50e. ;
Rouen and Havre, 6951. ; Avignon, 990 f. ; Vierzor, 7051.; Strasburg,
253 f. 75c. ; Boulogne and Amiens, 545 f. ; Northern, 767 f. 80c. ; Bor-
deaux, 645 f. ; Montereau, not quoted ; Fampoux, 485 f.
Dennidves have improved, Lyons having been taken at 620 f.;
Tours and Nantes, 5731. 75c. ; Strasburg, 553 f. 73c. ; Avignon, 5601.
SUSI-MISS 1,014112 Ix FOREL ;1( RAILWAYS AT TI
LONDON STOCK II XCHA.NGE, I'm 7.
Boulogne and Amiens, 12' --Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Cette
( ,lackenzie), 2—Ditto (Espeleta), Ceylon, I—Dutch Rhenisis,
7% —Great Northern of France Constituted, 15% —ltalian and Aus-
trian, 1% —Lyons and Avignon, Luxembourg, 2%—Namur and
Liege, 3—Rouen and Havre, 58 ox div.

Mr. Hayward, Q.C., has petitioned the Judges, in
there capacity of visitors of the Inns 'of Court, to give
him redress in the matter of his exclusion from the
bench of the Inner Temple.