The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-08 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMEN T.

HOUSE OF LORDS, May 7.
In the absence of the LORD CHANCELLOR, the Earl of
SHAFTESBURY took the Chair at Five o'clock.

SCOTTISH FREE CHURCH.
Lord CAMPBELL said he had petitions to present of very
treat importance to the country, from certain inhabitants of
Edinburgh and. Paisley, praying for the interference of the
House in a matter in which they were deeply interested. They
said that there were certain religious questions in Scotland
Which excited great disagreement, and that members of the
Free Church wt re not allowed to purchase lands for the erec-
tion of churches for any purpose. . They were quite
ready to give reasonable remuneration for any land
which might be required for the erection of churches ;
but in some cases, where one great proprietor held
the whole of the land in the parish, they could not obtain any
quantity of land whatever. If such were the case, he thought
u was a reasonable ground for the interference of their Lord-
ships, as they had interposed and given their sanction to an
invasion of private property in the case of railroads, where
the companies merely sought permission for travelling with
reater facility from one part of the country to the other.
This was a case of inkoitely greater importance, and if the pe-
titioners made out their case, he should feel no difficulty what,.
ever in assenting to the principle they had adopted, and sup-
portio.g a Bill for snaking it law. _

FACTORIES BILL.
Lord REDESDALE presented a petition frm the Dissent-
ing ministers of Wigan'in favour of the Ten Hours' Factory Bill.
CHARITABLE TRUSTS BILL.
The Earl of CLARENDON presented a petition against
the Charitable Trusts Bill.

THE PORT OF LIMERICK.
The Duke of BUCCLEUGH laid on the table certain
Papers relative to the improvement of this harbour.
The Marquis of LANSDO VV NE presented a petition from
steps
mayor, aidercnen, and burgesses of Limerick, praying that
might be taken for the improvement of the harbour of
that town.
Lord 7,IONTEAGLE presented several petitions in favour
of the f_iiasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, the 'Midland Counties,
Mid rAher railways.
THE OFFICE OF HIGH CONSTABLE.
The Duke of BUCCLEUGH presented a petition from the
City of Westminster against certain provisions in relation to
that city and liberty in the Bill proposed for the regulation
of the office of high constable, and praying to be heard by
their agents and counsel against the Bill.
The Duke of RICHMOND stated it was not his intention
to press that part of the Bill.
CHARITABLE TRUSTS BILL.
Lord COTTENHAM presented several petitions against the
Charitable Trusts Bill.
Lord STANLEY presented a petition from Lancashire to
the same effect ; also a petition from the same place against the
isle of spirituous liquors on Sunday.

CORN-LAWS.
Lord ASHBURTON moved for the returns of some papers
with reference to the corn-laws, which he thought would facili-
tate the progress of that measure when before their Lordships.
He was not at all wishing to open up a discussion about the ex•
pediency of passing such a measure. If they did pass it, he
wished them to do it with their eyes open, as it was one in
Which not only the agricultural portion of the community was
interested, but in fact every class in the country. The motion
he had to make was for the purpose of ascertaining
the quantity of corn in bond. The last time
they had a return, the amount of wheat was
1,200,000 quarters, and the quantity of sour was about
700,0003 or 800,000 barrels. He had also to move for a return
of every hundred pounds' worth of tithe received under the
Tithe Commutation Act, from the passing of that Act down
to 1845. He hoped there would be no objection to such a
motion.
Lord BROUGHAM entirely concurred with his Noble
Friend, and, differing from him as he did on other matters,
he rejoiced to be able to agree with him on this.—(Laughter.)
He was undoubtedly of opinion that the result of the measure
that would shortly come before their Lordships would have
the effect of lowering the price of grain, inasmuch as a much
greater quantity of grain would be introduced into the English
market. He had no desire, however, to anticipate the disscu-
siors that would arise on that measure, and he would, there-
F:ce, postpone any arguments which he had on the ques-
tion till the proper time arrived. He would, at the same
time, express a hope that their Lordships, who were
appointed to inquire into the burdens en land, would lose no
time in laying their report before their Lordships, believing,
as he did, that a more important report had never been laid on
the table of their Lordships' House.
Earl FITZWILLIAM thought it would be desirable for
their Lordships to have a statement similar to that which was
asked for by the Noble Lord (Lord Ashburton), of the corres-
pondingperiods, as far back as the time when the last Corn
Bill but one (1828) passed, and he should move an amendment
to that effect.
Lord ASHBURTON said that in the last year the quantity
in bond was 430,000 quarters ; the year before that 220,000 ;
the year before that 245,000; then 1`24,000; then 132,000;
then 257,000 ; and so on up to the year 1838.
Lord BROUGHAM suggested that it should be ascertained
whet!ner corn was at such a price as to be importable at the time
these returns were made.
Lord ASHBURTON said that the returns were from the
months of October and December in each year, when the
farmer held most of his corn in hand, and at that season cern
was exported from abroad for this country. The corn dealers
on the Baltic found all the ports between their country and
ours shut against them, and consequently their supplies came
to the British ports.
Earl FITZ WILLIAM said there never was so great a quan li
-
tity in bond as at the present moment. It was now better than
four months since this measure was first introduced into
Parliament, and he would leave it to their Lordships whether
the real nature of the measure had not been well known
two months before that time; so that there was a period of six
months since this measure was first brought under the notice of
the public, during which time no merchant in his senses would
take a single quarter out of bond.
The Duke of RICHMOND wished to correct his Noble
Friend the Earl Fitzwilliam in one point. It was well known
that the British farmer never brought his corn to market until
it was in the best condition. Now, it was also known that
English corn required some time to be laid up, and the
influence of frost, to bring it into condition. The late
season had been unusually mild, and there was, in con-
sequence, siever a greater quantity of corn in the hands
of the farmer than there was at the present moment. It was
always kept up in the hope of obtaining better
prices, and there was in fact at this particular
time a great quantity of grain waiting for disposal.
He did not think the Bill would pass, but if it did pass, he
would do all he could to protect those farmers who had large
stocks of wheat on hand. He must protest against those No-
ble Lords who said that the question was settled. He did not
think so. He could not believe that Noble Lords on the oppo-
site side could so suddenly turn round, or that those on the
other side, who had advocated a fixed duty, would now give it
•tip in favour of the Bill before the other House.
Lord BROUGHAM did not think the question settled, but
whether settled or not, he would give a little advice. He
would strongly advise those who had large stocks on hand to
bring their wheat to market as if it was settled.—( A laugh.)
Earl GREY differed with the Noble Duke. He believed
that the farmers were suffering greatly through this delay.
They would be exposed to this deluge of foreign corn, from the
importation having been dammed up for six months, instead of
the market receiving gradual supplies. The suffering of the
farmers had arisen from the want of foreign wheat to mix up
with the produce of last harvest, which was generally of
an inferior quality. It could not be ground unless
Mixed up with old or foreign wheat, and the state of things
had been such that the necessary supply of foreign wheat was
not forthcoming. In the north of England the wheat of last
harvest was generally inferior in quality, and millers were pre-
vented from grinding it from want of foreign wheat. It would
have been a great advantage to the country if the ports had
been opened in N&eember or December last.
Lord BEAUMONT was anxious that there should be no
delay in producing those returns. He hoped next week to be
able to lay on their Lordships' table the report of the Com-
mittee of which he was Chairman. At the same time he hoped
that whatever might be the result of that measure the labours
of the Committee would not be altogether lost.
The motion was then agreed to.
RELIGIOUS OPINIONS BILL.
The Bishop of EXETER consented to postpone the mo-
tion of which he had given notice for to-day, until Monday
next.
DR. REID'S VENTILATION.
The Marquis of CLANRICADE wished to know whether
there would be any impediment in the way of allowing Mr.
to have some part of the new Houses appropriated to
Gurney might
him, for the purposes of ventilationo,sethdy LordshipsthTehire-Commissioners
be able to judge of the plan prop
had not yet made ther report upon
ofn this
hsubject.
Lord CAMPBELL complained
uldWh scarcely
caused to their Lordships by Dr. Reid s system of ventilation •te serious annoyance
that annoyance became worse and worse
When he
entered their Lordships' House that morning
breathe the air, and he only wished that Dr.ReTidhmasighhet(tiomrd_
self be compelled to breathe it for
tses bill ea d f o
already th a
made it.
Campbell) knew
makehours. the air worse
than poh
The Marquis of CLANRICARDF, said that Dr. Reid had
acquired great reputation as a ventilator, and he apprehended
2., that he
that their Lordships would have no objection to accede
should
to the
very seasonable request of that gentleman, vi
be allowed the use of one room in the new House of Lords, in
which to experimentalise.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA BILL.
Lord STANLEY moved the second reading of this Bill.
For several years there had been ne indications of a wish for a
change in the Government. In 1829 that colony was founded,
and, with the exception,. of 1837, there had never been any
wish
for a change. Since that period, however, there had
been an indication of a wish for change.
Earl GREY could not help expressing his surprise and regret
at the principle of the Bill, which had just been introduced by
her Majesty's Government, and he still more regretted the
opinions of his Noble Friend who had just sat down. In the
course of last session a very important debate had occurred in
the other House of Parliament, during which the Right Hon.
Baronet who held the weighty office of first Member of the
Government had propounded the doctrine that the colonies had
better be left to the Government themselves ; that, with some
modifications the principle of representation ought to be in-
troduced into all our dependencies. especially New Zealand. If
this was true with regard to New Zealand, it was more espe-
cially true with respect to Western Australia. His Noble
Friend had said that until within a few years nothing like P.
sentiment of discontent had been evident in the colonies. But
that such discontent did exist now was allowed. He trusted,
therefore, that no
measuretie colonists ewooualids
ta be
themselves. allowed to
Unlessbecom law
without first consultingmeans
were taken to put the Colo on it would be impossible to n'a proper and popular footing,
that was desirable. develop the resources of the colony in
the way
Lord LYTTELTON thought that
due deliberation. If they legislated timei, should be allowed for
might be the cause of more evil than astily on the matter, it
died. At least they ought not to take
was sought to be reme-
crease the expensese colony, any step that would in-
crease of the without consulting those who
were resident there.
Earl GREY remarked, that popular forms of
„ma had been carried out with great effect in Novagovern-
Scotia,
New Brunswick, and many of the West India islands
The Duke of RICHMOND said the horrible state. of things
y
that Fri railed in Australia ought to be met with a remedy. If
the Government was not prepared with a measure to
rem. edy
those evils by the end of the session, be, as an independent
Peer, would consider it his duty to move fer a Select Commit-
tee to inquire into the whole affairs of the colony, with the ob-
ject of providing a remedy.
Lord LYTTELTON said the subject had occupied the
attention of the Government for a considerable period. He
was not, however, prepared at that time to announce any de-
cision they had come to upon the subject.
The Bill was then read a second time.
RAILWAY DEPOSITS BILL.
The Earl of DALHOUSIE moved the third reading of the
Railway Deposits Bill.
The Bill was then read a third time and passed.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES BILL.
Earl ST. GERMANS proposed that this Bill, which had
been brought up from the other House, should be read a second
time on Monday next.
The Bill was then read a 'first, and ordered to be read a
mond time on Monday next.

COMMITTEES ON RAILWAY BILLS.
Lord REDESDALE then moved the resolution of which he
had given notice, " That the Select Committee appointed
by their Lordships to name the Select Committee for the consi-
deration of opposed private Bills should not name any such Com-
mittee on any opposed railway Bill atter Monday, the 20th July.
There would be great difficulty in obtaining proper and efficiesit
committees after that period, to sit upon Bills and give them
due attention. Their Lordships were also aware that some of
the most important Bills were those that came up at the latest
period, and that was the case with those that were most op-
posed. It was desirable to secure good committees, and a fair
and proper time for the consideration of Bills before them, and
he thought every person must be fully aware that the time that
was allowed by this resolution for the lull consideration of
those Bills was such as ought to be allowed in such matters as
railway I,gislatere. He had, therefore, selected the 20th July
as the day beyond which no committee should be isamed for
sitting on railway Bills. Their Lordships were aware that a
Committee named on that day, might very properly !it be-
yond the end of the month, and on some occasions in the
other House they had Listed for a longer period. He, therefore,
did not wish to name a later day. He had consulted that with
Noble Lords, who were best acquainted with the. arrangement
doef
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20th July.
The Earl of WICKLOW said that the motion appeared
to be a very unjust one towards the public. 1 here
never had been a session in which a greater number
of railway
Bills had been brought before the House; and, notwithstanotwithstandingthat, a proposition was brought forward at an early period of
the session which, to a great extent, delayed the progress of
those Bills. He perfectly approved of those measures; but if
this resolution was passed the promoters of several railway
Bills would be subjected to great expense and inconvenience.
No doubt many Noble Lords would think it convenient to lease
town before the end of the session. But they had duties to
perform, and very important duties, in attending to railway
Bills. It was very true tha2. great injury had been done to the
public by over-speculating in railways, but it was also very true
that they benefited by such undertakings. How was it possi-
ble to fix a time after which no Bills were to be taken in Corn
mittee, when the session would, in all probability, last till
August, judging from the great amount of business which was
to come before their Lordships. To pass suck a resolution
would he to do a great injury to the public, who would most un-
doubtedly be benefitted by many of the Bills which would be
rejected, because refused a hearing. He was, indeed, sur-
prised to find the Noble Lord proposing such a motion, and he
expected to have heard some good reasons stated for taking
such a course.
Lord REDESDALE said that he did not make such a
motion for the purpose of saving the labour of their Lordships,
but to serve the parties interested in railway Bills, who would,
by the course he proposed, know the latest time when they
could come before a Committee. This session many Bills had
commenced in the House of Lords, and that expedited their
progress very much, and he saw no injury whatever by the
adoption of this motion. The resolution was then put and
passed.

ABOLITION OF DEODANDS BILL.
Lord CAMPBELL rose to move the third reading of this
Bill, and regretted to say that intimation had reached him that
it was intended to offer considerable opposition in the other
House of Parliament to the principle of the measure. It had
received the approbation of the Lord Chief Justice of England,
and of the other learned judges, in whose judgment it appeared
a most admirable measure. He trusted, if
.they intended to
offer any inch opposition, that the Noble Duke opposite would
use his influence with the Government to get the measure
through the other House.
The Duke of WELLINGTON had had some communica-
tion with his Noble and Learned Friend, and quite concurred
in the principle of the Bill.
Lord DENMAN conceived that no real opposition would be
offered to the measure, which was simply intended to abolish
a remnant of a barbarous and superstitious practice, and likely
to be of great service to the public. The consequences would
be inestimable in the preservation of life.
Lord CAMBELL quite concurred in the importance of the
observations that had been made. He trusted that the prin-
ciple of awarding compensation to the widows and children of
any person killed by gross negligence would not be lost sight
of, and that this Bill would be suffered to pass the other
House of Parliament.
The LORD CHANCELLOR conceived their Lordships
would have a difficulty in awarding a value to his Noble
Friend's hope.
The Bill was then read a third time and passed.
BURGHS (SCOTLAND) BILL.
On the motion of the Duke of BUCCLEUCH,
The House went into a Committee on this Bill,
The Duke of RICHMOND proposed a clause, exempting
Glasgow from the operation of the Bill.
The Duke of BUCCLEUCH opposed the clause, which
was negatived without a division.
The Bills on the table were advanced a stage, and their
Lordships adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMOIVS, May 7.
The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock.
MALTON AND DRIFFIELD JUNCTION RAILWAY.
The report on this Bill was brought up and agreed to, and
the Bill was ordered to be engrossed.
GLASGOW AND BELFAST UNION RAILWAY