The Sun.
London, England, 1846-01-24 00:00:00

times, and thus it was that England, far before '
any of the other nations of the world, had benefited
by the advanced spirit of the age. And if the case
were otherwise —if they were never to prafit
by the lessons of experience, of a hat use
would it be to call themselves a deliberative assembly?
Now, he would tell the Right Hon. Gentleman, that no
man had been more anxious than he had been to pro-
mote free trade, and put the Church in a proper state,
and he challenged the Hon. Gentleman to produce one
single motion of his (Mr. Hume's) which was otherwise
than to reform the abuses which existed in the Church.
He had proposed upwards of twenty years ago the abo-
lition of the Church of Ireland. If they were to have a
Church there, let it be the Church of the majority.
From that time, down to the present, they had been
trying expedients with regard to Ireland ; and he had
stated, upwards of twenty years ago, the t they never
could have peace in that country until the Church was
put down. That was their remedy now. It Was that
dominant Church that had ruined Ireland, and until it
vt as put down there would be no peace. The Hon.
Geetleman might say what he liked, but it was his (Mr.
Hume's) belief, that nine-tenths of the people were in
favour of the Right Hon. Baronet. And he bjieved that
the course the Right lion. Baronet was ahem to pursue
would be productive of the greatest benefit to the country.
It was absurd to say that, because the Eight Hon.
Baronet sat on the other side of the House, he must be
compelled to chime in with all their opinions, and adopt
every measure (and no others) of which they might
approve. He (Mr. Hume) was of opinion that if he
had done so, he would have brought most incalculable
injury upon the country. It eppeared to him that one
of the most nappy occurrences that could possibly take
place (and he hoped that it might take place) would be
the carrying out of the intentions of the Right Hon.
Baronet with respect to the admission of foreign corn.---1
(Hear, hear.) He could not conceive that any man of''
any sense, or any one who paid any attention to the duty
which he owed to his country, could say that because
a man was a party man he was bound to con-
tinue so. The question of the propriety of
the Right Honourable Baronet should be left
He (Mr. Hume) was not
afraidt o the
as decisionto iti
judgment
thegm country.ent o
nthat head. He felt perfectly
satisfied that although the Right lion. Baronet might in
the House meet with the scorn and ridicule of a few of the
Lion. Members, yet his conduct would meet with the en-
tire concurrence of the country. He (Mr. Hume) was
anxious for a few moments to advert to one of the para-
graphs in the Speech from the Throne. He might truly
say that with the Speech generally he was satisfied ; his
only objection was against one paragraph, and the
grounds of his objection were the ruinous effect which
would be produced to this country by the present system
of abolishing slavery.—(Hear.) He felt satisfied that if
the Right Honourable Baronet would seek for informa-
tion from any of the officers which were employed
on the coast of Africa, he would find that nineteen
out of twenty would at once state that the present
system of abolishing slavery there entailed immense ex-
pense of English money, and an extraordinary loss of
English life without any really beneficial effects.—
(Hear, hear.) lie did, therefore, think that a con-
siderable change should be made with regard to the sup-
pression of slavery in Africa. He was happy to sae
that France hi artily co-operated with the country in its
attempt to abolish the system of slavery. It would be
their duty to see that necessary measures were taken to
inure the enforcement of the arrangement come to be-
tween the two countries; and that the fleets were pro-
perly mounted and placed along the coast of Africa.
Every exertion ought to be employed and provision
made, so that the object sought by the two countries
might be realised. There was another point in the Ad-
dress—the latter part of it—which he highly approved ;
the principle of which had been shadowed forth for
some time past, and a great step towards a complete
reformation in their commercial system. From this
time they might date a new era in the commercial his-
tory of the country; and, judging from the experience
of the last few years, he had no- doubt that the next
three or four years, or any other number of years that
might be named, would show in no ordinary degree the
benefits of the change. So fur he supported the mea-
sures of the Government, and he hoped that other coun-
tries would follow their example.—(Hear, hear.) There
was another point to which he would refer—that relat-
ing to the importance of maintaining a good understand-
ing between France and England. The value of such a
union could not be over estimated, and thus united
they were able to maintain the peace of the world.
He ,would beg leave to refer to another paragr ph
before sitting down—that relating to the state of
affairs between the United States and this coun-
try. Under such circumstancea, it was necessary
that the Government showed a firm position. When
he saw the people of a country setting at nought
all the rules of civilialtion in enforcing their alledged
claims, he would be contradicting the whole tenour of
his life if he did not support such measures as would
enable the Government to maintain the honour and cha-
racter of the nation. It was necessary, therefore, that
measures should be passed to effect this purpose, and
therefore he hoped the propositions of her Majesty's
Ministry for strengthening their hands at the present
crisis would receive the unanimous vote of the House.—
(Hear, hear.) He had been accused on former occasions
of endeavouring to cripple the finances of the country,
and he admitted that he had, and would still use every
exertion to put an end to extravagance and waste ; still
under existing circumstances he held it to be his duty to
give the Government his cordial support in these proposi-
tions for strenthening the defences of the country.—
(Loud cheers.) He had thought it necessary that he
should make this explanation on the present occasion.
Sir ROBERT PEEL said he never entertained any
apprehension that the language which had been
used by her Majesty's Government, with reference to
the settlement of those unfortunate disputes which
still prevailed between this country and the United
States, could be mistaken. He never thought that
the language used by the Minister of America could
be mistaken for that used by him. The Government
had no hesitation in avowing their sincere interest in
maintaining amicable relations between the United
States and this country, and, in fact, with the whole
civilised world, and of their desire to make any effort,
consistent with the national honour, for the purpose of
settling these disputes—(Hear, hear.) They had
every desire, by temperate language, and by moral in-
stead of coercive measures, to peacefully and morally
terminate all misunderstandings. He (Sir R. Peel)
never believed that either the language or the intentions
of the Government would be misapprehended. The
speech which the Hon. Gentleman—the uniform and
consistent advocate of the strictest economy—had just
made, had convinced him that his (Sir R. Peel's) anti-
cipations would be realised.--(Hear, hear.) He hoped,
however, that the measures which the Government
would feel it their duty to make would have the effect
of promoting a better understanding between the United
States and this country. It would be the greatest mis-
fortune if a contest should ensue between such coun-
tries. With respect to the speech of the Hon. Gentle-
man, he wished to tell him and others that he (Sir B.
Peel) did not intend to be betrayed into any loss of tem-
per on that occasion.—(Cheers.) Let him also tell him
that the question had become far too important to be
disposed of by mere personal recrimination.—(Hear.)
He (Sir E. Peel) had thought, after the deliberation
which the Hon. Gentleman might have been enabled to
give to the speech which he (Sir H. Peel) delivered last
night, that he would have offered some reply to the
arguments which he had used—(Hear)—that after the
lapse of twenty- fi.ur hours he would not have contented
himself with passing by those arguments without a
single reference to them, instead of a disquisition as to
what had been the policy of the Government with re-
spect to the Church of Scotland. The Church of Scot-
land could have no bearing on the question with respect
to the United States, which must be discussed at a very
early period. The Hon. Gentleman charged him with
having deserted his principles, and with having used
arguments to maintain his present opinions which were
totally unsound and inappropriate. If the Hon. Gentle-
man knew so well what arguments to employ, why had
he not supplied him out of the plenitude of his resources
with proper and sound reasons. He (Sir R. Peel) said
last night that if the Hon. Gentleman the Member fur
Wolverhampton were again to bring forward his
question of the repeal of the corn-laws he for
one could not conscientiously oppose it on the grounds
of protection. Under ordinary circumstances, he did
did not wish to press any particular course, but the Go-
vernment felt that the country was threatened with a
great calamity, and that delay was no longer possible.
A great responsibility was attached to those who were
in the administration of affairs, and it was a question
of policy whether it were prudent to commit the agri-
cultural interests to an interminable contest on the sub-
ject of all protection being abolished. The moment
that he had despaired of bringing the question of pro-
tection to a satisfactory issue, on the same instant he
had tendered his resignation. What more, under the
circumstances could ho have done ? lie had no desire
to retain office on the ground of the necessity of this
question being settled. When he gave up any hopes
of being able to meet it with effect by a voluntary re-
solution, he advised her Majesty to call to her counsels
those who might possess the ability and power to bring
it to a satisfactory termination. He was willing
to have done all in his power to have ad-
justed an equitable settlement of the question.
The Hon. Gentleman said that he had deserted his prin-
ciples ; and, by a rather unhappy image, stated that his
fingers were itching to destroy protection. Other Hon.
Gentlemen had charged him wide having departed from
the course which, under the circumstances, they would,
and he ought to have pursued. He had expected to have
heard an answer from the Hon. Gentleman to the argu-
ments which he had brought forward en the previous
night. This question ought not to be treated in the
strain of levity which the Hon. Gentleman had indulged
n.—(Hear.) He could assure the lion. Gentleman that
two months would not elapse ere lie would regret the
levity he had shown. When the cold weather had set
in he would see the poor man shivering. starved and
naked, in the midst of the cold and privations of winter.
On a former occasion, the Hon. Gentleman, by a distinct
declaration, had seen occasion to compliment him (Sir
H. Peel) in a very high degree. Firstly, her Majesty's
Government deserved great credit for the course they
had pursued with respect to the foreign policy of the
country; and secondly, they were entitled to every re-
spect for their conduct in regard to the finances ; and
that his (Sir Robert Peel's) management of the
financial department, was marked with great pru-
dence, great wisdom, and great skill. He would remind
the Honourable Gentleman that the whole merit
of that financial policy consisted in the reduction
of duties to allow of an import of commodities which had
formerly been forbidden by the strict maintenance of
protection. It could not be the income-tax, which had
caused the Hon. Gentleman to consider his Government
inerked with great skill, greet wisdom, and great pr's.
‘
deuce, for ta% ,);_;!i. :'4.w of
revenue. No I the Hoe. Gentleman, remembering his
former commercial liberality, not forgetful of his earlier
years, intended to compliment him (Sir R. Peel) because
he had supplied the deficigtcY
in the revenue by the

would have no objection to delay its further considera-
tion till it hae been printed.
Sir R. H. INGLIS objected to the proposed arrange-
ment on many grounds. He understood that from 12 to
6 on Wednesdays was to be devoted to private business,
or rather business that was not connected with the Go-
vernment. Now his Noble Friend had, within the last
half-hour, girth notice of one of the most important mo-
tions whiolti 'could be brou*ht under the consideration of
the aO/2VJC ; and if it wasthemtention of Ministers to absent
themselves from the House on a Wednesday this important
motion with respect to charitable endowments might be
brought on and disposed of in their absence, and the
question decided when perhaps there would not be more
than forty members present. For this and fur other
reasons, ait certainly objected to any alterations biting
made 4:.1 the existing sessional order.
Sjir ROBERT PEEL said, if the Ministry fonnd
the motion, to which the Honourahle Baronet
alluded, was to be brought forward on a Wed-
nesday, they would certainly take ca-e to be present.
An HONOURABLE MEMBER wished to know from
her Majesty's Ministers whether, in consequence of the
large number of Railway Bills before the House
this session, making so many more Committees
than had been sitting last session of Parliament, the
public business would not be postponed till the rising of
the Committees, so as to enable Hon. Members to attend
the House.
Sir ROBERT PEEL said it would be matter of eon-
sid‘ ration. _ _

had to endure.—(Hear, hear.) And being on this side
of forty, he must say that he heartily rejoiced in and
admired the conduct of those who, on that (the Oppo
sition side of politics), acknowledged the industry
and the ability which had characterised the Right Hon.
Gentleman. On that point they were entirely agreed.
But he remembered when he (Mr. Colquhoun) sat on
the other side of the House, they followed the Right
Hon. Baronetbecause he professed certain and intelligible
principles. And what were those principles? The
Right Hon. Baronet professed a, strong attachment to
the Church—(Loud cries of " Hear, hear ")—a strong
regard for education in connexion with the Church.—
(Hear, hear.) Ho professed a strong attachment for
that aristocracy on which he now seemed to place such
little value.—(Hear, hear.) He professed a very strong
attachment to the Crown, and he did not then say that
it was a very dacult matter to satisfy an ancient mo-
narchy, a proud aristocracy and a reforming public.
(Hear, hear.) It appeared that the Right Hen. Baron t
hai now, however, abandoned almost every princil le
which he held in common with those who sat on the
same side of the House with him. He (Mr. Colquhoun)
was himself most anxious for a settlement of the ques-
tion of the corn-laws on moderate terms. It would be
well had they left this question to the di chion of go,
country, the proper tribunal —(.lear, hear.) Now it
was not for him (Mr. Colquhoun) to say what pledge
the Right Hon. Gentleman had made on this question.
for he, of course, !mist judge for himself; but those of
the agricultural interest had also a right of judging for
themselves.--(Clear, hear.) And he would say that the)
were not inclined to abandon those principles which they
possessed long ago.—(Hear, hear.) Had the Right
Hon. Baronet gone to the country on this question,
his course would hare been perfectly intelligible.—
(Hear.) Was it to be tolerated that because the Right
Hon. Baronet had served under four Sovereigns--
(Laughter)—bEcause he was, in his opinion, a most ex-
p,rienced statesman and debater, he should be allowed to
guide the helm of public affairs " unshackled and uncon-
trolled ?"—(Hear.) They might be thought bigotted'
—they might be thought fanatic. Hon. Gentlemen h.d
a perfect right, if they pleased, to think so. He thought
it too bad, however, that the Right Hon. Baronet should
obtain the support of the country on one set of princi-
ples and then reject all those principles which charac
tensed them as a body appealing to the country. The
last month bad been particularly fertile in epistles, and,
among the rest, was one from the Hon. Member for
Montrose, which was characterised by the usual god
sense and straightforwardness of that Gentleman.—
.(Hear.) That Hon. Gentleman, who never disguised his
opinions, said that if it was a personal question they would
get a great deal more from Peel than Russell.—(Hear,
hear.) Now it-was just possible that the Conservative
party might think that they would be fully more safe in
the hands of the Noble L than under the former Gen-
tleman. He was pretty sure that if the Noble Lord to .k
any course against them, he would be straightforward in
his proceedings, and would not solicit the support of the
country on one set of principles, and as soon as he ob-
tained, it turn his back upon them.—(Cheers.) He
would not appeal to the constituencies of England for re
ligious principles and agricultural protection, and the n
take all those principles one by one, and then, neck and
heels, throw them overboard. He could not but
think that the memory of immortal ser-
vices would keep him true to the performances
of sacred principles. Now, supposing they were to
have the Noble Lord the Member for London at the
head of the Government, did they think that the mea
sures of that Noble Lord would vary much from the
budget that would be opened on Monday night.—(Hear.
hear.) He would not say more on that subject; let
them wait till then; but he would venture a strong
surmise, that on that occasion the Right Hon. Baronet
would only pie), one card, although there would be a
world of mystatication.—(Hear, hear.), Although there
were many persons ticklish on this question, he was
happy to see the way in which the English yeomen
`stuck to their text.—(Hear, hear.) Much had been
said about the farmers sticking to their text, and he we-,
happy to say that they had done so. Now, what h-
said was, let the Right Hon. Baronet play his own
game, and take the consequences.—(Hear, hear.)
The farmer on the one side, and the manufacturer on the
other, looked with anxiety as to how the question to be
discussed next week would affect them. He would say,
before he had heard the Right Hon. Baronet's speech, or
the speech of the Noble Lord, that he had been convinced
that the corn-laws must give way.—(Opposition cheers.)
Why, it was the only card the Right Hon. Baronet, had
left. He had been shuffling and playing spades for the
last four years, and now he had but one card left to play.
and that was the Knave of Clubs.—(Cheers and laughter.)
As far as the corn-laws were concerned, he could not see
that the country was in greater danger in the hands of
the Noble Lord than in those of the Right Hon. Gentle-
man.—(Opposition cheers.) But then he heard it said
that the Right Hon. Baronet was a safe man, while the
Noble Lord was a rash politician. If he were asked
his opinion with regard to the Right Honourable
Baronet, judging from his speech of last night,
ho should certainly say that with regard to his financial
policy and to the manner in which he had conducted
foreign affairs, the Right Hon. Baronet was evidently
deserving of public confidence. In these he had shown
prudence and wisdom, and had succeeded ; but there
were other points of policy which touched the heart of
the people, on which the Right Hon. Baronet was by no
means so safe. They were told that the Right Hon.
Baronet was the only pilot who could weather the storm.
He would ask them to look back to the past, and by it
to judge of the future. The services of the Right Hon.
Baronet under four sovereigns, to which he alluded last
night, were matters of history, and he would challenge
the Members on the Treasury Bench to tell
him one single complex interest of the country,
including its moral and social condition, of
which the Right Hon. Baronet had not been at one time
the eminent champion, and had not then abandoned it.—
(" Hear, hear," from Colonel Sibthorpe.) lle had beets
the eminent champion of the Protestant interest.—
("Hear, hear," from Colonel Sibthorpe, followed by loud
laughter from the Opposition, occasioned by the very
energetic cheer from the Gallant Officer.) What had
become of that interest in the hands of the Right Hon.
Baronet.—(Cheers.) In 1835-, the Right Hon. Baronet
was the champion of the Church of Scotland. He should
like to know to what condition that Church had now
been reduced, and how by the delays and the deferrings
of measures that Church had been strangled by
the hands of the Right Honourable Baronet.
The Right Hon. Baronet had been considered the for
ward and uncompromising champion of agriculture. He
was not going then to ask why the Right Hon. Gentle-
man upheld that interest, but this he would say, that the
Right Hon. Baronet had never, since his return to power
in 1842, given that question the slightest chance.—
(Hear, hear.) They had been told by the Honourable
Member for Stockport that the Right Hon. Baronet was
skilful in evasion, and they knew that he had passed a
Bill the year before which he had changed the year
after.—(Hear, hear.) But the Hon. Member for Stock-
port said that the Right Hon. Baronet had never met
the question; that he had never discussed the question
of protection on the ground of political economy, on
which alone he could explain it.—(Cheering from the
Opposition and the Mintsterial benches.) The Right
Hon. Baronet cheered. His opinion then was that the
question could not be explained on the ground of
political economy. He (Mr. Colquhoun) then would
beg to ask that Right Hon. Gentleman, as a man of
mature experience and of great ability, if he meant to
say, that when he stood on this ground in the years 1839
and 1840 that all his declarations that the inferior lands
would be thrown out of cultivation, that the farmers
would be ruined and the labourers turned adrift, were
unfounded? when he terrified the minds of country
gentlemen by his assertions that this question
(settle it as they might) would t-nd to disastrous results.
did be mean to say, that in his heart he felt all these
elaborate arguments were utterly unsound ?—( Hear,hear.)
Was that the defence which the Right Hon. Baronet in-
tended to make for his conduct? If he told him (Mr.
Colquhoun) that he was really convinced, then he must
say that, able Minister as be might be, and a gentleman
of the highest ability, as he undoubtedly was, he would
find few to echo the same conviction. If he abandoned
this because it was a rotten question, then it was sup-
ported by the most rotten arguments.—(" Oh, oh," from
the Opposition.) He repeated that the arguments he
had heard last night were altogether of this character.
rhe result had in his (Mr. Colquhoun) opinion been
most unsatisfactory, but be that as it might, whatever
causes had prompted him to this conclusion, the fact was
evident that the agricultural interests in his hands were
wrecked.—(Hear, hear.) Every complex interest in the
country, that he had interference with, had been strand( d.
He could not help suggesting that in an age in which
public opinion is so strong, and sitting as they did in a
reformed Parliament, he did wonder at the course of
thelltight Hon. Gentleman, knowing that he could not
maintain any course without bringing forward the real
principles on which it was founded. When he (Mr.
Colquhoun) heard the Right Hon. Gentleman in 1843,
and listened to his speech on the corn-laws, he felt that
as far as the Right, Hon. Gentleman was concerned, the
corn laws were doomed ; for, if he could not bring for-
ward arguments in support of them, he was satisfied that
they could not staud. He could see, by looking to the
past history, that he could place no confidence in the
tact and skill of the Right Hon. G, ntleman to maintain
the institutions of this country; and he for one was pre-
pared for the contest for those institutions which was,
as they knew, pending, and which was open then. He
was prepared to fight the battle with his Honourable
Friend by his side, and with an able and gallant oppo-
nent, rather than submit to be led by one, who might be
of the greatest skill, talent, and experience, but was not
consistent to his own principles. He could not consent to
be led by the Right Hon. Baronet, as the course of
his policy would be certainly dangerous to all our insti-
tutions.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. HUME said that he was sure that any one who
heard the speech of the Hon. Member and his reflections
on the Right Hon. Baronet, would ask what all that had
to do with the question then before the House. He for
one approved of the conduct of the Right Hon. Gentle-
man alluded to. He had heard the speech of the Hon.
Gentleman, a part of which was delivered last night,
where he asked the House to reflect on the situation in
which he stood, and said that with regard to the face of
the cottntry as it then was, it was his duty as a public
man to alter his opinion when he was in error. The
argument of his friend opposite, however, was that let
him be conscious that he was in error and that his act
would destroy the country, yet he should persevere in it.
He would much rather have the simple declaration of the
Right Hon. Baronet, who owned that he had been under
a mistake ter years, and that he was convinced that the
principles on which protection was based were untenable.
Why, was it possible that men of common sense could
follow such men as they had heard that night? Mr.
Canning changed his opinions respecting the Reform
Act, and he (Mr. Hume) recollected when that Right
Hen Gerhiccialt ta,ie his ,tand tilt
Old Sarum (one of tito Le/14er' boroughs) against any
reform. Why, he would tell them that the qualifica-
tions of that House of Commons, abuse it as they ,
might, was, that it always followed the spirit of the

The sessional order was then read and agreed to.
RAILWAY DEPOSITS.

Lord JOHN RUSSELL wished to know from the
Right Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer, whether the amount of the deposits on Railway
Bills had yet been taken into consideration? Last year
the amount paid in was 3,000,0001., but this year it was
calculated that 9,000,000 L would be the sum ; and that
amount might cause a very great depression in the
money market.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he
felt exceedingly obliged to the Noble Lord for having
given him an opportunity of removing from the public
mind any doubt that might have existed as to the course
the Government intended to pursue on this subj• ct.
The House was aware that by a resolution of the stand-
ing orders of this House all parties engaged in railway
speculations were bound to pay a deposit equal to
three- fourths of the whole expense of the under
taking. And by an Act of Parliament passed in
a recent session, the parties making the deposit had a
right to have the money invested by the Accountant-
General in any way they should think fit. About the
middle of November last, an application bad been made
to him by very respectable parties in London, that a
definite answer should be given as to the course the
Government intended to pursue in reference to that
order; and it was then suggested that the resolution
should be so altered, that parties, instead of being corn
pelted to invest their deposits in Exchequer-bills or
Government Stock or India Bonds, should be allowed to
invest in bills of exchange. To the application so made
ho gave an answer, which he had resolved upon after
due consideration, to the effect that he could not give an
assurance of any alteration in the standing order in
question. Under these circumstances, he did not feel
justified in holding out any hope that any proposal for
an alteration of the standing order in question would be
held out, or that he would not resist any such proposal
if it should be made. He had every reason to believe
that the difficulties apprehended from the order as it
DOW stood were not founded in fact, and that, therefore,
he would not be justified in acceding to an alteration
of the erder.

Lord JOHN RUSSELL said he had not pat the
question with a view to consider what might or might
not be the benefits to individuals, but with a view to
avoid inconvenience to those who might have misappre-
hended the order.

Mr. MANGLES conceived that the Right Hon. Gen-
tleman had taken a very one-sided view of the
question put by the Noble Lord. The Right
Honourable Gentleman the Chancellor of the Ex-
cheqner seemed to think that this question had nothing
to do with any portion of the community, except those
who have been engaged in railroad speculations.
And I must beg to inform him that the evil has
fallen much more heavily upon the general dealers than
upon those who were most intimately connected with
railways. It has happened within these few days that
circumstances have come to my knowledge which evince
that great hardship has been endured by individuals
engaged in business. who have, through the want occa-
sioned by this unsettled question of the railway deposits,
been deprived of the accommodation which they have
usually received from their bankers. Those who have
been accustomed to grant that accommodation well know
how heavily the pressure has weighed upon those with
whom they have to deal. Nor does the evil rest here,
for not only is there the deprivation of the means,
but the money deposited in the hands of bankers has
not only been locked up, but has commanded
such prices that those most in need of accommodation
are quite unable to obtain it ; and hence business has
grievously suffered-. lie spoke in the presence of many
gentlemen who were much better acquinted with matters
in the City than himself, but he believedlthat he was
perfectly right in saying that the mischief was far
greater to the general commercial community than to
the proprietors of railroad property.
Mr. MASTERMAN said, that as he had enjoyed
the honour of being the medium of commu-
nication between the parties referred to and
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he felt
it necessary to state that when he went to the Govern-
ment to obtain some definite understanding respecting the
railway deposits, he did so from an impression that the
question of the mode in which they were to be received
most deeply affected the commercial interests. He must
acknowledge that his interview with the Chancellor of
the Exchequer was anything but satisfactory. The
answer he had received left the matter quite in as much
doubt as it was before, and it was of more importance, as
he knew that within the last 14 days this matter had oc-
casioned serious inconvenience to several gentlemen of
high repute in commercial circles.
Mr. S. CRAWFORD said that it was necessary that
the matter should be settled, as it materially affected the
interests of the Irish tenantry.
Sir R PEEL—As there are measures of equal impor.
tance with the railway deposits shortly to be brought
under the consideration of the House, I must beg have
to say that I must defer giving an answer to the Noble
Lord's question till some days hence.

THE SUN LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JANUAttv 24 1846.

ttbolition df restrictions which fettered trade.—(Hear.)
In speaking of the Aritocfaty df the land, the Hon. Gen-
tleman had accused him of havitig Made lige of art offen-
sive expression in conjunction with their name. HQ (Sit
R. Peel) wished that he had paver to weigh every ex-
pression to which he might Five utterance in the hurry
of debate. It was true he had made use of the words
" proud aristocracy!'' but he could assure the llon, Gen-
tleman, on his honour, ht 3 intended that epithet
as applicable to them on at doutit tif their
exalted rank, education, and high Anti tidbit)
principles, and had not the slightest referetide
to insolence of manner or haughty bearing. From his
interpetration of the Hon. Geittlettlan's speech, he felt
satisfied that all his objections had been iritendttd.as so
many compliments to him (Sir R. Fed ) Ife SI-115411d
make no further observations before setting down than
to repeat what he had already stated, that in pursuing
the settlement of the great question which now agitates
the public mind, on just and equitable teftils t- at
people with whose welfare his own wai altogether boiifitl
up, he should not allow any personal considerations or
private motives to make him swerve from the principles
which he had le.'d

ORE)
RUSSELL
saidU S '
Lord JOHNa
question touching the foreign relations of the country
heIO wishedN. to aLk
with respect to the settlement of the Oregon tertitory
with the United States. From the message of the Pre-
sident of the United States, it appeared that they had
come to a definite res-lution on the subject, but that
there was still room for a compromise. The propoiition
might or might not be satisfactory, but it did seem to
him (Lord John Russell) to require a statement of the
terms on which this country would agree to settle
the question of the Oregon. He would wish to ask
whether any negotiation was pending between
the two countries ? If so, he felt strisfied that as the
-gfair was in the hands of her Majesty's Government,
the issue, however it might result, would not be other
wise than satisfactory. He would say one word with
respect to what had fallen from the Hon. Member for
Montrose with respect to an increased amount for more
efficiently maintaining the naval and military forces.—
He trusted that this grant was required only for an in-
creased regiment or so to be stationed at some of the co-
lonies, or places where troops were already stationed in
different parts of the world. He hoped that it was upon
these grounds, end not from any expectation of a colli-
sion with the United States, that her Majesty's Minis-
ters requested this increase in the supplies for naval and
military service. Another question occurred to him
with respect to the sanguinary warfare in the South
Ameican States, "by which," to quote her Majesty's
speech, " the commerce of all nations had been in
terrupted, and acts of barbarity had been com-
mitted unknown to any civilised nation." From
what he had heard had taken place in those
encounters, there could not he the least doubt that
acts of great barbarity had been committed in the
place he had mentioned. Now the question he had
to put was this, did the Right Hon. Baronet pro-
pose to lay upon the table all the papers he had re-
ceived relative to the grounds upon which the Govern-
ment of this country had interfered with the affairs of
the River Plata.

Sir R. PEEL would beg leave to say, in answer to
the question of the Noble Lord, that he did not think it
probable he would, at this early period of the session,
have been called on to give answers to those questions.
However, he would say, with respect to the Oregon ques-
tion, that a proposal had been made to the President of
the United States, in which it was suggested that a divi-
sion of that territory should be made ; but the terms that
had been proposed for this division were so little likely
to be accepted, that Mr. Pakenham had intimated as
much as that the proposal might as well be withdrawn.
Now, with respect to that gentleman, he would
only say, that though he entertained for him
the highest respect, it would have been much
better had he transmitted to the home Govern-
ment here the usual accounts of what had come to his
knowledge on,this question. Since, then, the offer of this
country had been refused on the terms he bad stated, a
new course had been adopted, and it had been agreed
upon to refer the question to arbitration, but no answer
to that offer had yet been received. With respect to the
navy estimates, he felt assured that it was impossible
for the Noble Lord and the House not to see the neces-
sity for the proposed increase, particularly when they
recollected the Leavy demands that were being made
upon the country fr m New Zealand and Hong-Kong.
He should say that this country was now in such a
position as rendered it not only wise but requisite, that
those estimates should be granted, and that no unneces-
sary anx'ety had existed upon the subject.—(Hear.)
Sir H. INGLIS—No person respected more than he
did the observations of Hon. Members upon this subject
that he had heard, but he could_ not help saying that
when the proposal for an increase of those estimates was
made last night, it was received with unanimous ap-
plause from both sides of the House. He would content
himself with those observations for the present, reserv-
ing to himself the right to enter more at length into the
subject upon a future occasion.
The O'CONNOR DON said, with respect to the coun-
try with which he was connected, he had seen reference
made, in her Majesty's Speech, to the distress which pre-
vailed in Ireland ; and he, unfortunately, had had sad
experience of the correctness of the accounts which the
Right Hon. Baronet had received on that subject,
and he was glad to perceive that her Majesty had ex-
pressed her sympathy with her Irish subjects. But he
also perceived reference made to the extent of crime in
Ireland. He felt grieved to be compelled to admit that
there were some parts of Ireland in which crime was
prevalent, and he had no words in which to express his
horror of the barbarous assassinations that had of late
been committed in that country. But he would wish to
know whether the Right Hon. Baronet, is proposing a
remedy for this state of things, had taken into consider-
ation the proposal of any measure for the adjustment of
the landlord and tenant question. He regretted to hear
that the Right Hon. Baronet had stated that no such
measure would be introduced this session.—(Here the
Right Hon. Baronet was understood to intimate to the
Hon. Member across the table that he had made no such
statement.) He (the O'Connor Don) had been led to
understand that the Right Hon. Baronet had male that
statement, but he was gratified he had been mistaken.
However, he begged to say that no measure affecting
Ireland could be introduced which was deemed of greater
importance in that country than the measure for the
adjustment of the landlord and tenant question.
Sir R. PEEL begged to assure the Hon. Member that
that question had been occupying the serious attention
of her Majesty's Government, and be hoped the Hon.
Member would do him the favour to repeat the question
a few days hence.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. BANKES said it now appeared that the Right
Hun. Baronet had changed his opinions upon a subject
of great moment to this country, but he (Mr. Bankes)
was yet at a loss to understand the real cause of that
change. He Jcertainly had not informed them of the
precise period when that change came over his mind.
He had not stated that this change had taken
place in consequence of the apprehended famine.
Another point which appeared to him to be unexplained
and inexplicable, was what was the real necessity for this
change, if it was not to prevent the mischief to be ap-
prehended from a scarcity of food? The Noble Lord
opposite had published a letter, and it appeared to him
(Mr. Bankes) that this document was really the cause
of this change; but why it should be he was really at a
loss to understand. He had listened to the Right Hon.
Baronet's arguments, and though he did not possess the
talent and ability of that Right Hon. Gentleman, yet he
did not admit that he would not be able to answer him
at the proper time; on the contrary, he felt convinced
that he would be able to give many of his facts and
statements a positive denial. He (Mr. Bankes) was one
of a deputation from twenty-two counties of England
who waited upon the Right Hon. Baronet at a period of
great distress in this country, when the question of the
duty upon wool was introduced. [Here Sir R. Peel made
country—but
an observation, which was inaudible in the gallery.-1
There is however one oversight in her
whyher
li
gajreeasttyinstsepreesetcs?h:
It was stated that they will endeavour to make these
greatgreat
interestschanges owith
they—
a s littlentr injury as possile to the
What is to become of the little interests—the farmer—of
whom the Hon. Member for Finsbury spoke, wishing
thereby to insinuate that they were not the parties in
question; they have, however, a very different opinion ;
tney consider that it is one in which they are most in-
terested. There are, however, little interests among the
manufacturers of land, as we are now to call them—and
I have no objection that it should be so; call if you
please the earth one great manufactory on which the
farmer toils; but let us have the same bs.nefits which
you have; these are terms which you cannot refuse. And
there are little interests in your manufactures—the
hand•loom weavers, the glove makers and others, among
whom there is great distress, struggling against great
opposition, and reduced to the lowest possible amount
of wages. The Hon. Member then urged upon those in
power not to take a step further till they could satisfy
him, that not only to those whom they called the great
interests of the nation, the " proud acristocracy, ' or
what you will, but also that the lesser interests of the
state shall be provided for; that they shall not be left
to starve as they certainly will if they carry their pro-
jects further. He gave the Noble Lord the Member for
London joy of his Reform Bill—that here are certain
Members of her Majesty's Government frightened into
changes of opinion, because they dread the effects of the
conflict of the classes in consequence of their conflict of
opinion. He viewed with regret the existence of clubs
and associations, whose language was equal to anything
that proceeded from the old Jacobin clubs, but he viewed
with still greater feelings of regret a Neckar at the head
of the Government. He did not intend any offence to
the Right lion. Baronet; he begged of the Government,
to appeal to the country, and said, that he was ready
most cheerfnlly to abide by the decision of the country,
if they would give it the opportunity of expressing its
legitimate opinion.
Mr. SHARNIAN CRAWFORD stated, in corrobora-
tion of the statement of her Majesty's Ministers, that at
least half the potato crop of Ireland was destroyed, the
price of potatoes was at least double, and the working
man who had lost his crop of potatoes had not the means
of buying them at the present high prices. The only
substitute for potatoes in Ireland was oatmeal, and
that was at least one-half higher in price than
formerly, and if means should not be taken to provide
for the necessities of the people, there will be a large
amount of distress and discontent. He thanked her
Majesty for the very kind manner in which she had ex-
pressed her sympathy for the suffering people of Ireland.
The report was then brought up, and the address was
agreed to.
Sir ROBERT PEEL stated that a communication had
been made to him from her Majesty, stating that she
would receive the Address at half-past two o'clock to-
morrow.

Mr. BROTHERTON said that he hoped Hon. Mem-
bers w@iilcl :111::1 a:01. I,eep her
Ai4j:y. waitiug, as oil .former o'ceasions they had done.
EXTENSION AND PROMOTION .OF PUBLIC

WORKS IN IRELAND.
Sir L IREMANTIA moved for leare to bring in a

Bill to amend the Acts for the extension and promotion
of public works in Ireland.
Mr. HUMS approved of the facility proposed to be
given for granting loans of money, to be expended on
ptiblid works in Ireland. It would however, he thought,
be satisfactory to know how the public money had been
expended by the Board of Works in that country.
Sir T. FREMANTLE observed that returns would
noon be laid before the House, showing the sums of mo-
ney expended since the passing of the Act 1 and 2 Will.
IV.

Mr. FITZSTEPHEN FRENCH denied that any
publie grant of money was requisite to promote the ob-
jects to be attained by the Bill for amending the Act;'
for the extension aml promotion of public works in
Ireland. A grant of 50,000 b had been made upon a
fofmer cocasion of national distress in Ireland, but
the money had been improperly applied. The grant
was renderedlnoperathe because the money had been
given to help private individuals to improv,e their
estates, and not to promote public works.
of lt FERGUSON said the lion. Member. was
mistake:, the money was really expended on public
worlo.
Leave was granted to bring in the Bill, which was
frad n first time, and ordered to be read a second time on
Wednesday:
The House 6107 24journed at Half-past Eight ocekek
until to-morrow.

GREAT WELSH CENTRAL RAIL-

WAY COMPANY.
The adjourned Meeting of the scripholders of this Company
was held on Thursday, at the Iting'e Head Tavern, Poultry
for the purpose of hearing the report of Vie committee ap-
pointed at the last meeting to report oti the troecedings of
the Provisional Committee.
The CHAIRMAN (D. W. Harvey, Esq.). having reed a
letter from Mr. Parker, of Aldborough, stating his inability
to attend, but expressing his concurrence in the views ex-
pressed by the Chairman at a former Meeting, said it would
be in the recollection of the meeting that en the Bth
instant -It committee of five shareholders was appointed
to eltamine into the financial circumstances of the Company.
As Chairmen of that COnitnittee, it devolved on him to re-
port to them what hitd passed between them and those gen-
tlemen on the Provisional Committee of the Company. He
regretted to say that what had occurred prompted him
to retract the favourable opinion which he had ex-
pressed en the question. They should bear in mind the
dates of the Oetufrences he was about to state. On the
10th it was arranged betvieen him and Mr. Parker
that they should meet at the office of the Company,
in Clement's-lane, at three oleloet that day. He
met there Mr. W. Ellis, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Doermin,
the secretary of the Company, whc concurred In hid expres-
sion of regret that they lad been so prompt in dealing with
the deposits, which they attributed to the desire of the G'as-
gow holders to divide the money. He requisted to be furnished
with a copy of the accounts, and an account of \lrina bills
paid was produced—enitmget the rest, one item of 11,000/4,
making altogether something less than 40,0001. He requested
to be furnished with a copy of the other accounts, but this
was refused by Mr. Parker, who said that be meld not
do so until the consent of the Committee should have
been obtained, but promising, at the same time, to forward
him the same. That copy. he had never received. On the
Monday after he saw Mr. Stafford, Mid it was agreed that
the following Thursday should be appointed for
the first Meeting of their Committee. He had,
in the meantime, received a letter from Mr. Parker.
(The Chairman here read the letter, which inclosed a copy
of a letter from Mr. Stafford, stating that ho had examined
the accounts, which the writer trusted would prove satis-
factory.) A reply was given to that letter to the effect that
the accounts had not been examined in detail, and that the
meeting of those appointed at the former meeting to repre-
sent the remaining shareholders was merely preliminary. To
that an answer had been received, whi3h he would
read. [This merely stated that he (Mr. Parker) could
not attend the meeting.] He went to the office
of the Company, and he there found two other gentlemen
who were ready to enter on their duties, But neither Mr.
Parker or any other member elf the Committee W 29
present. He then wrote to Mr. Parker, stating
that he bad attended, and would require to see
all the accounts. [The Learned Chairman continued
to read several letters between him and Mr. Parker, the
substance of which was, that Mr. Parker would not accede
to his wishes in affording him an opportunity of investigating
the accounts. He now had placed before them all that passed,
and he thought they must all agree with him that more
unworthy attempts to evade the object of that Committee
were never made, and could scarcely be conceived.]—(Hear,
hear.) To come to the conehislon that, because one member
of the Committee bad been called to the office that therefore
the matter was settled, was indeed an appeal to their in
firmity, and was perfectly in unison with the
conviction he had entertained that the affairs of
the Company had been mismanaged. The law on
railways was now clearly elucidated, and that was,
that a committee were answerable to the shareholders.
—(Pear.) The opinion had been also taken of some of the
most eminent law and equity barristers, and that opinion
was not less unequivocal than the opinion of the Judge,
delivered recently on a case that involved the question.
They had also given their opinion as regarded allottees of
shares. They said, that persons who applied for shares,
and had agreed to pay their deposits, were liable,
provided that the scheme was a bond fide one;
Moreover, that the provisional committee could not
demand more from the allottees who had paid their
deposits than 10 per cent. for expenses. It was also clearly
laid down that when a Company had failed, and that when a
great number of the committee had not paid their money,
being more anxious for obtaining premiums for their
shares than for the success of the undertaking, that
they would be liable for the whole amount. That
Company had asked them for 17s. 6d. per share, which
was more than, under the circumstances, they had a right
to demand. He would propose that they. should give their
deposits into the hands of the Protectionist Society, which,
fur five shillings a share, would try the matter with the
provisional committee. He would conclude by proposing a
series of resolutions. (These were deprecating the conduct
of the provisional committee, and embodying the views of
the chairman.)
The resolutions were proposed and seconded, and an
amendment also proposed and seconded, which gave rise to
an angry and desultory discussion, which terminated in the
Chairman vacating the chair.
The meeting then separated, without either amendment or
resolution being submitted.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE.
(From the London New Price Current of Jan. 23.)
SimAn—The purchases made in raw Sugar for home con-
sumption have been upon rather a larger scale than they
were last week ; prices advanced for West India, but any
improvement in Bengal, Mauritius, and Madras, has been
prevented by the extensive parCels that importers continue
to offer at public sale.
REFINED. —There has been more activity in the market
this week, and a good demand has prevailed from the town
and country trade for Refined sugar : more especially for the
low and middling descriptions, the rates paid have been in
some instances rather above those previously quoted.
This afternoon there were sellers of Mauritius Sugar by pri-
vate treaty at rather lower rates, still few buyers are to be
met with. This afternoon Bengal Sugar met with little
attention, and 2,419 bags at auction were only in
part sold at a decline on former rates of is to Is 6d per cwt.
To-day there was more desire shown to purchase all kinds of
Foreign Sugar privately; but business of moment was pre-
vented by holders insisting upon an advance on former rates
of Is per cwt.
CorFarc.—This afternoon the market was abundantly sup-
plied with Mocha Coffee; three parcels, amounting to 1,192
bales, and two half bales, were submitted to public competi-
tion. The principal part found buyers, the lower kinds at
full rates, but the long berry sorts went 2s to 4s. per cwt
cheaper.
COCOA.—Holders of British Plantation are less inclined to
realise, and have refrained from offering any at auction; by
private treaty the operations have been upon a more extended
scale, but not at better prices.
TEA.—lmpontrs have confidence, and still refrain from
submitting any to public competition ; there is not a large
quantity of black or green offering privately, notwithstand-
ing the stock is heavy. None has been received since this
day week, whereas the deliveries since that time has been
upon a large scale.
MorAsses.—West Indil are still held with firmness, but
the demand has been limited; previous rates are however
sustained.

SPlRlTS.—lmporters of Jamaica Rum are not inclined to
submit to any further decline in prices, but shippers and the
home trade have been cautious in their proceedings. Lee-
ward Island has met with little attention, but cannot be had
upon lower terms. Demerara is little wanted, and former
rates are with difficulty supported. For Brandy prices rule
very firm, and large purchases have been made.
SPICES.—To-day Black Pepper was purchased with more
freedom, and 250 bags at auction were sold at full rates.
Nutmegs are little wanted, and three chests at auction went
a little cheaper.
COCIIINEAL.—This afternoon at public sale 100 bags of
Honduras were all sold—middling to good silvers at 5s .5d to
5s Bd, being from last sale's rates to Id advance; black fetched
6s 3d to 7s 6d, which is rather higher; 51 bags of Mexican
silvers sold at 5s 4d to 5s sd, and black 53 6d to 6s 3d per lb.
SALTPETRE.—To-day there was little desire shown to pur-
chase Rough, and 2,559 bags Calcutta at public sale were
only in part sold, upon rather lower terms.
TAW /W.-This afternoon at public sale 139 pkgs 63 hds
South American Tallow were only in part sold at 41s 6d to
42s ; 46 casks North American all sold 39s to 42s ; 440 casks
New S. Wales only in part sold at 40s Gd to 42s 9d, and low
38s 6d to 39s 6d; 25 chests East India taken in at 455; 50
casks Petersburgh Yellow Candle sold at 41s 6d for second
sort • 46 casks Odessa Sheep 41s 9d to 42s per cwt.
INDIGO.—To-day during the progress of the sale 405
chests were withdrawn, and 735 chests have passed the
hammer. The biddings were rather more animated, but
there is no alteration to notice in the prices. 4,970 chests
have now passed the sale, of which 2,917 are sold.
Oli.s.—Although there are sellers of Linseed Oil upon
further reduced terms, still the operations have been upon a
small scale. Rape Seed Oil has been purchased with cau-
tion, and prices are with difficulty kept up. In Olive Oil only
a moderate business has been transacted, but holders are
prevented from pressing sales by the smallness of the stock
Cocoa Nut has been sparingly dealt in, but not offered to
any further decline in prices. Palm is not to be had upon
lower terms, but the demand has been small. Lard Oil is
heavy of disposal. Although Cod Oil can be obtained at the
rate of 261 to 261 10s, still the business transacted has
been limited this week.

BANK OF ENGLAND.
(From last Night's Gazette.)
to Account, pursuant to the Act 7th and Bth of Victoria, cap. 32, for
the Week ending on Saturday, the 17th day of January, 1846.
ISSUE DEPARTMENT.

X.
Notes issued . 26,573,910

£25,573,119

Dated the 22,1 day of January,

JUNI MG D,
Proprietors' capital. • 14,333,000
Rest 3,311,777
Public deposits tin-
eluding Exihhequer,
Commasel; of
National ;fay—.
inns-banks, ZMi-
vidend accounts). • 4,710,937
Other deposits
Seven day and other
bills • • 1,009,030

Government debt • • 11,015,100
Other securities •• • • 2,981,9110
Gold coin and bullion 11,025,3. 6
Silver bullion .•• • • • 1,547,954

£26,573,910
MARSIIALL, Chief Cashier.
846.

,EPARTICLIQT.

£ 34,669,362

Government sectui- • -
ties (including Dead
Weight Annuity) • • 13,137,047
Other securities •• • • 15,773,1.24
Notes • 5,393,745
Gold and silver coin.. ,5135,466

£ 34,669,382

M. MARSHALL, Chief Cashier
Dated the 22d day of January, 1846.

Lord Lyttelton (Under Secretary of State for the Co-
lonits) hos let town for Brighton.