The Sun.
London, England, 1802-05-19 00:00:00

oat the most prejudicial eons,cquentes to trade.--a
Most of the Flee Labourers carijed on their work
at their own liotr;es ; and in that case, it would be
impossible to prevent them from employing them-
selves at night_work. It was the privilege of every
Cottager, in this Free Country, to work where and
when he chose, by night or by day. With regard
to the Cotton Mills, such a regulation must htex-
tiemelv prejudicial to them, as it would interfere
with the manner of employing their machinery. • In
many places, it was found absolutely necessary to
keep the machinery in motion by night as well as
by day, and for this purpose, a different sec of
Labourers was employed for these different periods.
It was right, he said, that Apprentices, who were
compelled to labour, should have the periods of work
and relaxation regulated by law ; but with regard
to Free Labourers, there could be no reason why
the Legislature should interfere in their voluntary
tasks. These Gentlemen, he said, who now were
30 loud in the cause of Humanity, had never before
been heard to utter a word on the present subje6t.
It was very hard, therefore, that when the Mann-
lafturers came forward, and, aEtuated by motives of
Humanity, voluntarily moved for restriaions on
themselves, these Gentlemen should now startup,
and demand to have these restrictions extended,

Mr. WILBERFORCE regretted that the provi-
sions of the Bill should only be extended to Appren,
tices, as he had the best information that in many
places, where there are many Mills, Free Labourers
were alone employed.
The ATTORNEY CENERAL said, that it was
his opinion, that unless the provisions of the 'Bill
were extended, it would do more harm than good.
The very faCt of the Extension being opposed by
Manufalurers on the ground that it would be pre-
judicial to their interests, was, with him, a reason
why it should be extended. It was a proof that
they possessed powers over the Free Labourers,
which ought to he restriEted. He said, he would
refer it to the House, whether it was not more con-
ducive to the welfare of the Children, that they
should be regular Apprentices, than hired by the
month: and if this was the case, was not the direa
tendency of the present Bill to destroy Apprentice-
ships altogether ? Would not the Manufacturers
employ Children as Free Labourers, in place of Ap-
prentices,. in order to evade the law ? These ob_
jet!lions were convincing to his mind : however he
submitted his opinion to the judgment of those who
were better informed. •

Sir ROBERT PEEL, in reply, said, that Ma.
nufaCtures carried on by Mills, were more beneficial
to the Revenue, than any other mode of performing
the labour ; and not only to the Revenue, but also
to the persons employed. They could work there
with much morecomfort and advantage than at their
own houses ; bur the effed of the present Bill would
be to oblige the Free Labourers to do their night_
work at home, without the opportunity of taking
advantage of the machinery. He deprecated the
idea of aling from the impulse of feeling, and
going beyond what experience warranted. If
the provisions of the Bill were more extended,
they would be going forward entirely in the dark.
He concluded by acquainting those who opposed the
Bill in its present form, that if its provisions were
found insufficient, he should next Session again
bring it before the House, and such amendments
might then be made, as experience would justify.

Lord BELGRAVE said, that after this declara.
tion, he should no longer oppose the Bill at pre_
sent.

The Bill was then read, and after various re_
marks and amendments, mostly verbal, on the se_
veral clauses, passed the Committee.
The House having resumed, the Report was re.
ceived, and ordered to be taken into furthercon-
sideration on Thursday, and the Bill to be printed
as amended.

The second reading of the Irish Courts of Law
Bill was postponed till Thursday.
The Committee on the Irish Mariners Encourage_
ment Bill was deferred till to-morrow, and also
the Committee on the Irish Sugar Drawback Bill.
The Committee on the Arts respelling Legacies
reported progress, and asked leave to sit again on
Thursday.

The Report of the Lottery Bill was ordered to
be received re-morrow.

Mr. ALEXANDER brought up the Report of the
Committee relative to the Sinking Fund, which
was read and agreed to,, and a Bill ordered.

Mr. N. VANSITTART brought up a Bill to re-
peal the Stamp Duties on Medicines, and impose
other Duties iu lieu thereof, which was read a first
time, and ordered to be read a second time to-
morrow.

The House in a Committee to consider of the
Ads relative to Duties on Audions, canie to a Re_
solution to exempt Goods and Merchandizes im-
ported from the British Colonies in America from
the Duty on Au Lions on the first sale thereof.—
Report to-morrow.
Mr. ALEXANDER brought up the Report of the
Committee of Supply, which was read and agreed
to.

Mr. WICKHAM gave notice of his intention to
move on Friday nest for leave to bring in a Bill
to enable His Majesty to accept of the services of
certain Volunteer Corps in Ireland.
Mr. ALEXANDER brought up the Report of• the
Committee relative to Refined Sugar, which was
read and agreed to, and an instruCtion ordered to
the Gentlemen appointed to bring in the Bill re-
lativc to the Bounties on Refined Sugar, to make
provision accordingly.
The Committee on the Franking Bill was post--.
poned till to-morrow.

The Committee on the Irish Linen Bill was de-
ferrediill Friday.

Adjourned at half pas

eight till to-morrow.

l'R ICE; t
Y EST Eit

STOCKS.
DAY.
India Stock
Excheq. ISilis s. s. prem.
Ftinttable ditto prem.
Cxcliegtter Bills par
New S: S. Stock
I m per. / per Lent. 72 •
Ditto Alin. t 2 1-16
tank fbr opening
India fur opening
(;'..tiLC'iS ICH Account

Sank `Star.}: 1901 r9Oll,
5 pcf L.cht. roz,il
i per Cciit. F,71.1'. 1,4 3:414i•
rbh 5 per .-11 t.
4 per (few:. (`.tin. 9oi 89; 90
; per Cent. PENT.
; per Cent. Con. 74fAi
Ditto Sc'sip
L.Ann. 244
();tto Short Aral. -
Dint> Sqip