The Sun.
London, England, 1851-03-29 00:00:00

THE

an annually decreasing charge. This year 237 officers had '
died; while the applications to be put on list were only 125.
The next vote was the foreign half-pay. Last year it
was 42,2001. ; this year it was 38,993!., showing a decrease
of 3,207/. This arose from the death of officers and officers'
widows; and the fund was one to which there could be
no addition made. After this came the widows' pensions,
which last year were 126,536!, and this year were only
12',7171., being a decrease of 3,8191. Eighty-five widows
had teen removed from the list since that period. Then
came the compassionate list, which showed a decrease of
2,900/. After this came the charge for Chelsea and
Kilmainham Hcspitals, which was last year 35,756!., this
year 35,4161., being a decrease of 343/. only, Lotwithstanding
what had been stated by the Hon. and Gallant Member for
Portarlington on the previous debate on going into Com-
mittee. The next vote was one of the largest in this branch
of the estimates—namely, that for the out-pensioners. Last
year it was 1,233,711/. ; this year it was 1,233,050/. He
had always found the deduction for casualties to be over-
stated in respect to this vote; and he had reduced it this
year by 5,C00!. The last vote on the list was that for super-
annuation allowances, upon which there was a decrease of
2,5001. This made the total decrease on the non-effective ser-
vice of the army, for the yea-, equal to 30,533/. ; or, putting
the effective and the non-effective together, and comparing
em with she same in the laqt year, the saving would be as,
follows:—Last year they amounted to 6,019,3971.; this year
they reached only 5.925,3451., being a decrease of 93,4521.
which, with the additional day's pay—namely. 12,0001., gave
in all a difference equivalent to 105,000/.—(Hea .) These,
generally, were the votes he should propose to the House;
but he could not quit the subject without instituting a com-
parison between the army expenditure and efficiency of the
present year and that of the year 1835, so frequently quoted
in discussions on the estimates. It would be seen from this
comparison that while the number ani efficiency of the army
was increased, the expenditure was less than in that year.
Taking into consideration the whole military expenditure in
both years, this was the result :
In 1835-6, cost of army service
~ cost of militia service..... 218,851

Cheque. in 1796. Although the money was levied by a
mindeae it was repaid to the soldier in another way.
Mr. REYNOLDS said the Right Hon. Gentleman had dealt
Zth the question in a very ingenious way. He could not deny
su e charter under which the hospital was founded, but he
Pped the supplies, and starved the institution to death,
ge did not think that the Secretary-at-War had any right
tPat a veto upon the admission of pensioners. Ile believed
t institution was extremely popular, and that the
eildier looked to that asylum with hope and confidence.
The
l movement was not dictated by economy - it was one of
r: steps towards a general system of centralisation.— (Hear,
et.) It was another attack upon the honour and nation-
titY of Ireland. He hoped the vote of to-night would teach
"e Right Hon. Gentleman not to commit this act of ag-
tiessien on the Irish people.
Sir H. VERNEY said the arguments of the Right Hon.
:rtetleman applied as much to Chelsea as they did to Kil-
,!alnham. He deprecated the introduction of national dis-
lections and jealousies, but agreed with the previous
Makers that tne attempt to do away with this hospital
,ft
iikrld be most offensive to the feelings of the people of Ire-
e,ad. The Irish soldier was entitled to have his feelings
'insulted, is he believed they comprised nearly half of the
fish acme,.
11r. HlJall denied that the insult was aimed at Ireland;
I,ePplied to the system generally. The r ime was gone by
` these institutions, and he would heartily join in a vote
:Patting down Chelsea Hospital. —(A laugh.) The whole
r'llktion was whether this este' lishment, supported by
It money, was really useful and important. He believed
ti',"as nut—the soldiers could not be induced to go in, and
weleea Hospital at the present moment could not be filled.
hY, the Scotch soldiers never asked for any euch separate
dilutions. He hoped, therefore, the House would support
the Right lion. Gentleman in doing away with Kilmainham
h
W. WILLIAMS said there were 175 men in the hos-
;4l and forty-six officers to look after them, with seven
1:1;tes and four assistants, so that the expense of the estab-
ment bore a very large proportion to the amount of
eflt it c' nferred.— (Divide.)
~,,ord J. RUSSELL wished the House to consider what
ankl be the result of the vote to which it was about to
Zil!e. Two years ago the House bad referred the naval and
Racy expenditure to a Committee, and there were many
keettions upon which they bad not yet reported. Surely
foe Rouse would think it would be advisable before it came
t„ any decision to ascertain the reasons of the Committee
t". its maintenance or abolition. He thought it was rather
avtnature for the House to come to a resolution that it was
it'Lt4 advisable to abolish Kilmainham Hospital, when they
w referred that question to a Committee of the House. He
hfi! surprised that the. Hon. Member for Dublin should
blve made the question a national one. Why, for a long
`;,,ed of time there had been no separate army for England
; Ireland, and the interests of all members of the military
i'vrice were now completely identified. That 8,0001. more
4111 d be spent in Dublin than if the hospital were abolished
b not appear to him to be a matter of any importance.
kehlia surel sumswa not reduced to such a state of poverty as
enake that a matter of consequence. He agreed with
`,e Ron. Member for Montrose that the time for these in-
Ztetions had gone by. Formerly they were looked upon as
kirldiforrable retreats, but since the system of out-pensions
been established, they were much less valuable. The
fall,
of pensioners accommodated was comparatively
1. the great expense being occasioned by the governors
6)
0 Officers. He contended that the House had no right to
Judge the question, and it was not, in his opinion wise,
tilben the Secretary att-War wished to make reductions, that
it.. 7 Rouse should set its face against them, and give him a
t„on to teach him that his economy and reductions were
'"aPproved of.
DISRAELI said the Noble Lord's main argument was
fat the Committee had not yet decided, and yet he appeared
Lforget that the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr. F. blaule)
'‘lalready decided the question, having issued orders that
Be
rensioners should be admitted after the sth of April.—
titear, hear.) In the teeth of that act of the Right Hon.
ntlernan, the Noble Lord told them they ought to wait
Lthe report of the Committee.—(Cheers.) After no-
gP,„ that chief fallacy of the Noble Lord, he must ex-
et his opinion that the question before the House was
same as that ot the Lord-Lieutenant, although in a
Caller proportion. It was evidently one of the steps, as had
Ce said, towards establishing a great system of centralisa-
( Hear, hear.)
r- F. MAULR explained that his instructions were,
Rtra) vacancy should be filled up without communicating
tith him.
'Cr. W. MILES thought the motion of the Honour-
lit and Gallant Member for Portarlington premature.
Le estimates had been before the 'Committee of
Zed
House for the last three years. He had
Zed the Government the other night whether it was
Cr intention to call together the Committee for
Lived
of their making a report, and the answer he
Ctived was in the affirmative. It was, therefore, he thought
iZetature to discuss this question until that report was re-
liteed. He would not say one word respecting Kilmainham
:Pital except this—he believed that if the old soldiers were
Rttl their option of remaining at Kilmainham or coining
her to Chelsea, very few would be desirous of rsmaining at
Znainham. It became, then, a question for their consider-
Oa whether it would not be necessary, on the score of
omy, to make this change. He could not press this
otion of economy too much on the House at the present
Chelsea Hospital had full accommodation for the re-
won of all those who wished to come there.
he House divided, when there appeared—
Por the amendment ••• ••• ... 105
Against it ... 137
.Majority in favour of going into Committee-32
Or. HUME said that there was not a town in the king-
'4l that did not look for the financial statement of the
king-
' Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer with
it greatest anxiety. He wished to ask the House to concur
,01),Pinion with him in refusing any vote in supply until the
a eminent had brought forward their financial statement.
i;lit statement must be prepared, for it cannot be possible
kta that the Government had made up their minds before
ea to the course they intend to take.—(Hear.) He be-
:ed • that a pledge had been given that this financial
cternent would be made before any money would be asked
0 Committee of Supply. Since the first financial state-
Owes made, which did not meet with public approbation,
urovernment had two or three weeks to consider the
liter; and there was no reason why they had not come
17.1 t, rd with their amended Budget before this. He pro-
;e,l" that this House will not proceed to a Committee of
'Ply until the financial statement is made."
Zne SPEAKER intimated to the Hon. Member that he
t,
thklicl not make the motion. The words that " I now leave the
ra" stand part of the question, had been just settled by
late division.
k'serd J. RUSSELL said he was sorry that there should be
tilraisunderstanding upon this subject. He thought it was
'IY understood that they were to proceed with the army
wielates immediately after they had disposed of the last
eltion. There would no doubt be a considerable amount of
tk
tlianation entered into in respect of these estimates.
iLr• HUME —I wish to know whether the Right Hon. Gen-
clan the Chancellor of the Exchequer will bring on his
• vancial statement on Monday next?
"„,0 reply was given to the Hen. Member.
eelonel SI lITHORP then rose to bring forward the motion
lloWhich he had given notice, " To call the attention of the
hee to the Treasury minute authorising an additional
tan of the Boaprkt of 500/.
derof Inland Revenup annum to the
e.resent salary of the chair-
Theli; SPEAKER. however, intimated to the Hon. and Gal-
lop' Member that he could not then bring forward a motion,
~.the reasons before stated.
vt,‘%olonel SIBTHORP then proceeded to comment upon the
of his notice He said that the.
ise
C„llerny—real and false. The gentleman to whom this ad-
Onal 500. a year was granted, waei, no doubt, a very able
't efficient officer. We have htql. a Treasury minute
Ititlrtt was that? It was nothing more nor less than a dirty,
14
t( „et mode of appropriating mopey taken out of the pockets
the people.—(Laughter.) The chairman of the Board of
sotßevenue was undoubtedly a most excellent officer,
'he thought he was very well paid for his services by a
`eery of 2,000/. a year. He protested against such a mode
aProceeding. It was sinister and underhand. The people
hoEngland were oppressed by such Treasury minutes. He
aPed the day was not far distant when such a Government,
e,"° was neither influenced by a principle of public economy
ir regard for the people, would be forced to resign their
Wets in favour of a wiser and abler body of men. The
te.tient members of the Government bad only one wish, and
Was to keep their places as long as they could. They
ire at present supported by a most miscellaneous body of
qtr
upon their side of the House—(Laughter)—but
',lr reign was nearly at an end. (Hear, bear.)
(lothe CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that the
tt.vernment must feel obliged to the Hon. and Gallant Mem-
e,Particularly for the testimony he had borne to the merits
„Lne individual to whom he referred. A more efficient and
B'rving public officer than this gentleman did not exist.
t: (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) was glad an oppor-
ekbitY had been given him to state what the whole gr-
e "gement entered into was, of which this only formed
IbPart. It was not quite fair to single out one particular
keaeure without taking into consideration the whole ar-
Ogernent. Without the able assistance of this gentleman.
lthe Chancellor of the Exchequer) could not have ef-
Ved so large a reduction in the public expenditure as the
ears of Inland Revenue had enabled him to do. Many
rre ago the Boards of Stamps and Taxes were consolidated,
elected.
Which a great saving of the public expenditure was
ti ected. About four years ago he had carried into execu-
-I°ll a further consolidation of the Board of Stamps and
at2es with the Excise, forming a Board of Inland Revenue,
1 which a still further saving of a large amount was
effected. He said most distinctly that if it were not for the
144 exertions of Mr. John Wood he dared not have
edertaken that great consolidation.—(Hear, hear.) It was
carried into effect. It was, however, owing to the zeal and
,tertions of Mr. John Wood that it was ultimately effected.
The effect of the whole consolidation of these boards was to
t
a saving to the public of about 250,000/. Surely
es,4- year was not too much to grant as a reward to the
r ntleman who was mainly instrumental in effecting this
~'eeirable result. If the House of Commons was not pre-
pared to reward persons for such valuable service:, they
tetild not expect that those reductions could be carried into
l'ecution. There were twenty-nine officers reduced ; the
tZwest salary Enjoyed by any of them was 3001. a year. and
e highest 2,000/. The reduction thus effected was 22,9001.
dear. It would not, of course, be fair to take this addi-
:nal duty without additional remuneration. Surely that
trueo not a very unreasonable principle to lay down. He was
aN,Pared at the time to give an additional allowance to Mr.
p?)!In Wood for this additional labour; but that gentleman
tdected to take it until it was proved that he was the means
si,` effecting these arrangements, and that the Government
45 fully satisfied with what he had done. A period of
aboutt three years had gone by, and the benefits of the exer-
(tt(),ne of that gentleman had been fully demonstrated. He
Right Hon. Gentleman) then felt it a duty he owed to
a,a!,Pleblie to reward Mr. J Wood for the essential services
',eh he had thus rendered to the public.—(Hear.)
WAKLEY said that when it was announced that the
vernment intended to bring forward their Budget very
early in the session the greatest satisfaction was experinced.
and,
Right Hon. Gentleman did bring forward his Budget,
unhappily, it gave satisfaction to only a few. Sometime
b"" now elapsed since it was announced that some new finan-
end arrangement would be proposed. The reasons which
urged the Government to bring forwar d their first Budget at
anf early period of the session had acquired much greater
had
since in favour of the other financial statement which
been
, promised ; and yet there was no indication given as
'ne exact time when that statement would be made, al-
eh°.ugh it was well known that many branches of trade in
deia_country were suffering severely by this unexpected
Y He concurred in the views expressed by the Hon.
"I'etabeMontrose, that no money should be voted until
"
us_ r for
le Right Hon. Gentleman had made his financial statement.
144 e hoped that the Right Hon. Gentleman would appoint
naday next for that statement.
bar. I3ROTHERTOS thought that there was no stronger
nature in real economy than a well-timed liberality. He
d known Mr. John Wood for about 25 years, and he bore
testimony to all the Right Hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of
14e Exchequer had said respecting him, having watched his
itenduct closely during all that time. He believed him to be
very valuable public servant.
Sir DE LACY EVANS urged the Right lion. Gentleman
Vas
Chancellor of the Exchequer to fix hie statement for
"wm&Y nett.

The SPEAKER having put the question that he da leave
the chair,
Mr. HUME intimated his inte-.tion to divide.
The gallery was then cleared for a division ; but none took
place.
On our re admission we found
Mr. DISRAELI on his legs. He said he did not think
that there was any understanding given by the Government
that the Budget would be brought forward on Monday next.
It would no doubt be satis'actory if the financial statement
was made on Monday ; but the Government had only pledged
themselves to bring it forward at an early day.
Mr. HUME said, although he and several of his Hon.
Friends were under the impression that the statement was
to be made on Monday next, under the circumstances, he
would not persevere in his opposition.
The Houle then went int Committee of Supply.
ARMY ESTIMATES.
Mr. F. MAULE then rose to bring forward the army esti-
mates. He sa'd after a considerable interval of debate,
which he confessed he did not anticipate on this occasion, it
was now his duty for the fifth time to ask the House to vote
that portion of the supplies which was necessary to meet the
expenditure of the army in this country. Ile was quite
aware in former times that there existed a considerable con-
stitutional jealousy on the part of this House in respect to the
standing army proposed to be maintained. But, whatever
that might have been, it had of late years been suppressed by
a feeling of natural pride for the ,ervice, the condue , and
the discipline of the army of this great country. Ile had no
wish to disparage the troops of other countries for the pur-
pose of exalting those of our own, but he would make bold
to say that there was no army in the world more remarkable
for its discipline, more patient under privations, more
gallant in assault, or more steady under fire than the
British army.-(Hear, hear.) Many might dispute
as to what ought to be the numbers of their
army; but there was no economist, he was sure,
however desirous to reduce their numbers, who would not
willingly admit that no body of men could better conduct
themselves in times of peace, nor flier perform their duties
in war, than the men composing the British army. - (Hear.)
With respect to the strength of the army, it had alweys been
an object with her Majesty's G .vernment to keep its
strength at the lowest possible point consistent with the exi-
gencies of the service and the honour of the country ; and
upon the present occasion it did not appear to his colleagues
or himself that during the ensuing year they could reduce,
consistent with the policy and the safety of the country, the
army to a smaller number of men than it was in the year
just passed. He therefore should propose to the House a vote
for 98,714 men, being within 414 mnn of the number voted
last year.-(Hear, hear.) Last year they had effected a
reduction to a certain extent, and he was then told that the
reduction he had made was confined to the men in the
ranks, and that he had not taken care to make a propor-
tionate reduction of officers. This year he had to state, for
the information of those who made that objection, that the
decrease of 414 men consisted of 101 officers, 25 non-
commissioned officers, end 288 privates. Amongst these
reductions was a colonelcy in chief of the 60th
Regiment, which had beers held by the Duke of Cam-
bridge-an appointment which the Committee up-stairs
had been given to understand shotld be abolished.- (gear,
hear.) The force, then, that be proposed to maintain was
95,714 men. That force was distributed into two parts-
namely, those who were serving at home, and those who
were serving abroad. There were 50,980 serving at home,
and 31,116 were employed in the colonies. One great argu •
ment for maintaining such a considerable number of mea at
home-and it was one of the soundest arguments that could
be used--was that it afforded the means for a constantly
well-regulated system of relief to the soldiers who were
serving abroad. The principle had been laid down for se-
veral years by those who had preceded him in office -it was
a principle sanctioned by the head of the late Government-
it was one which reconciled the army with service abroad,
and therefore it was one which he had done his utmost to
keep intact. It allowed them (as we understood) to keep
each soldier five years at home and ten years abroad ; and
this system was greatly aided by the 30,497 men in India,
the maintenance of which was not defrayed by them. He
had always maintained that it was the duty of this country
to keep at its disposal a certain amount of force-not a very
large force - but still a force sufficient to meet any sudden
emergency; and then he thought, considering the wealth of
this country, and the great interest at stake, that it should
not be altogether denuded of a military force, when a foreign
force might be brought there by sea. Under all circum-
stances, he did not consider they would be justified rn having
a smaller number than that which he proposed : namely,
98,714 men, being within a fraction of the number that had
been voted last year. Be now came to the second vote-the
charge that would be required for the maintenance of the army ;
but before be entered into that point, he wished to call the
attention of the Committee, and also that of the members of
the Committee up stairs, to a statement that he desired to
make, before he called for a vote for the maintenance of the
land force. He wished to state what were the reductions in
the charge of the army, in consequence of the evidence that
had been taken on the Committee up-stairs. In the first
place he had proposed to do away with the double-battalion
system. The consequence of that was that the depot batta-
lion at Parkhurst was of no use, and it was to be dispensed
with. That would effect a saving of 2,3981., and the-e would
be a saving of 5001. a year whenever the Commander-in-
Chief bestowed a regiment upon a late adjutant-general.
The country had lost, by death, the services of the late
Deputy Quartermaster-General-a gentleman who had filled
his office with advantage to the public and credit to himself
-( Hear) -in supplying his place, a saving would be effected
of 7891. a year. In the army medical department they had
lost, by retirement, one to whom the public was much in-
debted for his long and faithful services - Sir James M`Gri-
gor.-(Hear.) At the age of 81, it was to be feared that he
could not long be spared to them; but in his retirement
a saving was proposed to be effected of 1,085/. Taking
these in general, the savings effected would amount to 1,4001.
He then came to the staff in Canada. In that question the
Committee up-stairs had entered very minutely; and it ap-
peared to himself, as to them, that some saving might be
made in that branch of the army. They were enabled to
reduce five officers and some subordinates, and to make a
saving of 1.5401. The Deputy Judge Advocate of Ireland
was to be discontinued, and on the whole the saving effected
in consequence of the evidence before the Committee was
something about 8,000/.-( Hear, hear.) Having made these
few observations, he now came to vote No. 2. The sum he
had asked for last year was 3,562,430/. The sum he would
ask for this year was 3,521,069 L, peaking a decrease in the
expense of maintaining the land forces of 41,821/. The de-
crease was made up of various items in that vete, which were
spread over such a vast varietyofs mall items, that he would not
detain the Committee by going into a detail of every one of
them. He would, however, take the opportunity of noticing
some special sums in the application of which the Committee,
he was sure, took a very deep interest. Ile might state, in
the first place, that there was one sum, that allowed for good
conduct, which had been established under the warrant of
the Right Hon. Gentleman, and which this year showed an
increase of 4,4911. It must, he thought, be satisfactory to
every man having the interest of the army at heart, that
this should be the case, for it was far better economy to
have an increase in this vote-that is, an increase in the
amount of rewards for good soldiers-than to find out the
means of punishing them for bad conduct.-(Hear, hear. )
Then, there was also an increase of the lr dging money for
soldiers. It was considered most desirable that married and
unmarried soldiers should not be placed together.--(Hear.)
Last year the sum allowed was a penny a day to married
soldiers tolind their own lodgings. He was aware that the
allowance was inadequate ; and therefore this year it had been
doubled, and he was quite' sure that the 2d. a day now al-
lowed to soldiers to find lodgings out of the barracks was
sufficient, small as it might appear to civilians. He thought
it would be well if officers connected with the army were to
enter into arrangements, or if public companies were to take
the matter up, and have in the neighbourhood of barracks
model lodging-houses established, they would confer the
greatest boon that could be conferred upon the soldier, and
he believed they would even be found an excellent invest-
ment.-(Hear, hear.) Then as regards schools, he was
happy to say that the schools in the army were flourishing
beyond his own sanguine expectations.-(Hear.) They had
been commenced by his Right Hon. Friend opposite in the
year 1846, and they had gone on increasing most prosper-
ously during the last five years. In 1847 the first of war students
was admitted into the normal schools, and the first garrison
appointment took place in 1849. Since then they had four
garrison and 30 regimental teachers, and now they had 34
lull instructors and 11 assistant masters in the army; and
now they could not keep pace with the demand for instructors
for other regiments.-(Hear, hear.) He hoped, then, to see
a thorough instruction of these soldiers, as there was a com-
mensurate desire on the part of the officers to provide them
with that instruction. Thus education of the best kind
would be provided for tie men, while steps had been taken
by the Commander•in-Chief to ensure the possession of a
certain amount of knowledge by those who would gain com-
mission in the army.-(Hear.) Steps also had been taken
to ensure an examination of every officer before he was per-
mitted to attain the rank of captain.-(Hear, hear.) He
called upon ere long to provide some means by which the
must say that it was his belief that the House would be
might obtainea from
mat stioueaonititsclefoofrolsntre-
ol
know-
led egcommission of captain. This
were allowed to bold o ,
be a ere one, and he would say
eerswilniicltlthewoaurlmdy be requir f
examination would unless the House placed it
officers to attain to that
thatt int wt oh 1101 d
pboew
etro o
or severe,the
amount of knowledge which would be required from them.
regiment an officer of
except by attaching to
He did not see any other way in which that was to
be done
each instruc-
tion. If such an officer were attached to each regiment it
time to than the y
would be an inducement to officers to devote more of their
leave them studwy ithout an excuse for not possessing all those
did at present, and would, toe,
qualifications which were required from them by the Com-
mander-in-Chief.- (Hear.) Another item he had to allude
to with regard to the diffusion of knowledge amongst the sol-
diers was with respect to libraries. He was happy
that the increase in the number of these libraries was going
to say
on-that there were now upwards of 100,000 volumes
in the regimental and garrison rooms, and upwards
of 1,600 subscribers. The savings banks, too, showed an
increase. From 1844, with a sum of 14,8291 e
positors they hal increased to 94,661/. and 7,782 deposi-
tors.-CHear, hear.) He was quite sure that, however much
and 1,890 de-
the House might be disposed to economy, it would not
manifest itself in such items as he had now referred to. He
now came to the third vote-that referring to the staff, in
which he was able to state that a reduction bad been effected
within a very few pounds of 5,0001. The next vote was as
to the Royal Military Asylum and Hibernian schools. In
these there had been a decrease of 641/.--a decrease that did
not operate upon the effectiveness of the institutions them-
selves, but was attributed to cheapness of provisions and
other things. The next was the volunteer corps, on which
there was a decrease of 16,0001. He was aware that many
of his military friends would have preferred, considering the
value of these useful establishments, that the vote had not
been reduced during the present year. But then he said,
let these gentlemen lay the flattering unction to their souls
that the reduction was the effect of the force being found to
year.-( Hear.) The seven votes constituting
class of votes he
be so well disciplined that it was unnecessary to
378a553,i8n6t3h1e,
call upon
themwhat
ahsiscalled the effective service of the ayrem,ry
chewing'l 10l ea amount
decreasefo r last f
6year2,9 136,19.331,5,
The neat
etxhti s
I should refer to were those of the non-effective service. The
I first of these votes was for distinguished services, not ex-
ceeding three-fifths of the emoluments of garrison appoint-
ments, which bad become vacant. This vote was 14,6061.
The vacancies that had occurred this year were inconsider-
able, amounting altogether to 1,2651. The next vote was
for the pay of general officers not being colonels
of regiments. Last year it was 58,00•/. ; this
year it was 52,0001, being a reduction of 6,0001.
Eighteen general officers had been removed from the list, of
which eight died without regiments, and the other ten ob-
tained regiments. The list of officers of this class was con-
sequently never so low as at this moment. In 1840 there
were 120 on the list; in 1851 there were only 114, not one of
whom was not able to make good his pay. 'The list, in fact,
was so low, that he (Mr. F. Maule) suspected the Govern-
was
would have to apply to the House for the means of ex-
ending it at no distant period. The vote for reduced and re-
' tired officers' pay showed this year a reduction of 2,0001., as
I compared with last year's estimate. The vote for the half-
pay and military allowances to reduced and retired officers
was last year 386,000/., while this year it was only 377,000/.,
, showing a decrease of 9,0001. There was no branch of the
public expenditure for the army which the Secretary of War
witch With m 9 Tigilitine tbAll thin. w, )391TOTert

Total

in 1851-2, cost of army service..
cost of militia service 107,850

Total
which gave a difference in money of 92,0001. But on the
other band, while the army in 1835-6 only numbered
81,271 men, in 1851-2 it numbered 93,014—being an in-
crease of 17,443. In addition to this, there were now up-
wards of '29,0( 0 veteran soldiers ready to come forward and
take their share in the defence of the country -- a force that
did not exist in the former period. It was gratifying to him
to state that this was in consequence of our economy.
Before he concluded he begged to be allowed to institute a
comparison of the present administration of the army with
that of 1847-48 : he would not refer to the forces in India,
for they were the same in both periods, then and now. In
1847-48 the total number of the army, including India, was
108,398; in 1851-52 it was 98,740, being a difference of
7,000 and upwards. In 1847.48 the effective charge was
4,182,01 0/. ; in 1850-52 it was 3,873,1501., being a decrease
of 308,3851. In respect to the non-effective' charge, 1847-48
showed a sum equal to 2,175,3771., while in 1851-52 it was
only 2,052,267/., being a decrease of 122,9481. The decrease
in the whole charge of the army, then, within these two
years, was 431,4321. If he was to go through all the ac-
counts for five years, he would be able to show a still greater
sum ; but he would forbear. In the period in question the
army had been reduced by 10,000 men, or thereabouts;
while the saving to the country was over 400,000/. There
were one or two other points which be should touch upon.
The first related to the discipline of the army—the second to
the state of military punishment. He was happy to say that
the improvements made in the condition of the soldier had
caused corporeal punishment to decrease with great rapidity
The corporeal punishments in the army were, in
1846 ... •.•
1819 ...

... ... 511
... ... 475

1850 ... 241
There were 27 regiments excluded from the latter return ;
but, giving them the same average ratio as those which had
sent in reports, the number of punishments in the army in
that year did not amount to more than 300. The last point
to which he would advert was the mortality of the army.
This he was happy, also, to say showed a great decrease,
especially on foreign stations, in consequence of the sanitary
precautions now in operation in the army. In Jamaica, for
example, where cholera scourged all classes of the popula-
tion, there was not a single case among the soldiery in
barracks up in the mountains ; and, generally speak-
ing, the health of the troops in this island, once so
fatal, had exceedingly improved. Before 1836 the mortality
of the troops in Jamaica was 128 per 1,000; in 1849 it was
only 14 per 1,000. All the other stations showed a similar
result, with the exception of Canada, which arose from local
causes, and the East Indies. In no case was the mortality
of the British army abroad greater than it was at home
at this m, ment, w th the exception of one or two unfavour-
able positions to health and life —( Hear, hear,) He had, he
trusted, now shown that the condition of the British army
was cue of which any country might be p
ec roud ; that the
finances of that army were managed with onomy, and that
all fair and just relief was given to the soldier. lie (Mr. F.
Maule) had done his best to reduce, as far as he could con-
sistently with efficiency, the cost of the army; but he would
not scruple to ask for an increased expenditure, if he deemed
it at all necessary for the purpose of doing justice to the
Biitish soldier. He would, on all occasions, endeavour to
uphold the honour of that army which he believed to be one
of the best any country ever was blessed with, which he was
satisfied could be relied upon in peace as well as in war, and
which was only anxikui to prove its loyalty to the Sovereign
and its fidelity to the country whenever it should be called
upon to do so.—(Hear.) The Right Hon. Gentleman then
moved 98,714 men for the land forces of her Majesty's army.
Mr. HUME joined the Right Hon. Gentleman in approv-
ing the economy that governed the army estimates. He re-
ferred to the disproportionate expenditure of former times,
when, with a larger outlay there were fewer men, and those
in a state of comparative inefficiency. The experiment of
economy had been so successful in this case that he hoped it
would be adopted in all other branches of the public ser-
vice ; and be believed the system of army accounts was far
before that of either the ordnance or the navy. He wished
to understand whether by a civil organisation of the army a
large saving could not be effected. He considered that.a mil-
lion sterling might be obtained by reorganising the ordnance
and store establishments. This, however, was not the time
to go into these subjects, and he would not do so, as a Com-
mittee was about to meet on the subject. He would point
out how reductions might be effected with advantage and
safety. The last Finance Committee recommended keep-
ing the expenses of the army and navy within proper limits,
and proper limits to be ascertained by taking the evi-
dence of disinterested persons. He stated this because
evidence had usually been taken from military ,men,
who all had an interest in keeping up the expenses
and abuses of the existing system. One of the reasons
given for the great expenses of the army was the service of
the colonies; but we had recently changed our colonial
policy, and therefore that necessity ceased. The policy now
was to make the colonies, wherever practicable, defray their
own expenses? This policy must eventually be extended to
all colonies, and here would arise a large item of saving.
The question he wished to ask was, whether Government
ought not to act on the system laid down by Lord Grey with
reference to our colonies. There were 39,000 men employed
on colonial service ; but surely this force was not required
under the new system. Wherever responsible government
was given, it was held the colony should support itself. We
had given responsible government to New Zealand and to
Canada—the first had 4,000 men, who were to be with-
drawn ; and the latter had 9,000 men, who were to be re-
tained. He should be glad to hear any valid reason for
keeping that number of men at the expense of this country
in Canada. Now if troops were to be withdrawn from the
colonies, why should the House be called upon to vote
98,000 men, when a large proportion was for colonial
purposes? If colonies wanted troops they must pay them
themselves, He should propose to reduce the number by
5,( 00 men.
Mr. WILLIAMS seconded the amendment. The Right
Hon. Gentleman had contrasted the expenses of this year
with the years 1847-48; but those were years of extrava-
gance, and his complaint bad always been that Govern-
ment was needlessly extravagant in this branch of public
service. Taking the average of eleven years—from 1829 to
840, including the Governments of Earl Grey, Duke of
Wellington, and Lord Melbourne—he would show that the
present year was not, comparatively, a year of, economy.
He found the average of those years was 93,690 men. This
vear the number, including artillery, was 115,104, nearly
.20,000 men more than for the years he had referred to. He
should be glad to hear from the Right Hon. Gentleman the
reasons for keeping up this enormous force. If 93,690 men
were enough in times of dissatisfaction at home and in the
colonies, and with differences with foreign powers, why was
a larger force required when none of those causes existed ?
For his part he was sorry his Ilon. Friend had not proposed
a larger reduction than 5,000 men.— (Oh, and divide.)
Sir W. MO LESWORTH supported the amendment of Mr.
Hume, and said that the Committee which sat in 1835 to
inquire into the military expenditure in the colonies recom-
mended that the strictest economy should be adopted in
every branch of that expenditure. At that period the whole
number of troops in North America, including artillery and
engineers, was only 5,369, whilst the military expenditure
was 337,0001. Since that time there had been a very con-
siderable increase of the military force maintained there, and
also in the expenditure. In the year 1846-7 the amount of
military force was 9,643 men, and the expenditure 645,000/. ;
and he believed the number of troops and the expenditure
were about the same now. Thus, there had been an in-
crease since 1835 of 4,874 men, and in the expenditure of
upwards of 300,001. That increase was occasioned by the
rebellion in Canada, and that rebellion was owing to Colonial-
office misgovernment. But at the present moment the Ca-
nadians had complete self-government and the entire ma-
nagement of their own affairs. We ought not, therefore, to
be called upon to maintain this number of troops fur merely
local purposes ; and he contended that we might reduce the
number to the extent of 5,000, and still leave 4,000 for the
garrison of the important naval station of Halifax, and the
Imperial fortress of Quebec.
Lord J. RUSSELL said that the actual number of troops
in all the North American provinces, including Newfound-
land and Prince Edward's Island, was only 8,079 ; and if
front that number his lion. Friend took off 5,000, he thought
the force remaining would be a totally inadequate one.
Sir W. MOLESWORTH said he had included artillery
and engineers in his statement.
Mr MACGREGOR, amidst cries of " Oh," " Divide,"
and laughter, said he did not believe we could properly
withdraw 5,000 men from the North American provinces
within the year. At the same time he admitted that reduc-
tions in our military forces must gradually be made in the
colonies, for all that was necessary to maintain there was the
skeletons of (Laughter, and divide.) He preferred,
however, to leave the making of these reductions to the
Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the Right lion. Gentleman
the Secretary •at(ol3, oh. ) He was also of opinion
that the great military establishment which we maintained
in Ireland was something like a satire on the Irish people.—
(Oh, oh, and laughter.) And he thought the people of Ire-
land could keep the peace themselves without our•keepinglup
such a largo establishment for the purpose. (Oh, oh. )
Mr. HUME having replied, the Committee divided, when
there appeared—
For the amendment ...
Against majority ..•
The vote was then agreed to.
On the next vote being proposed,
Mr. HUME opposed taking such a vote after twelve
o'clock. He moved that the Chairman report progress.
Mr. F. MAULE hoped he would be allowed to take the
of men it
vot:;w4e .
which was for defraying the charges of the number
Mr. W. WILLIAMS said there were many items of the
next vote upon which he wished for some information, and
to make some observations.
ha
na d
Mv nr
h .ge Asbhl
eooeun:
should,
reTtnhTee
rienf
otthoughto,atsothlaatteinancohnoseugrutehnecenoofussuepwplasy
evidently indisposed to tolerate any discussion at present,
support the motion for reporting
progress.
Mr. F. MAULE said the Hon. Member would find in the
evidence taken before the Committee of list year every item
in the vote fully explained.
Mr. W. wILLIAbIS !mid OA in the temper of the Hem

... 186

... -139

UN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 29, 1851.

at present he could not think of trespassing upon them with
any observations, and should support the motion for report-
ing progress.
The Committee then divided—
For reporting progress
Against it
Majority
Mr. HUME could not consent to so large a vote being
taken at that hour, and if any Hon. Member would stand by
him he should persist in dividing the House till four o'clock
rather than allow the vote to be proposed.
Lord J. RUSSELL did not think, in asking for the recent
vote, that he was proposing anything unreasonable; but
after what had passed would postpone it till Monday, when
he would take it as the first business of the day, and would
postpone the motions of which he had given notice for that
day.
Mr. HUME said it was against the usual custom to take
votes after twelve o'clock. He gave notice that he would
move on Monday that no supply be taken till the financial
statement was before them.
Mr. ADDERLEY had given notice of a motion on
the Kafir war on the House going into supply, and had
hoped that he would have been able to have done so on
Monday.
Lord J. RUSSELL said it was quite right that the Hon.
Gentleman should receive what information c uld be given
of the Kafir war, and no doubt he would have an oppor-
tunity of bringing forward the motion on the question that
the Speaker leave the chair. But he thought that the Hon.
Gentleman would see:that in the present position of business
be could not proceed with the' business originally fixed for
the first thing on Monday. The sth of April was near,
and unless the House voted a certain aura there would not
be any funds on that day for the necessary service of the
country.—(Hear.)
Mr. HUME said he decidedly intended to move that
no supply should be granted till the financial statement was
made.
Mr. BRIGHT knew that the feelings out of doors was in
favour of the course proposed by his Hon. Friend. If any
delay had taken place in bringing forwardthe financial busi-
ness, it had been owing to the House running after a hare
they could not catch. The public he thought had no right
to complain of the delay, as it had been caused by proceed-
ings favoured by them.
The CHAIRMAN then reported progress, and the House
resumed.
The Appointment of Vice-Chancellor's Bill was read a
third time and passed.
The Metropolis Buildings Bill was understood to have been
read a second time.
The Committee on Ways and Means was postponed until
Monday.
Mr. HUME said many felt anxious about the Metropolis
Building Bill, and it was desirable its previsions should be
understood.
Lord SEYMOUR said a discussion could be had on a
future stage.
Mr. J. STUART obtained leave to Mpg in a BiPattie-
peal the Act for Shortening the Languag~ Acts ofw
Mr. HUME moved for returns of the ;41111ter ot netts for=
the use of shipping maintained by the Trinity House at
Hull in the year 1850; stating what kind of lights, and
where placed ; also, under what authority erected, and at
whose expense ; stating also the numbeeof buoys and bea-
cons maintained in the same year, and where placed; also,
the rate of charges on shipping for the lights, buoys, and
beacons, and distinguishing severally the charges on British
and foreign vessels—viz., for vessels below the buoy of the
Cleaness • above the buoy of the Cleaness to the buoy of the
Burcombe; above the buoy of the Burcombe to Grimsby, or
to Whitebooth, atid to the port of Hull. And of the gross
amount of revenue received by the Trinity House of Hull for
the same year, showing the several sources of that revenue,
and the amount of each source; and further, an account,
under separate heads, of the manner in which the year's
revenue was expended (in continuation of the Return in
Appendix, No. 65, of the Report on Lighthouses, No. 607,
of 184%).
IMPROVEMENT
COMMI OF TOWNS (IRELAND) BILL
TTEE.
Sir W. SOMERVILLE moved that Dr. Bond should be
excused from attendance on the above Committee, and Mr.
Knox be added.—Agreed to.
Sir W. SOMERVILLE also moved that the same Com-
mittee consist of a Members, and that Sir P. Nugent and
Messrs. Scully, Devereux, and Grace, be added to the same.
Mr. SCULLY expressed his wish to be excused from

USINESS.

serving.
tSir W. SOMERVILLE said of course any Hon. Member
could not be forced; but- he regretted he had not been
previously informed of the Hon. Member's objection, and he
might, have inserted another name.
The other names were then proposed and agreed to.
Mr. MAHER proposed that Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Scully,
Mr. Devereux, and Mr. Sullivan, should be nominated on
the Committee.
Sir W. SOMERVILLE opposed the motion.
A desultory discussion, in which several Irish Members
took part, ensued.
Sir R. FERGUSSON alluded to the squabbling which had
taken place for years in the corporation of Dublin, as having
delayed for some four or five years all measures of local im-
provement.
Mr. REYNOLDS said the Hon. Baronet might be a clas-
sical authority in the affairs of corporations, but he did
not say on their jobbing—(Order, hear)—but he could
inform the Hon. Baronet that one party had struggled for
years for their rights, and had at last succeeded in gaining
them. The Hon. Member then proceeded to complain that
Sir W. Somerville had refused to put his name upon the
Committee they were then discussing, which he attributed
to the fact that he was this year in opposition to the Govern-
ment. In like manner his name bad been kept off the
Dublin Valuation Committee, but such would not have been
the case last year when he was a supporter of the Government.
He complained generally of the composition of the Improve-
ment of Towns' Committee, and pointed out that no represen-
tation from the county of Tipperary, in which there were
so many important towns, had been amongst those nomi-
nated.
After a few words from Mr. J. O'Coinum. and Sir W.
SOMERVILLE,
The House divided, on the motion that Mr. Reynolds should
be added to the Committee, and there appeared—
For the motion 11
Against it 51
Majority
The Committee was then appoiutid ;Without the addition
of Mr. Reynolds's name.
The remaining business on the paper was disposed of, and
the House adjourned at a Quarter before Two o'clock until
Twelve o'clock this day.

PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS.

(From the V, tes
F ands roceedings of the House of Commons )
DAY, MARCM 28
SUPPLY.
(IN THE COMMITTEE.)
Motion made, and Question proposed, " That a number
of Land Forces, not exceeding 98,714 Men (exclusive of the
Men employed in the Territorial Possessions of the East
India Company), Commissioned end Non. Commissioned
Officers included, be maintained for the Service of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, from the Ist
day of April, lesl, to the 31st day of March, 1852,
<inclu-
t
sive :"—Afterwards Motion made, and Question put, Tha
a number of Land Forces, not exceeding 95,714 Men (ex-
clusive of the Men employed in the Territorial Possessions of
the East India Company), Commissioned and Non-Commis-
sioned Officers included, be maintained for the service of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, from the lst
day of April, 1551, to the 31st day of March, 1852, inclu-
sive." The Committee divided :
MINORITY—AYES, 47.
Alcock, Thomas Hall, Slr B. Mowed, Francis
Bass, M. T. Thistle, Archibald O'Brien, Sir Timothy
Bell, Jacob Henry, Alexander O'Connell, John
Blake. Martin J. Heywood, James Pigott, Francis
Bright, John 4 Heyworth, Lawrence Pilkington, James
Clay, James Hindley.Charles Reynolds, John ~
Corbally, M. E. Jackson, William Scully, Francis
Cowan, Charles Keating, Robert Sullivan, Michael
Crawford, W. S. Kershaw, James Thompson, Colonel
Duncan, George King, P. J. Urquhart, David
Evans, Sir De Lacy Lennard, T. B. Wakley, Thomas
Fagan, William M'Gregor, John Walmsley' Sir J.
Fergus, John Maher, N. Williams, John
Fox, W. J. Marsh.ll, J. G.
Frewen, C. IL Moffatt, George TELLERS.
Grace, 0. D. Molesworth, Sir W. Ilume, Joseph
Greene, Joha Morris, David Williams, W.

Jury.)

The attempt to destroy large an interest in the manner
contemplated, namely, by a private Bill, was altogether un-
precedented in Parliamentary annals. He denied that the
public had desired the removal of the market. All they had
sought was the abatement of the existing annoyances, and
it was the peculiar object of the corporation plan to effect
their removal.
Mr. Wyld and several other gentlemen of the deputation
having spoken,
Sir G. GREY assured the deputation that the Government
had no interest in the matter, other than that of meeting the
views and wishes of the public.
The LORD INIAYOR thanked the Right Hon. Baronet for the
courteous attentioa paid to the statements which had been
made, and expressed an earnest hope that they had not been
made in vain.

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.
WESTERN ClRCUlT.—Bodmin, March 27.
CIVIL SlDE.—(Before Mr. Baron MARTIN and a Special

tormnr.r v. TtiomAs.
Mr. Collier and Mr. Paul were counsel for the plantiff; and
Mr. Crowder for the defendant. . .

This was an action to recover compensation in damages
for a breach of promise of marriage.
From the statement of the Learned Counsel for the plain-
tiff, it appeared that the plaintiff was the daughter of a
glazier at Penzance. The defendant was the son of a person
who had been a Wesleyan missionary, and who had the good
fortune to marry a lady of fortune in India. When he re-
turned to England he became the editor of the West Briton,
and he placed his son with a grocer at Penzance, and there
he first became acquainted with the plaintiff at a pic-nic
party, when he handed her over styles, carried parasols, and
paid all those little attentions which were usual and very
delightful at pic-nic parties. In a short time he proposed
marriage to her. His father was always averse to the match.
The defendant described his father as a most impracticable
man, and that it was of no use trying to induce him to give
his consent, and he urged the plaintiff to become his wife
without his father's knowledge. They then joined in their
entreaties to induce the plaintiff's father to assent to the
match, for it seemed that the parents of both parties thought
it an imprudent match. Still Mr. Bodilly was an easy-
going man, and he gave way to his affection for his daughter,
and at length consented to their entreaties. Better would
it have been had he been firm ; the hearts of the lovers might
have bled for a time, but they would shortly have healed,
and they might have been happy. For seven years these
parties corresponded, and plaintiff had received upwards of
300 letters from the defendant. In the year 1847, however,
the defendant became cool, and in 1847 broke of the match ;
and having recently married a Miss Gill, who had money, the
present action was brought.
Some twenty or thirty letters were now read, and from a
few of them we give some extracts:—

" July 14,1841.
My dearest Eliza,—With what feelings of delight and
pleasure do I for the first time in all my lite sit down for the
purpose of putting pen to paper to address a young lady.
The sensation can better be imagined than described, and
therefore I feel rather confused ; Ism. 1 feel more resigned
when I think that all imperfections will be overlooked and
pardoned by one who I have every reason to believe is
nearest and dearest to me. With these impressions I proceed.
If you feel yourself bettered by your excursion, I would ad-
vise you to stay as long as possible, though it is very lone-
some for me.
" I remain yours, and ever shall, affectionately,
" Miss Eliza Bodilly." " JOSEPFI THOMAS."
"June 17, 1842.
"My own dearest Eliza,—lt is with feelings of the ten-
derest affection I take up this pen for the purpose of address-
ing you. Oh! my dear girl, how I find you wanting. I did
not think that I should find the separation so great. I hope
that yon will not give way to thinking, but cheer up, and
look forward to the time when we shall meet again. It will
be with us as the old saying is—' Dearer parting, fonder
meeting.' how shall I be thinking of you next Sunday, to
think that last Sunday we were in each others arms, but
this Sunday we must be content by thinking of each other.
Never mind, my love, I hope the time will soon come when
we may rest in each other's arms, no one daring to say nay.
" Believe me to be, my darling child,
" Your most devoutly and affectionately,
" Miss E. Bodilly." " J. THOMAS."
" July 25, 1842.
"My ever darling Child,—The only one in this world whom
I have any affectionate regard for, and, therefore, my dear,
dear girl, relying on the affection you have for me, I do pray
and beseech that you, will net make yourself uneasy about
your idea of our last farewell. You know, my love, that we are
bound both by the ties of nature and affection; and I hope
before long, nay darling, lovely child, by the ties of law, and
then, and not until then, shall I be easy, when we can fly into
each others arms fearing no one, and calling ourselves man and
wife. Don't be afraid, my dear, I shan't take any situa-
tion where I find the work will be too hard for me. I've
more regard for you, my love, than to do that. Again,
my darling, I beseech you, don't make yourself uneasy, but
put aside melancholy thoughts. I take as much exercise as
possible.
"Believe me to be, my darling Eliza,
"Yours most faithfully and affectionately,
"Miss E. Bodilly." "J. THOMAS."
" July 31, 1842.
"My darling of my heart,—When your dear letter was
put into my hand this morning I fairly jump's for joy. It
was like giving a lady who had fainted a strong bottle
of smelling-salts; and when I saw that dear seal, We
part to meet again,' I kissed it over and over again. Ab,
thinks I, she has at last given over the idea that we are not
to meet again, especially so when I tell you, my. darling
love, that I have at length, after very great exertion, ob-
tained a situation, &c.
" I am, my darling love,
"Yours most faithfully and affectionately,
"Miss E. Bodilly." "JOE THOMAS."
" Sept. 4, 1842.
" My own darling Eliza,—flow often do I wish I could
but see her, and impress upon her lips the sweet boon of
beauty (a kiss). lam sorry to find my love that you still
continue your old habit of stopping up late. I'm positive
that it greatly injures your health; but I believe that you
will never do otherwise until you, my love, a: d I are one,
which God grant may be as soon as possible, and then I've
no doubt but what she will go to bed earlier.
" My dear girl, believe and write to your ever most dear
and affectionate " B. B. T."
- - "Oct. 13;2.
" My dearest Eliza,—
" Could I fly like an owl, by the light of the moon,
I would reach my dear Eliza to-night;
Her d,dar drooping head on my bosom should soon
13s at rent; but I can't—l must write.
" These lines, my love, are just the sentiments of my
feelings.
" I've got the sponge from Butter. I shall reserve tt for
my dear, dear wife. I'm just going to bed, my love, so a
good kiss and good night.
" From your most faithful and affectionate,
" Miss E. Bodilly.' " J. THOMAS.
Feb. 15.

" My darling Eliza,—Last Monday afternoon I felt un-
commonly low-spirited. I rose from my chair, put on sny
hat, and went into Mrs. Rowse's to see if a little chat would
enliven my spirits, when I very soon found a cure in your
dear letter, a medicine my love, which I have always found
a pleasure in taking, and when swallowed down, the effects I
immediately perceive ty lightness of heart, and buoyancy of
spirits. I hardly know what to make of father, he has
never asked me what my future views sve, or what I intend
doing. Yet, he semis to be tolerably friendly. It strikes
me that there is something or other brewing. There is
one thing, my love, I want to ask you as a favour, and that is
this—not to sit up so late at night. This will oblige me,
whose heart and soul is bound up with the desire of making
you his while life shall last, and afterwards
" Ever your faithful and affectionate,
" Miss E. Bodilly." " J. THomas.
" Feb. 22, 1843.
" My dearest have only one wish, my love, and
that is, to live and make you happy.
" My heart with love is beating,
Its soft emotions prove ;
To thee its vows repeating,
Who •aught it first to love.
" The sun shall lose its motion,
The heavens their fix'd decree,
And cease to roll the ocean,
Ere I prove false to thee."
" You need not be surprised, my love, at my father's con-
duct, for ever since I have known him he has always been
of that sweet disposition, keeping everything to himself.
" Believe me, my love, to be ever yours faithfully and af.
fectionately to the last,
" Miss E. Bodilly."

" J. 'fitomes!'
" 3d Apnl, 1843

"My precious Life,-I'm sure, my dear, no two persons
ever loved each other with more sincere and devout affection
than we do. Would to God that 1 could do as my heart
dictates, we would not be long asunder.
" True love is like a Gordian knot,
Which angel hands have tied,
By Heavenly skill its texture wrought, •
Who shall its folds divide.
" In vain Death's all-triumphant sword
May strive that knot to sever;
The union of the twisted cord,
I❑ Heaven shall last for ever.'

" I feel as if I could go to the other side of Jerusalem, so
as to get away from home. I can't go out of the house
without being watched. Some persons have spread the re-
port that Igo to Mr. Road's after Susan, and that I stop
there for hours. Father has heard of it, and there has been
the devil to pay. He will not believe a word I say on the
subject. lam almost sure it must be some of those Metho-
dists that infest this place.
" Your dear faithful and affectionate,
" J. THOMAS."
" August 27, 1843.
" My dear duly received yours of the 21st, and
felt very much concerned at the news that it brought.
when I had read to that part which says that you had been
ill of the English cholera, such sudden fear came over me
that I could not read any more, and for some time was
obliged to close the letter. At length, resuming courage, I
went into the upper part of our warehouse, and with trembling
hands I opened it again, dreading to finish reading it; but
to my great joy, my love, it informed me that you were
nearly well. I hope and sincerely trust, in Almighty God,
that you still continue to get better. I have been thinking.
my love, that suppose during the violent attack it had
pleased the Almighty to have called you to himself, what
should I have done, and what would have come of me? It
is a question, my love, that I can only satisfy myself by
answering in this manner, that if it should please the Al-
mighty that you should die first, that be would immediately
take me afterwards, so that one might both embrace each
other in those celestial regions where pain or sorrow is not
known ; and may God grant, my love, that when be does
call us we may ba ready to receive the welcome sound of
Come ye blessed of my Father, and inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundatix.-. of the world.'
"Your dear and uffectLnate husband.
"J. Thomas."
" Feb. 11, 1849.
" My dearest Girl,—l feel myself honoured to scrape the
dirt Of your shoes.
Thou art my bun's bright morning star,
The life of rev delight.
" Yours, affectionately,
" J. Tiiomas."

" Mat, `z2,1850.-
" Aty dear Eliza,—
" She is thine. The word is spoken.
Hand to hand and heart to heart
Though all other ties be broken,
Time these bonds can never part.
Thou bast taken her in gladness
From the altar's holy shrine ;
Oh remember in her hours of sadness,
And may I be there is the sincerest wish of your faithful
MAS.

" May 30,1845."
" My own dear girl,—
"Thy motto is constancy, how dear unto me
Comes the remembrance, my lov'd one, suggested by thee ;
1 think of vows plighted, of sweet Measures we've seen,
When together we sported o'er lire 3 31111 DY greell.