The Sun.
London, England, 1856-07-18 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY Ili/ENING; JULY 18. 1856.

Department of the Accountant-General of the Navy,
Admiralty, Somerset-house, July 14.
Notice is herchy given to all persons interested therein,
that preparations are now making for the intended distri-
bution of proceeds arising from the Russian vessel Ot-
tawa, captured on the 2.:./th Sept., 1!.55, by her Majesty's
ship Nile and her tender the Redwing gun-boat ; the Mag-
pie gun-boat, temler to her Maj,sty's ship Orion ; and the
Ruby gnu-boat, tender to her Majesty's ship Majestic.
Agents or other persons having any just and legal do-
mandomliquidated, against the said proceeds, are required
to transmit the particulars of any such demand to the Re-
gistrar of the High Court of Admiralty, in order that the
same may be examined, taxed, and allowed by that officer,
and pail nudes the sanction of the judge of the said court.
Agents and all other persons holding powers of attorney,
prize orders, assi„;uments, or other instruments, by virtue
of which they may be legally entitled to claim the sharehe-
longing to any captor, are requested, with as little delay as
possible, to transmit the same, accompanied by the usual
documents, to the Priza Branch of the Department of the
" Accountant-General of the Navy, Admiralty, Somer-
set-house."
Due notice will be given, by future advertisements in
the London (meet e, of the data proposed for the com-
mencement of distribution ; and, at the same time, the
amount of an individual's share in the respective classes
will be announced.

BANKRUPTCY ANNULLED.
Thomas Small Pack, grocer, liusbauls Bosworth, Lc:
costershire.

BANKRUPTS.
Henry Grant, licensed victualler, Southampton, to sur-
render, July 31, at cloven, and August 29, at one, at the
Court of Bankruptcy. Whitmore, official assignee ; West,
Charlotte-row, Mansion-house ; Looser, Southampton.
William Wheeler, corn dealer, Broadway, near Evesham,
Aug. 1 and 22, at half-past eleven, at the Birmingham
District Court. Bittleston, official assignee, Birmingham ;
E. and H. Wright, Birmingham.
Simeon Partridge, latch manufacturer, Darlastcn, Staf-
fordshire, July 31, at ten, and August 21, at half-past
eleven, at the Birmingham District Court. Christie, offi-
cial assignee, Birmingham; Motterarn and Knight, Bir-
mingham.
John Crotch, innkeeper, Okehampton, July 31 and Aug.
20, at one, at the Exeter District Court. Hirtzel, official
assignee, Exeter; Burd, Okehampton ; Terrell, Exeter.
George Augustus Hamilton Chichester, commission
agent, York-buildings, Adelphi, July 29, at half-past one,
and Aug. 27, at halt-past eleven, at the Court of Bank-
ruptcy. Stansfeld, official assignee; Chidley, Gresham-
street, City.
William Wood, dealer in German yeast. Aldersgato-
street, July 31, at two, and Aug. 29, at eleven, at the
Court of Bankruptcy. Cannan, official assignee, Alder-
manbury ; Hancock and Sharp, Tokenhouse-yard.
William Gaskin, builder, Croydon, July 29, at half-
past one, and August 27, at half-past eleven, at the Court
of Bankruptcy. Graham, official assignee ; Peddoll,
Cheapside.
SCOTCH SEQUESTRATIONS.
Thomas Foord, grain dealer, A.irth„ Stirlingshire.
Armstrong and Aitchison, drapers, Hawick.
Alexander Barns, jeweller, Falkirk.
John Bell and Co., tea-merchants, Glasgow.

BANK OF /
An Account pursuant to the Act 1
the Week ending on Saturda:

INGL AND.
th and Bth Victoria. cap. 33, Ib'
r the 12th day of July, 1856.
ATXENT.

138 V E DEP
Notes issued .4 •• '26,273,603

Government debt.... 11,015;10 r
Other securities ...... 3,459,900
Gold coin and bullion 11,793,605
Silver bu11i0n........ -

426,273,605

£26,273,605
:. MARSHALL, Chief Cashier.

Dated the 17th day of July, 185 i

BANKING DE
Proprietors' capital .. 13,553,000
Rest ...... .......... 3,320,.532
Public deposits (in-
cluding Exchequer,
Commissioners of
National Debt, Say-

;r.ULTMENT.

Government securities

(inclndg.Dead Weight
Annuity) 14,208,464
Other securities 13,773,626
Notes . • .. .......... 5,43i,720
Gold and saver coin.. 579,721

ing's Banks,. and
Dividend Accounts) 2,547,500,
Other deposits ...... 12,698,812
sicven Day and other
81113•• •• •• •• • .. 873,690

433,996,534

£33.99G,534
'. MARSHALL, Chief Cashier.

Dated the 17th day of July, 185,

AVERAGE PRICE OF SUGAR.

The Average Price of Brown or Muscovado Sugar, com-
puted from the returns made in theweek ending July 15,
1856. exclusive of the Duties of Customs paid or payable
thereon, on the importation thereof into Groat Britain.
From the British Possessions in America 32s. Od.
Muscovado, the produce of the Mauritius
Muscovado, the produce of the East Indies
Average of the three foregoing descriptions 32s. sid.

COURSE OF EXCHANGE.—Tars DAY.
Am5terdam............ 11 183 Gibraltar .. •••••• • • • • • •
Ditto, three months .. 12 0 I Leghorn .. •• • .•• 30 5
Rotterdam .. 12 014 , Genoa ......... • ...... 25 75
Antwerp .
Brussels•••• •••••••• • • • • • • 25 57%1 Venice •••••• • • • • •• •••

Hanaburgh ..... ....... 13 9
Altona•••••••••• ••••••
Paris•••••••• ...•••••••• 25 3234
Ditto, three months .. 25 65
Marseilles 25 65

Naples •• • .. 444
Palermo ...... 133
Messina ... ... 13314
Lisbon ...... •• • • 531(a
Oporto .. .••• • • •• 53

Bourdeattic .. • • •• • • • • ••

Rio Janeiro ..... . • • • • ••

-----
Frankfort-on-Maine • ... 120%
Berlin

Buenos Ayres.... • .....
New or 60 days' eight

•• •• • •• • • .•••••
Vienna••••••••••••• •• •• 10 20
Trieste"— .• •• •• •• •••• 10 21
Petersburg •• •• •.•••• •• 373 i
Madrid ••• •• •• •••,. •• •• 4244
Cadiz 405,
Barcelona •• •• •• •• •• ye -

Philadelphia
PRICES 07 RUMEN, PER OZ.
Foreign Gold In Bars £3 17 9
Portugal Gold Coin .. 0 0 0
Mexican Dollars .... 0 0 0
New Dollars .... 0 0 0
Sliver in bars ...... 0 5 11,4

LOCAL SHARE MARKETS.

LIVERPOOL, JULY 17.

STOCK EXCHANGE.--The market manifested a better
feeling to-day, and prices wore an improved aspect, closing
at their best point. Aberdeen, 11.13.9.—Midlands,
834—East Lancashire, 214—Lancashire and Yorkshire,
97/ B—London and North-Westerns, 107$ i—Ditto,
Eighths, new, 4 d.—Sheffields, 33i—South Eastern, 224 /
—North Eastern, Berwick, 22i—Dutch Rhenish, 2.18.9.
prem.—Great Western of Canada, new, 3.6.3. prem.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF
LORDS—(YESTERDAY.)
The Duke of BUCCLEUCH presented a number of
petitions from various places in Scotland against the
Parochial Schools (Scotland) Bill.
COATHAM MARRIAGES VALIDITY BILL.
Oa the motion of the LORD CHANCELLOR this
bill was read a second time. The object of this bill was
to legalise certain marriages that had taken place in a
certain chapel that had been built for private purposes.
FORMATION OF PARISHES BILL,
The Earl of SHAFTESBURY moved the second
reading of this bill.
The Bishop of OXFORD supported the bill.
The Earl of DERBY hoped that this bill would be
referred to a select committee. He did not wish to throw
any obstacle in the way of this bill passing, but
he thought there were certain details which
ought to be fully considered before their lordships as-
sented to the second reading.
After a short 'discussion the bill was read a second
ime pro forma, and referred to a committee up stairs.
NUISANCES REMOVAL BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
EPISCOPAL AND CAPITULAR MATES BILL,
This bill was also read a second time.
CUSTOMS BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
RAILWAYS ACT (IRELAND) 1851 BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
TURNPIKE ACTS CONTINUANCE BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
REGISTRATION OF LEASES (SCOTLAND)
BILL.
On the motion of the Duke of ARGYLL, this bil
was withdrawn.
BISHOPS OF LONDON AND DURHAM
RETIREMENT BILL.
On the order of the day for the committal of this
bill,
Lord REDESDA LE expressed his objection to this
bill, which he considered involved a simoniacal
contract, and said he considered their lordships
ought to have the whole of the correspondence that had
taken place between the rev. prelates and the Govern-
ment before they proceeded with the bill.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said there would be no
objection to the production of the whole of the corres-
pondence, but he did not see why the present bill should
not be proceeded with.
The Bishop of OXFORD hoped their lordships would
have some regard to the grave consequences of the act
they were about to pass. They ought to have the cor-
respondence. How did the house know the bishops un•
derstood the bill in the same light as themselves ? He
did not think the bishops knew the private character of
this bill. It encouraged simony, and was open to the
charge of desecrating what was holy.
Lord CAMPBELL said that nothing could be consi-
dered as simony which was in accordance with the law
of the land. The present bill was one to provide for an
exigency which in general law could not be met. It
merely legalised an agreement made by the consent of
all the parties concerned.
The Bishop of OXFORD admitted that nothing was
sin-lonia:al which was sanctioned by law, but contended
that the present bill only made an act legal which, if
committed the day after by any one else, would amount
to simony.
The Earl of CHICHESTER gave some details
of the communication between himself and the confiden-
tial adviser of the bishop. The bishop himself had seen
the bill, and expressed his general approval of it.
The Earl of SHAFTESBURY adverted to the neces-
sity of providing for the wants of the great metropolitan
dioc: se. He illuArated the necessity of appointing a suc-
cessor at once to a bishop in a state of incapacity, by the
confusion and jobbery which bad taken place in the dio-
cese of Bath and Wells when two bishops in succession
.vere rrovented from doing their duty—the one by men-
tal, and the other by physical incapacity,
The Earl of DERBY said that all were agreed on the
inconvenience of the present state of things, but the ques-
tion was whether the inconvenience created by the bill
was not greater. He thought that a general measure
should be introduced; but if the Government would
pledge themselves that the money saved under the pre-
sent arrangement should be devoted to a fund for the
'uture reiirement of bishops, he would not oppose going

into committee.
The Earl of HARROWBY would not pledge the Go
vernment further than this, that the money should 1:0'
at present be devoted to other purposes.
The house then went into committee on the bill.
Vise !out DUNGANNON thougLt the retiring allow
antes too great; 3,000/. per annum would have been
sufficient. Why should the Bishop of London have
6,000/. a year and the Bishop of Durham only 4,000/. ;
in fact why should retired bishops have 1,5001. a year
mcre than the Ecclesiastical Commission had decided to
be sufficient f r working bishops.
Lord W YNFORD said, if the Bishop of London had
nut spent so ranch in charity, he would have wanted
much lee for his retiring pension.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said that the Bishop of
London had expended 15,0001. per annum in charity.
How then could he withdraw upon a small income ?
The clause was then agreed to.
The Bishop of OXFORD gave notice that at a future
stage he should move a clause providing that whatever
sum might be received by the ecclo,ia•3tical commission-
ers from the sets of London and Durham should be car•
tied to a separate account, to be called the London and
Durham bishopric account, and that the same should be
invested until Parliament had decided whether any pro-
vision should be made for the retirement from office of
all bishops disqualified from the performance of the duties
of their office.
The bill was then reportsd.
The report of amendments on the Metropolis Local
ManagementlAmendment Act was received and agreed to.
The Sherborne Hospital Bill was reported with
amendments.
The Oxford College Estates Bill was reported with
amendments.
The Revenue Transfer of Charges Bill was read a
third time and passed.
The Court of Chancery (Ireland) Receivers:Bill passed
through committee.
The Marriage and Registration Acts Amendment Bill
passed through committee.
The Commons Enclosure Bill (No. 2) passed through
committee.
The Prisons (Ireland) Bill passed through committee.
THP SEES OF LONDON AND DURHAM.

The Bishop of OXFORD moved for copies of the cor-
respondence which bad passed on the subject of the re-
signation of the bishoprics of London and Durham
between her Majesty's Government and the bishops of
tho=e sees.
The motion was then agreed to, and
The house adjourned at half-past seven o'clock.

HO USE OF COMMON S. --(YESTERDAY
SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE.
On the motion of Mr. BROTHERTON, return of the
number of days on which the House of Commons sat in
the present session, stating, for each day, the date of the
month and the day of the week, the hour of meeting and
the hour of adjournment ; and the total number of hours
occupied in the sittings of the house, and the average
time; and showing the number of hours on which the
house sat each day, and the number of hours after mid.
night; and the number of entries in each day's votes and
proceedings (in continuation of Parliamentary paper No.
438 of session 1854-5).
DIVISIONS OF THE HOUSE.
On the motion of Mr. BROTHERTON, return of the
number of divisions of the House of Commons in the
present session, stating the subject of the division, and the
number of members in the majority and minority, tellers
included; also the aggregate number in the house on
each division, distinguishing the divisions on public
business from private, and also the number of divisions
before and after midnight (in continuation of Parliamen-
tary paper No. 492 of session 1854-5).
PUBLIC BILLS.
On the motion of Mr. BROTHERTON, alphabetical
list of the public bills which have been introduced into
the House of Commons during the present session, stat-
ing by whom introduced, or which have been brought
from the House of Lords ; the dates of their several
stages in this house, and distinguishing those which have
since become law (in continuation of Parliamentary
paper No. 487 of session 1854-5).
GENERALS BEATSON AND VIVIAN.
Mr. ROEBUCK said by some mistake a motion of
his had been pat on the paper for to-night instead of for
Tuesday next. It was as follows : That the Under Secre-
tary for War having admitted that, upon anonymous in-
formation, a secret inquiry had been ordered into the
conduct of a general officer, this house feels itself bound
to express its reprobation of such a proceeding.
Mr. PEEL wished to offer some explanation on the
subject.
Mr. ROEBUCK—Had you not better defer it until I
have made the motion ?
Mr. PEEL—No ; it is pressing. As regards the con-
duct of General Vivian--
Mr. ROEBUCK—I rise to order. How can I an-
swer the statement of the hon. gentleman when there is
no motion before the house ?
The SPEAKER—The hon. genleman can only make
his explanation under the indulgence of the house.
Mr. PEEL—The point, sir, is simply this. Certain
charges have been made against Gen. Beatson in connec-
tion with transferring the command of the Turkish Con-
tingent, and they came to the knowledge of the War-
office through —.—
Mr. HAMILTON here interposed, and said the hon.
member was clearly out of order.
Mr. LA BOUCHERE—My hon. friend simply intends
to offer a personal explanation.
Colonel FRENCH—I rise to order, sir. This discus-
sion is quite irregular, and ought not to be continued.
Mr. PEEL—I only wish to say—
Mr. ROEBUCK—Order, order. Sir, I insist the
hon. member is quite out of order. (Hear.)
The SPEAKER ruled that the hon. member was out
of order, and the matter dropped.
DECIMAL COINAGE.
Mr. HAMILTON asked the Csancellor of the Exche-
quer when it was likely the report of the commissioners
on the decimal coinage question would be presented ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER eaid the
commissioners had taken various steps for the purpose of
obtaining information on the subject referred to them,
but they would not be in a position to make a report in
sufficient time to admit of its being laid on the table in
the course of the present session.
CIVIL SERVICE ESTIMATES.
Mr. HAMILTON wished also to ask the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, in order to extend the principle of
competitive examination fur civil offices, what means it
was intended to take to make known to the public the

vacancies which from time to time might arise in the
several public departments, or the steps which it might
be requisite to be taken by candidates, in order to their
selection by the heads of departments, for competitive
examination ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied
that there were always a large number of applications
addressed to members of the Government when vacan-
cies occurred, and it was not necessary to adopt any steps
to give further information on the subject.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENTS.
Mr. W. EWART inquired of the Secretary of State
for the Colonies whether measures would he adopted for
further mitigating the laws imposing capital punish-
ment in the colonies, in conformity with the laws im-
posing capital punishment in Great Britain ?
Mr. LABOUC HERE said the law in the colonies did
not materially differ from that established in the United
Kingdom. The principal exceptions to the rule were in
Ceylon, where the old Roman Dutch law was retained,
and some of the West India islands, where there was an
obsolete law in existence on the subject ; but it was
chiefly in the West Australian colonies that capital
punishments were carried to a greater extent than they
were here. All he could say, then, was that he was quite
ready to consider whether in the two former cases it might
not be advisable to make some change ; but, considering
that the West Australian colonies had their own local
legislatures, they of course must be the best judges of the
extent to which capital,punishments ought to be carried
on, and ho should decline to interfere with them.
THE CAPE.
In reply to questions from Mr. CHEETHAM and Mr.
HINDLEY,
Mr. LABOUCHERE repeated that the last accounts
from the Cape,.which were to the Ist May, stated it to be
the confident opinion of the governor that no serious out-
break on the part of the natives would take place. At the
same time the Government, under the circumstances, bad
thought it advisable to send out considerable reinforce-
ments. In the event of war breaking out, unquestion-
ably the greater part of the expense would have to be
borne by the mother country.
PUBLIC BUSINESS.

Mr. HADFIELD again adverted to the large amoun,
of public business on the paper at this period of the
session, and asked the noble lord at the head of the Go-
vernment whether he could state which bills would be
proceeded with, and which abandoned. There were four
bills with regard to which he was particularly anxious to
that information, and they were the Vice-President of
Committee of Council on Education Bill, the Divorce
and Matrimonial Causes Bill,and the Lords' Amendments
to the Cambridge University Bill.
• Lord PALIIERSTON said in former sessions there
had usually been one general slaughtering of bills, but
this session they had preferred rather to do execution
upon them one by one. (A. laugh.) That couree he should
propose to continue, and the intentions of the Govern-
ment would be stated upon each bill as each came on.
With regard to the first of the four bills mentioned by the
hon. gentleman, it was intended certainly to proceed with
the first, and the last, and the Attorney-General would
on an early day, perhaps to-morrow, state what he pro-
posed to do with the second. As for the Divorce
Bill, it was a measure of great importance, involv-
ing questione of great magnitude, in which considerable
difference of opinion must necessarily exist, and at this
late period of the session he did not think it would be
desirable to press the house to come to any decision upon
it. It was the intention of the Government, however,
to revive the measure in that house at the very beginning
of the next session, but it would not contain the 24th
clause of the present bill, which prohibited the future
marriages of persons who had been divorced for adul-
tery. Such a provision, it was thought, would be quite
in opposition to public morale, or rather it would have a
direct tendency to encourage and promdte immorality.
Mr. ROEBUCK—AIIow ms to ask what course the
Government intend to take with reference to the Civil
Service Superannuation Bill?
The CH ANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—To pro-
ceed with it. I shall move the order when it comes on.
CORRUPT PRACTICES PREVENTION BILL.
On the motion for going into committee on this bill,
Mr. H. BERKELEY rose to move as an amendment
that it be committed that day three months, as the bill
proposed to continue a law that was not only useless in
its operation, but intended from the very flint to dupe
and delude John Bull. (A laugh.) He should endeavour
to avoid the question of the ballot, which had been pooh-
phooed by the noble lord opposite. (Hear.) When it was
found that something roust be done, the usual safety-
valve Was opened—a select committee. They sent down
the bill, which wag after wards cut and mutilated and shorn
of all its best parts. It was sent thus emasculated to the
House of Lords, who, glad of the pretence of doing
something which looked like reform, passed a measure
that was conservative of corruption. In this form
the bill received the royal assent. The press pronounced
it to be a pompous profession, meant to be inoperative.
The bill, as tested throughout the country, had proved
to be inoperative ; and no one could deny that it was a
pompous profession, as it undertook to suppress bribery
and undue initience at elections. The house ought not
to stultify itself by continuing such an enactment. In
those boroughs where elections had taken place since it
passed, the press was almost unanimous in stating that
it had been inoperative. Such being the case, the bill
ought to have been referred to a committee, and not re-
introduced in the same form. At Deptford it was stated
that bribery was still suspected to a very great degree.
At Barnstaple, it was admitted that "the screw" had been
used. At Froine, many electors had been told they might
vote for whom they pleased, at the risk of losing their
employment. At Malden and Norwich it was stated that
no difference had taken place in the mode of election.
At Portsmouth, the Government screw had been used,
and it was raid to make no difference which party was
in power. At Sunderland and Wigan, they spoke of the
screw being used, and that there were the outward signs
of bribery. At Bath, sixteen distinct cases of intimida-
tion bad been reported. At Wells—Wells I --(laughter)
—they had spoken of bribery, treating, and the screw ;
and it was said that the act 'was nothing more than
waste paper. At Boston, despite all Mr. Ingram might
say in favour of that "tight little borough," a frightful
state of venality was said to prevail. The case was the
sae- eat Rochester and other places. Such was the ef-
fect of an act they were now called upon to renew. In-
stead of doing this the Government ought to have lis-
tened-te the petitions of the electors and have referred
the bill to a committee. All they could do now was eithe r
to pass a bad bill, or leave the country without any pro-
vision against bribery. Wherever there was a good
clause in the bill, it had been neutralised by some other,
or by the decisions of the courts. It had been held that
an elector might have his expenses paid, if there was no
proof of corrupt intent, either on his part or that of the
person paying. But how was it possible to prove a
corrupt intent ? (Hear, hear.) Candidates were required
to return to the election auditors the names of their ac-
knowledged agents, whose expenditure must be made
public. The only effect of this was to destroy the old
law of agency. The acknowledged agent was knowo ;
but what of the unacknowledged agents ? Such a pro-
vision only opened the dour more wide for brit ery. Any
stranger might descend from the Reform or the Carlton
Club, upon any borough, or from the Moon, as at
Aylesbury and Carlisle—(laughter)—and might bribe in
all directions, so long as they were not acknowledged or
appointed agents. Again, the bill contained no provi-
sion against granting loans to electors—a most fertile
source of corruption. A more serious part of the question
was intimidation ; it was the great disease of our electo-
ral system; it pervaded every class of society, and made
the electors mere serfs. The landlord controlled the
tenant—the customer the tradesman—the manufacturer
the operative; and so on all through society. The sth
clause of the bill, even if it could be carried into effect,
was unconstitutional. Could the house dictate to a land-
lord what tenant he should accept, or to a customer what
tradesman he should employ! The very attempt was an
absurdity. On this subject Mr. Macaulay had declared
his conviction that intimidation could not be reached by
penal laws, and the only way of putting it down was by
the ballot. The late Sir R. Peel had also expressed the
same opinion as to the inutility of penal laws. Land-
lords did not tell tenants that they were ejected on ac-
count of their votes. The Whig Controller of the Royal
household who, a few years ago, dismissed a number of
the Royal tradesmen because they had voted against
a Whig Minister, did not tell them why they were dis-
missed. What, then, was the use of 501. penalty against
intimidation ? The payment for chairing, flags, and
bands of music was declared illegal ; but no penalty was
attached. Any charge against a member must be made
within 14 days ; but the accounts were not required to
be sent into the auditor for 3 months. The provision
for appointing agents was a most cunning device for
shielding the candidate from responsibility. He called on
the house to pause before again committing themselves
to such a measure. He had torn the bill to rags, and it
would puzzle any hon. gentleman to put it together
again. It was neither more nor less than a snare and
delusion to the people, a mockery on legislation, and
an insult to common sense. It did nothing but render
illegal banners, bands, and cockades ; but that object was
provided for by another bill, which had been rejected by
the house. It had been opposed by Sir James Graham,
then First Lord of the Admiralty, who could not march
to an election unless " Rule Britannia" was played
before him. (Laughter.) Yet those very provisions had
been passed in the present act, as a kind of saving clauses.
Mr. CRAUFURD seconded the motion. He had
voted for the bill when it contained the clause which
required a declaration from the member that he had riot
been guilty of bribery. But when that clause was thrown
out, he knew that its efficacy was destroyed. The last
election for the county of Ayr under this bill, although
the election was confined to one day, cost more money
than when the election lasted two days. He complained
that no member could reach that house without paying
toll to the election auditor. He put it to the Govern-
ment and the house whether, after the authentic con-
demnation of the act by the decision of the Court of Ex-
, chequer Chamber, it was desirable to pass the measure
without meeting the objections which were patent to all.
Mr. INGRAM said he was surprised that the mem-
ber for Bristol opposed the continuance of the act,
and also that he brought fel- ward accusations against
the borough which he (Mr. Ingrain) represented which
were wholly unsupported. His election was a proof to
him that the act had been of great use as compared with
elections which took place before it passed. Before the
act passed a great deal of money had been spent in treat-
ing, and also under the disguise of music and flags ; but
on his honour he did not spend a single shilling in treat-
in 7or in music at the last election. (Hear.) He hoped
the house would support the bill, which he was certain
was a great benefit, and he trusted the observations of
the hon gentleman wouldheot induce the house to throw
out the bill,
Mr. TITE agreed iu much that had heon said by the
hon. member for Bristol, and his experience led him to

the conclusion that the best mode of putting an end to
intimidation, as far as it could be put an end to, was the
ballot. He believed, however, there was a great deal
of good in the bill. Ile thought it desirable to have
election auditors, and useful to have the accounts sent
in ; but he considered the mode of payment to be ab-
surd. There were 912 candidates at the last (general
election, and 40 members lost their seats. If there was
the same number of candidates at the next election, they
would have to pay 9,5001. in the first instance. He
thought that if the town clerk or the clerk of the peace
were made the auditor, he being a public officer, there
would be less cause of complaint against the auditors.
He had given notice of an amendment on this subject.
He had also given notice of an amendment that the de-
claration of the agent should be made before the return-
ing officers, and kept by the auditor. He was of opinion,
in order to remove doubts, that words should be intro-
duced permitting the candidate to pay or cause to be paid
the actual and reasonable expense of bringing voters to the
poll. But the most important provision would be to com-
pel the petitioner and sitting member, on inquiry before
any select committee of the House of Commons to declare
whether he bribed or not. He would take away the pe-
nalty which attached to the act, and if the member re-
fused to answer, he thought he should lose his seat.
With regard to the accusation of bribery in Bath, he be-
lieved there was no foundation for such a charge. He be-
lieved there was no bribery, and he knew that none of
his money was spent in such a way. If the bill was to
be a merely continuance bill for one year, and a promise
given that a committee would be appointed next session,
he would not propose his amendments.
Sir G. GREY said the Government merely asked the
house to pass the hill for one year, and he hoped they
would do so without making any amendments, as it was
the intention of the Government to propose a committee
next session to inquire into the operation of the act in all
those cases which had taken place since it had passed.
It was quite evident from what had been said that there
was a difference of opinion as to the operation of the
act, which showed the necessity of inquiry.
Mr. W. MARTIN bore testimony to the value of the
act in suppressing bribery in the borough he represented.
There was no foundation for the charge of bribery or
treating which was made against the borough of Ro-
chester.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS said he thought the bill might be
made better, but it contained good, because it put an
end to treating and the display 'of music and flags. He
should therefore vote for the continuance of the act, but
would heartily support a motion for the addition of the
ballot thereto.
Sir S. BIGNOLD trusted the Government would
persevere with the bill. It had worked extremely well
in the important borough he had the honour to represent.
Mr. BERKELEY would withdraw his amendment,
if the noble lord at the head of the Government gave a
pledge that a committee should be appointed early next
s ession.
Lord PALMERSTON had no difficulty in repeating
that it was the decided intention of her Majesty's Go-
vernment to refer the bill to a select committee at the
earliest possible period next session.
The amen Intent was then withdrawn, and the bill
passed through committee.
VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE COMMIT TEE OF
COUNCIL ON EDUCATION BILL.

Sir G. GREY moved the second reading of this bill,
the object of which is to authorise the appointment of a
vice-president of the committee of council on education
having a seat in the House of Common,, who shall be
the responsible Minister in the house for all matters con-
nected with education, so far as the Government are
concerned.
Mr. HADFIELD objected to the bill, and complained
that the authority of the vice-president was not to extend
to Ireland. Besides, neither the duties nor the salary to
be given to the new officer were mentioned in the bill.
The measure was not a well-considered one, and he trusted
the Government would withdraw it. If they would not
consent to do so, he would move an amendment thatthe
bill be read a second time that day six months.
Mr. INGHAIA did not think any measure so likely to
promote education as the bill now before the house, and
therefore gave it his cordial support.
The amendment was then negatived without a division,
and the bill was read a second time.
GENERAL BOARD OF HEALTH CONTINU-
ANCE BILL.

The house then resolved itself into c3niniittee on this

on►.
Dr. MICIIELL complained of the expense caused by
the Board of Health, which had done no good whatever,
and expressed a hops that it would not be continued
more than another year.
Mr. COWPER defended the board, and said be was
firmly convinced that its operations had been highly be-
neficial to the health of the public.
After a short conversation the clauses were agreed to,
and the house resumed.
COUNTY COURTS ACT AMENDMENT BILL.
On the motion that the Lords' amendments to this
bill be considered and agreed to,
Mr. HENLEY complained of the course proposed.
He understood the bill was to have been recommitted to
give hon. members an opportunity of reconsidering the
important amendments agreed to in committee.
Sir J. GRAHAM concurred in the remarks of the
last speaker. He hoped the Government would have
the bill reprinted, and not fix the third reading earlier
than Monday.
Sir G. GREY said the bill should be reprinted, and
the third reading fixed for Tuesday next.
Sir J. GRAHAM hoped the Government would with-
draw the ❑inth clause, which allowed the registrar of the
court to reside out of the district of the judge.
Mr. WILSON consented to the omission of the clause.
The clause was accordingly struck out.
After some further discussion on the clauses of the
bill, iu one of which the maximum salary of the clerks
was fixed at 700/. per annum, the remaining amendments
were agreed to, and the bill ordered to be read a third
time on Tuesday next.
The Evidence in Foreign Suits Bill was read a second

time.
The Divorce and Matrimonial Clauses Bill was with.
drawn for the present session.
MARRIAGE LAW (SCOTLAND) BILL.
The Lords' amendments to this bill were considered
and agreed to.
BANKRUPTCY (SCOTLA.ND) BILL.
The Lords' amendments to this bill were also consi-
dered and agreed to.
COAST•GUARD SERVICE BILL.
The house went into committee on this bill.
On clause 4 being proposed,
Sir G. PECHELL said that he cordially approvel of
the principle of the bill, but that a better system of pro-
motion and higher rates of remuneration should be ap-
plied to the officers of the Coast-Guard service.
Sir C. WOOD stated the bill before the committee had
been carefully considered by the Board of Admiralty, and
it was thought that sufficient inducements were held out
by it 4 provisions to secure the services of a younger and
more efficient class of men in the Coast Guard.
In reply to Sir G. PECHELL,
Sir C. WOOD said the Coast Guard would be entered
on the books of the navy in future as seamen. Some few
of the old Coast Guard were not so entered, and in their
cases no alteration would be made.
Mr. HENLEY complained that the compulsory
powers to taco land were too extensive. It might lead
to much inconvenience to place an arbitrary power in
the hands of the Admiralty to take five acres of land at
a time. There never would be any difficulty in getting
land for barracks and other purposes if it could be shown
that it was really wanted.
After a few words from Lord H. VANE and Sir W.
HEATECOTE,
Sir C. WOOD agreed to reduce the limit to three acres.
The other clauses were then agreed to.
THE MERCANTILE LAW AMENDMENT BILL.
Clause 1 was struck out.
Upon clause 2.
Mr. HENLEY moved that this clause be struck out.
Mr. LOWE said the clause was inserted upon the
recommendation of the Mercantile Law Commissioners
contained in their report.
Mr. ROEBUCK said that the clause was intended to
alter the long-established law with respect to the rights
of persons buying goods in market overt, and he had
heard no sufficient reason for the alteration. .
Mr. MALINS also objected to the clause.
Mr. LOWE felt that no could not successfully sup-
port the clause, and it was withdrawn.
Upon clause 3,
Mr. MULLINGS proposed that this clause be struck

out.
After a few words from Mr. HADFIELD it was
agreed to.
Clause 4 was agreed to.
Upon clause 5,
Mr. MALINS expressed his satisfaction with this
clause, by which it was proposed to alter that portion of
the Statute of Frauds which declared all guarantees void
where no consideration was mentioned
Mr. VANCE said, as a e )mmercial man, he hoped the
old law would be allowed to stand as it was. It was con-
sidered a great proteCtion to the public.
Mr. HADFIELD supported the clause, which was
then agreed to.
Upon clause 6,
Mr. MULLINGS objected to the clause as making a
very serious change in the law of partnership, and would
make a retired partner always liable for the debts of a
firm, although the remaining partners might become
bankrupt.
A discussion followed, in which Mr. MalMs, Mr.
Vance, and Mr. Muntz opposed the clause ; while Mr.
Lowe explained away what he considered the objection,
Mr Mullings persisting in his opposition.
The committee divided, when there appeared—
For the clause 95
Against it l3
Majority —B2
The clause was then agreed to.
Clause 7 was agreed to after some discussion.
Clause 8 was withdrawn.
Clause 9, with some amendments, was agreed to.
The remaining clauses were agreed to, and the house
resumed.
CURSITOR BARON OF THE EXCHEQUER
BILL.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, in mov-
ing the second reading of this bill, said it consisted only
of one clause, and the clause was a very short one. As
Tuesday was the last day on which bills could be sent d
up
to the Lords, he hoped the house would let him procee
with another stage of the bill that night.
Mr. S. WORTLEY said the only duty the Cursitor
Caron had to perform was to listen to a ridiculous speech
from the Recorder of London once a year on the intro-
duction of th- s ,-r:er.,% That ceromony performed
in September before several ladies, nobody else being in
town, and consisted of cutting pieces of stick and count!