The Sun.
London, England, 1869-02-24 00:00:00

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE METROPOLIS.

Mr. BRUCE, in reply to Mr. C. Bentiuck, said it was
not the intention of the Government to deal with so large
a subject as the local management of the metropolisduring
the present session.
THE CATTLE PLAGUE.

Sir J. ELPIIINSTONE inquired whether it was true
that there had been a fresh outbreak of cattle plague in
Germany. '

Mr. FOSTER said the Government had no intimation
to that effect, nor had they reason to believe it. (Hear,
hear.) Immediately after the notice was given last night
telegraphic communications at once took place to several
places in Germany, and he had received au answer from
the Hague which stated that no fresh outbreak had taken
place, and the circumstances that had given riso to the
rumour, no doubt was the stops that were being taken to
overcome the diseases which it was known existed in

"THE WILL 0' THE WISP."
Mr. HAUDCASTLE inquired if it was true the Admi-
ralty subscription had been withdrawn from the paper
above mentioned ?

Mr. CHILDERS said he found that formerly ninety-
six copies each of Judy and the Will o' the Wisp
had been taken for the use of the fleet,
and on the 14th of December au order was given discon-
tinuing the latter. Ten days after the present Govern-
ment took office, and then it was for the first time that
he (the First Lord of the Admiralty) had stopped
the paper. (Laughter.) He believed the reason
given for recommending in the first instance the
order for the paper being given was that it was likely to
exercise a beneficial influence over the crews of her Ma-
jesty's ships. (Laughter.) He did not wish to hurt any-
body's feelings, and therefore he would not say why the
paper was stopped. (Laughter.)
THE FENIAN PRISONERS.

Mr. C. FORTESCUE said he could not say that
it was intended to give a free passage back to the Fenian
prisoners whom it had been determined to pardon, and
who were at present in Australia, that would depend en-
tirely depend upon circumstances.
ARREST FOR DEBT.

In reply to a question,
Mr. BRUCE said he believed the arrest of the girl for
debt, which had been referred to in that house, had been
made miler a mistake as to her age. He had, however,
made some inquiry on the subject, and he found that a
person under the age of 13 could be arrested for debt, and
that persons could be outlawed under 12 years of age if
they were females. (Laughter.)
VACATING SEATS.

Viscount BURY moved for leave to introduce a bill
to repeal section 2G of the Gth of Queen Anne, chap. 7,
relating to the re-election of members accepting office
under the crown.

A discussion ensued, in which Mr. V.llAncounT opposed
the motion on the ground that to repeal the act would be
to remove ono of the protections against parliamentary
intrigues, and Mr. GLADSTONE recommended the noble
lord tc withdraw the motion.

The noble lord accepted the recommendation of the
right hon. gentleman and withdrew his motion.

Sir M. LOPES moved an address to the Queen that she
would be graciously pleased to issue a Royal Commission
to inquire into the present amount, incidence, and effect of
local taxation, with a view to a more equitable readjust..
ment of these burdens.

Mr. GOSCHEN objected to the proposal to appoint a
Royal Commission.