The Sun.
London, England, 1860-03-03 00:00:00

distillers would be utterly annihilated, while a great ad-
vantage, fully 6s. 6d. per gallon, would accrue to the
French producer. Unless the duty were increased, he
thought, looking to the result of previous reductions of
duty, from 1845 down, that a large diminution of the re-
venue would follow, and that certainly was not a satisfac-
tory state of things.
Sir E. GROGAN thought they ought to learn what was
the reciprocity part of the treaty. Up to this time they had
heard nothing on the subject. If the (Mies were to be low-
ered as was proposed, it was only fair that a corresponding
advantage should be given to British distillers.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, with
respect to what had fallen from the hon. gentleman oppo-
site (Sir E. Grogan), he saw every reason to suppose that
there would be a disposition to admit spirits liberally into
France on fair terms, because she was a large exporter her-
self, and had no reason to fear the result. There had been r
no decision come to in respect to allowing the drawback on
foreign grain in distilleries, and the question was open to
consideration. It was hardly possible, however, to discuss
that subject intelligibly in a popular assembly. He had
never found any trade more satisfactory to deal with than
those concerned in the spirit trade, whether in England,
Scotland, or Ireland. They were gentlemen of large capi-
tal and intelligence, and stated their views with great mo-
deration. He did not deny that a gentleman had been sent
over to Paris, as the hon. gentleman the member for Fins-
bury had stated, but itwas not in any way connected with the
hon. gentleman's amcndment. With regard to the duty
being aitered to Bs. 2d., as stated by the hon. member for
Finsbury, he denied the allegation of the hon, gentleman,
that this was done without consulting the Customs ands
Excise. No step had been taken in this matter without
the cognisance of the Excise. He was bound to say, and
especially as regarded the Board of Inland Revenue—the
department most concerned in the arrangement—they could
never havo arrived at it except in concerting with thee:,
departments. The basin upon which they had enterer! into
negotiations with France was with a view to a perc,eet free-
dom of trade. The right hon. gentleman the:, said that
after considering the question of a 10s. duty upon the im-
portation of foreign spirits, with the C,ziatama and Excise
authorities, it was ultimately agreed l'Jetween them that the
proposal which he had submitted to the committee was the
best which could be devised. As to rum, it was in rather
an anomalous position, but being the produce of tropical
countries, British distillers exhibited no jealousy of its
being admitted at the ordinary colonial rate. He had only
to add, that the Government proposed these arrangements
to Parliament as being, upon the whole, well suited to meet
what he admitted was a very complicated question, yet as
tending to solve the whole in the fairest manner possible.

Mr. T. DUNCOMBE replied, and said that if a com-
mittee were granted to him he would prove that the Excise
and Customs authorities had not been consulted with re-
spect to this proposed arrangement by the Government.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER assured
the hon. gentleman that the heads of the authorities at
the Excise and Customs had been consulted by him, and
everything he had done had their concurrence.
After a few words from Mr. BLACK,
The committee divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment ................ 48
Against it
191
Majority against .... —l43
The amendment was thertiore lost, and the resolution
was agreed to.
Mr. BYNG gave notice that, on Monday next, after the
resolutions were reported, it was his intention to move a
humble address to her Majesty, expressing the concurrence
and approval of that house of the Commercial Treaty. which
had been entered into between her Majesty and the Em-
peror of the French.
Mr. AYRTON said his hon. friend the member for Sun-
derland was going to move an amendment on this address,
and would like, therefore, to be made acquainted with its
terms as early as possible.
Mr, LYNG promised that the hon. gentleman should
have a copy of the address as early as possible on Monday
morning.

DUTY,
Mr. MILES saTHEid this biIIPAPER bill would be introdneed early
in the week, and he should move his amendment on the
second reading, which was fixed for Friday next.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the
bill would be introduced on Monday, and on that evening
they would finally .fix and announce the day appointed for
the second reading.

THE TRUANT MEMBER.
Mr. J. POPE HENNESSY appeared in his place and
rose to make an explanation as to his absence from a Rail-
way Committee, on which he had been duly appointed. He
expressed his deep regret that the fact of his appointment
on the committee in question had altogether escaped his
attention, several days having elapsed between his receiv-
ing the order from the committee and his leaving town.
Colonel WILSON PATTEN said as the hon. member
had expressed his regret, he would simply move that he be
directed to attend in his place at the committee in question,
and which was now sitting, on Monday next at twelve
o' clock.
This motion was then put, and having been unanimously
agreed to, the subject dropped.
The Qualification for Officers Abolition Bill was read a
third time and passed.
The house adjourned at twenty-three minutes to one
o'clock.

COUNTRY MARKETS.

LIVERPOOL—MARciI 2.

At our market this day there was a slow sale in wheat,
without any material change in. prices. Oats were quite as
dear. Egyptian beans were more plentiful, but holders
generally refused to accept less money. Barley and peas
unaltered. Oatmeal quite as saleable. The flour trade
quite as lifeless.