The Sun.
London, England, 1860-06-16 00:00:00

CAST IRON GUNS.

The Earl of CAMPERDOWN asked the Under-Secre-
tary for War what number of cast iron guns had been rifled
and delivered to the navy ; by whose advice cast-iron guns
had been hooped and rifled ; what had been the results
of the experiment upon cast-iron guns so treated, and
whether the Ordnance Select Committee were consulted on
the occasion and approved of rifling the guns in question.
The noble earl said the question was one of considerable
importance, as it was connected with the national defences.
The noble earl then referred to the speech of Mr. Sidney
Herbert, who had recently said that about 3,000 guns
had been supplied to the navy, which example had been
followed by the French Government. The Government
had been recommended not to adopt the plan of hooping
cast iron guns before the experiments had taken
place, as they would all most certainly burst at the breech.
The experiments which had taken place fully bore
out the caution, as all the guns burst ; and as he
understood a very large contract had been entered into by
the Government for a supply of these guns, he wished to
know who was responsible for such a proceeding.
The Earl of RIPON said there were obvious reasons why
he should not state the exact number of the guns referred
to that had been supplied to the navy. (Hear, hear.)
No cast iron rifle had been delivered to the navy, as Sir W.
Armstrong's guns were not constructed of cast iron. With
respect to the next part of the question, relating to hooping
cast-iron guns, Sir Wi Ham Armstrong had been consulted
and experiments made which had proved the principle
was not successful, and the plan was abandoned. With respect
to the last part of the question, the Ordnance Select Com-
rr ittee had not been consulted. It was necessary
to observe, as some mistaken notion was prevalent
with respect to Sir William Armstrong's position, that he
certainly was not a contractor to the Government. It
was quite true that Sir William was a partner in
a firm carrying on business at Elswick, but those were not
the works from which the Government was supplied with
the iron for the guns. (Hear, hear.)
FURIOUS RIDING AND DRIVING BILL.

The Marquis of WESTMEATH moved the second read-
ing of this bill, which was to alter the 'punishment for
furious driving, which was now only forty shillings fine,
into various terms of imprisonment, as might be deemed
necessary by the judge. The noble marquis referred to
a number of cases where death had been occasioned by the
reckless driving of incompetent persons. The punishment
that had hitherto been inflicted on parties found
guilty of manslaughter ; this, he thought, was
totally inadequate. He knew of many cases, but
in one he was particularly struck with this injustice.
The party was tried and found guilty of man-
slaughter, and the recorder sentenced him to two months
imprisonment. The next prisoner that was tried was for
stealing a watch; he also was found guilty and sentenced
to four years' penal servitude, clearly showing that the watch
was more highly prized than the life of the unfortunate
child that had been killed. He hoped their lordships would
agree to the second reading of the bill, as it was one that
was much required.
The LORD CHANCELLOR thought the bill of the
noble marquis would be no improvement of the law. He
thought the law was better as it stood.
After a few words from the Marquis of WESTMEATH,
Lord PORTMAN moved that the bill should be read a
second time that day three months.
Lord DENMAN recommended the withdrawal of the
bill.

The bill was withdrawn.
BANK OF IRELAND BILL.
This bill was read a third time and passed.
INTRODUCTION OF RARE ANIMALS IN
AUSTRRLLIA.
The Earl of CARNARVON asked whether the question
of introducing and acclimatising in the Australian colonies
animals of a rare and valuable character had been brought
under the ocrtusidctatitnn of tho gconotary of State for the
Colonies, and was favourably entertained by the govern-
ment. Australia, he observed, was singularly deficient in
many of the birds and animals which abounded here, and
various attempts had been made by private individuals to
supply the deficiency. Hares and rabbits, so unpopular
with the agriculturists at home, would be gladly welcomed
by the Australian settlers. Her Majesty had graciously
patronised the efforts that had been mule by sending vari-
ous specimens herself. Remembering that the salmon
fisheries of Scotland yielded 500,000 to 600,000 tons annu •
ally, and those of Ireland 200,000 tons, the breed might be
extended with great benefit to the Australian colonies.
Skylarks, thrushes, and blackbirds had already been ex-
ported thither, and their song was now heard on the banks
of the Australian rivers. The government of Victoria, he
understood, had offered £5OO for the introduction of Eng-
lish birds and animals ; and it was said that it would be
made £l,OOO.
The Duke of NEWCASTLE said that the subject was
one full of interest, not merely in a scientific point of view,
and contributing to the enjoyment of the inhabitants of
those countries, but also for a more practical purpose,
arising out of the value of the animals. The subject had
engaged the attention of the public for some time past,
and two great attempts had been made to introduce into
Australia animals from this and other countries. One had
been unsuccessful; the second had led to eminent success.
The introduction of salmon was first attempted at the
period when he was in office before. There was much cor-
respondence on the subject ; and though the experiment
was conducted under scientific superintendence, some mis-
takes were made which might now be obviated. He believed
and hoped, for the sake of Australia, that the experiment
would ultimately be successful. The other experiment had
been the introduction of the alpaca. That had been suc-
cessful ; and he had no doubt these animals would become
a source of very considerable profit to the colonists. His
noble friend did not wish any vote to be taken in the esti-
ates this year for this purpose , this was not desirable ;
nor was it desirable that it should be done at all. (Hear,
1.1,,ar.) With proper assistance from official departments,
these objects were very much better gained by private en-
t-,rprise than if they were in the hands of Government. He
hid given that answer when he had been applied to on the
subject of the introduction of botanical specimens, as well
as animals, and on other occasions; though he had every
desire to assist those who would undertake such experi-
ments. There had also been an attempt to introduce a very
rare and delicate fish from the Mauritius. In speaking on
this subject it would be wrong not to give credit to Mr.
Edward Wilson, a colonist, who had been a long time in
this country, and had devoted a great deal of attention to
this subject. He could not hold out any expectation that
the Government would contribute pecuniarily to this object;
on the other hand, it would not only be his duty, but a very
great pleasure, to render such assistance as he could to
those who were seeking to carry out an object of such great
social importance.

The Earl of CARNARVON expressed himself satisfied
with the answer of the noble duke.
DUCHY OF CORNWALL (LIMITATION OF
AUCTIONS) BILL.

The report on this bill, with amendments, was agreed to

UNION OF BENEFICES BILL.

This bill, after a short conversation, was read a third
time.

Their lordships then adjourned.

OUSE OF COMMONS.—(YESTERDAY.)
The SPEAKER took the chair at 20 minutes past 12
o'clock.

PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The Lords' amendments to the Cardiff Water Bill were
considered and agreed to, and the bill was ordered for
third reading.
The following bills were read a third time and passed :
Inverness and Ross-shire Railway; Manchester and Mil-
ford Railway ; and Royal Naval School.
....Mt POSTER moved that the report on the Caithness
Roads (re-committed) Bill be considered on Monday next,
provided amended prints have been lodged with the door-
keepers this day, which was agreed to.
PETITIONS.
Roman Cat
holicSeveral petitions were Presented from members of the
religion, in favour of an alteration of the
laws relating to the registration of births, deaths, and mar-
riages ; from the inhabitants of Southwark in favour of and
against Sunday trading—(laughter) ;
from different sects
of dissenters praying for an alteration in the 4th clause of
the Census Act ; against the continuance of the opium
trade with China, &c.

ANNUITY TAX ABOLITION (EDINBURGH)
BILL.
On the motion of the LORD ADVOCATE, the house
went into committee on this bill.
Mr. MURE moved the following That upon
death or removal of any of the present ministers o any o th4t
the above-mentioned thirteen churches, the successorn
successors of such minister or ministers shalt not 1:11
entitled to a salary or stipend of more than £550 I.er annurq
until such time as the Commissioners named in this Act
shall have made such provisions as they may deem expe.
dient for payment of a salary or stipend, amounting

to not more than £550 per annum, to the ministers
to be nominated by them to the Tolbooth Church
and the Old Church under the powers by
this Act conferred upon the said CoTmissioners.

The hon. and learned member said that the object of his 1
amendment was to give the commissioner . the power to
deal with the salaries of the successors of he present in-
cumbents of the two churches in question
After a few words from the LORD A I'OCATE,
The clause and the amendment, with some verbal altera-
tions, were agreed to.
Clause 15 was agreed to wit'iout discussion, and clause 16
was postponed after some remarks from Mr. Blackburn, the
Lord-Advocate, Mr. Ellice, Mr. Black, Mr. Hadfield, Sir
Graham Montgomery,.Mr. C. Bruce, and Mr. Mure.
Clause 17, with some alterations, was agreed to, as well
as clause 18.

On Clause 19,
The LORD-ADVOCATE moved some verbal omissions,
and the clause was agreed to, and also clause 20.
Clause 21 was postponed.
Clauses 22, 23, and 24 were agreed to.
On clause 25,

The LORD A DVOCATE moved the following addition :
—Page 12, line 7, after " acts," insert " and the right in
security created by this act in favour of the creditors in the
said annuities are hereby declared to be postponed to the
rights in security created ,by the recited acts, in so far es
relates to the property thereby disponed or assigned for the
security of the said creditors of the city, and the rights of
the said creditors in relation thereto."
The clause, as amended, was agreed to.
Clauses 26 and 27 were agreed to:
Some discussion took place on clause 28, which has re-
ference to the payment of the second minister of the
church of Montrose, in the course of which,
Mr. C. BRUCE proposed that the stipend of the clergy-
men should be £340, instead of £250 a year, and proposed
an amendment to that effect.
Mr. BAXTER contended that so far from the income of
the minister in question being reduced, it would be con-
siderably augmented. He suggested that the amendment
should be withdrawn.

Mr. C. BRUCE declined acceding to the suggestion of
the hon. member, as he thought his proposal was fair and
reasonable.
After a few remarks from Sir G. Trelawny, Mr. Mure,
and the Lord Advocate, the committee divided, and there
appeared—

For the amendment 42
Against it
Majority

1 The amendment was accordingly lost.
Sir J. TR ELAWNY considered that a certain amount
of accommodation should be provided, and suggested the
introduction in the clause of a provision to that effect. If
such were not agreed to, the poor in Edinburgh would be
deprived of the means of attending divine worship in the
same way as they were in different parts of this country.
The clause was agreed to.
Some clauses were added to the bill, and the preamble
was agreed to. The chairman reported progress, and the
house resumed, but adjourned at a quarter to 4 o'clock.

The house resumed at 6 o'clock.
SUBMARINE TELEGRAPHIC CABLE TO
GIBRALTAR.

Col. HERBERT asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer

whether ht would have any objection to lay before the house

the report of the commissioners appointed to inquire into
the merits of various schemes for the submarine telegraphic
cable to Gibraltar.

Mr. M. GIBSON said that no commission had been ap-
pointed. Some gentlemen had been asked by the Board of
Trade to make an examination into the composition of the
submarine telegraphic cables, which it had been proposed to
lay down to Gibraltar. Those gentlemen had been autho-
rised to make experiments, and their investigation was draw-
ing to a close. Their report would, when completed, be laid
on the table of the house.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

Mr. GARNETT asked the Secretary to the Treasury,
whether it was the intention of the Government to take any
steps in accordance with the recommendation of the Astro-
nomer Royal and the Comptroller-General contained in the
letter of the latter of the 9th Feb., 1859, and the rep rt of
the former gentleman on the subject of the better administra-
tion of the law with regard to weights and measures, and
the organisation of a separate office for that department.
Mr. LAING said that this subject involved an extremely
difficult and intricatequestion. The question raised by the
Astronomer Royal was no less a one than whether the Go-
vernment should take upon itself the responsibility of a cen-
tralised agency for the purpose of having a uniform system
of weights and measures throughout the kingdom. The
matter would have the consideration of his right hon. friend
the Secretary of State for the Home Department, as it was
within his jurisdiction. He could not say that the Govern-
ment had made up their minds upon the subject.
THE CLOCK-WORKS AND BELLS OF THE
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.

Mr. HANKEY asked the First Commissioner of Works
why the clock in the clock tower was stopped ; also, who
was employed to superinted the alterations in the works
and bells ; and what would be the probable expense of the
whole works connected with the clock from the commence-
ment, when entirely completed r

Lord HOTHAM said perhaps the right hon. gentleman,
before he answered the question, would allow him to ask
the simple question whether he would engage to give the
house an opportunity of pronouncing an opinion upon the
propriety of making a further outlay of money upon these
matters before the right bon. gentleman entered into an en-
gagement with contractors or other persons.
Mr. COWPER said he wrote to Mr. Denison to ask him

what works were required to be done under his superinten-
dence to complete the clock. Mr. Denison had told him
that there was only a small and additional amount of work
required in order to finish the escapement which he had left
incomplete, in order that he might see what effect the wind
would have on the hands of the clock, and there was also
some apparatus required connected with the winding•up of
the clock. When Mr. Denison had completed these works,
his superintendence over them would be at an end. That
was the reason the clock had been stopped ; but owing to
the clock having been illuminated at night, a great deal of
dirt had got into the works—(laughter)—and they would
require to be cleaned. Then as to the other works remain-
ing to be done, there was first the placing of the hands (pi
the south dial, and that work was in progriss. It had been
delayed, however, because a fracture to one of the hands
had occurred, and a question had arisen as to how it should
be repaired. (Laughter.) There being conflicting opinions
on the point, he had thought it better to take the advice of
the Astronomer Royal—(laughter)—and that gentleman
had paid great attention to the subject, and had rendered
very valuable assistance, and under his advice the altera-
tions in the striking would take place. He might observe
that no further expense would be incurred with refer-
ence to the great bell before the matter had been brought
to the attention of Parliament. (Hear, hear.) The ex-
penses recently incurred were those which had been sanc-
tioned by Parliament in the previous years. He would
state to the house that the estimate of last year of £1,750,
in addition to the £20,300 previously voted, would conclude
the expenditure for these works, and for any further expen-
diture which might be necessary an estimate would have to
be laid upon the table of the house. (Hear, hear.)
THE ANNEXATION OF SAVOY.

Mr. GRIFFITH asked the First Lord of the Treasury,
whether it was expected that, on the completion of the
Treaty of the 24th day of March, the French Government
would address a communication to the great Powers asking
for a recognition of the annexation of Savoy; and whether
in such case her Majesty's Government would take any part
whatever in entertaining the question of any such recogni-
tion, particularly as regarded the neutralised provinces.
Lord J. RUSSELL said he had been informed that he
should receive a communication next week in reference to
the annexation of Savoy. But what the purport of it would
be he could not at present say, and consequently he could
not answer the question of the hon. gentleman.
THE STATUTE LAW OF ENGLAND AND