The Sun.
London, England, 1860-05-02 00:00:00

Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY thought the increase
of the marines was a most essential part of the pima for man-
ning the navy. The commissioners who had sat on that
subject had recommended in addition of 5,000 men to that
admirable force, who, being organised and experienced in
gunnery, were ready to go to sea at a moment's notice, and
were as fit for service as any seamen who could possibly be
detained in times of sudden emergency. He trusted, there-
fore, that the recommendation of the commissioners on this
point would be fully carried out by the Government.
Lord COLCHESTER thought the house must have been
extremely gratified with the clear and satisfactory account
given by the noble duke of the means that had been taken
for forming an efficient reserve. There was an impression
in the navy that naval officers were never to be permitted to
fill the office of the First Lord of the Admiralty, and he was
therefore glad to hear the noble duke express an opinion
that members of the profession ought not to be excluded
from such appointments. Unpopular as the notion of im-
pressment might be, the Government ought to have the
legal power of compelling seamen to serve in cases of actual
war. He hoped the measures adopted to secure an efficient
reserve would prove successful ; but he was afraid their
authors were too sanguine. No doubt, many men would
accept the bounty, but would they be forthcoming when re-
quired? It was easy to " call spirits from the vasty deep," but
would they come when called? (A laugh.) He did not mean
that the men would be unwilling to serve the country, but
they might be absent on trading voyages when wanted.
The noble duke admitted the necessity of having the supe-
riority on the breaking out of a war; in fact, if the enemy
had the superiority for six weeks he would capture all our
homeward-bound merchant ships, and instead of the men
serving on board the fleet, they would be carried to French
prisons. This was no new opinion of his ; he bad stated it in
that house now more. than 20 gears ago, at the time of the
Syrian war, but he was happy to know that the state of
things was now very different. It was absolutely necessary,
however, that the country should have the power of com-
pelling the service of those seamen who, notwithstanding
every proper inducement was offered, would not come for-
ward voluntarily. The main prejudice was not to compul-
sory service, but to its indefinite period.

The Duke of SOMERSET in answer to his noble friend
had meant to state that the number of marines was origi-
nally 15,000. The late Government provided for raising
them to 17,000, and the present Government to 18,000, but
he thought it undesirable to raise more than 16,000, know•.
ing the time it took to drill men and the importance of hav-
ing them well drilled, and fit to go on board ship. If there
were too many raised at a time there might have been some
neglect as to the men selected, and the proper time would
not have been taken to drill them. There were now on shore
6,000 marines—the number which the commission had re-
commended that we should have in order toput on board in
case of any emergency. (Hear, hear.) As to impressment
of course that power belonged to the prerogative of the
Crown. That power he was sure no advisers of the Crown,
whoever they might be, would ever recommend the Crown
to use, except in the case of such extreme necessity that he
would not anticipate it. (Hear.)

The Earl of SHREWSBURY and TALBOT thought
the country owed a debt of gratitude to his noble and learned
friend for having brought forward this question, and he
congratulated their lordshipson the fact that the debate had
taken place without any symptoms of party feeling what-
ever. Ile thought the statement efthe noble duke at the head
of the Admiralty must be most satisfactory to the country.
He thought the training-ships for boys most important,and
he hoped no time would be lost in carrying the recommen-
dations of the Commission with reference to that subject into
full operation. With regard to impressment he quite agreed
with his noble friend below (Lord Colchester). That power
muet remain with the Crown, although it was only to ha
exercised on a pressing emergency.
The LORD CILINCELLOR—AIthough impressment
has been for a considerable time disused, there cannot be
the slightest doubt that the power still remains with the
Crown. It could only be taken away by the Legislature.
It has not been taken away ; it therefore remains in full
force. I trust no necessity will ever occur for calling it into
exercise ; but if the necessity occurs there can be no doubt
of the reality of the power. (Hear, hear.)
Their lordships then adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—(YESTERDAY.)
The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The Commercial Docks Act Amendment, Finn Valley
Railway, and Milford Haven Railway and Docks Bills were
considered anti ordered for third reading.
The Dublin and Drogheda Railway, and Waterford and
Limerick Railway Bills were read a second time.
Mr. WHITESIDE moved that, in the case of the Dub-
lin Corporation. Water (No 2) Bill, the examiner of peti-
tions for private bills have power to hear parties upon their
former memorials, in reference to the matters referred to
him by the order of this house of the 30th day of April last.
After some conversation the motion was agreed to.
PETITIONS.

Several petitions were presented in favour of extending
the jurisdiction in bankruptcy cases to county courts; in
favour of legalising marriage with a deceased wife's sister;
in favour of increasing the remuneration paid to medical
officers of poor-law unions, &c.

COURT OF CHANCERY (IRELAND).
Sir E. G.R.OGA.N asked the Attorney-General for Ireland
if the Government intended to introduce a bill into Parlia-
ment during the present session, or to take any steps, to
carry into effiict the recommendations of the commissioners
relative to the abolition of the payment of fees in the offices
cf the Court of Chancery, Ireland ?
Mr. DEAS E said that it was not intended to introduce
such a bill this session.