The Sun.
London, England, 1858-07-23 00:00:00

mirrE ES BILL.

On the motion for the third reading of this bill,
Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY explained that
this measure was calculated to save time and expense in
the progress of private business through committees.
Witnesses could henceforth be sworn in committees of
the House of Commons, without the necessity of their
being sworn at their lordships' bar. Such an enactment
bad been unanimously recommended by the committee.
The bill was read a third time.
COPYHOLD ACTS AMENDMENT BILL.
This bill passed through committee.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL.
This bill passed through committee.
ART UNIONS ACT AMENDMENT BILL.
The Duke of BUCCLEUCH moved the second read-
ing of this bill, the object of which he said was to extend
the provisions of the Art Unions Act to associations for
the encouragement of manufactures.
Lord MONTEAGLE expressed his disapproval of the
bill, and suggested that it should be postponed until an-
other session. _ _ _

The Earl of DERBY thought several portions of the
bill were open to objection, and supported the sugges-
tion that it should be postponed.
The Duke of BUCCLEUCH assented.
The motion far the second reading was then negatived.
TITLES TO LAND (SCOTLAND) BILL.
_ _

This bill passed tbroneh committee.
SALE AND TRANSFER OF LAND (IRELAND)

BILL.

The report of the amendments to this bill was brought
up and received.
UNIVERSITIES (SCOTLAND) BILL.

This bill was read a third time and passed.
COUNTY PROPERTY CONVEYANCE BILL.
This bill was read a second time.

STIPENDIARY MAGISTRATES BILL.

This bill was read a tbird time and passed,
The Inclosure of Lands Bill, the Legitimacy Declara-
tion Bill, the Sheep, &c., Contagious Diseaies Prevention
Bill, the Turnpike Acts Continuance Bill, the Public
Health Bill and Vaccination (Ireland) Bill, passed
through committee.
CHELSEA BRIDGE Acr AMENDMENT BILL.

On the motion for the second reading of this bill,
The Duke of NEWCASTLE said this bill provided
for the payment of the 80,0001. and interest, but it ap
peared doubtful whether it afforded security for the
17,0001. which had already accrued. He had no objec-
tion to the opening of the bridge on the Sunday free of
toll, but was glad that both the late and pre3ent Govern-
ments refused to accede to the proposition for the aban•
donment of the whole of this sum.

The Earl of DERBY thought the bill provided for
the payment of the whole amount.

The bill was then read a second time.

The Returns to Secretary of State Bill and the Da-
tached Parts of Counties Bill were read a second time.
CAPTAIN GRANT'S COOKING APPARATUS.
Earl FORTESCUE moved that there be laid before
the bonse a copy of the proceedings of a committee as-
sembled at Woolwich on the 6th of March to report on
Captain Grant's cooking apparatus ; also copy of cor-
respondence between the Quartermaster-General and
Captain Grant respecting the erection of a cooking appa•
rates at Shorncliffe ; and asked the Under Secretary for
War whether, after the three years' experience that had
been bad of Captain Grant's cooking apparatus, there
appeared any reason to doubt its superiority over every
other previously in use ; and'if not, whether any or what
steps were taking to extend its adoption generally
throughout the army...?

Viscount 1141R13INGE said that there was no ob-
jection to the production of the correspondence. The
committee had reported that Captain Grant's was the
best cooking apparatus. With regard to the further trial
at Shoranliffe, to which Captain G:ant took objection,
the last committee reported that it was desirable that
Captain Grant should be requested to superintend the
construction of his apparatus for 500 men, in order to
ratify the accuracy of the estimate of its prime cost be-
fore
it was generally adopted. It was in consequence of
that statement in the report that his right hon. and gal-
lant friend the Secretary of War directed it should be
subjected to that test. It would take a week or ten days
before the result was known, but if it proved satisfactory
he had reason to believe that his right hon, and gallant
friend would take steps for its general adoption in the
army. He must say there had been an improvement at
each successive step, and that the apparatus erected at
Woolwich and Aldershot was a great improvement on
the previous ones.
Their lordships adjourned at 25 minutes to 8.

HOUSE OF COMMONS-(YESTERDAY.)

The SPEAKER took the chair shortly after 12 o'clock.

SARAWAK.

Mr. CRAWFORD presented a petition from the
merchants, shipowners, and bankers of London, trading
to the East Indies and China, calling attention to the
present state of British interests in the Archipelago, and
praying that protection might be afforded to the govern-
ment of Sarawak under Sir J. Brooke.
CONSOLIDATED FUND (APPROPRIATION)
BILL—THE FINANCIAL STATE OF THE
COUNTRY.
On the motion for going into committee on this bill,
Sir G. C. LEWIS called the attention of the house
to
a comparison of the figures in the Approprivion
Rill
with the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement when
he introduced his budget, He then estimated the re•
venue at 63,900,0001., and that there would be a surplus
of revenue over expediture. The right hon. gentleman
estimated the interest of the national debt at 30,300,0601.,
the charges for the army 11,750,0001., for the navy
9,860,000/0 the civil service 7,000,0001., and the collec-
tion of the revenue 4,700,0001., making a total of
63,610,0001., compared with a probable revenue of
63,900,0001., showing a surplus of revenue over expen-
diture of about 300,0001. The results of the votes in
committee during the session, as shown by the appro-
priation bill, were as follows :—National debt interest
30,300,000/., army 12,010,0001., navy 9,839,0001., civil
services, 7,240,0001. and collection ofrevenue 4 734,000/.,
making a total of 64,119,0001., but to that must be added
326,0001., the balance of former votes in committee of
supply, of which the Government proposed to avail
themselves, and that would bring up the total charge
of the existing financial year to 64,445,0001., against
an estimated revenue of 63,900,0001. ; therefore, accord-
ing to the information now before the house, instead of
there beiug an excess of revenue of 300,000/. over ex.
penditure, there wou'd be an estimated excess of expen-
diture over revenue of 835,0001., which was the point
to which be wished to call attention.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it
was true there had been an excess of estimated expen-
diture over revenue but at the same time he was happy
to say the revenue 'bad also exceeded his estimate, and
if he were called upon to make a statement from this
time, his estimate of revenue would be much greater
than the estimate referred to. The gloomy state of
things that existed when her Majesty's Government took
office had cleared away, and the revenue for the final
quarter showed an increase of 223,9441. income
over expenditure, and that at a period when their
expectations were the least sanguine. He found
from a return that had been furnished to him the follow.
jug favourable state of the revenue from the Ist to
the 19th July, in comparison with the same period of
the previous year. In 1857 the revenue derived from
the customs for the 18 days was 867,0001, for this year
1,063,0001., giving a surplus on the 18 days of 196,000/.
(Hear, hear.) Excise in 1857 wai 623,000/., it was now
728,000!., giving
an increase of 105,0001. (Rear, hear.)
Stamps in 1857 was 297,000/ , it was now 340,000/.
(hear, bear)—giving a surplus of 43,000/. (Hear,
hear.) The post-o;fice in 1857 was 30,0001., it was now
50,0001, giving a surplus of 20,0001. The aggregate
increase of surplus on thesa four great hranchee which
more than any other indicated the cocdttion of the coun-
try, was 364,0001. on the 18 days. (Hear, h3ar.) Such a
state of things would, he thought, allow hon. members to
meet their constituents without any gloomy views of the
state of the finances of the country—(bear, hear) —and
when it was said there was a deficircy instead of an in-
crease, he
appealed to the figures he had stated as procf
to the contrary. The state of the revenue was so encou-
raging, that her Majesty's Government, although they
had the power of raising this year two millions, in order
to pay off Exchequer Bonds, had only availed themselves
of that power to the extent of one million—(hear, bear)
—which they anticipated would be sufficient— (bear,
hear)—so that if public affairs proceeded as favourably as
now, her Majesty's Government would be able to reduce '
the debt this year one midion. (Hear, hear.) The right
Lon. gentleman
reminded the iIQUIIe that revenue and

expenditure depended on the policy pursued by a
Government. (Hear, hear.) And after reviewing our
position with reference to foreign countries, and our
commercial prospects, he =eluded by observing that
the income and expenditure was such as to give satis-
faction to every lover of his country. (Hear, hear.)
After some remarks from Mr. WILSr.'N and Mr.
HAMILTON,
Mr. CRAWFORD asked the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer if he could state how much of the increase in
stamps arose from the imposition of stamps on bankers'
cheques.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
he could not exactly answer the question of the hon.
member, nor did be think it necessary to do so. The
taxes had generally realised the estimate ho made in the
beginning of April.

„ .
Sir H. WILLOUGHBY complained of the growing
increase in expenditure of the country. It was becom-
ing a very serious matter, and the house must do some-
thing to check it. The finances were is a buoyant state
but unfortunately expenditure increased according to the
capability of taxation. He had every confidence that
the present government would use their utmost en-
deavours to reduce the expenditure.
After some remarks from Mr. W. WILLIAMS in rela-
tion to the increase of expenditure in the army and
navy,

The motion wag agreed to.
The house then went into committee, and tbo various
clauses up to 24 were agreed to.

On clause 25,
Sir H. WILLOUGHBY moved the following addition
to the clause :—" Provid©d always, that whenever, in
consequence of an exigency of the public service, the
commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury shall authorise
an appropriation of the public money, in addition to the
aggregate sn-n voted for any service in any department,
every such appropriation shall be presented in a supple-
mentary estimate to be approved and sanctioned by Lie
House of Commons if Parliament is sitting, and if Par-
liament is not sitting, then within one month after the
meeting of Parliament."
Sir G. C. LEWIS objected to the amendment. In-
stead of its heir)°, a proviso it was in fact a repeal of the
clause. The right hon. baronet contended that it was
necessary the Executive Government should have a dis-
cretionary power given to them.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS supported the amendment.
After some further discussion,
The committee divided. The numbers were—
For the amendment 4l
Against it B9
Maj ority —42
The amendment was lost and the clause agreed to.
The remaining clauses were agreed to and the bill
passed through committee.

The house resumed.
METROPOLIS LOCAL MANAGEMENT ACT

AMENDMENT BILL.

On the motion for going into committee on this bill,
Mr. BUTLER objected to the motion. He con-
sidered they were legislating too hastily on this subject.
There was a large area from the C:tswold hills to West-
minster bridge that contributed towards the contami-
nation of the Thames, which it was proposed to exempt
from this till. He thought that those who contributed
to the contamination of the river should assist in its
purification. (hear, hear.) He bad another objection
to the bill, namely, that a large amount of property
within the area, such as the Royal Palace,. Government
offices, and public buildings, that contributed towards
the contamination of the river, were to be exempted
from contributing towards its purification, and he
moved the committal of the bill on this day three
months.

Sir C. NAPIER also considered that those who con-
tributed towards the evil complained of should be called
upon to contribute to its removal. An enormous quan-
tity of dirt was brought up the river by the shipping,
and be wished to know why the shipping interest were
not to contribute towards the works in question ?

Lord J. MANNERS expressed a hope that the house
would not be led into a general discussion of the bill be-
fore going into committee. There could be no doubt
throwing dirt into the docks was an offence, and steps
had been taken to prevent its recurrence.
Sir C. NAPIER—That has nothing to do with the
dirt from the shipping in the ri7er. (near, hear.)

Lord EBRINGTON said he had not sufficient confi-
dence in the Metropolitan Board of Works and their offi-
cers, to entrust them with carrying out these works.
Sir DE L. EVANS considered it was the duty of the
Government to assist the Metropoltan Board of Works,
who, he believed, ware capable of carrying out this work.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he
thought the best way to consider the bill was in coin,
mittee. The principle of the bill bad received the appro-
val of the house. He considered Mr. Thwaites, the chair-
man of the Metropolitan Beard of Works, was a practical
and efficient public servant. (Hear.)
After some remarks from Mr. HEADLAM,
Mr. CONINGHAM viewed with considerable alarm
the interference of the Government in the manner pro-
posed. The Metropolitan Board of Works were most
incompetent for the important duties they would have
to discharge, and he expressed his belief that
the drainage of London would cost 30 millions to carry
it out in a proper manner. He referred to the various
schemes that had been laid before the public, and severely
criticised that of Mr. Bazalgette, and ridiculed his in-
spection of the sewers at midnight, when every honest
man ought to be in his bed. (Cheers and loud laughter.)
He contended that much of the evil complained of arose
from the rain fall, and that the scheme proposed was
not calculated to remedy it. He opposed the going into
committee on tho bill. _ _ _

Sir J. SHELLEY hoped the house would go into
committee on the bill. The Metropolitan Biard of
Works had great difficulties to contend with, but they
had not yet been tried and found wanting. This was an
coal:ling bill, and he felt satisfied that if the Metropoli-
tan Board of Works were calhd upon to carry out these
works they would do it satisfactorily.
Mr. COX said- the people put no faith in the Execu•
tive Government carrying out works economically, and
he instanced the estimate of 750,0001. for Westminster
Palace, but which had cost upwards of two millions. If
the Metropolitan Board•of Works had to carry out the
drainage of the metropolis, he thought they would carry
it out within a reasonable sum. (Hear, hear.) Ha ex-
pressed his regret that the public offices were not to con-
tribute towards the expense, and asked the Chancellor
of the Exchequer if he was prepared to introduce a clause
rating them towards it.
Gen. CODItINGTON asked if it was understood that
the Government had made it a condition with the Me-
tropolitan Board of Works that the intercepting plan
should be carried out, viz., by a succession of tunnels
down to Barking Creek!

Mr. WALPOLE thought these questions could be
answered in committee.

Mr. J. LOCKE (Southwark )wisbed to know if there
was a foregone conclusion by the Government of any
particular plan ; and if s), what it was ? It was neces-
sary the house should be informed on that subject.
Mr. CLAY said the bill did not give her Majesty's
Government power to decide on any plan, but the Me-
tropolitan Board of Works ; and he had the authority
of the chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works to
state that that body was not pledged to any particular
plan.
After some remarks from Sir W. DUNBAR,
Mr. J. LOCKE (Honiton) thought the Government
should give an answer to the hon. and gallant member
for Greenwich. Ey doing so many objections would be
removed, and he acd others would be disposed to go
into committee.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said her
Majesty's Government were not connected in any man-
ner with any scheme for the main drainage of the me-
tropolis. All her Majesty's Government intended and
professed to do by the bill was to place the Metropoli-
tan Board of Works in a position to carry into effect
any plan they might consider best calculated to attain
the result desired. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. S. WORTLEY said the difficulty was, that what.
ever the intention of her !Majesty's Government might
be, the bill pledged the house to the intercepting system.
Mr. SHERIDAN urged that the public offices should
contribute towards the proposed expense.

Tho house then divided. The numbers Were—
For going into committee 133
Against it
Majority —122
The house then went into committee on the bill.

On cause 1,
Mr. HEADLAM moved after "speed,,. leave out to
the end of the clause, and insert "such works as may
ba necessary for purifying the Thames and improving
the drainage of the metropolis." If his amendment was
agreed to he should next move the omission of clause 2,
when the bill would express no opinion on any particu-
lar scheme of drainage and the purification of the
Thames. (Hear, hear.)
The clause was under discussion at 4 o'clock, when
the house suspended its sittings.
The house resumed at 6 o'clock.

NOTICES OF MOTION.
By Mr• WRIgaTsoN, early next seaiion, to bring in a
bill to amend the statute of Queen Anne as to vacant
seats.

By Sir DE L. EVANS, early next session, to call atten•
Lion to the report of sale and purchase in the army, and
to move a resolution thereon.

By Mr. TIM early neat cession, to move for a select
committee to inquire into the law of lunacy.
LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

Mr. FITZROY inquired of the Secretary of State
for the Home Department whether it was true, as stated
in a daily paper, that, at a recent visitation, the com-
missioners in lunacy discovered in a private provincial
lunatic asylum a concealed cell, in which a man, stated
to be in full possession of his faculties, had been for
many years confined ?
Mr. WALPOLE had made inquiry, and was in-
formed that the commissioners in lunacy bad not di-co-
Tered any instance ()la person in full possession of his
acuities having been confined for many years in a
lunatic asylum.

- THE OUDE EDITORS.
Mr. DILLWYN asked C
thße President of the Board
of Control what had been done with regard to the cre•
d;tors on the state of Oude since Mr. Otway called for a
return of their names and respective claims on the 9AI
of May, 1857 ; and whether a commission had been ap-
pointed in India to investigate the merits of those
claims ?

Lord STANLEY stated that on the 17th of June
last year instructions had been Oven to the Governor'
•
General to direct that all bona fide claims should be in-
vestigated and reported on, either by the commissioner
at Oude, or by acme officer specially appointed for the
purpose. Oa the the 22d of August a despatch was re-
ceived in answer, stating that those instructions would
be carried into effect so soon as the state of public affairs
iu Oude would permit, It wag therefore to be inferred

that Any delay which bad taken place was due to the
disturbed state of the country.
THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Mr. HUME, referring to certain rumours tbat se•
rious decay Lad taken place in the foundation stone of
the Houses of Parliament, causing the structure to give
way in several places, inquired whether there was any
truth in them ! .

Lord J. MANNERS had in consequence of those
rumours communicated with Sir C. Barry and the officer
who had charge of the buildings, by both of whom he
was informed that there was no ground whatever for the
statement. His lordship read a letter from Sir C. Barry
denying that there was any truth in the rumours re-
ferred to, and adding that, owing to certain causes, a
fracture bad taken place in one of the courses, but which
was of no serious importance; and that such symptoms
of decay were observable in certai❑ portions of the stone
work as was common to all stone buildings in London,
owing to the climate.
PROBATE AND DIVORCE.

Mr. HADFIELD inquired whether it was intended
to proceed with the Probate Act Amendment Bill and
the Divorce Act Amendment Bill, or either of them,
this session ; and if so, when ?
Mr. WALPOLE replied that both bills were on the
paper for to-morrow (this day), when the Solicitor-Gene-
ral would explain in detail what was intended to be done.
Their present intention was to take those clauses which
were necessary to enable the administration of justice to
go on, postponing the others.
THE MASSACRE AT JEDDAH.

Sir J. ELPUINSTONE—I wish to ask the Under
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what communi-
cations have passed between her Majesty's Government
and the Government of Turkey on the subject of the re-
cent outrages at Jeddah ? Whether her Majesty's Go-
vernment have insisted on the summary punishment of
the offenders; and whether they are in possession of any
information whether it is possible for ships of war to
take up such a position in the harbour of Jeddah as to
enable them to give effectual protection to the Christian
population, in the event of any future disturbance ?
Mr. S. FITZGERALD, who was indistinctly heard,
was understood to say—On a former occasion, when my
hon. friend the member for Northumberland asked a ques-
tion upon thissubject, I stated that the Cyclops bad been
ordered by telegraph to return immediately to Jeddah,
and instructions were given to our representative at
Constantinople to demand the most ample reparation for
the outrage which had been committed, and to insist
upon the immediate punishment of all persons concerned
in it. lam now in a position to state that the Cyclops
at once sailed to Jeddah, where she now is, and we are
informed by her captain that by lightening her she can
approach close to the to wn, and is ea heavily armel that
she can perform any service that may be required of her
—besides which she carries very heavily armed beats
for her size. This determination of her Majesty's Go-
vernment was communicated to the Turkish Govern-
ment, and they were informed that orders bad been sent
to obtain, and, if necessary, to enforce summary punish-
meat upon those who had been concerned in the murdf re
In a subsequent despatch which has bean sent by the
Foreign-office to Sir H. Bulseer, he is instructed to say
that this is a case in which the British Government will
not be trifled with, and even great political objects, as
they regard our alliance with the Porte, mast yield to
the paramount priaciple of supporting Chrietian and
British prestige in those regions. It was not enough to
send a general to Jeddah. Troops were wanted there,
but above all a public Execution of the murderers imme-
diately. The Pasha ought to have the power of life and
death without tedious references to Constantinople. Three
ships had been ordered to Jeddah, and we should seize
the place if justice was not speedily obtained. In conse-
quence of these representations on the part of the British
Government, an officer of the highest rank had been de-
spatched from Constantinople with an armed force, who
is authorised to proclaim martial law, and, without re-
ference to the Government at Constantinople, to inflict
immediate punishment upon the authors of the outage. I
can state further that not only have the are horities at
Constantinople and the Minister of the Sublime Porte
expressed their deep regret, but the Sultan himself has
sent to Sir H. Bulwer to say fiat there is nothing which
his Majesty will not do to testify hts own detestation of
the act and to afford reparation; and I may add that his
Majesty has placed a million of piastres at the disposal of
the British Government, to be disposed of among the suf-
ferers; and has signified his intention of giving an allow-
ance of 400/. a year to the daughter of the French vice-
consul, and a similar annuity to the next representative
of our own unfortunate consul. (Hear, hear.)
THE REVIEW GROUND AT HOUNSLOW.

Mr. BYNG asked whether there would be any objec-
tion to permit the inhabitants of Hounslow and the
vicinity to pass across the review ground, and to use it
for recreational purposes, subject to proper restrictions,
and at such times as would not interfere with military
duties and regulations?
Gen. PEEL had several times walked across and had
not met with any interruption.
MANUFACTURE OF FIREWORKS IN TOWNS,
Mr. LAURIE asked whether any steps had been taken
to prevent the manufacture of fireworks in populous
places ?
Mr. WALPOLE stated that there was an act in
existence, passed in the reign of Wm. 111., the provi-
sions of which, if put in force, would prevent the dan-
gerous practice referred to._