The Sun.
London, England, 1867-02-06 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONLON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 6, 1867.

certain resolutions with respect to powers: of the
Admiralty and Dockyard management.
CHURCH RATES.
Mr. HARDCASTLE gave notice of his intention on
an early day to move for leave to introduQe a bill
for the abolition of Church Rates.
THE ADDRESS.
The SPEAKER having read her Majesty's Speech,
Mr. T. DE GREY rose to move the Address on the
house in answer to the Royal Speech ; he said he
felt it quite necessary for him to ask the indul-
gence of the house, while he addressed the house,
especially as at the close of last session a struggle
took place which resulted in a change of Govern-
ment. The different parties had not got settled
down, and if in the observations he should address

am anxious to offer some remarks upon a few of the
paragraphs which that Speech contains. And first, I
will touch for a moment on that momentous subject
—the correspondence that has taken place between
the government of the United Kingdom and the government
of the United States of America in reference to questions
pending between the two countries, and which questions
have arisen out of the late civil war. I wish to convey to the
noble lord the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairsonthe
part of those with whom I have had the opportunity of com-
municating, that what he has done or proposes to do on
that subject, will be judged by us, not in the narrow spirit
of endeavouring to exact from him a precise conformity to
the steps we ourselves may have taken, but so long as his
measures and policy are consistent with the honour con-
ducive to the interests of the country, everything which
proceeds from the noble lord and his colleagues shallreceive
from us a most favourable consideration. (Hear.) I will
now go on to the paragraph relating to the insurrection

to the house he should say anything distasteful to

which has distracted, and I know not how much or to what

any section of those great parties he hoped they
would attribute it to his inexperience. The house
he felt certain was most anxious to adopt good
measures, and therefore he thought it would be
judged of but little importance from which side of
the house those measures emanated. There was one

extent it still distracts, the important island of Candia. I
miss in the Royal Speech an intimation which it is so com-
mon to convey upon certain subjects, especially foreign
subjects that have reached some degree of matur;ty,viz., that
it is the intention of her Majesty's government to present
papers to the house. I observe that an hon. friend of mine
has already given notice of his desire to obtain information

paragraph in the Speech which, he had no
doubt, would give great satisfaction viz.,
that her Majesty was on the most friendly
terms with the Continental Powers. This
circumstance showed that peace would still prevail
in England. There were other matters in her Ma-
jesty's Speech which would give great satisfaction,
and none so more than that setting forth measures
which would result in the improved comfort of the
soldier. With respect to the war which happily
had terminated in Germany, it was hoped that as
soon as the disturbances that that struggle

in that shape, and I venture to express the hope that her
Majesty's Government will be prepared to lay before us such
information on this subject as they possess, for this question
is one which, although of foreign concern, nevertheless can-
not be regarded as very remote from our interests, but still
more, it cannot b 3 regarded as a question in which we are
altogether without rights. (Hear.) We do not know from
any authentic sources the causes of this insurrection. We
certainly know the deplorable calamities that have attended
it and the desperate resolution, against enormous odds,
with which the battle was fought. What lam desirous
of knowing, and what I hope the papers will prove is,
that the Government of the Sultan is not responsible for
the insurrection—(hear, hear)—but that he had before the

given
ff which
executionfabiathttfiu_laeabnedrifull to that important
had produced had passed away a better and more
prosperous state of things would prevail. With
°t'
instrument, break
the he had issued at the
respect to the state of matters between this country
close of the Crimean war, to secure to the Christian sub-
jects of the Sultan that civil equality to which they are
and the United States, he also felt that the in- justly entitled, which had been for too long a time withheld.
formation that all chance of becoming involved (Hear, hear.) This is a question, not only of the utmost
in a quarrel with that great country had gravity in itself, it is one rather in the general interests of
passed away, and he doubted not that the humanity thanofis especialli Bri.tish interest,vnifewtihneg
utmost
intmost
importance result of the deliberations would be that a recur- 13arrowsensfen,
but
reference to the future.se a
question
(Hear.) I congra-
tulate rence of matters like those which had transpired
her Majesty's Government warmly upon the fact
would not again arise, and that a better and more
that the time has a rived when they are able to promise or
friendly feeling would exist between the two to form a judgment on the circumstances of the moment
countries. The subject of Canada was also re- that they will not, under those circumstances, apply for the
ferred to in the Royal Speech, and after the extensionlreland. (Cheers
the exceptionailripai members.)ers of th GovernmentAtidijnitb
inw in
noble manner the country had come forward to
them in
rejoicing
from
the the
the spirit displayed by the community
support her Majesty's rule, he thought it would tn
but be just that the Parliament of this country itself in aid of that Government has proved to be so potent
an ally in averting the evils which at one time we had been
should take steps to consolidate and satisfy the led to apprehend -a phenomenon now in the history of Ire-
scheme of Confederation which had been passed land, but one which, I trust, will lead to much reflection as
by the several legislatures in that country. It was to its cause, and that that reflection will
policy
illpr
of liberality
oveail?iboew
with deep regret that he read the account of the
tn Ireland tous tonf prosecute
which i n
that
part we now witness the
outbreak of famine in India, but the steps the Go- and justice
vernment had taken during the autumn, he trusted, happy
result. (Hear.) Her Majesty's Government refers to a
subject of great interest relative to the condition of tho
would mitigate the effects of the calamity ; and army
and reserve. If I caught correctly the words of the
since the outbreak an abundant harvest had been Address, it is proposed to state to her Majesty, in reply to
granted to that country, he trusted that, under the Royal Speech, that we willchfeerfully considerany pro-
Divineo a d Providence, the effects of the famine would posa lor
en demandnre.
shlemmualt make for
that if I were a captious
e-
Fenians still disturbed the peace and quiet of the
be fully mitigated. It is to be regretted that
rate
I eexpdshould entertain a little doubt whether a cheerful
consideration is exactly that form of consideration which the
sister country, but the steps of the Government, he
representatives of the people should give to a demand for an
thought, would end in the restoration of general increase of expenditure. That the house will carefully and
tranquillity. The cattle plague, it was to be re- readily consider the proposal I hays no doubt, and I trust
d liberal consideration.
gretted, was still lingering about, but he trusted that the subject will obtain a fair
Most certainly I will express my confidence that while we
stop the progress of such a great calamity. He shall
the most active steps would be taken to
expect the Government to show that the expense
proposed is necessary in the one direction, it is, neverthe-
now came to the vexed question of reform. (Hear,
less, one which may be compensated for in another. Her
hear.) If the country wanted Reform, it did not Majesty's Government, however, will receive, I have no
require resolutions—(hear, hear)—but of this he doubt, the cordial support of this house in their efforts to
was quite certain, that without all parties were enact a well-concerted and effective
eetiyemeasufrnennfodrattihnen ni
ac-
readyof
ready to unite, practically speaking, no measure oft coniishmentthatsystem
importantystemof object—thereserve. (Hear, hear.) The
Reform was likely to be carried in that house. If the
a g
dech also touches and
a
touches upon a subject as delicate as it is
question was to be approached in a friendly spirit, Speech
im-
portant in the reference which it makes to an inquiry that
he thought it would be scarcely prudent for her is about to be instituted into the circumstances of the dis-
Majesty's present Government to undertake the agreement between the employers of labour and theiro
task of revising the Constitution in the face of such workmen, and to the means by which that inquiry is
istb
an opposition as it was likely to encounter. ("Hear, prosecuted.bis s I thbjiakttherbeichbatvne a beence
certain extentage ra
may have
state-
hear," and laughter.) The hon. gentleman having ne ts
on on
touched upon the other matters referred to in the
actedl
mate the
idea that the differences between employers and
lthet publicu in ind. Such statements tend to pro-
.
Royal Speech, thanked the house for their atten-workmen aro now either of a more aggravated character
tion, and concluded by reading the Address, which, \ than in former times, or that the effect of thos differences
as usual, was a mere echo of the Speech. is to menace the commercial and tradinginterests of the
Lion, let them pay attention to a single sentence in
1
Mr. GRAVES said that in undertaking the hon- i couihntr - If there be those who really entertain that ap-
our of seconding the Address, no one felt P
thre speeche of the seconder of the Addrese, which acquainted
more than he the inadequacy of his abi-
lity to perform the task. The Speech us that the joint increase of our exports and imports for the
,
1 nine months of the last year, as compared with the cur-
which they had had the pleasure of hearing that i responding nine months of the preceding year, amounted
day was, in his opinion, a good one—one which he ; to no less than £65,00,000. (Hear, hear.) But that is no
fully anticipated would be satisfactory to the house, reason why the attention of Parliament should not be
and that it would be; acceptable to the country. given to asubject of the utmost it and seriousmportancea evils to be n d t?a mat-
He
portance that neutrality should be the was felt that it of the highest im-
treermedied. undoubtedlyßut presentingwh hope fore is that the interposition
at I
PY
great
policy of the Government will be of an amicable character, and
of England in all differences abroad, and he iin particular, that when my right hon. friend the Secre-
thought that if those laws were found to be lax or tarp of State for the Home Department frames his
overweighted, and this country was called upon to bill for obtaining powers to make the inquiry effec-
maketbe compensation, it would lead to the making of tive,
he
will bear
arn uit
o mind,
d
'allas I am
e he
whewthiiler they
those laws more intelligible for the future guidance
fbilell employers and absolute
or rightworkmen,
rkmen, to bring to market the com-
modityof all maritime Powers. The great question,
they have to dispose of, whether it be labour,
however, which was agitating all parties was its produce or capital, on the best terms in their power, so
the question of Reform. (Hear, hear.) 'The I
necessity long, and only so long, as they exercise their own rights
of an extension of the franchise was admitted by all without prejudice to the rights of others. (Heat.) There
parties,
but the real question with all was, how was is but one other subject to which I wish to advert for a few
a just and wise solution of the difficulty to be ar- moments. It is one, as has been rightly observed by the
rived at. Whether the measure which her Majes- hon. member for Liverpool, which attaches to itself at this
moment an all-absorbing interest—l mean the question of
ty's Government intended to bring forward would i
the representation of the people. (Hear.) I will, however,
include a redistribution of seats—(hear hear)— first offer comments on that which many of us anxiously
or whether it would boldly grapple with that . expected to see alluded to, and, which, probably for some
great mass of corruption which had been recently 1 good and sfuffirecaiennmtecatbuseec,
cause
es
tnnebet appernabrabini htebrisMtaijiaetstLs
brought to light, and which he regarded as a blot 1 Speech.recent inquiries into corrupt practicesr' in certain boroughs
are not at present so absolutely completed as to enable the
in the honour of the country, he did not know. 1
Btu this much he felt certain, that the measure of
Government to advise the Crown to refer to this subject in
the Government would be conceived and framed in the Royal Speech. I am sure, however, that the subject
no narrow spirit, but that a broad and good measure deserves our best consideration, as being one of the utmost
would be submitted in an earnest and honest desire importance. The question of Reform is certainly a diffi-
that it might be found acceptable to the house and cult one, but lam quite sure that there ought not to be any
the country. (Hear, hear.) 'the hon. gentleman difficulty in dealing with some of its branches, such as the
1 cases perrobvaedscno
then proceeded to comment on the other paragraphs rrotumptoiroen.int(ellnser)butTlhahtoeveilo,nwthhiechhes
in her Majesty's Speech—one of the mast important con-
trary l'esps intense ; but it has grown far morep patent, and,
of which was the announcement of the relaxation of
therefore, more scandalous of late years. It has now be-
the navigation laws, for which they were indebted to come a matter not only of domestic policy and expediency,
the enlightened wisdom of the Emperor of the French, but I venture to say of our national honour. (Cheers.) So
and it was in the highest degree satisfactory that
long as we were in something like exclusive possession of
offences
f,.nce a
. irepresentativein
her Majesty had announced to his Majesty her f
foreignsylsatnedms
;lbitutltewneobtiaceve was
dt aikne
an oefr
it hdesi e
n
desire for their extinction on equitable terms. His which almost every
country is possessed in more or less
Majesty, it was highly satisfactory to learn, had perfect forms of representative institutions, and in which
shown that he was anxious that an arrangement some countries enjoy them in the highest state of efficiency.
should take place, and to show that he was earnest Since that has beenbat I
the case itappearsttiommeti
that Europe
in the mattet he bad already admitted British ships
b.lfindin which they conceiveds g
w that evils, ofmay calla sentimental
in that countrydisgust
are
to the advantages of the proposed new law. The
scarcely conscious, have become so rife and so virulent
panic which had existed last year had exercised a amongst us. (Cheers.) I hope it will he understood, and
very depressing influence upon manufactures and I assume there is cause for the silence of the Speech upon
commerce; but he trusted that no such ele- this subject, and I close the few remarks I have made
ment would again disturb or destroy the prospects upon it by expressing a hope that when her Majesty's
of the country. He rejoiced that it was intended
iwill Government
re
to say what they may be butany reports
take into consideration any reports—l
to introduce a measure for the improvement of the
inwi not
which it
it shall appear by judicial authority that the con-
position of landlord and tenant in Ireland, because
stituencies are tainted, as they have been in some previous
he knew from his own experience that that confi- well remembered instances, they will not ask us to inflict
denee and security which it was most essential the almost nominal and wholly unsatisfactory punishments
should prevail did not exist. Until the railways which have bounded their action in former years, but willf
of Ireland were put upon a better footing the give evidence to thewortlda,t wbyse are something
ingoainrnttieate
innature
these
resources of that country would never become known. strictness
nttlaerand (Loud severity,cheers.) bNow, as regards the paragraph in
To do this State control might be required, but he
thought that should such be called for the result the Speech of her Majesty, it is obviously open to the re-
mark that its language is in some degree enigmatical. But
would prove highly advantageous. Ile thought if a Ido not think it will be fair to make that circumstance a
precedent were required that he could point to subject of complaint. On the contrary, I think that her
India, but he thought that before long they would
Majesty's Government are perfectly justified in reserving
be able to point to one nearer home, because the
thatwhi ch if it
full
1d
explanation
of their intentions to a future day,
been attempted to-day in a form necessarily
post-office would soon have to take over the whole imperfect, would probably have tended to prejudice a set-
of the telegraph system. tlement of the question. Of course, therefore, in assenting
The SPEAKER having read the Address, to the paragraph as it stands, I do so upon the double
Mr. GL ADS T ONE, amid much cheering from:the opposi- grcund that there is nothingin its language which can give
tion benches, rose and said—l rise, Mr. Speaker, for the pur- rise to a j ust reflection, and that important as is every matter
pose of supporting the Address which has been moved and in connection with this great subject tinder present eireum-
seconded from the opposite benches. I heartily approve stances—every matterboth as to substance and procedure-.
of the well-established rule which on all occasions die- I for myself, and others if they are so minded, will retain
courages the needless importation of subjects of difference the most perfect liberty to canvas both the substance and
into the debate upon the Address to the Crown in reply to the procedure of the measures and the steps to be taken by
the Royal Speech, and I confess that on this occasion, in- her Majesty's Government when at theproper time we shall
dependently of much other matter which the Address con- become acquainted with thorn, (Hear.) I think there aro
tains, and which we should wish to see brought under die- three points in which our interest in the consideration acid
cussion with the most favourable auspices, there are three managementof this bill will belooked at. There is the ques-
announcements I think quite sufficient to make any candid tion by whom a measure of Parliamentary Raform is to be sub-
or well-judging man reluctant to see eissension introduced mitred to Parliament; the question of what is to be the sub-
into this debate —I mean the announcement of the measure stance and effect of such a measure; and lastly,there is the
for the union of the North American provinces; secondly, question of when it is to be brought under our notice.
the announcement of the measure on that most important As regards the first inquiry, by whom such a measure is to
subject, namely, the state of the relations between landlord be submitted, I humbly represent to the house that at this
and tenant in Ireland—(hear)—and I must add in a form moment, in the interest of the country the speedy settlement
to which Ido not think the most fastidious amongst us of the question is all important—(hear, hear)—and if there
will find anything to object to—(hear)—and thirdly, the be any,of us who are loss sanguine than gentlemen opposite
announcement not less, but even still more, gratifying, at the possible proceedings of herMajesty'sGoverummt, that
namely, that in the judgment of her Majesty's Government will be no reason for endeavouring to cast impediments in
the time has arrived when the existence of exceptional, their course. It is our duty to accept, wherever we can
and in one sense arbitrary, power in Ireland may reach its •that illadequatelymeet the just expec-
get it, a measure w
termination. (Cheers.) Sir, lam not only d. •in isposed to tations of the people ; and if we intend to be willing par-
make any amendment on the present occasion, but if there ties to the introduction of such a measure by the Govern-
be any gentleman who entertains a different opinion, and ment, we ought not, by anything we now say or do, to cast
to whom I could offer a recommendation, I would earnestly the smallest difficulty in the way of a settlement of the
beseech him to forbear from executing such an intention. question. (Cheers.) Sir, as respects the substance of the
(Hear.) Passing, however, from the numerous and im- measure, that is a matter which I not think the present a
portant subjects introduced into her Majesty's Speech, I proper moment to discuss ; but as respects the time of the