The Sun.
London, England, 1858-07-24 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY

perty vested for these purposes would be advantageous.
The Archbishop of CANTERBURY said he entirely
referred to the public servants.
The Earl of SHAFTESBUItY said he was extremely
gratified, and he believed the public would be gratified,
with the sentiments which bad just been uttered by his
noble friend. (Hear, hear.) They were much in accorl-
ance with a petition which he presented some time ago,
and which was largely signed by the religious bodies of
this country. What he wished was to see unbounded
religions liberty, and that the professors of all religions
should be on an equality. In the selections for the pub-
lic service a man should not be rejected or selected be-
cause he was a Hindoo, a Mahomedan, a Parsee, or
a Christian ; he should be chosen for his fitness
for the duties of the office. Nothing could
be more prejudicial to the interests of Christianity
than to promote it by active measures. He trusted,
however, that they would not be ashamed to avow
themselves a Christian Government, and that they re•
garded Christianity as the best form of religion and the
basis of civilisation. He hoped there was nothing fana-
tical in that. With regard to another subject he trusted
now that they had broken the neck of.the rebellion that
the time was come for proclaiming an amnesty. Nothing
was more remarkable in the government of the noble
earl opposite (E'lenborougb) than his unvarying respect
for and protection to the natives. He regretted to say
that a strong feeling of antipathy was growing up be-
tween the Europeans—especially the young officers—and
the natives. In a letter from Benares which be held in
his band, the young officers were said to describe the
Datives as " vile and detestable imps." Nothing would
be more likely to retard the civilisation of the gospel
than a continuance of such a state of
.things, as nothing
would be more likely to promote it than by the higher
officers of Government showing that their lives were in
harmony with the principles of the Christian religion.

Hear.)
The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH agreed with the
noble earl that in the present circumstances of India
nothing was more to be deprecated than the constantly
increasing animosity between natives and Europeans,
and that animosity, he believed, originated in a great
measure from the extreme severity of the punishments
inflicted on the natives. He thought that no single man
ought to have the power of ordering death as a punish.
ment. (Hear.) And that the conduct of Sir J. Lawrence
in Delhi ought to be everywhere followed, that was to
say, a commission should be appointed, and that the con-
currence of three of them should be requisite for pu-
nishment by death. Restrictions had been imposed on
the press of India for the purposes of the Government.
He thought that as restrictions had been imposed on the
press to prevent libels on the Government, restrictions
should also be imposed on it for the purpose of preventing
libels on the people of India. (Hear.) If those libels
on the people were continued, the young officers arriving
in India would have their minds poisoned by the
stories they read every day. The practice of Govern-
ment officers attending the "religious" ceremonies of
the natives had been discontinued fora long time. With
regard to the principle of religious toleration, he would
read an extract from the last letter on the subject issued
by the Court of Directors ; they said, "The Govern-
ment will adhere to its ancient policy of perfect neutra-
lity in matters affecting religion. We most earnestly
caution all those in authority in India not to afford, by
their conduct, tne least colourable suspicion that the
present policy has undergone, oriwill undergo, any
change." In that view of the case he concurred.
Lord MELVILLE thought that as long as they em-
ployed a native army it would not be easy to abstain
from giving some countenance to the religious ceremo-
nies of the natives.
The Bishop of LONDON said that the result of the
Government taking the management of the lands ap-
propriated to the temples into their own hands was that
they were in a better state than if they were in the hands
of the natives, who would be likely to squander the pro-
perty. The feelings of the people of this country re-
quired some charge to be made in this matter, and he
held the speech of the noble earl as showing that the
Government were disposed to look this matter in the
face. They should show Christian forbearance to the
heathen, but they should show a disposition also to in.
culcate Christian justice, and civilisation, and truth.
The Bishop of OXFORD thought it was c'ear what
the line of a Christian Government should bo in this
matter. They should not exercise force, or fraud, or
violence to inculcate Christian truth, but they should
show that they were not indifferent to that truth. He
heard with some misgiving the extract read by the noble
earl, especially with the force and weight which he laid
o
n certain expressions. If by the " neutrality" men-
tioned in the despatch was meant that there should be
no attempt directly or indirectly to interfere with the re-
ligiaus belief of their heathen subject?, he did not object
to the word, but if it meant that there should be stamped
on the whole English Government an aspect of entire
indifference as to the value of religion and the superio-
rity of one over the other he must dissent from it.
Earl GRANVILLE heard with the greatest pleasure
the declaration of the noble earl, which, he hoped, would
have considerable Effect in that country. Ha believed
the view he pot forward was the most advantageous for
the gradual progress of Christianity. (Hear.) With re-
gard to the policy of mercy he felt no distrust in her
telsjesty'e Government or in the feelings of his noble
friend the Governor-General.
The bid then passed.
The Herring Fishery (Scotland) Bill was read a second
time.
The Copyholi Acts Amendment Bill and the Joint-
stock Banking Companies' Bill were reported with
amendments.
The Titles to Land (Scotland) Bill was read a third
time and passed.
The Sale and Transfer of Land (Ireland) Bill was
read a third time and passed, with some amendments
introduced by Lord Caen worth.
The reports of amendments on the Medical Practi-
tioners and the Public Health Bills were received.
The house adjourned- at a quarter to 12 o'clock,

HOUSE OF COMMONS—(YESTERDAY.)
The SPEAKER took the chair at 12 o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.
The Lords' amendments to the following bills were
considered and agreed to :—Middlesborough Improve-
ment, Plymouth Great Western Docks, Tees Conser-
vancy, and Worcester and Hereford Railway.
Toe folio sing bills were read a third time and passed :
—Davidson's Estate, and Glasgow College Estate.
CORRUPT PR N.CTICES PREVENTION ACT
CONTINUANCE BILL.

The adj )urned debate on the clause proposed by Mr.
VANSITTART was renewed. Tiae clause was "That it
shall ❑ot be lawful for the collector of rates and taxes
of any borough, county, or city, or his partner, or
agent, to act as agent, clerk, or canvasser for, or to be
employed on behalf of, any candidate for such borough,
county, or ci'y, and any such person who shall off-md
shah for his said offence be liable to forfeit the suns of
SO/. to any person who shall sue for the same, together
with full costs of suit."
Mr. BASS spoke in opposition, and to the bill

generally.
Mr. P. O'BRIEN thought that nothing coull be
more objectionatle than the practice of a tax collector,
wish his rate book in his band, walking into a voter's
hou-e to solicit his vote in aid of any particular candi-
date. He hoped the hon. member for Windsor (Hr.
Vansittao) would press his motion. .

Mr. WALPOLE thought this clause would raise ques-
ticu upon question as to persons qualified to act as
agents. lid should be happy to consider the question
as applicable to general law, but he thought the principle
ought not to be affirmed in the present bill.

Sir F. SHITS thought the clause would be a trap for
the honest man, and that it would serve no other
pur-
pose.
Mr. ROEBUCK said the Home Secretary seemed to
think that this was not a proper time f ,r the revision of
the electoral law. He (Mr. Roebuck) admitted that,
and hoped the Home Secretary would apply that remark
to lie own bill.
Mr. WARREN opposed the clause.
Mr. GREER said that collectors of rates zcd taxes
had a great icfluence in reference to the registration of
voters ; and in B:lfast that inflance..had been exercised
in a most extraordinary degree. In any district the
collectors of taxes might abstain from calling upon
voters for their taxes until after the time when they
should be paid to enable them to vote, and thus persons
really solvent, and willing to pay their rates when asked
for them, Lund themselves di.fianchised when the
revising barrister came round.
Mr. JOHN LOCKE said the clause singled out one
particular class of persons, but tax collectors were not
the only persons who had an undue kfluence over
electors. Let them take, for example, the steward
of a nobleman who had a large estate, and who could
knock off 10 or 15 per cent. if it would in any way
suit his employer's purpose. The tax collector was a
public servant, and any candidate might avail himself
of his services. The tax collector could not remit
taxss, and it was not to his interest to remit them, but
the steward of an estate could remit any amount his
employer might choose to allow. Tne clause aimed
at one partioular class of individuals, while they knew
that there were hundreds of othEr3 who were equally open
to objection. He objected to legislation of this piece-
meal kind being introduced into the bill, which he con-

sidered should be merely a continuance bill.
Mr. M'CANN objected to the tax gatherers being
agents. They had great influence over the register of
votes, and had not failed to exercise it very extensively
in Ireland. He knew many persons who had been dis-
franchised by the tricks and chicaneries of these men.
Mr. BAINES thought extraneous matter should not
be introduced, although be admitted he was favourable
t 3 the principle of the clause. This was a well-defined
and understood species of influence upon which eventu-
ally they might legislate, but ho thought this should
he a continuance bill. If the clause were passed at all,
ho thought it should be amended, so as to include all
electors " within" any borough, &e„, instead "of "
any borough, &e.
Mr. B. OA.RTER opposed t':e clause, on the ground
that the bill should be a mere continuance bill.
Mr. BYNG considered that the clause contained a
very sound princlpl-, and he should vote for it, sutject
to the amendment of the right hon, gentleman the mem
her for Leeds (Mr. Baines).
Mr. HUGGESSON did not like homolvathic doses
of reform, and opposed the clause.
Mr. CRA.UFURD thought it unreasonable that a
bill of this kind should have been introduced at this late
period of the session, and that they were wasting time in
discussing it. He should vote against the clause, because
he desired that the bill should be merely a continuance
bill. He wished they would take an example from Soot-
lend, where there was no such absurd regulation that a
man should pay-his taxes before he was qua ified to vote.
(Hear, hear, and laughter.) He objected to the clause
ft
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excluded tax collectors, they should exclude solicitors
and members of the legal profession from being agents,
for he held that they were a much more dangerous class
in this respect than tax collectors. He said that in
his capacity of a member of the legal profession himself.
Mr. VINSITTART said he should be happy to avail
himself of the amendments which had been suggested.
The house then divided on the amended clause, and
the numbers were—
For the clause
Against it
Majority
The clause was negatived.
Mr. D. NICOLL hoped that after the narrow escape
of defeat which the Government had had they would de-
clare now that this was simply a continuance bill. He
had stood three sharply contested elections, one of
which he lost by only one vote, and ho knew
therefore the temptations to which poor voters
were exposed. He moved the following clause :
" Every candidate at any election for any county, city,
or borough, shall be required to make and sign the fol-
lowing statutory declaration, and present, or cause to
be presented, a copy of such declaration to the Election
Auditor on or before the day appointed for the audit of
bills, charges, or claims. "I, (A. B.) a candidata at
the election of ( ) to represent the ( )
in Parliament, do hereby solemnly and sincerely declare
that I have not knowingly made, authorised, or sanc-
tioned, and that I will not knowingly make, authorise,
or sanction any payment, or make any gift of money,
or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly,
by way of private gratuity to any solicitor, agent,
or canvasser acting for me on account of the said elec-
tion, otherwise than is described by the bills, charges,
and claims rendered to the election auditor, save as
excepted and allowed by the Corrupt Practices Preven-
tion Act, 1854."
Mr. WALPOLE objected to the clause. It might
be inserted in a permanent bill which could not be delayed
beyond next session. The present was nothing more
than a continuance bill.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS did not think the clause would
carry out the object it proposed to have in view.
Mr. P. O'BRIEN thought that all legislation in re-
ference to corrupt practices at elections was a delusion.
Mr. CRAUFURD opposed the clause
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE asked the Government to with-
draw the bill. The majority of the House was
against it. (Hear, hear, and no, no.)
Mr. WALPOLE said if the majority of the House
were against the bill he would withdraw it and intro-
duce a continuance bill to-morrow. (Hear, hear, and
no, no.)
After some remarks from Mr. ROElimcK,
The House divided. The numbers wore—
For the clause
Against it B3
Majority
The clause was therefore negatived.
Mr. GREER moved the addition of a clause for in-
creasing the number of polling places, and for altering
the polling districts in Ireland.
Lord NAAS opposed the clause. In the first place
it was out of place, it was out of order on the considera-
tion of this bill ; and, secondly, the law at present per-
mitted the extension of polling places in Ireland.
Mr. WHI CE supported the clause to protract the
debate, and with a desire to prevent the bill being
carried. He informed her Majesty's Government
there were a certain number of members who
intended to oppose the bill on every point
other than as a continuance bill. The bill was wrongly
named. It should be called the Corrupt Practices
Protection Bill. (Laughter.)
Mr. P. O'BRIEN opposed the clause.
Mr. BRADY supported the clause.
Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD opposed the clause.
Mr. COX opposed the bill. He looked upon it as a
bill to legalise bribery, and increase the expenses of
candidates at elections. He had no objection to the bill
as a continuance bill, but he had groat objection to it as
a permanent bill.
After some further discussion,
The house divided. The numbers were—
For the clause
Against it
Majority
The clause was therefore negatived.
Mr. GRIFFITHS moved the following clause .
"The admission and payment, on behalf of any candi
date at an election, of any claim or demand in respect
to such election, by the election auditor, in accordance
with the provisions of the 17th and 18th Vict., chap. 102,
shall be a sufficient protection to such candidate against
any action or suit at law in respect to the legality of any
such payment ; and it shad be the duty of the election
auditor to refuse to pay any claim or demand on behalf of
such candidate which is not in accordance with the pro-
visions of the above-mentioned act of the 17th and
18. h Vic., c. 102."
Toe motion was negatived without a division.
Mr. STAPLETON moved to insert in clause 1, line
17, after " voter," "within such voter's county or
borough, and seven miles from the boundary thereof."
The house divided. The numbers were—
For the amendment 75
Against i'
Majority —3
The amendment was consequently lost.
On the motion that the clause as amended stand part
of the bill,
Mr. ROEBUCK moved its omission from the bill.
The moment they rendered the expenses of conveying
voters to the poll legal, it became imperative, and aided
the rich man against the poor man. Ile regretted the
proposition for paying travelling expenses emanated
from his side of the house, for it would be found
to be productive of more bribery and corruption
than ever before existed.
Mr. BRADY supported the amendment.
Mr. V. SMITH reminded the Home Secretary that
ho some days since suggested the bill should be a con-
tinuance bill, and he thought if his suggestion had been
adopted, much time would have been saved, for it must
come to a continuance bill after all—(hear)—and that
was to be done by cutting out this clause. If they
were to legislate on this subject next year, ha believed
it would be better to make this merely a continuance
bill. (Hear, hear.) This bill involved two principles—
one was that voters had no interest in going to the poll
themselves ; and the other, that no man but a rich.man,
who could squander 3,0001. or 4,0001. in an election,
could stand for counties.
Mr. WALPOLE contended he was justified in bring-
ing in t')is bill, and persevering with it, and referred to
the majorities on divhdons iu support of that assertion.
He intended to bring in a permanent bill next session
to get rid of bribery and treating at elections. He should
persiit with this bill. Theseexpenses had always been paid
by ca no i
ul i
tdt
ian ss,
contested and h
conveyances
te
were
returnse r
eelections
provided
fory
ided showedcounties
m ia tn was
yavnod at
boroughs.e cr ods nwsio would d
itemanWboltiethtake the trouble to go to the NI It was, there-
fore, better to legalise it than leave it in uncertainty as
at present.
General THOMPSON wished to know what security
the candidate had under this bill if a voter went to the
poll in hi; carriage, and voted for another candidate.
He contended the payment of the expenses of convey-
ance of voters to the poll was as clear and simple
bribery as any other that could ha invented.
After some rent arks from Mr. S. WARREN,
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE charaeterised this as a bill to
serve the purposes of the Conservatives in the election
to take place in the spring of next year. Candidates
then would be able to bribe to any extent, and the man
with the longest purse would be the successful
candidate. The hon. member was In ccaedins,r to show
the effect of the bill in connection with the Conservative
or Freehold Land Society, when by the forms of the
house the debate was adjourned to the evening sitting.
The Deputy Usher of the Black Rod appeared at the
bar cf the house, and summoned the members to the
House of Peers, to hear the royal assent given to several
bil's, (for which sea Lords' report).
The other orders were then disposed of, and the house
suspended its sittings.
The House resumed at 0 o'clock.
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKRUPTCY,
MANCHESTER.

. 53
. 66
.. -13

.. 26
.. 112
..-86

Mr. TURNER presented a petition from certain par-
ties in Manchester, containing allegations, charging Mr.
Gannett, Commissioner of the Bankruptcy Court in that
city, with irregularity in his proceedings 33 a judge, in
borrowing money from the practitioners of the court,
and praying that the charges might be investigated.
Tho ATTORNEY-GENERAL complained that due
notice bad not been given of the presentation of this pa.
tition. He could not but think that the petition which
the 12,11. gentleman presented ought to have been com-
municated to Mr. Gennet'. He would now merely say
that he had received a communication from that gentle-
man, stating that ho was most anxious to come forward
and meet the charges and imputations against him ; and
if the hon. gentleman should have an opportunity of
bringing the matter forward in the present session, Mr.
Genr,att had authorised him to state, that he was pre-
pared and most anxious to come forward and meet the
charges.
CONTENIPLATED GREAT BLOW AGAINST
THE REBELS IN INDIA.

Mr. EWART was desirous to ask the President of the
Board of Control what reinforcements had teen sent out
to India. He had also a question on the paper relating
to the government of India ; but he would confine him-
self on the present oczasion to the first question.
Lord STANLEY, in reply, said that from the end of
January up to the 17th July, the number of troops sent
out to India amounted to 17,000. He might take that
opportucity of stating to the house that the Government
w the
aimportancegainsth
t erebels
of strikingin h
t aeachi
great,ap pr final, and deci•
o ng
cold ssiave b
sea-
son. (Hear.)
DEEP SEA OYSTER FISHERIES.
Sir G. BROOK wished to ask the right hon. gentle-
man tho President of the Board of Trade what progress
he had mode in the inquiry he had instituted respecting
the complaints made by the parties interested in the deep
sea oyster fisheries of the operation of the act 18 and 19
Vie., which imposed very injurious restrictions on their
trade, and which they considered were not contemplated
by the convention with the Government of France, of
August, 18?9.
Mr. HENLEY, in reply, said some progress bad been
made in the inquiries respecting the deep sea oyster
fisherie4, and tho inquiries were still going on. He was
most anxious on the subject, which was beset with some
difficulties, and ho would not fail to continue to give his
attention to it.
THE SLAVE TRADE.
On the motion that the house, at its rising, do adjourn
to Monday,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER rose,
and having adverted to a question which Mr. C. For-
tescue had on the paper in reference to the slave trade,
said he would venture before the hon. gentleman put
his question to ask him whether he had realy considered
that the question which he had given notice of bring-
ing forward could be fairly brought forward at that
moment ; and seeing that the discussion of suoh a pies-

tion, even under ordinary circumstances, would require
a whole evening, and, irrespective of that consideration,
looking at the language in which the hon. gentleman had
given notice of his question, namely, " to call the atten-
tion of the house to the present position of the question
of the right of searching ships suspected of being en-
gaged in slave trading, and to ask what course the Go-
earnmeat were prepared to take on the subject." NOW,
he thought it advisable that the hon. gentleman should
not at that moment persevere in pressing the subject
upon the consideration of the house ; and the more par-
ticularly, as there were negotiations at that moment
going on between her Majesty's Government and the Go-
vernment of the United States on the question. He
would, therefore, really put it to the hon. gentleman if
it did not appear to him that questiens of such magnitude
and int rest could hardly be fairly discussed at the present
moment. (Rear, hear.) He also saw that there was
another question to be introduced that evening by an
hon. friend of his own, which would in like manner
take up a whole evening in discussion, namely, the
transport of treops to India. Now, those were questions
of such importance and magnitude, that each of them
would require the most deliberate consideration, and
they were questions th st could not be expected to result
satisfactorilf unless they were fairly discussed. He
would put it, then, to the hon. gentleman whether he
could at present fairly bring the question forward.
Mr. C. FORTESCUE said, in putting the question
on the paper, he thought he had acted fairly. He thought
before the session broke up it was right to put such a
question to her Majesty's Government. The intentions of
the Government seemed not to have been clearly indi-
cated to the house on the subject, and thinking it highly
desirable that the country should be informed what their
intentions were, he had put his question on the paper.
He was prepared to make a very short statement to the
house. A portion of the question seemed to him not to
have received all
.the attention from her Majesty's
Government which it deserved ; and it appeared to him
desirable that their policy should be clearly and distinctly
explained on the subject. (Hear.) His intention was
to state to the house the position in which the question
was found by the Government, and to ask the Govern-
ment whether or no they intended to adhere to or depart
from the policy of their predecessors in office on the
slave trade. The state of the question was this :—lt had
been stated by no les; an authority than that of the Am-
bassador of the United States—Mr. Dallas—that the
policy respecting the right of search had been changed.
Now, that was a policy that had been long established,
and he therefore thought it fair to ask her Majesty's
Government if the rumour was true. (Hear.) The
right hon. gentleman had told teem ti at there were nego-
tiations and communications being carried on on the sub-
ject of the right of searching ships, between her Majesty's
Government and that of the United States. What he
wished now more particularly to ask the Government
was, without his making any statement, whether, in de-
fault of any such convention with the United States, or
any other power, they were prepared to adhere to, or
depart from, the long-established policy, or whether they
were prepared to adhere to the system of inspecting
vessels hoisting foreign flags, or to depart from that
system, and from the right of search altogether, and to
lay down that all such ships should be held sacred I
Now, if that be so, the next thing which the Govern.
ment should do would be to withdraw the squadron from
the waters of Cuba, and also from the waters of the
coast of Africa. (Hear, bear.)
Mr. S. FITZGERALD was sure that the house
would not expect Lim to enter into any long reply to the
observations of the hon. gentleman. (Hear, hear.) In
reference to the question, he believed there was a general
feeling in the house and throughout the country, that
it aeis one to be approached with much caution, and
ea!' aualy the occurrences which had taken place
within a very short period on the other side of the
Atlantic—he meant in the Cuban waters—were not
Ruch as to render it desirable now to enter into any
discussion. (Hear, hear.) He had stated on a former
occasion that his noble friend had received the assurance
of the United Sates Government that they would con-
sider any suggestions we might make to them not only
with care, but with the desire to do them every justice.
Tnese propositions had not yet been made. They were
still under the consideration of her Majesty's Govern-
meet. It was impossible, therefore, for him to give any
rerther information, and he thought the hoc. gentleman
could hardly be serious in asking the Government to
state what their policy would be in the event of certain
communications which had not yet been made being
unfavourably received by the United S:ates Government.
Tie entertained every hope that this matter would be
brought to a satisfactory termination, and the language
of the United States Government, as well as that of the
minister, was such as was entirely to confirm the Govern-
ment in that impression.
ASSAULTS UPON WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
Mr. DI LLW YN called the attention of the Secretary
of State for the Home Department to the prevalence of
aggravated assaults upon women and children, and
urged up m his consideration the necessity of rnalsing
sonic alteration in the law relating to such offences.. In
many instances where the husband was heavily fined cr
imprisoned, the penalty fell with more intense severity on
+he victim of the crime which it was sought to punish,
than on the perpretator. He was an advocate for cor-
poral punishment, but seeing that crime of this descrip-
tion was on the increase, he hoped that the right hon.
gentleman would, during the recess, turn his attention
to tl-_e subject, and see if the law could not be amended.
Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD wished, before the right
11-,n. gentleman answered the question, to ask him
whether he had any objection to lay upon the table of
the house Dr. Corrigan's report, as a member of the
Irish Lunacy Commission, who differed from the report
adopted by his brother commissioners.
Me. WALPOLE, in reply to the question of Mr. J.
D. Fitzgerald, said he really wished that when corn-
enhorens were issue I the commissioners would agree
upon their repeat. It was not fair to the majority, who
concurred in a report that some individual commissioner
should afterwards send in a separate report, which his
colleaeuel perhaps had no opportunity of seeing. Hs
had received the report of Dr. Corrigan, and the ques-
tion it involved was so important that he would ender-
take to lay it on the table of the house. The statement
mode was quite correct. In answer to Mr. Dillwyn,
the bon. gentleman said :—The aggravated assaults of
which be had made mention were less numerous this
year than they were in 1851-5, but somewhat more
numerous than in 1856, but it was desirable to analyse
these silences before drawing eat, general conclusion. A
great many of them were assaults not upon women, but
upon children ; and an immense number of them were
assaults by women. (Laughter.) Aaother circumstance
to be borne in mind was, that in many die-rids, even in
the last year, for which he had returns, there was a
great diminution of those offences in some districts,
while in others there was an increase. So far as he had
been able to form an opinion from the information with
which be had been furnished, he had reason to think
that the present act, which he believed was introduced
by the noble viscount opposite, had worked well ; and
if it required any addition, he would be prepared, after
inquiry, to sta' e in what respect he thought it should be
amended. In the meantime, however, his attention
would be striet'y turned to the subject, but he should
not like, unless constrained to do so by th e strongest
reasons, to have recourse to corporal punishment. (Hear.)
TRANSPORT OF TROOPS TO INDIA.

Sir J. ELPHINSTONE said, after the appeal which
had been made to him by the Chancellor of the Exche•
quer, he would not now go into the large question
with regard to the resolutions of the c )mwittee on
the transport of troops to India, but he trusted
ha would have an opportunity of discussing it
next year. He wi hed to state, however, that
he, and those who acted with him, were of
opinion that it was the duty of the Government to avail
themselves of every means in their power to perfect the
overland route to India for the conveyance of our troops
to that country. He was quite oertaM,l from the infor-
mation wLioh he had obtained, that their conveyance
could be effected cheaper and with greater advantage to
this csuntry by the overland route than by the Cape.
Sir E. COLEBROOKE said he rejoiced that the bon,
member intended to bring the subject before the house
ou a future occasion.
grA.TE OF INDIA.
Mr. V. SMITH wished to ask a question of the noble
lord the President of the India BJald with regard to the
condit'on of our affairs in India. It had been the cus-
tom for three or four years for the Government to make
a statement at the close of the stesion on the state of
Indian affairs. He would net ask the noble lord to give
the house what was called the "Indian Budget," because
last year he (slr, Smith) off. red an excuse to the house
for not presenting anything like a budget on the ground
of the derangement of accuunte. But he hoped the
noble lord would, before they separated, make a state-
ment of the exact position in which they stood with re-
gard to India. He also wished to know whether the
17,000 troops which had been sent to India were in ad-
dition to the establishment of the Queen's troops there,
or whether they were merely to fi 1 up casualties.
He further desired to know with what obje.ct the mili-
tary cemmission was to be sent to India. Perhaps the
noble lord would say whether, when the bill for the
Government of India was passed, the Government in-
tended to issue a proclamation, announcing that the
Government of the country would be carried on in the
Queen's name, and whether another would be issued to
the effect that the religion of the natives would be re-
spected. Ho put these questions with no wish to em-
barrass the Government or the public service. As far
as he was concerned, he had the greatest confidence in
the noble lord, who had perhrps shown more judg-
ment and vigour than any person of his age at present
in Parliament. (Hear.)
Lord STANLEY thanked the right hon. gentleman
for the courteous manner in which he had put his series
of questions, but at the same time, in the absence of
notice, he could not fuliy reply to any of them except
that relating to the financial statement. Ia the present
condition of affairs, any statement he could make before
the close of the session would not represent the actual
condition of the Indian finances, and therefore he did not
see any advantage in submitting to the house a state-
ment on that subject. With regard to the military opera-
tions going on in India, the right hon. gentleman, in
common with every other member of the house, had
ample opportunity of obtaining all the information that
could be desired on the subject. A, to the question of
proclaiming the
Queen's authority when the Govern-
ment of India was transferred from the E ist India Com-
pany to the Crown, that was a matter which required
some time to consider ; but as the act would not come
into operation for thirty days after it received the Royal
assent there would be full time for considering it. Ho
repeated that he did not intend, before the close cf the
session, to make any general statement on the affairs of
India, but if there were any special point on which any
hon. member required information, he would, so far as
was consistent with the requirements of the service, be
happy to answer the questions put to him.
Sir DE LACY EVANS thought they should have
full information with regard to the 17,000 troops recently
sent out to India, and a specific statement respecting