The Sun.
London, England, 1867-07-30 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMMONS-LAST EVENING.

The SPEAKER took the chair at 4 o'clock.
DENMARK AND PRUSSIA.
Mr. D. GRIFFITH asked the Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs whether the French Government had re-
monstrated with that of Prussia against their requiring
any engagement as to the protection of the German popu-
lation of North Schleswig from Denmark as the condition
of their giving effect to the fifth article of the Treaty of
Prague ; and whether the English Government had offered
any opinion on the subject.
Lord STANLEY said it was quite true that communi-
cations had passed between Franco and Prussia, but he
should not be justified in stating the nAture of those com-
munications, as the information ho had received was of a
confidential nature. Her Majesty's Government had ex-
pressed no opinion whatever on the subject.
THE SCOTCH REFORM BILL.
Sir J. OGILVIE asked whether it was intended to bring
this bill forward for discussion this evening.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it was
not intended to do so that evening or any other evening
during the present session. (Laughter.) It had been
asked that the bill be reprinted, and on the motion for
going into committee he should move that the house do so
pro forma, and at the same time move that the bill be re-
printed with the alterations made in accordance with those
of the English bill ; but before he could so it was necessary
it should be known what was done in another place with
respect to the English bill.
Col. FRENCH asked whether it was proposed to raise
any discussion on the motion for going into committee I
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER did not
anticipate any discussion would arise, as the motion would
simply be that the house go into committee pro forma.
Mr. M'LAREN asked when the discussion would be
taken ? (A Voice—" Next session.") (Laughter.)
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he
had already stated that it was not intended to proceed fur-
ther with the bill during the present session.
Mr. M'LAREN said that the hon. member for Ayrshire
had announced on Friday last that the bill should not go
ou without an opportunity being given of discussing the
matter.
Sir J. FERGLTSSON said on Friday he was authorised
to say that no progress would be made in the bill without
an opportunity being given for discussion. He never said
Ina further progress would be made.
THE FENIANS.

Major KNOX asked the right hon. gentleman opposite
if it was true that he had stated that champagne and
other delicacies had been furnished to the Fenians by the
place heihad the honour to represent.
Mr. MONSELL said his observations applied to Dun-
garvon and not Dungannon.
THE PACKET SERVICE VOTE.
In reply to Mr. CRAWFORD,
Mr. HUNT said he had intended to proceed with this
vote on Wednesday, but as it had been represented that it
would be exceedingly inconvenient to members generally
if he did so he would fix the matter for Thursday next.
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS BILL.
In reply to Sir G. GREY,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it was
not intended to proceed further with this bill during the
present session.
The order for the committal of the bill was then read and
ordered to be discharged.
METROPOLITAN IMPROVEMENT BILL.
In reply to Mr. Hoer.,
Mr. AYRTON said when the order of the day for the
second reading was arrived at he would state what course
he intended to take with regard to the bill.
THE PURCHASE SYSTEM.
Cul. NORTH rose to bring under the consideration of
the house the casesof Lieut. Frederick Nind Woodall and
Lakt. and Adjutant H. Curry, of the 74th Highlanders;
and Lieut. and Adjutant R. F. Stirke, 69th Regiment.
The hon. and gallant gentleman said the cause of these
officers was one of peculiar hardship: they had been pur-
chased over no less than five times, and the whole cause
of their non-advancement in their profession was
simply because they were not in possession of the
means of obtaining their promotion under the pre-
sent objectionable system of purchase. The officers
ho had mentioned wore men of the highest honour
and undoubted courage, and it was to be regretted that
such efficient officers should be so unjustly treated. He
concluded by moving the following :--" That in the
opinion of the house no monetary consideration should
delay the promotion of those throe officers."
Sir J. l'AiiinlON said ho should Leclino to touch