The Sun.
London, England, 1859-07-13 00:00:00

PRIVXTE BUSINESS.

The Lords' amendments to the Border Union (North
British) Railways were considered and agreed to ; and the
Ringwood, Christchurch, and Bournemouth Railway Bill
was read the third time and passed.
The followinc, bills were considered and ordered for third
reading : Blackburn and Preston Road and Bridge ;
Bradford, 'Wakefield, and Leeds Railway ; Colne Valley
and Halstead Railway ; Metropolitan Railway (Deviations,
&c.) ; Tendring Hundred Railway ; and Wells and Faken-
ham Railway.
GREVES' DISABILITIES BILL.

On the motion for the second reading of this bill, intro-
duced by the Rev. Mr. Greves, a clergyman of the Church
of Scotland, to enable him to accept a benefice in the Church
of England,
Sir A. AGNEW opposed the bill.
Mr. GEORGE said it appeared that Mr. Greves had
incurred the censure of his bishop, and strongly objected to
the bill, which he moved should be read a second time that
day three months.
Mr. S. ESTCOURT considered that they should not
make an exception in the case of Mr. Greves, as that gen-
tleman had incurred a heavy expense in bringing the mat-
ter before the house.

Mr. BRIGHT said that he would object to any propo
sition for referring this matter to a select committee of the
House of Commons. He thought the best course to pur-
sue would be to pass this bill, and if there was any feeling
in reference to such they might alter the law. '
After some observations by Mr. Newdegate, Lord J.
Manners, Mr. Roebuck, and Sir G. Grey,
Lord PALMERSTON said he had a great objection to
private bills like the present, and he would vote against the
second reading.

The house divided, and the numbers were—
For the amendment
Against it B4

Majority
The bill was accordingly lost.
CONSULAR SERVICE.

Mr. S. FITZGERALD moved for a copy of a report
made to the late Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by
Sir Stafford Northcote, Mr. G. A. Hamilton7Sir Emerson
Tennent, Mr. Farrer, and Mr. Seymour Fitz Gerald, with
the appendices annexed thereto, with reference to a plan
proposed by Mr. Murray with regard to consular fees, and
the payment of the consular service.

TREATY OF PEACE BETWEEN FRANCE AND
'IAUSTRIA.
• Mr. DISRAELI said, that considering the 'state of
public feeling in the country, he hoped the Government
would inform the house whether the interview between
the Emperor of the French and the Emperor of Austria
announced yesterday had taken place, and also what were
the chances of peace being established.

Lord J. RUSSELL said that information had been re-
ceived by the French Ambassador, to the effect that a
treaty of peace between the two Emperors had been signed
yesterday. He had also received a telegram from
Lord Cowley, which confirmed that information. (Cheers.)
The statements in circulation as to the Emperor of the
French requiring the cession of Savoy, to indemnify him for
the expenses of the war, were unfounded, awl the Emperor
of the French did not propose any extension of his territory.
(Loud cheers.) Under these circumstances, he trusted the
noble lord the member for Haddington would not press his
motion at present.

Lord ELCIIO said he would comply with the request of
the noble lord, but he reserved to himself the right of mak-
ing any explanations he might deem advisable.

THE FEEJEE ISLANDS.

Colonel SYKES asked the Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs whether the Government proposed to recommen
the acceptance of the offer of the sovereignty of the Feejee
Islands; and if so, at what additional cost to the Imperial
Exchequer above the present outlay of above four millions
per annum for colonial purposes.
Lord J. RUSSELL said, in reply, that the acceptance
of the sovereignty of these islands had been very muck
pressed upon the Government by persons who were inte-
rested in the supply of cotton ; and secondly, by those who
had seen the success of the missionaries in those islands.
All he could say at present was, that the matter was under
the consideration of Government.

Mr. BRIGHT asked that, before the Government came
to a decision, the subject should be brought under the con-
sideration of house.
CHURCH RATES BILL.

Mr. GRIFFITH asked the Secretary of State for the
Home Department whether he will be prepared to state the
views and intentions of Government on the subject of
church rates, on the second reading of the bill for the Abo-
lition of Church Rates.

Sir a C. LEWIS said he was not aware that it was cus-
tomary to ask a member to make a statement with reference
to a bill of which he had not charge ; but when the measure
came before the house he hoped to be allowed to express his
opinion regarding it. (Hear, hear.)

BANKRUPTCY BILLS.
Mr. MURRAY asked the Attorney General whether
it was his intention to proceed this session with a bill
brought before the Lords, intitidea, "An Act to Amend
the Law of Debtor and Creditor, Bankruptcy, Insolvency,
and Execution ;" and what are his intentions in reference
to the existing law of bankruptcy and its administration,
and generally in reference to the law of debtor and creditor,
and its amendment.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said it was not the in-
tention of the Government to proceed with the bill, which
had been brought from the House of Lords ; but it was the
intention of the Government, as to the whole subject of
debtor and creditor, which was in an unsatisfactory state,
to give it their best attention during the recess, with the
view of bringing in a bill in the next session.
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