The Sun.
London, England, 1832-03-24 00:00:00

PLURALITIES BILL.

The Archbishop-of CANTERBURY in moving that
the House do resolve itself into a Committee on this Bill
felt himself compelled to say a few words upon its prin-
ciples. He was in great hopes that he would
have been spared that trouble, in, consequence of the
Bill - having been 'fully discussed last session, - and
it having passed the House with but very few alterations.
Under such circumstances, he had not thought it necessary
to enter into any'of its details in moving its second read-
ing ; but as a Noble Lord (Suffield) had stated his
intention of proposing -amendments which would mate-
rially affect the principles of the Bill, he felt himself called
on, in vindication of his own character, and the principles of
the measure, to make a few statements to their Lordships.
-In doing so he considered it necessary to go as far back
as the reign of Henry VIII., at which time the whole es-
tablishment of the Church was placed under the Canon
Law, which prohibited the holding of Pluralities. His
Grace then stated at some length the- provisions of the
statute law, as at present existing, for the prevention of
pluralities, which had been enacted from time to time
in aid of the canon law, which prohibited them still more
strictly, but which was inefficient, and in a great degree
inoperative in the-present day. The statute and canon
law both referred to the King's Book as a criterion of the
value of livings, which- was fallacious. The present Bill
proceeded upon the actual value of benaficee at the pre-
retat-time. The •Bill did not deprive the dignitaries of
Cathedral and Collegiate churches from- holding a pa-
rochial charge, because it was known that in many cases,
unless such a dignity could be held in conjunction with a
living, the value of both would be lost. But the present
measure was an improvement of the existing law, inas- .
much as it- would prevent the same person from holding
more than two preferments in the Church. The Noble
Baron, who intended to= introduce amendments of such a
nature that they amounted to a new Bill, in effect said that
the- present measure did nothing to prevent a Bishop from
holding a deanery and a rectory together with his see. Ac-
cording to the present law, however, this was impossible, and
they d:d not legislate to prevent impossibilities.- The King,
it was true, enjoyed the power of giving dignitaries and bene-
ficeq 1* Bishops in cornmendam, and with that power the pre-
sent Bill did not interfere. To t larger bishoprics no com-
mendams were in fact ever given, although this depended
entirely upon the pleasure of the King. The practice was
to bestow them only upon the poorer class of bishoprics,
which in many cases required them. They were given
in compassion to the wants and the necessities of the
poorer Bishops. The Noble Lord proposed to limit the
commendams, so that no-Bishop ho!ding another dignity or
benefice by this means should enjoy an income exceeding
4,500/. a year, and .to enact that all the income
of such Bishops beyond this prescribed amount sh old be
paid over to the- Governors of -Queen Anne's Beutty.
This-was a restriction_ which he thought rather narrow.
It might be said that 5,000/. a year was considered a
good salary for a Judge but the Judges were in a different
situation fiorn the Bishops, having previously to their ap-
pointment followed a lucrative profession, from which they
had generally realised a fortune, and obtained the meats of
living in dignity and comfort. No wise man would
place himself in the situation of a Bishop if it was neces-
sary that he should pay daily attention to minute economy ;
and he thought no liberal man would contend that Bishops
ought to be deprived of the opportunity of making some
adequate provision for their families. The whole business
of commendams might become the subject of a separate
measure; but he should regret to see them entirely
abolished, for he had known several instances, and parti-
cularly one in this metropolis, in which the parish had
derived great advantages from having a Bishop for its
rector. For his own part be was desirous to have
the strictest inquiry, and he was sure that the result of in-
quiry into the value of Church livings and of the incomes
of Bishops would counteract the gross misrepresentation
which had gone abroad on the subject. In fact the grossest
misrepresentation had been circulated as to the value of
Church property; and he would take it upon himself to
say- that when returns were made, the public would be
surprised at the deceptions which had been practised upon
them by those who exaggerated the incomes of the clergy.
The Must Rev. Prelate then moved that the House resolve
into Committee on the Bill.

Lord SUFFIELD in objecting to some portions of this
Bill, wished to be understood as not wishing for the spo-
liation, but the equalization, of Church property. It was,
he thought, a strange anomaly, that the Church should be
disgraced by having at the same time livings too small for
the subsistence of a clergyman, and others of enormous
value. lie objected to the discretion given by this Bill to
the Archbishop of Canterbury, who would be authorized
to allow the holding in commendani of livings situated
thirty miles asunder. What he wished was, that the in-
come of the clergy should he more equally divided. The
Noble Lord then went into a minute discussion of the
Bill, but his objections were generally founded upon the
above points.
The Bishop of BRISTOL said, that the-evils of plura-
lities so much complained of, were' in a great' degree rt-
inedied by this Bill. '
Lord WYNFORD objected to the Bill as an invasion
upon private property. It was perfectly immaterial whe-
ther livings held in commendatn were thirty or three hun-
dred miles apart, for in neither case could' flee rector
attend personally to the duties of both ; and when advow-
sons at a distacce from each other were purchased or
owned- by the same individual, it would be a great hard-
ship to deprive him of his right of presentation, which
was what this Bill contemplated. At all events, he hoped
the Most Rev. Prelate,. for whom he had always enter-
tained unfeigned respect, would postpone the further con-
sideration of this Bill until the expected returns and neces-
sary information were before their Lordships.
The Archbishop of CANTERBURY said that the Bill
had been already so long before the public, and had been
so anxiously expected by many to become the law of -the
land, that he could not further delay its progress. '
Lord WYNFORD then proceeded to state his objec
tions, which consisted chiefly in the Bill being, as he felt,
an injustice to private individuals, with whom the Legis-
lature had no right to interfere, at least without giving
compensation. He al,o contended that several of the pro-
visions were unnecessary, inasmuch as they only enacted
what was already law. The only new features in the
B 11 were three, namely, that which related to the chap-
lains and sots of Peers ; secondly, that which related to
pluralities • and -the other, that Which enforced residence.
The Bishop of LONDON had not intended to' have said
a word, but he felt called upon to make one observation
in reply to his Noble and Learned Friend, who had com-
plained of the Bill as an infringement of private property.
It ought to be recollected that, if there were interference
at all, it would only be for• the moment, and not for a
permanency. He could not-see how the ownet of an ad-
vowsou would be injured by being prevented from holding
or presenting it in common with another living. Norling
cold he easier than to dispose of it at any time; lie

felt as much as any man the advantage,. of having persons
of rank connected with the Church. As an humble in.
dividual he could the more suitahly bear testimony to the
worth and purity of such of the Nubility as had high sta-
tions in the Church. At the same time be must say he
did not value thif
,acirgiNet of rank .5 :highly sacri-'
fice to it the-eccleat.444.tv., aril it wig-therefore that
he !upported the Bill; .mote 'particularly that=rlause of it
which made it necessary for sons. (when tint ':otherwise
qualified to 11(,Id livings) tiobtaindispensatinns.;_•,
_ _

Lord TENTERDEN-ojrcted.to the Bill, as be thought
it would be impossible fait -the Archbishop of Cantiibury,
in regulating pluralities, to ascertain the value of the se-
veral livings. --He took the liberty of suggesting-to the
mostrfiev. Prelate the advantage of poStpditing the Com-
mittee, as-it was then too la' e' in the day to-go iniodetails.
Lord'`KlN9:, complained 'that as many as fifteen and
sixteen:liviiigs were held by some of the Right Rev.
Ben,th, and he also thought their incomes too high. He
did not, not agree with the Most Rev. Prelate that 4,000/.
a year was. too little fur. a. Prelate.
The Archbishop of CANTERBITRY-Vrivited to explain.
He had on the occasion -referred to merely 'Minded to •the
average incomes of the-Right Rev. Bench.
The LORD CHANCELLOR, in reply to what bad
fallen from his Noble and Learned Friend respecting pri-
vate property, fully agreed in the doctrine laid down; but
in ecclesiastical matters they bad a right to fee-the requisite
duties performed.
The Bishop of BANGOR said that he was-one of those
Bishops who held livings, most of them small ones, but
then they were such us had been always attached to the
See, as pirt of its property. In all these parishes there
were the requisite number of curates, and the duties were
performed efficiently, and in an exemplary manner:
After a few words from the Bishop of CHICSTER. in
support of the Bill, their Lordships divided—
For-the Motion
Against it
Majority
The Ho, use then resolved itself into Committee pro
forma; and iTame verbal amendments haviog been made,
their Lordships resumed, and the-Bill was ordered to be
reconsidered on Tuesday.
Adjourned at a Quarter past Nine to _
:tomorrow (this
day) at Half past Three o'clock.

FROM THE GAZILTTS_OF LAST NIGHT.

ST. JAMES'S PALACE, Mallen 22.
This day Martin Van Buren, Esq., Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America,
had audience of leave itif his Majesty, cm- his recap-

ST- JAMES'S PALACE, Man-cu 2
The King was this day pleased to confer the honour of Knight-
hood upon GenCrafMartin Hunter, Military Grind Cross of the
Royal Hanoverialf Guelphic Order.

WAR-OFFICE, Msncu92,
111010kusnnsf-4.-Hls Majesty has Amen.:graciously pleased to
Pqn"Pit .itte-.250 Regiinent.,.:of Foot;-,or. •" • The King's; Own
Borderers,"which, suits foundatiop.in the year 1689, was called
" The.Kdinburgnaegiment". (it having. been raised in the short
space otafew hours, for the purpose of guarding the city of:Edin-
burgh), to bear on_its colours and appointments- the arms of
Edinburgh„with_the motto, ," Nisi Dominus. (rostra ;" also to
retain the motto," irritate religionis confido,7- Which • waS
authorised by.: his late Majesty King George. the Third, in refe-
rcuee to -the badge and mi.tto'above specified.__Th is motto to be
Placed und.er the. crown,-,sur.mounted by a lion, in ,4rro-cotners.af
the regimental colour.

- • 7,0 T-e'-
)7 4ar- °zee; Witt Mareh, 1831
--Ist 'kegWent - of' Life-guards, Cornet , and Subi4.;icittenant
Thomas Heron Viscount Ranelagh- to .be Lieutenant, by pur-
chase,. vice Bayntim, who retiree. T. B. Turnor, Gent. to be
Cornet and Sub-Lieutenant; by purchase, vice-Lord Rauelagh,
2d. Regiment of Dragoons,—Lieut.-Col. Lord'. -Arthur-W. M.
Hill, from half-pay Unattacedito-be Lieutenant-Colonel, vice
J. Grey, who exchangesireeelyinKthe difference, 23d of March.
2d Regiment_ of Foot--;.1 LightOn, Gent., to be Ensign, by
purchase, vice March W. ,
14th Toot--Lieut T. Shore, from, the 84th Foot, to be Lieu:
tenant, vice-Dormer, appointed to,.the 24th Foot, March 22.
Lieutenant-IL-K. Storks, from:-half-pay unattadhed,: to be
Lieutenant„—vice W. Maxwell' who exchanges,. receiving the
difference, March W. • -
Lieutenant T,:Shore to be Adjutant, vice Ortrolbytwho resigns
the Adjutancy only. March 23.
15th Foot—Staff-SurgeOu. W... Wallace td
goon; vice Caldivelli who has accepted a Commii oti,, March 23.
20th -Font Janvrin, Gent, to be Ensign4W-purchase,
vice- Wyndham,- whose appOintrrient has not 'taken" place.
March 23. = - - • - •
24ttfroptL—lieut C.-Dormer, from the 14th Foot,, to be
terianto,le-e-L. Ileyland; who retires upon half-pay 10Ist Toot,
March 22.

26th Foot—Captain R. Price, from half-pay Unattached, to be
Captain, vice W.'H. Sitwell, 'who exchanges, receiving the dif.
dlWerence, March 23. . _ aO
27th-Foot—Captain R:-Fulton, from half-pay Unattached, to
be Captain; vice F. Shea:- 'Who exchanges, receiving the differ-
ence. March 23. --
28th Foot—Lieut. C. B..Carrothers. to be Captain, without
purchase, vice Trant,-deceased, March 23; -Ensign F. Adams to
be Lieutenant, vice Carrothers _March 23; G. T. C. Napier,
Gent., to be Ensign, vice Adams, March-23.
38th Foot, Lieut. J. J. Lowth to be Captain, by purchase, vice
Mackay, who retires, March 23. '
Ensign W. C' Symonds to be Lieutenant, hy purchase, vice
Lowth, March 23.
Gentleman Cadet W. Ironside, from the Royal Military Col.
lege, to be Ensmn, by purchase, vice Symonds, March 23,"
41st F00t,..F. 0. Darvall, Gent. to be Ensign, by. purchaSe„
vice Darvall,.who retires, March 23:
79th Foot, Major it. Ferguson, from half-pay, Unattached, to
be Major, Barwick who exchanges, receiving the dif.
ference. - -23d'March.
84th Foot, Lieut. R. J. Hanley, frornhalf-pay 101st Foot, to be
Lieutenant, vice Shore, appointed to the 14th Foot- March 22.
it. NV: Lacy. Gent. to be Ensign, without purchase, vice'J.
Lacy who resigns, March 23.
96th Foot—Lieut. R Bush). to be Captain, by purchase. vice
Waller, promoted, March 23: -;
Ensign J. Clyde to be Lieutenant, by Purchase, vice Bush,
March 23. ,
97th Foot—Ensign 0. Keating to be Lieutenant, by purchase,
vice Barton, who retires. March 23.—T. Greene, Gent. 'to be
Ensign, by purchase, vice Keating. March 23.
99th Foot—Lieut.-C. F. Kerr, from half-pay Unattached, to be
Lieutenant, vicel. H. Greetham, who exchanges, receiving the
difference. 23d,Mareh. _ .

2d West -India. ite3iment—W. R • Penny, Gent., to be Ensign,
by purchase, vice Brittlebank, promoted. 23d March,
UNATTACHED..—Capt. J.- W. S. Waller, from the 96th
Foot, to be Major of Infantry, by purchase; March 23.
Hospital Staft—Assistant-Surgeon J.- T. Hurst, M. D. from
half-pay 37th Foot,- to be Staff Assistant-Surgeon, vice Edward
Holier, who exchanges. March 23.

Commissions by the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Middlesex
B. Botch; jun.. F.sq., to be Deputy Lieutenant; W. G. Stir.
ling, Esq , to be ditto, March 17.
Commission by the Lord Lientenant of the County of Dnrham.
J. Bowes, Esq., to be Deputy Lieutenant, Dec. 12
Commissions by the. Lord Lieutenant of the County.of Essex.
E. Disney, Esq., to be Deputy .Lieutenant; J. M. Wilson,
Esq., to be ditto, Feb. 17.
Commissions by the Lord Lieutenant of the County Palatine of
Chester;
T. France, Esq., to be Deputy Lieutenant ; W. T. Buchanan,
Esq., to be ditto ; H.. 8. Trelawny, Esq., to be ditto, March 10.
Commission by the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Mid.
Lothian.
J. J. H. Vere, Esq., to be Deputy Lieutenant, Jan. 5.

DECLARATION OF INSOLVENCY.'
JOSEPH GLADWELL, Barking, Essex, shipwright
BANKRUPTS.

THOMAS MORGAN, St; Peter's-alley, Comhill, wholesale
ironmonger, to surrender April 3and May 4, at twelve, at the
Court of Bankruptcy., Smith, King's.Arrns,yard, Coleman-street.
GEORGE LEWIS, Vere-street,thcford-street, broker, April
5, at twelve, and May 4, at eleven, of the Court of Bankruptcy.
Henderson, King's Arms-yard.,
JOSEPH JENKINS, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, cabinet-maker,
April 11, at two, and, May 4, at eleven, at the Court of Bank-
ruptcy. Turnley, Ironmonger-lane, Cheapside.
JOHN LAZ A RUS, Dicke-street, Manchester-square,jewener,
April- 11, at eleven, and May 4, at ten, at the Court of Bank..
ruptcy. Maitland, King-square, Goswell-street-road. •
JOHN HEAD and HENRY. MARSHALL, Lawrence-
Pouitney-Place, white lead merchants, March 31, at one, and
May 4, at ten, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Dimes and. Owth-
Waite, Princess-street, Bank,
Sir GEORGE DUCK Err, Bart., Sir FRANCIS BARNARD
MORLAND,-Bart., and THOMAS TYRINGHAM BER.
NARD, Pall-mall, bankers, April .5 and , May 4, at eleven, .at
the Court of Bankruptcv.,Briggs, Lincoln's-inn-fields.
THOMAS SM I TH, Colcman-street, wine-merchant, April 3,
at one, and May 4, at ten, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Wise,
Harpur.street, Red Lion-square.