The Sun.
London, England, 1859-07-29 00:00:00

pense had been spared, tut which had not received the ne-
eessary Government co-3peration.
Mr. WILLIAMS thought many of the consulships
might be abolished, and he protested against the increase
that had taken place in this vote. The salary of the con-
sul at Marseilles was increased from £550 to £9OO, without
any increase in trade with that port having taken place, or
anything having occurred to justify an addition of £350 a
year to the salary of the officer. In Barcelona the salary of
the consul was increased from £4OO to £550, and at Alex-
andria from £6OO to £l,OOO a year. The hon. member hav-
ing referred to other increases that had taken place in the
salaries of the consular establishments, which he contended
were entirely unwarranted, he concluded by moving an
amendment to the effect that the vote should be reduce by
£6,370.
Sir M. FARQUHAR defended the conduct of the Go-
vernment, who had not the time necessary to present an
ample report to the house on this subject at the commence-
ment of the session, but who had no intention of acting
discourteously to the commission whose labours they fully
appreciated. In some of the cases alluded to by the hon.
member for Lambeth, the increase was justified by the in-
crease in the price of all the necessaries of life. He
concluded by expressing a hope that the hon. member
would not press his amendment.
After a few words from Sir H. VERNEY and Mr. M.
IVIILNEs,
Mr. LAING said it could not be expected at present
that the Government could go into the whole question that
had been raised. The commission had recommended that
the increase proposed should be met by a duty on shipping.
That was a subject of great importance, and required con-
sideration. He defended the increase as being requisite.
Mr. WILLIAMS replied.
The aisendment was negatived without a division.
On the vote of £67,363 for establishments in Chtaa,
Japan, and Siam, some discussion took place, but the vote
was agreed to.
Oa the vote of £40,000 for Ministers at foreign courts,
Mr. WISE drew attention to the fact that the real ex-
penditure for the purposes of this vote fell short consider-
ably of that which was granted, and he could not see the
necessity of their voting from year to year a larger sum
than they required. It appeared that they were to vote for
the diplomatic and consular service, exclusive of the ex-
pense of the secret service and other branches, on
less than £521,665 this year, of which £268,889
was to be appropriated to diplomatic departments.
He called the attention of the house to the item of £5,000
for interpreters and clerks, and he contended that, except
in the case where great talents were exhibited, the latter
should be required to write well and speak correctly. In
order to show the deficiency in the present system he al -
luded to Portugal. They had a Minister with a salary of
£5,000 a year, besides over £6OO a year to servants and
attaches in connection with that official, and they had also
a consul-general, vice-consul, &c., at Lisbon. Not-
withstanding all these officers, when this country
wished to congratulate the King of Portugal on his
marriage, they had to send a special mission to
Lisbon for that purpose. He would not move any amend-
ment, but he trusted the Government would, next year at
all events, direct their attention to the reduction of these
votes.

Mr. ELLICE said that it was most important they
should maintain the efficiency of their embassy, if they
wished their representatives in that capital to occupy the
same position as the representatives of other countries. If
they did not wish him to retain that position, it would be
better to reduce him to the status simple of minister.
Mr. LAING said that this vote had been very much
discussed last session, and an explanation was then given
to the effect that the details of the expenditure were, from
their nature, a long time in reaching this country, and the
fact was that the actual expenditure was always 12 months
in arrear of the estimated expenditure. He was sorry to
say ihat the whole £40,000 would be required this year, in
msequence of the increase of the number of telegrams and
other expenses incurred by the events that had taken place
on the continent.

Some further discussion ensued, but the vote was agreed
to.

On the vote n 21,969 for compensation and pensions for
persons in the public service,
Mr. WILLIAMS impressed on the Government the
necessity of keeping down this branch of public expenditure.
Mr. LAING said the Government were determined to do
all in their power to reduce this branch of expenditure.
Sir H. -WILLOUGHBY said there was nothing like the
system in reference to this vote in other countries, which
prevailed in England, and he thought they should com-
mence with the higher class of officials.
Some minor votes were agreed to.
GALWAY HARBOUR AND PORT ACT (1853)
AMENDMENT BILL.
This bill went through committee, was read a third time,
and passed.
NORWICH ELECTION COMMITTEE.

The members nominated on this committee were sworn.
KIDDERMINSTER AND KINGSTON-UPON-
HULL.
Letters were read from the petitioners against the return
of the members for these boroughs, stating that they with-
drew these petitions.

NEW WINDSOR.
A letter from the petitioners against the return of Mr.
Vansittart was also read in which they announced a simi-

far intention

Mr. VANSITTART took that opportunity of strongly
denouncing the mode in which election petitions were
brought forward and withdrawn. As regarded his own
case his election was a complete ovation, and being obliged
to be absent he was returned by proxy. He entered into
some further explanations, and expressed a hope that the
house would interfere to put an end to the presentation of
those sham petitions.
The house adjourned at four o'clock.

The house resumed at six o'clock
THE INDIAN BUDGET.

In reply ta Mr. BRIGHT,
Sir C. WOOD said he would to-morrow (this day) give
notice that the house should on Monday next resolve itself
into a committee of the whole house for the purpose of en-
abling them to raise money. -He would then make a state-
ment on the finances of India.