The Sun.
London, England, 1861-06-15 00:00:00

ADMIRAL ELLIOTT.

The Duke of SOMERSET said with req. ect to the
statement that had been made in that house last night, he
regretted that such a circumstance should have occurred
during his absence. He was informed that the noble lord
niutt. He
could only say he had nothing to retract, and therefore he
adhered to his statement. Foreign officers often applied for
permission to inspect English dockyards, and such permis-
sionwas always granted. In a few days after one of these
visits he saw an article in the Dioniteur, or some other
continental newspaper, warning the French that our pro-
gress was dangerous. He must say it would be very em-
barassing to the friendly relations between the two
countries.

The Earl of HARD WICKE was sorry to hear the sub-
ject revived again. His only object was to defend the cha-
racter of a brother officer. With respect to the adminis-
tration of the naval affairs of England, it behoved the noble
duke to be energetic in his competition with the French
Government. They had twenty-six of these iron plated
ships in preparation— England had but six or seven, and
it was necessary that we should have as great a force as
that country. It was true the speech of the noble duke
the other evening was the speech of a statesman, but it was
that of a slow statesman. He thought he ought to ge on
a little faster if he really wished to beat his powerful com-
petitor.

Lord BROUGHAM bore his testimony to the fact that the
speech of the noble duke contained nothing injurious to the
honour of Admiral Elliott. He renewed the warnings he
had previously given of keeping the nation well armed.

The Earl of SHREWSBURY said Admiral Elliott, in
what he had done, had done nothing more than any other
private individual would have done who went out without
any Government directions.

The Duke of SOMERSET could only repeat his regret
at what Admiral Elliott had done. It was a very different
thing to relate the result of his visit to a private friend
and to tell it to an ex-First Lord of the Admiralty, with
the view of it being stated on authority in the House of
Commons. The bad effect of the course was to be seen at
once on the other side of the water. In the discussion in the
Corps Legislatif the reflection was already apparent. The
noble lord seemed now to beurging him to buildnothing but
iron ships. A short time ago he was urgently demanding
wooden ships of the Admiralty, yet the Admiralty was
accused of vacillation. He must leave the noble earl to de •
tide on which side the vacillation existed. (Laughter.)
The subject then dropped.
PUBLIC OFFICES EXTENSION BILL.
This bill was read a second time.

GREENWICH HOSPITAL BILL.
This bill passed through committee.

BOROUGH OF DUBLIN B ILL.
This bill was read a third time and passed.
BURFORD'S CHARITIES BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
READING CHARITIES BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
TEMPLE BALSALL HOSPITAL BILL.
This bill was read a second time.
GUILDFORD HOSPITAL DILL. -
This bill was read a second time.
Their lordships then adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS—YESTERDAY.
The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The Lords' amendments to the Banbridge Extension
Railway Bill were considered and agreed to. The Bur-
ton-upon-Trent Water Bill and Llanidloes and Newtown
Railway Bill were read a second time.

The following bills were read a third time and passed :
Cleveland Railway, Cork and Macroom Direct Railway,
East Suffolk Railway, Kilkenny Junction Railway, Much
Wenlock, &c., Railway, Sittingbourne and Sheerness
Hallway, and West Midland and Severn Valley Railway
Companies.

THE GALWAY SUBSIDY.
Several petitions were presented from different parts of
reland in favour of the restoration of the Galway packet
subsidy.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY.
Lord W. LENNOX gave notice that on going into com-
mittee on the civil service estimates he would draw atten-
tion to the recent alterations in the National Gallery at
Trafalgar-square.

BRITISH SUBJECTS BORN IN INDIA.
Colonel SYKES gave notice that on Tuesday next he
would present a petition from British subjects born in
India, complaining of grievances

THE GREAT EASTERN.
Admiral DUNCOMBE asked the Secretary to the Ad-
miralty, if the Admiralty had taken up the Great Eastern
for the conveyance of troops to Canada ; if so, at what rate
per ton ; how many soldiers are to embark in her ; and if
their being sent in that ship was with the concurrence of
the Secretary of State for War ?
Lord C. PAGE ET said that the Government had made a
contract with the owners of the Great Eastern for the con-
veyance of a certain number of troops and horses to
Quebec. The number consisted of 89 officers, 2,007 men,
and 222 horses, and the rate of payment was £lB per head
for officers, £2O for horses, and £5 10s, for privates.
CONVICT PRISONS IN IRELAND.

In answer to Mr. 'MAGUIRE,
Mr. CARDWELL said that, from the improved state of
convict prisons in Ireland, it was not intended to fill up the
vacancy in the Board of Directors of Convict Prisons.
POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANKS.
Sir A. AGNE W asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
whether it was the intention of her Majesty's Government
to extend the accommodation contemplated under the Post-
office Savings Banks Act to all parts of the United King-
dom; and whether the Postmaster-General was prepared
to receive applications from private parties interested in the
establishment of savings banks in particular localities.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
the bill would extend to the three parts of the United
Kingdom. The object of the Postmaster-General was to
grant post-office accommodation in those places where it
was most required. The Postmaster-General would make
selections of those districts, in order to give a fair trial to
the system previous to its general adoption, and he would
look more particularly to the more wealthy and populous
places. He trusted gentlemen of local knowledge and in-
fluence would give the Postmaster-General all the assist-
ance in their power by furnishing him with information.
DOVER HARBOUR.

Mr. DEEDES asked the President of the Board of
Trade if it was his intention in the Harbours Bill to adhere
to the constitution of the board now governitig Dover Har-
bour, as provided for in the bill ?
Mr. M. GIBSON said the bill on this subject would be
proceeded Ns ith on the day sitting on Tuesday next.
THE HIGHWAYS BILL.

In reply to questions,
Sir G. C. LEWIS said that if it was considered by hon.
members that proceeding with this bill on a day sitting on
Friday would not be fulfilling the promise made fcr appro-
priating a day for it, he would not press that arrangement,
and he would substitute the London Corporation Coal Bill
for consideration that day.

THE GALWAY SUBSIDY.
In reply to Col. FRENCH,

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
it was not usual for Government to apply to the law officers
of the Crown in regard to contracts, except when there was
some point involved. The Postmaster-Goneral considered
that no such point had arisen in reference to the Galway
Packet Company, and therefore did not apply to the law
officers for advice.

THE APPROPRIATION OF THE VACANT
SEATS.
In reply to Mr. DUNCOMBE,

Sir G. LEWIS said that the bill for the appropriation of
the vacant seats would be proceeded with, and Government
would then state what course they intended to pursue.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE then gave notice that he would
move that writs be issued for members to serve in Parlia-
ment for Gloucester and Wakefield.
THE GALWAY SUBSIDY.
Mr. GREGORY moved for a select committee to inquire
into the circumstances attending the termination by the