The Sun.
London, England, 1857-07-03 00:00:00

SERVICES.

Mr. W. EWART inquired of the First Lord of the
Treasury whether the system of examination proposed
for candidates in the diplomatic and consular services
had been adopted, or was in course of adoption ; and
whether there would be any objection to lay before Par-
liament a statement showing the nature and subjects of
such examination ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
the correspondence alluded to was laid before Parliament,
and printed in 1856. It was published in the report of the
Civil Service Commissiou also in 1856, and since further
information had been printed.

RETURNS.
Several unopposed returns were ordered.
EDUCATION OF SOLDIERS.

On the motion for the house going into Committee of
Supply,
Mr. S. WARREN called the attention of the house
to a general order issued by his Royal Highness the
Commander-in-Chief on the 19th June, directing that
for the future every soldier, after being dismissed from
drill, should attend school as a duty until he was re-
ported as sufficiently advanced in reading, writing,
and arithmetic. With the concurrence of the
Secretary of State for War no fees were to be required
for this attendance at school.
Sir J. RAMSDEN said that the subject to which the
hon. and learned member for Midhuret had referred was
ono of great importance, and though the Government
had been advised that the order in question did
not violate any provision of the law, yet they were of
opinion that it was not desirable to perpetuate the
objections to its continuance. go was able to
state that his Itoyal Highness the Commander-
in.Chief had regulated the order in question, and
had issued another in which the objectionable clause
had been withdrawn and another substituted, calling
upon officers of regiments to offer every encouragement
to the soldier to avail himself of the facilities of attend-
ing these sohools. (Hear, hear.)
STATUTE LAW COMMISSION.

Mr. L. KING called the attention of the ho►mse to the
large sums of public money which had been expended
by the Criminal and Statute Lave Commissions, without

Mr. BAINES said the commission was most anxious
to avoid these distinctions, and to have one set of laws
for England, Ireland, and Scotland. There was nothing
impracticable in this, and none of the existing differences
were so great as to render separate statutes necessary.
It ought to be the oiject of all to get rid of those diffe-
rences. As to the motion itself, he thought the discon-
tinuance of the commission would be a great public mis-
fortune. Mr. King had mentioned the criminal law
commission, and the expense it had incurred. That com-
mission, though it did not result successfully in the con-
solidation of the statutes, had been productive of great
benefit. It bad produced several valuable reports, and
its labours had guided those who followed. A digest of
the whale criminal law bad been completed, and it was
impossible to underrate the value of that work. The
statute law commission, of which he had been a member
15 months, had now a greater proqbect than ever of
bringing their labours to a successful issue.' No man
more deserved the thanks of the country on this question
than Lord Brougham, and he had declared in reference
to the bills recently introduced by the Lord Chancellor
in the other house that he entirely approved of the course
taken, that great misrepresentations had been made as to
the statute law commission, and that Mr. Bellenden
Ker, Mr. Cculson, and Sir F. Ktlly were eminently en-
titled to the thanks of the country. This was the opinion
of the man best qualified to form a judgment, given only
ten days ago, and yet the house was now asked to vote
for the discontinuance of the commission. Lord Wens-
leydale now regularly attended that commission, and su-
perintended some of the bills ; so did Vice-Chancellor
Wood, and so far from thinking that:the commission was
of no use, they were evidently anxious to promote irs
labours all in their power. Seeing that between 40 and
50 bills had been already prepared, and would shortly be
before Parliament, nothing could be more rash than to
agree to the motion proposed. The establishment of a
minister of justice—a subject of very great difficulty—
had recently been considered, and until this important
question was decided, he hoped the house would not ask
for the abandonment of the commission.

Mr. NAPIER said that at the request of the commis-
sioners he had furnished them a plan of what he thought
would be the best means of carrying out the scheme with
regard to Ireland. His views were not adopted, and think-
ing that he could do no good, he did not interfere with
the bills that were sent over to Ireland. Onegreat objec-
tion to the commission was, that there was no respon-
sible person who could devote his whole time and atten-
tion to the business. There was no controlling mind to
take the direction. His bon. and learned friend (Sir F.
Kelly) was an invaluable member of the commission,but
with his exten4ive enga2ements ho could not possibly
devote much time to it. Ho was in hopes that a depart-
ment would soon be constructed in Ireland, under the
auspices of the Government and the Attorney-General,
which would give effective aid in the consolidation of the
statutes, which ought to be done so as not only to get
rid of obsolete statutes, but to adapt the whole law to
the spirit of tie times. (Hear.)

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that a more
unreasonable proposition—to cut down the tree at the
moment when it was about to bear fruit—c iuld hardly
have been submitted to any assembly ; nor anything
more impatient than that, on a subject like this, they
should expect not only a plan matured, but actually
carried into operation, in the short time that had
been allowed to the commission. (Hear.) The com-
mi-sion, it should be remembered, was not able to sit
de die in diem; it was composed principally of the most
important legal functionaries in the kingdom, most of
whom were so fully occupied that they could not devote
more than a few hours in a week to this important work.
There was no subject on which he felt more anxious,
and to which he held himself more fully pledged, than
the prosecution of the engagement which he considered
had been formed by the Government to carry into effect
the formation of a department of public justice. He had,
with considerable difficulty, prepared a plan on the sub-
ject great part of which was now before the Government
for their consideration ; and he hoped the plan would be
matured in time to be made public before the end of the
session. That was an additional reason why Mr. King
should consent to withdraw the motion be had now
made. (Hear.)
Lord J. RUSSELL said he did not think the propo-
sition of his hon. friend was so entirely absurd as the
Attorney-General seemed to suppose. He felt some diffi-
culty on the subject himself, because when the question
was brought forward last year and opposed on the
ground just stated by the Attorney-General, the then
Attorney-General, the present Chief Justice of the
Common Pleas. went away from the division and did not
vote at all. There must, therefore, be some ground for
saying that the commisssion was not very useful when
the Attorney-General of that day did not venture to sup-
port it. He was still prepared to give further time to the
Government, but still he thought the question did not
stand in a very satisfactory position. (Hear.) What had
been said by the right hon. and learned gentleman op-
posite was just that it was well to have a commission
which should prepare a consolidation of the law ; but
unless there was some person sitting in that house to
bring in the bills, and prepared to show the reasons for
the different clauses, there was little use in preparing
such bills. (Hear.) It had been said that there were a
set of bills on the criminal law before the other House of
Parliament ; but it was not likely that those bills would
come down to this house in sufficient time for their ven-
turing to pass them. It appeared to him that the use of
these commissioners was to enable personsholiing the
proper offices to avail themselves of their l earning and
experience, with a view tothehperehpaah e. That was the
drattompnroapnodsebrbiiniglsintgo
before Parliament bills in a proper s ap
course he took in 1837, when
the house. He collected these gentlemen in the Home.
office, sat with them several days, and went through the
different proposals with them, Having done that he
brought in these bills, which made a considerable change
in the criminal law, and they were now the law of the
land. It struck him that the Lord Chancellor spoke pre-
maturely when he talked of a speedy consolidation of the
law. For instance, those who drew the acts relating to
breaches of trusts and frauds had different views of the
different kinds of frauds, and sometimes different views
of the same fraud ; there were different penalties and
different modes of conviction ; and this being the case, it
seemed tip him that if they were to put these various ants
together, they would have not only an incongruous, but
a contradictory, mass. In his opinion, therefore, the
present time was not a time for a consolidation, but for
an amendment of the law. (Hear.) The House of Lords
Sad sent them two bills, which, he trusted, with some
alterations and amendments, would pass into a law. Two
more important subjects than those of testamentary
jurisdiction and divorce could hardly be touched by le-
gislation. These bills had been worked up by the House
of Lords putting itself under the guidance and advioe of
such able and experienced men as Lords Brougham,
Lyndhurst, and St Leopards, and others, and framed in
such a manner as to amend the law of the country. That
was the first thing required. Other laws also required
amendment before they could come to consolidation. If
they came to consolidate prematurely, he believed that
a great many acts would be consolidated which should

never be consolidated
to amend, not how
that if there was a p.
(who was actively occ
therefore enable to
these question) who would devote his best faculties
to a consideration of the amendments in the law and law
reform, they would be likely to see some good fruits
from a measure of that kind. So far be agreed with the
right hon, gentleman opposite (Mr. Napier); but•he did
not know whether the right hon. gentleman would agre
in what be was now going to say. No doubt the ap-
pointrneut of a m:nister of justice might be attended
with considerable expense ; but by abolishing the lord-
' heutenancy of Ireland he thought sufficient means might
be found to defray the expense. (Hear.) He thought th
time was come when such a reform might be made, and
a minister of justice appointed. He would not vote for
the motion of his hon. friend, but he thought his hon.
friend had good reason for again asking what were the
grounds for the existence of this commission, (Hear.)
After a few words from Mr. HADFIELD, the motion
was negatived without a division.
THE COMPETITION FOR THE PUBLIC
OFFICES.
Mr. B. HOPE rose for the purpose of calling the •at
teetion of the house to the award of the judges of the
competition for the public officoe, which appeared in all
the journals of yesterday, He bad not the least inten-
tion of finding fault with the decision of the judges, and
he thought the Government deserved great praise for
submitting the plane to competition ; but be must say
tie competition was hurried on with too much Int,te. He
was glad that foreigners had been admitted to cempete,
and that a foreigner had met with justice from English
judges. That block plan, which obtained the first prize,
gave a bold and ingenious method of distributing the area.
It was formed on the oblong plan of the Louvre; but how
the prize plan of the War-office and the prize plan of the
Foreign-office could be a'ljusted to that block plan, and
how they could be made to correspond, would puzzle the
practical heads who would have to consider the question.
The block plan should have been first settled and decided
upon before the plans for the two offices. London
possessed the most magnificent park area iu the world
from Kensington-gardens to St. James's Park, and what
should be done was this. The block of houses whichehey
were about to purchase for the purpose of erecting these
Government offices should be purchased for the purpose
of extending the park to the river side. They wonldlthe
have one of the finest prospects of :St. Nes and the
numerous spires of the city. There vas suffiCierit space
for the new offices in the parade and grofind adjoining.
The present plan once adopted, the best opportunity of
making London what it ought to be would be lost for ever.
The question whether their parks were to be made the
marvel of the world was involved in the decision, and he
trusted that the present opp(rtunity would not be lost.
Sir B. HALL said the report of the judges had only
been received on Monday evening, and on Tuesday it was
laid on the table of the house. He thought it would be
much better if his hon. friend deferred his observations
till it had been printed and circulated amongst the mem-
bers. The judges were unanimous as to the designs se-
lected. When the subject was first started anu artier of
architects called on him and asked him to name a mixed
commission to judge of the designs. He determined that
one member of the House of Lords and one member of
the House of Commons should be on the commission,
and with them he associated Lord Eversiey, the late
Speaker of the House of Commons. (Hear.) There were
four gentlemen connected with scientific societies. The
judges therefore were the Duke of Buccleuch ; Mr. Stir-
ling, member for Perthshire; Lerd Evereley, Earl Stan-
hope, president of the Society of Antiquariee ; Mr.
Brunel, who represented the Civil Engineers ; Mr. Ro-
berts, who represented the Royal Academy ; and Mr.
Burns, who represented the Architects. In consequence
of pressing business in Scotland, the Duke of Buccleuch
was obliged to give up attending the meetings of the
commission, and he resigned. They all knew the sad
event that prevented Lord Eversley from attending the
last rneetinge—(hear)—but he bad a letter from his noble
friend stating thw, he entirely concurred in the se/ection of
the three first designs which were selected for prizes. The
course he proposed to take with regard to these designs
was this :—A great number of modsle had been sent in
for the Wellington monument-50 from British and 40
from foreign artists. As soon as they were set up in
Westminster Hall the designs of the three prizes would
be fixed in the ball, so as to give the members of the two
houses of Parliament and the public an opportunity of
considering them. His hon. friend took a different and
perhaps a more enlarged view of this question than he
did. No doubt his view, if carried out, would give as
fine a scene as could be conceived for any metropolis ;
but looking at the House of Commous—(laughter)—
and to the vote come to the other evening, be did not
think such a scheme as that would meet with much suc-
cess. It would add 1,500,0001. to the amount which
would be required. He had contented himself with
taking a smaller portion of ground than his hon. friend
proposed to take. If the prize plans were not disapproved
of by the members of the Legislature and the public, he
should endeavour, during the recess, to get estimates, as
near as could be given, of the interior arrangements of
the Foreign-office and Wer-office. He then proposed to
have drawings made, which would be placed in the bands
of the most eminent builders, who were to state what
would be the ultimate cost of these erections. He saw no
reason why a person holding the office he did should not
he able, by the exercise of common sense and ju igment,
and taking those preliminary precautions which gentle-
men exercised when they erected buildings for them-
selves, to give something like a guarantee that the build-
ing should be erected for a certain definite sum, besides
a sum to meet ordinary contingencies. That was the
course he proposed to take, and he hoped it would be
acceptable to the house, (Hear.)
Mr. BRISCOE suggested that in addition to the plans
models should be prepared, as they would enable the
public to judge correetly of the designs.
Mr. BAILLIE wished to know what were the inten-
tions of Government with regard to Westminster-bridge?
Sir B. HALL had stated some time ago that when he
received the at.swer of the judges, he would take into
ccmsizieratiol what was to be done about the bridge. He
hoped next week to be able to state their inteutiens.
Mr. R. 1). MANGLES admitted it was very desirable
to throw open the Thames to the park, but before they
coald do so with any comforter decency they should purify
the river. It was impossible to speak in language suffi-
ciently strong of the present abominations—it was irr-
possiele for any man who had any regard for his comfort
or his nose to travel on it ; he had occasion to come up
by host on one of the late hot days, and when the stream
was st:rred up, the stench, rot merely at the points where
the drahis emptied, bet from end to end, was so abomi-
nable, and the odour so bad, that it was absolutely dan-
gerous to health. He was determined never to travel
by it in summer again, and he understood that the hon.
member fer Richmond (Mr. Rich) was made seriously
ill last year by a single voyage. (Laughter.) It was a
scandal to have such a magnificent river turned into an
open sewer. (Hear, hear.) He trusted vigorous measures
would be taken to remedy the evil, and no expense
would he too great to attain that object.
Sir J. SHELLEY wished to know when the Chief.
f:ommiesioner of Works would return the sewage plans
to the Metropolitan Board of Works?

Sir B• HA LL s id be would do so as soon as the plans
prepared by tne Board of Works for diverting the sewage
from the river by making an intercepting sewer were
la'Al before him, :.s required by the act. He had re-
ferred them to a commission of three engineers, includ-
ing Captain Calton and Mr. Simpson. He Lad seen
one of those gentleman a few days ago, and he was in-
formed they had taken a great deal of evidence, and
hoped to have their report ready in about a fortnight.
The moment he received it he would forward it to the
board, and also lay a copy on the table of the house.
Lord ELCHO hoped some steps would be taken to
improve the opposite side of the river. The block of
buildings there was a perfect di.igrace to the metropolis.
He would suggest that the Government should endea-
vour to buy up the property, and no doubt o hen the
improvements at this side werc completed the iroperty
would then rise so much in value that a ltrge profit
might be expected.

Tne subject then dropped, aad the house went into
committee.

SUPPLY.

On the first vote,
• 46,400/, for salaries and expenses of British Museum,
Lord J. RUSSELL said it was his duty to propose
the vote, in accordance with the usual practice that
some nominated, and. others
one of the trustees should do so. The trustees, as the
committee was aware, were constituted. by act of Parlia-
ment,different donors to the institu-
tion. family, as
reewpreerseenorincgia
tion. The sum now asked was 46,400/.. which added
to the vote of last session. would make the total expen-
diture of the year 66,4001, being an increase of 6,4001.
on that of the previous year. Re could, if necessary,
point cut the various itemsin which the increase took
place, but he thought the committee would be satisfied
if he merely called attention to the different heads of ex-
penditure;in the first, " salaries," there was an increase
o
aa cu
printingup ri
tt i!ocs nae , fl
toh6goe:ei Ins. c
tr
heOea en
of 4.,380/. ; in the recond, " house expenses," t,iere was
then
cwrae
sat
s4he,i6rwd,
aohez
.e a;odnu,
yn"dspe
orultr.
hc purchase a adt nhode
fourth head, bookbinding, cabinets, &c., there was a de.
crease, 3,165/, ; and a decrease of 1001. in the miscel.
laneous charges, making the net increase 6,4001, as he
had stated. The great increase in the item of salaries
was owing to the increase of the Museum and the open-
ing of the New Reading Room. The committee was
aware that some time back, after much discussion and
consideration, a sum of 150,000/. was voted for the pur-
pose of increasing the space for the library and giving
auffisient room to students ; in pursuance of that vote a
building of great beauty and magnificence had. been
erected ; the dome exceeded that of St. Peter's in dia-
meter by one foot. A matter, however, of even more
importance than its beauty was the great amount of con-
venience it afforded. The tables were so arranged as to
provide most convenient seats for 300 persons ; there was
room round the walls for 80,000 volumes, but in the
call them, there were about tw.enty.five miles of
smacee around the building or suburbs, as he might
year. the number already pre-
shelves. The increase in the library every year
volumes had
great.
this Last year 10,000
added,sbweeanestnedv e underryatnhde Copyright Act was 3,000 in excess
of the same period last year. The library was now
become a
.great national institution, equal almost to
any other in the world, and considered as a place for
the purposes of study, for superior to any similar esta-
blishment.
The museum had also been adapted for re-
ceiving additions to the collection of antiquities, and
very large additions had been made to the Assyrian,
Greek and Roman collections. The Natural History
collection had also been increased to a very large extent.
The question bad also been raised whether all these
collections should be retained in one place. That was
a matter with which the trustees had nothing to do.
Their duty was to preserve and make as
i useful as pos-
sible the collections the public had placed n their hands.
The accounts before the house showed that above

$50,000 persons had visited the Museum during the year
which was a proof how fully the public availed them-
selves of its advantage. A question had also been raise d
whether it should not be open on the Sunday. (Hear.)
The house, however, had decided in the negative by a
very large majority, and the trustees had nothing to do
bnt to carry out their decision. The Museum had been
very much increased by amateurs from time to time.
The late Sir W. Temple, our minister at Naples, a man
of great taste and intelligence, made a large collection
of Greek and Roman antiquities, for which he had pecu-
liar facilities, and had left the entire to the Museum.
(Hear.) lie did not think it was necessary for him to
trouble the house further, but he would be:ready to give
any explanation which might be required. It would be
only fair to mention that some complaint had been made
that the subordinate officials were not paid in the same
manner as in other similar establishments. The trustees
had requested the Treasury to send some persons to in-
♦estigate the subject. The gentlemen appointed had
bald the inquiry, but had not yet made their report.
Until that was done the trustees could take no step,
and the persons lately engaged were paid on the old
scale. In conclusion he begged to move the vote.

1853 the picture was valued at 12,0001., which sum the

owner aBked for it, on whic 1 the trustees recommended

vented the nation from getting valuable pictures in con-
sequence of the squabbles and differences of opinion be-
tween the director and the travelling agent. The house
recollected the blunder made last year in the Venetian
Paul Veronese, which was worth about 3701., but which
the travelling agent thought proper to buy for 1,9701.,
and he need not go into that ; but the house would be
surprised that in the Austrian Official Gazette it was ac-
tually stated that when the church from which it was
taken was restored all the pictures were taken down,
and permission was obtained from the Pope to sell them
to assist in paying the expense of the restoration. After
the sale there remained some paintings, and among them
this very Paul Veronese, which was appraised by the
official officer at 300/. That was the picture which the
travelling agent gave 1,9701. for. He admitted that they
had bought a better Perugino, but the result of the outcry
against the Paul Veronese was that they were deter-
mined to rectify the mistake next year, so they went to
Venice, where it was known to all the world that there was
another Paul Veronese in the Pisani palace, which they
determined to get at any price, and for that picture they
paid what t Why, no less than 13,6501., a price per-
fectly ridiculous for a Paul Teronese, who, in the first
place, was not a first rate painter, and the picture itself
not being one of his best. Well, the consequence was,
that by giving this enormous sum they exceeded the an-
nual grant of 10,0001. forthe purchase of pictures, and now
an extra 5,0001., which was obtained from the civil con-
tingency list, was charged in the estimates. He really
thought the house ought to refuse to vote that 5,0001.,
which would, perhaps, teach these gentlemen better. The
noble lord read a list of the items paid on the purchase of
the picture for the National Gallery, alleged to be a Paul
Veronese, as the chambermaid 101., the cook 61. Such
was the way in which the money was expended. Now
as to the picture itself. Sir C. Eastlake said in his report
that sovereigns had contested its possession, but his
(Lord Elcho's) opinion was that Sir C. Eastlake had been
foolishly, wastefully extravagant. (Hear.) When at Ve-
nice he heard that the seller had refused to part with the
frame to Pisani, which it turned out exactly fitted a
picture retained by the seller. Our agent having heard
this, of course suspected that the picture retained was the
original by Paul Veronese. (Laughter.) The noble lord
then went on to propose to reduce the vote. He did not
object to travelling expenses, but the director should be
his own collector and traveller ' • and there need be no
travelling agents. During the London season the best
place to collect pictures was London, at the sales of the
great i.icture auctioneers, Messrs. Christie or Foster.
(Hear.) Then after the season the director should travel
in a private manner—(bear)---as it was our travelling
neat had spoiled the market by raising the prices.
(Hear.) Why the Austrian government had actually for-
bidden his admission into public places. (A laugh.) The
sum charged for'expences was bib!), asid ought not to be
allowed as compensation for a poor salary. (Hear.) If
the salary was too low it should be raised ; but the
director should be the traveller. On the whole he moved
that the vote be reduced from 23,1501 to 22,6151. ; that
is to say reducing the salary of the secretary from 7501.
to 5001,, &c. The noble lord added an observation directed
against the removal of pictures to Ireland. If they were
bad, we ought not to have them ; if good, we should not
lose them. Irish membfrs would not approve of making
the Dublin Gallery a refuge for the refuse of the National
Gallery. (Hear.)
Mr. COX denounced the whole system of the National
Gallery purchases as a system of jobbery so gross that he
would not be content with the amendment of the noble
lord, and he should be prepared to refuse the vote alto-
gether for that head. He disapproved altogether of a tra-
velling agent, and of travelling expenses. He objected,
above all, to the grant of 10,0001. for the purchase of pic-
tures. The case of the picture in question was truly mon-
strous. Why, from information he bad received (which
was confirmed by the noble lord's statement), he believed
that the picture was only a copy. (Hear.) Such was the
foolish way in which the public money was expended.
He should oppose the vote, and moved that the vote be
reduced to 4,9001.

the government to give 10,5001., honestly saying at the
same time that it was worth 12,0001. Now that was a
curious way of doing business. (Hear.) In his (Mr.
Henley's opinion, if they thought a man was asking a
fair price for an articleit was better to give him his own
money, for if they attempted to take him down they were
sure to make him raise his price. This had been the case
with this picture. The price asked for it in 1843 was 12,

0001., but the price paid for it in 1853 was 13,6501. That
was what was got by offering 10,0001. for a work of art
admitted to be worth 12,0001. (Hear.) Then came the
question how this vote was to be dealt with. The amount
by which it was proposed to be reduced was larger than
he could approve of, but if the proposition was to reduce
it by the sum overpaid last year, he should be glad to
give it his support, upon the ground that if the house
agreed to give 10,0001. a-year for pictures,it was a pretty
clear indication that they did not mean the Government
should go and spend 15,0001. (Cheers.) To the amend-
ment so altered he should be happy to give his assent.
Mr. LA.BOUOHERE deprecated the violent and in-
temperate language which had been imported into the
discussion ; for about matters of taste gentlemen might
proverbially differ, and that without imputations of in-
capacity, much less of jobbery and dishonesty, being
cast upon any one. (Cheers.) He was surprised at
bearing the objection of Mr. Henley that the Govern-
ment had spent 5,0001. more than the amount granted—
as if they must confine themselves within a limited sum,
whatever the opportunities which presented themselves
of purchasing valuable works of art. With regard to
this particular picture, he had never heard till then the
expression of a single doubt as to its being a work of as
established a European reputation as any picture that
could be mentioned. But he should not have risen on
this occasion if it were not to do justice, not so much to
a distinguished man, as to his own feelings. He regretted
that they could not discuss a question of this kind with-
out going into personal attacks. He had had the honour
of the acquaintance of Sir C. Eastlake for many years,
and he was confident there was not a man of higher in-
tegrity, purer character, and a more accomplished mind
in the country. Indeed, he believed him to be one of the
most accomplished artists the nation possessed. He
was sorry to hear his hon. friend (Mr. Coeingham), than
evhom there could be no better judge of art, indulge in
personal attacks upon Sir C. Eastlake. His hon. friend
said Sir C. Eastlake had shown his incapacity by the
mode in which he managed the National Gallery, and
overlooked the cleaning and preservation of the
p hisictu nobleres. friendeapp who had
appealed from friend,ihnistrohdounb.edthisquestion
however,nestino
to
first. He had stated truly that there eas not a great
public collection in Europe which was not far worse
treated than the National Gallery—(laughter)—and he
(Mr. Labouchere) would refer especially to the two most
celebrated—the one at Madrid, perhaps, the noblest
collection of pictures in the world, and the other the
great gallery at Dresden, in both of which some of the
beet works had suffered in the greatest degree from the
system of cleaning that hsd been adopted. He believed
that Sir Charles Eastlake deserved the credit of being a
most careful director of the National Gallery alike in the
cleaning and in the restoration of pictures. True, there
might have been cases of injudicious cleaning ;
taken as a whole, he thought they had reason to rejoice
at the care, vigilance, and caution exercised. Feeling
confident, then, that they were safe in the hands of a
man of the high honour and integrity, pure and en-
lightened taste and judgment of Sir Charles Eastlake,
he should deeply regret if the house did not support the
vote.
Mr. STIRLING did not think that if the vote were
n i st e r e
that d
agents23,oool.a
a yearoni
dn
was
be
employedtwoi eiy
much.an and properly
Asll o v
eto r th
the c
e a da
loi suggestionntinent, how did they suppose
that would work 1 He believed the ordinary per ten-
tage which a picture elealer expected for undertaking a
commission of the kind was 10 per cent. Now, as
13,0001. had been expended on the Pisani picture alone,
the commission would have amounted to 18001., or con-
siderably more than had been paid for the whole, year.
His hon. friend (Mr. Coningha.m) had reflected with
some asperity on the National Gallery; but what was
his main accusation against the director of that institu-
tion l The " head and front" of Sir Charles Eastlake's
" offending," as stated by his hon. friend, amounted to
this, that having in the purchase of some picture made
a mistake, he had had the candour and the manliness
to own it—(cheers)—and on several occasions to ex-
press considerable diffidence in his own judgment.
Well, these were two errors into which collectors of
pictures were not very apt to fall—(a laugh)—and he
must say that his hon. friend (Mr. Coning ham), and
his noble friend (Lord Elcho) had never to his knowledge
done so. (Laughter.) He beggee to ask the Secretary
to the Treasury by whose advice the purchase of the
Kruger collection was made for the National Gallery ?
Mr. WILSON—That collection was purchased in
1853, and paid for in 1854 ; but in consequence of the
absence of his right hon. friend (Mr. Gladstone) he was
unable to state upon whose advice—professional advice
—the purchase was made. It was certainly not bought
by the trustees of the National Gallery.
Lord ELCHO said if the G ivernment had been offered
4001. for their bargain of the Paul Veronese, he thought
the best thing they could do would be to accept the offer.
The defence of his hon. friend reminded him (Lord
Elcho) of a joke of the Secretary to the Admiralty last
year, who said, when the discussion on this picture WWI
going on, that he did not believe it to be a Paul Vero-
nese but a Wilson. (Laughter.) He (Lord Elam) dis-
claimed any intention of disparaging Sir C. Eastlake ;
he believed him to be a thorough gentleman and an ac-
. complished man, but his perfict fitness for the situation
. which he held was another question. He (Lord Elcho)
suggested that the boo. gentleman should limit his mo-
; tion to the re ,uction of 5,0001. for civil contingencies.
The CHANCELLOR of theEXCHEQUER said it was
admitted that it was a matter of national policy that there
should be a National Gallery, and Parliament had not
only provided a place for the reception of pictures pre-
sented to the nation, but had acted on the principle that
pictures should be purchased to add to this collection
from time to time. 10,0001, a year was placed for that
purpose at the disposal of the Government, who were ad-
vised in their disposal of it by the board of trustees of the
. National Gallery, composed of noblemen and gentlemen
well acquainted with art, whose names were before the
public, and by the secretary of that board, who was
likewise the president of the Royal Academy, a first-
rate artist, and moreover a historian of art, inti-
mately acquainted with the Italian schools. If the
Government could not act on such authority their
functions in regard to the disposal of the sums voted
by Parliament would be completely paralysed, as it
was impossible that any Government as such could have
special knowledge on the subject of art, more than on
medical or other subjects.
Atter a few words from Mr. SPOONER and Mr. Cox,
The motion was withdrawn accordingly ; and another
motion was put that the vote should be reduced to
16,604/.
Mr. CONINGHAM denied having made any attack
on Sir C. Eastlake's character ; he simply impugned the
judgment of that gentleman ; and he submitted that he
had established his case. The committee came to no
other conclusion than that the sum paid for the Paul
Veronege was monstrous and extravagant, and he hoped
the hou a would coma to the same conclusion.
Lord PALMERSTON said that the contrast between
this discussion and the scene he had just left produced a
painful impression on his mind. He had just come from
the city of Manchester, where the voluntary contribu-
tions of a set of enlightened merchants, at the expense
of 100,0001., had procured for the people of that neigh-
bourhood, and fur the people who chose to come there
from other parts of the world, the temporary gratification
of witnessing a magnificent
eat
h haggling
ge
collectioning found
m
adtobfseci ipictures;representativesiablbi g
nd h
aboute
of
came
t he to
thatnited house,g where
a matter of 13,0001., and censuring the Government for
having given what his noble friend thought an excessive
amount for a picture, which the Secretary for the Colo-
g
nies
rhsanv.
et oe
dbthßhl
oeaaunt
tpsl lord
masterhar :te eh andawitn
a Pauls t
mightht
nhe oe tn Veronese
onlyt oni
on
on.
tamemberlraacngoklgreat
eesaacost.
nies and the Secretary for the Treasury had properly de-
nominateds
fanlrl vße rryi
hwteolnl
a picture of world-wide reputation. It sva,
tfoortetlhl
nota master of great value, and this picture not one
highsv,,nl c.
h
a seminentwasly
r true et
set
colourist, but one of the most instructive painters, in
point of composition, whose works could be placed in a
collection where instruction as well as gratification was
the object. And now that the house had had the
amusement of the levities of the noble lord the member
for Haddingtotishire, and of the personalities of the hon
member for Brighton, who had probably now vented
that long stored up spleen by which he was sorry to
say he was animated against that amiable, accom-
plished, and distinguished man, Sir C. Eastlake, he
hoped that after they had had their awing on their favou-
rite topics, the house would come gravely and seriously
to the di,,cussion of the question before them ; and if
they thought that it was proper and right that this
country should be in possession of a gallery of pictures
worthy of its reputation, and that Parliament was right
in piecing at the disposal of the Government a sum for
that purpose, he trusted they would remember that the
picture now in question was one of great value, that it
had long been an object of attention to everybody in the
country where it was placed ; that it was one that the
Government of the country was very much indisposed to
part with, and the possession of which would be honour.
able to this country, and conduce to the objects of a
national gallery so desirable, and for which it was useful
tbat Par:iament should vote money. The question
really involved in this vote was whether the country
should have a national gallery or not, and whether Par-
liament would continue the policy it had for a long
time pursued ; or whether there should be a total
change of system, and that henceforth there should be
no addition made to the national gallery of pictures
that we possessed. (Cheers.)
The house then divided, when there were—
For the amendment B9
Against it
Majority
Lord ELCRO was sorry to trouble the house to di-
vide again, but the last was not the question on which
he wished to take their opinion. His motion specially
referred to the salary of the secretary and travelling
agent. He thought that the salary of the secretary was
too high when fixed at 7501., and should be reduced to
5001., and that the appointment of the travelling agent
was altogether vicious in principle, and that the amount
of his salary should therefore be struck out of the vote
altogether. In order to carry out that view, and to
effect the reductions which he thought desirable, he
would therefore move that the vote be reduced to
22,6161.

- Mr. W. WILLIAMS observed that a large balance
was carried over every year ; he wished to know whether
that remained in the Treasury or was drawn out and
placed at the disposal of the trustees; he complained
that the Museum was only open three days in a week ;
it ought to be open every day. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. B. WILLIAMS objected to the item of 5,0001.
for gilding the dome of the New Reading Room. If
the dome was so magnificent as stated by the noble lord,
it ought not to require any gilding.
Mr. M. MILNES admitted that great accommodation
was now afforded to students, but unless something more
WAS done a large number of persons would be deprived
of the benefits of the institution, as there were many
persons of high distinction in literature who could not
bring themselves to study in a public room. Tinder the
former arrangement no accommodation was provided for
such persons, but he hoped that the trustees would now
take such steps as would afford the requisite convenience
for at least a small number of these persons ; in every
foreign country these conveniences were provided. He
had still to complain that no arrangements were made
for rending out books at this or any other of our public
libraries.

Mr. LOCKE bad, on the occasion of the discussion
on the Kensington Museum, complained that the work-
ing classes had no facilities for visiting these institutions,
as they were all shut on Sunday. The hon. member for
Hertford (Mr.'Cowper) met the objection with regard to
the exhibition at Kensington by stating it was open in
the evening three times a week. He (lr. Locke) saw
no reason why the same rule should not be applied to
the Museum. (Hear, hear.) There were some diffi-
culties in doing so with regard to the library, but under
the present system it was only those who devoted
themselves to literature as a pursuit, or who bad the
day at their disposal, who could enjoy any of its ad-
vantage. With regard to other portions of the Mu-
seum, there was no reason why they should net be opera
in the evening ; but even if that were done, it would be
no great boon to the working classes to open it to them
when they were exhausted by the toils of the day. To give
them the full benefit of the institution it should be open-
ed on Sunday, at such hours as would not interfere with
divine service. (Hear, hear.) It was a fa'lacy to suppwe
such a step would necessitate the employment of any
great number of persons on Sunday ; he was informed
twenty would be the outside number. At present tee
working classes were put to considerable expense to get
to any of the public places which were open on Sundays,
as they were all out of town, and their travelling re-
quired the employment of a very considerable number.
If the noble lord would promise to turn his attention to
this matter a great step in advance would be made.
Mr. CHILD w.oe no a lvoeate for opening the Mu-
seum on Sunday, but it ought to be accessible to the
public in the evening. He wished to suggest to the
noble lord that means should be devised to enable the
public generally to view the cn.dlection of prints and en-
gravings. They were now in portfolios, and could not
be seen without a special order ; if room was wanted for
displaying them, they might be placed in the portion of
the National Gallery now occupied by the Royal Aca-
demy.

Mr. J. WILSON said the statements made as to the
picture in question were a ti-isue of misrepresentations.
Many months before the purchase the consul was em-
ployed through the Foreign-office for the purchase.
Therefore the responsibility rested upon the Government.
Many years ago the picture had attracted the attention
of Lord Aberdeen, and offers had been made and refused
until 12,0001. had been demanded for it, with the addi-
tion of compensation for the loss of money which might
have been received by its exhibition. The total price,
therefore, was 13,6501., and as to the distribution of the
money, it was a matter with which we bad no concern.
The agents of our Government had no negotiation with
any one but the owner. As to the value of the picture,
it would be more satisfactorily discussed after it had been
exhibited in a gallery. (Hear.) It was of world-wide
celebrity, and would give a character to any gallery.
One gentleman had declared it worth 20,0001,, and when
the Government ha purchased it, that very gentleman
was the first to accuse them of extravagance. (Name.)
As the gentleman was not a member of the house, be
would not crime him. As to the constitution of the Na-
tional Gallery, it was settled when the noble lord (Elcho)
was a member of the Government.

Sir J. TRELAWNY suggested that members of the
Jewish persuasion should be engaged as attendants on
Sundays.

Mr. BAXTER wished to remind the committee that
the Museum was now open on Saturday. With regard
to opening it on Sunday, the house had decided the
point last year by a great majority. The present was
not a proper occasion to raise a discussion on a question
in which the feelings of the country were so deeply in-
terested. If hon. members wished to test the feelings of
the new Rouse of Commons, they ought to bring for-
ward a substantive motion.

Mr. STEUART was glad to see a disposition evinced
to shorten the hours of labour by what was termed the
Saturday half-holiday movement, and would be sorry to
see any change at the British Museum which would tend
to interfere with that movement. Stil) more should he
regret to see the Museum opened on Sunday.
Sir H. VERNEY believed that nothing would tend
more to the injury of the working classes than the dese-
cration of the Lord's day ; and those who felt most in-
terested in their welfare were most anxious to preserve
it for them.

Lord ELCHO —I had no concern in it, and knew
nothing of it.

Mr.WILSON went on to declare that there was
great advantage in having a travelling agent. As to the
secretary, he was also keeper, and made a great sacri-
fice of income on accepting the appointment. That
gentleman was now ta--ef ally occupied on an historical
cateloeue of the pictures in the gallery. There was no
divided responsibility, and the travelling agent had no
power to purchase pictures. The subject had been abun-
dantly discussed last year, and as to the picture particu-
larly in question, the Government accepted the responsi-
bility for its purchase. The reduction of the vote now
r proposed would include the price of the picture and that
could not be withdrawn, although a vote of censure might
be moved. If the grant for the present year were with-
drawn many important purchases would be interfered
with, and he ( ir. Wilson) hoped that hon. members who
were anxious for a good National Gallery would not sup-
port the amendment. The hon. member said the picture
was a copy, but nothing could be more groundless. Our
agent had seen the copy, and it was a perfect wreck—a
wretched performance of a wretched artist, and utterly
spoiled, such as it was. With respect to travelling ex-
penses, the director travelled yearly to confirm or to
make purchases, the agent not being authorised to pur-
chef • pictures. The expenses were regulated by the Trea-
sury and audited by the directors.
Mr. CONINGHAM admired the courage of the hon.
member for endorsing the acts of Sir C. Eastlake and the
directors of the National Gallery. Sir C Eastlake was
clearly responsible for the purchase of the pictures. With
regard to having a purchaser abroad, if the English Go-
vernment only made it known that they would purchase
first rate works of art, they would soon have good pic-
tures sent to this country from all parts of the world.
Whil-t Sir C. Eastlake filled the keepership of the Na-
tines! Gallery a number of works of art were purchased,
one of the first being a portrait of a medical gentlemen,
by Holbein, for 6301. This was a spurious daub. Another
libel on a great master was what was called "The Youth-
ful Saviour," by Guido. Sir C. Eastlake afterwards be-
came trustee ; in that capacity he made the signal mis-
take of purchasing " The Tribute Money," by Titian,
frcm Marshal Soult's collection—a picture pronounced to
be spurious by the most competent judges in Europe,
but for which Sir C. Eastlake paid a sum of 3.683'. 3s.
3d. He (gr. Coningham) would not dwell on the
spurious Albert Duren (Hear, hear.) He did not
know how far Sir C. Eastlake was responsible
for the purchase of the Kruger collection ; but who-
ever was responsible for it was responsible for the pur-
chase of one of the worst collections that could have been
precered. (Hear.) It consisted of some sixty pictures;
the purchase money was 2,9151 ; and a considerable
portion of this collection was sold at Messrs. Cnrietie's
at an average of about 3/, a piciure. (Laughter.) The
minimum sum ohteined at the auction was 21. 108. and
the maximum 201. (Hear.) With the picture cleaning
in the National Gallery the house was farnilar. (Hear )
It appeared to him that the National Gallery was a nest
of a number of intrigues ; who pulled the wires was a
matter which it would be difficult to discover. (Cheers.)
" The Adoration of the Magi," by Paul Veronese, was
one of the most recent purchases made eby Sir C. East-
lake ; but it was not necessary to say much about it or
the price for it. (Hear.) The system of purchasing col-
lections, and selling off the more villanous of them, was
a plan imported from Berlin. He (Mr. Coninghate)
would, in purchasing for the nation, wish to go back to
the good models of the 15th and 16th centuries. (Hear )
It was quality and not•quantity they ought to lay before
the people in exhintione of the fine arts. (Hear.)
Mr. HENLEY said that, as he understood it, three
objections had been taken on the present vote. First,
as to the selections that had been made in the purchase
of pictures ; secondly, as to the employment of the tra-
velling agent ; and, thirdly, as to the spending of money
without the authority of Parliament. (dear.) He
should say that the explanation of the Secretary for the
Treasury, in answer to those objections, was rather an
alarming one. (Hear.) The vote was objectionable
enough as it stood in the estimates ; but the explanation
given of it made the matter of serious consequence to the
house. (Hear.) A good deal had been said about the
increase in the civil service estimates ; but let the com-
mittee consider for a moment the vote now before them
in comparison with what it was in former years. In
1848 the estimate for the National Gallery paintings was
5,0021. From that amount it had iecreased till in 1854-
16,0001. ; in 1856-57,
5125,0 itool. was
6
; a C6dool this ;
y(nae aleraBrsi,tsh- ases6a;ru.
hear.)
etr
otmh e
this
it moderateappe
appeared
d-
portion of 23,0001.
that the estimate was going on at a very comfortable
rate, to say the least of it. (Hear, and laughter.) It
could not be said that in this respect art was neglected
in England. But the most alarming feature in the busi-
ness was that 6000/. had been paid without the sanction
aym saident
was
of parliament. (Hear.) The Secretary for the Trea-
sury)twas
st
slunicttei oan emd mistake
parliament atrl io asmupenpot,se that that
i
and added,
that parliament, could, if it wished, censure the Govern-
ment. The argument of the hon.
gentleman was based
upon the fact the House of Commons placed in the
hands of the government 100,000/. far what were called
ex gencies ; tut if this argument were admitted the house
might next year be called upon to grant a sum of 123,
0001. (Hear.) He though the case was
put in rather
too broad a wey by the government. meta, )
Now let
them see how whet was called the travel
ling agent
woiked. They had been told that the government bad
been nibbling at a certain picture since 1853. It seemed '
very clear from the negotiations carried on in respect of
that picture that the country had not derived much ad- '
vantage from this travelling agent on that ground, ne.
less the advance of price which was the necessary con-
sequence of that nibbling process could be called an
advantage. (Laughter.) They were informed that the
picture in question had more than a European—that it
had a wined- wide reputation; that everybody who hail
been anywhere bad seen it. If so, it could scarcely
triavciing expenses, "nibbling ' at it fur
have been nece:4,ary to have a travelling agent, at 6001.
a year, wits
four years. (Hear.) It appeared that sv far bask as

Mr. INGRAIVI thought that before they talked of
opening the British Museum on Sunday they should en-
deavour to secure the opening of some portion of it every
day in the week.
Mr. JOHN LOCKE said the hen. member opposite
(Mr. Steuart) had talked about a working man's half-
holiday. Until he could show that the thnployers of the
metropolis were prepared to pay a full day's wages for
half a day's work the less he said about the matter the
better. Another hon. member (Sir H. Verney) had
talked about the desecration of the Sabbath. There were
two opinions as to what constituted a desecration of the
Sabbath. He himself considered that it was no dese-
cration for a working man to walk into a place hke the
British Museum and leek at the works of art which it
contained. The Ninevite remains constituted a better
commentary on the Bible than many of the commenta.
ries in writing, and great benefit was derivable from the
study of the works of art generally, and from the natural
productions which were to be seen in the Museum.
Sir H. VERNEY thought there could be no question
that if there were no Sunday at all the working claeses
would not get one farthing more for their labour than
they do at present.
An How. MEMBER recommended that the British Mu-
seum should be opened in the evenings during the week.
Mr. STEUART said, in reply to the challenge of the
hon. member opposite (Mr. Locke), he would observe
that the grants for general education, and for education
in the fine arts, which had been increasing from year to
year, were based on the principle that skilled labour
was more valuable than unskilled ; and, believing that
65 hours of the former are at least equal to 60 hours
of the latter, he thought that if a Saturday half holday
should hereafter become general, wages would not be
lowered in consequence.
Lord J. RUSSELL said that the whole question of
throwing open the Museum, as far as practicable, had
occupied the attention of the trustees since the discus-
sion of the question last year in this hoes. Oa that oc-
casion he stated what were the days on which the
Museum was open, namely on Mondays, Wednesdays,
and Thursdays, and on Tuesdays and Fridays to those
who wished cot to view, but to study works of art or to
make:copies of them. After the discussion which took
place last year, he, being one of the trustees, placed be-
fore the committee a proposal with regard to those days
on which the trustees might, of their own authority,
throw open the Museum, and they were quite unani-
mous that if the Museum was thrown open to the
general public on Tuesdays and Thursdays it would be
extremely useful for those who attended the Museum
for the purpose of study. That was the opinion of the
trustees ; and not satisfied with that, it was decided
that the opinioo of the officers of the Museum should be
obtained. That was done, and it was in accordance
with that of the trustees. Upon the question of open-
ing the Museum in the evening with regard to which the
hon. member for Sheffield made a suggestion last year,
the trustees were of opinion that there was so much
danger from fire, that, considering the valuable contents
of the building they were not justified in introducing gas
or any other light into it. With respect to the number
of days, be expressed great doubts whether, even if it
were open every day in the week, those persons who
could not find time to visit it on Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday, would be able to do so on the ether three
days of the week. The trustees did not consider the
question of opening the Museum on Sunday was one
for their consideration, but for that of Parliament,
and of course it was competent for any hon. gentleman to
bring forward a motion upon the subject, but the co-n-
-mittee must be aware a discussion could not be attended
with any result taken on this vote ; it niu-t be by a
substantive resolution. For himself, he was entirely
satisfied with the reasons which the noble lord at the
head of the Government gave last year against the Open
ing of the buildings on Sundays, and therefore it was not
necessary that he should go into the question now. Tne
hon. member for Pontefract had said that it was very
hard that persons eminent in literature, who wished to
study in privacy, should be obliged to go into a room in
which, perhaps, 250 persons were reading, and he ex-
pressed an opinion that there ought to be a separate
room. He confessed he thought, with the
trustees that there would be a difficulty in drawing the line'
(Laughter.) After referring to the gilded dome, about.
which a question had been asked, and which he observed
was considered a great improvement, he concluded by
saying that it was the wish of the trustees to make the
building as accessible as possible to the working classes,
and nothing could give them greater satisfaction thin to
see it well frequented by them.

Colonel SYKES entirely concurred that the build-
ing should be as accersible as possible to the masses, and
referring to the Louvre, expressed an opioion that per-
sons who went to the Museum to study for the advance-
ment of their own interests, ought to do so while the
public were admitted. At all events, if days were to
be set apart for them, there ought to be some system
established whereby foreigners visiting England, or per
sons from the country visiting Loudon for a day or two;
shr.)...tild be admitted on application.
Ytte wan then a,f, reed to.
On the rote of 23,0001. for the Nrtt

ai Galery

Lord-I:UR° drew
items for secretary
aenwlthe attention of the house to the
(edturavelling agent, Last year a
motion was made to r
ling agent, but unsuccessicuellhe expenses of the travel
ling
committee who sat
upon the subject in 1853 recommended
of a director, and that he should receive
the appointment
salary; but not a word was said .eceive a handsome
of a secretary, and yet a secretary aboutha: the appointment
with a salary of 7501, a-year, Which hel'een appointed,
cessive, seeing the very light duties he bad
ex-
form ; and as for the travelling agent, he bad to per-
to see that office abolished altogether, for t t'houldini6bi
to an increased payment of pictures, but not
" ' '''' actually pre. ,

The committee divided again, when there were—
For the amendment......... , 123
Again5t.................................. 161
Majority
sooz. for the Geographical Society was agreed to.
—TIi;.CHAIRMAN announced some other votes in a

THE SUN, LONDON, 'FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 3
~ 1857

tone of voice which was utterly inaudible in the gallery,
as well as to many Members of the house, even in his
immediate neighbourhood, as was apparent from the ob-
servation of
Mr. WILLIAMS, who complained of being utterly
unable to hear Mr. Fitzroy, from the manner in which
he put the questions.
The CHAIRMAN then endeavoured to improve his
enunciation, but was a second time invited by the hon
member for Lambeth to raise his voice.
A vote of 3,5411. was voted to defray the charges of
the Indian department of Canada
The CHAIRMAN then reported progress.
The Attorneys' and Solicitors' Colonial Courts Bill
was read a second time.
The Summary Proceedings before Justices of the
Peace Bill was real a second time.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND an-
nounced that in committee he should move the bill be
extended to Ireland.
The Municipal Corporations Bill was read a second
time.
The Constabularly Forces (Ireland) Bill passed through
committee ; as did also the Probates and Letters of Ad-
ministration (Stamps) Bill.
The Enclosures Act Amendment Bill was read a third
time and passed.
THE WAREHAM ELECTION PETITION.
Mr. GASKELL announced, as the decision of the
select committee, that John Hales Calcraft, Esq., was
duly elected to sit in Parliament for this borough.
NEW ZEALAND.

*Qn the motion of Mr. LABOUCEIERE, a select com-
mittee was ordered to be appointed to inquire into the
expediency of guaranteeing by Act of Parliament the
liquidation of a loan to be contracted in pursuance of an
act passed by the legislature of New Zealand, for de-
fraying the debt of the colony to the New Zealand Com-
pany, toward extinguishing the native title to lands in
certain portions of the colony, and for other purposes.
CALEDONIAN AND CRINAN CANALS.
Mr. WILSON obtained leave to bring in a bill to
amend the acts relating to the Caledonian and Crinan
Canals, and to make further provision for the accommo-
dation of the traffic thereon,
The house adjourned at five minutes to 1 o'clock.

1111 OYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee, Mr. Alfred Wigan.
I.IIJ

THIS EVENING, will be revived Murphy's comedy
of ALL IN THE WRONG. Mr. Robson.

To conclude with (2d time) an o iginal Extravaganza, by
R. B. Brougb, Esq., called MASANIELLO. Messrs. Rob-
son, Cooke, Danvers, dm. ; Misses Swanborough, Thirlwall,
Hughes, Bromley, and Mrs. Melfont.

Commence at half-past Seven.

ALSTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.
Under the patronage of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness

Prince Albert.
Recommencement of the Dramatic Season.

Mr. William Cooke begs to announce the Revival, f-r the
Midsummer Scholastic Vacation, MAZEPPA and RICHARD
111. on alternate nights.

Engagement of -Madlle. Mililos, the celebrated Parisian
Equestrienne.
THIS EVENING (Friday), Lord Byron's MAZEPPA
AND THE WILD HORSE. .

TO-MORROW (Saturday, July 4), RICHARD 111., with
Equestrian Illustrations, introducing Mr. W. Cooke's stud of
highly trained Horses.

Mazeppa and Richard HI., Mr. James Holloway.
The entertainments terminating with a brilliant and match-
less display of incomparable SCENES in the ARENA, intro-
ducing the wondrous performance of the Brothers Francisco
on La Perche, and Madlie. Mililos ; with a variety of other
novelties.

HER- MAJESTY'S THEA.TRE,
I PURITANI.
Ortolani, Giuglini, Beneventano, Belletti.
TO-MORROW EVENING, SATURDAY, JULY 3,
I PURITANL
Elvira, Madlle. Ortolani ; Ricardo, Signor Beneventano ;
Giorgio, Sig. Belletti ; Arturo, Sig. Giuglini.
Aftev which, will be produced the entirely New Ballet
Divertissement, by M. Massot, entitled
LES ROSES.
Principal dancers—Madlle. Boschetti, Mesdlles. Salvioni,
Morlacchi, Karliski, Pasquali, and Signor Boretti.
For particulars, see bills.
A limited number of Boxes in the Half-circle Tier have been
specially reserved for the public, and may be had on appliel-
tion at the Box-office, at the Theatre Colonnade, Haymarket.
Price One Guinea and One Guinea and a Half each.
On Tuesday will be produced a new Ballet, in which Mdle.
Rosati will make her first appearance this season.

Commence at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper
Boxes, 35.; Private Boxes, from 21s. no charge for booking;
Pit, s. ; Gallery, is. ; Upper Gallery, 6d. H tlf-price at
half-past Eight.
Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager,
Ur. W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun.

During the Midsummer Holidays there will be Three Grand
Morning Performances, viz., Saturday, July 11, 18, and 25,
at Two o'clock each day.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

BENEDICT'S LAST GRAND MORNING
CONCERT, at her Majesty's Theatre, on
WEDNESDAY, July B.—Rossini's STABAT MATER, by
Madlles. Piccolomini. Spezia, Ortolani, and Madame Alboni ;
Sigs. Giuglini, Berralt, Beichardt, Charles Braham, Beneven-
tano, Corsi, Vialetti, and Belletti. The " Brousil Family" will
perform " Vienxteraps Fantasie Caprice." A Solo, by Madlle.
Eloise A MISCELLANEOUS CONCERT, in which
Madlle. Piccolomini will sing Benedict's English Ballet, "I am
thine, only thine." To conclude with the Lesson Scene of " Il
Barbiere di Seviglia."
Rosina
Rode's Variations, "Il dolce canto Mme. Alboni, who will sing
.nto ;" Bartolo, Sig. Rossi ; II
Conte d'Alma, viva, Sig, Bottardi; Basilio, Sig. Vialetti ; and
Figaro, Sig. Belletti.
Boxes, 2,3, and 4 guineas ; pit stalls, 11. Is. ; pit, 7s. ;
gallery stalls, ss. ; can be obtained at Mr. Benedict's, 2,
Manchester-square ;or at the Box-office at the Theatre, The
Programme will be published this day.

HER ➢MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
Madlle, PICCOLOMINI
Has the honour to inform the Nobility, Subscribers, and the
Public that her BENEFIT will take place on
MONDAY EVENING, JULY 6th.

The Entertainments will comprise the Second Act of
LA FIGLIA DEL REGGIMENTO.
Maria Mdlle. Piccolomini.
La Marchesa Mdlle. Poma.
Tonio Signor Belart.
Sergeute Sulpizio Signor Belletti.
The Last Act of
II TROVATORE.
Leonora
Azucena Madame Alboni.
II Conte di Lunc Signor Beneventanto.
Ferrando Signor Vialetti.
Manrico Signor Giuglini.
The Last Act of Verdi's Opera,
LA. TRAVIATA.
Violetta Mdlle. Piccolomini.
Germont Georgic Signor Beneventanto.
Alfredo Signor Giuglini.
For the First Time, the Last Act of Donizetti's Opera,
I MARTIRI,
- •

Including the grand dLo, "II suon dell' Arpe Angelicke.."
Pauline Mdlle. Piccolomini.
Po:into
With various entertainments in the
BALLET DEPARTMENT,
embracing the talents of
MADAME ROSATI,
MDLLE. BOSCHErri,
MDLLE KATRINE,
MESDLLES. PASQUALE, MORLACOHI,
AND
MADAME PEREA NENA.

Applications for Boxes, Stalls, and Tickets, to be made al
the Box-office of the Theatre.

lir ES BOUFFES PARISIENS—St. JAMES'S
LA THEATRE. Triumphant Success of the
FRENCH PLAYS.

THIS DAY—Morn. 56 min. aft. 10 —Even. 27 rain. aft. 11
To NioNnow—Morn. 0 min. aft. o—Even., 58 min aft. 11

THIS EVENING, FRIDAY, July 3, the entertain-
ments will commence, at half-past eight precisely, by
the performance of Opera-Comique, en un acte, L'OPERA
AUX FENETRES. M. Leonce, M. Tayau, M. Charles
Petit, and Mdlle. Dalraont.
After which (3d time) Opera-Bouffe, moyen age, en un
acte, CR X2UEFER ; ou, Le Derider des Paladins.
To conclude with Operette-Bouffe, en un acte, LES
PANTINS DE VIOLETTE.
The Orchestra of the Theatre des Bouffes will accom-
pany these Representations, under the direction of the
composer, M. Offenbach.
Boxes, stalls, and tickets may be engaged at Mr. Mitchell's
Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street.

THEA TR E-R OYA. G, DRURY-LANE
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.
OPEN EVERY EVENING.

GREAT EQUESTRIAN AMERICAN and CONTINENTAL
COMPANY, under the direction of Miss Ella.
Prices—Pit and Promenade, Is; Boxes, 2s. 6d,, 25., and ls.
6d. ; Galleries, 6d. Doors open at half-past 7. Commence
at 8.
First Equestrian Artistes in the World : —Madame Schap-
lain, Madame Newsome, La Petite Wells, Signora Delavanti,
and Miss Ella ; Miss E. J.Wells, Mdlles. Flora, Fabia, ann
and Marie, Misses Newsome, Moffatt, Delavanti, Potter, Jen-
nings ; the Manchester Boy, Masters J. Wells, A Wells, E.
Moffatt, lienrico and Carlo Delavanti, Sig. Felix Delavanti,
Mons. Becq, Mons. Ferdinand, Mons. Eugene, Mr. Tom
Swann, Mr. B. Faller, Mr. W. Fuller, and the great Shaks-
-1,-="ian Clown, Wallett, will appear each evening in a scries of
Performances, original and unapproachable. Director—Mr.
Stokes, Acting Manager—Mr. E. Stirling.

1.) OY AL PRINCESS'S THEATRE,
It THIS EVENING will be performed
Shakespere's Play of
THE TEMPEST.
Preceded by A GAME OF ROMPS.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET
Lessee—Mr. J. B. Buckstone.
THIS EVENING, to commence at Seven o'clock, with
the new drama, in two periods, entitled THE HUSBAND OF
AN HOUR. Mr. Buckstone, Miss Reynolds, &c.
Followed by THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR.
After which, the successful Classical Love Story, un-
der the Apple-l'ation of A CAL ANTA ; or, The Three Golden
Apples: in which Miss M. Oliver will appear; also Miss M.
Wilton, and Miss Ellen Ternan.
In future the prices will be :
Orchestra Stalls (which may be retained the whole of the
evening), 6s. each. (go charge for booking.)
First Price. s. d. Second price. s. d.
.......
Dress 80xe5.,,,,,, 5 0 Dress Boxes 3 0
Upper Boxes ......... 3 0 Upper Boxes
2 0
Pit ............... 2 0 Pit . 1 0
Lower Gallery...
Upper Gallery
................ 0 6No half-price to Upper Gallery.
1 0 Lower Gallery 0 6

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI.
Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster.
THIS EVENING, will be performed IRELAND AS IT
WAS ; or, The Middleman. Mr, and Mrs. Barney Williams.
Followed by
Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams.
a new farce, LATEST FROM NEW YORK.
To conclude with IRIS ASSURANCE AND YANKEE
MODESTY.

STRAND THEATRE.—Lessee, Mr. T. Payne.
—THIS EVENING will be performed
Douglas Jerrold's drama of THE RENT DAY. Messrs.
Stuart, Kinloch, 4.ic. Miss Craven and Mrs. Weston.
After which, THE'CO4 ET will appear.
To conclude with TWO HEADS BETTER THAN ONE.
Commence at half-past Seven. Stalls, 35.; Boxes, 2s. ;
Pit, ls. ; 6d.

GREAT NATIONAL STANDARD
Proprietor, Mr THEATRE.
. John Douglas.—lmmense Success.
THIS EVENING, Professor ANDERSON, the Great
Wizard of the North, in his entirely New Magical Drama, A
NIGHT IN WONDER WORLD ;
or, Magic, Mirth, and
Mystery, The Witch's Coffee-pot. A cup of coffee for
everybody,
made by magic and by invisible fingers. The
Superhuman Boy, WllO has the strength of a thousand men,
is the most astonishing phenomenon ever presented on the
stage. Presents for everybody.

CANTERBIJ RY HALL, Westmi nst er-road.—
OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow-
ng company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of
elections from all the popular Operas,
)liss Brunel% Miss Summers , and Madame Marietta; Mr. J.
Madrigals, Choruses,
Glees, Duets, die., viz, • Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield,
'autfield, Herr F, Jonghmans, H. Grover, T. Farrant, S.
i
Tonec, J. Barker, W. Melling, P. Corti, Senor Antonio M.
.le Solla, and E. L. Him° ; Masters Bennett and Corri ;
Messrs. Sam Collins, and E. Mackncy. Pianoforte,
Mr. Cecil Hicks harmonium J. :Caulfield, jun.; limier,
Mr. J. Caulfield. Commence, al Seven to'clock :-precitiely.
6u2pero, 4c., until twelve o'clock

THE WEATHER—SUN OrnoN, JULY 3.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
65 —highest singe noon yesterday.
58 —lowest this morning and during the night.
66 —this day at noon.
BAROMETER, 30.07.
WIND, S.W. ; light, with dull cloudy weather, inclin-
ing to rain.

rlee

Academy President. " Amiable ! " We are
getting absolutely to be quite sick of the word—
it is dragged in so incessantly and incongruously
in the way of deprecation. " Amiable !" A

the sepoy force is in a normal state of
disaffection, and cannot be relied upon ;
211 y, that a favourable opportunity has arisen by
means of the recent meeting, for eliminating from
the Indian Army the dangerous elements which
cannot safely be retained. The simple fact that
the ringleaders are mainly Mahommedans, who
cannot possibly be influenced by these affected
scruples, proves beyond the possibility of doubt
that the disease is mere deeply seated than may
be supposed, on a mere superficial tx imination.
There is wide spread discontent, and we plats
arms in the hands of men, who may, on
an emergency, turn them against ourselves.
We organise and discipline those who may prove
our most virulent opponents. Surely the Anglo-
Indian Government should not rest tranquilly on
the edge of the volcano that may burst forth into
activity at any moment, and in its eruption sweep
away all the established landmarks. There ought
unquestionably to be an infusion of new blood.
A large proportion of European soldiers should
be mingled with the old regiments. With proper
encouragement there would be no difficulty in
obtaining suitable recruits for the Indian army
from the United Kingdom. There might be a little
additional expense in the first instance, but
if we desire permanently to retain our Eastern
empire that expense should be set at nought, and
everything disregarded but the means by which
we may increase the stability of the Government
of India. We have rendered ourselves indepen-
dent of foreign aggression. We should now di-
rect attention to the measures necessary to guard
against domestic disturbance should obtain
guards who do not themselves require vigilant
watching !

General wastes a campaign, ruins an army, causes
it to be decimated frightfully by cold, and disease,
and famine—and then we are told to hold our
tongues, because, forsooth ! he is so very " Ami-
able !" A Fiue-Arts Director squanders the pub-
lic money upon a parcel of daubs, and we
are bid not to complain by one syllable
—for precisely the irrelevant reason--be-
cause, forsooth, be is so very " Amiable !"
It was so with Lord RAGLAN. It is so with Sir
I CHARLES EASTLAKE. When are we to have an
end of these " Amiable" Bunglers ? Amiable,
quotha, ! We actually begin to long at last for a
perfectly new race of Clever Curmudgeons !

Last week the Times hoped that the Bank
Charter Committee " would not break up until
they bad given ample latitude to every gentleman
anxious to unfold any idea on the subject !" We
cordially concur in the desire. Many intelligent
and clear headed men, whose views were at least
entitled to respectful consideration, were abso-
lutely refused a hearing by the Select Committee
of the Commons of 1848. Seventeen witnesses
only were examined, and of these, no less than
thirteen were opposed to the Act of 1844.
Among the number was the late SAMUEL GURNEY,
whose great experience and sound practical com-
mon sense entitled any opinion of his to the
utmost weight, and with him were Mr. GEORGE
CARR GLYNN, and many others of the most
eminent merchants and bankers, including Mr.
BIRKBECK, of the Craven Bank, Yorkshire, who
appeared as the delegate and representative of a
large number of Provincial bankers ! Against
their powerful testimony there were only four
persons—three directors of the Bank of England,
who were directly interested in maintaining the
existing monopoly—and Mr. SAMUEL JONES
LOYD, now Lord OVERSTONE, the putative parent
of that most unjust and impolitic measure. It
could not for a moment be doubted as to the pre-
ponderance of the evidence. But, not withstand-
ing the convincing testimony advanced, the Com-
mittee decided by a very numerous majority
that "it was not expedient to make
any alteration in the provisions of the
Act." In fact, it signified little what
facts and arguments might have been ad-
duced, when the report was " a foregone conclu-
sion," the nature of which might have been pre-
dicted the day the committee was appointed.
Even Sir CHARLES WOOD himself made an unfor-
tunate admission for his party, which clearly
developed the nature of the "dodge" resorted to,
declaring that the Government would be culpable
in appointing any committee unless they were
previously certain as to the nature of their re-
port.

On the other hand, the Lords' committee
unequivocally condemned the act, stating " that
the recent panic was materially aggravated
by the operation of that statute, and by
the proceedings of the Bank itself adding,
"This effect may be traced directly to the Act of
1844, in the legislative restrictions imposed on
the means of accommodation, whilst a large
amount of bullion was held in the coffers of the
bank, and during the time of favourable ex-

changes, and it may be traced to the same cause,
indirectly, as a consequence of great fluctuations
in the rate of discount, and of capital previously
advanced at an unusually low rate of discount 1"
The Act, too, has been virtually condemned, from
the mere fact of its suspension—au imperative
necessity—for as the Committee declared, " Un-
less a step involving such extraordinary responsi-
' bility, and so undisguised a departure from the
law were indispensable, it could not be justified.
Its absolute necessity was its sole justification !"
In support of that opinion Mr. G. C. GLYN declared
that " the letter of the Government stopped the
crisis, and abrogated the act," while Mr. BROWNE,
the distinguished representative of South Lan-
cashire, considera that the letter " virtually con-
demned, and annulled the law of 1844." But
still the well selected Committee of the Commons,
" after a cateful review of all the evidence,"
thought it not expedient to make any alteration
in the provisions of the Bill !
Under such circumstances there was, at all
events, a substantial question at issue. The de-
lusion in which the Lords Committee, ten out of
twenty-two of the Commons Committee, and 17
out of 21 of " the greatest adepts " that could be
produced as witnesses, participated, must have at.
at least some better foundation than " the belief
in witchcraft," to which the bullionist organ is

this day pleased to assimilate it. The " sneer,"
is however a favourite practice of the Times,
usually adopted as a dernier ressort. Never did it
so perseveringly strive to ridicule the professors of
any creed, as the opponents of the war 9d., on the
eve of the last session, and its present spasmodic
effort, to laugh, or rather to cough, down, the
opponents of the Bank Charter Act—" whose
name is Legion"—is of a similar character, and
may possibly meet with a similar fate—when,
doubtless, the Times, as is its wont, will " con-
gratulate itself and the community on the auspi-
cious results produced by its labours" ! ! !
It has, however, made another awkward ad-
mission ! It states that " a correspondent
evidently a man of education, and probably a
sound and intelligent man, in other respects--
writes to protest against his exclusion," or in
other words, against the refusal of a hearing by
the committee, and that, although his opinions
were put forward through one of their number.

LWUSIC-HALL, STORE-STREET, BEDFORD-

It is, therefore, manifest that the blue book will
not contain " the whole arguments of the vari-

ous schools ; " but that, according to custom,
only those will be examined, whose views have
already been ascertained. We may then an-
ticipate numerous " breaches of privilege,"
ready
the publication of evidence that ought to have
been received, but was rejected, and which will
be brought before the public in some form or
another t
We cannot conclude without noticing the fact
that there has been no reduction in the minimum
rate of discount, although, as the Times admits,
" the stock of bullion and the reserve of notes
are very much beyond the amounts at which they
stood in 1856, when the rate was 5 per cent."
It is clear that " the old Lady" is striving to
make the utmost of her opportunities. She sees
that they will not continue long, and must there-
fore turn them to the best account during the
brief harvest-time that still remains at her
disposal.

SQUARE.

We earnestly invite attention to a very able
letter, signed " M.P.," which will be found in
another part of this day's impression. We fully
concur in the views and opinions so clearly put
forward by the talented writer, and have already
so recently commented on the existing state of
affairs that it is not necessary to repeat our argu-
ments at any length.
The salient points are, Ist, that from various
causes, partly the results of religious views, but
still more from specious pretexts founded
on these views, a considerable portion of

Mr. Ellis Roberts gave his annual concert at this
ball last night. Mr. Roberts is well known as an
accomplished harpist, and be displayed his powers
to unusual a ivantage on this occasion. His first
performance was a harp solo on two Welsh airs,
and, he also played the graceful accompaniment to
Stephen Glover's favourite cavativa—" The Blind
Girl to her Harp." In the second part he played
his own arrangement of " The Rising of the
Lark" and "Llyon Owen," and on being encored
he substituted a piece representing.a military band
going round a hill. This very clever piece, which
Mr. Roberts played with skill and taste, was loudly
applauded. The manner in which the distant music,
now swelling, now sinking, was imitated on the
harp was admirable. Miss Messent, Miss Lascelles,
Miss Heywood, and Miss Hughes were the lady
vocalists, and acquitted themselves with credit.
Mr. Frank Bodda greatly amused the audience in
several comic songs. One of Samuel Lover's was
especially successful. Mr. Roberts bad also the
advantage of being assisted by Mr. Brinley Richards
on the pianoforte. He played some of his own
arrangements of popular airs with taste and execu-
tion. The hall was crowded, and the audience
seemed highly gratified with their evening's enter-
tainment.