The Sun.
London, England, 1861-08-01 00:00:00

LUNACY REGULATION BILL.

On the motion for going into committee on this bill,
Mr. WALPOLE appealed t the right hon. gentleman
the Home Secretary not to proceed with the bill,
which, he contended, contained most objectionable clauses.
Mr. BRISCOE urged the adoption of the appeal, and
argued that the bill which had come from the Lords had
been brought under the notice of the house at a period too
late for its ample discussion.
Sir G. C. LEWIS said that the bill consisted of two parts.
It first related to the simplification of the law in regard to
the poorer classes of the lunatics, and had been prepared
with great care by the late Lord Chancellor. With regard
to the other part it related entirely to the compen-
sation to be given to the two medical inspectors,
one of wham was 80 and the other 77 years old, and it was
proposed to give them one half of their salary. He trusted
notwithstanding the objections that the house would con-
sider the bill, which had the object of amending the exist-
ing law.
Mr. DEEDES and Mr. HENLEY opposed the bill.
Colonel FRENCH moved that the house go into com-
mittee this day three months.
Mr. BO VILL seconded the amendment and said that
the bill as altered by Government was entirely at variance
with the views of the Lord Chancellor, who had paid great
attention to the preparation of the till. A great principle
was involved in this bill, for it proposed to restore to medi-
cal inspectors the power of having private practice, which
had been condemned by the late Lord Chancellor and the
House of Lords.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL defended the bill, and
contended that if it was not now passed the effect would be
to paralyse the power of the Lord Chancellor in regard to
lunatics until next session. The effect of not passing this
bill would be to retain in office two medical inspectors who
were physically disqualified for the due performance of their
duties.

The amendment was carried without a division.
COPYRIGHT OF DESIGNS BILL.

The Lords' amendments to this bill were considered and
agreed to.

THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

Lord ELCHO said he was anxious to have some infor-
mation as to the manner in which the supplemental vote
was to be disposed of. The Volunteer financial year was
about commencing, and it was desirable to know what
amount was to be devoted to drill. From information he
had from the Under Secretary he heard that Government
had done its best for drill instruction. she be
lieved tht
all the details of the plan were not setAtled, he thought a
it
would be better in the present state of affairs not to press
for an answer. On the part of the Volunteers he thanked
the Government for the assistance which had already been
rendered.

Sir G. LEWIS said that this vote consisted of two parts,
namely, £lO,OOO for adjutants and £20,000 for drill-ser-
geants. The latter vote was only for six months, repre-
senting £40,000 for the year. The vote had only been
agreed to for a short time, and there had not yet been suf-
ficient time to consider the mode of expenditure.
THAMES EMBANKMENT.

Sir J. SHELLEY said he did not think the Metropolitan
Board of Works was the proper instrument for carrying
out the Thames embankment under the direction of the
Government.

Mr. HOPE protested against the Metropolitan Board of I
Works having any discretion in the matter. 11.11 he knew
of the Board was that they were constantly sending him in
rates, while he saw nothing of their works, except the mag-
nificent palace they had built for themselves in Spring-
gardens.
Mr. COWPER said he hoped the south side of the
Thames would be embanked, but he thought that in the
first instance it would be sufficient to commence with one
side.
Lord FERMOY sontended that the Board of Works
should have control, not only over the expenditure of the
money, but over the plans.
After some further discussion the bill was read a third
time and passed.
The following bills were read a third time and passed :
East India Loan (No. 2), Militia Pay, Militia Ballots
Suspension, Wills and Domicile of British Subjects Abroad,
Wills of Personalty by British Subjects, Corrupt Practices
Prevention Act (1854) Continuance, Statute Lawßevision
Metropolitan Police District Receiver, Parochial Offices,
Local Government Supplemental (No. 2), Government of
the Navy, and Volunteers' Toll Exemption (No. 3).
BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY BILL.
On the motion of the ATTORNEY-GENERAL, the
house agreed to the Lords amendments to the Bankruptcy
Bill.
The house adjourned at 25 minutes before 4.

TIIE BISHOP OF DURHAM.--Letters received in
London yesterday state that the Bishop of Durham is gra-
dually improving, and that his medical advisers now con-
sider him out of danger. He is, however, in so feeble a
state that many weeks must necessarily elapse before he can
resume his episcopal duties. His lordship has caused notice
to be given to the clergy that the primary visitation of his
diocese, which it was his intention to hold during the
h autumn, must be postponed until next year.