The Sun.
London, England, 1859-03-30 00:00:00

PETITIONS.

Petitions were presented praying that measures might be
taken to prevent the opium traffic with China ; against
the Ministerial Reform Bill ; against rating Literary Insti-
tions ; against the Local Assessments Bill; and against
military salutes to religious processions.
QUEEN'S COLLEGE (IRELAND).

Mr. BEAM ISH moved for a copy of the correspondence
which has passed between the presidents of the Queen's
colleges in Ireland and the Irish Government, in reference
to the residence of the presidents in their respective colleges.
—Agreed to.
NATIONAL EDUCATION.
On the motion of Mr. KIRK, the following returns were
ordered :—Copy of the minute of the Commissioners of the
Board of National Education in Ireland, dated the 7th of
August, 1848, dismissing William Kenealy, then master of
a national school at Churchtown, county of Cork, for hav-
ing written an anonymous inflammatory placard ; together
with the letter or letters of Mr. Gould Adams, and
the report of Head Inspector Butler, and of all other docu-
mmts and correspondence having reference to the said
miinute : And, of the verdict of the jury in an action for
libel, brought by William Kenealy against Durham Dunlop
and James Baxter, and tried at the Kilkenny assizes on the
13th day of March, 1859.
TRIAL BY JURY (SCOTLAND) BILL.
Mr. DUNLOP, in moving the second reading of this bill,
stated that the measure which was thrown out last night
in the House of Lords was quite distinctive from his mea-
sure. The jury system in Scotland was different from the
Er iglish system as regarded unanimity. Five years ago he
introduced a bill providing that a verdict might be received
from nine jurors out of twelve, and this system had been
foi tnd to work very well in Scotland. The object of the bill
introduced into the House of Lords was to apply this system
to England, but it had been rejected on the ground that the
fe( fling in this countrywas favourable to unanimity. In a case of
difference of opinion it was the majority that gave way to the
=Enmity, or if the majority were not induced to give way, the
minority being generally crotchety men, it led to the jury
being locked up. Now the object of his bill was, in the
ca se of Scotland, to alter the six hours allowed for delibera-
tion to three hours, and he hoped that the house would con-
se: at to read it a second time.
Mr. MONCRIEFF agreed that in most cases, where,
after long deliberation, a verdict had been given by a ma-
jo city of nine to three, the same result would have occurred
if the time for deliberation had been shorter. The present
sritem in Scotland which had existed for five years gave
• ie to the risk of jurors anxious to get away by a particular
train to give way to the minority, and though it was quite*
right to empanel a jury for a sufficient time to provide for
due consideration, he considered that:three hours was suf-
floient for the purposes, and he was sure the bill would be
productive of great benefit.
The LORD ADVOCATE assured the hon. gentleman
who moved the second reading of the bill, that he had
earned by the change which he introduced in the jury sys-
tem four or five years ago, the gratitude of the people of
Scotland, and he (the Lord Advocate) was prepared to give
his cordial assent to the measure now under consideration.
The question before the house was not whether or not an
unanimous jury was the most appropriate for the trial of
causes, but whether the time for confining jurors for deliber-
ation should be further limited, and the change proposed
met with the approval of the Lord Justice General.
Mr. JAMES said he had moved for certain returns in
reference to the bill which was discussed in the other house,
, but they had sufficient security by the observations of those
who have spoken on this question against any evil arising
in Scotland from the' change now proposed. But he was of
opinion that to extend the system of Scotland to England
would be decidedly bad.
Mn; BUCHANAN remarked that the prejudices of the
people in Scotland were in favour of a bare majority in
juries, and he thought the introduction of a system, pro-
viding that a majority of three-fourths should return a ver-
dict, would be a desirable change in the law.
Mr. MACKIE said he had introduced the system of
three-fourths of the jury giving a verdict in civil cases in
New South Wales, and the change had worked exceedingly
well.
Mr. MELLOR said the unanimity in civil cases was
more apparent than real, and he should have been glad to
have had an opportunity of discussing upon the bill which
was introduced into the Lords, of the means of giving the
Inry a method of escaping without a violation of their con-
silientious opinions.
Mr. COWAN thought that it was time, in the nineteenth
century, that they got rid of the present practice of compel-
ling a jury to return an unanimous verdict.
Mr. S. WORTLEY said his present opinion was against
any change in the law of England of unanimity in criminal
cases, but he believed that some change might be made in
the law in relation to juries, to get rid of the absurd sys-
tem of starving and freezing. He thought that if they
gave refreshments to jurors they would be much more
likely to agree in their verdict.
i‘ The bill was then read a second time.
LAW ASCERTAINMENT BILL.
Mr. DUNLOP moved the second reading of this bill, and
explained that its object was to provide for the settlement
in Scotland of different points of law requiring the opinion
of foreign courts.
Mr. MALINS believed that the bill would have a most
beneficial effect.
Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD thought this measure if car-
ried out would be a substantial improvement of the law.
4' The LORD ADVOCATE also expressed his approval of
the principle of the bill.
Mr. BOUVERIE considered that the bill was much too
general drawn. The power proposed to be given might be
advantageously applied to the superior courts, but the bill
as it stood would extend it also to courts of inferior juris-
diction.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL quite agreed in the ob-
jection, and pointed out other defects in the details of
the bill, but expressedhis concurrence in the principle.
After a few words from Mr. DUNLOP in reply, the bill
was read a second time.
- -

TRAMWAY (IRELAND) BILL.
The house then went into committee on this bill.
The clauses up to 39 were agreed to.
To clause 40, which provides for the seizure or detention
of persons trespassing on the tramway,
Mr. DE VERB objected on the ground that the words
"wilfully or wantonly" were not inserted, and there might
be no separation between the tramway and the public road.
Mr. Sergeant DEASY suggested that the clause should
be negatived.
After a brief conversation the clause was negatived ac-
cordingly. The remaining clauses were afterwards agreed

to.
Sir R. FERGUSON moved the addition of a clause pro-
viding for the repayment of deposits during the progress of
the work on security being given.
The clause was agreed to.
- The following clause was also added to the bill on the
motionof Sir R. FERGUSON :-" Whenever it shall be neces-
sary to move any of the officers orimen of her Majesty's forces
of the line, ordnance corps, marines, militia, or of the consta-
bulary or police force, by any tramway the company, shall and
they are hereby required to permit such forces respectively,
with their baggage, stores, arms, ammunition, and other
necessaries and things, to be conveyed at the usual hours of
starting, at such prices or upon such conditions as may from
time to time be contracted for between her Majesty's Prin.
cipal Secretary of State for the War Department or the
Inspector General of Constabulary in Ireland, or either of
them, and such tramway company, for the conveyance of
such forces, on the production of a route or order for their
conveyance signed by the proper authorities."
The house then resumed., and the bill, with amendment,
was reported.
BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY BILL.
Lord J. RUSSELL observed that so many amendments
were to be proposed upon this bill that he was inclined to
agree to the motion which the hon. gentleman (Mr. Bon_
verie) had placed on the table for referring it to a selec
committee. He thought that this measure, and the out
which had come down from the House of Lords, should be
investigated by the same committee.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL approved of this course,
and stated that when the Government bill came on for
second reading on Friday next, he should move that it be
read a second time pro forma, and take the opportunity of
explaining the course the Government proposed to take in
respect to it. He apprehended, however, that there would
,be no objection to refer it to a select committee, with the
bill of the noble lord the member for the city of London.
Mr. BOUVERIE was satisfied that the only way in
which this question could be properly dealt with was by
referring the Government bill and the bill of the noble lord
to a select committee.
After some remarks from Mr. CRAWFURD,
Mr. HEADLAM said there was a general feeling
throughout the country that a bill on this subject should be
passed in the present session, but if the committee called
witnesses no measure could pass this year.
Mr. MOFFATT thought they had the full facts of the
ease before them to enable them to legislate upon this ques-
tion, and he objected to the committee calling witnesses, on
the ground that it would indefinitely postpone legislation.
Mr. MALINS quite agreed as to the inexpediency of
calling witnesses before the committee. A commission
investigated the subject in 1856, and he thought the com-
mittee should consider the evidence taken before that com-
mission and the reports of other commissioners as affording
sufficient information to legislate upon.
Mr. VANCE having offered some observations,
Mr: S. ESTCOURT reminded the house that the ques-
tion, whether or not evidence should be taken, was a ques-
tion which should be left to the committee to decide.
Mr. LOWE observed that there might be points in the
inquiry upon which evidence must be taken.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL remarked that they had
got nearly all the information that could be required by the
committee in the library of the house, and if they required,
as they might require, to take evidence upon certain points,
it would then be time enough for them to come to the house
for leave to call witnesses.
Lord J. RUSSELL agreed that the committee should
not haie power in the first instance to call witnesses. The
bill was then ordered to be referred to a select committee.

ADMIRALTY COURT BILL.
Mr. HADFIELD, in moving the second reading of this
bill, stated that its object was to throw open the Admiralty
Court to the legal profession at large. The proc-
tors had received £72,000 a year as compensation
for loss of practice by the passing of the Divorce and Ma-
trimonial Causes Bill; but if they were to receive a com-
pensation of £lO,OOO for the loss of practice in the Admi-
ralty Court he would recommend that the monopoly should
ontinue.
Mr. MALINS said there would be no objection to the
principle of the bill, but he explained that, for the compen-
sation paid to proctors for loss of practice by the Divorce
Bill, a fund was provided from fees, through which no
burden was imposed upon the public.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL did not oppose the
second reading of the bill, but declined upon that occasion
to enter into a discussion upon the question of compensa-
tion. He stated that the subject to which the bill referred
was now under the consideration of the Government, and
he suggested to the hon. member that he should not pro-
ceed further with the bill till the Government had an-
nounced their intention.
The bill was then read a third time, and ordered to be
committed this day fortnight.
CHARITABLE USES BILL.

Mr. lIADFIELD moved the second reading of this bill,
the object of which he stated to be to give cheap, easy, and

effectual means for making charitable bequests for schools,
institutions, and places of worship.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said there were diffi-
culties in details of the bill, which would have to be consi-
dered when it got into committee, but he should offer no
objection to the secomd reading.
The bill was they read a second time, and ordered to be
committed this day :three weeks.
MARKETS (I RE LAND) BILL.
The house then -went into committee on this bill, and
clauses up to 28 were agreed to, with a very verbal amend-
ment.

On clause 29 being proposed,
Mr. COGAN moved its omission, as he thought it ex-
tremely unjust to compel a person to bring his produce
into a certain market-place, in order that tolls
might be levied there. He did not see why
a person should be precluded from selling where he could
get the best price for his corn, or other articles he might
have to dispose of.
'Lord NAAS could not consent to the omission of the
clause.
A discussion ensued, in which Mr. Fitzgerald,Mr. M'Cann,
and several other gentlemen took part, in which it was con-
tended that the clause in question interfered with free deal-
ing between man ilud man.
The house then divided, when there appeared—
For the clause 123
Against it 35
Majority —BB
The clause was then ordered to stand part of the bill.
Mr. FITZROY then reported progress, and obtained
leave to sit again.
LUNACY REGULATION ACT AMENDMENT

---
BILL.
This bill was read a second time.

PARLIAMENTARY VOTERS BILL (IRELAND.)
This bill was read a second time.
The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and
the house adjourned at six o'clock.

NORTHAMPTON RACES.

(THIS DAY).

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.]
EARL SPENCER'S PLATE.

Tiara
Accurate
King at Arms
Thirty-four ran.
£3O HANDICAP PLATE.

Joan. of Arc
Childrey
Kate
Six ran.

ALTHORP PARK STAKES.
Midame Eglentine
Rattlebone
Cheesecake
Sixteen ran.
ST. LIZ HANDICAP.

Pan
Artless
Spiteful Dick

Ten ran.

... 3

JIO.N.EY MARICET AND CITY NEWS.

CITY, Two o'CLocK.

The demand for money continues active, but the
requirements of the commercial community are
readily supplied at previous quotations, the re-
sources of the bankers and brokers being still
exceedingly abundant. Until the bills due on the
4th of the month are paid the increased inquiry
noticed during the last few days will probably be
maintained, as, in addition to the capital required
for that purpose, some heavy instalments have to
be provided for in connection with the new deben-
tures of the East Indian Railway Company and
other undertakings. The settlement of the half-
monthly account in foreign stocks and railway
shares has also stimulated the demand for accom-
modation at the Stock Exchange, but the charge
for loans on Government securities is still very
moderate.

The Foreign Exchanges yesterday afternoon
exhibited a slight advance in the rates on Amster-
dam and Hamburg.

About £32,000 was withdrawn from the Bank
of England yesterday for transmission to the Con-
tinent.

The Silver Market is less active, and bars have
receded to 624 d. per ounce standard.
In the Liverpool Cotton Market yesterday,
business was moderately active, and 8,000 bales
were sold at very full rates. The Railway Share
Market closed steadily, and prices were unaltered.
The meeting of the Ottoman Railway Company
has been held this day, when the chairman, Sir M.
Stephenson, gave a satisfactory explanation of the
position and prospects of the undertaking. It
appears that the first section of the railway was
being proceeded with in a vigorous manner, and it
was hoped that the line from Smyrna to Ephesus
would be completed by the autumn. The accounts
showed the total sum received to be £204,584, and
the balance in hand £45,398. The report was
adopted.

Although the demand for silver has partially
subsided, it is generally expected that extensive
remittances will still be made to India; and thus a
large proportion of the gold arrivals will be
diverted to the Continent, where sufficient supplies
of silver can alone be obtained.

Business at the Stock Exehange continues in a
very unsatisfactory state. Speculation is checked
by the uncertainty felt with regard to political
affairs. The Reform Bill here, and the Italian
question abroad, stilt agitate the chief markets of
Europe, as it is impousible to tell what turn affairs
may take, and the operators are consequently un-
decided how to shape their speculations. Consols
remain at 95.1 1 for raoney and account, and 951 to
96 for the May sottlement. The Government
broker continues to -make small investments on be-
half of the savings banks. • India Loan Debentures
remain steady, at 981. ; and Exchequer Bills at
325. to 355. prem.

Business in Foreign Securities is rather inactive;
prices, however, in most instances, are slightly
firmer. Turkish 6 per Cents. being 93 to 9314 ; ditto,
New Loan, 79t0 779 k ; Dutch 22 per Cents. have
improved to 651 ; Sardinian to 82, and Mexican to
21-2- ; Russian 4-} per Cents. have receded to 99-1;
The New Austrian Loan is 1 dis. to par.

--_._..
Business in the Railway Share Market has been
dull. A few of the principal undertakings have
been dealt in, but the variations have not exceeded

Ito Iner cent. Caledonians declined ss. ; Eastern

Counties, Great Northeins, and North Westerns,
Ms.; South Western and North Eastern, Berwick,
improved 55., and Great Western, Midland, and
North British, 10s.

The Foreign lines are exceedingly quiet. Lom-
bardo Venetian realise 9/, 91, and the New shares,
81.

In the Colonial Market prices remain steady.
Great Western of Canada, Geelong and Melbourne,
and Grand Trunk of Canada brought former rates.
East Indian are firm at 1021. The Debenture
Bonds are quoted to 1 prem., and the New Shares.;
to -1 prem. _ _ _

Joint-Stock Bank and Miscellaneous Shares con-
tinue very inactive. London Chartered of Australia
and Provincial of Ireland brought former rates
Electric Telegraph improved 10s. ; and Peel River
Land brought former values.

BRITISH FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES.
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities
India Stock
Ditto Debentures 9Bi
Ditto Bonds, £l,OOO ' lO
Consols for Account 9si

Jime.

March.
Exchequer Bills, £l,OOO, 2d. & lid 35 33
Ditto £5OO
Ditto Small, lid.
FOREIGN FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES.
Mexican 3 per Cent. 2ll 1
Russian, 1822, £ St., 6 per Cent
"-Ditto 4i per Cent.
Sardinian, 6 per Cent B2
Turkish 6 per Cent. 921 31 21
Ditto Account ' 93
Ditto New Loan
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch Exchange, 12 Guil. 21 per Cent 65 1
THREE O'CLOCK.

Consols, Money 95
Consols for Account (April 7). • • . 95i ir

PRICE OF GOLD.—The quotation of gold at Paris
is about at par, and the short exchange on London is 25.10
per £1 sterling. On comparing these rates with the Eng-
lish Mint price of £3 17s. lOtd. per ounce for standard gold,
it appears that gold is about 3-10ths per cent. dearer in
Paris than in London. By advices from Hamburg the
price of gold is 423 per mark, and the short exchange on
London is 13.21 per £1 sterling. Standard gold at the
English Mint price is therefore about 6-10ths per cent.
dearer in Hamburg than in London. The course of ex-
change at New York on London for bills at 60 days' sight
is about 1091 per cent., which, when compared with the
Mint par between the two countries, shows that the ex-
change is slighly in favour of England ; and, after making
allowance for chrages of transport and difference of inte-
rest, the present rate leaves a trifling profit on the impor-
tation of gold from the United States.
In the Court of Bankruptcy yesterday a trade
assignee was chosen under the bankruptcy of Richard Bed-
ford Allen, insurance broker and underwriter of Lloyd's.
The liabilities are widely estimated at from £20,000 to
£60,000, while the assets amount to only £7OO The bank-
rapt has absconded.