The Sun.
London, England, 1857-07-10 00:00:00

REFORMATORY SCHOOLS BILL.

On the motion for going into committee on this bill,
Mr. ALCOCK moved that the lkouse go into com-
mittee on this bill on this day thret months. He said
that this bill, if carried, would destroy the voluntary,
efforts in favour of education. Three years ago a simi-
lar bill was passed for Middlesex, bit, no steps had been
taken to put it in force, because tle magistrates could
not agree as to the best course to pursue under its pro-
visions. Lord Brougham and Lord Carnarvon, and
others, who discussed the subjeet tie other day in the
House of Lords, were unable to coke to any practical
conclusion on the subject. The bon, gentleman entered
at some length into the great expense these schools would
entail on the public in extra taxation.
Mr. R. HANBURY seconded the amendment, on
the ground that the bill would defooy the voluntary
principle, and thereby impede the advancement of edu-
ction.

Sir G. GREY opposed the amendment. He denied
that this was a compulsory bill, and urged that the state
of society required such an enactment as that before
the house.

Mr. BRISCOE supported the amendment. He argued
that these schools under the provisions of this bill would
become juvenile prisons. He objected to the expense
that would be entailed by it on the country, and there
was a tendency to erect public buildings more like
palaces than schools or prisons.
Sir .E. KERRISON supported the bll, on the ground
that it was required for the suppression of crime. lie
memberscons considered
supposed.
e d theex H
expenses
ewoanplpdrobveedlesosftha compulsoryan many hon.
system of reformation throughout the cantry.
Mr. HACKBLOCK was in favour cf the bill.
Mr. BUXTON considered the needless. The
present reformatories were well adapted for the require-
ments of the country, and the Government, instead of
superseding the voluntary system ought to supplement
it. The reformatory movement was Advancing suffi-
ciently fast, and if the Government waited a few years
they would find it would supply the necessary wants of
the country. He objected to any further increase of
taxation, especially by justices, against the consent of
the rate-payers, who had no voice in coasts expenditure.
Mr. MILNES supported the bill. He thought it
would have the effect of reforming the criminal popu-
lation. If it did that it would reduce the expense of
crime, and any measure that did that would relieve,
rather than increase, the burthens of the tax-payer.
Sir H. VERNEY objected to the bill. He considered
reformation schools should be supported by the voluntary
system, and conducted under its management, and not
by the Government, with the assistance of the magis-
tracy.
Mr. E. DENISON cordially supported the bill.
Mr. GARNETT opposed the bill. There were 35
reformatories in England and Scotland and these were
capable of receiving a larger number of inmates than
were at present within their walls.
Mr. BAINES urged the house to go into committee
on the bill, when hon. members would be better able to
discus the provisions of the clauses, and, if necessary,
divide on them. He asked the house to negative the
amendment, by which they would be able to retain the
good, and expunge what was bad or objectionable in the
bill.

Mr. BARROW cautioned the Government against
rousing the people against compulsory local taxation.
modeA lrea Already •
et there was present
aexpenditure,strong and feeling
he lookedagainst
uponthe this as
a measure likely.to facilitate what he bad at heart—a re-
form in that direction. (Hear, hear.) Re, however,
strongly objected to the bill.
Mr. PEASE supported the amendment oh the ground
of the bill interferring with the voluntary
Mr. GILPIN supported the motion for going into
committee, believing the bill might be made efficacious.
He thought that by the establishment of reformatories
the country would be the gainers.
The house divided—the numbers were—
For going into committee l6B
Against it
Majority ............ • —l3l
The house then went into committee on the bill.
On Clause 1, giving compulsory powers to Inagistrates
for levying rates for the support of reformatories,
Sir R. WILLOUGHBY objected, and nioved• that
the clause be expunged.
Sir G. GREY defended the clause.
After a long discussion the committee divided.
The numbers were—
For the clause
Against it
Majority —9B
The clause was agreed to.
The remaining clauses were agreed to.
On the motion of Sir G. GREY, a clause qas added
to the bill permitting justices or counsel to, contract
with the managers of existing riformatories for the
reception of offenders from their county or borough.
The house resumed.
GLEBE LAND (IRELAND) BILL._
This bill 'piisea-through committee.
BURY (LANCASHIRE) ELECTION.
Mr. RIITT, chairman of the Bury Election Commit.