The Sun.
London, England, 1868-05-06 00:00:00

EDUCATION BILL.

Earl GRANVILLE asked the noble duke opposite
whether it was his intention to bring on this bill on Thurs
day next.
The Duke of MARLBOROUGH said that he thought
that was too early a period. It would bo brought on on
Thursday week.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES BILL.
The Earl of LICHFIELD, in moving the second read-
ing of this bill, said that ho would only occupy a short
time in calling their lordships' attention to the conditions
of the bill. He stated that, in addition to the number of
societies which were registered, there were many which
were Lot, and therefore, when ho moved for the returns of•
those societies, he knew that there
.were many which did
not come under their lordships' notice. If ho had moved
that there should be a return of all those receiving out-
door relief, it would be very difficult to furnish, inasmuch
as some guardians gave only slight relief, and others a
great deal. Consequently, any returns from a board of
guardians would not be reliable. He must now, howeve r
assert that he believed that the conditions of the
Poor-law did not interfere with any of the habits of
frugality of those persons who became members of these
societies. He could also assert that these societies carried
on most extensive operations. In the third clause of the
bill the provisions had been purposely misreprosenied, but
even those petitions against the bill came from three
societies. This clause was that which related to the mem-
bers of friendly societies insuring the lives of those per-
sons in the same house with themselves, but he was pre-
' pared to say that this bill did not interfere with the
regulations of friendly societies, nor prevent members
from insuring the lives of their children fer funeral ex-
penses. He also could assure their lordships that provi-
sions for the admission of minors wore expressly provided
for. In other clauses it was expressly set out that mem-
bers of these societies should he able to insure their chil-
dren. Other clauses related to the transfer from one society
to another. This transfer was in many cases a great
hardship. Other conditions provided for those who found
themselves excluded by forfeiture, but provided that they
should not lose the benefit of their subscriptions until duo
notice had been given them. In his bill facilities were given
for redress if there was any difficulty in obtaining that
return which the members were entitled to. The cpnso-
queue° often was that a friendly sod ity became another
class of society, and the member became, without his own
consent or knowledge, a mombor of the other one. Friendly
societies did most useful work amongst the working
classes. There wore such societies as the Odd Fellows
and the Foresters, who numbered between them near
100,000 members; and he would ask how it was, with re-
gard to the petition against his bill, that these two societies
had not joined in condemning it if they disapproved
of it? The societies from which those petitions came
were signed by members who had no management over
these societies whatever. He found that the expenditure
of these societies exceeded their income, and he thought
that there could bo no question that the society which had
not more than ono year's income must b 3 insolvent.
These societies had petitioned to bs heard against the
bill, but what would bo the effect of this? It would only
show the importance of the bill. With these remarks
he should conclude that part of the attack upon it. He
concluded with the remark that it was necessary that re-
turns relating to the expenditure, income, &c., of those
burial societies should be made, and that their lordships
should carefully look into them. A great deal of the
money of these societies was left in the hands of the col-
lectors and agents.

The bill was read a 'second time, and their lordships
adjourned.

HOUSE OF COIVIMONS-LAST EVENING.
The SPEAKER, took his seat at 4 o'clock.
THE HABEAS CORPUS ACT.
In reply to Mr. BAGWELL,
The Earl of MAYO said there were when the applies -
tion was made for the continuance of the suspension of
the Act 96 persons in confinement. That morning thero
were only 23, of whom 14 had received offers of liberty if
they would leave the country, or give good security for
their good behaviour. He believed in a short tima all
effects of the operation of the Act would cease'.