The Sun.
London, England, 1844-02-01 00:00:00

I recommend to your early consideration the enactments at
present in force in Ireland concerning the registration of voters for
Members of Parliament.

You will probably find that a revision of the law of re.
gistration, taken in conjunction with other causes at
present in operation, would produce a material diminution of the
number of county voters, and that it may be advisable, on that
account, to consider the state of tht law, with a view to an ex.
tension of the county franchise in Ireland.

I commit to your deliberate consideration the various important
questions of Public Policy, which will necessarily come under
your review, with full confidence in your loyalty and wisdom, and
with an earnest prayer to Almighty God to direct and favour your
efforts to promote the welfare of all classes of my people.
At the conclusion of the speeeh, the Speaker and Members
of the House of Commons withdrew, and her Majesty and her
suite left the House in the same order in which they had
had entered it.

Their Lordships' then adjourned during pleasure.
The interior of the House was fitted up in the same manner
as it was at the time of the prorogation. Her Majesty's chair
of state was raised upon a dais. On the right of her Majesty's
chair was that of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and
on the left that of his Royal Highness Prince Albert. The
dais and the steps leading to the throne were covered with a
magnificent Turkey carpet.

Their Lordship's met again at a quarter to five. There was
an unusually large attendance of Peers. The Duke of Wel-
lington, as usual, was early in his seat. Lord Melbourne en-
tered at a few minutes after five ; he appeared to be in excellent
health. The Duke of Cambridge sat on the cross benches.
The Earl of Glasgow, the Marquis of Winchester, and Lord
Suf field. took the oaths and their seats.
The Duke of WELLINGTON laid on the table a Bill for
the Better Regulation of Vestries.
THE ADDRESS.
The LORD CHANCELLOR then read her Majesty's
speech, from the woolsack, it having been again read by the
Clerk, at the'table.
Lord ELDON rose to move the address to her Majesty. He
said—Your Lordships have been to habitually accustomed to
en extend your indulgence to those who, on such an occasion
as the present rise to address you, that I feel it to be super-
fluous on my part to request from you that which you always so
kindly grant without its being required. My Lords, while I
sincerely condole with yon on the prospect of your having
to listen to me for a few minutes, and assure you
that it is with great gratification I am enabled to rise to move
an address in reply to such a gracious speech as that which her
Majesty has made to you. My birds, it has been the fortune
of those who have preceded me in former years, to,rely on your
kindness while they held out to you prospects which
they trusted would be realised ; they therefore could
only speak in that manner in which that person
must do, who was to ask a favour of those whom he
is addressing. My Lords, it is my better fertune, though by
no merit of my own, that the address which I now before you
is one containing nothing—at least scarcely anything—except-
ing matters of congratulation both for the Sovereign and the
country—it is a peculiar piece of good fortune for those who
were present on former occasions, to find the prophecies which
they then made have been so amply realised. From the high
character of your Lordships' House, even if any of those are
now present who formerly expressed opinions contrary to the
success of those measures—or who even opposed them, while
they were going through the House—even they will not now
hesitate to join me in approving the prudence of the mea-
sures which they at the time doubted, and that we shall
have the gratification of giving an unanimous vote, compli-
mentary in every way, to the Sovereign who receives it,
and as gratifying to the nation as it can be to her
Majesty. There is indeed one exception among these
sources of gratification which I hold in my hand.
your Lordships will all feel as sincerely as I do, that we are
only doing credit to her Majesty's feelings, when we say that
this subject, though mentioned last in her Majesty's Speech,
must be one of the foremost, as well as one of the
deepest, in her mind. It is, my Lords, unquestionable
that the subject of Ireland must be, to any person con-
nected by local interest with that country or not,
a subject causing the most sincere and anxious feeling
and the wish that the troubled waters which have so long caused
confusion in that eou try should, if possible delay the verdict.
oar Lordships not fear that in alluding to this subject lam
going to trespass on the bounds so judiciously laid
down by her Majesty ; or that I am going to make any obser-
vations on those circumstances whieh are now tinder the consi-
deration of the legal tribunals of that country; but there
is another part of her Majesty's speech which bears
on this subject. Her Majesty states that she has the greatest
gratification in being able to persist in the same course she has
hitherto done, because she feels it right, in endeavouring by
every mode to secure that ustice, an sric justice, shal be
done to Ireland. Her Majesty promisedt ant original decllara-
tion, that she would take every step to secure the peace and
the prosperity of the people of that country, and
to maintain, in full force, the Legislative Union
which she found established. Her Majesty also directed every
step to be taken by the present laws, administered by the
present executive, for the preservation of order. Her Majesty
had adhered to that declaration, and her promises had been amply
redeemed, and those things which have been done contrary to law
had been brought before the legal tribunals to be there decided.
Illy Lords, I am well aware that the result of those trials is a
matter with which I have nothing at all to do. Whether those
trials, or any others, may terminate in an acquittal, or in a
conviction, lam sure your Lordships will concur with me in
the opinion, that we should support her Majesty in carrying out
her intentions, and that if the present law of the land is ina-
dequate to preserve the peace of that country—perfect as now
is my confidence and reliance upon the present laws
in this country to maintain the public peace, and to protect
the liberty of the subject—l would, under present circum-
stances, feel no hesitation in supporting her Majesty's Ministers
or any Noble Lord, on either side of the House, in giving to
her Majesty increased powers for the preservation of the peace
and integrity of the empire. lam sure that every Member of
your Lordships' House will concur in any measure which may
be necessary for the happiness and prosperity of Ireland.
Her 'Majesty has this day pointed out to us one or
two .of the subjects to which it is desirable that we
should direct our attention. The registration of voters is one
of which, I am sure, your Lordship acknowledge the import-
ance. Her Majesty has referred to that subject in her
speech, and I trust that when it is brought forward
your Lordships will give it every consideration, and do
everything in your power to promote the happiness
of that country. Her Majesty has also called our
attention to the laws relating to landlord and tenant. On that
subject, a Commission of Inquiry has been appointed; and
your Lordships will agree with me, that the utmost reliance
may be placed in the sagacity, justice, and ability of my Noble
Friend at the head of the Commission, and of the gentlemen
who are associated with him in the inquiry. lam sure they will
spare no pains in thoroughly investigating the subject, and
bringing before you all the infOrmation which it may be in
their power to collect. Her Majesty has told us now, as on
former occasions, that the most amicable relations continue to
subsist between her Government and foreign nations. In her
recent visits to the Sovereigns of neighbouring countries,
she has had opportunities of confirming that friendship.
It had been the source of great gratification to their Lordships
their
was .to see two of the greatest warriors of this age con-
ferring
happiness; and greater country
yit now to see
by social in-
tercoursethe Sovereigns of the countries meeting in the same manner,
and with the same friendly feelings. But he was not, when he
said this, at all throwing any other nation into the back
ground. He had only to notice the French in a more
more prominent point. Circumstances had thrown this great
nation in a situation in which they had occasion to act upon
nearly similar principles by which England were guided. The
subject which her Majesty next mentioned was the subject of
our intercourse with China. The circumstances connected with
the whole of the war, and the consequent negotiations in that
country could not fail to strike their Lordships as being most ad-
vantageous to this country. But the liberality of her Majesty
was such, that she was anxious that other nations should also
share in those advantages, and the conduct of this country in
that instance, was roarked by the most kindly feelings, even
towards those nations who had acted in such a manner as to
call for no forbearance on the part of this country. With re-
spect to that part of her Majesty's speech, in which
she alludes to Scinde, he should abstain from saying
more than that he was sure their Lordships must
feel sincere gratification at the bravery and conduct of the
military engaged in the operations there. He should not refer
to the policy of that country, because he understood it was her
Majesty's intention to order certain papers in connection with
this subject to be laid before their Lordships. The subject of
the Estimates came more properly under the consideration
of the House of Lords, and he should therefore only
say that her Majesty had directed that the strictest
economy should be observed under this head. But this expen-
diture, it should be remembered, must depend very much
upon the state of the country ; and it had beers necessary,
during the last season, to keep a large force in Ireland,
dering. the disturbances and agitators there. These dis-
turbances were most painful to contemplate, but
he should read a letter from a young lady,
the daughter of a clergyman in that country,
description of the state of the country. He felt bound to state
that that letter was never intended to be read before their Lord,

ships, where it was written.
(LEFT SPEAKING.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

The SPEAKER entered the House at a quarter before Two
o'Clock, at which time about two hundre i Members were
present. Shortly after two, Sir Augustus Clifford, the Esher
of the Black Rod, summoned the Members to the bar of the
House of Lords, by command of her Majesty.
The Speaker, accompanied by the greater part of those pre-
sent, then left the House, and returned after an absence of
about 20 minutes.

The House then adjourned to a Quarter before Four o'clock,

The House resumed at a Quarter before Four o'Clock.
NEW MEMBERS.

The following gentlemen took the oaths and their seats as
new Members : H. Warburton, for Kendal ; Campbell,
for Salisbury ; James Pattison, for the City of London ; Dun-
can M'Neil, for Argyllshire ; P. Butler, for Kilkenny.
THANKS OF THE HOUSE.
The SPEAKER informed the House that he had received
letters of acknowledgment of the thanks of the House voted to
therofficersi and army engaged in the war in China. The
letters were from Major-General Parker and Sir Hugh Gough,
and were respectively dated from Hong-Kong.
ELECTION PETITION.
The SPEAKER informed the House that the sureties given
for the prosecution of the petition against the return for the
borough of Athlone, were approved of.
NEW WRITS.
On the motion of Sir T. FREMANTLE, new writs were
ordered for North Wiltshire, in the room of Sir Francis Bur-
dett, Bart., deceased ; and for the borough of Devizes, in the
room of G. H. Sotherton, Esr deceased.

towards the maintenance of secular Roman Catholics exercis-
ing religious functions in Ireland.
COMMERCE WITH TURKEY.
Dr. BOWRING gave notice that he should, on the 13th of
February, call the attention of the House to the operation of
the Turkish treaty of commerce upon the commercial interests
of this country.

- POOR-LAWS (IRELAND).
Mr. F. FRENCH gave notice that, on this day fortnight,
he should move for leave to bring in a Bill for the more effec-
tual relief of the destitute poor in Ireland.
__ __

RAILWAYS.
Sir T. FREMANTLE, on the part of his Right Hon.
Friend, Mr. Gladstone, gave notice of a motion for a Select
Committee to inquire into the Standing Orders relating to
Railway Bills.

FACTORY ACT.
The RIGHT HON. 111EmbEn gave notice, on the part of the
Home Secretary, of his intention to move for leave to bring in
a Bill to amend the Factory Act.

;;INDE.
The RIGHT HON. MEMBER also gave notice that, on the
12th February, his Right Hon. Friend, Sir R. Peel would
move that the thanks of the House be given to Sir Charles
Napier, the officers, and men engaged in the late military ope-
rations in Sinde.

PETITIONS.
Mr. WALLACE gave notice of his intention to move that
the practice of that House respecting the petitions of the people,
be altered, so that petitions complaining of grievances may be
discussed as formerly, upon presentation, and that the order
restricting such discussion be rescinded.

SINDE.
Mr. ROEBUCK gave notice that on Tuesday, the 13th
Feb. inst., he would move for a Select Committee to inquire
into the circumstances out of which arose the aggressive war
in Sinde, with a view, as we understand, of taking further
measures to check the grasping policy which placed the armies
of Great Britain in such a disgraceful position.
Mr. W. WILLIAMS gave notice that on an early day he
would move a resolution to the effect that no public business
should be commenced after midnight. The Hon. Member
gave notice also of several motions relating to the Bank of
England, the precise terms of which were not heard in the
gallery.

THE ADDRESS.
The SPEAKER said he had to inform the House that the
House of Commons had been to the House of Lords, when her
Majesty was graciously pleased to deliver the following speech
from the Throne— [ See our Lord's report.]
Lord CLIVE, in rising to move the address to her Majesty,
said, as the topics involved in her Majesty's speech were, in
many respects, of great importance, he trusted the House
would excuse him, under the circumstances. In the
first place, he rejoiced that her Majesty had been gra-
ciously pleased to refer, in such satisfactory terms, to the
relations of this country with Foreign Powers, and their
continued assurance of their wishes for the continuance of
peace. The maintainance of peace throughout Europe was of
such paramount importance and necessity to the prosperity of
the country, that unless they could look torward to it with
certainty, they could have no security for the ultimate welfare
of the country. Amongst the magnitude and variety
of the topics to which her Majesty had directed the
attention of Parliament, there was one which was most to be
desired, and that was the gratifying declaration of the prospects
of cont slued peace remaining unclouded—( Hea •, hear )
the more so when to this was a e ed a s milar declaration with
respect to France, as it was essential to the interests of those two
great and powerful countries that they should go hand in hand
in the peaceful career of national intercourse.—(Cheers.) The
situation of those countries was so similar, that any injury in-
flicted upon the one, would affect the other. But he could
conceive no assurance so strong asthat conveyed by her Majesty's
visit to France, and the cordial reception she there received, of
the friendly feeling existing between the two nations. Although
future historians might not record so gorgeous an array as in
the last instance when a chivalrous Sovereign of this country
visited that country in farmer days, yet neither in the present
instance could any manifeatation of ill-feeling or rivaly be re-
I corded. The visit of Queen Victoria to France would be handed
down to posterity as an assurance of international peace
and amity between the two countries.—( Hear, hear, and
laud cheers.) The peace with China remained unbroken,
and the negotiations which followed the termination of the
war in that country had been brought to a successful termina-
tion. In consequence of that the commercial intercourse would
increase between this country and that great empire.—( Hear,
hear.) While this event offered great benefit to this country,
it was not to be forgotten that it freed this country from
great and expensive wars and negotiations. He thought that the
House and the country were greatly indebted to Sir H. Pot-
tinger. It was no difficult task to obtain such an end with a
Power that held itself aloof from all fureign Powers. Sir
Pottinger had been the means of opening the commerce of
that extensive eountry not only to England but to the whole of
Europe—( Hear, hear)—and he had shown consummate
skill in establishing a most intimate acquaintance
with the character and inhabitants of China. If they
turned to their Indian empire, the results had been most
satisfactory, and her Majesty had informed them that
the results of the operation of her armies there had led
to the annexation of Sinde to the British possessions
in the east. Her Majesty had also stated that she
had directed additional information, explanatory of the tran-
sactions in Sinde, to be forthwith communicated to the
House. He could not refrain from expressing his great
gratification at the gallantry of Sir Charles Napier and the men
under his command, nor could he restrain his praise from
the sepoys or native troops, who had shown themselves worthy
of standing by English soldiers.—(Hear, hear.) If they
looked to their domestic affairs, they were matter of
great congratulation. He rejoiced at the improvement
that had taken place in trade, and he was glad that,
owing to the improvements that had taken place
in trade, much of the misery and distress that
existed last winter had been removed. It was
also satisfactory to know that improvement in the con-
dition of the people had been attended with an increase
in the revenue.--( Cheers.) He rejoiced to be able
to state that that increase afforded a certainty that the
revenue for the present year would be more than suf-
ficient to meet the expenditure, and that there would
consequently be a surplus, which might be applied to the
reduction of the national debt.—( Hear, hear.) Thus that
improvement which her Majesty had stated at the commencement
of the last session she confidently expected would take place in
the revenue, had actually taken place; so that that revenue was
now found fully adequate to meet the exigencies of the public
service.—(Hear.) Passing over the financial topics to which her
Majesty had directed their attention, and which, owing to their
own importance, would, of themselves, sufficiently
attract the attention of the House, he felt
assured that all would cordially concur with him
in expressing a wish for the welfare of her Majesty's
Irish subjects, to which her Majesty had assured them that she
had directed her most anxious attention. He was sure that the
House would concur with him in expressing to her Majesty
the anxous desire of Parliament to do everything in their
power to ensure the improvement and the development of
the resources of that country. —( Loud cheers.) Under
ordinary circumstances, and on ordinary occasions, in moving
an address to her Majesty, he should have felt anxious to
avoid all topics which might tend to create a differ-
ence of opinion, and on the present occasion he
wished, more especially, to guard himself against alluding to
those subjects which were under the consideration of the courts
of justice in that country. He would, therefore, content himself
with moving that they should uniteto thank her Majesty for having
especially directed their attention to the improvement of the
condition of Ireland.—( Hear, hear.) He was happy to say
that the reception which had been experienced byher Majesty's
Commissioners in Ireland appointed to consider the subject of the
occupation of land had been most gratifying, and afforded every
hope that the labours of that Commission would be attended
with the most beneficial results. That Commission had investi-
gated all matters affecting local interests, and had derived
every possible advantage and assistance from parties re-
siding in Ireland—persons of all parties and of every
shade of political opinion, had come forward to give evidence,
and to assist the Commissioners with local information without
which it would be impossible that their labours could be
attended with success.—( Cheers. ) Having touched upon the
principal topics to which her Majesty bad directed their consi-
deration, he would not detain them longer, but would
content himself with thanking the House for the kind attention
with which they had heard] him —( Cheers ) and with
expressing a fervent hope, that in addressing them-
selves to the subjects laid before them by her
Majesty, the issue of their councils might tend to promote the
prosperity of all classes of her Majesty's subjects.—(Cheers.)
The Noble Lord concluded by moving the address, which was,
as usual, an echo of the speech.
Mr. CARDWELL said, in rising to second the able address
which the Noble Lord had submitted to the House, he must
throw himself on the never-failing indulgence extended to
Members in his situation, before venturing to touch upon the
topics contained in her Majesty's most gracious speech
from the throne.—( Hear, hear.) He should not tres-
pass on the time of the House, by following the Noble
Lord ever all the topics in the speech, for they had been handled
by him with the ability due to matters of historical association
and national interest. He regarded with peculiar satisfaction
and pride all the observations which had fallen from the
Noble Lord, intending to congratulate the Crown on
the renewed encouragement given to commercial enter-
prise and manufacturing industry and prosperity, stimu-
lating and encouraging the energies and the comforts
of the masses of the population, and assured in its
permanency, as it was by an exchequer more than fully ade-
quate to the necessities of the nation.—(Cheers.) His con-
nexion with the north of England permitted him to form
acquaintance in person with this subject, and to speak with a
peculiarly strong feeling in regard to it. He need
not desire the House to revert to those tales of sorrow and
distress which last year had been too familiar to all.
His heart must have been insensible, indeed, that could
have contemplated them without the most poignant
feelings, and which might have led them to despair, if English-
men knewsuch a word. Now a renewed demand and renewed
confidence! were) spreading comfort around, for they could not
look to the returns in the customs, and the large imports,
without feeling that a corresponding amount of British goods
found their way in return to other countries. He would not
prosecute this subject further, but simply say, that every-
thing tended to show the symptoms of returning health.
Ifjthey turned to the cotton trade they would find that the
stimulus which began with the low prices of last year had
steadily maintained itself, that notwithstanding some in-
crease in the price of the raw material, and some groundless
alarm with regard to the future, the demand had been brisk
and continued brisk, the stocks were lost, and all the indications
of healthy trade presented themselves. He had no intention of
trespassing upon the time and indulgence of the House by reading
to them detailed statements, because he felt that the present
was not the time or the occasion to present state-
ments which from their nature challenged dispute, and
because he felt that unless he could establish a
case upon bread grounds which commended themselves to the
judgment of Hon. Members on both sides of the House, con-
versant with the subject, he had no case at all to substantiate.
The House would, however, allow him to refer, in detail, to
two particular subjects which had frequently engaged
their attention. He held in his hand a paper emanating
from the guardians of a poor-law union. It stated that
there had been a great improvement in the condition of
the lower orders since 1841 ; that on a comparison of the
Michaelmas quarter now last past with the previous quarter, it
had been found that the number of applications for relief had
been diminished from 12,600 to 5,000, and the amount ex-
pended from 4,000/. to 2,800/. Besides this upwards of
10,000/. had been received from the manufacturers' re-
lief fund. There had been a great improvement in the cot-
ton trade, and consequently in all the businesses which were
dependent upon it. Three new mills were on the point
of being erected ; several lately unoccupied mills were
now let, and a corn-mill and a woollen-mill were being
fitted up for cotton manufactories. Everything wore an im-
proved aspect.—( Cheers. ) He thought it must he agreeable
to the feelings of the House to learn, that improvement had
also taker, place among the hand-loom weavers.—( Hear,
hear.) He would also refer to a letter which
he had received as to the state of Stockport.
The poor-rates last year were 4s. in the pound, in the pre-
cedir g year they were 9s. In he workhouse there were not
half the number of inmates there were in the preceding year,
and there was not a single able-bodied pauper there.—
( Hear, hear.) There were 3,000 more people
employed than at the commencement of 1842, with a prospect
of employment for 1,000 more in three months. There
were several large cotton-mills at work, and several had
been enlarged. The empty cottages were occupied, and
the shops which bad been closed for Tears were re-

opening, and the appearance of the people indicated increased
comfort. They were better clothed and better fed. There
was also a great increase in the amount of money deposited in
the savings' banks. He knew what observations were fre-
quently made when an increase of deposits in the savings'
banks was spoken of, but when taken in connection with
other circumstances which showed improvement, this in-
crease was not altogether without its value. With regard to
the wool trade there were signs of improvement, though from
the dearness of the raw article the improvement was more tardy.
The wages of the labourers were also increased. There were
also improvements in the trade in flax, which was so closely
connected with the linen trade ; and he trusted that the linen
trade would also advance, as it was the principal trade of
the enterprising population of the north of Ireland.
He hoped the House would agree with him in
the hope that Ireland, in developing her great and fertile re-
sources, aided by the application of British skill and enter-
prise, would not fail to recognise the benefits of her
connexion with England. - ( Cheers.) The trade in
iron he was afraid to speak of too sanguinely. The
excessive excitement of past years. had produced a corre-
sponding and protracted depression, but he believed that even
there he could say that there were symptoms of re-
turning health.—( Cries of " No, no.") He did not
deny that the patient was sorely diseased, but he
thought that symptoms appeared of the crisis of the
disease having passed. He hoped and confidently anticipated
that the iron trade would still continue to improve.
He held in his hand an intelligent and important
report from his friend Mr. Austin, in which he found that
able-bodied paupers were no longer a burden on the poor •rates
of the unions of South! Staffordshire. The furnaces which
had been blowniouchad been rekindled, and additional la-
bourers had been employed. Could they hesitate to
draw favourable anticipations from the appearance of
the iron market, when they remembered the great number
of new railways for which plans; had been deposited; or could
they hesitate to find consolation, when they remembered
that at the commencement of the present century this
country imported iron from Sweden, while now we were
sending iron ourselves to the Baltic ? The necessary
consequence of prosperity in regard to the market for cotton
wool had been also felt by the manufacturers. He was not
able to trace any portion of that improvement to the Bill which
passed that House in the last session of Parliament, but he
had reason Ito believe that although that Bill had created
considerable excitement and jealousy amongst the manufac-
turers of machinery in this country, yet that excitement and
jealousy had now been proved to be unnecessary. Could a
more decisive test of the improvement and return to health of
the trade of the country be found than in the increasing traffic
in railways ? That increase had not been counted by hun-
dreds of thousands but by millions of money. He, therefore,
said that he had good reason for anticipating that even the
small pulses of the trade of the country would begin
to increase in vigour. He would take the liberty of
referring to one or two circulars which usually
appeared at this season of the year from persons in trade to
their practical customers, from men who could not be for a
moment suspected to have prepared those circulars for any
party or political purpose. When he looked at those circulars,
he could fancy that he held in his hand a manual of geography.
First and foremost, he would refer to China. She had taken
a great—a vast quantity of the products of this coun-
try.—( Cries of " Hear, hear.") He ( Mr. Cardwell) was
rejoiced at that part of her Majesty's speech which
showed the great line of policy she had, and intended to, pur-
sue towards China. He was sure that they would afford
a glorious example to that country, and would show to all
that the best source of wealth and competence was unlimited
competition in commerce. The Noble Lord who had moved
the address had referred to what had taken place in France.
He trusted that the time was not far distant when the trade
between that country and England would be such as to be
worthy of each other.—( Hear.) It was of the utmost import-
ance that commercial interests between different countries
should be fully considered, but it was necessary that the home
market should be considered.—( Hear, hear.) All practical
men pointed at that as the only safeguard of the British manu-
facturer. If the statements the Noble Lord and himself had
made of the revival of trade were the right ones, which he be-
lieved to be the case, the House would excuse him if he now
turned to matters of congratulation in other respects.
He was well aware that in all Governments there
would be a difference of opinion. The present Govern-
ment had, in the late outbreaks that had taken place, been
able, by a temperate severity, to vindicate the majesty of
the law, and had ensured the good feeling of the people.
The House would be glad to learn that a Bill which had
passed last ession with their unanimous concurrrence, and
from which the most beneficial results had been antici-
pated, had already produced the most gratifying results. That
was not the place in which to speak of individual munificence,
of the sacrifices which had been made by those who were
possessed of patronage, but the House would be glad to learn
that there were already 150 applications from dif-
ferent districts before the Ecclesiastical Commissioners,
and that in consequence of the Bill of last
session, means would be afforded to half a million of
persons, to enjoy religious advantages in connection
with the Established Church. There was another subject on
which their deliberations in that House had been less
unanimous, but he was happy to say that the earnest
anxiety which had been exhibited by the House to
grapple with the subject of education had called forth
a spirit and excited an energy on the subject in the
minds of the
.people at large. If they had not been
able to make united efforts thay had at least made simultaneous
efforts for the dispelling of ignorance and from the candid
spirit is ith which the subject had been discussed in that House,
and which had, he hoped, excited a corresponding spirit out
of doors, heltrusted that theiresult would be the establishment of a
system of education which might meet with the cordial concur-
rence and support of all moderate and reflecting men.
He believed that the people were sincerely grateful to the
Giver of all good for the return of that prosperity, the bless-
ings of which they appreciated still more from the
recent experience which they had had of adversity ;
and they looked upon that prosperity as but a type of that to
whicfh she was destihed to attain hereafter. They looked to
the ex tent of her resources; they counted up the armies
and the fleets of her commerce which was bounded only by the
habitable globe, and they felt that this anticipation, of fortune
and greater prosperity rr as something more than the mere
dream of an enthusiast. A century had scarcely
elapsed since the empire of the East had been opened to them
by the genius of one of the Noble Lord's ancestors.—(Loud
cheers.) In the lifetime of their fathers their manufactures
were yet struggling in their infancy. When they considered
these things, and reflected on the accelerated motion which
progressive improvements gave to the wheels of time, they could
not but feel assured that there was a high destiny in store for
this country, the extent of which the boldest could not ven-
ture to predict, and which yet those even now living
might reasonably expect to see accomplished. This was no idle
dream; it was merely an anticipation of what they might expect
to see realised from that union of energy and prudence which they
believed to be the fortunate peculiarity of the national character.
By the charter enjoyed by Britons it was their birthright not
to be denied any of the advantages to be derived from their
own well-directed industry and prudent conduct, and these
were not to be hazarded by crude and precipitate legislation.
They desired to be guarded by the recollection of
past successes against any rash and hasty interferences with
other interests, whose sympathy it was wise for all should
be cultivated. They knew that when rade had been
brought to a happy maturity as in this country, that to create
differences between different interests was indiscreet
in the extreme—that from that inauspicious hour the decline
of one would begin, and assuredly prove the bane of all. Pru-
dent men, such as these, would not hazard, by fallacious views
and speculative theories, their well-grounded prospects of
prosperity and success. Adulation had likened the mer-
chant of England to the Princes of Tyre ; but he wisely
rejected the comparison, for Tyne was a deserted place, and
he had learned that purely commercial places, however they
may have risen for a time into wealth and renown,
have soon sunk again into poverty and desolation. The
merchant here knew he never could be better
off than under the advantages he derived from the British con-
stitution; he liked far better that confidence and certainty
which steadiness and sobriety attached to his pursuits, and
which were the sure signs that his efforts would be matured
into the full fruits of a great and widely-spread pros-
perity.— ( Cheers.) He could not but return his thanks to
the House for the indulgence he had experienced after tres-
passing at so great a length, although he had precluded himself
from many subjects, to which, fortunately, the Noble Lord, in
his opening speech, so ably alluded. The Hon. Member
formally seconded the address, and resumed his seat amidst
loud cheers.
The SPEAKER having read the address,
Mr. HUME, who commenced in a very low tone, and was
scarcely audible in the gallery, said he could not quite unite
with the Honourable Gentlemen who had just addressed
the House in the glowing terms in which they had spoken of
the removal of distress from the country.--( Hear, hear)—but
at the same time he must acknowledge, and he did
so with great satisfaction, that they met at that
time under more favourable auspices as regarded
the rate of the population than they did in the last session ;
and he thought there was also ground to hope for continued
improvement. lie could not but think that the present mode
of proceeding with respect to the address was extremely objec-
tionable ; it was impossible under the present arrangement
that there could be due deliberation.—(Hear.) The speech
consisted of twenty-three distinct passages, every one
of them containing matter of considerable importance;
and yet they were called • upon without having
even a copy of that speech in their hands, which they ought to
have had before they came to the House to vote an answer to a
speech containing such various and complicated topics. He had on
former occasions protested against the present course of proceed-
ing. Mary years ago, attempts had been made to allow it. It
could not be supposed, a hasty effusion, like the address, drawn
up by two Hon. Members, who knew as little of the subject
as themselves, would be looked upon by her Majesty in any
other light than as a farce. Twenty-two years ago, an Hon.
Baronet, who had lately departed this life, stood forward, in
conjunction with his associate in the representation of
Westminster, and submitted to the House a most
reasonable alteration in the existing practice, namely,
that four and twenty hours should be given to eon-
eider her Majesty's speech, in order that the answer
to it might be entitled to due estimation. But now
they were called on to deliberate after two hours.
He had no doubt that snme parts of her Majesty's speech
might have given offence to individuals. He would not dwell,
however, on that which was omitted in the speech. There was

one paragragh in it which gave him great satisfaetion, namely,
that which referred to the existence of friendly relationsbetween
this country and France. He was aware how beneficial peace
was to the manufacturing and commercial prosperity of every
country, and he would be therefore prepared to go even farther
than the words of the address with regard to the connection
between the two countries. The policy of her Majesty's Go-
vernment in bringing about a good understanding between
France and England, was likely to be more con-
ducive than any other to the interests of the country.
The prosperity of the country was more likely to be promoted
by an intimate union with. France than any other, and while
both those countries remained united the peace of the world
would be secured, and all the advantages which ought to be
expected from peace—diminution of taxation and reduction of
expenditure would follow. He was sorry to say they
did not enjoy all the advantages which a closer commercial in •
tercourse would confer; but he, however, repeated the
expression of his satisfaction with that part of her
Majesty's speech which related to the amicable rela-
tions subsisting between those countries.—( Hear. )
The seconder of the address had painted in glowing terms the
advantages which we may derive, and were already deriving,
from our commercial negotiations with China. When the Right
Honourable Baronet and Gentleman behind him considered
the tariff the Chinese had lately imposed, they could
not but feel ashamed of themselves for having allowed the
Chinese so far to have out-stepped them in enlightened prin-
ciples of commerce. By the Chinese tsriff, every article of
food was admitted free of duty. Let the Right Hon. Baronet
and his Colleagues follow that example. We had been called
barbarians by the Chinese, and he thought the
terms were not misapplied when the principles of
our tariff were considered. He would take that opportunity of
re .erring to one subject, which he thought was highly credita-
ble to the character of this country and honourable to the in-
dividual in whom it had originated. He alluded to the
supplemental treaty which had been boncluded by the
Majesty's Plenipotentiary. By this treaty every nation was
admitted to trade with our recent possessions in China. He
thought this most praiseworthy, and an honour to the country.
He (Mr. Hume) had proposed an amendment to one of the
paragraphs of the address, which was to this effect