The Sun.
London, England, 1844-04-03 00:00:00

MENT.

After a pause of considerable duration in the business
of the iHouse, during which Mr. Hume, Mr. T. Dtin-
corube, Lord John Russell, and Mr. Manners Sutton,
were severally in close conference with Sir Robert Peel,
Mr. GLADSTONE brought up, and laid on the table,
certain returns relating to the state of agriculture in
Leicestershire.

Sir ROBERT PEEL moved that the House, at its
rising, should adjourn, till Menday, the 15th instant. He
•
Wished, at the same time, to state that he had promised
the Noble' Lord opposite (Lord J. Russell) that he
should, on moving the adjOurnment; explain the_ 'order
in which the, Bills brought in. by the Government, or
intended to be brought in, should be proceeded with
after Easter. In consequence .ofithe absence of his 'Right
Hon. Friend, the Secretary . for the Borne pepartnient,
he was unable at that moment to give the explanation.
He would take care, however, that the order of pro-
ceeding shonld be. set -for.th in the papers 'of the House
to-morrow. He hoped that . in the course__ of the
evening he would.. have an opportunity of ponimuni-.
eating with his High t'Hori. Friend (Sir J. Graham), and
if so, he would state, befdre the House' rose, what the
course of business would be. In the meantime' he should -
say that it would be a great public inconvenience if. the
Irish Franchise Bill should not pass before June;And it
was therefore his intention that the Bill sheuld be read
a second time o'n Monday, the 15th, if the House'would
allow it, and that the discussion be taken in Committee
An Hon. .Member opposite (Mr. Ewart) ;was, he be--
lieved, anxious to know if the Government proposed to
do anything respecting charitable trusts, 'and he (Sir
Robert Peel) had to state that he believed his . Noble.
Friend the Lord Chancellor would, that evening, in
another plaCe, give ni.itice. of a Bill upon the subject.
Another Hon: Member (Mr. Hume) was anxious to
know what progress had been made in opening:commu-
nications with Paraguay. A Commissioner had Peen
sent out there by the Government, but; unfertunately,
from his over-desire to make himself useful, he caused
great prejudice tube created, and he had been obliged
to leave the. country.—(Loud laughter.)' Since then,
however, news of a more satisfactory character, had been
received, arid he indulged the hope that England; in coni-
mon with France and Brakilg,' would he able to make some
progress in opening friendly and commercial communi-
cations with that part of the .World.--(Hear, hear.).
Mr. HUME trusted t he Government Would avail itself
of every opportunity- of extending communications with
that portion of the world, as ho belieited it would be
very beneficial in effecting a considerable extension of
commerce.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said he was satisfied with
the statement of the Right Hon. Baronet,, that at A
later part of the evening, or in the orders of the day,
they should be made acquainted with the routine which
Government would follow in regard to their measures
after Easter. With regard to the proposal as to the
Irish Franchise Bill, personally he had no objection to
it, but the Right Hon. Baronet' must not be'
surprised if any of the Irish Members who were not pre-
sent that evening should, on the proposal to go into a
Committee of Supply, on the first day after the holidays-,
think it proper tooppose that motion. • There had
been a very thin attendance of Irish Members
for some days, and the great majority of them
were doubtless whollythe unacquainted 'at the pre-
sent moment with
provisions of that .
Bill. There was another subject
aonf which he would
take that opportunity of, sayinge .ma(ry words to the
House. They had not' unhappily great progress
in legislation-before the Easter recess; tutinthey had cer-
tainly shown their loyalty;to the Crown
manner,.,. for they had voted most
almost • unanimously all % the supplies it had

been thought proper to ask at their hands.
Among those supplies was a large sum voted for the
maintenance of a considerabl?,
,nymber
_of,men„for, the
UV:Y. He was one of those, whty waS'inost willing to
concur in that vote ; but in considering the large amount
that was voted, he did think it necessary to say a few
words on this occasion, though he might raise a dis-
cussion on it hereafter, on the manner in which
that number of men was disposed of. With
respect to the number of men, though it
was considerably less .than the number voted in 1841,
yet it was very considerably more than in 1835. The
statement abroad was that the naval force in 'the Medi-
terranean was to be reduced to a very small number of
ships of the line; it was even said that only one ship of
the line was to be left in the Mediterranean. In that
case he must say that he did not think such a reduction
would be in accordance with the general policy of this
country. They must recollect that they had some im-
portant stations in the Mediterranean, and important
interests there that might call for their interposition.
There might not be at this moment any danger, nor any
prospect of other than amicable relations with foreign
Powers ; but should it be otherwise, and any
case for their interposition should arise, the
sudden augmentation of the navy that would be neces-
sary, would probably create great 'alarm. Even in the
present circumstances of the country, there was the
state of affairs in Morocco, there were insurrectionary
movements in Italy, and any circumstances of this kind
might give rise to the necessity of diplomatic represen-
tations to foreign Powers. So small a naval force, in
case of that necessity arising, would not be ade-
quate to giving support to the interests of the country.
He thought it necessary to make those observations with
respect to the disposal of the fleet in the Mediterranean.
Sir ROBERT PEEL confessed that he felt sur-
prised at the observations of the Noble Lord.
The Noble Lord did not allege that British interests had
suffered, but he stated that it would be advisable to have
a large force in the Mediterranean. Why, that might
be advisable with regard to any portion of the world,
and there might be good grounds for having a large
force in North America, the Pacific, and the Baltic.
This might be true, but he understood the sound con-
stitutional principle was to leave the appropriation of
the forces to the Executive Government. Now, the
Government thought it right to have a num-
ber of vessels for exercise in the Channel, which would
be ready upon any emergency. There was sometimes
great advantage in concentrating their forces. Let not
the Noble Lord suppose that their interests in the Me-
diterranean would be endangered because the fleet was
off the mouth of the Thames or in the Channel. The
Noble Lord should allow the Executive Government to
exercise its own discretion. No doubt their interests in
theliediterranean were important, but there might be
reasons for assembling tliem in another place, which
he was unwilling to enter upon. But if the Noble
Lord had a confidence in his judgment, which was just
in many respects--if he was prepared to take the com-
mand of the Channel fleet—(Much laughter)—surely
he might allow the Executive Government to take that
course which it seemed best for them to pursue.
Lord PALMERSTON said that he felt no want of
confidence in his Noble Friend—(Laughter)----in any
command in which resolution and determination would
be required.—( Hear.) And if his spirit and determination,
which were well known, were backed by the professional
skill of his Hon. and Gallant Friend the Member for
Marylebone, he thought they would be very formidable.
The disposition of the naval force was certainly to be
left at the discretion of the Executive Government, but
yet the Executive Government exercised that discretion
subject to any remarks which might be made in Parlia-
ment. That discretion certainly was to be exercised
subject to a responsibility to that House. He thought,
therefore, that his Noble Friend, in taking the opportu-
nity which he had taken of making these remarks before-
hand, and directing the consideration of the Govern-
ment to the subject, had not departed from the appro-
priate exercise of those functions which devolved on him
as a Member of that House. It was true that it was
only a question of prudence, according to the
existing state of things, whether we should concentrate
a large force on the home station, or distribute it more
eqqally among the different foreign stations, where its
presence might be required, not for purposes of hosti-
litY, but to give that moral effect and support to our
corimercial interests which the presence of a naval force
invariably afforded. In the present state of things, if
anything occurred requiring the presence of a large naval
force on the home station, it would be quite as easy to
order the force home from the Mediterranean as, to or-
der the force from the home station to the Mediterra-
nean, so that the argument of the Right Honourable
Baronet was equally applicable to either side of the
question. There certainly were grounds for hay
ing a large force in the Mediterranean, which
did lnot apply to the Baltic, the Pacific, or
c the oasts of the United States. We had. important sta-
tions in the Mediterranean—we had colonies there.
We;had Gibraltar, Malta; and the lonian Islands, there-
fore, it was natural that we should maintain a large
naval force there, and the maintenance of such de-
fence there implied nothing hostile or suspicious
towards foreign Powers ; but if a large force were
to be sent either to the Baltic, the coast of
the United States, or the Pacific, it would be supposed
either that we apprehended hostilities from some other
Powers, or that we intended' something against them.
Thei cases were not parallel. The question of the dis-
posableness of the force applied, as he had shown before,
as much to the one case as to the other. Our commer-
cial and political relations were of more importance
in the Mediterranean than anywhere else on the face of
the lobe. More things might happen there in which
the interests of Great Britain were concerned than
could happen elsewhere. If, therefore, the Government
intended only to maintain one sail of the line on
that I station, he contended that they would not
be ioroperly 'representing British interests in a
quarter in which they required the most scrupulous care
and attention. He could testify, from his own experi-
ence as Foreign Secretary, that nothing was more com-
mon khan for 'British merchants connected' with the
Mediterranean to apply for protection and assistance.
Considering the difficulties which might arise from time
to tit Q in that quarter, he thought it not a wise dis-
tribu ion of the naval forces to have only one ship of the
1 line i the Mediterranean, and not the ordinary amount
1
of foice' usual on former occasions. If it were a privi-
lege if Members of that House to criticise events after
they appened, he thought it a more useful privilege to
throat out suggestions before the occurrence of events.
Mri HUME was sorry to hear any objection to the
reduction of the naval force. lie had lately received a
letter'from a naval officer at, Malta, in which the writer
stated that there could be nothing more disadvantageous
to the interests of the navy than leaving large line- of-
battle -ships in the Mediterranean. They laid up at
Malt and other places there for twelve months, and
i. were uch exposed to losing theirldiscipline. He also
truste that the Right Hon. Bart. would see the necessity
lof re oving the swarm of gun-boats from the Shannon. •
REGISTRATION BILL (IRELAND).
a
- Mr.) WYSE cemplaitied of so early a day after Easter
being Ifixed for the second reading of this Bill, as had been
announced by. the Right Hon. Baronet opposite (Sir R.
Peel). If it was necessary that the Bill should come lute have opera on at once, it should been introduced at an
earlie period of the session. He thought it would be
i
more judiciousl6 defer the second reading until a later

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. . .
1. PEEL Said, he would not, on any account, press
,end reading of the Bill against the wish 'of Irish'
ers. Considering the feeling which appeared 'to
Irthe subject; he would postpone the 'second read-
he Bill from Monday (the 15th) until Friday.
i'WART ' wished' to know whether it was. the
i nof the Government to lay before the House any
r code of criminal laws, founded on the report of
mina': Law Commissioners.. He begged also to
Hon. Member for Lewes, whether' it was his
n to bring forward that evening his motion with
to probate duty.' .
. PEEL said he was not' prepared to introduce
to reform the criminal law of this country. • All
rmation on that subject was already in the pos-T
tiof the Hottie.' . " ' • '
ELPHINSTONE said that so many gentlemen
t town, that he 'Zilliiiikif would be desire,-
oring on thnt-evenitig the Motion to which the
',entlemauireterred. •
CHINA.

session

Mr.
had lef
hie to I
Hon. Q

Sir 1 I PEEL brought up certain dispatches respecting
li
China, mongst which was one with respect tolhe treaty
lately ntered into between this country and China.
Ordered to be laid on the table.
Mr. Ordered
was desirous that her Majesty's Govern.
rnent shhhld give the public a fa c-simile of the Chinese
treaty, With .an :English trainslation.—(Laughter.) He
tnought4t would be very acceptable to the public as a
matter of curiosity--(A laugh)—:and it would not be
very expensive. ._

Sir ROBERT PEEL begged to ask if the Hon. Mem-
l'inguage ?---(Laughter.)
Mem-
ber made a motion ? and if so, was it 'seconded by a
gentleman who-knew the Chinese
Mr. HAS I lE, whose observation was .not distinctly
heard in.the gallery, but excited much laughter in the
House, was understood to sa,y, that if • a motion were
made, he would second it -
SIR HENRY, POTTINGER. •
Sir R. PEEL said he could not lay upon the table "the
lash diplomatic paper from'Sir IL Pottinger—(who, after
a serviceofnearly halfacentury, had now retired, against
• the wishes and representations of the Government)--rwith-
flout bearing testimony to the singular ability, zeal; firmness,.
and discretion, with which he had. performed the duty
undertaken by him under critical and difficult circum-,
~stances, and performed by him in a manner-which se-
••cured to him the confidence and esteem of the Chinese
• Government, equally with that of 'the • Government.
Which he represented.—(Hear, hear.) He was•clisposed-
to say more upon the merits of that distinguished gen-.
tleman, but he was aware that a panegyric was weak-
•ened by being diluted.---(Rear,) He would only say,
that it was impossible to bear higher testimonythan he
could to the merits of Sir Henry Pottinger.—(Hear.)
Lord PALMERSTON rose to bear testimony to the
truth of the handsome eulogy
.which the Right. Hon.
Gentleman had passed upoirthat distinguished public
,officer.—(Hear,.hear.). He did not think that the eulogy
could be exaggerated, for those who witnessed .his .ser-
vices only regretted that he had not still greater oppor-
tunities of rendering services to his, ,conutry.. It .was
only by his own merits the gallant and distinguished officer
obtained the oppOrtunity of so well earnipg.the thanks •
of the Government and the..coliutry. . When he (Lord
PalmerSton) recommended to his colleagues the appoint-
u.ent,of •Sir Henry Pottinger, he did so without any
political:consideration. Indeed, up to the present m 0,.,
ment he did not know what Sir Henry's general
sentiments might be. When he (Lord
Pnltnerston) asked his colleagues to request the.
assistance of .Sir Henry Potting'',
and be
sonal acquaintance with him,. he had no per..
, was only led.
to make choice of him in consequence. of the ability
which he had displayed in. India. -.( Hear, hear.) He
must also say that it was only justice to the present Go-
vernment to state'that the successor of Sir Henry Pot-.
tinger had been selected.withotit any regard.to political

considerations, and solely on account of his distinguished
merits.

EMIGRATION,• 1.
Mr. C. BULLER, said the Noble Lord; the Seeretary
for the Colonies, had promised, On a former occasion,
that the-Report of th• Emigration Commissioners should
be laid on the table of the House before Parliament ad-
journed for the Easter holidays. He begged to ask .if
they might hope to receive it an early period?
Lord STANLEY said he was happy to say he was
able to realise his promise, inasmuch as he held the
Report in his hand.

The lon was subsequently brought up by the
Noble Lord and ordered to be laid upon the table.
IRISH FRANCHISE BILL.
Lord ELIOT brought up the Bill upon this subject,
for which leave was given last evening, and it was read
a first time.