The Sun.
London, England, 1850-08-13 00:00:00

THE FIRE AT GRAVESEND.

GRAVESEND, AUGUST 12.—The bench of magis-
trates were this day chiefly occupied in hearing cases
connected with the disastrous fira of yesterday morn-
ing. Among them 'Was one of a charge against a
fellow named William Belcher, for obstructing the
soldiers and police in the preservation of property-
from plunder by a gang of young scoundrels who
-were in company with him, and for assaulting
Corporal Daly of the 25th Regiment. The corporal
stated that he was on duty at the fire about three
o'clock yesterday morning, when he was told by a
gentleman that a gang of persons were breaking the
windows of several of the houses on fire, and other-
wise misconducting themselves. Witness observed
the prisoner as one of the most prominent of the
gang, and told him to " get out of the way." -He
refused, saying he had as good a right to be there as
a --- soldier. He then pushed up against wit-
ness, who again told him to go off, but he persisting
in attempting to force a way through the place where
witness was stationed, the latter put the butt end of
• his musket towards him and drove him a pace or two
back. Witness then turned round to call on his men
for assistance, as the mob were forcing him from his
position, when he received a blow of a stone on the
left temple which knocked him down. On recovering
his legs he saw the prisoner within about four yards
of him, in the custody of a soldier. He had observed
previously to being knocked down that the prisoner
had a stone in his hand.
Private Binney, of the 58th Regiment, saw Cor-
poral Daly knocked down by a blow of a stone, but
did not see the prisoner throw it. Observed before
that the prisoner took up a stone. He was then try-
ing to push past the corporal with a number of others
in the mob, who were with the utmost difficulty kept
from the place ordered to be kept clear. A gentleman

came up to witness as soon as the corporal was
knocked down, and told him to take the prisoner into
custody, which he did.
Private Brown, of the 58th Regiment, saw the pri-
soner throw a stone, but could not say that it was that
stone which: felled the corporal. Saw him have three
stones in his hand immediately before the corporal fell.
• Mr. Oakes, one of the Magistrates, said that,
though he did not see the stone thrown at the com-
plainant, he had observed him fall, and on turning
saw the prisoner close behind him. He had no doubt
whatever thitt the prisoner had thrown the stone, and
he directed the soldier to take him into custody.
Here he (Mr. Oakes) would take the opportunity to
• say that nothing could equal the forbearance and
moderation of the military in the performance of their
onerous duties, except their indefitigible exertions in
keeping order, and in aiding in the efforts to preserve
- property and to subJue this most disastrous and de•
structive fire.

The mayor and the other magistrates fully con-
curred in the justice of Mr. 04kes' observations upon
the conduct of the military. Mr. Oakes further
'ATM that a most disgracefully ill-conducted mob had
assembled and obstructed the authorities in their

duties, and instead of feeling sympathy for the suf-
ferers in this terrible calamity actually appeared to
•be rejoiced at it. It was in his opinion—and he was
sure his fellow-magistrates would agree with hiin-
- a-, disgrace to the town that such a degraded set
should form a portion of its inhabitants.
.The prisoner was fined 40:. and costs, but being
to-pay was sentenced to one month's impri-
•' -tionment and hard labour.
After the business of the court was over Mr.
Oakes stated to the other magistrates that it had been
~intimated to him that the fire had origine.tel in the
- hou,4e of Read (a cigar shop), and not in that of Mr.
Adlington (a grocer's shop), next door to it. Now,
he wished to know where this Read could be found.
Me Mayor said that he had also been told, and on
what F e believed to be good authority, that smoke
:was seen to issue from Read's house before fire was
discovered in the weather boarding of Adlington's
house. It was therefore necessary, in order to ascer-
tain the origin of the fire, to have both Adlington and
Read examined ; the former asserted from the begin-
„ ning that the fire broke through the wainscoting
into his house from Rear's.
Ivery inquiry, by direction of the magistrates,
. having been made for Read without effect, it was at
length intimated to them that he had left the town, or
at least bad not been seen since the fire.
- The superintendent of police (Mr. North) was then
• directed by the bench to find him out.
'There is so 'much suspicion, as it now seems, re-
specting the origin of the fire that it is said the Co-
roner will hold an inquest respecting it.
' The loss, as estimated by the surveyors of the va-
rious London insurance companies, who were engaged
the whole of the- day inquiring into the amount of
property, is 80,0001. The offices that will principally
„anffer are the following, and the amounts are reported
.Fire-office,- 10,0001. ; Globe, 8,000/. ;
Evehange, $,OOOl. ;.Alliance, 8,000/. • Norwich
.• Union, ; Pucenix, 7,000/. ; Mutual, 6,000/. ;
r;.West of England, 5,000/ ; Star, 3,000/. ; Commer-
cial, 2,000/.—total, 85,000/. .
The general body of tradespeople ,and inhabitants
of the town are loud in their complaints against the
corporation in not having an efficient corps of firemen
ind'exigine's established after the warning:they re-
ceived by the two previous fires, which it will be re-
collected consumed the greater part of the lower por-
tion of Gravesend.
The ruins still remain under the charge of the
London. brigade. -A great deal of fire remains in

various parts, but no further mischief is apprehended.
The largest building among the premises burnt
down was used as the London and County Bank. It
occupied much ground on the east side of High-
street, close to the Town-hall, and, with its contents,
was insured for 10,0001.. The clerks succeeded in
saving the whole of the books, cash, and papers be-
lcnging to the bank.
It was supposed that a man named Valiance had
lost his life daring the raging of the fire by the floors
of one of the houses 'in High-street falling on him.
We are happy to say it is not so; the police yesterday
ascertained that he escaped.
It is the general opinion of the inhabitants of the
town, that had the, corporation telegraphed for the
London engines when the fire was crossing High-
street, instead of waiting three hours, a very large
portion of the property would.have been preserved.
We understand the Coroner of the district has
been called on to hold an inquiry into all the circum-
stances connected with the fire.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.
COURT OF BANKRUPTCY, Aug. 12.
(Before Mr. Commissioner GouLncraN.)
IN BE COPELAND.

This 'bankrupt, Who had been engaged in the " tally
trade, ". came .up to pass his last examination. He
poaltrienced with no
.capital, and now owed 1,1061.,
to ine:t_ which, the assets were stated, debtors 3261.,
property 38/. The profits (for five years) were
13,1054 expenses 1,4771., losses 2,3611.
Mr. Dunoan supported the bankrupt.
. His HONOUR said the accounts were very ragged,
and afforded no. information. The official assignee
had been dodging through them the best way he
could, and thought that better accounts were nob to
be. got. These sort of " tally" books told nothing
autmtantially.
Mr. DUNCAN said he would. not put the accounts
before the , Couyt as being satisfactory, but as true,
and the best the bankrupt could render.
His HONOUR—Is it not usual for persons in the
" tally trade" to sell their books ? The Trade As-
signee—lt is, Sir.
His HONOUR—With all their innaccuracies ? The
Trade Assignee—Yes, Sir.
His• HONOVI—And when they are sold nobody bat
the bankrupt can get in the debts. No trade requires
watching more than this " tally trade." The bank-
rupt May pass, all points being reserved for the certi-
Ecate meeting.
Passed accordingly.
IN RE WILLIAM J. BUCK.
The bankrupt, late of Shrubland Cottages, Queen's
road, came up to pais his last examination. He has
not been in trade these last two years, but has been
living upon the dividends derivable from his wife's
property. In 1848 his debts were 1,603/. ; assets re-
turned at about 400/.

Mr. LUCAS, for the assignees, complained that his
clients had only just now been put in possession of
i
two books, containing mportant. items, and that
IN
another book, containing one agstaff's accounts
was not forthcoming.
His HONOUR said, with respect to the book pro-
duced (about the size of a small pocket diary), he did
not see that the items were important. They appeared
to be of this description : "I (bankrupt) went to bed,
and my E. B. (meaning his wife) was very quarrel-
sonie with me."—(Laughter.)
The bankrupt said that as to the missing book he
had destroyed it because it contained private entries,
showing the quarrels between himself and his wife.
His HONOUR said. that instead of this case being
headed "In the matter of William James Buck," he
could see from the opposition that it ought to be " In
a cause between 11/ agstaff and Buck." The Court
was of opinion that the bankrupt should pass. The
solicitor, Mr. KE-ig nley, who now appeared for the
assignee, had formerly acted as solicitor for the bank-
rupt.—Passed acco;:dingly.

FRIGHTFUL DEATH OF A YOUNG LADY.—On
Friday evening Mr. W. Carter, the coroner, held an inquest
at the Royal George Tarern, Doddington-grove, Kennington,
respecting the death of miss Sophia Beard, aged 30, who was
found dead in a garden at the rear of the residence of Mr.
Gunthorpe, a retired medical gentleman, living at No. 51,
iNewington-place, near 'Kennington-common. On Thursday
, ‘lll-..1 'evening Mr. Gunthorp, 3 had a party of young ladies, and at
welve o'clock the dec. cased retired to rest very cheerful. At
( a o'clock the next ) morning the family were alarmed by
ng the barking of a dog, and on going down stairs the
ased was found 13ring in the garden 'in her night-dress
ti„k",;,, „,,ie,-,:qtr.l! dead, having falben from her bed-room window, where
/I. opposed she had been attending to some flowers, as was
• usw..• Ibe jury , after a long inquiry, returned a ver-
s... d' of " Accidental d(
a •••

:

.~~.1 .~

DENMARK.

The following details of the explosion at Rends-
burg are taken from an official source :

About noon yesterday a terrific report was heard,
that shook the walls of the houses, broke all the
glass in the windows throughout the part of the
town in the vicinity of the building, and shattered
the tiling and slates of the roofs. For some
minutes all was consternation, and many imagined
that a bombardment of the town had begun,
and that a Danish shell had fallen into their
dwellings. Every one rushed from the upper rooms
to the ground floor or into the streets. It was soon
ascertained, however; that the laboratory on the
Eider island had exploded, and that some of the
houses nearest to it had been partially destroyed or
set on fire. A rocket blown upon the stabling of
the inn, the City of Hamburgh, set it in flames, but
by the prompt assistance of the military, who were
instantly called under arms, they were extinguished
without doing much damage. There must have
been, comparatively, but a small quantity of powder
'n the place, or the houses on the Parade could
:arcely have escaped destruction ; it was princi-
pally shells and shrapnels in their completed state
that exploded. The building in which the
Danish prisoners are quartered is close to the
laboratory, and the inmates and their guard rushed
into the street at the first alarm ; some of them
were wounded by falling splinters. Two horses
in a waggon standing on the Parade fell to the ground
after plunging violently when the explosion took
place, and were found dead. General \Villisen im-
mediately took every measure to remove the alarm
of the inhabitants. The whole garrison was under
arms in five minutes after the accident, and the fire-
engines, which have recently been put in good order
and exercised, were in readiness ; after an examina-
tion of the locality, the General issued the following
notice :

" The inhabitants of Rendsburg are informed that the
explosion which has just occurred is only the conse-
quence of some of the ammunition in the laboratory
having taken fire. The several magazines of the fortress
are out of danger, and beyond a few shells which are pro-
bably still lying in the building, no further explosion is to
be apprehended. The damage to the stores of the army
is quite unimportant, and only the loss of a few lives is
to be regretted. The inhabitants are hereby required
to put their houses again in repair, and not to allow this
misfortune to aeprive them of that calm confidence with
which they had till now met every occurrence.
"I cannot omit the expression of my thanks to the
people of Rendsburg for the prompt assistance they ren-
dered on this occasion. " V. WILLISEN.
" Rendsburg, August 7."

In the first alarm many of the people were im-
pressed with the belief that the explosion was caused
by some act of treachery, and had been the work of
Danish agents. That impression will probably re-
main, though the supposition is perfectly groundless.
To remove it the Civil Commissary at head•quarters,
M. Schow, published a proclamation, which, though
in part a repetition of General Willisen's, may be
added:—

" To calm the excitement in the public mind respect-
ing the explosion, by which a part of the laboratory of
the fortress has been blown up, I beg to inform them,
that though great damage has been done to the roofs
and windows of the houses in tho town, and
the loss of several lives is to be lamented, yet
the damage in a military point of view is not material.
The excident was caused by some splinters of iron
among the matter with which shrapnels were being
filled giving eat sparks in the process of pounding. It
is a remarkable fact that the nine workmen engaged in
this operation, and who were in the building where the
explosion took place, have not been injured.
.4 Rendsburg, Aug. 7." " CHII._SCEIOW.

Oa ,the west coast of Schleswig the Danes are
landing troops, and taking possession of the islands,
without encountering any resistance. They have thus
occupied. all the Island of Sylt. The whole of the
coast, as far south as Fohr, is in the hands of the
Danes ; and ftir the want of the means of defence by
sea, the liolsteiners regard the loss of all the islands
of the west coast as inevitable.

The Danish journals state that the number of men
and officers who have died of their wounds since the
battle of Idstedt, and been buried in the churchyards
of Flensburg, are—Danes, 456 privates and 33 offi-
cers ; Holsteiners, 148 privates and 12 officers. The
number still lying in the hospitals at Flensburg is
stated by the same authority to be 1,347. •
The Holstein prisoners of war, as they arrive at
Copenhagen, are placed on board a line-of-battle ship,
which has been prepared for their reception in the
same manner as in 1848.

THE HARVEST AND CROPS IN
SCOTLAND.

PERTEMIIRE.—We do not 'remember to have seen
the corn-fields pass from the green to the sear and
yellow so rapidly as they have done the last two
weeks. Indeed, we fear the transition has been too
sudden, and that in the rapid process there has not
- been time for thorough ripening. Harvest operations
are partially commenced, not in this quarter only
but even to the north of the Grampians, in A.thole
and Strathtay ; and there as well as here the crops
are all but ready for the scythe or sickle. Some
patches of oats were cut on the Muirton on Friday
last, and we believe they will commence their wheat
harvest on Friday (yesterday). We believe we are
correct in stating that reaping will be pretty general
in this neighbourhood and in the Carse of Gowrie
next week. It is worth noting, that in our compara-
tively high latitude and backward climate, the harvest
this season is nearly as early as in the south of En-
gland. There reaping operations did not commence
in earnest before this week.—Perthshire Advertiser.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS, Augyst 12.
The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Woolsack
at Five o'clock.

ABERDEENSIIIRE.—Drought has been the conti-
nual complaint during the whale summer, and up
to Monday there has been but few intervals in the
continued heat. The effect of this state of the weather
is very visible ; but withal, there is less cause of
complaint than might have been expected. The
crops are, of course, in many plaees very short ; but,
in general, the appearance, all things considered,
averages pretty well.—Aberdeen Herald.

-
• AYRSHIR A E 'ND WIGTONSHIRE.—The crops con-
tinue generally to increase in luxuriance. Both
oats and wheat promise to be heavy, beans look well,
and turnips are crowding the drills. We have seen a
large breadth of country since the date of our last,
both in Wigtonshire, about Glenluce, and in Ayr-
shire, and heard nothing but congratulations on the
expected bountiful harvest, in all but the potato crop,
which, it would be wrong to conceal, has again shown
unequivocal symptoms of disease. We think it is
worse in Wigtonshire than in Arysbire as yet. At far-
famed Auchness we have the testimony of two expe-
rienced Ayrshire farmers for stating that the 60 acres
of potatoes planted this year have been decidedly
smitten with the disease, the smell being unmistakeable
at a great distance. We have both seen and
heard of the disease in many less noted places in
Wigtonshire and Ayrshire. There is, however, an
unusually great breadth planted, which may prevent
scarcity. Hay is dearer than last year, owing chiefly
to having been well consumed last season. Thrashed
hay can be bought about 40s. to 453. per 100 stones
of 24 lb. ; but the finest green cut hay fetches from
50s. to 60s. per 100 stones.—Ayr Advertiser.
DUMFRIES-SHIRE. ••••• Reaping will be general
around Dumfries in from a fortnight to three weeks,
but various fields promise to be ready for the sickle
before that time.—Dumfries Courier.
ROXBURGIISHIRE.—Since our last the weather has
been exceedingly'mild and propitious for bringing to
maturity the crops. There have been frequent
showers, which have refreshed the turnip roots, and
have not to any extent lodged the corn crops, which
promise to be even more abundant and prolific than
the good harvest of last year.—Kelsa Chronide.
'FORTARSHIRE.—During the past eight days we
have had excellent weather for filling the cereal
crops and bringing them to maturity. The rains of
Tuesday and Wednesday morning having reached
the roots of the green crops, turnips and pasture
have greatly revived, while the potatoes, which
threatened to be small, will now swell, out, adding
perhaps a third to the weight on the acre. Within
these few days some patches of barley have been cut
in our Links ; and, we believe, cutting is now rapidly
going on at Dr. Guthrie, Eastern Dunlappy, as well
as at Captain Hawkins, on Cairnbank. Should the
present favourable weather continue, the barley har-
vest will be pretty general in the course of eight or
ten days. All around this neighbourhood the potato
crop has a most promising , appearance; and the
farmers are beginning to sell them off, with confi-
dence, 'by publid roup, as was wont to be the case
before the blight was known.—Montrose Standard.

PETITIONS.

Lord CAMPBELL presented a petition praying for
an alteration in the law for arraigning prisoners, and
that instead of being called on to plead not guilty, they
should plead that they wished to be tried.
Lord REDESDALE presented a petition from Port-
land against the Portland Harbour Bill.
NATIONAL GALLERY (EDINBURGH) BILL.
On the motion of the Earl of MOTO, this Bill was
read a third time and passed.
SPITALFIELDS AND SHOREDITCH NEW
STREET BILL.
This Bill was read a second time.
PORTLAND HARBOUR BILL. _ _ _

The Earl of CARLISLE moved the committal of
this Bill.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.—On Saturday last the
yearly meeting of the members of this society took place at
their gardens in the Regent's Park,when the chair was
taken by Masterton -lire, Esq., in the ab,ence of the Duke
of Norfolk, E.M., the President. The different reports of
the council, the auditors, and the curator, affordedaterial
evidences of the advance made during the season, and of
the increasing prosperity of the institution. The fellows
passed a resolution recommending to the council the imme-
diate erection of a building for museum, lecture-room,
and a considerable amount of subscriptions was reported
during the meeting to have
fellows were elected members of
been received for this express
object. The following eight
the council for the ensuing year, in the place of those going
out by rotation :—The Duke of Beaufort, Sir E. Kerrison,i
J. Olive, Esq., J. Hardwick, Esq., I. lleywood, E
dinge; and the Duke of Norfolk and Edward Marjori an 1.,
the Bishop of Durham, Lord S)ndes. and Viscountsci."bljair,ll
i'-a fi,wnaenreciarie-setaletcetmedLtrsescpoettaigeldy
detailedpres ide n and
ttreasurer.
aso
furt ehre.
i,
increased receipts from the subscriptions of members and
the exhibitions of plants and flowers. The total income of
the society from its various sources during the year ending
accounts
the 15th ultimo, had amounted to the large sum of 14,180/.
165., and the expenditure to 10,4801. 6s. 10(1., leaving a
balance of 3,7004 9s. 2d. cash in hand. After the votes of
thanks usual on such occasions had been passed, the meet-
ing adjourned.

Lord REDESDALE moved that it be referred to a
Select Committee, in order to give private parties op-
posed to the Bill an opportunity of being heard.
The Earl of CARLISLE thought all the parties in-
terested had already been heard both before a Com-
mission on the spot, and before a Select Committee of
the House of Commons, and the inhabitants of the island
had agreed to abide by the award of the Commissioners
of Woods and Forests.

Strangers were then ordered to withdraw, and their
Lordships divided, when there appeared—
Contents
(for the committal of the Bill) 18
Non•contents (for Lord Bedesdale's
amendment)
Majority for Ministers....
The Bill then passed through Committee.
MEDICAL CHARITIES (IRELAND) BILL.
On the order of the day for the second reading of
this Bill being read,
The Earl of LUCAN expressed a hope that this
Bill would be referred to a Select Committee up stairs.
Lord MONTEAGLE presented a petition from
Leitrim against this Bill. He hoped the. Bill would be
withdrawn, but that another Bill on the subject would
be introduced next session.
The Duke of LEINSTER said it was a most import-
ant measure, and if withdrawn, he. hoped it would be
introduced next session with amendments and improve-
ments.
Tho Earl of MOUNTCASHELL hoped the Bill
would be withdrawn.

The Earl of RODEN thought the subject was too
important to be pressed at this late period of the session.

;Elie Earl of ST.•GERMANS ho.ped the Noble Lords
on his side of the House would not object to affirm the
principle of the Bill, if the Goiernment would withdraw
it for the present session after the principle had been
affirmed.
The Earl of GLENGALL objected to the Bill alto-
gether. The medical men merely 'wanted places, and
then, like hogs in a' farmyard, who have the swill given
to them, would be quiet and contented, although before
the swill was given them they disturbed the peace of the
farmyard.
The Marquis Of CLANRICARDE thought it advisa-
ble that the principle of the Bill should be affirmed, and
after that had taken place he would not object, if the
wish of the House were that it should be withdrawn,
to withdraw it; but he left tho responsibility of with-
drawing it to their Lordships, Ho would, therefore,
move the second reading, with the entire understanding
that the Bill should not be proceeded with further.
The Earl of LUCAN approved of the principle of
central supervision. He would prefer the responsibility
of postponing this Bill to the responsibility of hurrying
it through their Lordships. He objected to the other
House legislating totally independently of this.
Lord REDESDALE said the Bill was introduced
into the House of Commons, and did not: reach their
Lordship: until August. •
The Marquis ot CLANRICARDE said there had been
several petitions presented in favour of the Bill, but not
one petition had been presented to their Lordships
against it.
The Bill was then reads second time.
SUMMARY JURISDICTIONS (IRELAND) BILL
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE moved that this
Bill be read a third time.
• The Earl ot LUCAN thought that some measure
should be adopted to prevent tenants running off
with their crops and' cheating• their landlords.
lie had objected to the Landlord and Tenant
Bill, but ha thotight some measure ought to
be adopted to put a stop to the present
system of plunder, and if the Government were in ear-
nest in this expressed desire to put a stop to it they
could not object to his motion. Ie proposed to insert a
clause giving to the Irish proprietor the same protection
that the English proprietor had. The Noble Earl then
proposed a clause; giving power to justices in petty
sessions to hear and adjudicate•upon complaints brought
by landlords against tenants for clandestinely removing
crops. _ .

The Marquis of CLANRICARDE objected to the
clause, as having no relation whatever to the Bill.
The landlord and tenaut question was one of such
importance that it could only be legislated for
as a whole; it would be most unjust and impolitic to
snake portions of the question the subject of a one-sided
and piecemeal legislation.
The Earl of GLENGALL supported the clause. It was
,only in consequence of the recommendation of the most
absurd of reports. the Devon Commission Report, that the
power of distraining on growing crops was taken away
from the Irish landlords; that was piecemeal legisla-
tion. He understood that in the concoction of that re-
port each Commissioner was permitted to recommend
his own nostrum.

Lord REDESDALE thought the clause ought to be
inserted, yet he could not forget that a Bill involving
this principle had been rejected by the House of Com-
mons, and he hoped his Noble Friend would withdraw
his clauie.
The Earl cf LUCAN was determined to press his
clause to a division.

Lord MONTEAGLE hoped the clause would not be
pressed, although he thought the subject ono demanding
legislative interference.
The Earl of LUCAN said the object of the House of
Commons was to remove all protection from the Irish
landlords.—(' No, no," from Earl Grey.) He was not sur-
prised at the interruption of the Noble Earl, as his relative
had opposed the Bill in the House of Commons. He was
astonished the Noble Earl had remained silent so long.
Earl GREY explained. He considered the report
was very fit for the consideration of Parliament, but he
thought it impolitic to risk the loss of this Bill by the
introduction of such a clause.
The Earl of LUCAN was determined to divide.
Strangers were then ordered to withdraw, and their
Lordships divided, when there appeared—
Contents (for the clause)
Non-contents ...
Majority for Ministers...
The.clatrie was consequently rejected.
The Earl of LUCAN said be could not allow the Bill
to pas without giving the House yet another opportu-
nity of doing simple justice to the landed proprietors of
Ireland. It was solely owing to the detective state of
the law that the system of evictions and the pulling-
down of houses prevailed to so unfortunate an extent in
that country, and which he could assure their Lordships
was quite contrary to the wishes of the proprietors. The
31st clause of this Bill invested the justices with juris-
diction over the occupiers of houses and parts of houses,
provided these houses were situated in a city. town, or
village; and he contended that if it were good to invest
the justices with this jurisdiction in regard to houses in
towns, it was equally good to extend it to houses and
lands in every part of the country. By doing this the
law in Ireland would also, to a certain extent, be assimi•
lated to the law of England. The Noble Earl then pro-
posed an amendment with this object in view, and said
that if the Noble Marquis opposite chose to reject the
amendment, upon him would rest the responsibility of all
the ejectments and pulling down of houses that might
occur during the approaching recess.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE opposed the amend-
ment, which was thereupon negatived without a division.
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE laid upon the table a
report from the Committee of Council upon Education,
an account of the proceedings of the Commissioners un-
der the Irish Encumbered Estates Act, and other papers,
by comrsiand of her Majesty.
CRIME AND OUTRAGE (IRELAND) BILL.
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE moved the first
reading of this Bill, which he stated had just been
brought up from the House of Commons. The Noble
Marquis explained that the Bill was, in substance, the
same as that which had already received their Lordships'
assent; but on its going down to the other House it was
discovered there that one of its clauses interfered with
the privileges of that House. In consequence, that Bill
was obliged to be laid aside; but another was at once
brought in, which had since passed the Commons, and
had now reached their Lordships' House. He begged
to move that the Bill be read a first time, and to give
notice that to-morrow be should move the suspension of
the standing orders, for the purpose of passing the Bill
without further delay.
The Bill was then read a first time.
The Commons' amendments on the Small Tenants
Rating Bill were agreed to.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES BILL.
Lord BEAUMONT moved the second reading of this
Bill, which, he said, had undergone considerable discus.
sion in the other House of Parliament, and which, as a
measure of necessity, it was of vital importance should
be passed in the present session.
Lord REDESDALE said that the Bill had not come
up from the Commons until Friday last, and that, there-
fore, it was almost impossible that their Lordships could
have given its, provisions the necessary consideration.
But independent of that circumstance, he objected to the
measure itself, as introducing a new principls with re-
ference to these societies, the effect of which would be to
legalize institutions which, though assuming to be pro-
vident in their character, might again become secret
societies, and prove most dangerous to the community.
He did not object to the second reading of the Bill, but
ho recommended the Noble Lord to strike out all those
words that make a difference between registered socie-
ties and eertiQcated societies.
Lord MONTEAGLE supported the measure, and was
glad to perceive that it dealt so effectually with the evils
of burial societies.
Lord REDESDALE suggested that the Bill should
be so worded as to oblige those societies to give up their
secret signs.

... ... 22
... -16•

The Bill wzls then read a second time.
The Poor Relief Bill was read a third time and passed.
The London Bridge Approaches Bill was read a first

The Customs Bill and the Stamp Duties (No. 2) Bill
severally went through Committee.
The Assizes (Ireland) Bill also went through Com-
a-0410%
The :Jan-It:is of CLA YWCA:IDE having moved that
the report upon the Securities (Ireland) Amendment
Bill be received,
The LORD CHANCELLOR reiterated many of the

On the 19th ult. the ship CharleF, Crooker, Duncan
master, cleared from Charleston for Liverpool with 523 b4les
of Sea Island and 3,667 bales of Upland cotton, weighing
1,681,0551b5., valued at 230,385 dollars 85 cents.; being the
largest and most valuable cargo ever exported from that port.

THE SUN, LOND:ON, TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 13, 1850.

objections he had urged against this Bill, and declared
his intention to oppose it in its present form. He
hoped, however, that the measure could be yet so
amended as to remove those objections which he enter-
tained towards it.

Lord GLENGALL supported the Bill, as he thought
that nothing could be fairer than the principle which it
involved.

The report was then brought up.
The Police Superannuation Fund Bill was read a third
time and passed.

The other Bills upon the paper were.then forwarded a
stage, and their Lordships adjourned.

ROUSE OF COMMOIYS, August 8.
The SPEAKER took the Chair in the new House at
Three o'clock.

session, perhaps, rendered it necessary, but he protested
against the pro3eedings which the House had lately wit-
nessed. - Formerly Honourable Members had the
Wednesday and Saturday to themielves, but now
they not only sat at all hours of the night,
but all hours of the day, and he fully expected that next
ses,ion they Would be callod to sit on Sundays.—(Hear.)
The report was then agreed to.
The Holyhead Harbour Bill was read a third time
and passed.
The Lords' amendments to the Commons' amendments
on the Ecllesiastical Commission Bill were considered
and agreed to.
LONDON-BRIDGE APPROACHES BILL.

PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The Lords' amendments to the followings Bills were
considered and agreed to:—
Hartlepool West Harbour and Docks.

Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway.
The Bills; were afterwards read a third time and passed.
STANDING ORDERS REVISION COMMITTEE.

Mr. W. PATEEN moved the adoption of the report
of the Standing Orders Revision Committee, and ex-
plained the alterations recommended by the Committee,
the tchief of which was that the officer of Breviates
should in future devote his entire services and attention
to the chairman of Ways and Means, with the view of
assisting him in disposing of the private business that
came before the House. The Committee also recom-
mended that the Chairman of the Ways and Means
should have power to make unopposed Bills opposed fur
the purpose of having their merits fully investigated.
Mr. LABOUCHERE thought the House could not do
better than adopt the alterations recommended by the
Committee, and took the opportunity of thanking the
Hon. Gentleman the Member for North Lancashire for
the time, care, and attention which he bad devoted to
the private business of the House.
Mr. BERNAL also added his weed of praise to the
acknowledgment of the Right Hon: the President of the
Board of Trade.

On the motion fur the third reading of this Bill,
'Air. HUME again took the opportunity of protesting
against the continuance of the coal tax, and hoped it
would be abolished es soon as po3sible.
The Bill was then read a third time, and passed.
The Union of Liberties with Counties (Ireland) Bill
was read a third time and pasSed.
The Improvement of Towns (Ireland) Bill was read
a second time.

The Court of Prerogative (Ireland) Bill passed through
Committee.
THE -RAJA OF SAT PARA..

Mr. HUME asked Sir. John flobhouse, the Pre-
sident of the Board of Control, what provision
had been made for the widow and adopted son
of the late Pertaub Sing, Raja of Sattara, now
detained in exile. at Benares, and the reasons for
withholding from the legal heir the private property of
which his late Highness was peesessed at the time of
his deposition, and which, according to the documents
on the table of the House, it was guaranteed by the
Governor of Bombay and by the political resident,
Colonel Ovans, should be held at his disposal? He was
very unwilling to trouble the House on this matter ;
but a sense of justice to the injured obliged him to put
that question to his Right Hon. Friend (Sir John Hob-
house). The House would allow him to state that the
late Pertauh Singh, Raja of Sattara, died in exile at
Benares, and that .his followers, amounting to several
hundreds, and his widow and adopted son remained
there. The widew and her adopted son expected that
a liberal provision would have been made to them in lieu
of the private property possessed by the late Raja at the
time of his deposition, which yielded an income of
about 167,0001. cieyeir. He (Hr. Hume) therefore
wished to ask his Right Honourable Friend (Sir John
Hobhouse) what measures had been taken with respect
to the family, and :what mai thci amount fixed for them.
By a return made to the House a few days ago it seemed
the Government of had refused to allow them
to take possession of the private property which belonged
to his late highness the Baja. That did appear to
him (Mr. Hume) an insulting and arbitrary course of
conduct, and he only wanted his Right Honourable
Friend to state what the arrangements were. Ho
did think this a case which called loudly for
justice to be done. The House had the statement
of the Governor of-the country that at the time of the
deposition of the Raja, whea the Government took
posseesion of his private property, that the value of that
property amounted to many thousand pounds. The Go-
vernment now refused to give any account of that pro-
perty, alleging that the 13,0001. a-year guaranteed to the
late Raja was in full of all demands. If there was
any undertaking with reference to this 12,0001., or that,
if it were to be allawed, it was to be in full of all de-
mands, such a document was unknown to the family,
and it was unknown to him (Mr. Hume). Under these
circumstances he really_ did. pat it to his Right Hon.
Friend (Sir John Hobhouse) and to the House, as a
matter of justice and humanity, whether the Govern-
ment were acting liberally to the widow and the adopted
son of the late Raja.

Mr. HUME thought the alterations which had been
recommended were great improvements, and had les-
sened the labour Connected with the private business;
but it was the opinion of two Committees that a large
proportion of the private business which now occupied a
great deal of the time of the House could be managed
without coining before the House at all. ,
After a few words from Mr. WILSON PATTEN,
. The report was adopted, the standing orders were
read, and the alterations made in them as recommended,

Sir J. lIOBHOUSE—Mr. Speaker, the question put
to mo by my Hon. Friend is in a great degree entered
on the paper to which he has alluded, that is to say,
with referenee to the provision the Government pro-
posed to make for the widow and the adopted son of
the late Pertaub Singh, Raja of Sattara. .My
Honourable Friend is aware, that when Sir
James Cameo first of all made a statement of the
previsio❑ intended for the family of the ex-Raja, the
statement given to the adopted Raja was that the
widow should receive 800 rupees a month after his death.
When he died, that sum was offered to the Re-
nee, the surviving widow, but she refused to
receive it, stating it was inadequate. In conse-
quence of the opinion so entertained by her,
the home authorities communicated with the Indian
authorities, and instructed them to make an. addition to
that sum, not only for the widow but also for the adopted
son ; and, as my Honourable Friend haa now stated,
the- sum which has been fixed on for the main-
tenance of the surviving widow and adopted son is ex-
: actly three times the amount which was fixed on by
the ainainistratien of Sir -James Carnac, when he made
- his first arrangement. Whether that sum is sufficient or
not admits of question ; but no person can say that
suf-
ficient attention has not been paid to this subject, when
exactly' three times the amount of allowance which was
originally proposed by Sir J. Carnac has been fixed on for
_the maintenance.of the surviving widow and adopted son.
Indeed it was not until the death of the ex-Raja that
the sum was said to be insufficient. My Honourable
_Friend - is miStaken when he says that there
was no understanding with reference to this
12,0001., or that if the 12,0001. a year were allowed
that it should be in full of all demands, for I hold
in my hand a copy of a letter which may
he ' seen in the Parliamentary papers of 1843,
page 296 a letter from the Secretary of
the Bombay Government to the Secretary of
the Government in India, that is to say
from Sir James Carnac to Lord Falkland—in
which these words occur: " The Government deem it
necessary to state that thoyhave gone into the whole
claim" advanced by the ex-Raja," that is with reference
to his private property, "and they think his claims
should bo declared inadmissible, except that which relates
to property, which can be shown to have belonged to
him privately. The 120,000 rupees, therefore, which are
to be paid to him, that is the 12,0001. a year for
himself, are to be paid in satisfaction of all demands
whatsoever against the Sattara Government." That was
the letter written by the Secretary at Bombay, which
will be seen, as I have stated, amongst the Parliamentary
papers, and which was communicated to the ex-Raja.
In fact, -I know he was 'cognizant of it and of the
Whole arrangement that was made not only
with himself, but with all the otter parties
for I happened at the time'to hold the same place that I
do now, and I remember that the 12,000 L, all things con-
sidered together, was thought to be ample remuneration.
With respect to the other part of what my Honour-
able Friend says, that there was a guarantee, I beg
to tell him that there was no guarantee, none
whatever, with respect to the private property of the
Raja. The only understanding that I ever heard of
was that whatever be could prove to be his private
property he should have, and my Hon. Friend must be
quite aware of this, that the reigning Raja, the
brother who succeeded him, complained that when he
went to Benares he took away with him more than was
his private property, both in jewels and in money.
My Honourable Friend says he was not deprived of
the money, hut at the same time the claim to it was ex-
amined by the Secretary to the Bombay Government,
and he, as well as Lord Falkland, declared this
claim to be inadmissible. Having said thus much,
I will inform my llotiourable Friend in public what I
have already told him in private, namely, that I think
this claim should be re-inquired into as far as pos-.
sible, and, I have written privately to Lord Falk-
land, telling him what my views are on the subject.
Very possibly on receiving my letter be will cause inquiry
to be made into the matter. I will also tell my Hon.
Friend that I think, with the G overnment, the allowance
was ample, so far as the ex-Baja was concerned; but I
must-who add that 'I do 'not agree with the Bombay
Government with regard to the allowance to the family
of the Ranee of Sattara,' and this will be seen' by the
papers.
ISLAND OF JERSEY.

Mr. HUME asked Sir G. Grey whether any measures
had been adopted by the Government of the island cf
Jersey to carry into effect,the alterations recommended
by the Commissioners that inquired and reported on the
state of law in that island?
Sir GEORGE GREY said the Government of the
island, in accordance with the recommendations of the
Commissioners, had made some very material alterations
in the criminal law, and those alterations, in com-
plianee with the usual course pursued on such occa-
sions, had been referred to the Attorney and Soli-
citor• General, and they were at present under their
consideration; and he had no doubt they would devote
that time and attention to them which the importance
and magnitude of the subject demanded.

THE RIVER PLATE.
Mr. SMYTHE asked the Foreign Secretary whether
there was any objection to lay before Parliament copies of
instructions to Mr. good, senior, Lard Howden, Captain
Gore, Mr. Hood, junior, and Mr. Southern, some-
time agents in La Plata ; whether our relations
with France in La Plata were of such a nature as to
afford any hope of a successful issue from the offer of
one good offices made in-the third article-of the new
Convention; and whether security to the lives and pro-
perty, of British subjects residing in the Banda Oriental
had been guaranteed?
Lord PALMERSTON replied, that as the instruc-
tions which had -been sent out in regard to the affairs
of La Plata •had concluded in a treaty, it would not be
consistent with his public slaty to produce the cor-
respondence, because it was obvious great inconveni-
ence might arise from such a course. That
treaty he considered to be very satisfactory. With re-
gard to our relations with France, the Govern-
ment had thought it better for the interest
of all parties to conclude their treaty with
General Roses and the Argentine Republic without
waiting the result of the negotiations which were going
on at the time in France. As regarded the security
afforded to British subjects, he had not the slightest ap-
prehension that their persons or property would bo sub-
ject.to any danger.
A messenger appeared at the table, and brought up
from the House of Lords the Duke of Cambridge's
Estate Bill, agreed to by their Lordships.
PROGRESS OF PUBLIC BUSINESS.
Sir B. HALL then rose to call the attention of the
House to a return headed " Public Bills," lately
printed by order of the House, with the view of making
some observations in regard to the progress of public
business during the present session, in the hope that next
session their time would be better occupied. He might
state at the outset, he thought, without fear,
of contradiction, that in no previous session, since the
passing of the Reform Act, had there been a nacre nazi-
desire to transact and get through the business.
Dueing the whole s,gsion they had eat 1,041 honre, had
hidd 149 sittings, over a space of twenty-five weeks, ex-
sive_of holidays, and/ averaging 100 hours for the

Wednesday sittingsi this gave 10 hours a day
for four days a week during the whole ses-
sion. All this was exclusive of :Committee,
work, to which most Hon. Members were obliged to at-
tend. He thought it would he advisable if, during the
recess, Government were to consider the subject and in
the next session bring forward some seggeetions which
should have the effect of remedying this of which he
compliiined, Last year the House. sat 932 hours, and
the Government passed eighty-nine Bills, whilst this
year up to the Ist of August they had only passed
fifty-eight. The Hon. Baronet then called the attention
of the House to a return of the name or title of every
public Bill ordered to be brought in during the present
session of Parliament, the date of such order, the dates
of the first reading, and the several stages of each Bill,
and the dates of every postponement between each stage
of the Bill, up to Wednesday, the 31st of July inclusive.
This return showed the number of Bills brought in by
the Government to be ninety-five. The Appointment to
Office Bill was read a first time on the 9th of
July, a second time on the 12th July, and
the Committee was deferred five times. The Australian
Colonies Government Bill was read a first time on the
llth of February, and passed through on the 6th of May.
The Brick Duties Bill was brought in on the 18th of
March, and passed without much opposition. The
Charitable Trusts Bill was brought in on the Bth of Fe-
bruary, the second reading was deferred eleven times,
the Committee thirteen times, the Bill was considered as
amended four times, the third reading deferred five
times, and lingered through the House till the 25th July.
The Chief Justices Salaries Bill was brought in on the
11th March, the Committee was deterred twice, there
were 11 other postponements, and nothing more was
heard of it till the Ist of August. Now be wished to remind
-the House that the Government had always carried any
Bill when they evinced a determination to do so, and as
a proof of this he would refer to the Duke of Cambridge's
Annuity Bill, whilst in other cases delays innumerable
had taken place. A great deal of time had been spent
in the introduction of Bills which were never intended to
be carried. The Fees (Court of Chancery) Bill was in-
troduced on the 25th of April; the second reeding was
deferred three times; the Committee 14 times; and on
25th of July it was withdrawn. The Highways Bill was
introduced on the 13th February; the Committee was
deferred 13 times; and on the 12th July it was with-
drawn. The Incorporation of Boroughs Confirmation
Bill was withdrawn under similar circumstances. The
Landlord and Tenant Bill was introduced on the 14th
February, deferred 15 times, and nothing more was
heard of it till the Ist August. The LOrd-Lieutenancy
Abolition Bill was brought in on the .17th May, and read
a second time on the 17th June, and aereed to almost
unanimously; and yet it was withdrawn on the 4th
July. But the Marlborough House Bill, which was
introduced on the 30th July, was about to become law.
The Mercantile Marine Bill was introduced on 11 th
Feb., the second reading was deferred five times, and
the Bill was then withdrawn and another introduced.
The Merchant Seamen's Fund Bill was introduced on
the 1 lth Feb., the second reeding was deferred
fifteen times, and it was withdrawn on the Bth July. The
Merchants Shipping Bill was brought in on the same
day, deterred five times, and withdrawn on the 19th April.
The Metropolitan Interments Bill was introduced on the
15th April, and passed on the 20th June, the Govern-
ment showing a determination to carry it through. The
Oath of Abjuration (Jews) Bill was brought in on the
30:11 May, the second reading was deterred four times,
and it was withdrawn on the 22d July. The Parochial
Assessments Bill was introduced on the Bth April, de-
ferred five times, and withdrawn on the Bth July. The
Public Health (Scotland) Bill was introduced on the 6th
March, read a second time on the 1201 April, and, after
the Committee had been deferred five times, was with-
drawn. The Savings Bank Bill was introduced on the
29th April, the second reading deferred eleven times,
and no further notice taken of it till-the Ist of August.
The Stamp Duties Bill was brought in on the 22d March,
and lingered on till the 10th May, when it was put off
for six months. Another Bill of this same hind was
brought in on the 16th May; the Committee was de-
ferred eleven times. and no notice was taken of it till the
let of August. The Woods and Forests Bill was
brought in on the 22d February, and no step was taken
till the 4th July, when it was withdrawn. Now,
what was the summary of useful measures which
had been passed up to the Ist of August ? The
Australian Colonies Bill, the Brick Duties Bill,
the Charitable Trusts Bill, the Mercantile Maxine
Bill, the Metropolitan Interments Bill,
,and the Parlia-
mentary Voters (Ireland) Bill. There was another Bill
which showed that the Government could pass measures
When they chose to do so—namely, the Ecclesiastical
Commission Bill. He trusted they would consider the
great evils which arose from this mode of conducting the
public businm,, and believed that if they would arrange
their business in a more efficient manner it would have a
beneficial effect on the plans of independent Members, by
whom fifty-eight Bills had been introduced and eighteen
passed. One of the great evils of the present system was
that Members scarcely knew what business was to be
proceeded with on Government nights. The Hbn.
Baronet concluded by moving for a return in continua-
tion of the paper headed " Public Bills," up to the pre.
sent time.

The motion having been seconded,
Lord J. RUSSELL said he could not agree with the
Hon. Baronet in the general purport of his remarks, for
it appeared to him that the House of Commons con-
ducted a greater amount of public business than any
other assembly in Europe. The Hon. Baronet said that
Hon. Members were not aware of the business intended
to be proceeded with on Government nights. Such' a
complaint might have been well-founded twenty or thirty
years ago, but he (Lord J. Russell) had altered
the system which formerly prevailed, by naming in
the votes the first two or three orders which
would take precedence and be likely to occupy
the time of the House; and a further regulation
had been made, that the orders should be taken
as they stood on the paper. The Hon. Baronet had
omitted to notice that a considerable' portion of time was
occupied with the estimates. When it was considered
that in the course of a month the Government had only
about ten nights, Hon. Members must be aware that
some five or six weeks were consumed in the considera•
lion of that department of the public service. Consider-
ing this circumstance, and the importance of the sub-
jects broueht forward for discussion, and the interest
taken by 'Hon. Members in many of those subjects, it
was almost surprising that the House should be able to
pass so many important Bills through their different
stages. The Hon. Baronet complained that many Bills
had been brought forward which were not proceeded
with. But there were various reasons for not always
pressing Bills forward. The Government considering a
Bill useful for the. public interest might feel completely
justified in introducing it; but Honourable Members
might take a different view of it, and the public might
entertain. such a strong feeling against it, that it might
be desirable eventually to withdraw it. He would just
mention the Education Bill, which was very much al-
tered, and subsequently given up. He considered the
Government not to blame either for introducing or aban-
doning a Bill, for it was impossible to foresee the impres-
sion which might exist either in the minds of Hon. Mem-
bers or the public. With respect to the Landlord and
Tenant (Iceland) Bill, that subject had been very much
considered. It was sent to a Committee, consisting
chiefly of Irish Members, and reported with amend-
ments, but when it was sent to Ireland it did not give
satisfaction. Then, with respect to the Lord-Lieute-
nancy Abolition Bill, which was generally approved of
by the House and the country—in that case a question
arose with respect to the appointment of a fourth Secre-
tary of State, respecting which considerable doubt was
entertained. Then with respect to the admission of the
Jews, the time intended to be devoted to that Bill was
occupied by the debate on foreign effairs, and if it had
been sent up to the other House at the beginning of
August, an objection might have been raised to the con-
sideration of a measure, of such importance at so late a
period. There mere several other Bills with respect to
which similar observations might be made. On the
Court of Chancery, and other Bills, Committees had
been sitting which entertained very different views from
the Government, and he did not think that the time
which those discussions had occupied had been lost, in-
asmuch as discussions of that nature frequently led to
the discovery of modes by which objections might be
obviated.—(Hear, hear.) Some Bills required and
often received long consideration, and he would just
mention the County Courts Bill as an instance. In
the year 1823 or 1824, Earl Spencer introduced a
Bill of that description, which was approved of by
everybody, but was not carried. It was re-introduced
by various Governments and not carried until 1846
after about 24 years' discussion. Perhaps if the Hon.
Baronet was at the head of the Ministry he might be
able to devise proper measures, and might succeed in
rendering all the details acceptable to Parliament. With
respect to the Woods and Forests Bill, the House might
recollect that after that Bill was introduced a change
took place in the office of the Woods and Forests which
rendered it desirable that extensive alterations should be
made in the Bill, Being desirous, that full time should
be given to his Noble Friend who was appointed to the
office of Chief Commissioner to consider the alterations
proposed, he had thought it better that the Bill should
be withdrawn. He should not go further into the va-
rious questions raised by the Hon. Baronet. There had
been several very important Bills introduced and carried
in the course of the session, on every one of which great
pains had been bestowed. The Australian Colonies Bill
had taken up a great portion of the time of the House;
but no one would deny that in the course of the discus-
sion various views had been developed by the Right
Hon. Gentleman the Member for Oxford, and:other
Hon. Members, which were well worthy the attention of
the House. Another measure of great importance—the
Metropolitan Interments Act—took up a considerable
share of their time.

Mr. BRIGHT—OnIy one night.
Sir B. HALL—It was discUssed chiefly in morning
sittings.
Lord J. RUSSELL said that the impression left on
his mind was, that it had been discussed at very great
length.—(A laugh.) He thought that local prejudices
had had a great effect in obstructing the progress of that
Bill, which, in his opinion, was a very useful and ne-
cessary measure of reform.—(Hoar, hear.) No doubt
one obstacle to speedy legislation now-a-days was the
increased number of Members desirous of discussing
measures. More attention was bestowed now on every
measufe brought forward than was formerly the case,
and consequently a greater portion of time was consumed
in legislation. In former days the debates were gene-
rally limited to four or five speakers, regarded as leading
Members; and on a great number of Bills pasted in former
days no traces of a debate existed. But now-a•days that
was not the case, and the result was, more time was con-
sumed in considering and discussing political measures.
However,
lee thought there was every ninon to be sa-
tisfied with the close attention which the House had he.
crowed pittetiesiffikir3 during the rresE.nt session. 'The
attention which had been given to the -various sulliets
brought before them, more parti..ularly to the ideti,,ro,
Titan Interments Bi,ll and to the Australian Colones
pill, confirmed hlin in the belief that there was no public