The Sun.
London, England, 1850-06-14 00:00:00

Cm tnittl gun;

LONDON, FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1850.

The Marriages Bill has at length passed through
Committee, and a day, we trust an early one, is to be
fixed for bringing up the report. The so-called
amendments, of which the 4onourable Members for
Plymouth and Cork had given notice, were, after
some discussion, negatived, and, notwithstanding the
frivolous and vexatious character of the opposition to
which it has been subjected, this just and salutary
measure as yet remains. unmutilated, and without
being deprived of its strength and efficacy. Every
mode by which its progress could be retarded was
adopted. On one occasion repeated motions for ad-
journment were brought forward, and four weeks
were suffered to elapse before it was again brought
forward. Vigorous efforts were then made to emas-
culate the Bill, which were happily frustrated, but a
similar interval of four weeks occurred before
it could again be brought under the consideration of
the House; and even last night it was gravely sug-
gested that the Chairman should report progress, and
ask leave to sit again, not because the Bill required
further discussion, or becanse any new matter re-
mained to be disposed of, but, on account of the in-
conveniences discovered in the; new House of Com-
mons, in which an evening sitting was held for the
first time. It was asserted that " Honourable Gen-
tlemen could not be distinctly heard," that " the
House was without ventilation," and that very un-
pleasant perfumes were in the neighbourhood, and,
therefore, the reasonable expectations of thou-
sands and tens of thousands of British citi-
zens, who were fainting under " the hope deferred
which maketh sick the heart," were again to be
disappointed by a further adjournment foran indefinite
period. These attempts were, however, as we have
already stated, completely frustrated, and the Bill
was passed through another stage in its progress.
Mr. ROUNDELL PALMER'S proposition, if adopted,
would, as Mr. WORTLEY justly remarked, have had
the effect of substituting ecclesiastical authority for
the law of the land. The proceedings in such courts
are not so very popular that it should be considered
desirable in any manner to extend their jurisdiction,
or to facilitate or encourage new prosecutions—we
had almost written " persecutions"—therein. The
Act 5 and 6 William IV., o. 54, was originally
passed for the purpose of prohibiting the
Ecclesiastical Courts from entertaining suits
in relation to such marriages, and the
clause which rendered all such marriages so-
lemnized after the passing of the Act absolutely
null and void, was slipped in by a Right Rev. Prelate
during its progress through the House of Lords, and
was only accepted by the popular branch of the Le-
gislature lest the measure should be altogether lost if
any difference of opinion occurred, and on the clear
understanding that the question should be placed on
a proper foundation during the next session. Yet
fifteen years have passed away, during which period
a formidable grievance, that has occasioned the
deepest misery to many persons and families of "re-
ligious and moral character," and been a direct in-
vasion on the " liberty of conscience," has flourished
in rank luxuriance ; and when a tardy remedy
is about to be conceded,- 'the House is
gravely asked to restore the jurisdiction of
the Ecclesiastical Courts, and to encourage a
repetition of those most annoying and vexatious
proceedings which are invariably instituted by some
vindictive and malignant enemy, under the empty
pretext of being pro solute anima of the inculpated
party. The days for ecclesiastical censures and pu-
nishments have passed away, never, we trust, to be
restored—Mr. PALMER'S motion was, therefore, most
justly and properly rejected by- a majority of 42
there being 145 against it, and 103 only in its
favour.

The other amendment proposed by the Hon. and
Gallant Gentleman the Member for Cork was similar
to that already brought forward by the Secretary-
at-War, the only difference being that Mr. FOx
MAULE desired to exempt Scotland, and Colonel
CHATTERTON Ireland, from the operation of the Act.
We have already so fully pointed out the in-
jurious results of making the law different in dif-
ferent parts of the country, and rendering
the legality of marriages dependent on a mere ques-
tion of " venue," that we may be excused from again
entering into the subject. We may, however, be
permitted to say, that if it were the object to dis-
gust the people of Ireland with British legislation,
and to loosen the bonds by which the countries are
connected, a better mode could not be adopted than
the proposed exemption. Ireland is, and ought to
be, to all intents and purposes, an integral portion of
the British empire, and anything calculated to pre-
vent that " consummation so devoutly to be wished
for," is in the highest degree impolitic and inex-
pedient.

Although we have thus congratulated the public on
the progress of the measure, we must emphatically
warn its friends against any relaxation of their ef-
forts. There are many shoals and quicksands to be
surmounted before the vessel arrives in harbour. It
has to pass through the House of Lords, and we
cannot yet judge as to what will be the manner of
its reception in that assembly. All parties, therefore;
must exert themselves strenuously and energetically,
lest the cup be struck from their lips, even at
the eleventh hour, and they be doomed to another
disappointment, which will be the more bitter in
proportion to the strength of the hopes they have
entertained.

We are rejoiced to find Mr, TURNER bringing his
great practical experience and learning to bear on the
cause of legal reform. The eminent qualifications of
the Hon. and L'arned Gentleman are so well known I
that it would be superfluous to utter a single word in
their favour, or to endeavour to show how useful an
ally he may become to the good cause. No person
has seen more of the defects of our system of Chan-
cery procedure, or could more forcibly illustrate the
evils of every-day occurrence; none could give
more valuable testimony as to the grievances which
so urgently require the enactment of adequate
remedies. But, unfortunately, the Hon. Gentleman
has
contracted habits of extraordinary caution during
his
to
which
heoushie might fairly
which prevent him from strik-
ing et the root of the evil and going to the extent
m pt
is,
not t
o rpt faetxrtliyaanted,
butreasonably l
merely
;tole
alleviate,ee d. His
athtteedisease,
not to restore the patient to perfect health,
but to mitigate some
of
the symptoms. His suggPs-
tions, if fully carried
will undoubtedly be steps
in the right direction; out,ction but he has dealt with
petty details, rather than
eraaltatheeriateto enpraebhleens the
e
d great;prin-
t
prin-
ciples. His object ;
Court to reform itself in certain •
minor matters than
to introduce directly great and comprehensive
changes under the authority of Parliament. We
have already seen how futile it is to hope that a Judge,
oppressed with the weight of busines:wehniecrho,.m e to must
necessarily be discharged, can apply his
the amendment of the practice, or the introduction of
judicious alterations in the working of the Masters'
offices, where the principal delays and expenses, are
now incurred. The nature of the remedies so ete..
gently required are obvious, but Mr. Tuanza, in
place of bringing i'orward the necessary alterations,
leaves it to the Judges themselves to do so, thus in-
vesting these learned functionaries with the duties and
privileges of the Legislature itself.
One glaring defect in the practice of the Court
will be removed by the present Bill. Hitherto it
has been the rule that there shall be no interference ,
unless full and complete justice can be rendered in
the premises. There might only be some minor
question at issue, which could be decided in a cheap
and expeditious manner, without embarrassing the

subject with a variety of matters on which there was
no difference of (pinion er any real difficulty: and
yet, before a decree coal b 3 pronounced, a
number of unnecessary parties would be brought
before the Court, and useless inquiries directed.
This it was that rendered proceedings in equity so
tedious and costly, so vexatious. and harassing to all
parties concerned. The greatest practical injustice
resulted from this attempt "to work out a perfect
system of justice." This is the abuse against which
Mr. TURNER'S Bill is chiefly directed. In place of
the preliminary inquiries, in which so much time and
money, is unnecessarily consumed before the opinion
of the Court can be obtained on the only matters re-
quiring its interpretation and construction, it provides
that.parties may "agree upon a special case, which
shall be at once filed in the clerk's office, and in re-
gular course be submitted to the Court for its deci-
sion.,' This is unquestionably a most valuable amelio-
ration, that will lead to the most beneficial results.
The true intent and meaning of a doubtful clause in
any deed, will, or other instrument, may be at once
determined without the estate being necessarily in-
volved in a tedious and expensive suit, which in too
many instances swallows up the entire amount,
and leaves the empty shells to the litigant
parties, while the " oyster" becomes the property of
the sawyers concerned.
It is also proposed to give greater security to ad-
ministrators and trustees, who fairly distribute, under
the direction of the Court, the funds in their posses-
sion, against the consequences of dormant claims of
which they could not possibly be cognizant. No
person would willingly undertake a duty which
would leave him for an indefinite period liable for
such demand ; although he had paid away all the
money at his disposal to the parties supposed to be
entitled thereto, the assets themselves, and the parties
to whom they are handed over, will still be liable to
any such claim, but the party through whose hands
they passed will be exonerated from any further
I responsibility.
Other points of practice are also referred to in the
present measure, among which we may notice that
it is intended to give the Court the power of hearing
and directly deciding upon applications, which, how-
ever clear, must now be referred to a Master,
in whose office they will be long retained
with very heavy costs, and whose decision
will not be binding, as they may, and in the majority
of instances are again taken before the Court on ex-
ceptions. It is also proposed that proof by affidavits
may be received in certain cases, and that power be
given to the Court to make general rules and order?,
which are to be laid before Parliament, and to be
binding from the time of making, unless objected to
by the vote of either House.
These are unquestionably valuable improvements,
but, as we have already stated, much more must be
effected before the public will be fully contented, and
the complaints, which are at present so loud and
numerous, will cease to be heard throughout the laud.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris journals of yesterday.
An interview had taken place at the Palace of the
Elysee between the PRESIDENT of the Republic and
the leaders of the majority, MM. BEUGNOT, MOLE,
and DR BROGLIE; when, it is understood, mu-
tual explanations took place in regard to the pro-
jected dotation. The Prince distinctly reiterated his
former assurances of good faith, declaring his resolute
determination to fulfil his political engagements, and to
refrain from all efforts to secure merely personal ad-
vantages—at any rate, leaving everything to the
spontaneous will of the population. After thanking
Louis NAPOLEON for his candour, the members
of the deputation deelated that their only
anxiety was as to the effects likely to be
produced by the 13i11 of Dotation. The result
of the whole conference seems to have been highly
satisfactory to the PRESIDENT, and strong expecta-
tions are beginning to benntertained that the measure
will be adopted—accompanied, may be, by the inti-
mation that no future extension of the grant must be
expected.
Meanwhile M. Emus DE GIRARDIN appears to be
preparing the way for his entrance into the Assembly
by renewed attacks upon the Prince of a more viru-
lent kind than any he has hitherto indulged in. His
sneers at the expenditure of the PRESIDENT are 101-1
1 lowed in the Presse by a sarcastic declaration that
no change can be anticipated in the Cabinet, seeing
that if the present Ministry were to go out, the
Prince would be reduced to the necessity of se•
lecting their successors from among the fre-
quenters of bis antichambers at the Ely El. In
the tone of these satirical strictures it is not
difficult to detect a latent confidence on the
part of M. DR GIRARDIN of speedily assuming
the rank and responsibilities of a legislator. Nor is
this confidence apparently premature, seeing that
while, according to the latest accounts from the kiss
Rhin, the editor of La Prissy has already secured
upwards of 30,000 rotes, the Government candidate has
barely obtained more than 20,000. Probably before
our impression is printed we may be enabled to give
later particulars respecting tbis important electioneer-
ing contest. Another popular candidate having
secured to himself 10,000 votes, the majority
of M. EMILE DE GIRARDIN has been thereby so much
diminished. For this we may thank the animosity
of the National. But in spite of every adverse in-
fluence, it is almost a matter of certainty that M. DR
GIRARDIN has no cause to fear the Ministerial inte-
rests of M. MULLER, or the Republican interests of
111. LEICUTENBERGER.

In regard to the subject of M. Du GIRARDIN'S sat.
casms, something seems necessary to be done, and
that speedily, as the Prince's incumbrances are be-
coming pressing, and even exceed, it is said, the ori-
ginal estimate of 60,000/. sterling. The income
which the Prince derives from the State at present
consists of the original grant of 600,000 f. a year, the
grant of 600,000 f. for frais de representation,
400,000 f. which he is allowed yearly for lighting,
warming, and keeping up the personnel of the &lybee ;
and the Minister of the Interior bestows upon the
Prince about 10,000 f. every month out of the funds
at bis disposal for public purposes. Thus the Prince
has an income of 1,720,000 f, amounting to nearly
69,000/. sterling a year.
Elsewhere will be found the announcement of
M. 'MIKES' arrival in London, and of his
cordial reception in the precincts of the House of
Peers by the Marquis of LANSDOWNE and Lord PAL•
MERSTON. A new report in regard to his journey
is now afloat, to the effect that a manifesto will
shortly be forthcoming from the hands of Louis
PHILIPPE, expressing his contrition at having con-
sented in 1830 to supplant the elder and " legiti-
mate " branch of the House of Bourbon.

Upon this subject the National observes as follows :
" If our information is correct, we are about to have
a manifesto from St. Leonard's. This manifesto will 1:•s
an act of contrition. A. certain usurper will in that
document confess his fault—tnea culpa. As an attenu-
ating circumstance, he will allege that he bad
always, in petto, had the intention of restoring
to those who had the right to it an inheritance
i,f which be had momentarily taken possession, with the
view of renewing at a lat,,r period. and on the first fa-
vourable occasion, what is called the chain of the time.
An ancient member of the illegitimate monarchy, M. D.
(Duchatel), who is hawking about this manifesto,
praises it so highly that he is suspected of being the
author of it."

Yesterday the National was tried for a libel on the
PRESIDENT of the Republic' as well as an attack on
the Constitution and the Government. The jury
brought in a verdict of acquittal.
The editor of the Voix du Peuple was condemned
to two years' imprisonment, and a fine of 2,000 francs,
for a libel on the administrators of the Hospital of
St. Germain ; and the Napoleon, that was accused of
an attack on the Constitution, was acquitted.
During Wednesday's sitting of the Assembly, the
Bill for the annual grant for pensions of the persons
wounded in the revolution
.of February was rejected
by a inajoriry of 372 to 226.
Prior to the debate which terminated with this
division, the Assembly adopted, without discusssion,
the preject of law relating to the completion of the
tomb of the Emperor NAPOLEON. The demand made
by General PELET that the projected amount should
be augmented by the sum of 200,000 f., to be ex-
pended on an equestrian statue of the Emperor, as
originally intended, to, be raised in the ring of
the Esplanade of the lovalides—a demand made by him
"in the name of the veterans of tit,- old
army, in the name of the remnants of the imperial
guard, in the name of the six millions of votes which
testified the undying devotion and love entertained
by the French people towards the memory of the
Emperor NaPoLcoN"—was rejected by the Legis•
Were.

Alluding to the misunderstandings which have
arisen between France and England in regard to the
Greek question, and referring e.pecially to those
recent interviews between the PRESIDE/4T and the
English Ambassador, which promise the speedy and
amicable settlement of the affair, the Pays has the
subjoined observations :--
"Lord Normanby, who has not lf f for London, and
who comes every day from Versailles, where he at pre-
sent reside+, had a three hours' conference on Tuesday
with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The question of
the difference between France and England. on the sub-
ject of Greece, and the examination of the means of
arriving. at
.a definite solution, were the objects of this
long winnow. All the difficulties are not yet smoothed