The Sun.
London, England, 1845-08-01 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAI MORNING, AUGUST 1, 1845.

genus omne, against his Irish colleges scheme, is not half
so damaging as this advocacy of his soi-disant friend.
Meanwhile, let all free-traders " read, mark, learn, and
inwardly digest" an extract from this same article.
" And new, before we lay aside the pen, let us say one word
to our agricultural friends—to those among our readers whose
leaning in regard to commerce generally is towards the protec-
tive system, and adverse to what is called free-trade. Whether
it be for right or for wrong, they may rest assured that the
days for protective duties are numbered. Corn-laws, like na-
vigation-laws, and laws against the exportation of machinery,
have received their death-blow; and not all the indignation of
some, and the regrets of more, will save them. Nevertheless,
our Tory friends must seek comfort in the reflection, that with
Toryism, properly so called, such laws have no connexion.
There was no such thing as a duty on corn imported from
abroad, either before the revolution of 1698, or for many a
year afterwards."
We care not whether the free-trade policy be Tory
policy, or Whig policy, so that it be followed. We ac-
cept the confession, that " the days for protective duties
are numbered," and the monopolists are perfectly wel
come to all the comfort they c►n derive from the reflec-
tion," that with Toryism, properly so called, such I:ws
have no connexion." The straw is beginning to move,
and the following passage, from the same article, looks
as if Sir Robart were preparing for a free-trade budget
in 1846 :
" It will be ungenerous, therefore, and unfair, to blame Sir
Robert Peel for returning to the usages of his Tory predeces-
sors—a course which we suspect that neither he, nor any other
Minister of the Crown could, under the new constitution of
1832, very long avoid."
If free trade was the usage of his predecessors, the
sooner the Premier returns to that usage the better.
This is the only political article in Fraser, but it is most
valuable as a revelation of the future policy of
the Ministry on the all-important qiiostion of
free-trade. The other papers of this number
are literary, and they fully sustain the high character of
Regina. " Something between the Showers," is a de-
lightful paper, de omnibus rebus et guibusdam aliis, ex-
hibiting a degree of scholarship, of which even Butler
or Burton might have been proud. Some notices
of Lord RoLertson's "Leaves for a Journal," is a grace-
ful tribute to the memory of one who, as Sir Morgan
O'Doherty, essentially contributed to raise Regina to
her present eminence. Full justice is done in this article
to the genius and attainments of the great Scotch
lawyer ; and in the article, entitled, " The Late Sir
William Follett," the very best account that has yet ap-
peared, is given of the career of the great English
lawyer. Unfortunately for his future fame, Sir W.
Follett was merely a great lawyer, and as the author
justly observes :
" For the existing generation of lawyers, the name of Follett
will live; but it is painful to think, that when his contempo-
raries are gone, no records or traces of the man will survive,
either as an author, ar, advocate, a legislator, or a judge."
We have, in addition to these articles, a spirited
"Biography of Marshal Gaisson," the aide-de-camp of
Gustavus Adolphus—the rough soldier-friend of Cardi-
nal Richelieu, and the honest man, par excellence, of the
corrupt Court of Louis XIII. and Anne of Austria ; ar
elaborate review of the "Memoirs of Lady Hester Stan-
hope;" a " Sketch of the Life of Velasquez, the great
Spanish painter ;" and various other literary articles of
great merit.

SPORTING MAGAZINE.
The present number of this magazine fully main-
tains the high character which its predecessors have ac-
quired. The paper on the " Duties of Grooms," is ex-
cellent, and should be studied by every gentleman who
keeps a groom, and by every groom who wishes to enter
the service of a gentleman. The illustrations of this
Number, are a portrait of Merry Monarch, the winner of
the Derby, and a drawing of the Emperor's Cup, which
was run for at Ascot.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.

LONDON AND MANCHESTER DIRECT INDE
PENDENT RAILWAY with a BRANCH THROUGH
THE STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERIES TO CREWE.
(Remington's Line).
Amongst the numerous, we might almost say innume-
rable projects of lines with which the public journals
and the public mind are filled to very repletion, we
have no hesitation in at once pointing to the above
as the most simple in its proposed operation, the most impor-
tant in its probable result. There are many reasons for this,
which cannot fail, as we think, to strike all who calmly and
fairly consider the subject. In the first place, it is a line, as
its heading clearly states, both " Direct and Independent,"
running almost as the crow flies, from the commercial capital
to the court capital of this vast empire; an easy, economical,
certain, and speedy communication, both for man and the pro-
duce of man's labour, from the manufacturing to the metropo-
litan head quarters. In the second, it is a scheme which will, if,
and when, eventually carried in its purity and its integrity, be a
knock down blow to the long nourished notion of Birmingham
and Great Western infallibility, and although we are anything
but ill-wishers to the prosperity of either of those great under
takings, yet it is oar firm opinion that this latter consideratic
is, or should be, in itself quite sufficient to make the publ*
qua public hail the proposed line with equal satisfaction and
sincerity.
There are many and peculiar matters connected with the
history of this scheme which present it, apart from weightier
considerations, as one of considerable interest to the railway
world—but into these it is not our intention in the present article
to enter. There is also, or to speak more correctly, there is to
be, a rival line, but until that rival line shall be in a sufficiently
matured state to speak to some extent for itself, we think it
would be as useless as unbecoming in us to enter into the
question of the real or supposed relative merits of the two pro-
jects, and we shall therefore, for the present, content ourselve
with a brief and succinct account of " Remington's Line;
not as it was last year, or as it might have been, or ought tt
have been at any time, but simply and straightforwardly,
as it is.
Its main object, then, is, as we have already stated, to give
to the commercial, manufacturing, and trading world, and to
the public in general, the shortest and most economical railway
route possible between the two most important termini in Eng-
land. With this chief and grand view in the outset, the
" Direct London and Manchester" will take for its starting
place, at the former locale, King's-cross, one of the most con-
venient and most centrically situated spots on the north side of
the metropolis. From this it will pass round Musviell-hill,
and then will take a line passing through or near Friern
Barnet, Chipping Barnet, St. Alban's, Luton, Selsoe,
Arnpthill, Bedford, Wellingborough, Kettering, Market
Yarborough, Leicester, Ashby-de-la-touch, Barton, Uttox-
eter, Cheadle, Leek, Macclesfield, and Stockport, to Manchester.
The length of the entire line, as above laid down, is stated by
its engineer to be under 177 miles • and when we come to con-
sider the unequalled importance of the termini, and theca'
consequence of the different districts through which 'it
tined to pass—when we consider, also, to what an extent the
country between London and Manchester is at this moment
intersected by existing or projected lines, we really think that
Mr. Remington has exhibited no small portion of ingenuity,
to give it no higher name, in thus contriving to get 177 miles
of really independent railroad.
Besides the places already enumerated, as either on or near
the proposed line, there are to be added those actual lines of
industry and activity, Bury, Bolton, Ashton-under-Line, and
Oldham, cum multis aliis—all of which must be more or less
benefited by it.
Again, it may be remarked, that the thickly-populated dis-
tricts between the metropolis and St. Alban's, together with
the important town of Bedford itself, and the entire country
north of it to Leicester, are at present utterly without the ad-
vantage of railway communication with each other or with
London. Looking a little, also, into futurity, as in such
matters we always should do, we cannot but foresee the more
than likelihood of this trunk becoming eventually the " father
of a line" of railway communication between the English and
Scotch capitals, and even between London aad Glasgow, and
the entire north and north-east of Scotland.
Within a short time—indeed a very short time—this project
has sprung from inactivity and depression into vigour and the
fairest promise. It is not many weeks since one was almost
laughed at if, while lamenting its actual state of torpidity, one
were bold enough even to hint at its possible resuscitation from
an untimely grave. An honest expression of one's hope that
what, it must be confessed, looked like death, would turn out to
be only a trance, was rewarded by at the least a most contemp-
tuous smile. Now mark the change ; a great deal of patience,
and no small portion of perseverance, on the part of its pro-
jectors, is already repaid by the most unmistakeable signs and
symptoms of thew' scheme's well-being and well-doing.
There is yet one important feature of this line which we
must by no means overlook—and this for two considerations.
The one its own intrinsic value ; the other its relative value as
regards Liverpool. The branch to the Potteries which has
lately been proposed, and received with such enthusiasm not
only by those principally concerned, but by the public gene-
rally, will give to the entire of that populous and (if we may
be allowed the expression) paying district which is comprised
between Uttoxeter and Crewe, the most ready way and avail-
able means of communication thence to London, while this
same branch line will most unquestionably offer to Liver-
pool the nearest railway communication from London.
By the time our next number shall appear we shall doubtless
be in a position to go more fully and minutely into the details
of this line. In the meantime, we think we have said quite
enough to show any one of even common observation that for
direct and contingent—for positive and probable advantages,
both to public and proprietor—few lines that have ever been
projected have been so rich in premises and in promises—both,
too, equally well-founded and well-grounded. Railway
Register.

TILE STEWARTRY OF KIRCUDBRIGHT.—A vacancy
in the representation of the Stewartry has occurred by the lamented
death of Mr. Murray, of Broughton. A new writ has not yet been
moved for, and we believe that no arrangements have yet been
entered into by either party. There will be a road-meeting in
Castle-Douglas to-day, attended by many proprietors in the county,
when some steps will probably be taken in the matter. As
Mr. Murray, at the last election, had a majority of upwards
of four hundred, a Liberal candidate has every prospect of success ;
and will probably not have to contest the election, now that the
present Parliament approaches to dissolution. We trust, how-
ever, that the Liberal party in the Stewartry are prepared for
vigorous action, should such prove necessary.—Dumfries Courier.
Since the above was written we are enabled, from authority, to
state that Mr. M. C. Maxwell,:of Terregles, has been requested by a
numerous body of the electors to come forward as a candidate to
represent the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright in Parliament, and that
he has consented to do so.— Chronicle.
LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET, JULY 29.—Our ar-
rivals since this day se'nnight from Ireland are considerable.
Towards the middle and close of last week a large business was
passing here in Wheat at advancig prices; Irish was most In
favour, and the sales both to arrive and now in store were very
extensive. Bonded Wheat and Flour were also dealt in, but
necessarily to a small extent, as stocks are light and little was
offering. Casting an eye at the official statement of Wheat and
Flour in bond on the sth of this month, it will be seen that in
case of need we have only there about twelve days' supply of bread
prevision to fall back upon : a perilous state for this kingdom to be
brought to, which is mainly attributable to our most impolitic and
unholy corn-laws ; they feed the few, but endanger the many.
The stock of United States Flour in Liverpool, under lock, this
day, consists of 96,385 barrels, of which about 15,000 are sweet,
the remainder sour ; and should the new Wheat want help, this
article, owing to the low coarse quality of the Baltic Wheat, will be
of unusual value, as it will give strength and colour also : as yet it
has advanced very little the last few weeks, but its value may be
better known soon. Exported coastwise from the 22d to the 28th
inst., 255 sacks and 209 barrels Flour. To day's market was well
attended, and a fair extent of business done in Wheat at fully 3d.
per 701bs. over the rates of this day week. Oats were rather
firmer, and few offering ; other spring Grain steady in value. Sack
Flour 2s. per 2801bs. dearer, and barrel Flour advanced 2s. per
1961b5. Oatmeal brought former rates.
We were half afraid, on seeing the announcement
of a work entitled " The Royal Favourite," that the public was
threatened with a more than thrice told tale of Essex or Lei-
cester, Orloff or Potemkin, Sarah Jennings or Mrs. Masham.
But no, the Royal Favourite, we are informed, is a living per-
sonage, and the novel, a tale of theday, abounding in the most
piquant details.and stuffing adventures,

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF, LORDS, July 31.
COMMITTEE FOR PRIVILEGES.
Their Lordships sat in a Committee for Privileges to-
day at Four o'clock.
The Peers present were the Lord Chancellor, the Earl
~f Shaftesbury, the Earl of Redesdale, Lord Monteagle,
Lord Gage, Lord Colborne, and the Bishop of Ely.
'THE CLAIM OF THE EARL OF LIMERICK.
Their Lordships, after hearing counsel and examinin
witnesses, resolved that the present Earl of Limerick
had made out his claim to vote at the election of repre-
sentative Peers for Ireland.
ROYAL ASSENT.
The royal assent was given to• day (by Commission)
to the following Bills :—The Spirits Duties (Guernsey
and Jersey) Bill, the Stock and Unclaimed Dividends
Bill, the Church Building Acts Bill, the Militia Enrol-
ment Bill, an Act for the relief of persons of the Jewish
religion elected to municipal offices, an Act to amend the
Law respecting Defamatory Words and Libels, an Act
to stay Execution of J udgment for Misdemeanours upon
giving Bail in Error, an Act to extend the Indemnity of
Members of Art-Unions against certain Penalties,
an Act to facilitate the completion of a Geological
Survey of Great Britain and Ireland under the
direction of the First Commissioner for the time
being of her Majesty's Woods and Forests, the Loan
Societies Bill, a Bill to amend an Act of the 7th of Wil-
liam IV., for preventing the eldvertising of Foreign and
other illegal Lotteries, and to discontinue certain Actions
commenced under the provisions of that Bill, the Turn-
pike-roads Bill, the Highways (England) Bill, the
Shrewsbury and Holyhead Roads Bill, the Rothweg
Gaol Bill, the Turnpike Acts Bill, the Turnpike Trusts
Consolidation (South Wales) Bill, the Drainage Bill,
the Colleges (Ireland) Bill, the Archbishops and Bishops
(Ireland) Bill, the Unlawful Oaths (Ireland) Bill, the
Jurors Books (Ireland) Bill, the Spirits (Ireland)
Bill, the Union and Division of Parishes (Ireland) Bill,
the Thames and Medway Canal Bill, the Falmouth
Harbour Bill, the Cromford Canal Bill, the Sheffield
Waterworks Bill, the St. Helen's Improvement Bill,
the Bermondsey Improvement Bill, the Westminster
Improvement Bill, the Taeumshin Lake Bill, the
St. Matthew's Bethnal Green Rectory Bill, Mordan
College Bill, Hawkins's Estate Bill, Mainwaring's Estate
Bill, Lord Monson's Estate Bill, Gildart's Estate Bill,
Heaviside's Divorce Bill, and the following Railway
Bills
Wear Valley,
Aberdeen,
Norwich, Brandon, and East Dereham,
Bristol and Exeter Extension,
London and Birmingham leasing of the Weil London,
South Western Extension,
Dundee and Perth,
Edinburgh and Northern,
Aberdare,
Clydesdale Junction,
Scottish Central,
Caledonian,
Newcastle and Berwick,
Hawick and Roxburgh,
Liverpool, Wigan, Bolton, and Bury,
South Eastern (Tunbridge Wells Branch),
Newport and Pontypool,
Perth and Forfar.
Manchester and Leeds Extension.
Manchester, Leeds, Wakefield, Pontefract, and Goole.
The Lords Commissioners were the Lord Chancellor,
:he Duke of Buceleuch, and Lord Wharneliffe.
SUNDAY TRAVELLING.

The Bishop of LONDON presented a petition from
proprietors in the Midland Railways Company to the
amount of 700,0001. against Sunday travelling.
SOLICITORS IN IRELAND.
The Earl of WICKLOW had a petition to present,
to which he wished to call the attention of their Lord-
ships, and more particularly of the Noble Lord on the
Woolsack, as it related to a Bill to be considered in a
Committee of that House. The petition was signed by
the President and Vice-President of the Society of Soli-
citors of Ireland. It contained two prayers—one of
them was, that instead of one taxing officer two should
be appointed ; the other prayer, and this he wished to
press on their Lordships' attention, as he intended to
move an amendment to that effect at the proper moment,
was, that the same qualification should be required in
Ireland for the officers of such taxing-masters.
Lord CAMPBELL concurred in that part of the
prayer of the petition which related to the qualification
of the taxing-masters. The business of the taxing-
master should be performed by a solicitor, and he con-
sidered it would be for the benefit of the public if the
second prayer of the petition was attended to.
After a few words from Lord COTTENHAM to the
same effect, the petition was ordered to lie on the table.
GREAT WESTERN (DUBLIN AND GALWAY)
RAILWAY.
The Earl of BESBOROUGH called the attention of
their Lordships to the report of the Select Committee
appointed to inquire into the petitions• which had been
presented to that House, alleging that fraud
and forgery had been committed in the ' contract-
deed of the Dublin and Galway Railway Company.
Many persons had been called before the Committee
and had been examined as witnesses, and amongst the
rest, one John Stinton. (The Noble Lord here read his
evidence, iu which he admitted that he also assumed the
name of Mr. Baldeon. He also read a portion of the
examination of Miss Golding and Mr. Miles Stanley, in
proof of the aliases which this John Stinton personated
at different times. Robert Parish was next called in, and
in answer to questions put to him, he said he had known
Stinton for four or five years, and that he was a boot-
maker. He had never known him by the name of Pen-
ton. He took letters in for him at Crosby Hall in that
name, and understood that he was a friend. No person
of the name of Penton lived at Crosby Hall Chambers.
That was all the evidence he had to refer to with respect
to the charge of perjury against the witness Stinton.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said he had not read
the evidence, and as it would be difficult to prosecute
the witness on the whole of the evidence he had given,
perhaps the Noble Earl would point out those passages
with respect to which he considered he ought to be
prosecuted.—(The Noble Earl conferred with the Lord
Chancellor, and pointed out the particular parts of the
evidence.)
The Earl of BESBOROUGH then said the part of
the evidence to which he wished particularly to call the,
attention of their Lordships, with a view to his prosecu-
tion, was that part in which Stinton denied that he knew
Baldwin, and in which he afterwards, on being con-
fronted with Mrs. Golding, admitted that he did. A
person named Stanley was called in, who iden-
tified him as a person who had signed the con-
tract-deed ; that he left the room, and, after an
absence of half an houi, returned and signed the
deed in another name ; that he went cut a se-
cond time, and again returned in about half an hour,
and signed under another name.—(Hear' hear.) Hart,
the clerk, could not undeitake to say that he signed in
more than one name—in any other name than the one
in which he received the script. His motion was that
the Attorney-General be directed to prosecute this
person.
Lord CAMPBELL said, from his experience of pro-
secutions by order of the House, which frequently were
unattended with the results which were expected, he
should strongly advise the House to well consider the
case before they came to the resolution of prosecuting.
The person acknowledged that he had signed the deed
in other names than his own, and had consequently
acknowledged his guilt, and having thus been guilty of
gross impropriety, he ought to have been reported to the
House. In such a case, the judge who tried it would tell
the jury that he had not committed perjury. He was, no
doubt, guilty of great prevarication ; but, as he had said,
he did not think that a charge of perjury could be main-
tained egairst him.
Lord COT I'ENHAII said from what he had heard of,
the evidence and of the way in which the witness ex-
plained himself, he apprehended that there would be
great difficulty in prosecuting him for perjury. But
where a witness grossly misconducted himself, as in this
case, it should be referred to the Attorney-General,
who should prosecute him if ho thought fit, and, there-
fore, tho House should direct that officer to prosecute
him. He apprehended that there was no danger of a
person escaping, unless the Attorney-General should
happen to a come to a wrong decision.
Lord CAMPBELL said the Attorney-General had no
jurisdiction without the direction of the llouse, whose
servant he was, and whose injunctions he was bound to
obey. In the great case of Stockdale the Attorney-
General was ordered to prosecute by the House.
The Earl of WICKLOW said that if the Committee
had, on questioning the witness, said, " You are
about to commit perjury, and if you do so, after this in-
timation, you are amenable to judgment, and they
will be obliged to take cognisance of it."
Lord MONTEAGLE said that their Lordships could
not well avoid taking notice of the matter, had they
not already exhibited very great inconsistency in not
proceeding in the case ; for the individual had had it in
his power to have put himself out of the reach of their
Lordships. The whole case exhibited a system of fraud
and trickery, which might be provided against by their
Lordships' House.
After a few words from the LORD CHANCELLOR,
who supported the suggestion of Lord Monteagle,
Lord BESBOROUGH moved that the case be re-
ferred to a Select Committee of the House for investi-
gation.
Lord CO tTENHAM did not see that the House
could proceed against the individual John Stinton for an
offence, if the offence were not committed against the

House.
The Earl of DEVON supported the motion of the
Noble Lord (Lord Basborough).—Agreed to.
Lord REDESD4LE presented petitions from West•
minster, and the City of London, praying for the post-
ponement of the Lunacy Bill.
- The House then resolved itself into Committee on
the Bill for the protection of Seamen entering Merchant
Ships.
The Bill then went through Committee, pro.forma.
The House resumed.
TITHES.

Lord CAMPBELL presented two petitions, praying
a rectification of the statute respecting the commutation
of tithes. The Noble Lord added that legislation on the
subject was absolutely necessary. But for that Act, the
commutation of tidies would have long since taken place
all over the kingdom.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said different construc-
tions had been put upon Lord Tinterden's Act on this
subject, and be agreed with the Noble Lord in thinking
that legislation on the subject was absolutely necessary.
He would, next session, bring in a Bill on the subject.
STATE OF GREECE.
Lord BEAUMONT presented a petition against the
28th clause of the Lunacy Bill. The Noble Lord then
adverted to the state of brigandage on the frontiers of
Greece, to which be had some time ago called the atten-
tion of the House, and to which he now wished to direct
the attention of the Foreign•ollice. The interests of
France and England were identical as regarded Greece,
and it was incumbent that a good understanding should

exist between them ; but it could not be denied that
French interests, particularly in mercantile matters,
were now predominant in Greeee.—(Hear, hear.)
rise question that he wished to put was, if the
Foreign-office were informed of the state of the
frontier between Greece and Turkey, and, if so,
whether they had taken any measures on the subject,
and also whether they had sent out instructions to Sir
Edmund Lyons, to have General Valence removed from
the frontier.
The Earl of ABERDEEN would not deny but the
peculiar state of Greece might justify the Noble Lord in
bringing the question before their Lordships, which,
under other circumstances, he would not have been
warranted in doing. He did not mean to say that
England had not a right to interfere in the affairs of
Greece, for she had borrowed a sum of this country, the
interest of which had not been paid, and England was
consequently, by the treaty, justified in interfering and
having the revenue so adjusted that her own claims
might be satisfied. The Greek Government would do
well to remember that this was not a vain formality, but
a real right, which could be exercised whenever this
country thought proper. However, they relied upon the
faith of the Greek Government to keep faith with this
country, and act in a fair and honest manner. He would
not attempt to conceal the pain he felt at the present un-
fortunate state of Greece. Outrages had been committed
there, Murders and robberies, and violence of almost
every kind—and, in short, the state of Greece was any-
thing but tranquil and orderly ; at the same time he felt
bound to say that, as a Minister of another State, he
had no right to express an opinion as to the Govern-
ment of Greece, nor as to the causes which led to the
present unfortunate results. He had given such advice
to M.Coletti as he thought prudent and useful, and hoped
it would have due weight in the councils of Greece.
With regard to the excesses on the frontiers, he
felt bound to say that they had been grossly exaggerated.
The population on the frontiers were but imperfectly
civilized, and if the Cretans of old were proverbial for
lying, the Greeks of the present day were proverbial for
robbing. He did not deny that outrages had taken
place on the Turkish and Grecian frontier, but he must,
say that these outrages had, both in nature and extent
been grossly exaggerated, it was likewise utterly untrue
that the Greek Government had encouraged these pro-
ceedings—the reverse was the fact. The supposition that
Greece would go to war with Turkey was most absurd ;
how could a bankrupt State without any military force
do so? And even if Turkey were not able to cope with
Greece, was there not the explicit declaration of the
three great Powers, Russia, England, and France to pre-
vent any such contingency. If Colletti had for a moment
imagined such a thing, he should be put into Bedlam, if
there was such a place as Bedlam in Greece.
The Noble Lord was under a misunderstanding,
as regarded Valence. He was not a commander as sup-
posed of any considerable force, but only the leader of
t 8 undisciplined men. There was therefore not the
slightest ground for uneasiness on the part of the Porte.
There was no truth in the insinuation that English
interests were on the decline in Greece. English inte-
rests there were as strong as ever, and it was only rea-
sonable to think they should be so, as ten Englishmen
visited Greece for one of any other country. As long as
English merchants were honest in their dealings,
wealthy and enterprising, so long would they command
respect' and Colletti, if inclined could not undermine
such influence. There certainly were English, French,
and Russian parties in Greece; the misfortune was that
there was no Greek party there ; that was what was
desirable ; and he hoped one would, before long, take up
a position in Greece. —(Cheers.)
The subject then dropped.
LONDON COAL TRADE BILL.
Lord DALHOUSIE moved the second reading of the
Coal Trade of London Bill.
The Marquis of LONDONDERRY said that any
observations he might make were not from any
hostility to the Bill, but he wished to show what the
Noble Earl had omitted in framing it. The tax, he
admitted, had been originally improperly imposed, and
it was not till 1840 that the Government of the
day considered it advisable to direct that the
tax should be placed under the surveillance
of Commissioners appointed specially for the purpose.
In that year, 1840, the revenue derived from this tax
amounted to no less than 125,0001., showing an importa-
tion of 2,500,000 tons of coals. In 1811 the amount had
increased by 400,000 tons, yielding an additional revenue
of 20,0001. ; in 1842 it had increased 200,000 tons,
giving an additional revenue of 10,0001. ; and in
1843 it was further increased 100,000 tons, or an addi-
tional revenue of 5,000/. In 1844 in consequence of the
strike in the collieries, it was true that the importation
had fallen off to such an amount as to show a decrease
of 3,5001. For the half-year ending last June an in-
crease again appeared of 30,000 tons, or 6,0001. addi
tional revenue, and thus an actual revenue, of 165,0001.
had been received by taxing this absolute necessary of
life. While this injustice continued, any measure
purporting to improve the position of the trade
would be delusive and unsuccessful, and falling
as the tax did upon the poor and the eon-
sumer, who virtually were the parties importing the
commodity, it was a gross hardship upon the labouring
classes, who stood most in need of the article thus
denied them, and he implored the Government to with-
draw it.
The Marquis of WESTMINSTER differed from the
Noble Marquis in his anticipations of the inutility of
the measure. He regarded it as a most important
means of protecting both the trade and the consumer.
The Earl of DALHOUSIE said the Noble Ma quis
who had just sat down had gone over a much larger
extent of ground than was necessary in considering the
present measure. The question before their Lordships
was, whether they would, as heretofore, levy the rate
of a penny p a. ton to be applied to a corn exchange, or
that it should be applied to purposes of improving parts
of the town where great physical misery and social evil
prevailed. The simple issue before their Lordships was,
whether or not a penny per ton should be applied to
work out the great and salutary benefits to which he
referred.
After a few words from the Marquis of LONDON-
DERRY, the Bill was read a second time.
LUNATIC BILL.

This Bill, with the amendments, was read a third time
and passed.

BONDED CORN BILL.

This Bill was also read a third time and passed.
SELLING AND LEASING RAILWAYS.
This Bill was likewise read a third time and passed.
CONSOLIDATION OF CUSTOMS BILL.

The Earl of DALIIOUSIE moved the second reading
of this group of Bills, which he characterised as Bills
that were not likely to elicit any discussion.
After a few words from Lord MONTEAGLE, the
Bills were severally read a second time, and ordered to
be committed to-morrow.

REAL PROPERTY BILL.
This Bill was read a third time, and passed.
FISHERIES IN IRELAND BILL.

This Bill was read a third time, and passed ; as also
the Militia Pay Bill, the Assistant Barristers in Ireland
Bill, and the Masters and Workmen's Bill.
Several other Bills were advanced a stage, and the
House adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, July 31.
The SPEAKER took the chair at Four o'clock.

Mr. EWART moved for a new writ for the borough
of Kircudbright, in the room of Mr. B. Murray, de-
ceased.—Ordered.

Mr. TUFNELL gave notice, for Lord John Russel, for
a return of the Bills that have passed the House during
the present session, distinguishing the public from the
private Bills ; and also for a return of the quantity of
foreign wheat in bond on the Ist of July.