The Sun.
London, England, 1844-08-10 00:00:00

_SATITR DAY EVENING, AUGUST 10, 1644.

forward those measures during an early part of . himself with saying he should consider it utterly un-
the session. Formerly it was the practice to send up worthy of himself, were he to display any feelings of a
a great number of Bills to the other House at the personal er vindictive character, by which the Right
end of the session, when the Peers could not discuss iHon. Gentleman had supposed he might be influenced.—.
them ; but now the evil was extended to both Houses. (Hear hear.) But he must also distinctly declare that
So important a measure as the Poor-law Bill was sent he could not admit that there was any wrong committed
up from that House when there was no time for the other which the Government was called on to repair. He
House to consiaer it; but, on the other hand, many mea- distinctly denied that the trial of Mr. O'Connell was
sures had come down from the House of Peers when other than a fair trial.—(Hear, hear.) But as he said
there were scarcely forty Members here to discuss their before, considering the circumstances under which these
provisions. Circumstances had prevented his attending I persons were placed, considering their absence from that
the House in the latter part of the session ; but he did House, and the fact that they were fulfilling the sentence
not think it could be expected, after four or five months' of the law, he would not be provoked into any discussion
attendance in Parliament, Members would remain, in with respect to the proceedings in Ireland that would
order to go minutely into these late measures of legis- render any vindication of the course of the Government
lation. He would say more—he did not think that a necessary with respect to them. The Right Hon. Gen-
very prolonged session was at all advantageous to the I tleman had premised that the sole cause of adjourning the
country. He thought that many Members of Parlia- House' instead of proroguing it, was the state of the
ment did more for the advantage of the country by at- appeal on the 'lrish trials. He could not say that this
tending to local interests than by a late attendance in was the whole truth. There were circumstances to which
that House. He had now concluded his observations, he need not refer, which would, under any circumstances,
which he had offered, he hoped, in no party spirit and have rendered an adjournment necessary.—(Hear, hear.)
from no party hostility to Hon. Gentlemen opposite. But this he would not hesitate to say, that, seeing the
His views differed from theirs on many subjects, but judges could not pronounce their decision on the points
still there were questions on which they might agree, which had been referred to them until the latter end of
and by which the interests of the people might be pro- August, being necessarily absent on their circuits,
moted, and ho had thought it right to state some of and it being possible that the decision to be
these questions, and the manner in which he thought pronounced by the highest tribunal—the Court
they ought to be treated.. of Appeal, might be in favour of those who were suffer-
A message from the Lords here brought down their ing the sentence of the law, he should certainly have
Lordships' assent to several Bills and amendments. regretted if any course had been taken which would
Sir R. PEEL said that the speech made by the Noble have prevented those parties from having the full bane-
- Lord was so divested of party spirit—(Hear, hear)— fit of that possibility. The adjournment, however, was
in his observations he attributed so little of blame to not solely caused by the state of the proceedings in the
the Government, that he (Sir Robert Peel) was Irish State Trials, though he would not deny that it would
relieved from the necessity .of making any oh- be a sufficient cause for resorting to an adjournment in-
servations in reply in a spirit different from stead of a prorogation. The Noble Lord stated that
that which characterised the speech of the Noble Lord. the Government had done nothing for Ireland. Now,
The Noble Lord said he was content to leave the ques- with respect to that point, he had last year stated that
Lions connected with the foreign policy of the country, the Government had adopted a most important step in
which were now pending, in the hands of the Govern- the appointment of the Landloi d and Tenant Commission.
ment, and he did not call on this occasion for any re- He had then stated the circumstances under which the
newed declarations on the part of her Majesty's Govern- Government had preferred full inquiry to precipate
ment, or seek an expression of opinion which might by legislation. The Hon. Member for Bolton had last
possibility prejudice their endeavours to maintain year introduced a measure for the regulation of the rela-
peace consistently with the honour and interests of the mats of landlord and tenant. The Government might
country. In some of the observations made by the have relieved themselves from all responsibility for the
Noble Lord he entirely concurred. He thought that time by passing that Bill ; but the course they took was
there was great public disadvantage in the extreme to appoint a Commission, composed of gentlemen in
length to which the seesion of Parliament extended ; whom the country reposed confidence, for the
their first duty to the public was to perform those duties purpose of making full inquiry on the subject.
which devolved upon them as Members of Parliament, but He thought that was a wiser course than
still there were few Members who had not important du- proceeding at once to legislate upon imperfect
ties connected with the general administration of the law information, and although no enactment had taken place
throughout the country, and their severance from those during the present session, yet, inquiry was proceeding,
duties was attended with great public inconvenience. In on the report of which some legislative enactment might
the writings of Mr. Burke, in reference to the French Re- be grounded for the remedy of these grievances.—
volution, if he recollected right, he depre- (Cheers.) He thought the general course which the
cated a proposition then made to devote a consi- Government had pursued with regard to Ireland was
dereble portion of the year to the performance sufficient to demonstrate that recent event': had not in-
of legislative duties, and be urged the great inconvenience fluenced the spirit of their legislation. With respect to
which there would be in enjoining upon legislative bo- the Charitable Trusts Bill, he had stated in the debate on
dies a constant attendance to Parliamentary duties ; and that subject the intentions of the Government; he had also
he thought that that portion of time which might be stated that it was the intention of the Government to take
devoted to the performance of local duties would qualify into consideration during the recess the question of educe-
them better for the discharge of their legislative functions. tion, for the purpose of devising means to supply the
They were then sitting in the middle of August ; yet deficiency which, he admitted, existed more in the south
it was impossible not to see that in the latter part of the and west of Ireland in lay academical education. The
session there had been a very great economy of public condition of' Maynooth had not escaped the attention of
time. He was afraid that the first part of the session the Government. He did not consider that the condition
would be occupied in bringing forward the grievances of that college was satisfactory, and he should apply
which were supposed to _have accumulated during the himself to the consideration of that subject, in the hope to
recess. They could not expect' that in the early part of remedying those defects and removing those objections
the session the details of legislation would occupy seri- which existed to the course of education there. Al-
ous and continuous attention ; but still he did think though the measure respecting the franchise had not met
n earlier
that by a prevalent feeling on the part of the Members with the approval of the House, yet the Government had
Parties, been actuated by the feeling that Great Britain
ofthand Ireland ought, as far as possible, to be placed upon
they might
igihlotuse,
enableand
Parliamentthe concurrenceto oof
separateat politicaln
period. He. was sure that no parties could have a greater a footing of equality as regarded their civil-rights. In
interest in shortening the duration of the session them the the Municipal Bill they had carried out that principle,
Government ; for it was almost impossible for them, as by placing the municipal franchise in Ireland on the
the Noble Lord must be aware, properly to attend to their same footing on which it was placed in this country. He
executive duties, and to sit in Parliament for six or trusted that what he had said had not been tinctured
seven months in the year and for eight or nine hours a with party spirit—(Hear, hear)—for he should be sorry
day. The attendance of a Minister there was unavoid- if it should lead to a party discussion. No man admitted
able. If he were absent, it was perhaps supposed that or regretted more than he did the existence of a feeling
he was enjoying his ease, when in fact he was attending of jealousy in Ireland with regard to this country, and
to his official duties for the neglect of which he would be that unfortunate feeling of jealousy, no doubt, tended to
responsible. He was rather sorry to hear the vague in- weaken the strength of the country. But he was not
timations of the Noble Lord with respect to measures the less confident, although he trusted that no case
for improving the condition of the labouring classes. In might arise which would render an appeal to the
the importance of that subject he entirely concurred. people of Ireland necessary.—(Cheers.) But should
He could not conceive anything more important than that such a case arise—should a necessity occur for such an
those to whose labours they were so much indebted, and appeal being made—he did not doubt but that the peo-
who constituted, in fact, the stamina of the country, ple of Ireland would unite cordially with the people of
should be in the condition in which they could desire to Great Britain in the support of the Sovereign and her
see them. lie should listen attentively to any proposal interests.—(Loud cheers.) The Noble Lord had not
which might be made for ameliorating their condition, contrasted the condition of the country at former
but he did not wish to encourage the expectation that a periods with its condition at present ; but if they care-
Committee of the whole House could enable the labourer fully considered what was the condition of the country
to obtain a fair day's wages for a fair day's on that day, when they were about to separate for the
work. With respect to the Noble Lord's encourage- recess, with the condition of the country in 1841—
ment to the agricultural interest to expect some if they considered what had recently occurred in
reduction of the malt-tax, and also some reduction in Europe, what was the state of trade and industry—the
the amount of the county expenditure, the Noble House could not but come to the conclusion that such
Lord seemed to admit that those were burdens which a contrast would be favourable, and would show at all
pressed upon agriculture, and, therefore, that there ought events that the strength of the country had increased.—
to be protection to agriculture. (Cheers.) He did not wish to draw that contrast; he
Lord J. RUSSELL said he had always stated that. only wished to show that which lie believed to be true—
Sir IL. PEEL was very glad to hear it, and he was that with respect to trade, with respect to employment,
glad that the Noble Lord came down to the House at the with respect to the general condition of the people, they
close of the session to give an assurance to the agricule might, in separating, entertain feelings of cordial satis-
turists that he did not wish to deprive them of protec- faction at the material improvement which had taken
tion. He did not wish, however, to purchase the good- place in their condition, and at the prospect which was
will of the agriculturists by giving any assurance with held out to them that that improvement would continue
espect to the malt-tax.—(Hear, hear.) The Noble to advance.—(Loud cheers.)
..ord said he did not intend to take a review of the Mr. BELLEW was rejoiced to find that the Govern-
sgislative measures of the session, and he (Sir ment intended to legislate on the subject of landlord and
obe 31 Peel) had not' the slightest doubt that tenant. He also rejoiced to hear the Right Hon. Ba-
te did not take that course because he thought on ronet repeat that night the sentiments to which he had
general principles such a course objectionable. But, al- before given utterance on the subject of education. lie
though the Noble Lord had not taken that course, he was anxious that measures on both subjects should be
ventured to say that there never was a session in which carried; but any measure, however good, would Jose a
there had been more important and more efficient great portion of its effect in Ireland so long as Mr.
legislation than in the present one. It was trite O'Connell continued in prison. The people of Ireland
that the Ecclesiastical Courts' Bill had been were deeply attached to him—(Cheers)—and were dis-
postponed, because it was stated by its op- gusted by the manner in which he was treated.—
ponents that they were determined it should (Cheers.) The state of Ireland at the present motneut
not pass into law ; but with respect to the general was one of feverish excitement, and the must trifling oc-
measures of legislation he re-affirmed that there never was currence must involve them in a state of senvile war, and
a session in which the Government had been more sue- lead to spoliation and bloodshed. He believed the Right
cessful in passing measures of importance to the well- Hon. Gentleman would be glad if circumstances arose
being of the country. He must, at the same time, admit to afford him an opportunity of liberating Mrao'Connell.
that in many of those measures her Majesty's Govern- Lord J. RUSSELL rose to explain. He.had not said
ment had received a cordial-support uninfluenced by any they could, by legislation ,give to the labouring man a
party feeling from Gentlemen on the other side. Well
_fair day's wages for a fair day's work directly, hut they
now, as-the Noble Lord would not, he (Sir B. Peel) would be affording the best means of -doing so by re-
would just take a review of the' measures which had been moving restrictions which pressed on his means.
passed during the present session. Mr. HUME said he did not think there was a
Mr. HAWES—With the dates of' the Bills. man who could say he was satisfied with the-state of the
Sir R. PEEL thought that would be rather 'an un- country, whether he considered the state of the spicule
interesting subject, though he was glad that the Hon. turists, miners, or any other c
class of men. The greatest
Gentleman, who attended so sedulously to his duties, injury was produced bythe pressure of unequal taxation.
had laid the foundation of so much agreeable He thought that this cottld be ameliorated by legislation.
amusement during the vacation.—(Loud laughter.) lie was of opinion that the condition of the people might
Now, in the first place, he would rifer to be improved by removing the restrictions which pressed
the Poor-law Bill. Thiougli the temper and upon industry. It the Right Hon. Baronet would only
ability of his Right Hon. Friend that Bill had been passed follow out his own principle, and take off the duties on
with the concurrence of those who-were at first inclined to all raw material, the country would soon be placed in a
oppose it. An important measure had been passed, regu state of prosperity. He was never more surprised than
lating the hours of labour in four great branchesof the lac- when he heard the Right Hon. Baronet say that Mr.
tories. With respect to financial matters, it could not O'Connell had had a fair trial. He believed that not only
be said that the Ministry had not done all that could be in this country, but in all other countries to which the ac-
done : 2,500,0001. had been saved to the country an- count had been carried, a different opinion prevailed, and
nually, by the reduction of the Three-and-a-Half per that the conviction was, that he had not had a fair trial.—
Cents. That was an honourable and permanent saving. (Hear, hear.) He gave the Right Hon. Baronet all cre-
Then, with respect to the currency, it was to be hoped dit for the spirit by which his legislation towards Ireland
that they had placed it upon a safe and judicious footing had been directed for the last six weeks.—(Hear.) It was
the Bank Charter Bill had been also passed without any altogether different from that which had been ananifested
opposition, and the future regulation of joint-stock banks at the beginning of the session. He hoped that the Right
had also been placed upon a sound foundation; added to Hon. Gentleman would not depart froth the spirit which
this, the law had been amended with respect he had exhibited, and he was sure he would himself be
to insolvent debtors, and a final blow had also the first to perceive the benefits of his altered legislation
been struck against the imprisonment for debt. for Ireland.
The Government had also passed the Dissenters' Chapels Mr. COCHRANE regretted that the Right Hon.
Bill, which would put an end 'to endless litigation. A Baronet had held out no hopes of any further alteration
Bill had been introduced also for the purpose of placing in the New Poor-law Bill. The Right Hon. Baronet had
ipon a proper foundation Presbyterian marriages in been successful in his commercial measures, but he (Mr.
Ireland. They had also passed a Bill with respect to Cochrane) would remind him of the sentiment of the
Charitable Donations and Bequests, which he had very poet—
little
doubt would be productive of the best results. "How many limits stand
These measures, although of less importance, still added Between a wealthy and a happy land."
to the aggregate amount of legislation. Then there had He thought that a measure ought to be introduced, and,
leen two very important Bills passed, applying the prin- if no one else did so he would introduce such a measure,
'iple of prescription to the property of the Duchy of to regulate the price of wages. He hoped to do so next
Cornwall, thus settling questions which had been the session, for he believed this would be a great element in
atbject of litigation for many years, giving the the happiness of the people.
Duchy tenants a more permanent interest in their hold- Mr. VILLIERS would recommend the Hon. Member
tugs, and promoting, he firmly believed, the permanent for Bridport to study, during the recess, the subject of
interest of the Duchy itself. Another very im- restrictive duties. He (Mr. Villiers) had merely risen
portant Bill was that for regulating- the con- to express his dissent from an opinion that had been ex-
struction of buildings in the metropolis. He thought pressed by the Right Hon. Gentleman and Concurred in
he had now said enough to show that by the Noble Lord, that there were particular burdens
the statement with which he set out, was correct—that on agriculture. Ile defied any person to - prove this.
there had never been a session more remarkable for The Right Hon. Baronet had only mentioned, two bur-
the amount of useful and beneficial legislation placed dens—the county-rate and the malt-tax.
upon record. If, therefore, the Noble Lord -had been Lord STANLEY—The poor-rate,
disposed to imitate the example of others, and give a re- Mr. VILLIERS said that was not mentioned, be-
view of the session, he would have been able to have cause, of course, the lower the price of food' in the
given a much more satisfactory account than others had country, the less would be the amount of the poor-rates.
been able to give of former sessions. The Right Hon. The fact was the great cause of dissatisfaction was the
Gentleman opposite had made a reference to some recent high rents. The Hon. and Gallant Member for Lincoln
proceedings in Ireland. Now he (Sir Robert Peel) said the farmers were not discontented—(" Hear, hear,"
would not be provoked into entering upon any dig- from Colonel Sibthorp)—but the farmers were exceed-
eussion of that subject.— (Hear, hear.) The only ingly discontented at the continual meddling with the
part of the Noble Lord's speech that took the character corn-laws in that House.—(Hear, hear, from the
of an attack upon the Government, was that in which I Ministerial benches.) Yes, dissatisfied because some
he made a reference to these proceedings. He stated that I permanent legislative measure had nut been introduced
the Government had given no notice of their intention to which would guarantee to the starving agriculturist a
prohibit proceedings which they thoughtdangerous to the • fair price for his corn, and at the same time enable the
public peace; at length the Government did vindicate the consumer to purchase it.—(Hear, hear, from - the Oppo-
law, and charged the parties engaged in them with a sition.) He thanked the Noble Lord for the expression
y.
conspirac • The acts faun which the evidence of that ,of his opinion on the subject of the corn-laws which he
conspiracy were to be gathered extending over a period . bad given that evening, and for his determination to
of several months. And with respect to the law on the ' agitate that question.—(Hear, hear, and laughter.)
subject of conspiracy, he had no hesitation in stating Colonel SII3THORP said he felt perfectly satisfied
that the judgment of the Irish Court of Queen's with the conduct of the Government, and thought they
Bench was unanimous. Mr. Justice Perrin differed had conferred more benefit on the country during the
from his brother Judges on some points of detail, but present session than the Whigs had during the ten years
I
on the law of the case he believed the judgment of the they were in office.—(Laughter.) He was not more
Court was unanimous. He would not enter into all the ' rejoiced at any circumstance than in witnessing the de-
facts connected with those proceedings, or do anything cline and fall of the Anti-Corn-law League, and he
that would bring on a destussio
• • "n in which persons were thought their agitation had now been all but crushed,
involved who were absent, and who were now suffering , and they would soon have nothing to look at but empty
the sentence of the law. Whatever advantage, then, the lockers.—(Laughter.)
Noble Lord might derive from his ex parte statement, Lord EDRINGTON said it certainly was somewhat
he would not, on the last day of the session, bring on a strange to see the Hon. and Gallant Member for Lincoln
discussion upon the conduct of parties who were absent express such entire
.confidence in the present Ministry,
from the House. Her Majesty's Government had on though he had opposed them on the Dissenters' Chapels
two occasions determined to issue proclamations against Bill, the Factories Bill, and the Sugar Duties Bill.
two several meetings, and it was only rendered unne- It was then agreed that the House,at its rising, should
cessary to do so by the intention of holding them being adjourn until Thursday, the sth day of September.
abandoned. But it was entirely without foundation to DOMINICA.
assert that the Government forebore to declare its in- Mr. HAWES put a question to Lord Stanley re-
tentions for the purpose of entrapping the parties into i garding the recent riots in Dominica, as to whet intel-
a violation of the law, , and having an opportunity of , ligence he had received concerning them, and whether it
collecting evidence of their misconduct. Into other con- i was the intention of the Government to enforce- the law
siderations, which had been referred to by the Right I against all those in custody, 80 or 90 individuals. He
Hon. Gentleman, as to the exercise of the pre. I believed the riots had occurfed through a misapprehen-
rogative of the Crown, ,pie should not enter. slog of the native population in the objects of the Go-
Upon them he rshould fetl, it his- 'duty to maintain *eminent by faking the census. He complained of the
an entire silence.—(Hear, hear.); He should content 1 mode of admitistaring justice iitbat islarikwhete it we.