The Sun.
London, England, 1828-03-19 00:00:00

CORN LAWS.

the objections which the Dissenters naturally entertained
against the present tests, they would not risk the loss
of a great advantage for the accidental attainment
of an advantage still greater. He did not intend
to propose the taking of an oath as a qualification for
office—he thought that a declaration, solemnly subscribed,
would be equally effective and binding. • He should there-
fore propose that a declaration should be made‘to the fol-
lowing effect by all candidates for office at the time, when
by the existing . law, the oaths of allegiance, and supre-
macy were to be taken :—" I,
.A. 8., do_ solemnly and declare, that I will not ;nee any PoWeraj'With
which I may be invested by this effiee, to
,subvert; 'or to
endeavour to stitwert, The principles of the
,Churcltor Eng-
land, Scotland, Or Ireland, ,as by law eStabliShed:" He
bad endeavoured` in this deClaration to avoid the use of
any terms that were. vague and 'indefinite ;, and he
should be well satisfied to see it made a part' of the
Noble Lord's present' Bill. He had now stated the
sum and substance .of .all that he had to propose. ' The
declaration.. would apply equally to the privileges of
the • Established Church of Scotland, and to those
of the. Established. Church of England and Ireland,
and must be taken by all the King's subjects -alike be-
fore their admission into any public office. Before he con-
cluded, be would beg leave to be allowed to say a few words
respeeting the conduct of the clergy of the establishment.
It could not have failed to strike the attention of every
Member of that House, that the clergy had not thought fit,
except in one or two instances, to trouble the House with j
petitions on this subject. He inferred from that circum-
stance, that they reposed with confidence in the attach-
ment of Parliament to the establishment of which they
were the pious and active ministers. Anxious as he was
for the security of the Church of England, he would con-
fess that he. thought that they had done more by their
silence to advance its interest and welfare, than if they bad
covered the ,table of the House with leads of petitions
against the repeal of these statutes. The Right Hon.
Gentleman concluded by moving, " That it be an instruc-
tion to the Committee to provide for the taking of a se-
curity or. declaration, by all those persons who, under the
existing Act, are required to take sacramental tests previous
to entering on any corporate office.'.'
Lord EASTNOR said; that in seconding the motion
of his Right Hen. Friend, lie should not make more
than a few observations to the House. He could assure
the Noble Lord, that though he bad formed one of the
minority on the former evening, lie was not at all insen-
sible to the inconveniences of the present laws respecting
the Dissenters. It was impossible to avoid seeing that
it was full of inconsistencies, when a Bill of Indemnity
was annually passed to suspend the severity of their enact-
ments. It was impossible also, to avoid seeing that the
test which required individuals to use the most sacred ce-
remony of the Church as a qualification for office, was a
profanation of religion which ought to be continued no
longer. He would candidly confess, that lie had voted on
the former night against the motion of the Noble Lord,
because he was not prepared to support the abolition of
the existing tests without having some declaration substi-
tuted, for them, acknowledging that the Church of
England was an integral part of the Constitution,
and pledging the person taking office to consider
it in that light. Ile was now of opinion that some
declaration, such as his Right Hon. Frieud had proposed,
might be framed so as to satisfy both sides of the House.
He was aware that it might be said, that if lie was im-
pressed by such sentiments he ought not to have voted as
he did on the former night, because it would have been
easy for him, when the Noble Lord's Bill came to its pre-
sent stage, to have proposed that a similar instruction to
the present be given to the committee. He must confess
that if the Noble Lord in his speech—whichhe owned with
pleasure to be a most able and conciliatory speech—had
propounded any intention of substituting a declaration in-
stead of an oath as a test, lie should have given his support"
to the Noble Lord's motion. He had, however, supposed that
such was not the intention of the Noble Lord, and bad voted
accordingly. He acknowledges it to be his opinion, that
if the Noble Lord had not carried his motion on the former
night, the subject would have been taken up by Govern-
ment; and if it had been so taken up, the repeal of these sta-
tutes would have been more satisfactory both to the Go-
vernment and to the Dissenters. He admitted that the de-
claration which had been just proposed obviated the ob-
jections which he had formerly felt to the repeal of the
Corporation and Test Acts. He had always voted for the
Catholic Question, and he sincerely hoped that nothing
would ever occur to prevent his support of that measure.
Whatever circumstances had occurred in former times to
render penalties necessary for the maintenance of the do-
minion of the Established Church, as well as for the pro-
tection of the best interests of the country, he thought the
time had at length arrived when all these disqualifications
ought to cease, and that the parties who were at issue upon
them ought to be allowed fairly and honourably to extricate
themselves from their consequences, by an arrangement
mutually fair, and mutually just. A middle course was
therefore what he should recommend, as being more likely
to be generally acceptable ; in that view he should support
the amendment.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL—I hope I shall be forgiven if
lam anxious at this early period to state my sentiments on
the new question propounded by the Right Hon. Gentle-
man. The Noble Lord is perfectly correct in his recollec-
tion, that neither I, nor any of those who sit near me, pro-
posed any test or declaration as a substitute for that we wish
to abolish; on the contrary, in conformity with all the pe-
titions nn the table from the Protestant Dissenters, we
asked for the total repeal of the existing law, on general
principles of justice and policy; and notwithstanding what
has fallen from the Right Hon. Gentleman, I believe that
such was the sense of the majority of this House who sup-
ported us—(Cheers.)—Uudoubtedly an Hon. Friend of
mine, whose absence on this occasion,l regret, stated that
his reason for voting for the Repeal of the Test and Corpo-
ration Acts, was the hope that it would be followed by a
motion for their suspension ; but I cannot believe that many
concurred in that sentiment, and the motion was not
broached until towards the close of the discussion. Before
Igo further—before I enter upon the proposition of the
Right Hon. Gentleman, let me congratulate the House that
the question of to-night is very different from that which

Mr. HUSKISSON, in the absence of his Right Hon.
Friend the President of the Board of Trade, begged leave
to give notice of his Friend's intention to submit to the
House on Friday the 28th inst., a motion to take into con-
sideration the preSent state of the Corn Laws.
CORPORATION AND TEST ACTS.

Lord •JOHN RUSSELL, in presenting a petition from
the Protestant Dissenters of Uxbridge, in favour of the re-
peal of these acts, took occasion to observe, in reply to an
observation of the Hon. Member for Lewes, that the in-
' habitants of that place were by no means unanimous in
their opposition to the repeal of these acts. A petition of
400 Dissenters of that place had been presented to the
House a few nights ago, praying for their repeal.
Sir JOHN SHELLEY said a few words in reply,
which excited great laughter and cheering from the op-
position benches. They were perfectly inaudible in the
gallery.
REPEAL OF THE CORPORATION AND TEST

ACTS.

Lord JOHN RUSSELL then moved that the Order o

the Day be read, for the House resolviug itself intoa
Committee of the whole House upon this Bill. It was
read accordingly.
On the question that the Speaker do now leave the
Chair—

Mr. STURGES BOURNE addressed the House, but
in so low and indistinct a tone that he was throughout the
whole of his speech nearly inaudible in the gallery. As
well as we could make out the tenour of his observations
they were to this effect :—ln the absence :of his Hon.
Friend, tke Member for Devonshire, it fell to his lot to
bring forward a proposition, which he trusted would have
the effect of reconciling the differences of opinion which
existed in the House upon this most important of all ques-
tions. As the Noble Lord opposite had discussed it with
sc»nuch candour and good temper, he would endeavour,
in the few observations which he had to make, to follow
his example, and would avoid every topic that was at all
calculated to excite any unpleasant or irritating discussion.
It appeared to hint that the House had determined, by no
unequivocal sign, that the sacramental test ought to be abo-
lished. He might perhaps be permitted, without offence, to
suppose that the Hon. Members who had formed the majority
on this question on a former evening, had come to the:same
conclusion upon it front very different premises. Some might
be of opinion that all tests were improper, and that there-
fore the tests required by these acts ought to be abolished :
others too might he of opinion, that though tests were on
some occasions of efficacy, these tests were neither proper
in themselves, nor efficient for the purposes for which they '
were imposed. But both parties he believed were of opi-
nion that they led to the most revolting profanation of one
of the holiest ceremonies of the Christian religion. He
therefore thought that neither of them would object to
having the test changed in such a manner as would do away
with the injury which they' had inflicted at present upon
tender consciences. It was under these circumstances that
he was induced to hope that a proposition which might re-
concile the differences of opinion which existed on this
question, might be proposed without inconvenience at
the present stage of ihe Bill. To those who had resisted

_ .
we debated on the fo-rmer occasion. We are no longer dis-
puting whether persons dissenting from the Church of Eng-
land on points of religious faith can by possibility be worthy
to hold civil and military office in the state. We arc no
longer encumbered with any of these theological difficulties
which I always considered most. improperly introduced into
legislative discussions : we are no longer contending against
an ancient principle, which, though not now in confor-
mity with the practice, is still held consistent with

the theory of our law—that no person can be judged
worthy to serve the state unless he agree with the
religious creed of the Church of England. The ques-
tion is now different : what is proposed by the Right Hon.
Gentleman is no declaration of religious opinion—as I trust
no violation of conscience—bet affecting only the civil and
political conduct of those who are to be affected by it.—
In arguing it, therefore, I enter upon fresh grounds, and I
am sorry to say that although I rejoice that the question
is not what it was, yet I am nut prepared to agree in prin-
ciple with the Right Hon. Gentleman. The first reason

that strikes my mind why such a declaration is perfectly
unnecessary is, that there is no danger. Whether the Cor-

poration and Test Acts do or do not rest on a soundfoun

the - motion of the Noble Lord on a former evening, he
would beg leave to say a few words, in order to remind
them of the effects which these Statutes had already
produced. Persons who did not belong to the church
of England were obliged to qualify themselves by takieg
the sacrament to hold certain offices in the State. That
enactment soon led to a conference between the two
Houses on the subject of occasional conformity, which,
after some discussion, ended in a quarrel between them.
Soon afterwards a Bill was brought in to repeal the Act
for occasional conformity; but that Bill was found to be
so severe in its enactments, that after the lapse of a short
time, another Bill was brought in to suspend it—a Bill
which bad been annually passed ever since. That such a
Bill should ever have been deemed a security to the Es-
tablished Church was a point which, he fairly owned, as-
tonished him much. It might keep out of office honest
and conscientious men, but it never could operate as a re-
straint upon men of a contrary disposition. He had hoped
that the enactments of the Corporation and Test Acts had
become a dead letter—and therefore it was that he had
heard with so much sorrow that there was a particular
church in London to which individuals went, on stated
occasions, to take the sacrament as a qualification for
office. He was convinced that the church could receive
no benefit from such a profanation of one of its most solemn
and' awful rites ; and therefore he thought that there
could be no particular desire in those gentlemen who

dation—whether they were or were pot well adapted to
their end, at least it must be confessed that they were
enacted to meet a great, and what then appeared over-
whelming dangers; there were persons at that time who

almost openly avowed an intention to destroy the Constitu-
tion in Church and State ; but at the present moment I
say that no declaration is called for, because no danger can
be pointed out rendering necessary such a security. I
would appeal to all who hear me whether any complaint
can be made against the, conduct of Protestant Dissenters

who have been admitted into office.—(Hear,l;;;;)L:
Whatever the theory of the law may be, it must not be for,
gotten that in practice, for the greater part of a century,
numbers of Dissenters have been admitted into civil and

military offices. Have they shewn any disposition to sub-
vert the institutions of the country ? Have they made
any attempt to lead you to believe that they are I) ing in
wait to destroy any thing by law established.—(Hear,
hear) ? If not, I call upon the House not to sanction an
imputation where there is no charge—nut to express dis-
trust where there is no want of confidence.—(Hear, hear.)
The next ground on which I object to the proposition of
the Right Hon. Gentleman is, that I really see no reason
why Dissenters admitted to office should be required to
make a declaration of this kind with respect to the Church

when they are not calle,l upon to make similar declarations
with respect to any other establishments in the country.
Persons of all opinions are abroad—among them a few who
are absolutely hostile to the constitution of the country. Some
declare a House of Lords perfectly useless; others, that
Annual Parliaments and Universal Suffrage is the true and
best form of Government ; and others avowedly entertain:no-
tions which majorities of both Houses of Par!iament would
consider subversive of the Constitution ; yet nobody thinks
it necessary to guard such institutions as the trial by Jury,
the independence of the Judges, or other institutions of the
same kind, by any such declaration. It seems to me,
therefore, far better to leave the Church, like other insti-
tutions, to the general security that all the inhabitants of
the kingdom are ready to obey the laws, than to enforce
any separate and distinct protection". But I maintain,
moreover, that such security is not the best you can ob •
tain ; the best security for the Church is the general ad

formed the minority of the former night to retain the pre-
sent Tests, if any other could he substituted in their stead.
With respect to the Gentlemen who sought the entire re-
peal of the present restrictive statutes, he was afraid that
it might be more difficult to reconcile them to the propo-
sition which he intended to submit to the House; for they
might be of opinion that all tests were unnecessary and
improper, and might be inclined not to incumber the
boon which they sought to confer upon the Dissenters by
Any limitation whatever. He could understand the feel-
ing on which they were prepared to act; but be trusted
that if it were possible to frame a declaration which
would give satisfaction to the members of the established
church, and which was at the same time free from all

mission into office of Dissenters, now excluded; and that
security must depend upon that temper of mind, that con-
ciliatory disposition towards all the establishments of the
country, which is likely to be produced by the repeal of all
tests and disabilities.—(Hear, bear, hear.)—All history
tells us, that when persecuting laws are abrogated, a dis-
position,has arisen among the sect so persecuted to incline
towards the religion of the majority, and to adopt opinions
more generally in vogue. The Right Hon. Gentleman al-
luded' to the debates on the Occasional Conformity Bill,
and Bishop Burnet showed, that since the passing of the
Toleration Act the number of Dissenters had diminished
one-fourth. Why had this been the result ? Because the
bar of persecution had been removed—because restrictions
Were repealed, and the party spirit which they had gene-
rated was at an end. This is one instance in poirt, and I may
mention another analogous to it. Never were religious wars
carried on with greater fury than in France. The party of
the Hugonots included persons of the highest rank and influ-
ence,and we all know the persecutions, massacres, assassina-
tions,and burnings that arose out of those struggles; but Henry
IV. by the Edict of Nantz, admitted the Hugonots to all
offices and employments, and what was the consequence ?
About a century afterwards Louis XIV. came to the Throne,
and at that period, nearly every person of consequence and
their families had conformed to the established religion—
(Hear.)—No doubt the party would have been completely
at an end if Louis XIV. had not, in a degree, revived the
system of persecution. I have said that the best security
is to impose no test or declaration at all ; that it would be
such a shew of confidence--such a demonstration of trust
in the conduct of the Dissenters, that from that moment
there would be nothing to fear.—(Cheers.)—But to ask
for declarations and securities, certainly implies distrust;
and the proposition of the Right Hon. Gentleman looks as
if the church wished for a kind of salvo—as if it was not
ready to make the concession with a good will, and in the
full spirit of confidence and conciliation. I have still
another objection to securities of the kind. Although the
words in which the Right Hon. Gentleman has couched
his motion, and in which he meane to propose it to the
Committee, are perhaps as unexceptionable as any that can
be found, yet such declarations are always liable to various
interpretations. A conscientious man may take a declara-
tion and may faithfully mean to observe it in his sense of
the terms, but he may still be held guilty of misconduct by
those of a different creed, who give the same terms a diffe-
rent construction. This will appear, when I read the last
words of the test proposed by Mr. Burke. lie suggested
that persons taking office should engage not to subvert or
destroy the Church ; but he carried his security further,
and in order to slaw what he means by the words " any
attempt to subvert or destroy the Church," he makes the
Dissenter say, " I will not employ any power or influence I
may derive from any office corporate, or from any other office
under his Majesty, to destroy or subvert the Church, or to
cause members to be elected into any corporation, or into
any Parliament, or give my vote for any such members on
account of their attachment to any other or different reli-
gious opinions or establishment." I think the House will
agree with me, that if there be two candidates for office,
or for Parliament, in other respects equally unexception-
able, it is impossible for a Dissenter not to lean rather to
the one whose religious opinions most nearly resemble his
own ; and yet against this course many may be of opinion
that he has taken a solemn declaration. These are the ob-
jections on which I found my opposition to the motion of
the Right Hon. Gentleman ; but when I call it my op-
position, I am ready to declare that that opposition is not un-
conquerable.—(Much cheering.)—l consider a declaration
of the kind objectionable on principle; but I profess myself
ready to listen to the opinions of the House, whether it be
fit or not that it should be admitted. I would not take
upon myself to close the door of peace.—(Hear, hear.)—
If there be a chance that Dissenters will be admitted to
their just rights and privileges, under a declaration which
is not offensive to their consciences—and if the Church is
satisfied that that admission, accompanied by the declara-
tion, may be made without danger—l should listen to the
proposal with the most earnest hope, and endeavour to
make the reconciliation complete.—(Cheers.)—Having
stated my objections, I will not go further in the way of
dissent from, or assent to, the declaration, than to wait
for _the expression of the general sense of the House upon a
question, in reference to religious liberty, as important as
any that perhaps was ever submitted to its deliberation._
(Hear.)
M. PEEL—When this subject was last under the con-
sideration of the House, I asked the Noble Lord, in all sin-
cerity on my own behalf, and:on behalf of many who concurred
with me in the attempt, which proved fruitless, of resist-
ing the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, to give us
Jill opportunity for maturely deliberating on the course it
!!sight be most fitting to pursue under the altered circum-
stances in which the question was submitted to our view.
I made that application with an earnest determination to

apply my mind:to the subject ; and the only purpose for
which I asked delay was, that I might consider, with
others, what arrangements could be made, under all the
circumstances of the case. A majority—a considerable
majority of this House having pronounced their opinion
that an alteration in the existing law was desirable. I wish-
ed for time to consider what course could be adopted which
was likely to gain general assent, and particularly the as-
sent of those whose sanction and authority are indispen-
sible. This object seemed most likely to be attained, byconsult-
ing the feelings of those whose interests were more specifically
brought under the view of the House by the Noble Lord;
and of that other great party in this country which, by
its adherence and sincere attachment to the Church of Eng-
land and its doctrines, must feel a deep anxiety as to the
result. The delay I asked for on that occasion was refused
me ; and I was told, with I must say, a degree of injustice
and presumption I hardly expected, that I required post-
ponement with different motives to those which I honestly
professed—(Cries of No, no, and Hear, hear)—and be-
cause I was desirous of defeating the measure. I assure the
Noble Lord, it is impossible that any thing that passed on
that occasion—whatever injustice was done to me and my
motives—can in the slightest degree influence my view of
this question, or abate my anxiety to promote that ar-
rangement which, under all the circumstances, would he

most conducive to the general warfare.—(Hear, hear.)—
In the course of the discussions, since the first introduction
of the question by the Noble Lord, various propositions
have been submitted by different Hon. Members ; and,
with permission of the House, I will enumerate them. In
the first place, there was the proposal to adhere to the
existing law, and we defended it under the impression that
it did not entail on Dissenters the practical grievance com-
plained of. We did not deny the force of the objection
urged against that part of the law which required the Sa-
cramental Test as a qualification for civil office ; but we
thought that the force of that objection was almost, if not
altogether, done away by the annual practice of passing an
Indemnity Act, which, in point of fact, relieved us from the
painful necessity of enforcing the Sacramental Test. I
said to the Noble Lord from the first, that I thought in mat-
ters of that kind nothing was more unwise, nothing more
calculated to disturb existing harmony, and to give rise to
animosity, than a pertinacious and useless resistance to
the general wish of the Legislature. Therefore, I
thought the majority of forty-four decisive at least of
this point—that the existing law ought to undergo a
material alteration.—(Hear, hear, hear.) Whatever
might be my opinion, the sense of the House having been
fairly taken, I should not have pressed it for a moment in
the hope of controuling the judgment of the majority. I
repeat, that the sense of the House was fairly taken, after
due discussion, and that decision controuls my opinion :
and I yield the point, that the law, as it stands, must be
changed. Another proposition was thrown out by an Hon.
Baronet, the Member for Devonshire, on the first night of
(rebate, and subsequently repeated, which seemed to meet
with considerable countenance ; namely, that instead of
passing an Annual Indemnity Bill, we should suspend that
part of the law requiring the Sacramental Test. This

course would .give Dissenters admission ; and it was sug-
gested that the suspension might be annual. I pressed the
Noble Lord to consider that proposition, and I was after-
wards taunted for having declined to express my opinion
by my vote. I heartily rejoice that I did not so express it,
for I thus reserved to myself the privilege of exercising an
unfettered judgment. The result of re-consideration has
been, that I have changed my first impression ; and I now
think that the proposed suspension would be subject to all
the inconveniences belonging to the Annual Indemnity Bill.
Hence the objection of conscientious men, both among. the
Members of the Church of England and the Dissenters
would not be removed, viz that it is not right that the per-
manent law of this country, mitigated only by indemnity,
should recognise the principle that the sacramental test shall
adoption of suspension in the place of e., e
be appliqp a matter of necessity as a qualification for Civil
offic
indem-
nity might he liable to further objection ; because it would
be an implied recognition of the propriety of the prac-
tice generally of requiring the sacramental test, and would
tend to fortify and confirm it. The third proposition was
made by my Right Hon. Friend lately in the office of the
Colonial Department, although I am not quite sure that he
went so far as to bring it forward in his place here. He
was not in favour of a suspension, but that there should
he a time named at which the operation of these Acts
should cease; that for the next five or seven years, for in-
stance, the existing law should remain in force, and then
expire. That proposal seems to me open to very consider-
able objections, and I think we should gain nothing what-
ever by it. 'We should have an interval of five or seven

years for the expressitin of irritating and useless jealousy
and suspicion, without the slightest additional security to

the Church. The consequence might be, that at the end Bill on the first night, underrated the practical grievances
of the period fixed we might come to the consideration of suffered by the Dissenters : if we have justly been told
the subject (if, indeed, consideration on our part was ren- that the present law is pregnant with injustice and oppres-
tiered necessary), in a state of feeling and temper far less siun to them, the more strongly that injustice and oppres-
favourable than at the present moment.—(Hear, hear.)— sion have been proved, the more earnestly do I conjure
Ido not hesitate to say, that if the question were merely those who advocate their cause to accept that relief
between an immediate repeal anti a prospective repeal of which in the words of one of our greatest writers, would
this kind, I should at once say, " Let us have the benefit give them, "for ever, the dignified consciousness of facto
of the grace of concession."—(Cheers.)—I have already rity" (Cheers. )—This law, as I purpose it should be, will, on
mentioned three courses that have been brought under our the other hand, secureNtoo tpherivCilletgarecohrttpfoEwnegrlatubdeythamtapyroposteci notice, and there remain two others to which I shall also tion which it has a right to
require from those who dissent briefly advert—the one, that of the Noble Lord who asks from its doctrines.
for the simple and unqualified repeal of the Test and Cor- seso, by hording office underor thet,)liCattrioruh,:,
icannthbee
et:Jed:yr:env: poration Acts, and the other, that of my Right Honour- siatently with that declaration, under any circumstances, to able Friend, who wishes that the repeal should be accom- the injury of the Church,
panied by a declaration to be substituted in lieu of the Sa- of any of its rights or possessions. I will not enter at length
cramental Test, requiring the party entering office to state into the discussion of the Noble Lord's arguments in favour
something or disclaim something respecting the Established of a simple and absolute repeal of the existing Acts--I
Church. After the best consideration I have been able to will content myself with saying, that Ido not think he
give the case, I am inclined to think that course which shewed successfully that it is not necessary to take some
shall secure a final arrangement and general acquiescence security for the Established Church. In the United States
is to be preferred. Whatever may be the abstract princi- of America, or in any other country where there is no i
pies to which theNobleLord may profess his attachment, the Established Church, the removal of all Tests
would be en-
inquiries I have made since the last discussion have induced tirely justifihle ; but the experience of this country for
me to think that the wisest and best course is that which centuries has shewn, that religious opinions enter into
promotes a final arrangement with the acquiescence of the secular affairs, and materially influence the conduct of
different branches of the Legislature, without offending the men, and that an Established Church is necessary as an
conscientious scruples of Dissenters, and with a conviction essential part of the Constitution of the country ; and I
on the part of the other great interest, and the Members of hold that we must take stronger measures for the security
the Church, that the existing lawought to be repealed with of the Established Church than those we should possess if
valid security. The Legislature would take that oppor- this Bill were passed in its present shape. When I affirm
tunity of recording its sentiments of the Church of Eng • that this House considers the Established Church as an
land, and of requiring that security from the Dissenters essoatial part of the Constitution,
which was fair, just, and reasonable. I assure the Noble " Non meus hie sermo."
Lord that he does the Government and myself injustice if In the Bills passed by this House for the relief of the Roman
he supposes we have not turned our attention to this subject. Catholics from their civil disabilities and disqualifications,
I thought my Rt. Hon. Friend's proposal iu this stage of the which Bills were introduced by Hon. Gentlemen opposite,
business might merely be, that it should be an instruction to it was especially declared, with the view of procuring the
the Committee to attach a declaration to the Bill of the Noble assent of this house, and, no doubt, equally making known
Lord-s-to introduce into that Bill some clause, containing the strong conviction on their minds of the truth of the
either a declaration or obligation on oath, to be taken by allegation, not only that the Protestant Episcopal Church
parties now liable to the sacramental test. lam prepared, is " established permanently and inviolably," but that the
if the House should be disposed to recognise that grin- relief was to be granted, because it would " tend to pro-
ciple, as I trust it will, to propose to the consideration of mote the interests of the Established Church, and 'strengthen.
the Committee, a declaration to be taken by persons enter- that free constitution of which that Church is an essential
ing office corporate, or in the appointment of the Crown. part." These were the very terms of Mr. Grattan's Bill,
We have already had it under discussion, whether it would and they constituted an express recognition by Parliament,
or would not be proper that that declaration should be that the Established Church is an essential part of the Con-
made upon oath, or whether we ought to be content with stitution. To that recognition there was not one dissenting
the affirmation of the party; and I wish to state to the voice in Parliament. We must then, iu considering this
House the feelings with which I propose my declaration. subject, begin by bearing in mind that the Church of Eng-
I 'consider that to impose a declaration or an oath which land is a permanent and inviolable establishment.—(Hear.)
Dissenters cannot take, would be virtually to repeal the It was with great pleasure I heard on every side, during
progress the Noble Lord has already made for the relief of these discussions, frill justice done to the temperate and
Dissenters_(Hear.)—My declaration, therefore, while it wise course pursued by the Church of England, with respect
provides for the present and future security of the Church, to this question; and Ido trust, that after the full con&
contains not one word which may not be fairly required deuce the Church has shewn in the wisdom, justice, and dis-
from any Dissenter on entering office. I have been stn- cretion of Parliament, we shall take for the Church what-
diously anxious to frame the declaration so as to make it ever security may be required for its preservation. It
impossible for a conscientious man to object to it. The would be needless to vindicate the Church, for no asper-
Noble Lord says, that we ought not to require the renun- sions have been cast upon it; or to panegyrise the conduct
elation of a religious creed; and I reply, that my decla- of its Ministers, for I know the universal feeling of this
ration is framed upon that principle. Then the Noble House is this, that they have pursued a course of modera-
Lord urges that we ought not to require the expression of tion and peace.---(Cheers.) It was said by the Noble
a religious opinion—l answer, that my declaration does Lord, and °there who supported this measure on the fist
not require it. On a matter of this kind, lam rather in- night of the debate, that because the Dissenters had re-
clined to take a solemn affirmation than an oath, because it mained tranquil for 37 years; because they had not during
accomplishes the object of the Noble Lord, and opens the that long period approached the House with their petitions,
door more widely for the admission of Dissenters of they had fortified their claim to the consideration of Par-
every class. I believe the obligation to be equal ; and liament. If that silence and acquiescence on their part
that affirmation is even, on some accounts, a better justly entitled the Dissenters to that consideration, Ido say
security than an oath. A declaration on oath would that the conduct of time Church of England gives it a claim
be more in uniformity with the ordinary course of the to all the consideration to which any appeals from it, how-
law in this country, and a security beyond all doubt ever earnest, could entitle it.---(Hear.) Ido hope that
equally valid : hut in this case I should prefer a solemn one feeling only will pervade this House in consenting to
affirmation to a declaration on oath. I think we may as the repeal of these laws, which have been considered by
well at this moment postpone the discussion of the terms some of our most distinguished writers on Constitutional
of the declaration, though in order that I might be pre- subjects as the great barriers and bulwarks of the Church,
pared to put the House fully in possession of my views, I in favour of which, lam certain, there exists a strong opi-
havedrawn oneurn—(Cries of " Read, read.") 'should state nion through the country—(Cheers.)--I do believe, that
that I have not had an opportunity of consulting any pro- in consenting to this repeal, and in giving the Dissenters a
fessional adviser. Some modifications, verbal or technical, permanent admissibility to office, we shall decide—
may be necessary ; but I think the general outline will be not by a majority at all, for I shall not be satis-
perfectly intelligible. The Noble Lord has stated, that if a fled unless the vote be unanimous ; but if it should
declaration seemed necessary in the opinion of the majority be necessary to take the sense of the House, I do
of the House, he would not object to its introduction into hope it will be by an overpowering majority, that we
the Bill. Indeed I understood that the Noble Lord, if it shall decide against the proposition of the Noble Lord
was the decided wish of the House, would not risk the fate for a simple repeal, and attach some such declaration
of the Bill by opposing it. In stating my proposition, I as I have proposed, and which I again say, if it be
will take the liberty to repeat an observation I have before engrafted on the Bill, will, I have confident expectation,
made on this subject, namely, that a declaration to this effect contribute to its ultimate success, and thereby insure that
has been included in every Bill proposed of late years, for permanent and satisfactory settlement of this question,
the removal of the civil and military disabilities under which, whatever part I may have taken in the discussions,
which the Raman Catholics labour. The preamble I pro- it will be one of the proudest acts of my life to do all I
pose is copied from the preamble of the bill brought in can to procure—(Loud cheers.)---The Right Hon. Gent.
by Mr. Grattan for the Relief of the Roman Catholics, concluded by moving an instruction to the Committee to
and afterwards introduced in substance into time Bill drawn insLelotntihse
AclNaunseos
Nreasdaiidn,
itliisa tslineecvlohting as one of the ma-
up in 1825, by my Right Honoutable Friend (Lord Plun-
on this question, he bad voted for the simple repeal
kett), now a Member of the other House. The Right
Hon. Gentleman then read the Preamble, which, was mu -silty
of the Test andiCorporation Acts • and he was, after hear-
' g the Right Hon. Gentleman, 'still as averse as ever to
tatis mutandis, the same as that of the Bill which passed
rile- substitution of any declaration, in lieu of the Tests to
the House of Commons in 1825, for the relief of the Ro-
man Catholics. It stated, that the Protestant succession
be repealed.
of the Imperial Crown was established permanently and in-
Mr. FEP.GUSSON acknowledged the signal liberality
land and Ireland, and the Protestant Presbyterian Church
violably ; that the Protestant Episcopal Church' of Eng-
of the clergy of the Established Church, but could not
to give them the fancied security sought b , the
of Scotland, and their respective doctrine, discipline and consentlam i d
de-
government,c ton propose by the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr.
were by the Acts of Union between the
n
countries severally established permanently and inviola- Peel). Time Church was never more secure eve
it when
bly ; but that after due consideration of the situation, the Corporation and Test Acts were passed than was at
dispositions, and conduct of the Protestant Dissenters, it this moment. She had got all the security she ought to
possessd.
It
declaration was not only unnecessary but
was expedient to admit them to hold Corporate and
neetcheesseatianso.algawainrstt, tulmierePdroeftreturianno
Civil Offices in England and Wales, on subscribing, in
toaelf:stSufcoort landt
wasadmissionintobeeauuns civil
lieu of taking the Sacramental Test, a Declaration, by.
which the subscribing party bound himself not to exercise
against the Catholics of Ireland, inasmuch as this Bill
any power, authority, or influence he might obtain or
against
possess by virtue of that Act, to injure or weaken the Pro-
would still leave unrepealed the greatest disability
unne
testant Episcopal Church as by law established, nor to die-
them, namely,as against th e members of the Church the oath of supremacy
, . it was cessar
of Erigland, as he
y
turb its Ministers in the enjoyment of any rights or pri-
vileges they might now enjoy. The clause in which the
could not be expected to subvert his own church. Wh
then should it be enacted against the Protestant Dissentersy
taking of this Declaration was regulated, stated that it
alone, only?atiolntwasnwotashe
inroilndidusatliicoew,bvuetryanlibinesruall::
andniaes
deciar • itself a • ,
t a concession as' the Dissenters couyl have expected.
should be subscribed by the party taking it in the pre-
sence of two Justices of the City or Borough in which
feeashould, however, ob'ect to them on principle.
the Office was situated ; and in their absence, in time pre-
sence of two Justices of the adjoining county. The clause u
„,, , J
required.--(Loud
afltNr
ihuylnei
the
r el,Ai. when..:ci Acts
s(s
01,1: innoe t
olvdf
question,ohctlee
ide cheering.)
hem's—on
ni n
gt
dhn. i the former t
hfNona roc::
pebdoreai
because
occasion
tsa swhe
iietohhnge
great
ef: oaiiedrt
gfilne
ca
tl finally enacted, cmteadk,
et that in
DcaecslearaantiyonD, ihssisenetleerctioomnitatnedd
allo r
actsne-
done in consequence of it should become void. Ido not
Englandwt the ao
Ire..etll repealew
ao
expelcdtation that any declaration in the way of security
wish to impose any penalty on the party omitting to take
the oath, but simply to declare the election void. lam not f as ardentothaerzea for the security of the Church of
aware that great difficulties will be found in taking this
of Dissenters ny
anger to the Church from the admission
dse were agreed—but because he could
declaration in respect of many offices in the' appointment majority a
dantger in these laws to which the term barriers and but,
Crown,ncl itifionit
pwreecreedpernotpotosedenttoerisnugbsitnittouteliimte
ogffiencee-,
to office, nor could he see any security against
in like manner as the party is now liable to be required
to take the Sacramental Test. There arc a great num-
roafiltyheasaco
warks were applied ; they were not a bulwark to keep out
her ofinferior and subordinate offices in which the sub-the flood, but rather a net, stretched across, over which
the large
scribing to this declaration would only tend to throw rids- fish leaped, and through whose interstices the
it, andrender it useless and contemptible. If
little ones glided, though a certain species of fish called an
cute upon
an attempt were made to state in the law all the offices Alderman was sometimes caught in it.—(Laughter.) The
that should on this account be excepted, I think it Proposed declaration was, however, a healing measure, and
would be found extremely difficult in general terms to one which the House ought to pass, through a respect for
state the exceptions. I submit, therefore, to the House, the rights of conscience in those members of the Esta-
whether, in order to
regulation as this would not be found expedient :--. pet. For himself he could see no danger that rendered
"Be it further enacted, that it shall and may be lawful these securities necessary, nor could he conceive how a
for his Majesty to require any person appointed to any Dissenter becoming a member of a corporation could en-
office or trust whatsoever, or to hold any commission danger the church, whether he took the declaration or not.
in which he may now be required to take the Sacramental If, however, the adoption of the clauses proposed by his
Test, to make and
and in such manner, as his Majesty may be pleased to ap- success of the Bill in that House, and facilitate its success
point." Time words of this clause would exclude from its elsewhere, he should be inclined to yield a little and adopt
operation Protestant Dissenters in Ireland and the holders of he considered theproposal,
Scotch clauses ; particularly as
Scotch offices. These are the propositions I shall submit after all, a great concession on the part of the opponents
to the consideration
of the House. The last clause will of the Bill, nor could he think that there was greater secu-
enable the Crown to apply the declaration to those by whom rity in the other oaths that were exacted, for instance,
it ought to be taken, while the inferior officers, from whom those denying the right of any foreign Prince or Potentate
these realms. Even th Earl u no. it is not necessary, may be passed over. Whatever part I to exercise power in
from the d
Der-
may
nave taken on this question—however I may have re- wentwater himself; if raisedo
take the oathead, would not
sisteff the proposition of the Noble Lord, Ido assure him hesitate in these days to
Right„
11013. abjuring the Cairn*
and the House, that, considering the discussion that has of the Pretender. T
that the House Memberwould go
concluded by
taken place, and the majority by which the Motion expressing a hope
dividing on a sub' • go into the Com-
was carried, Ido not yield to the Noble Lord in the mittee without Jett on which all were in- •
sincere desire I feel to settle this question, in the course dined to agree.
of
itr ob'ected to the declaration by Dis-
ci the present Session, satisfactorily and for ever—(cheers.) Lord ALT
hileir takinjoince
—I do hope, therefore, that this proposition of mine-- 'salters on
affording any
sou_.., ti E ;Oath the unnecessary,
and incapa-
a proposition so perfectly reasonable in itself—will not be ble of atilluu.ction of the clause would tend to Church.lf, however,
rejected by any person who is an advocate of the cause of the intto
the Bill, lie
of the Inu, would not interpose his individual
the Dissenters.—(Hear, hear.)--It is impossible for me ir- success against the concession, however
revocably to pledge others ; but I think I may say, that opinion- hold the declaration proposed,
The declaration '
if this proposition be accepted, Ido entertain a confident mightproposed by the Right Hon. Mover the of instructions
hope that this Session will not expire without enabling us (M. S. Bourne) should have his support, on account of
to congratulate ourselves on a satisfactory and permanent
its simplicity, before the declaration
'settlement of this question.—(Loud cheers.)—lf tire
b Hon. Secretary (Mr. Peel.) if; suggested by the Right
clauses be incorporated in the Bill of the Noble Lord, with-
s was required to be taken with however, the declaration
out presuming to answer for others, it is my honest belief
my
the omission of it, he would hearnever penalties attached to
that they will ensure the passing of this Bill ; ,
arid e, that of pains and penalties on the w consent to it, as !ffi.ll
ow. part, I do declare, and always will
scumsackow itige, ,
1 and He congratulated his Noble Friend (Lord pr
ofR England,
I shall be satisfied to acquiesce in the Bill
Cheers.)— bringing forward a measure which (Lord J. us.se )on
i would hand his name
I will do what I can to promote its success.--
the(r, there are down to posterity at On each side of this question, as of every 0 .
li. a mace and harmony of the people. the same time promote tlir
app mg sae I
extreme opinions ; and the only mode off
mutual compro- Sir M. W. RIDLEY wished time Bill
tisfactory adjustment is, by the
away o r by the Annual gival state as first proposed to pan in its prim
miss and concession. Let us no longe ,
..
tl sal of th H. le propo e bythe Noble Lord ;as bow-
Indemnity'ple that an adherence ever, Right Hon. Secretaryit
appeared
to Act, recognise the prino'
qualification to C
orpo- to proceed
front liberal feeling, le
to the Church of England is 'the only
Protestant Noble Friend to agree to it. -' 1- would recommend his
to allow
rate and Civil Offices. I eta prepared
if they will give the se-. Mr. D. W. HARVEY hoped the prepositionof th
Dissenters to be eligible to office,
Right Hon. Secretarywould -
to-
rarity of this declaration with respect to their feelings
.acceded to, as it would
Y If we, who opposed the I ewe an opportunity to the accredited organs of the Aiwa-
wards the Established Church.

ten to I
mittee.

Mr. F
SELL se'
That it L
he hereb)
declarati(
Jaw, be
4ziatradil
On th 4
resolved
Mr. s
apologizii

nism; tl
he had tit
might be
did enter
tistactory
to assure
sated to t
It eras
form par

The 11
Lg. bra
Laken int
amended,

t)p tl4
hoived its
Inent Bili

Some
sunned ;
considera
fixed for

Mr. S
Day on
IEII.
__

After
coacluded
wan Opp
t.ep to inq
pppoOe tlt
Mr,

any tuale
atrongly
passohger
Mr. R'
in, and n
Mr. G

111 r.
sun. Mei
tbink.
courage e.
the mann
emigra
daring to
*Miter
native eoi
devoted
the Chanl
igq44F4gl
bg it, az
were not
icree trade,
human ue
zuost unpt
the Repor
toe bim
disease bei
If food an

I

sions,
all I
Sent.
to

ma-
*peal
hear-
Tr to
9tB to

n 130

his
tho
ess

!r,
be
al
be

e- '
i~

tere to learn their sentiments while the Bill was in Com-
mittee.,
Mr. W. SMITH expressed his pleasure at having within
his grasp, and that of his brother Dissenters, that object
for the attainment of which he had laboured 40 years in
that House. He was inclined to agree with the recom-
mendation of his Hon. Friends on that side of the House.
He respected the ancient prejudices of the Established
Church ; but when be saw them fading away, year after
year, he could not believe that a large proportion of, them
remained to be sacrificed, and he was sure that if the Dis-
senters waited a few years longer the House would then
repeal the Test and Corporation Acts, without adding any
• conditicrns, as cheerfully and unanimously as they were now
going to substitute a declaration for the sacramental test.
But to the few existing prejudices he would give way, ra-
ther than excite opposition to the Bill elsewhere, or drive
Hon. Gentlemen in that House to a measure against their
will. But, as to securities, he thought them unnecessary.
He conceived that the proposition of his Noble Friend, for
the total and unqualified repeal of these tests, would lie
better calculated, were it to pass, than any other mode,
for putting a final end and settlement to all the heart-burn-
ings and difficulties which had ever existed between the
State and Church, and the Dissenters. As for the declara-
tion which the Right Hon. Secretary proposed to introduce,
it really appeared to him (Mr. William Smith) to be ask-
ing for a no-security against a no-danger. At this
moment England was almost the only country of Europe
in which any such qualifications were demanded as
the existing ones, from any class of subjects upon
taking office. Let the House look to the language of
the Treaty of Vienna, executed by the Plenipoten-
tiaries of almost every European Power in that city,
in 11115. One of the articles was to this effect :—" No
innovation shall 'be made in the articles of this contract,
which secure equal protection and favour to every sect,
and guarantee the admission of all sectaries, whatever their
religious belief may be, to public employments and offices."
---(Hear, hear.) This treaty was executed on the 31st of
May, 1815, between the Kings of the Netherland, Prussia,
and England, and the Emperors of Austria and Russia;
and the late Lord Castlereagh had repeatedly declared in
that House, that there was no article of the treaty upon
which the contracting powers were more cordially agreed.
He (Mr.. W. Smith) thought it disgraceful to England to
be the last of the countries in adopting, in her own domes-
tic policy, this principle of the Treaty pfyienna ; but he
trusted that. the Parliament would, by passing this Bill,
almost efface the stain. For his own part, he thought the
measure would have been better without the proposed in-
struction to the Committee; but after what had been stated
by the Right Hen. Secretary (Mr. Peel) and stated no
doubt advisedly, that he thought the Bill would have a
better chance of acquiescence from another House, with the
addition of this clause, than it would have without it,
be (Mr. W. Smith) would certainly support the instruction.
Lord JOHN. RUSSELL begged to remind the Right
Hon. Secretary that he had expressed his readiness on a
former evening to concur in the proposition of the Hon.
Member for Devonshire, or an other motion, having for
its object the conciliation of all parties.—(Hear, hear.)
If the present Bill of Repeal (provided always that it went
to a total and entire repeal of the Tests in question) could
be made satisfactory to the Church, it would be doubly
agreeble, to himself (Lord John Russell.)—(Cheers.) Of
the general sense of the House on this question there could
be no sort of doubt. Having listened attentively to all the
speeches which had been delivered in the course of the
debate, he could have uo hesitation in agreeing to the clause
of the Right lion. Gentleman (Mr. Sturges Bourne), as
being, perhaps, better than his own, calcuated to satisfy
the apprehensions of the Church. He never could forget
that the enactments of this Bill must run, like those of
all others, in the form, by and with the advice and
consent of the Lords Spiritual as well as Temporal,
and God forbid that their consent should' be a forced
one.---(Heee, hear.) He could as little doubt that the
instruction proposed by the Right Hon. Secretary would
have a better chance of being entertained by the Committee,
than any instruction proceeding from any other person ; and
though he would unhesitatingly promise tq support the
spirit of such an instruction, he could not at present pledge
himself to that Right Hon. Gentleman to concur in any
particular form of words. lie felt bound to acknowledge,'
however, that he thought the occasions upon which it
was proposed that that declaration should be taken, were
quite unexceptionable ; and lie should hope that the Dis-
senters themselves would readily concur in it. It was, as
he (Lord J.illussell) understood, to be equally taken on
such occasions by Churchmen and Dissenters.
Mr. Secretary PEEL, in explanation, said that it was
not his intention to extend the necessity of making this de-
claration beyond the cases of those who were now liable
to the duty of qualifying.
Mr. FERGUSSON, Mr. S. BOURNE, and Lord. J. Rus-
stet severally explained ; after which the Resolution—
That it be an instruction to the Committee, and that they
be hereby empowered to provide for the subscription of a
declaration by all persons who would, under the existing
law, be required to take their tests—..was agreed to nernine
cantradieente.
On the motion of Lord J. RUSSELL, the House then
resolved itself into the Committee.
Mr. Secretary PEEL laid upon the table his clauses,
apologizing for the present defective state of their mecha-
nism ; the principle being strictly the same as that which
he had io lately opened to the House, and the mechanism
might be amended hereafter. As he had said before, he
did entertain a hope that their insertion would insure a sa-
tisfactory issue to the Noble Lord's Bill, whom he begged
to assure that he (Mr. Peel) would give every aid calcu-
lated to effect the success of this measure.
It was then moved mid agreed that these amendments
form part of the Bill.
The House then resumed ; the Chairman, R. GORDON',
Esq, brought up the Report, which was ordered to be
teken into consideration on Monday next; and the Bill, as
amended, was ordered to be printed.
BOROUGH OF PENRYN.

Op the motion of Lord J. RUSSELL the House re-
solved itself into a Committee on the Penryn Disfranchise..
inert Bill, Sir A. GRANT in the Chair.
Some pro forma steps were taken, and the House re-
sumed; the Chairman reported progress, and the further
consideration of the Report, which he brought up, was
fixed for Monday next.
PASSENGERS' REGULATION BILL.
Mr. Secretary HUSKISSON moved the Order of the
Day on the second .reading of the Passengers' Regulation
Bill.
Mr. WARBURTON observed that various complaints
aoe manner in which emigration was at present con-
ducted had been received from the Colonies, and were
generally to this effect—first, that the emigrants were
pauper' ; secondly, that they were chosen from the
nio,t abject classes of the community. Almost every
page of the correspondence on this subject before the
goose was full of these allegations. The Honourable
Bendel/lan then read extracts from the communications
of sir Howard Douglas, Mr. Symons, Mr. Wedder-
burn, Mr. Stubbs, and Mr. Street—which represented
that whole families arrived in the most dreadful destitution,
®wing to their extreme poverty at the time of embarkation ;
that large bodies, especially of the low Irish, were dis-
charged upon those countries in a squalid, loathsome, and
disgusting state; that for the most part they were the most
miserable race of emigrants ever seen. It was also made
matter of complaint that some of them had been disaffected
or disconiented subjects at home. Now, the absurd incon-
sistency of all this was, that the very reason which the Com-
mittee of 1824, the Reports of other Committees, the repre-
aantations of the Parish Priests of Ireland, and Mr. Neweo_
harp (who had written a book not very long ago upon the
state of Ireland)---all agreed is urging as the most cogent
grounds for encouraging emigration were those, the exist..
vice nf Which wss so much deprecated in the correspondence.
After a few further observations, the Hou. Member
coacluded by saying, that unless the Right Hon. Gentlie:
Iran opposite (Mr. Huskisson) would agree to a
t. 9 inquire into the details of the question, s
pppose the further progress of the measure.
mhmtould
Mr, VILLIERS STUART did not wish to impose
any unnecessary restrictions upon shipowners, but he was
strongly in favour of such regulations as would insure the
passenger a sufficiency of space and provisions for the voyage.
Mr. ROBINSON hoped this Bill would be persevered
in, and not be sent to a Committee.
Mr. GRATTAN opposed the Bill.
Mr. Secretary HUSKISSON could not agree with the
Hun. Member that the questionwas so simple as he seemed
to think- He seemed to hint that if it was right to en-
wage emigration at all, they ought to take no charge of
.he manner in which those who were forced by necessity
to' emigrate were provided with the means of subsistence
„tong their passage from this country. The Honourable
palter spoke of them as if they had no claim on their
native country—(hear)— country to which they had
devoted years of labour and industry, till, perhaps,
.7.1, changing circumstances of the country might have
,44,7,0 an excess of labour above the means of employ-
rag it, and thus obliged them to emigrate. No ; they
were not to apply tA this question the abstract doctrines of
tr„ee trade, making a commodity of our fellow-creatures,
;:oman beings like ourselves, the most helpless too, the
most unprotected and uninformed of the community. In
Ze Reports on the table of the House, which were to
guide him in bringing this subject before them, the fact of
disease being generated on board of these vessels, from want
of
food and of room, was abundantly proved. He (Mr.

Huskisson) must say that there never was a more inge-
nious mode of reading an extract, he did not mean to
speak invidiously, than that adopted by the Hon. Member
for Bridport ; he had simply quoted from the letters he
had alluded to, that the emigrants were the most squalid
race the writer had ever beheld, _ without reading what
preceded that opinion, and then proceeded to draw the in-
ference, that they were in that state when they left Ireland.
Mr. WARBURTON said that if the Right Hon. Gen-
tleman would read to the end of the passage, he would see
the object of the Colonists. The Hon. Gentleman then
:read an extract from the letter, in which it was urged that
the emigrants were paupers sent out by different parishes,
to be rid of the trouble of supporting them.
Mr. HUSKISSON begged to read to the Hon. Gentle-
man what preceded. The Right Hon. Gentleman then
read an extract from the letter, which stated, that ships too
much crowded, constantly arrived with disease raging on
board. The lion. Member had spoken of the James, of
Waterford, which carried out 164 passengers, 21 of which
were ill of the typhus fever when they arrived at the end
of the voyage, and said that it was proved that there
• was no complaint of want of room there; but he forgot
also to state, , that it was proved that there was st
total want of food.—(Hear, hear.) But the evidence be-
fore them shewed, that in every instance where a ship was
over-crowded, sickness prevailed, and there were parts of
it which described these passage vessels to be in a more
horribly disgusting state than French slave ships. Were
they not called upon to put a stop to this ? Was the Hon.
Gentleman to come with his theory of diseases, and his
philosophy, and get this Bill, that was to prevent the repe-
tition of such misery as was suffered in the spring of last
year laid to sleep in a Committee up stairs. But he (Mr.
Huskisson) would not consent to that, and should it, in'
spite of his efforts, be sent up stairs, he would recommend
the Legislatures of all the Colonies to pass Acts to prevent
emigrants in the state that had been described entering
their ports.—(Hear, hear, hear.)—The Hon. Member
' for Waterford had stated the simple principle which ought
to govern all Legislatures upon f his point, and he agreed
with him entirely in the opinion he had expressed.—
They were bound to see that these unfortunate beings
had a sufficiency of the commonest food and water, and
also that the water was secured in such a manner as to
preserve it wholesome for the whole voyage. He had,
however, an instance of water being carried out by a
vessel in old casks, which had brought molasses from the
West Indies, and another where the water was put in a
cask that had brought hides from Buenos Ayres. Of
course the water had become putrid before the vessel was
well out of port. While this country was labouring under
the disgrace of the American Slave Trade, when we first
attempted to mitigate it by what was called the Middle
Passage Bill, we regulated that no more than a certain
mother should be taken an board, proportioned to
the tonnage of the vessel. Should we not take as much
care of our own countrymen as we had of African
Slaves? All that he proposed by the Bill was to
provide that there should be proper space for each
passenger, and a sufficient supply of wholesome water.
It had been spoken of as a hardship, that every Captain
should be obliged to take the trouble to make out a list of
his passengers. But surely the lion. Gentleman who
made that complaint, could not be aware that every ship
was obliged to give an account of every bale and parcel it
had on board. Would it be much additional trouble to
manifest the same care of fellow human beings ? He pro-
posed to read this Bill a second time that evening, and as
he was desirous that the scenes exhibited last spring--
scenes which bad reflected in some degree disgrace and
obloquy on them, for haviiig suffered them to take place—
should not be repeated, he should endeavour to prevail
upon the House to go into the Committee, and make such
alterations as wsre requisite on as early a day as possible.
Mr. HUME said that the warmth the Right Honourable
Secretary had manifested appeared to him quite surprising,
when he reflected with how much credit to himself he had
heretofore advocated freedom of trade.—(Hear, hear.)—
He (Mr. Hume) was taking pleasure in becoming one of
his disciples, but he regretted that he could no longer be so.
—(A laugh.)—His Hon. Friend near him, in opposing
this Bill, was acting consistently with himself. The. Right
Honourable Gentleman was not acting consistently, for he
was deviating from those general principles which he had
himself laid down, and carried into effect in so many
branches of our trade. The Right Hon. Gentleman
had asked, if our fellow-subjects, in emigrating, had no
claim upon our humanity. But what was the difference in
their claim by their going abroad to better themselves, and
when they remained at home and starved. What did the
Government when they were starving here ? Why, they
let them starve. Emigration was carried on to a great extent
up to 1817, when, unfortunately, some distressing cases oc-
curred, which, like the present, were exceptions to the
rule, and immediately that Nouse was had recourse to, and
a Bill was passed almost putting an end to emigration al-
together, for it required that meat and biscuit and other
things, which the parties could not afford, should be put
on board. The Right Hon. Gentleman now only wanted
biscuits put on board : but it was in Mr. Buchanan's evi-
dence respecting the Scottish emigrants that they wanted
noting but oatmeal and water. It was also in evidence
that the Irish emigrants sent out under the former Reso-
lutions, could not eat the beef provided for them, and that
the plum pudding actually made them sick.—(Laughter.)
—A number of complaints were made up to the time of
the repeal of the Act in 1827, a repeal which he believed
had the unanimous approbation of every person connected
with trade and shipping. The Right Hon. Gentleman
then had an admiration of free trade, and the repeal
met his approbation also. If it did not, he (Mr. Hume)
wondered that he, who was so constant an attender
of that House, had not heard the Right Hon. Gentleman
raise his voice against its being repealed. He wondered
Gentlemen could in this manner at one time advocate one
set of principles, and, when an emergency occurred, come
down and support principles of a contrary nature. But
this was not the first time the Right Hon. Gentleman had
wandered backwards and forwards in a manner that made
it impossible to say where he would land at last.—(Hear,
hear.)—He had begun well, and continued well for a time,
but he had wavered, and now they had another deviation
from the principles of free trade. If the present Bill were
limited to the duration of a year, he might perhaps agree,
although in principle he was altogether opposed to it.
Sir J. NEWPORT said, that emigration had been ever
free up to 1817, and that no inconveniences had resulted
from it. Although not very friendly to emigration on the
great scale on which it had been proposed by some persons,
yet he did not wish that too great checks should be laid
upon the present system ; and lie did think that Ministers
were not correct in coining down to the House merely upon
representations from particular persons, and proposing le-
gislative remedies for evils which were temporary, and had
arisen from adventitious circumstances. The Right Hon.
Baronet went on to say, that he could,have no objection to
regulations if the country were to pay at the rate of 20/. or
30/. a man, according to the plan of the Member for New-
castle, but, tinder present circumstances, he deprecated
legislative interference with emigration.
Mr. WILMOT HORTON should enter his protest
against the doctrine that this country could be relieved by
sending paupers out to be received by the Colonies. That
would not be acceded to by them, and even in America
they no longer received those paupers who were produced
in Ireland by the improvident system pursued by owners
of property in that country. He contended that there was
no room for attack upon him, on the ground that emigrants
would not be able to•pay back any sums which might be
advanced to them, as there was sufficient evidence to the
contrary. Neither was the Bill before the House any in-
fraction of the principles of free trade, for it surely could
not be such to call on the master of a ship to provide a
sufficiency of water and of food for his passengers. The
Gevernrueut was charged with attending to the representa-
tions of individuals, but was there no attention to be paid
to the Governors of Colonies--to suclt men as those who .
presided in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New-
foundland ? Sir James Kemp the Governor,' had
stated that he was obliged, in Newfoundland,'
to fit up an
hospital solely for the recovery of Irish emigrants.
(Hear, hear.) The same disorder seemed to have reach. ed
our neighbours, for during the last winter a Dutch vessel,
the Helen Maria, from Amsterdam to Rio Janeiro,
was
obliged to put in to Falmouth, dismasted. Herburden
was but 240 tons—she carried 312 passengers, and when
she arrived at Falmouth it was found that from her crowded
and filthy state there were several cases of typhus on hoard,
produced principally from the bad quality of her bread and
water.
Mr. STANLEY bestowed the highest praise upon his
Right Hon. Friend, who
~ had just spoken, for the zeal he
had shelve, in the midst of difficulties, in bringing into
notice the subject before the !louse, at the same time that
he regretted that the theoretical should have been mixed
with the practical part of . the matter. With respect
to the present Bill, he coincided almost entirely with his
Right Hon. Friend, but in expressing that opinion he
wished to make an observation or two on what had fallen
from the Right Hon. Baronet (Sir J. Newport) and the
Hon. Member behind him (Mr. Hume.) The former
had argued with zeal, and treated the subject as an Irish- '
man, who thought it was the best policy for England to
rid herself of the Irish population, which, reduced to a
state of destitution at home, must seek a remedy abroad,
if denied that must fall upon the people here. As to the
Hon. Gentleman (his Hon. Friend, if he might be allowed
so to call him) behind him (Mr. Hume), be would appeal s
to the whole House, whether if one-half, or one •twentieth

of the facts stated in the Report, were placed in his hands
as grievances, whether he would not say it was a case
the most grievous that ever was passed, unredressed—
a case of gross remissness on the part of the Govern-
ment, and one which could not be passed over without
the interference of the House.—(Laughter and cheers.)—
As to impediments to emigration being an additional mi-
sery to Ireland, that must, he thought, follow from the
trade at present carried on in emigration. For, in the.
first place, if persevered in, it would indispose provinces,'
now' anxious for emigrants, from receiving them, and
oblige them to resist emigration, not only by hostile feel-
ings, but by legislative enactments. The United States
had imposed restrictions on the importation of paupers,
the consequence of which would be, that unless they took
steps to prevent it the Colonies would be ruined ; and he
therefore asked whether it was not better that the Mother
Country should give aid by proper restrictions, than that
the Colonies should pass laws for themselves. Under all
the circumstances, he would support the Bill.
Mr. PAULET THOMPSON was of opinion, that if
any thing could prove that a Committee of the whole
House was not the best place in which to examine into
this subject, it was the spirit in which the Right Hon.
Secretary for the Colonies had met the proposition of his
Hon. Friend (Mr. Mime). That Right Hon. Gentleman
might sneer at the desire of his Hon. Friend to do good,
and might say—
" Video meliora proboquc deteriora sequor ;"
but he could not congratulate him upon the adoption of
such a motto. After some other observations the Hon.
Gentleman concluded by saying that he thought further
evidence ought to be allowed, and that the House should
not be forced to come to a premature decision.

Mr. S. WORTLEY would give his support to the Bill.
After a few words from Mr. A. BARING and Sir JOHN
BERESFORD, the Bill was read a second- time, and com-
mitted for Thursday.

The other Order; of the Day were then disposed of, and
.the House adjourned at a Quarter to Eleven.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

FRENCH PAPERS.
(From tine Gazette de France, March 17.)

TRIESTE, FEZ. 28.—Our accounts from the Archipelago
are to Idle 12th. Count Capo d'lstria, entering on his
functions as President of the Government, took the follow-
ing oath:—

" I swear to attend conscientiously, and to the best of
my judgment, to all the interests of the Greek nation
which are confided to me. I swear by the Holy and In-
divisible Trinity to maintain the statutes of the State as
they have been decreed by the National Assembly, and to
gol ern according to the letter and the spirit of the laws
passed at Epidaurus, Astro, and Trezene. I swear not
to lose sight of the safety and happiness of Greece, and to
labour without ceasing to accelerate its regeneration, in
order that it may enjoy the advantages resulting from the
Treaty of London of the 6th of July, 1827. I promise
to submit my resolutions to the National Convention, which
I will convoke in April."

This oath was taken almost in the same terms by the
Members of the Committee of Government; after which
Count Capo d'lstria was installed as President of Greece,
amidst acclamations of joy. The next day appeared the
proclamation of the Senate, convoking the National Assem-
bly for the let of April. Count Capo d'lstria has invited
the Assembly to assist him with all its power, and to take
such measures that the army and navy may, above all
things, submit to discipline. At the same time he an-
nounced that a French and a Russian frigate would shortly
appear at Egina, to discipline the Greek marine, and to
teach the manoeuvres of the naval service.

The Greeks who were in prison at Napoli di Romania,
as accused of the crime of piracy, have been set at liberty,
with the exception of those who are liable to accusations
for murder. The President published, at the same time,
a proclamation to invite the Greeks to abstain from this
crime, which will henceforth be punished with all the
rigour of the laws. Small vessels have been fitted out to
examine the most secluded bays, and to destroy the retreats
of the pirates.

Convinced of the necessity of meeting the calls of the
state by extraordinary expenses, the President and the
Government have agreed on the urgency of a new loan,
which is to be negociated in England by Count Viaro
Capo d'lstria, brother of the President, who is now at
Corfu. The Ipsariot brig Hector, which accompanied
the President from Malta to Egina, is said to have sailed
to Smyrna, with a Commissioner of the Government on
hoard, who is the bearer of despatches to Admiral De
Rigny. It is said that the combined fleet are to assemble
again in the Archipelago, where .they will be at the dis-
posal of the three Ambassadors, who are going to com-
mence new negotiations at Corfu.

The persecuted Armenians of Constantinople have ap-
plied to their chiefs at Venice, requesting them to interest
the Holy See in their favour.--Augsburgh Gazette.
LISBON, MARCH 11.—The -Wellesley sailed this day
with the 11th Regiment, for Coati. The 23d embarked
on board the Ocean, but. remained in the river, and was
to take the 20,0001. money to Malta, saved out of the
Terror bomb, lost at Villa Nova de Milfontes. The 10th
Regiment has embarked in the Revenge. The transports
had left the Tagus with the 10th Hussars. The Portu-
guese troops have received orders to discontinue playing
the Constitutional Hymn. It was said that Don MIGUEL
was, on the 12th, at Villa Vicosa, under the pretence of
sporting, but in reality to meet the Marquis de CHAVES.'
All sorts of changes in the Ministry and Government
of the country have been made, and from the Queen's
party. Baron QurarELLo is going away, as well as other
persons of distinction. Conde VILLA FLOR has been
obliged to take shelter in an English. General's house.
(From the Messager des Chambres of March 16.)
CRACOW, MARCH 9.—A division of the Russian corps
stationed at Lublin is gone to Chelm to replace the troops
who have been sent to Bessarabia. All the depots have
received orders to equip, train, and send immediately to
the regiments, the recruits, in proportion as they are en-
rolled. At Warsaw, where the Hata Seheriff of the 18th
Sept. was made known by the Augsburgh Gazelle, there
is only one opinion—a cry of war--and the signal is im-
patiently expected from St. Petershurgh. The return of
the Grand Duke Constantine, whose presence will decide
the question, is looked for almost with equal impatience.
The Senators appointed to examine into the affair of the
Polish conspirators, are now engaged in drawing up the
report to his Imperial Majesty. Several of these unfor-
tunate persons will be removed to St. Petersburgb, and
it is presumed that in a few weeks sentence will be passed
upon them. It is asserted that the answer of the Courts
of Russia and Austria was received yesterday, respecting
the disputes that have arisen in our legislative body, which
were submitted to the three Sovereigns for their decision, I
who are said to have declared that the composition of the
present Elective Chamber by no means answered the views
of the three Powers who, at the Congress of Vienna, had
stipulated the integrity of the free State at Cracow; that
the resolutions taken by that Chamber were reprehensible
—and consequently its dissolution was indispensable.
The old order of things is therefore going to be re-esta-
blished, and the President, Wooelcizke, who had been
removed from his seat, is reinstated in it. It is said that
a deputation from our city is going to Vienna to express
the public gratitude to his Imperial Majesty.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE-(TIIIS DAY.)

FROM LLOYD'S.

DEAL, MARCH 18. —Wind S.W. to W.S.W.—Arrived
the Mary, Beacheroft, from Bombay. Arrived from Lon-
don, the —, Roy, for the Mauritius ; Redman, Freebody,
'for Gambia; Chieftain, Salmon, for Adeira; Metanda,
Depson, for Grenada; and Foster, for St. Thomas's.
PORTSMOUTH, MARCH 18.—Wind 5.W...--.Sailed the
Glutton, Lawton, for Honduras.
FALMOUTH, MARCH 17.—Wind N. W. to N.N. W._
Arrived the Glasgow, Stewart, from St. Domingo; Myrtle
packet, from the Meditermean, sailed from Corfu the
24th of January, Malta the let of February, Gibraltar the
4th of March, and Cadiz the 7th ditto. Sailed the Duke
of Kent packet for Lisbon. Arrived off port the Achilles,
Henderson, from the Mauritius. The Matilda, Bothwell,
on shore on Bolt Point, River Plate, was got off the 10th
of January.

LIVERPOOL, MAncit 17.—Arrived the Cambrian, Airy,
from Macaio ; Trent, Bristow, from Mobile; Cashmere,
Whitney, from New Orleans; and Oliver, Blanshard, from
Trieste.

BRISTOL, MARCH 18.—Arrived the Active, Ash, from
Terceira; John, —, from Lisbon.
Arrived off HoLviitAn the Tagus, —, from Lisbon.

W ATERFORD, MARCH 15.—The Town of Liverpool
(Steamer) on the rocks near the Hook Tower, fills every
tide, and is expected to go to pieces; cargo discharging in
a damaged state.

On Monday night the celebrated clown, GRl-
mAtm, took his leave of the stage on the boards of the
Sadler's Wells' Theatre, where lie first appeared forty
years ago. The house was crowded in all parts by hun-
tlreds anxious to catch a last glimpse of their old comic
favourite.

. , AA &A,
-41-1144

LONDON,
WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 19, 1828.

It is with heartfelt satisfaction that we direct
public attention to the issue of last night's debate
on the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts.
The Ministry have, with much wisdom, consented
that instead of impiously receiving the Sacra-
ment in the way of business—Dissenters shall
in future be called on to sign a solemn declara-
tion that, in accepting office, they will not/employ
the power they acquire in subverting the Esta-
blished Church. Nothing surely can be fairer than
that this security should be required, for with
all our good will to the Catholics and the Dis-
senting Interests, we )ield to none, in an
earnest hope that the superstitions of the one, or the
infinite and varying creeds of the other, may never
take the place of that defined and established standard
of faith, which, guided by inspiration, is as pure as
the Heaven from whence it emanates.

Should the Dissenters refuse these terms, we shall
give them credit for worse than insanity, and shall feel
no pity for their case, if, in grasping at too much,
and covering deep plans of hostility towards the
Church of England, they fail in obtaining those
just rights which are now within their power,
without the compromise of dignity, conscience, or
independence.

Extracts from the Gazette de France of Monday
will be found in another column; but there- is
nothing new from Russia or Turkey. The Liberals
in the French Chamber have gained another victory
in the expulsion of the Member for St. Malo, the
numbers being 177 to 153.
By accounts from Greece it appears that Count
CAPO D'ISTRIA has taken the oath as President of
the Government.

Accounts from Paris state, that in the course of
fifteen days the Jean Bart is to sail from Brest,
accompanied by four frigates, for Rio de Janeiro. By
this it would appear, that the French negociations
with the Emperor of the BRAZILS do not proceed in
so satisfactory a manner as was expected. We ap-
Prebend] that Don PEDRO will feel little at his ease
with the French, Americans, and Buenos Ayreans
all discontented with his Imperial proceedings, while
his hopeful brother, Don MODEL, is cutting off his
retreat to Portugal (if such should hereafter be ne-
cessary), by setting up as King on his own account.

The next arrivals from Lisbon will probably an-
nounce the departure of the English troops, and the
downfall of the Constitution. Don MIGUEL has
played off the hypocrite with modest assurance
while in this country, to which he would not have
come but to raise a loan at the expence of our Go-
vernment. But the trick has failed through the
spirited instrumentality of Sir FREDERICK Limn,
and Don MIGUEL must now consult his mother as to
the means necessary for carrying into effect her insi-
dious counsels. By the departure of the French
and English troops, Spain and Portugal will be in a
precious condition with two such rulers as FERDI-
NAND and MIGUEL.

The Allgenzeine Zeitung of the. I2th inst., with
the Austrian Observer of the 7th, have been received,
but they throw no additional light upon the state of
affairs in the East. The passage of the Danube is
rendered so dangerous by floating masses of ice, that
couriers are delayed several days on its banks. The
report that the Duke of BRUNSWICK had embraced
the Cathblicßeligion is said to have been unfounded.
VIENNA, MAnctt 7.—Metalliques, 89i ; Bank Shama,
1,019.

The Bill which is before Parliament for the repeal
of Mr. PERCEV2tL'S Acts of 1808 and 1809, is a
measure obviously necessary to prevent an undue
waste of the public money. The plan proposed by
Mr. PERCEVAL was to exchange 3 per cent. stock
for an annuity on the life of an individual not under
35 years of age; and he calculated, that by convert-
ing the 3 per cent. stock into life annuities, while it
\Vag at the low price of 68, he would facilitate the

redemption of the public debt. MrePERCJIVAt was
impressed with the hindrance which a rise in the
price of the 3 per cents, would give to the redemp-
tion of the public debt. He saw plainly that it
would be easier to purchase them at 68 than at 88 ;
and there is no doubt, indeed, that our mode of
borrowing money, by creating a great amount of
nominal stock, which we may have to redeem at par,
or a't least at a very high price, offers a serious ob-
stacle to the decrease of our debt. It was to pur-
chase it, therefore,'at the low price, that Mr. PER-
CEVAL bethought himself of this plan. He wished
to clinch the bargain while it could be done with
advantage; and with this single object his mind
seems to have been so pre-occupied that he could
think of no other. He, accordingly, was so set upon
converting the 3 per cent. stock into life annuities,
that he gave too much for them : he not only allowed
the stockholder to retain the original dividend of
3 per cent. on the life of the annuitant, but he gave
him 6 per cent. besides,—and all this on the faith
that the Funds would rise, and that the public in this
case would greatly profit by having previously con-
verted the 3 per cents. into life annuities. The plan
was, therefore, a species of adventure on the Stock
Exchange,—it was only to be advantageous in the
event of a rise in the price of stock, and for this
contingent advantage too high a price was given;
the perpetual annuity was converted into a life an-
nuity at far too great an expence, and, accordingly,
it appears now, when the public are duly alive to
the nature of the transaction, that a loss is incurred
of about 8,0001. per week. The first year, annuities
to the amount of only 50,0001. were created; but
they amounted last year to above 800,000/. and
would, no doubt, still encrease, as the favourable
terms on which they are given become more gene-
rally understood. Lord ALTHORP'S Bill will, of
course, put a stop to these disadvantageous trans-
actions.

THE FUNDS-(THIS DAY).

CITY, TWELVE 0' Cr oar.

The English Funds have been quite uninteresting to-
day, and attended with trivial variation. Consols opened
at 824 became buyers at Z, and have been 83 ; the pre-
sent quotation is 828 3. India Bonds remain at SS 9,
and Exchequer Bills, 57 S pm.
In the Foreign Funds the attention of the speculators has
been chiefly directed to Portuguese Bonds ; late in the
hours of business yesterday this security became extremely
heavy, and declined from 71 2 to 69, and after hours they
might have been procured, in all quarters, at 66k, which
was the first price this morning; the impression, however,
made by the intelligence received from Lisbon has been so
serious as to bring sellers from all quarters, and the general
feeling is, that no dependence can be placed on the Govern-
ment as administered by that pink of legitimacy, Don Miguel.
From this cause the Bonds have still further gone down to
62, and remain in a state of great languor. Mexican
Bonds are also lower, and 'Sii sellers. Brazilian and
Russian are kept up by the exertions of a powerful party
in their favour ; the former have given way a trifle, being
60i 61 ; the latter 8531.
In Shares, Brazilian Mines have declined to 43 45 pm.
Three per Cent. Consols, 82i- 3 ; Ditto, for the
Account, 828 3 ; India Bonds, SS 9 pm. ; Ex-
chequer Bills, 57 8 pm.

FORRIGN.-Brazilian, 601 1 ; Buenos Ayres, 31 3 ;
Colombian, 24 ; Danish, 60 4 ; Greek, 161 174 ;
Mexican, 6 per Cent., 32 4 ; Peruvian, 23 4 ; Portu-
guese, 65 ; Russian, 85 ; Spanish, 10 1.
MixEs.—Anglo Mexican, 65 60 dis. ; Brazilian, 43
45 pm. ; Colombian, 161 171 per share ; Real del Monte,
70 50 dis. ; United Mexican, 23 2 die. ; General Mining
Association, 104 111 pm.

TWO O'CLOCK.

Consols are somewhat improved, and are 83i ; Portu-
guese Bonds have also undergone a trifling rise, and are
63 64.

THREE O' CL O CB.
Consols have bcex done at 83k, in consequence
of a few purchases, they are now 83

THE MARKETS.-(THIS DAY.)

CORN EXCHANGE.
There are this week small arrivals of most kinds of
Grain, and not much Flour. The 'Wheat trade remains
unaltered from Monday's report. Barley sells freely, and
the stock nearly cleared away. Beaus and Pease are ex-
tremely dull in sale. Oats are held firmly at the reduc-
tion of Monday, as the boisterous weather preveate fur-
ther arrivals. Flour remains as last quoted.

A it RIVAT,S,
Wheat. ' Barley. Oast. I Flour. •
1,900 qrs. 2,050 qrs. 2,400 qrs. 3,4:losacks.
- 1,700

Irish
Foreign

The Duchess of GLOUCESTER, the Princess
AUGUSTA, and the Princess SOPHIA, visited the Duchess
of CLARENCE yesterday, at her residence at the Admiralty.
The Cabinet Council which was held At a late
hour on Monday night, at the Foreign Office, did not
break up till one o'clock yesterday morning.
Captain BATTY arrived at the Foreign Office,
Downing-street, about half-past one o'clock yesterday after-
noon, with despatches from Sir FREDERICK LAME, our
Ambassador at Lisbon. The Captain also brought des-
patches for Mr. Secretary HusictssoN, from Sir EDWARD
CODRINGTON. Soon after the arrival of Capt. BATTY,
Mr. Secretary linsKtssoN, accompanied by the Captain,
proceeded to have a conference with the Duke of WE L-
LING TO N which lasted a considerable time. Copies of the
despatches were forwarded in the course of the afternoon to
the KING, at St. James's Palace.

~About half an hour after the arrival of Capt.
Rim, Capt. goro, R.N., arrived in a post chaise and
four at the Admiralty, bringing despatches from Lisbon.
The Captain had an interview with his Royal Highness the
Duke of CLARENCE, who went with the dispatches tq his
MAJESTY. The Captain landed at Brighton about nine
o'clock yesterday morning,
A Deputation of the Merchants of Bristol
waited on the CITANCEf.LOR of the EXCHEQUER yesterday,
at his residence in Downing-street, and had a conference
with the Right Hon. Gentlman. Mr. HART DAVIS, the
Member for Bristol, accompanied the Deputation.
Prince ESTERHAZY, the Austrian Arnim,
sador, had an interview with the Duke of Wgriat:wrox
yesterday.

Eari ABERDEEN and Lord ELLENBOROUGE
transacted business yesterday at the Foreign Office, Down•
ii)g:streetl

Mr. Secretary PEEL transacted business yes-
terday with Mr. Secretary Husussow, at his residence
in Downing-street.
Mr. CROKER visited the CHANCELLOR of
the gacHEQuEs. yesterday.
Mr. DRAREEN, the King's Messenger, was
sent off from the Colonial Office, Downing-street, about
seven o'clock yesterday evening, with despatches from Mr.
Secretary Husiussow for the Hon. General PONSONISY, the
Lieutenant-Governor of Malta; and also for the Right
I fon. Sir FREDERICK ADAM, the Lord High Commissioner
of the lonian Islands.

A numerous Meeting of the Subscribers of
LLOYI'S Coffee House, took place this morning, War.
THOMPSON, Esq. M.P. in the Chair, who stated the re-
sult of the communications the Committee had with the
CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER to lessen the duties on
Marine Insurances, and to which the Chancellor had re-
plied that however desirable such a reduction would be,
for the present at least it was not possible. The Chair-
man also adverted to the new regulations at the Policy
Office, relative to the payments of the stamp duties being
made at Somerset House, instead of Lombard-street, and
the inconvenience which would result from such a mea-
sure, the CHANCELLOR had, in consequence, consented
to receive the payments at the Bank of England for the
future, which was deemcd satisfactory.
LIVERPOOL, MARCH 17..--. TO-day our mar-
ket was well supplied with both Beef and Mutton, which
met sale at our last quotations, Beef .51d. to 64d., Mut-
ton 61d. to 74d. per lb. sinking the offals.
On Saturday evening his Excellency the
Marquis of ANGLESEA went for the first time in state to
the Theatre. He was accompanied by the Ladies PAGET,
and the whole of his splendid Court, and was received with
enthusiastic applause.—Dublin Paper.
There is a report of a serious accident hap-
pening to Gen. CLINTON, at Lisbon, who it appears,
in passing, received a kick from a mule, which has seriously
injured his leg. It is said the old QUEEN, on hearing of
the accident, sent orders to have the mule purchased for
herself, and expressed herself highly delighted at the me- •
ritotious act of the beast.

MEETING.-(THIS DAY.)

GENERAL SEECEAL QUARTERLY COURT OF THE DTHECTORS

OF THE HONOURABLE EAST INDIA cOMFANY.

To-day, at a quarter past twelve, a General Quarterly
Court was held at the East India House, made special
for the purpose of 'submitting for confirmation the
Resolution of the General Court of the I9th of De-
cember last, approving the resolution of the. Court of
Directors of the sth of the same month, granting to Capt.
Thomas Buchanan, the present superintendant of the Born -
bay Marine, a pension of Eight Hundred Pounds per annum,
on the grounds therein stated, and for other purposes. The
minutes of the last Court were read.

Upon the Resolution to grant the pension, a considerable
debate took place.
General THORNTON could not understand why in un-
qualified terms such a grant as this should be made to
Captain Buchanan, who • had only held office for
about eighteen months, and who was now in the
prime of life. He proposed as an amendment that the-
pension should be granted until a suitable employment be
provided for Captain B.
Mr. GAnaoArr agreed with the General. The service.
of Captain 8., however meritoi ions, had not been of that.
signal kind by any means to demand such a compensation
on leaving office.
Sir H. LINDSAY (Chairman) said, though this Officer's
services had not been long, yet he had for many years been
looking up to this situation, which yielded about 3,000/.
a year, and during that time he had held but a subordinate
office. On his being superseded now by another officer,
approved of by the Court, there being no fault to be found
with his conduct, and he having had reason to suppose he
might have held the office for a length of years, the
Court of Directors had thought him entitled to tie'
Ha a-year. If, however, it were proposed as an amend-
:nent, that the pension should be granted till the Captain
should be otherwise employed, he (the Chairman) should
not oppose such an addition to the resolution, but to say,
till he was otherwise provided for, implied a pledge on the.
part of the Directors to provide for him, which he appre-
liended could not be given.

Finally General Thornton withdrew his proposed amend-
ment, that the Chairman's might be substituted for it, and
which was carried unanimously.
Mr. Dam; now begged to ask for his own information,
whether the grant of a pension of this sort was to 1-)
deemed payable to the guarantee, even after the Company
itself might be dead.—(Laughter.)
The CHAIRMAN hoped the Company would never die
(Repeated laughter)—but should it, he had no doubt of it,
being understood that such pensions were only to be con
sidered payable during the Company's life time.—(Con
tinued laughter.)

A DruEcToa apprehended the worthy Chairman ha;l
misunderstood the question, otherwise he would not have
made such an answer. The fact was, the Company wa,)
a chartered body, and the pensions granted by it were re-
gulated precisely and subject to the same terms and dura-
tion that all pensions were granted by all other bodies re-
gulated by Acts of Parliament.
DISMISSAL OF MR. COURTENAY

~ Of
which notice had been given by Colonel Stanhope., _
That
this Court of Proprietors has heard with regret
.
that 111 r.
Courtenay Smith, Chief Judge of the Stu:,
reme Nativo
The Secretary having read the following motion
Court, in Bengal, has been suspended fro.:, his
office, fo,
having expressed the following opinion, na.rnei.,
.., "tn, ,
at. as
suits appealed to the authorities in England, 4,.,
decided by them after many year; and as the period of. th,
Hon. Company's Charter will shortly expire, and
~
i:if,theerthtehrei
texziltlabtei erne
noefwtel
dis, pasretsheen tgoCvletarrutpe it Is tincz.rtain.
n t
of
the coun-
try will be assumed by his Majesty; in my opinion, the
,ecurity of the Government is Nutth as cannot be accepted.
But as this is an uncommon circumstance, it requires the
concurrence of another judge,
2dly. That Mr. Canning, when President of the Board
~f Control, acted upon the same principle as that for which
Mr. C. Smith has been condemned, the former having re-
fused to sanction a pension which extended the grant be-
yond the period of the East India Company's charter,
3dly. That the conduct of the Government in suspend—
ing 'this most upright Judge for expressing his honest opi-
nion, is calculated to corrupt the fountain of justice, in
British India ; and that Air. C. Smith, in laying dowz4
the rule of equity, and protecting the weak from the stwong,,
has done his duty, and deserves the approbation of this.
Court,

The CHAIENIAN rose and said that, in answer to, the
gallant officer's motion, lie had to inform the Court that,
the writers of the East India House, had been examined,
and that no information had been received on the subject.
Colonel STANHOPE thought that if there was no infer
oration received on this subject, there bad been great re-
missness on the part of the Government in India, The
subject had been before Parliament, and was tho topic of
general conversation in this country for five or six month.
past. As the Indian Government had not transmitteit
any information on the subject, perhaps the Court would ac-
cept some information even front ao humble an individual
as himself. The fact was, that Mr. Courtenay Smith had
been dismissed by the Indian Government for giving a
conscientious opinion in his judicial capacity, on a ease
which Mule before him, between a subject and the Go-
vernment. Colonel Stanhope was proceeding to read a
printed report of the case 411tIded to, when
The CHAIRMAN interposed, and hoped the Hon. 'is_
prietor would suspend his motion until the Court
Direc-
tors hio received some information on thern
Col. STANIIOPE said, that the circusta Direr-
:lce was stated
in Parliament by Mr. Brougham, and n, t denied.
The Cu AI am N said Mr. Brougb
"4nt had postponed his
motion in Parliament, on the very ground he bad now
taken the liberty to suggest to the Gallant Colonel.
'
Colonel STANHOPE, after a few words, consented so
postpone his motion.

CARNAric COMMISSION.
Captain Mitxrtsaz brought forward a motion respect-
ing the Carnatio Com Mission. He stated that the Com-
mission had hem in existence for twenty-three years, and
had coat upwards of two millions of money. The
whole amount of claims which the Commisl,ion was
appointed to inquire into was about 30,000,000, of which
the Commissioners decided absolutely and provisionally for
claims to about two millions and a half, and against
claims amounting to 27,000,000.
The CHAIRMAN begged to refer the Hon. Proprietor to
the report before the House of Commons, by the Commis-
sioners, on the 10th of this month, and after that he would
put it to the Hon. Proprietor whether he would not with-
draw his motion.

The Report having been read,
Capt. AfaxnELn expressed himself satisfied, and with-
drew his motion.

STAMP ACT.
Colonel STANHOPE said, that the motion which he hal
now to offer to the Court was relative to a measure which
certainly sounded ominous to the ear, for a Stamp Act
it was that lost to this country British America. - The'
Stamp Act in India was alike unjust and imp-.
Stamp
n
litic, illegal and dangerous. This Act was secretly
canvassed by the Board at Calcutta, and secretly
sent over to this Court, where it was also secretly
discussed and sent to the Board of Controul, where it
was again secretly considered, and sent once again to
Calcutta as a law, binding those who were wholly ignorant
of every thing about it until it had been finally adopted.
lion forTheCthHeaptritodmAttean
Ntiherenf papersinterfered and
relating said i d
to the ta
tha
that
in amo
_pct, it was not en order to discuss the measure itself.

which was at length
hisw
ct t . Auramr
itluoodtanaito,e
d:no
fbaymotion,Col.hdiscussione
prse s
eAwrnewht : itiin:,,virtPt:o:giaatt
lic!ilnniabesgwreinianfntugaiolntlltt3gi,hetedeot
iotsflpoeiltro:afsloeilitrsilomeldffnrutteallix,:ii:!
before the meeting.:afe:rceoo nowm pp
Company,
prosecutionsrnaiyni d,g,
had been instituted against
anti that a trial had taken
tcj,l,:::eatrlt Meeting,Tt.eaeine
oneD3tnchqpiCtr
eceeleiluAsehottAihtofoararsitbsttlAteh:Na
inaldsanartniiedotthttiehieseraiettoi
wfpt whraiselni
printed
intention
te was then prepared
to lay before them.
Mr. GANAGAX wished to know if it was the intention
them. penraticotniceofwapsritnotilnagy

Mr. GAHACIIAN had to ask a questiiin relative to pro-
ceedings in the Treasury department.
Captain PRESCOTT then rose, and said that he was happy
to appear again before them after an absence of nine
months, without a stain upon his character. His wish
was, that the Court should examine all those papers as
closely as possible, as without being possessed of their con-
ti,lence, he was not the man who could continue to sit
within that Bar.—(Hear, hear.)
Some further business of no public importance then
took place, after which the Court adjourned.

AT R E.---Th e ap-
i),.arCVan°eeEofNKTEtA, YRoDuENNG, andiillEC. KENILLE, as Othello,
Jago, and Cassio, attracted an immense crowd here last
sight. Hundreds were unable to obtain admission, and a
rpikeral uproar ensued, which was only terminated by Mr.
KEMBLE'S proposing to return the admission money of
who were inconveniently situated, and felt inclined
i„ leave befote the oommtneement of the second act,