The Sun.
London, England, 1819-02-19 00:00:00

SLAVE TRADE.

I Mr. SMI7I-1 (of Cambridge) wished to know what would
be the most. convenient day for him to bring forward a Mo-
tion relative to any instructions that had been given for tak-
ing ships engaged in the slave Trade, as well as to the Com-
missioners appointed to gee to Africa, for the purpose of put-
ting a stop to that trade ?
Lord CASTLEREAGH observed, that a discussion would
take place on that subject to-morrow; and then the Hon.
Gentleman might be able to judge as to the time of giving
his notice, or whether he might not, on that occasion, intro-
duce his question.
M:-. SMYM said, the subject of his Motion was particu-
larly connected with the conduct of the Government.
Lord CASTLEREAGH replied, that the discussion of to- ,
morrow might lead to the explanation wished for by the Hon.
Gentleman.

Mr. SMITH then fixed his notice fur to-morrow this
day.)
Mr. TIERNEY conceived that there could be nothing but
eon versation in the discussion of to-morrow.
Lord CASTLEREAGH said, a discussion was to take place
on the Papers that had been laid before the House, and va-
rious questions would naturally arise upon them.
Mr. TIERNEY observed, that the question, of which
notice was given for to-morrow, related to a specific treaty,
for the fulfilment of which a suns of money had been
given.

Dr. PHILLIMORE wished to know if the Noble Lord
meant to brim, forward a discussion on the Slave Trade
to-morrow ?—Nu answer was given to this question.

DEITIES PAID AT GIBRALTAR.
Mr. TIERNEY wished to know by what authority certain
Duties or Customs were leried on Ships entering the Port of
Gibraltar; and to whose account the monies thus raised were
carried ?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER answered,
that any duties raised in this way at Gibraltar belonged, as
matter of right to the Crown.
Mr. TIERNEY again asked, under what authority were
they collected, and why should they be considered us the ex-
clusive property of the Crown ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, be al-
ways considered the revenues of Gibraltar as being raised
under the authority of the Crown.

TRANSPORTATION—STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES.
Mr. KENNET rose, pursuant to his notice, to
submit to the House a motion on the subject of
the Tiansportation of CU/Waals, and the State of

ew South Wales. lie could not enter upon
the more immediate subject of his motion with-
out adverting to the notice which the Noble Lord
had this night given for all imptiry into the state
of the Gaols thPoughout the kingdom. He 'did
not conceive that official representations on such
subjects were Much to be relied on. It was only
necessary to turn to the Report on the State of
Gaols in Scotland, and to contrast the statements
in it with those contained in the excellent publi-
cation of Mr Gurney. A comparison of the
statements in that Report, and in Mr. Gurney's
Woth, sufficiently showed the difference between
the accounts of Magistrates end those of eye-
witnesses. With respect to the immediate sub-
ject of his motion, he had heard it objected to
with much surprize, that a Committee sat on the
same subject in 1812. It was true, that in 1812
two Committees had been appointed on subjects
connected with it, and from both of these consi-
derable good had resulted. On the report of one
of them the Penitenthity had been founded, and
on the report of the other a new arrangement of
the hulks had taken place. But a great change
had taken place since the time when these reports
were made. In 1817, many hundreds of convicts
had been sent to New South Wales, who had vo-
lunteered to go thither. This changed the while
nature of the subject, and he could not but think
that when there were volunteers to undergo that
punishment, next in severity to death, it was high
time that the attention of Parliament should be
turned to the subject. The Honourable Gentle-
man then read from various returns the numher
of persons transported in each year since 1804,
for the purpose of showing that the average an-
nual number was now nearly doubled. Ile also
called the attention of the House to the state of
the hulks, and complained, that though rusny
most humane and beneficial regulations had been
made, through the efforts of Lord Sidmouth and
Mr. Capper under him, yet that still they were in
a situation that required great amendment. With
respect to the convict ships, (he expences had in-
creased from 291. 10s. per man, in 1810, to 341.
which was the present expe'nee. The lien. Mem-
ber could easily prove that considerably more
than 200 convicts had been cooped up in a mi-
serable, if not an inhuman milliner ; and that the
noxious and pestiferous vapours which issued from
the filthy receptacles of those unfortunate fellow-
creatures, were sufficient to suffocate, it not kill,
all persons within its shocking influence. Having
conversed with several witnesses of the facts, he
was ready to substantiate his assertions at the
Bar of the House, or before the Committee, it
the House pleased to comply with his motion.—
What might be the dreadful consequences of such
a mode of transportation when the. ships reached
a hot climate, every one who heard might con-
ceive, as well as he was able to venture to de-
scribe. A comparison had been made, at some Gen-
tlemen thought pertinently, between the situation
of !hose belonging to the Army and Navy in a si-
milar predicament ; but Mr. Bennet denied that
there was the smallest similarity. The men be-
longing to his Majesty's service experienced very
different accommodation, and were in every ree
spect much better treated. Indeed there could
scarcely be the smallest comparison. Soldiers
and sailors, it was well known, had the enviable
privilege of remaining on deck ; and at no time
during a voyage were there more than one-half of
either below ; while the convicts, on the other
hand, were closely confined in the abomineble
manner. already mentioned. The noxious swells
which issued front the detestable receptacles of
tite convicts, defied, in many instances, the most
powerful nerves of the boldest or most humane
officers to encounter. Besides, the soldiers were
under the constant inspection of their serjeants
or corporals during the voyage ; and if any assist-
ance were wanted for those who became suddenly
sick or afflicted, these non-commissioned officers
were ready to give the relief revisitc. But the
wretched convict was not only doomed to the
most miserable sufferines, but also prevented from
any relief, if even in the extremity of danger
The convict WaS also doomed to suffsr'every rapid
progress of moral corruption. During the whole
voyage his ears were assailed with indecent 501149,
and his principles, at least what portion might
still be presumed to remain, attacked by gambols
of every alluring or profligate description. In-
deed, the sacrifice of every mural principle was
so strong, and so deeply implanted, that it ap-
peared as if, thinking they had reached die climax
of anarchy and infamy, they gave themselves up
to despair, and were only anxious to get rid of
life in the most speedy way possible ! Was he
to be told, that because a person had been convict-
ed of a crime, and was undergoing the punishment
of the law, that he ought to be condemned to
every degree of moral corruption ? The cause of
punishment was for the amendment of the person
thus condemned. If, instead of amendment, he
was cherished in vice, and encouraged, as it were,
in every species of moral turpitude, could those
who had the care of him be said to be acting iu
conformity.to the intentions of the law ? He
bestowed many encomiums on Mr. Cooke and Mr.
Marsden, from whom he had received very va-
luable information. All tite facts which were in
his possession, and they were such as deserved
the most serious consideration of the House, he
would lay before the Committee. It had been
stated that a person of the most respectable cha-
racter had been sent out by Government to in-
quire into the state and management of New
South Wale,. So far as that Gentleman's con-
duct might go, the purposes might be answered.
But was lie to be told, that because such a person
had been sent out to the colony, that the House
ought to abandon all inquiry, and not attend to
the important facts which he had to communi-
cate ? The expence of the establishment to this

country had been great, far perhaps beyond what
many Gentlemen imagined. The flononrible
Gentleman then went into a detaited statement or

calculation, proving, that from the year 1788 to
1818, it had cost us upwards of four
The average annual expenditure had rather in-
et eased than dimioished. In 1817, it amounted
to tl.e sum of 93,0001. lit sides the enormous
expenditure of that establishment, it had been
productive of more vice and corruption than all
the others together. The faults and laxities of
morals of nll the other colonies were nothing
‘vlaen coinpfutai with this 3 inl4 of profligacy. 'nue

S
nal
tivl%en;er) idalatectiltooati fisil)3l(
eeir thel;
cisil
(1c;a:cl
n:t
(11 rifB(l e)oi
il 51' v(!j'
discharge *ca rtsiigalloll:lleelgiCilitsir(tttitiVl.ti::(-eeltirric)til;irti:i!irteir:
his conduct question. lie opened an shut
ports as fancy, policy, or caprice directedof
je
had also the sole direction and Management at
P
üblic stores, and to him might chiefly be
biztre,d instance,t lierise
persons who perice eof ° rvrit: sils,ei°,ooorpri•
try from remote parts, frequently found theofinist
not only shut, but apparently a total watili(-7
Tit
market. What are they then obliged t° (left
sell at reduced prices. The ports open ne'f
and the market commences. The articles
vision become consequently advanced fro)]
ore
increased demand, and thus undue adcantage,s,ed
taken of the change of circumstances, Pr°,(l4l.
by artificial means. The abuses of the Esn'oje
ment were great, and called for the imineo(aie
interference and correction of Parliainent•
times Government stores, which were at
bushel, fell artificially to Gs. or 7s. a -11"911e", ad-
dle purchasers were allowed to store them
Vance() prices. In the year 1813, PriviliffiH2tt "E"
duals could not get mare than ss. for ce'•-i
titles of provision, when Government Pveithat
irlien it was considered as fair and teasorob'e not
meat should be at Ltd. per pound, the ()vorliate
issued orders that it should on acco.ot
ever he more than G. Although, the 1-1011°"Ird' tea
Member advanced these facts, 'Willett all Collar," - be
proved by indubitable testimony at the.
t•
did not mean to detract from the Gove 0
oe
character ; all that be meant to sHY, svjsc age'
these transactions hapnened untler rplioa-••
and !hit they required exPlauleoli:
f there were colpabilities in the nioje al
Li:cline? the establishment, it wag the ,4-04`ii es
Parliament to examine the mtittdarsi acid
the colony was at such a disita'nce from tlerloof
ther country, it became them not to st'li"aja‘
unnecessary delay. In comparison with tlie.„ae'r.
ther Country, New South Wales and if 'l's of
i_lencies might he Said to he the Aol1P('coo'
England ; therefore, whaiever e
strued into criminal neglect, or chliou'ern;;'"
Bence, could trot be remedied for a 10,1 g
months. A letter could not be a oswete" ti••
thence in less than ten. inowhs. As to be if:3rtida
cola'. or speculative value of the Colony' ' „et'
not as yet exhibited much omise. "
tively, therefore, unless in the article of ''''-i\Tifritc
saw no advantage to the Mother Countrc•
quantity of wool it might in future prof!(;-:(furl
could not say ; but it was confessed 11 roe
judges of that comModity, that it produce''etior
very finest fleeces—certair4consitlerablYsui't 001
to Spanish or Saxony woM. But, jtalgillr:rc'
the present state of the Colony, the 011):-.1eie
front wool or any other article was at tlli9
mere speculation. The Hon. Member then:" rile'
I to prove the absolute necessity for Of
(lime revision and amendment of the kW "Ijr Dalt
Colony. His information on this snhieete-ri:
received from a very respectable c;;;"""
telligent merchant. The ' • ,8 j 0" jtill4
Lice of that estatilishmeril Wimuls"liso v,° "
grievance. The Trial by Juryas
had tlectYl're
commended hot he thought that nei'br. at
nor the House ought to be satisfied- to gperl'icl'
such an inestimable privilege without on' anl-0,(1
merit of the law, and without the better ;•
more eligible exercise of the functions of Ji.v3r
Not only the House, but the public, ought 10;:et"
the facts now mentioned. The mode of oPP—lje,l
jog the Magistrates for the Colon • also 41'6e:is%
Particular notice, The House would be stll.P.'",sll‘e
to hear that the Governor had invested witit - 0
pers'ia
inlportatir office of Chief Magistrates t
who had been convicts ; one Lord, or Laver, ,°llllo
the notorious Darcey Wentwotth ! He h"‘'
wish to do ally injury to the last person ,• Of,
every proper feeling for his situation, he coalc(111) f
admit that his appointment to the office of `fitotf
Magistrate was one of the most jodicious "cls
the GavelllOCS power. It could not be soPri t
.that a person w l
who had perhaps been
the same bar, and at the same brit',
to sit as a Judge, upon his fdlow CO2vict(
But besides this insult to the juridical
rity by the Governor, one of his f.avourite sli)"1:9;
namely Mr. Lord, or Law, was not ashataed "0
descend from the exercise of his functions "11 f
Bench, to act the more humble but pert plittd°e
an auctioneer ! From dispensing
justice 00' °-
Bench, he suddenly sinks down
to a ve"` ;
blankets ! Art amendment in the administratt tj
°
of justice was therefore absolutely necessarY ;
he hoped that some persons of ore 1 c;1-
f
m '
racters than convicts, would in future be aPP°„d
ed diBcharge the duties of the Chief Judges
Chief .
'el. Magistrates. By the roost recent ilit01111',„'
.‘
t on from New South Wales, t wenty-seven Pe;
sicrsnt A
shad been capitally convicted during the ti`v
l,
Assizes—rnany more in proportion than '::
had been capitally convicted during same
rind, either in Devonshire, out of a p dada!) --
300,000, or Warwickshire, including- P°P110;
lons towns, or Yorkshire, wish a population f
I_, 100,000! Amour the onacconto able acts
Governor M'Quarrie, he had ordered three 'll7l-.;
to be flogged for simply going thorough a
The Governor might, for ought he knew, be vfi
very good sort of a but his conduct inn ani,
respects requited explanation. If the Govern"
were simply io the character of a military indiv';-
dual in society at home. the I lonourable :
hail no doubt but he would appear very unexcel):
tionablo. But great doles often turned s°11,1;
men's brains ; and hoe was apprehensive that t""
Governor might haVe anflered under such on in
fluence. In another insrance, 500 lashes had beeri
inflicted on a fretenian, a very ingenious man, wir
had suffered the displeasure of the higher autll°°'
ties. lint why should the Nrilde f.ordl (Bathurst)
commit the properties arid lives oi 20,000 Bug;
lishmen to such a loose adm u i
inistratio of justice
-
It had been Wilted that the celebra.ed Lord Mans.
field once held out as a doctrine, that a cooquereA
colony was liable to all the consequeoces of c°,lll,
quest—namely, the levying monies, or acting wl,l-,
the inhabitants as policy !night direct. Wit °-
denied that New South \Vales was, in any vievit,'
cotigilered ; and the Crown could "`-
levy one shilling in it without leave of I.4Blli''
tutut. The UonourabN Member condetyPed "Q't