Star.
London, England, 1814-03-30 00:00:00

CLERICAL, PENALTIES.

Mr. WHITBREAD presented a petition from a
Clergyman (whose name we were unable to ascertain)
praying to be relieved from the penalties and costs
incurred in consequence of a prosecution for non-
residence.

After some observations from Mr. B. 13ATIIURST,
Mr. WYNNE, Mr. PRESTON, and Mr. M. SUTTON, the
petition was ordered to lie on the table.

MAYO ELECTION.

Mr. WETHERELL presented a Petition from
certain Freeholders of the county of Mayo, praying
that the time for entering into recognisances respect-
ing a petition against the-return, might be extended.
The Hon. Gentleman proceeded to state that he held
in his hand affidavits of the facts, upon which the
petition was founded, which he was ready to submit
to the House.

The SPEAKER observed that it was necessary
the House should know under what authority the
afildavits had been taken. Should that authority not
appear competent, the parties must he either called
to the bar, or some Member mug vouch for the truth
of the statement.

Mr. BATHURST thought that though it was
anomalous to receive affidavits, yet in the absence of
other evidence they might be taken.
Mr. WYNNE said that it was necessary for the
House to know if the affidavits had been taken before
a Magistrate, or any competent authority. He thought
it would be the best way to examine witnesses at the
bar of the House.

Mr. BANKES thought some time should be al-
lowed for deliberation, before any deviation should
be made from established usage. Should it appear
that no suspicion attached to the affidavits, he thought
that the meaning of the Act would be complied with
by their being admitted as evidence. All that the
Act required was, that the evidence should be satis-
factory to the House. He thought there were many
and grave reasons for the House not departing from
their usual practice.
The SPEAKER begged leave to call the atten-
don of the House to the Act of the 12th of the King,
respecting the attendance of Members upon Commit-
tees. The wording of that Act was similar to that
of the present ; but evidence was always, in the case
of its provisions not having been complied with, taken
at the bar of the House.

gr. WETHERELL then moved, that the agent
for the Petitions should be called to the bar, in order
to be examined urn oath.
At the suggestion of the SMAKER, however, the
motion was agreed to be postponed till to-morrow ;
and the Peution, together with another of a similar
descriptions was (mused to lie on du) table.--Ad-
40;u1K4A

HELIGOLAND MAIL.

COPENHAGEN, MARCH 5.

The Danish Chancery published, under date of the
22d ult. the following rescript to his Royal Highness
Prince Christian Frederick :
" Frederick VI. by the Grace of GOD, King of Denmark, &c.

DILAR COUSIN—We hereby acquaint you, that as
our Royal will to fulfil the Treaty of the 14th of Ja.
nuary was communicated to you on the 17th and 19th
of that month, and on the Bth of February, and we
must therefore presume that what we directed Avid..
respect to the appointment of Commissioners for the
delivering up of the fortresses in Norway, has already
been carried into execution, and you are, therefor.,
preparing to leave Norway, we, by these presents,
discharge you from the Government entrusted to your
superintendance. We testify to you our sincerest si.
tisfaction, and return you our most heartfelt thanks
for all that you have done in the important post corn.
milted to your care. Given in our Royal resident,:
of Copenhagen, and under our Royal hand and seal,
the 22d of February, 1814."
Another rescript follows, ordering all civil and tr.%
lirary officers to resign, in so far as it is not already
done, all the fortresses, arsenals, and property app;i.
mining to the Crown, in the kingdom of Norway.