Star.
London, England, 1823-05-03 00:00:00

HIGH SHERIFF OF DITOLIN•

On the motion of Sir Faucets Minor rT, the Order of the Day
for taking into comideratioa the conduct of the High Sheriff of
Dublin was read.

Sir FHA NCIS IWRDETT said it might be convenient,
with a/Were:ice to the progress of public husines,,, to coni,le the
inquiry which was about to commence to certain days in the
week. He proposed that Mondays, Wednesdays, and Ft idly.
should be devoted to the inquiry.
Aftet some conversation, in which Mr. CALCHAFT, :ir. Pert,
Sir FRANCI3 IhJILDETT, cud Mr. TICILMEIr participated, it seemed
to be understood that Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays should
be the days appropriated to the inquiry.
On the motion of Sir Fes :sets liminsrs, the Housevesolved
itself into a Committee, fur; the purpose of continent:mg the in-
vestisatioat—Sir Hobert Heron in the Chair.

Si; I.ItANCIS HU lIDETF observed, that having brought
the proceeding to that point, he hoped that Honourable Gentle-
men who were necessarily better acquainted with the subject
than be could pretend to be, would carry it on.
CALCRAFT observed, that it would be proper to re-
quire any witnesses who might be in the gallery to withdraw ;
and oa his motion,
The SPEAKER directed the Serjeant at Arms to order all
witnesses who might be in the gallery to withdraw.
The order having been communicated to the gallery by the Of-
ficers of the House/ six or eight Gentlemen accordingly withdrew.
Mr. WYNN said, that Mr. Sheriff Thorpeought in justice to
be present, that ,he might hear how the evidence affected him,
since he was to be called upon to defend his conduct.
31r. F. LEWIS concurred in the propriety of allowing the
Sheriff to be present, but only as a compliment, and by no means.
as precluding the right of the House to examine him, the pro-
ceeding being in the character of an inquest.
Mr. WYNN did not deny the right of the House to examine
the Sheriff, hut the propriety of doing so.
Mc. F. LE WIS denied that there would be any impropriety
in examining the Sheriff.
Mr. LA bIBTON observed, that it would be very absurd,
after the resolution of the House to examine the Sheriff, to ab-
stain from doing so. •
On the motion of Sir JOHN NEWPORT, the Clerk of the House
read the Order fur the attendance of Benjamin Ricky, Esq. the
Clerk of the Crown for the City of Dublin.
The SPEAKER directed the Serjeant at Arms to inquire if
ME. Ricky was in attendance. The answer being in the affirma-
title, that Gentleman was called in, and underwent an examina-
tion to the following effect :
By the Coarastao—What is your name?—Benjamin Ricky.
You are Clerk of the Crown in Dublin?—l execute that office.

By Sir J. Nawroux.—For how many years have you exe-
cuted the office of Clerk of the Crown in Dublin?—For nearly
thirty years.
Have you brought with you any documents shelving the na-
ture of the panels and the Commission Grand Juries for the city
of Dublin ?—I have.

Have you brought with you documents chewing the nature of
the panels and the Commission Grand Juries for the city of
Dublin in the years 1 sl9, 1820, 1821, and 1822?-1 have, with
the exception of the year 1820.
Who are the other persons of whom the Term Grand Juries
are composed, besides Aldermen ?—Of Sheriffs' Peers.
What is the meaning of Sheriffs' Peers /—Sheriffs' Peers are
persons who have served the office of Sheriff, or fined for it. The
Term Panels are composed of Aldermen, Common Councilmen,
and Sheriffs' Peers.

How are the Common Councirelected?—By the various Guilds.
The Guild of Merchants returns 31.

Does any other Guild elect as large a number of Common Coun-
cilmen as the Guild of Merchants ?—None.
Is the election of Common Councilmen annual ?—Triennial.

Can you state the number of Corporators in the Panel and
Commission Grand Juries, during the years 1819, 1820, 1821,
and 1822, with the exception of the Docfmrent which you have
not got believe I can.
The witness hero stated the numbers. Those in 1821 and
1822, were as follows :-
1121.—January 9 sworn-13 not sworn.
April 2 sworn— 2 not sworn.
July 7 sworn-13 not sworn.
August 8 sworn-13 not sworn.
October 8 sworn— 9 not sworn.
1822.—January 2 sworn— 2 not aorn.
February 2 sworn— 2 not sworn.
April 2 sworn— 0 not sworn.
June 1 sworn— 1 not sworn.
August 1 sworn— 0 not sworn.
October 5 bworn— 4 nut sworn.

What was the number of Corporators in the Panel and Com-
mission Grand Jury in January 1823?-14 sworn ; 13 not sworn.
Of how many did the last panel consist ?—Of fifty.
Have you, in your experience of nearly thirty years, known
any other instance of a pinel confined to so small a number as
fifty?--Never.
What is the smallest number of which you have known a
panel to consist previously to that of January last ?—The witness
here read the number of the panel at the various, periods of the
years to which he had already referred. They were 61, 87, 71,
107, 79, 61, 77, 63, 72, 85,82, &c. . . .

What place in the panel did the individuals who composed the
Grand Jury in January last occupy ?—Down to the twenty-sixth
name. With the exception of three, who were absent, all the in-
dividuals of the panel answered in rotation, until the Jury of
twenty-three was completed.
Have you ever known an instance in which the panel have so
answered in rotation?—l do not recollect any such occurrence.
have you ever before known an instance of a panel for a
Commission Grand Jury, in which there have been so many
Corporators as twenty-seven ; fourteen sworn and thirteen un-
sworn think not. _ _

Have you ever before known a panel for a Commission Grand
Jury in which the Corporators composed a majority ?—I never
observed such a circumstance.

Mr. PLUNKETT here observed, that in August, 1021, the
number of the panel being 79„ that of the Corporator' la it was
40, being more than half.
Were the fourteen Common Councilmen, of whom the Grand
Jury was composed, at the head of the panel, or where were they
placed ?—(The answer was inaudible.)
Were the three who were absent Common Councilmen?—
Two out of the three were.

Is It an ordinary occurrence, in calling over the panel for the
Commission Grand Jury, to complete the Grand Jury without
going through the panel ?—Very seldom. It is usual to go through
the whole panel first, and then to.call them on fines.
Look at the panels of preceding years. Can you state how
far down they were proceeded with before the Grand Juries
were completed?—(As witness was understood).—ln no case
less than 75; in some 105.

By Lard MILTON.—You have stated that the Grand Jury, in
January last, was formed out of the first twenty-six individuals
on the panel. How low on the panel did the Grand Jury im-
mediately preceding the last go?—To fifty-six.
And the Grand Jury immediately preceding that ?—To 85.
A short conversation here took place, in which Mr. Pson-
arrv, Mr. Hum, Mr. Prim, and Mr. BROUGHAM participated,
u to the diSculty of ascertaining whether a Grand Jury was
formed on the first calling over of the panel, or on the calling
over on fines.

By Mr. Bitouciums.—l wish to know whether the witness has
any means of 'hewing ho* many Grand Jurors were called upon
lines, and how many called in the ordinary manner ?—ln some
instances I have, but in this I have not. The panels were fre-
quently called over upon him, without any intention of impos-
ing the fine.
By the CHAIRSTAM—Have the goodness to state in how many
Instances you have known the Grand Jury panel to have been
exhausted?—The witness could not answer this question.
Sir JOHN NEWPORT suggested, that the witness should
make a return of the number of panels which were exhausted,
and the number called upon Ones.
Examination continued.—The panel is delivered to witness
by the Sheriff.
By Mr. S. Rtcli.—Never recollected a majority of the Grand
Jury ottt of the Common Council, etcept Eft February, 1823.
The Sh►riff is elected at Midsummer. The panel was almost iu-

sr:trial:ly delivered to him by the High Sheri. After any elec-
tion for Common Councilmen it was nor, to his kdowledge, cur
tomary to put more on the panel out of compliment to them
than at other times. He did not belong to the Corporation,
anti had no means of aniwerine the question.
By Mr. littowNi.ow.—Sheriff Thorpe made his first return to
witness in October. in January 1823 he returned a panel of 50.
He never heard that there were snore Con-mull Councilmen on
the panel after an election than at any other time.
By Colonel BA sv.—ln a case of such importatsce as the trial,
of the Miners at the Theatre, and the Ilibisonnten, he knew no
instance a a Grattil J try antt.veritig constcut,stely to their names,
but on the indictment against the Miters at, the "l'ileatre. The
cleilt had died who had the care of the panel that was missing.
'Witness was tint =wale of any particular circumstances attend-
ing the panel that was missing. Witness was not aware of any
irte;,tialartty in the last panel, except in the number. Believed he
might procure the panel of 1819 by sending for it. Witness was
Clet It of the Crown tor AVestmeath, Queen's County, and King's
County. '[he Grand Jury had not bi.en found in those coemies
without recurring to more than 26 names.. It appeared to wit-
ness unusual to have more than half the Grand Jury composed
of
.Contnion Councilmen. Ile did rot know if it was irregular
nor ot. NVittless did not know exactly when the Commoti Coun-
cil had been elected. Mr. More was a Common Councilman.—
Ile drew no inference, whether as agent to an English Company
he was connected with Dublin. lie believed there were no
Catholics or the panel of Ite23. He had not sufficient know-
ledge of the opinions of Gentlemen.upon previous Grand Juries,
to know whether any of them were Catholics or not. Did not
know two persons of the name of Atkinson had been summoned
to the Bar of the House. On the evening of the first day the
Grand Jury sat, he sent the panels to the house of the Attorney-
General by order of the Court. Could not recollect if that had
ever been done before. His recollection was, that a person named
Alacullock had been neither in custody nor on bail.
Examined by Mr. liaouctuax—Witness bad been its his office
1.1811 ; knew of two Bills which had been proffered by Sir
Edward Littlehales, and which had been ignored by the Grand
Jury, and after which an er officio information had been filed by
Mr. Saurin, the Attorney-General, to which no plea had been
entered.

What are the dunks of the Term Grand Juries?--They make
presentments of money.
I don't understand this; it is all Irish—(A laugh) ;—state
what you mean?—They direct money to be assessed in the city
of Dublin.

In what way are the inhabitants assessed? Are they assessed
according to their property ?—I believe with reference to Mi.
rasters' money—(A laugh).
We are getting deep& and deeper into ignorance. For what
purposes is the money which the Term Grand Juries present?—
For a variety of purposes.
Upon the motion of Mr. DA WSON, the witness was ordered
to withdraw. He conceived the course pursued by the Learned
Member to be irregular.
Mr. BROUGHAM said that he had some misgivings in his
mind that the state of Ireland—the administration of justice
there was so very ticklish a thing, that he could scarcely be al-
lowed to ask a single question about it without being interrupted
by some one or other.* He was not therefore disappointed at the
interruption of the Hon. Gentleman—he was prepared for it.
Any person who might wish to see an inch before his nave, who
might wish to take a single step in an attempt at elucidation,
might calculate on interruption; hut surely it was not a farthing
candle, but the full torch light of truth and inquiry that the Com-
mittee required, in an examination that promised to be long and
important. They had embarked in sn investigation quite new; it
was one, he hoped, for the benefit of Ireland. For the first time
they proceeded in an inquiry into the gross, corrupt, and flagrant
manner in which justice was administered in that country; it
was absolutely and indispensably necessary, that every circum•
stance that could throw light on that investigation should be
brought forward. It was impossible that the House could pro-
ceed one step, unless they knew what they were teally about ;
and when he for the first time had heard of the Session Grand
Jury f Commission Grand Jury. Term Grand Jury, and a va-
riety of other names, wholly new to English Members, what
was more natural than to ask for distinct explanations, in order
to enable them to put further questions? With that view he
had put a question to the witness—how far corruption might
have lurked in the answer, he could net say, because the an-
swer was not given.

Sir G. Ina had no objection to go into the most minute
inquiry; and begged no stop would be put to it by his Hon.
Friend—(Hear, hear).
Mr. BROUGHAM felt happy at the support he received
from the Right Hon. Baronet. He did mean to shy that the
House was to enter into the whole of the state of Ireland.

Witness recalled, and the examination resumed by .31r,
FIROUGHAIL—The Term Grand Jury, and the Session Grand
Jury levied money for the payment of the salaries of Officers—
of the Clerk a the Crown—(A Laugh)—Town Clerk of Dub-
lin, and other Officers of the Corporation. The Town Clerk
was appointed by the Corporation of Dublin. The Grand Jury
gave the contract for the clothing of the convicts, by open bid-
ding. lie had said before he was not the Officer of the Corpo-
ration. The Sheriffs elect had been both on the Graud Jury
that had ignored the Bill.
By Mr. G. Dawson.—lf any improper practices took place in
the levying of money, were not the citizens of Dublin more to
blame than the Grand Jury? •
Mr. GOULBURN rose to order.—lf the House wished to
procure information relative to the Corporation and the Grand
Jury, they ought to have the proper Officer before them.
Mr. S. RICE thought the inquiry should be gone into for the
information of English Members.
Mr.WYNN objected to an examination by inference.
Colonel BARRY was a friend to the fullest inquiry generally,
but thought the present subject should be first finished.
Examination resumed.—All persons had a right to traverse a
presentment. He recollected all the particulars of the er-offacia
information of 1811, in consequence of his attention being called
by the then Clerk of the Crown, under whom he held a situa-
tion. The date of the information was 1811.

By Sir J. MacEnrrose.—The present Clerk of the Crown was
Mr. Kemmis; and in 1311 he acted in conjunction with his father.
By Mr. Binnter--Witness bad been a short time in town, and
had been eked some questions by the Attorney-General.
In answer to a question from Mr. H. Gummy—The witness
answered that the first twenty-six personi summoned on the last
panel had answered to their names, and were sworn.
Sir F. BURDETT thought that no more witnesses should be
called that night.
Colonel BARRY thought that the examination should proceed.
Mr. BROUGHAM said, if any witnesses wished to be exa-
mined, he thought there should be no objection on the part of
the House. .

Mr. PLUNKETT said, that none of his witnesses were then
in attendance.

Mr. S. RICE said, the House should examine the evidence
already given, before they called for more witnesses. There
was no chance of the examination of Sheriff Thorpe, if called,
being concluded that night. •
The CHAIRMAN then reported the Minutes of Evidence, and
obtained leave to sit again on Monday.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER suggested that
the examination of the witnesses should else at nine o'clock.

Mr. BROUGIIAM proposrd ten o'clock on Monday, and
nine on other nights.—This was agreed to.

Mr. GOUT:BORN seas extremely desirous to bring on the
Insurrectiou Act, but was at the mercy of the Honourable Gen-
tlemen opposite, who had preoccupied all the days for nistions
for some time.
Mr. HU3IE said lie had a notice for the 6th, which he would
withdraw—(Hear)—upon one condition. He would not occupy
tbc House by saying a single word if the Honourable Secretary
would grant his motion—(Laughter).--h was only (or a Com-
Mittee of Inquiry into the State of Newfoundland.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, that the
Honourable. Member could not render the service even upon his
own terms, for his motion had not the precedence on din day.
h was the Honourable Member for Lanarkshire:whii had it in
his power. •
The Freeholders Qualification Bill. vim read a second
and ordered to be committed for the 15th.
On bringing up the Report of the Irish
.Conatables' Bill,
Mr. S. Ititm proposed a clause, which was opposed by Sir G.
flux, Colonel 11.41,av, and others, and. supported by Sir Jam:
Newroar.

The house divided on the clause. The numbers were for
the clause, 14—Against it, 27 Majority 15.
The Report was then received, and the Dill was ordered to
be read a third tin*.
Mr. .1. WILLIAMS obtained leave to bring In a Bill fur
rendering the affirmation of Quakers admissible iu criminal cases.
The other Orders of the Day were then disposed ofi end the
House adjourned at Ilalf-past Twtlve o'CiQck.

FRENCH PAPERS.

\

INTELLIGENCE FROM THE. ARMY IN SP.w:.
ISOM lax JOURNAL DZS unArt.

Nets, Ana
jigAD-QVARTERS, VITTORIA, APRIL 26.—We have occui.:
Burgos since the WM. The Duke de Reggio advaacid his Ilea—
quarters on the 1.5 d, and pushed his advanced guard on the toAt
of Aranda and Valencia. Our troops are received throut!heet
the country with the most lively transports of joy.
" General ,;%lolitor set out Irons Tudela ea the 27d, to conti .7k
hi; movement upon Saragossa. The head of the divisions of e.
valry arrived to-day at Vittoria."

It is certain that we are at Salas'OSsA, althou,h
thefe is no official account of it. It is added, SE
the t fight bank of the Ebro is cleared to Tarragona and
to the sea.

It appears, that the Cortes have in reality fewer
soldiers than was imagined.
Thus thii heroic Saragossa, which cost Bgnapa/t,
so much by the defence made by its pripulatini,
opened its gates to the French under the smutted
of legitimacy !