Star.
London, England, 1824-05-28 00:00:00

between the committal and the period for appearing
before the Grand Jury, the feelings are cooled ; there
may be also an unwillingness to disgrace the family,
and no one appears before the Grand Jury. But no one
could blame the Magistrate ; it might be wrong in the
individuals declining to prosecute—they might indulge
in lenient feelings, and prevent justice being exercised,
but what possible discredit could it throw on the Ma-
gistrate? There was a case in which the Jury ignored
a bill, where a female was the prosecutor. She told a
consistent tale before the Magistrate, who was bound to
commit, but when in the pretence of the Grand Jury
she was in a state of intoxication. Who could blame the
Magistrate for this ? !Many instances might be adduced,
where the parties refused to appear, and of which the
Grand Jury were obliged to ignore the bills. It could
indeed be of no service, having the names of the com-
mitting Magistrates, neither could the case be under-
stood, unless it was accompanied by a detailed state-
ment. •
.Upon these grounds, he should oppose the mo-
tion of the Honourable Member for Aberdeen, who had
introduced into the van of his motion an incomplete
statement. There was not the slightest objection to have
the returns amended, but he should oppose the motion
as it stood at present, which called for the names of the:
committing !Magistrates. .
Mr. DENMAN agreed in what had fallen from the
Right Honourable Gentleman who had just sat down,
respecting the inaccuracy of the returns; they certainly
were not calculated to convey the information for which
his Honourable Friend (Mr. Hume) intended them. He
(Mr. Denman) complained of the enormous powers
which the House were in the habit of granting to Ma-
gistrates,
and he thought that the conduct tit commit-
misting Magistrates ought not to be passed by silently,
but that Parliament should exercise its controuling
power over them. Ile could not conceive that anything
like a prima facie case had been made out against Ma-
gistrates, because they might be in the habit cf emit-
ting parties for trial. Their services, indeed, entitled
them to the thanks of the country, but as they were in-
trusted with powers that were liable to be abused, it was
necessai yto see that they did not abuse them. It was
a little singular, that whenever a Magistrate was ac-
cused in that house of exercising his powers whit; a•
rily, be was alivays sure of finding a defender. This
reminded him (Mr. Denman) of a Judge who used to
preside at the Old Bailey, and who, m hen prisoners
were in the habit of receiving good characters there,
used to remark, that he w;Ondered what had become of
all the rogues, for none but honest people seemed to he
there. So it might be a matter of surprise where
improper Magistrates were, for they were all said to be,
quite innocent, and unjust accusations were brought
against them. With respect to the ',induction of the
present returns, it was quite cleat that they did not fur-
nish correct data between the numbers committed and
convicted. It was by no means unusual for parties who
had appeared before the committing Magistrate to de-
cline going forward with the prosecution ; friendship,
or policy, or corruption, might prevent the accused
from being brought to trial. The bill being thrown out
furnished not the slightest wound of accusation against
the Magisti ate. Tne appalling fact as to the number
of committals, required the fullest attention of the Se
,cretary of State for the Home Dtspartment, to see it
some means might not be devised to lessen them. There
had arisen of late years a more anxious desire to pro-
secute, and he thought it might rethaps receive some
encouragement from the facility with which people pro-
secuting obtained their expenses. He thought his Hon.
Friend who was about instituting an inquiry into the
County Rates, would do well to inquire into this subject.
Sir E. KNATCHBULL defended the conduct of the
Magistrates, against whom so sweeping an accusation
had been brought. At the same time he expressed him-
self, upon the part of himself and his brother Magis-
trates, perfectly ready to meet any specific charge which
might be brought against them.
Mr. H. SUNI NER concurred in what had fallen from
the Honourable Baronet. Ile would willingly support
the motion if it related to the conduct of any particular
:Magistrate ; but he was unwilling that the whole body
should be made the object of so general, and he would
say, so ill-founded an accusation.
Mr. CURWEN opposed the motion.
Lord STANLEY could not remain silent while such
unqualified censure was lavished upon the M igistrines
of England ; if he did he might be supposed to acquiesce
in the charge, which, as far as his experience went, wa,
totally unfounded. The Honourable .Member said tha:
in several Counties of England the term ‘' Committing
Magistrates" had become a sin tof prove.b. As far as
he (Lord Stanley) and those of his acquaintance were
concerned, he had no objection to have the list of com-
mitments submitted to the inspection of the whole
country. Magistrates, like other human beings, were
liable to error ; but he believed that in most instances
they would be found to act honestly, conscientiously, and
to the best of their judgment.—Mr.Das: AI A tc explained.
Sir C. BURRELL, Mr. DICK ENSON, and Mr. LOCKHART
opposed the motion.
Mr. Alderman WOOD said, that he owed it to him-
self and the Magistrates of London, generally,to say that
they had acted to the best of their judgment in the dis-
charge of their duties ; and he believed, that as far as
they were concerned, the number of commitments would
not be found disproportioned to that of convictions.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said, that he owed it to the Po-
lice Magistrates of the metropolis, to say that they were
most exemplary in the discharge of their respective du-
ties, and if the Honourable Member for Aberdeen could
point out one instance in which a Police Magistrate
had improperly exercised his authority, ke (Mr. Peel)
would be most happy to assist him in investigating
the charge.
Mr. HUME said that lie would withdraw his motion,
reserving, however to himself the power of bringing it
on at a future time.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said that he could submit to no
compromise. 'I he Honourable Gentleman might, there-
fore, if he pleased, divide the House.
The House then divided, when the numbers were—
For the Motion ••• ••• 8
Against it ... ... 81
Majority ... •.. ... —73
On returning to the Gallery, Mr. HUME was stating,
that the Country Gentlemen always voted against in-
quiry. That appeared in the recent vote of the House.
He had reason to complain, for he offered to withdraw
the motion if he got the returns. The Hon. Gentleman
then made a similar motion respecting Ireland.
Mr. PEEL was perfectly indifferent whether the for-
mer motion was withdrawn or not.
Mr. CURWEN had voted against the motion be-
cause no grounds had been laid for it.
Mr. F. PALMER said he was not aware that the Ma-
gistrates %vete opposed to inquiry. Those who did their
duty had no cause to fear it.

Mr. PEEL said, it would require time to mend the
motion of the Honourable Gentleman.
Mr. DENMAN observed, that he and others had left
the House, in the idea that there would be no division.
The proceeding of that night would not exalt the Mat-
gistracy in the eyes of the people of England. All that
was asked of the Magistracy was, to admit that they
were liable to errors. He was ready to vote with hit
Honourable Friend, if he chose to divide the .House.
Mr. H. TWISS said, that the Magistrates of England
would not shrink from any inquiry by that House.
Mr. T. WILSON thought no case had been made out
for inquiry, and spoke in behalf of the Magistrates.
Mr. HOIMOUSE said that Government had never
ventured to refuse inquiry, though it appeared the Ma-
gistrates did. He was one of those who did not think
so highly of the Magistrates of England, who, it would
seem, were under no responsibility. In that case, he
would prefer a stipendiary Magistracy.
Mr. MONCK said, that no attempt had been made to
degrade the Magistrates.
Mr. C. PE LH A NI opposed the motion.
Mr. HUAI E said the motion had no reference to England, b'tt
to Ireland. He could conceive no possible objection to it.
The House divided.—For the motion, 34 ; against it. 7 1.
Another division took place relative to extending the tnotlon to
Scotland. The numbers were—For the motion, 33; zgainst it, 75.

SELECT COMM ITT EES.
On the re-admission of strangers, Nlr.lltnie was on
his legs, stating that the business in Committees above
stairs was not a matter of justice but of canvass. He
had not been aware of the extent of the mischief till
the present year. Members had frequently received
letters from Solicitors in private Blls, advisiae them
not to Lear the evidence, but to be present at the divi-
sion. Would such conduct be allowed either in the case
of Judges or Jorors? lie ides this, many other abuse.
wanted correction ; but none of them had been sanc-
tioned by the practice of the I louse. The Honourable
Member lic:e quoted a passage from I lottsell's Piece-
' deals, in fototir of his opinion, from which it appeared
that Members were not allowed to vote when they hat:
a personal i:iterest. Ile should move it he a Standing
Order of the I lonse that no Member should vote in a
Committee above stairs, on any question in winch he
had a direct pecuniary interest; and the same practice
to be °User wed in Committees as in the House.
Mr. CANNING terpested the opinion of the Chair.
The SPEAKER said, that all the rules et the House
were applicable to the Committee, and the same objec-
tion might be taken in the Committee as in the House.
Mr. Secretary CANNING, at some length, opposed
th, motion, but from the low tone of voice in which the
Right Honourable Gentleman spoke, and the noise
which prevailed in the Honse, we rer to say that
many of his observations were inaudibgle.et The Right
Honourable Gentleman was understood to contend that
the motion could not by any possibility produce the
effects contemplated by the Honourable Mover. Many
difficulties lay in the way of amendment which the
motion of the Honourable Gentleman was by no means
calculated to solve. The case was not one of more im-
pallor:cc than, nor did it differ essentially from, Com-
mittees on contested elections, on which Honour-
able Members voted, whether interested or not, and
without any impeachment of their honour or impar-
tiality. If the Honourable Gentleman saw any mode by
which to produce the effects he sought for, then, un-
doubtedly, he would be right in pressing it, but his re-
solution would ie.tve Elie House in a worse state than at
present. It only went to aver that which was not
doubted; but afforded no light by which escape firm
the difficulty might be assiqed. Ile was quite confi-
dent, after what had been stated from the Chair, that
if the Honourable Member had selected any one of the
numerous cases to which be had referred, and brought
it before the House, it would have been treated
with as much attention as any other subject. For these
reasons he should oppose the motion, by moving the
previous question, without, however, meaning to stamp
the Honourable Gentleman's motion as unimportant.
Sir W. DE CRESPIGNY opposed the motion.
Mr. S. WOItTLEY conceived that the House would
do well to stand by its old practice, and would therefore
oppose the motion. He thought, however, that no
Honourable Member ought to vote on any private Bill
who had not read or heard the evidence given before
the Committee on such Bill.
Mr. Gll ENFELL had paid the most particular atten-
tion for upwards of a month to the manner in which the
business of Committees on private Bills was conducted,
which completely satisfied him of the atrocity of the
present system, which was not merely a denial but a
perversion cf justice. It appeared to him, however, that
there was little chance that the motion before the House
could effect the cure of those evils, and he would
therefore suggest to his Honourable Friend to with-
draw his motion, with the permission of the House,
and substitute for it a motion for the appoint-
ment of a Select Committee to investigate the subject,
from which, if carried, this good at least would ensue,
that the House would evince a disposition to inquire into
and remedy those evils. The Honourable Gentleman
here entered into a detail of the many objections which
exist to the present mode of conducting Committees on
Private Bills, expatiating at much length on the delays
caused by the speeches of lawyers, many of which were
no more relevant to the subjects than a page of Hume's
History would be—(A laugh). The Hon. Member
neat referred to the practice of canvassing for votes on
Private Bills, which could not be sufficiently condemned,
and said it reminded him of an anecdote of the late
Mr. Burke, who was asked by a Lady to vote in a cer-
tain way on a private Bill, at that period in progress,
to which application Mr. Burke answered—" I am
sorry it is not in my power to oblige your Ladyship,
ham? already promised my injustice to the other
party' —(liear, and a laugh).
Mr. ELLICE also wished that his Hon. Friend would
now withdraw his Motion, and bring it forward again
early next Session.
Sir M. W. RIDLEY suggested to the House, whe-
ther a more strict adherence to the Standing Orders of
the House, as to bringing in private Bills, the second
ieading and receiving Reports of such Bills, than was
now poetised, would not cure the evil of which his
Hon. Friend complained? He wished his Hon. Friend
would try this mode before he pressed his present Motion.
Lot d STANLEY condemned the practice which pre-
vailed with Members, of putting down their names for
elAtowlEthwe
wordsintwithdrew
ndfrrneoewmr
ihnDislwrm.h
Committees and then not attending such Committees.
After a fi
B.
hioWbn and Mx.
odbrul
arc .t Scd Committeea
inact v,.
t:Lisaisngsslinroays
to.l‘i
nquire Com-
mittees above stairs, and to report thereupon to the House.
After a few observations from Mr. CANNING, Mr. Gamma.,
and Sir C. Foam, the Motion was agreed to, and a Committee
appointed.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved the third
reading of the Customs Duties Bill.
Mr. D. BRIVNE objected to the Bill being read a third
time at this lateMouri a!aii as an Amendment, moved that the reti-

tion &In the Con* of Mayo, against the repeal of the Lineree
Bounties, should be read.
The Petition was then read by the Clerk.
The Honourable Member then moved, that the Address of both
Houses of Parliament to KiPg William on the 9th of May, 1688,
should be read.
The CHANCEI.T.OI of the EXCHEQUER said, as this
Address was not on the table, and it would perhaps take some time
)4to find it, he would suggest to his Honourable Friend that he might
consider the Address as read, and assume the facts in it to he true,
Ind proceed to argue upon them. •
time not en the table, and it would perhaps take some time to flee
it, he would suggest to his llnnourable Friend that he might con.
eider the Address as read, and assume the facts in it to be true, and
proceed to argue upon them.
Mr. D. BROWNF. said, he had the Address contained in an
official document, and would read it. The Right Hon. Meniber
then proceeded to read the Address.
Alderman WOOD said he hoped the Chancellor of the glebe.
quer would take into consideration the repeal of the Small Coat
Duties Bill as well as Calm.
Lord MILTON said, the City of London was the last whic4
should complain, since they got at least .0100,000 by, the repiel
which hail already taken p:ace.
Sir M. W. RIDLEY was bretile to the regulations of this Bill;
as to the Duties on Coals carried coastwise.
The [louse then divided on the third reading of the Bill—
For the third readinc, ee I Against it - £6
:kl.!p)rity for the third reading - 67
The Bill was then read a third time, several clauses were thee
added, and the bill was passed, and ordered to the Lords.
On the Report of the Clergy Residence iu Ireland Bill bele.:
broaght up,
Sir J. N r.wroiur moved a clause, providing that en ner?•,-..
man, holding a living of the value of 4001. a-ye;,r, should be elig,!:le
to livid any whet In-nracc.
Ir. (.30U I. Ili I ti N opposed the clause, and the House divided:.
For the clause 38 Against it 75. I Majority against theclanse 77,
The Report was then received, and the Bill ordered to be read
a third time to-morrow.—'flee House then went ieto a Committee
on the Bonded Wheat Bill.
Mr. ELLICF. proposed a clause to allow Canatlen Wheat tote
imported, free of duty, for home consemption.
Mr. L. PosTit It and Mr. W. WII rr o E opposed the clause.
Mr.CU wr EIS was anxious to give relief to the Celailien grower;
but he could nor consent to do so at the expense of the British grower.
Mr. II USK ISSON was in favour of the clause.
After a few words front Mr. Wateuer-Iloserue and ethers, the
gallery was cleared for a division—
For the Muse, 45 I Against it, 19 I Majority for the Cate, V. 6
The other Clauses were agreed to, and the Report received, aid
ordered to he taken into further consideration on Monday.
The other Orders were disposed of, and the House Adjournel
at Two o'( lock.

RECENT EVENI S I.V LISBON.

FROM THE 1:.ro11.F. 01? WEDNEMIY.
I'ARTS, MAY 16.

We have received, by an extraordinary cornier, the
Madrid Gazette of the 20th, whence we give the fol-
lowing official det:iils
The Infant Don Miguel received from his august
father au order to no on board the Winds,r
which he instantly obeyed. Tlie King was all ead y
The first interview presented a n.o•t affecting ;Ind im-
posing spectacle. The firmness and majesty of a father
and of an offended Sovereign were united in his cct n.
tenance, with the sentiments of nature, whilst the yw
Prince displayed the most filial suhmis-ion.
His Royal Highness explained the means of ar:iF.ce
and seduction which had been used to induce hint to
act as he had done. The King, after having commented
• upon the fault which he had committed, presented to
him, in signal of pardon, his august hand, which the
Infant kissed respectfully. He seated into another
cabin of the ship.
The Diplomatic Body was present at this solemn.
scene : they did not te;uln to land tia the evening.
The King is still on board the Windsor Castle this
day (the 11th). It apreats that his Majesty will not
hind tiil to morrow afternoon. the day before the anni-
versary of his birth. His o: ders are eve; ywheie exe-
cuted with the obedience that is due to ;hem. Things
will resume tl.eir accustomed cour.e, and energetic
measures will prevent the return of the excesses of
which we have- been just witnesses.
Illuminations and ie..; icings of all kinds express the
(*env al joy.
The Marquis de Palmeila addressed, nn the I0:1), the
following official letter to the Dike of Villahermosa,
Ambassador of his Catholic Majesty.
" The undersigned Minister and Secretary of State for notelet!
Affairs has the honour of transmitting to his Excellency the Duke
of Villahermuse, Ambassador of his Catholic Majesty, a copy of
the Proclamation and the Supplement of a Gazette, which have
appeared with other documents on the subject of the events whi:h
have taken place for the re-establishment of tranquillity and pnleic
order, which had been so unhappily disturbed. All further reih.c-
dons would be superfluous, your Excellency having been eye-witness
of all that has passed; but the undersigned cannot delay expreiiinc
to your Excellency the sentiments of gratitude with which his Ma.
jesty is penetrated for the assistance and firmness with which, in toe-
cerr with all the diplumetic body, you have protested against acts
which, being arbitrary and illegal, were in opposition to the principles
which nations have acknowledged as conservatory of public order.
" It cannot be doubted that the unanimous resolution taken by
the worthy representatives of the Sovereigns, allies and friends of his
Majesty, on the :Zth ult. and the common declaration which tlo.•
*mane, hate powerfully concurred to prevent the fatal consequences
of this painful crisis. The memory of this act shall never he lost.
It is one of the most extraordinary which the history of diplomacy
presents, but it is only a testimony of the friendship and comme-
nity of feeling which unite the nations of Europe in mutual ha-
mmy, guaranteeing to the people the advantages of which revolt:-
tionc could not fail to deprive them. Neither will the magnaninires
resolution be ever forgotten which was taken by his Majesty, of
transporting hiniseff on board the ship Windsor Castle, anchored ire
the Tagus, and belokting to one of his most ancient, powerful, ae.t
affectionate allies ; there it was that all the diplomatic body assem •
bled around his royal person : thence, as from a point inaccessible to
all dissensions, will emanate the good order and tr:tnquilli:y which
the faithful subjects of his Majesty demand, at the same time tl'..tt
lie has received there, through the mouth of the representatives of
his august allies, the testimony of the satisfaction they fed et his
noble determination.

" In transmitting to his Excellency the Duke of Villahermosa the
expression of particular satisfaction which his Majesty has ex:-.71-
enced front his conduct, the undersigned has the honour to
him, that the Ambassador of the King, at the Court of Mad :?d, is
ordered to give the greatest publicity to all the above facts.
" Dated on hoard the Windsor Castle, in the Tagus, May 10,1 29.
(Signed) " The Marquis of PA L3IELL.A."
A Supplement to the Lisboa Gazette of the 11 th con-
tains the following Note:
" Although the fidelity of the Portuguese army to its august So-
vcreign is universally known, we feel pleasure in publishing, on this
occasion, the following protestations which the military corps of
this capital have addr..ssed to the King our Lard. They furnish
the Monarch, the nation, and the whole world with a new and so-
lemn testimony of the siticere and loyal feelings of the army."
Mete follow the protestations of the 12th Regiment of Cavalry,
the ICrh, 23d, and 24th Regiments of Infantry, and the 7th Regi-
ment of Chasseurs).
Tile ;Minister of War has published the fo!loning order :
" His Majesty's pleasure is, that all officers who, in consequence
of the arbitrary act., which have just occurred, have been si i•.rated
from the corps to which they belong, shall go immediately auel re-
stunt: their appointments. His Majesty will niake known, by forth, r
arrangements, what it shall appear to hint the merits of all who
have the honour to be attached to his service demand.

" On board the Windsor Castle, My 10, 1821."
Another order of the same day is thus conceived:

" Tne good of his Majesty's service, and the confidence which
officers composing the army ought to inspire, require the hunts:iliac
dismissal of ail those who, by their alliliations to certain secret clubs
and sozieties, and their attachment t principles contrary to the sys-
tem which happily governs us, are ..tt object of scandal to the public,
and were in part cause of the unhappy events which have just passed.
" In consequence, the King, our Lord, ordains that his :Minister
of War b11:111 inintediate:y propose seven General Officers, to inquire
and search out those officers who are affiliated to secret societies:
and whom loaer circumaauces niay render unworthy of collideticc.