Star.
London, England, 1830-12-18 00:00:00

The usual constitutional definition of the term British
Parliament, is an assembly, having three constituent parts
or sections,—the King, the Assembly of Lords, and the As-
sembly of Commons. A less strictly legal, and more
limited sense, is however usual, and confines the word
British Parliament to mean the two component As-
semblies, the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The Assembly of the Nobles, or those who in former ages
have obtained distinguishing privileges,which the presumed
wisdom of the nation have confirmed, and perpetuated in
their race, it must not be forgotten, constitutes an essential
part of the British Parliament.
Although there appears good reason to believe, that this
British Parliament under, as we have mentioned, another
name, and probably differently modified, existed anterior to
the Conquest, yet the constitutional antiquary has only been
able to trace the popular branch of it, as far back as the
reign of HIRRY 3d ; and we believe the earliest existing
writs, or orders, for the selection of Deputies
to the British parliament, is in the reign of EDWARD I.
As we write currente calamo, merely from recollection of
past reading, we pretend not to accuracy on these points;
but it is not of importance to our object. It has, however,
been usual for some, who popularly treat en the constitution
of the House of Commons, to endeavourto ascertain, Mat con-
stitution from its History. It is, therefore, proper to bear in
mind, that the early period of election is obscure—tbat in
HVIRT M.'s reign, all that can be traced are orders to
Sheriffs to send members ; but no knowledge has reached
this age, how they were selected. It afterwards appears,
that selection was regulated ; and we trace the
grand feature of our present system,—the placing the
power of chusing, in a certain degree, of property—so far
back as EDWARD the FIRST, when the qualification of
voters for shire* was settled—how is unknown—in free-
holders of forty shillings yearly value, without reprises or
charges. What was the rationalia of this regulation ? The
answer is evident,—to obtain the men of intelligence—the
men of wisdom—the executive sought the only practical
external test of that wisdom, their successful conduct in life,
and personal experience.

It has been the great advantage of this country, by a kind
of favourable accidents, a gradual and therefore beitejlcial
ehange hue constantly been going on, in the institutions of
onr Government. At one time the historian observes the
popular branch called inteinfiuence by the KING, to restrain
his Nobles; and, at another time. by the. Nobles, to restrain
the power of the KING. The security—C.e prosperity—the
happiness of the people, and their influence in Government,
advanced at every struggle between the other estates. We
cannot pursue the subject farther to-day.

In the House of Lords last night, Lord Erne presented
several petitions, praying for reduction of taxation, and
Parliamentary Reform. One on the former subject, was
from a number of persons residing on Saffron Hill. In
presenting the petition from the county of Renfrew, his
Lordship stated that, " if it were acknowledged that there
were faults in the representation of England, all who made
the acknowledgement must confess, that the representation
of Scotland was a perfect farce, a vile mockery, and in every
point of view an insult to the understanding, to the
moral sense, and national character of the people."—This
gave rise to rather a longdebate, the Earl of HADDINOTON,
the Earl of Fug, Lord Duacaw, the Earl of DARNLIY,
sad other Noble Lords taking pert. Lord DUNCAN bore
testimony to the increasing anxiety of the people of Scot-
land, upon the subject of reform. The sense of the abso-
lute necessity of a reform was gaining ground rapidly
amongst every class of people throughout Scotland.—
The Boroughs in Scotland were in a much worse
condition than the counties, with respect to the representa-
tion ; and even for Edinburgh, the member was returned by
only three votes. On the other band, the Marquis of BUTS
denied that the people of Scotland felt themselves oppressed
or degraded. When he heard such a statement made in
proof that the people of Scotland wanted reform, he alto-
gether doubted that they entertained any such desire. He
contended that Scotland was well satisfied with her repre-
sentatives, or that their lordships would have heard to the
contrary long sines. Is was a new thing to hear it said,
that the people of Scotland were not well represented.
(" Hear, bear," from Lord King.) The noble lord might
cry " Hoar, hoar," but, in fact, the old story was, that
the people of Scotland were bo well represented, for they
bad been accustomed to hear of nothing but Scotch jobs!
In the House of Commons, the condition of the corrupt
borough of Beralston, In Devonshire, occupied a good deal
of attention. Mr. LIADIR moved fora new Writ, in room
of Lord Louvizna, now the Earl of BsysaLZY, who has
become a peer of the realm. The Speaker explained that
there was no proof before the House, that the seat was
vacated ; and the motion was withdrawn. The other
proceedings of the House were not marked by any feature
of extraordinary interest. A short debate occurred on the
motion of Hr. Pouzarr Tnomrson, for the second readi.-'
•
dint of eLi Colonial Trade Bill, in which the honour-
able member for Worcester, Mr. Reunion, complained
that the late Government had conceded to the United
States, a direct intercourse with the West India colonies, to
the injury of our North. American celonies. In doing that,
the late Goveniment said thattbry had acted on the princi-
ples oldie las: Mr; and Mr. HUSILISSON ; but
be denied that mush was the case. Mr. Huezzasow al-
Ways declared that he never would concede such a boon to
America, without receiving an equivalent return; In 1826,
Mr. CASSINO, in his minispoodease with the Minister of
the United-States, said, that he would not allow America
to enjoy a direct trade. with the West Indies, unless this
gauntry received an equivalent; and it was promised that be-
fore any arrangement was made, all parties should be informed
of the matelot' it. Bat in spits of that promise, a negotia-
den.teek pli sad an. sonsioded; end the Canaan were
only Mimed of the fast through the medium of the United
States swiesperes. In reading the eerrespeadmies whit&
W takes plans between Mr Anew; the ASIMISS
Agentomid 1414 Anuannsw, be slay net help Misting
Ourpts.et 'irsegast peetilsisas ct Aimee': sad her

• :'.

• .! .