Star.
London, England, 1822-03-28 00:00:00

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Act, bektsuiletshOull
humane principle was acted upon,
marrying had ;!ggiJiiic six
riage could ooktmknal*cd,. He
clause out of the Marriage Act
lily marriages under the circumstai
scribed, and purposed- to substitt
which would make it competent
dims to impeach a marriage
the parties. lie did not propose
the power of nullifying their •
months. He did not think sui

possessed by one of the parties
wished to provide that. parents ,
be enabled to impeach a marriage
rity of the parties, but he did not to
them to make such marriages null and:void for ever;
and he wished to make all-marriages valid after, the
passing of this. Bill, if they were riot inip,tigned
six months. He wished the Bill to have a retrospec-
tive operation, that it might relieve the many hun-
dreds of persons who wished their marriages to be
confirmed, that their children might be made legiti
mate, and he contended that the principle of the men-
sure in this respect was perfectly analogous to that.
of other Bills, which on various occasions had passed.,
Marriages by banns he wished to regulate: At pre-
sent that publicity was not given, by the publication
of banns which the law contemplated, as they were
frequently published in parishes where neither of the
parties resided or were known. This had always ap-
peared to him a strange anomaly, and he now pro-
posed to correct it by compelling the parties to give
eieir residences to the Clergyman a week before their
publication—to make it imperative on him to verify
them—and he also proposed to have the names of the
parties affixed to the Church door. He strongly called
upon the House to support the measure which he
wished to introduce, and to correct the present Mar-
riage Act, which in many cases was proved to punish
the innocent and protect the guilty. He then moved
for leave to bring in a Bill to amend the Marriage
Acts—Leave was given to bring in the Bill.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
moved that the House should resolve itself into a
Committee of Supply,- . •
Mr. HUME had-some questions to put on the sub-
ject of the Returtts winch had been laid on the table

on Monday. k would be, in the sec-ollection of the
House, that in the course of the, late reign 8,000,0001.
had passed into the.possession of the Sovereign which
had not been brought under the view of Govern-
ment. On the accession of his Ma sty, it was pro.
aided by Act of Parliament that all sums received
from the Colonies of Demerara, Gibraltar, and other
places, should every year be regularly laid before the
House. In a. paper laid on their table, signed Charles
Arbuthnot, he found a sum marked as received from
Demerara of 2,3701. As in the Estimates there was
a vote on account for Demerara, he wished to ask
whether the sum he had mentioned was considered
applicable to general purposes, or whether it had been
carried to the Privy Purse? Othe: sums appeared to
have been received from the Bahamas, Dominica, and
Prince Edward's Island. For each of these places a'
vote was to be proposed, and therefore it was not un-'
reasonable• to ask in what way the sums received
from them were to be disposed of? Tor the year end-
ing in January 1822, there was a surplus Revenue of,
3,6551. In the last reign 124,0001. had passed into
the hands of the Sovereign from this source, without,
the knowledge of Parliament. MI6 he held to be
unconstitutional. He now wished to know if the sur-'
plus. Revenue of Gibraltar was to be applied to the
general service of the nation ? Part of it was appro-
priated to the payment of the widows of deceased
Officers. The amount thus employed was 1,5621.
He hoped the remaining 2,1231. would be carried to
the account of the nation. Under the head of Ad-
miralty Droits, there appeared a sum of 16'2,802/.
He wished ro ask a similar question with respect to
this. There was also a sum of 17,0001. respecting
which he wished for some information.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said,
by Act of Parliament, every year the sums received
from the Colonies were to be laid before that House,
as also the services to which they were applied, under
the proper heads. The accounts would be found to
contain a great number of claims on the sums re-
ceived, which consequently could not be regarded as
at the disposal of the Crown. From Demerara, there
were many claims for Colonial services, and on the
Droits of Admiralty there were many claims for the
captors and others. When the balances available for
the frown, or for the Treasury, could be ascertained,
they would he laid before Parliament.
Mr. HUME wished to know if they would be at
the disposal of the Crown ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said,
they would be applied by the Crown, but in pursu-
ance of the advice of Ministers ; and if they were im-
properly disposed of, Ministers would be liable to
bear the blame.—The House then resolved into a
Committee.
Mr. WARD declined going into detail on the pre-
sent occasion. He should content himself with put-
ting a Resolution into the hands of the,Chairman.—
He then moved, for the Extraordinaries of the Ord-
nance Office, for 1822 (deducting 44,0001. for the pre-
sumed sale of old stores), 248,7441.
Mr. HUME wished for information on various
items, and especially on those for foreign affairs and'
the current service. He noticed the extraordinary
pay of the Engineer in Demerara, and the situation
held by General Mann to report on the repairs
wanted, and wished to know in what way this duty
was performed by that individual? He then went,
over the allowances of the Storekeeper: he had a ser-
vant, a horse, and many other accommodations pro-'
vi,led for him. He complained that the Staff for
Demerara and Berbice caused a charge of 11,1;3791.
exclusive of the Storekeeper's pay. Bet that which
he most wished to call the attention of the House to
was the 10,0001. to be called for on account of the
repairing of the sea-dam at Demerara. This he
:hewed on the authority of General Mann, though ot,
importance to the protection of the Ordnance and
other establishments, was !till more important to pro-1
tect the town and the settlement from the encroach-'
meats of the sea. Such being the case, he contended
the colony ought to pay for the seapciam which ,al-
together, he saw, was to cost 23,0001. He was sur-
prised to find, from the proceedings of the Colonial
Asset:l6lf, that it had not occurred to that body to
take upon themselves any part of the expense. He

.use. He saw .many things objectionable in our
system. The Dutch Governor of. Surinam received,
takinginto account the whole of his emoluments and
allowances, about 124 per annum. Our Governor
at Demerara received about 60001. per annum.—
Heavy charges had ken thrown on the colony by the
other situations kept up, aid he particularly noticed
that of the boy Sulivan, who, as Secretary, had re-.
ceived a large salary from the island while but a
child—perhaps while he was in leading strings, and
who, for aught he knew, had perhaps never yet seen
the colony. lie thought it but justice to the People
of England, when such large expenses for the colonies
were thrown on them, to demand that an account

should be given of the manner in which the sums
received from those colonies were applied—(wear).
If they had not sufficient funds to pay their own
ezpenses, the sums wanted might to be taken from
those offices which had been uselessly kept up.—
He proposed to move that the 10,0001. for the sea-
dam should be taken away from that grant. Ile
thought it the more necessary to propose this now,
as, if they began to vote money for the repair of the
sea-dam, the 10,000/. now called for would not be,

considered sufficient, and the 13,030/..teqiiiied to

finish it would, next he demanded.

Under .the head

of the Ordnance Department fur the lonian Islands,
there was a charge of 3,063/. He contended that,
when this Government undertook the protection of
the Isles, there was a distinct understanding that this •
country was to have nothing to do with their military
expenses, unless a larger force than 3,000 men should
be kept up. He should therefore move the reduction
of this item. There were also the charges for the pow-
der-mills at Feversham and Waltham Abbey, to
which he objected ; the former establishment was kept
up at an expense of 10,0001. when there had not been
an ounce of gunpowder manufactured there for the
last six years. He must allow that reductions had
been made in the civil department; and in that he
would do Ministers the justice to say they had done
tight. The Waltham Abbey Establishment cost
6,4001. a-year, and came under the same objection.
He objected to the manufacturing of gunpowder when
there was enough on hand to supply a 25 years war.
These works were necessary at the breaking out of
the war, when they were established, but no circum-
stances now in existence warranted the keeping them
up. Gunpowder could. be supplied to Government
in any quantity by manufacturers, who would be
competitors for contracts. These establishments
ooght to be laid down, at least until the breaking
out of a war. There was another charge to which
he would allude, a sum of :1,2001. for cuirasses for
the Horse Guards. Here was another instance where
public competition ought to have been resorted to.
He understood that these cuirasses might have been
furnished to the Government for 1,2001. He con-
tended, that if everything of this kind were done by
[ public and open contract, great savings would be
effected. He should move the reduction of the sum
of 13,0001. being the charges for the Colony of De►
merara and the lonian Islands. There was a charge for
Barbadoes, which he should leave to his Hon. Friend
near him, who had always given it proper attention.
Mr. WILMOT said, that as the objection had been
raked to the item for the expenses of the dam of De-
' merara, he felt it necessary to repeat the information
which he had given to the lion. Member upon a for-
mer occasion, and with which he was sure the House
would be quite satisfied. It was not denied that this
work was a great public service. It was agreed, that
'it was not only of use to the Ordnance Department
in the Colony, but mainly so to the town ; and it was,
therefore, the o2inion of Government that it should
bear a proportion of the expense. This had been com-
municated to the Colony, and they were in the daily
expectation of receiving an answer. Under these cir-
cumstances, the grant was only to be considered as
an item on account, which would be repaid by the
Colony. With regard to what the Hon. Member had
said upon the subject of places in Demerara, he seemed
to forget that a law had passed, which prevented per-
sons from holding places in that Colony who were not
upon the spot. The only instance where the duties of an
office was done by deputy, had been attended with a
reduction of salary. Considering the incidental ex-
penses to which the Governor was liable, the allow-
ance made to him was certainly not too much.—
But these circumstances could not in any way affect
the vote objected to by the Honourable Member.
The sum would be unquestionably repaid, and he
could therefore see no just reason for refusing it.—
With respect to the lonian Islands, that was a subject
which, it was no fault of his, had not been examined
by the House. lle wholly denied the construction
which the Hon. Member gave to the Treaty, namely,
that it put the whole expenses of the Government
upon the inhabitants. He pledged himself, when the
subject came before the House, to prove, that if there
was anything in the Treaty to that effect, it was a
mere implication by words, and contrary to its whole
spirit. It was only contemplated that the Islands
should pay in proportion to their competency.
Mr. G. BENNET wished to know whether the
House were to understand that the Colony of Deme-
rara wad to be compelled to repay the sum now de-
manded? If he could have that distinctly stated he
[ should make no further opposition : if not, he should
decide with his Hon. Friend. With regard to the
[ lonian Islands, he believed they would never have the
competency to pay their expenditure, while they were
administered under the present system.
Mr. WILMQT said, the only pledge that could be
given was, that the government considered the Co-
lony bound to pay the suns of 10,00(11. which the
[ Committee were now called on to vote. •
Colonel I)AVIES observed, there was another item
of 3,0001. for an Inspector of Militia, whi‘h he con-
ceived to be wholly unnecessary.

, op ,
vershrn a and Waltham Abbey, was one of the greaten
conseqnenc.p., It. was most imi)ortant to ; haVe the
means of restoring.and drying damaged gunpowder,. •
but. Waltham Abbey did,. not afford them. Fever-
sham was the place where alone gunpowder could be
restored ; and that, establishnient was also exceed-
ingly desirable from-she facility of its communiga-
lion with. the arsenals. of Chatham, Woolwich,. and,.
Deptford. He was convinced that it would be an
act of the worst policy to detroy these manufacto-
ries, although he allowed they Might be considerably
reduced, and would be so.
• Si; W. CONGREVE said that the stock of gun-
powder now on baud was 300,000 barrels, which
could be kept in a perfect state as long as these'
mills were worked. If sold, they would only pro-
duce twenty shillings per barrel; whereas if a war
should break out, and Government were compelled
to buy by public contract, they would have to pay
at the rate of 61. IW. Thus, at the commencement

of war, the country would be obliged to disbune
a million and a half, and the difference between the
two courses would be 1,300.0001. The expense of
keeping the gun;.owder would only be equal to the
purchase of 130 years, rather a"longer eerie(' than he
supposed the HonouVable Member expected us to re-
main at peace. Even if they calculated the accumu-
lation of the expense at compound interest, it would
be eleven years before it amounted to the 1,300,0001.

He thou&lit there could be no question of the policy
of retaining thiase manufactories.
Mr. HUME explained, and after a few conversa-
tional obserVations, his amendment was Vk ithdrawn.

Mr. CREEVEY said that the Government had, in
the ca•.e of annerara, admitted the .principle that
Colonies should tontribute to their own military ervi
Fences. What wouid be said, then, in the case of Bar-
badoes, whe're there was a fund of 4,0001. a-year
created for that purpose, and yet that Lland did not
pay for repairing its own fortifications? It-mead of
bring applied to its proper and intended object, this
fund was given to. the pensioners of the conistry. He
was really ashamed to press this subject so often, but
he was sure that he should succeed at last even in
that degraded assembly!—(Cries of " Order !")
He might be called to order—he would die for it,
but it was a degraded assembly while it supported
such a vote—(The lion. Member seas called to Order
by the Chairman, and from many parts of the House).—
He concluded by moving the reduction of the sum
for the forffic.ttions in the Island of Barbadoes.

Mr. WILMOT contended, that the Government had not
called upon the Colony of Demerara to bear a share in Its mili-
tary expenses, therefore there had been no recognition of such a
principle as that whirls formed the basis of the lion. 3lember's
argument. Ile thought the. Hon. Gentleman would do well to
be more perfect in his geography before he discussed such topics,
and not talk of the iroular situation of Demerara. With regird
to the 4i per cent. duties granted by the House of Assembly at
Barbadoes, they were given to the Crownja retcrn for certain
concessions and privileges at that time conferred upon the
Island. This was distinctly stated in the Color.Ll .Oct of 1663,
and immediately after that Act passed the du:i.s were levied,
but not applied to the repair of fortification; which were paid
for by a direct tax. In the. Acts of other islands they would
find the same principles regulating the grants; and these analo-
gies materially strengthened the conclusion that this fund was a
remuneration given to the Crown for certain privileges granted
out of the loyal Prerogative, and which no other power could
confer. Thor: fore it W. 19, that even immediately afterwards it
was not claimed for the sorvice of the Island.
Mr. CR LEVEY ridiculed the idea of arguing from analogy
upon an Act of Parliament. They had nothing to do with other
Acts, when they had the specific one before them. The only de-
fence of the case was the practice of the last fifty years, and that
was the pensioners title—fifty years of stealing and swindling.
lie then read the Acts, and contended that the fund ought to be
appropriated to the fortification of the Island.
Mr. WILMOT said, the Hop. Gentle.nan had entirely mis-
represented the argument he bad used, by stating, with that de-
licacy and rehnement of expression so peculiarly his own, that he
defended the apprubilion of the fund in question upon the prac-
tice of fifty years of stealing and swindling. Ile distinctly depre.
cated supporting his case by the practice of past time, when he
said that immediately after the passing of the Act the expenses
of fortifications were paid by a direct tax.
Mr. BRIGHT expressed his astonishment at hearing the Co-
lonics spoken of, as they had been lately, as if they were not
w o-th preserving. He had always considered them as being
amongst the greatest supports of our system. lie should vote
for the sum proposed for their support.
Mr. BERNAL, said, the object of hiS Hon. Friend was, not
to refuse the sums necessary to, support the Island of Bar'oadoes,
but to see th a those sums were taken from a proper source.—
He contended that the Four and a Half per Cont. Fund ought
to be applied to the expenses of the island.
Mr. BRIGHT understood the amendment to propose taking
of 4,0001. front the suns to be granted for the expenses of the
Island. That was the only result to which it could lead.
Mr. CREEVEY explained.
Mr. MARRYATT asked how the Honourable Member
meant to provide that, if the rate should be reduced by the sent
in question, the persens holding pensions from the fund should
give them up? lie could not support it unless he sew proof
that there was sonic abuse of the patent.
Mr. P. MOORE supported the amendment.
Mr. WILLIAMS said it was the duty of the House to peti.
don the Crown (as was done in the reign of Qleen Anne), to
repair the works rd Barbadoes. That Island could not com-
plain, whilst the public works were kept in repair. It was of
no importance to them what course the King took. The King
was bound to repair the works front the' Four aild a Half per Cent.
duties, and if that Fund was approptiated by Parliament to other
services, Parliament would be under the ohagation of keeping
up the repairs.—The Committee then divided,
For the Amendment • - - :9
Against it - - - SI
Majority - - —42
On the question for granting 96,629/. 13s. to defray the ex-
penses of the Office of Ordnance in Ireland,
Mr. HUME said there had. been considerable reductions in
the Ordnance expenses in Ireland, and under the present state
of that country he should not oppose the grant. He expressed
a hope that his Majesty's Ministers would snake similar rcdue-
dons next year.—The elstinsate was then voted.
The sum of 45,552 i. 1.51. hid. was moved to defray the charges,
allowances, and emoluments, in the nature of Soperannuations
of Officers, and also fur Widows'
Pensions, in the year
Mr. HUME said it was.painfuL ro oppose this vote; hut he
wished to know why nimy of the indistiduals had barn put upon
the Superannuation list? Oire individual received half-pay for
three years' service. Ile alluded to James Bachelor, who was
the son of one of the freemen of Queeuborough. It would be
in the recollection of the House that a former discussion took
plies upon the introduction of sixty-seven persons, store-keepers
,g 41,1 cuggs, to haiivay, contrary to' the prieci,de laid down by

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Vid. . In I
upon, and el! parties this country,.asi c' y ecf sip/ or seventy i • f , op. lilecreta,rrfot •
sr six months.. tb,::::sr7e..fsand ptioul4ll.•tivele 'l,' oar ratii4thd4.ite. d di:',- . Aar' . . -. . . cos .. k .t0.?7, he ludo .
He wished to.striko. contended dear --might to- pity the. 306111111 teiriphedi heiltossid:ordytw'ealseir tho.defence hir•Hre..
Act which went to null which thablimesoonsio, co be ailed upore titlsnle. tuntrAtier. Plierid .:he4. fnisit, Utti the itein 00 .
ircumstances he had de- He knew. that ahasttartkocseh hold been • - ttAlcosiii,ssiowm, hi:
wpilit,..a,k i oni„..mewtori
substitute for it a elapse for a diffeemstrpoirisso• lie was aware that * fest..Airetteeiu mbeivcalleAreatwhilbaj: di, v
:tent for parents or guar- been sent•es et eueterfor as paper which had merely• became thew • was a diferesste ef opiniess
: during theminority of issued, bet heist w. roboosseenwby a pot of it sheltie ?lon, :the cnrislrugzi o ,
..of a treaty ? Iti the Ordnalit,'
ose to give tosiodividuals not be taken. toieneaCtler•wants of the colony on. as plortment.toi., ikantl'et4er Coltuties; it'
wore. allow
r own marriages. after si; emergency lihethilt-presset. He however complained boa complaised that .the Eitotokosspen'
uch a power ought to he of the improvident way in• which Demerara, in corn- allot...each. The faet.was, that the iltotekeepoo•Ob' ..
ties to a marriage. He mon with the other: eolonieri,..wris taxed, and thought Demerara had to travel seventy miles in tlie.clischuW-
ins and guardians should. Government had acted,nnerisely in, ,ing up the, of.his:duty,. At Dominica also', the StOtlifeePee NO'
arriage during the sokso. island of Jaya, which had always paid its own ex- to gq thirty miles every mouth to the difkient stores, • - I
lid nut pram, to enable penses, to retain Demerara. and Plerbiee at a great ex- The question of keeping ep theestabliehroents at Fe- i
es null and void for ever : Dense. He saw -mane chines ohleetionahle in our versham and Waltham Abbo.was one of the gmitea