Star.
London, England, 1812-03-25 00:00:00

DISSENTERS.

Lord HOLLAND requested the answer of the
Noble Secretary to another question of the highest
importance. The consequence of a Bill once intro-
dined into that House, by a Noble Viscount (Sid-
mouth) had been to cause a construction to be put
upon the Act respecting the licensing of Dissenting
Clergymen, of which it would be improper to say
any .thing farther than this, that the parties concern-
ed had never been aware of any such construction.
He had heard, that it was the intention of Govern-
ment to bring in a Bill to relieve those subject to the
Conventicle Act from the unforeseen consequences
of this construction. A great part of the Session
had passed away, and still nothing had been done.
had waited with patience till now, being of -opi-
nion that an Act of Grace always came with pecu-
liar propriety from Government. He thought it his
duty, however, before the recess, to ask the Noble
Secretary, whether Government had really any in-
tention to bring in a Bill of the description stated ?
and the answer to that question would docidc whe-
ther he himself (Holland) should not propose such
a Bill.

The Earl of LIVERPOOL said, that the question
of construction had not yet been done with in the
Courts of Law, for he understood that it was in-
tended to have the decision of the Court of King's
Bench reviewed by appeal, or in some other way.—
When the question was completely- settled in the
Courts below, then would be the time to bring be-
fore Parliament whatever might be proper on the
subject.
Lord HOLLAND said, that the matter had been
decided by the Court of King's Bench; and what he
wanted to know wq.s, whether there was any intention
on the part of Government to bring in such a Bill as
that which he had mentioned in the course of the pre-
sent Session ?

The Earl of LIVERPOOL again asscrted, that
the question had not been altogether disposed of in
the Courts below. Some applications had been made
to Government for a Bill of this kind, but he thought
it quite time enough to answer such questions as
these when the matter should be decided in the Courts
of Law.

Earl GREY asked, whether it would be taxing the
Noble Secretary's candour too much, to inform the
House, whether, supposing the new construction w
be established at law, it was the intention of Govern-
ment to propose a Bill for the relief of those who
must then suffer from a construction of which they
had never been aware ?

The Earl 4af LIVERPOOL would take she ear-
liest opportunity of giving notice of the intentions of
Goyeinmeat, after the question had been settled at
law.

Earl GREY, then, understood that the Noble Se-
cretary declined stating what his intentions really
were.

REVERSION BILL.
The Order of the Day having been read for the
second reading of the Reversion Bill,
Earl GROSVENOR said, he conceived this Bill,
as it was now framed, to be calculated only to trifle
with the opinions of the public ; and he therefore
hoped that their Lordships would agree to a proposal
he should make to them for a considerable extension
of the powers of this Bill. He was perfectly satisfied
that this question was one of very great importance,
though some Noble Lords had considered it as very
trifling—and he was quite convinced that unless this
Bill passed, and thus extended too, that the safety
of thi3 country would be much endangered. He
had often before endeavoured before to this Bill
effectually through the House, but in vain ; yet no-
thing should di:,courage him from bringing it for-
ward again and again, on whatever side of the House
he might chance to sit ; and not only this, but other
subjects which he might consider as of equal impor-'
tance to the interests of the country. If this Bill
were passed as it then stood, it wouid excite great
suspicions in the minds of the people with regard to
the intentions of the Executive Government ; and lie
was convinced that no one in that House would sup-
port it but those who must have an interest in it.—
The advocates against this measure contended, that
it would produce no material saving to the country ;
but he considered it as no despicable species of eco-
nomy, and was persuaded that if it had been put an
end to at the beginning of the present reign, it would
by this time have been a saving of many millions to
the country. In the course of debate on this subject
in another House of Parliament, the appointment of
Mr. Buller to be Clerk of the Privy Council has been
noticed ; and that he had held this grant from his
infancy. Their Lordships would therefore perceive
the clandestine and injurious effects of this system.
Mr. Buller might be a very proper person to fill this
situation, but if so, the country was more fortunate
than it deserved, for suffering such a system to exist.
Sinecures and reversions were so completely allied,
being twin brothers in iniquity, and were so knit to-
gether, that as•they had lived, so ought they to die
together. The greatest characters in the annals of
the English law had exclaimed as strongly as men
could do against sinecure places. Among those
great And revered names were those of Lord Coke,
Sir M. Hales, and Lord Hardwicke. The destruc-
tion of all sinecures and reversions would indeed be
a day of jubilee to the people of thisk. conatry—it
would indeed be a day of real festivity and joy. He
wished to prppose that the provisions of this Bill
should be extended for 2,0 years, but he should not
oppose the second reading, as a better time might
occur in the Committee for proposing this amend-
ment. The Bill was then read a 2d time, and ordered
to be committed on the first Thursday after the recess.

SCARCITY IX IRELAND.
The Earl of DARNLEY said he should be anxious
In making his present proposiuon to the House to ob-
viate any objections which might lie itgainst any mo-
tion on this subject. He was convinced that the evil
of which he had to complain could be easily reme-
died ; believing, ashe did, that no actual scarcity pre-
vallecrin Ireland—that there was no material defi-
ciency in the necessaries of life—and that no such
thins was likely to take place Oetwsen this and the

next harvest and crop of potatoes. Yet in some parts
of Ireland the people were suffering all the inconve-
nience of scarcity. From intermauon which he had,
received from all parts of Ireland with which he was
more immediately connected, he was given to under-'
stand that much inconvenieuce had been felt in cone-
' quence of the high price of provisions. He then read
some extracts from a lever, which he had received
from a most respectable quarter, .hewing the scarcity
of grain, and consequently the dearth of potatoes for
the support of the poor. The fact, therefore, un-
doubtedly was, that considerable distress prevailed in
Ireland in consequence of the dearth of provisions.
It appeared to him, that if a check was put to the
distillation from grain in that count-0, that it would
go a great length towards correcting the evil. It had
been too long the case, that instead of endeavouring
to better the situation of the people cf Ireland, that
Government had considered the state of that country
in the light of dry questions of revenue merely.—
Another thing which contributed to the present dearth
of provisions was, that no steps had been taken to
debar the Irish peasants from the immoderate use of
spirits, in which he was sorry to say they were too
apt to indulge. He should be told, perhaps, that
the proposition he was about to make had come too
late, and that the distillers had already bought a suf-
ficient quantity of grain to last them for the year ;
but he believed that even yet the interference ot Par-
liament would have 4 great effect on the country
markets in Ireland, and thereby tend much to relieve
this terrible evil. He had po object whatever in
bringing forward this motion to oppose the Govern-
ment; for this was one of those subjects on which lie
would least of all indulge such feelings ' • and it Noble
Lords opposite would satisfy him that they were do-
ing all that could be done to alleviate this icarcity,
and that there were no grounds of alarm, ha would
forego his motion. He trusted it would not be said
that he had brought forward this motion on light
grounds, when • the poor in many parts of Ireland
were absolutely unable to purchase the necec.caties of
life. He then moved three Resolutions to this effect :

" 1 bat as the labouring poor of Ireland were reduced to great
distress on account of the high price of grain. it became the duly
of Ftarliament to alleviate that dish eu, the hest uie..ns of doing
which was by putting a stop to the distillation from grain in that
country."

The Earl of CLANCARTY was well aware of the
delicacy required in discmising a subject respecting the
absolute subsistence of any ci untry, and certainly if
any distress in that respect prevailed, it was the duty
of Parliament to alleviate it by every means in its
power. But there could be no occasion fur this when
the Noble Lord himself had admitted that no real
scarcity existed in that country. Oats in Lana y had
been sold on the 14th of this month at 13s, 6d. and
14s. per barrel ; whereas at Cork, on the same day, '
they were sold for 2.35. ' Potatoes, in some parts, sold
for 6d. per stone, at Dublin for 12d. As therefore
this dearth was but partial, he did not believe that
stopping the distilleries from working with grain
would have any considerable effect. The increased
price of grain in Ireland was to be found in the ex.
.portations to this country. He concluded by moving
that the House should then adjourn.
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE declared his con-
currence in the opinions delivered as to the great ad•
vantages which would flow to both parts of the em-
pire born the measure of free intercourse, the honour
of originating which belonged to Sir John Newport.
Lotd MOUNTJOY opposed the motion.
Lord HOLLAND, while he approved of the mea-
sure of flee intercourse, could not help observing,
with regard to the proposition of his Noble Friend,
(Lord Darnley), that he could not see why this par-
tial scarcity should not be met by a stoppage of dis.
filiation from grain in Ireland as well as in England.
After a few words from Lord DARNLEY, the mo-
tion was put and.negatived.—Adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

of himself and :molly. He soleturly Mimed the llont that was\
the motive by which lie had been guided, and that hat 11,„,i nut
the most distaNt intention of 'hewing the slightest diet to
the House. He was then ordered to withdraw.
Mr. EDEN then moved that the privilege of the House should
be extended to Mr. Campbell, and that be should he discharged
from arrest. •
Mr. WILSON was of opinion that this was a case Set
, within ilpe privilege of the Hoe*. 'I he pr.opt 144 only tiir
same power of protection that would attend a precept from a•
Court of Law ; namely, protecting the witness in ccmieg from,
lor going to, give evidence. In this rue Mr. Campbell was in
neither of these situalons,but at home in his own home.
Mr. EDEN said, no doubt could exist that Mr. Campbell was
in that situation in which the Order would protect Lim—h, was
preparing to come down to the Cunatittee, and collectieg hi
paper. (or that purpose.
The CHANCILLLOR of the EXCHEQUER thought this
was a question or facts, avid from tl.e fans mated it dil, in Ma
opinion, appear, that Mr. Campbell was on his pregre,s d 0,,,, to
the House, when he recollected some papers mertalal to hi vet.
dente, and went home to ga them ; in his opiaion Le w 2.1 pro,
toted. How far the doubt. or ignorance of .he officer croghg
operate in his favour,avas another question.
The question for Mr. Campbell's discharge was then pet sad
I agreed to.
1 Mr. EDEN exploited his bcpes that the Hoost would 'ate
consider the offence committed by the unfortunate officer as me
• calling for punishment. He thought, however, that Mr. bus
the Solicitor, was more blameable, and should move ho ha at.
tendmice at the bar of the House to-morrow.
the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER and Mr. S 1
PHF.N were of opinion sufficient bad teen done aireael in pm.
sect the privileges of the House, since it appeared that own of
the puns Loa acted with premeditated disrespect towards the
Howes.
Mr. PONSONBY was (.f opinion Mr. Dan should be oedema
to attend. lie was a legal man, and had giver bit opinion that
a precept of the House was not a protection. He should!). ws
dend to attend, and at the Bar to mite the grout ds of that
minion, ard be taught to know an order of that House was a
protection. If he had expressed art opinion of this mining rites
of paper only, and that opinion v. as Ernst:Wed .n doubts of es
being genuine, that would operate in his favour; but he was de.
cideiny of opinion be ought to attend.
M. 'l surer and Mr C. WY NNI were of the sum cplalan.
' Mr. ED}.N chars moved, that Mr. Vorchll shou4l ills., be tot.
dered to wad to-morrow; but this motico, aftw a sew words
front Mr. LeeKII•II.T. was /*Wadi awn.
Mr. Dan and Mr. Hineson were then tittered to mead the
pleasure of the House to-morrow.
ANOTHER BREACH OV PRIVILEGE.
Mr. FDEN said, be was fearful the House would suspect the
witnesses attending the Committee of Transportation Viae riot
of the most respectable class, since he bird another .:omplamt to
snake, of the arrest of another witness, Mr. Pahntr, on Ms le-
turn from being examined before the Comnuttev.—( 4 40.).,
i The name of the officer wbo bad been guilty of this contempt
i was Grace; mid be bad now to move that Mr. Palmer sod A.
Giza be ordered to attend at the bar of the House tozionew.
The motion was immediately agreed.to.
BANK NOTES.
Mr. PONSONBY said, that perceiving the Bank.
note Act stood for a second scaling to-night, he
wished, previous to that circumstance taking place, to
move that there be laid before the House an Account
of the Amount of pAnk-notes which, since the sus.
pension of cash payments by the Bank in 179; 04
' the allegation that they were forged, had beta re-
fused payment by the Bank.
! After some observations from Mr. A. BANN% and
a suggestion from the CHANCELLOR I f the EICHI.
QUER, that the second reading of the Bill should he
postponed till Thursday, Mr.-PONSONBY withdrew his
notice till to-morrow.
. • SINECURE OFFICES.
Mr. BANKES, pursuant to a notice given byline
on a former night, rose to move for leave to bring it
ila Bill to carry into effect the resolutions of theHouis
of the 31st of May and the Ist of June 1810, relater
to. Sinecure Offices. In bringing frrward this mono%
he trusted he should meet with the indulgence of the
House I not that he could encourage or agree with
exaggerated statements which had been made tithe.
saving which would arise from the abolitiooof•Siae.
cure Offices, great as that saving would he, but ia
the adoption of the measure he was about to propose,
were it adopted, the public must not look for imme.
diate economy ; in many of these places there was a
vested interest, and it must be for a distant bend;
that the country must look. It must be from the
principle it would introduce that the public must look
for advantage. In the abolition of Sinecures and

On the Order of the Day for taking into further consideration 1 Places he wa.-. ready to confess more had been done
the Report of the Weald of Kent Canal Bill being read, within the last 20 years than had been done in the
Sir E. KNA.I CHBULL I opposed the Bill, on the grounds that ai hat..
-......, antecedent unie, from the Revolution dove to
the Standing Order of the Ilot.se, directing that notice should be ,
given to the owners and occupiers of lauds concerned, hail not 1 that period. The time however was come %efts a
been complied with ; he therefore moved, as an amendment,—. 1 V. as necessary, if we wished to preserve our mistrust
•
" That the further consideration of the Report should be post-
poned till this day six as a nation, that the greatest exertions sholid be ea
On this amendmen months."
t, aPer a few words froin Mr. CALCILAfT to do away all those great inefficient offices, toil/hi*
and Mr. Ataorr, strange tit were ordered to withdraw. No di. I only nominal duties were attached, whilst the pelik
vision, however, took place; and whilst we were out, we under. ! were burthened with the payment of large Wailer"
stand the Report was agreed to, and the Bill ordered to be read !
All such places, and all ti use exercised by depot*
a third time on Thursday.
ihe 'thought should be aboli shed ; and for the remit
A Message from the Lords informed the House that their 1 ,
Lordships had agreed to' the Lean Bill, and Irish Sugar Draw. of services he thought the system of superannueelebt.
back Bill, without any amendment. as adopted in the Customs, should be introduced isto
I
BREACH OF PRIVILEGE. the other offices ; under such a regulatiootinliefoirF
Mr. EDEN then moved, tha• Mr.Catupbell, and Mr.Hiceson
the sheriffs officer, should appear at the Bar. ' i rewards could only be bestowed on those who,
services to the public, had deserved reward I
Mr. Campbell was then called in, and on his appearance at
the bar, in answer to the questions put to him by the SPEAK/It, were indiscrimieldi
tinder the present system, places .
he made the following statement :—He resided at No. I, Walcot. bestowed on the worthy and the unworthyi th•PIPF
place, Lambeth, and received an order from the Chairman of the ' of giving rewards for services performed Mlle Me'
Committee of the House at present skiing on the snhject of ever, Mg i ,
transportation, to attend and give evidence before the Committee
at one o'clock on Monday ;he went out a ith his children op he th Itto be vested in the Crowe. ado
Monday morning to Paddington, and was on his return as far as enable the Crown to do so he thought a fund dlisbis
as these places fell in or were abolished. be
the Horse Guards to attend the Committee, at twelve o'clock, nut of which to grant pensions to a catalogs.*
when he recollected some papers which be had lett at home that
would be necessary for him to produce before the Conimitthe, be
therefo went home to get them; he bed just entered his house The amount of this fund, and 01 the peuieee PIS
regranted, would however, he thought, be betted'.
and was looking for them when Hinesue the officer came into cussed on the second reading of the Bill he P: At
the room and arrested him. He immediately &hewed hint the to bring in ; and he trusted the disco:UM
order to attend the Committee, and said that was his protection,
It"
The officer, however, said it was of no use, and insisted on his Ills •••
intention to . filliffili be
subjects would be postponed till that period.'
going with him to a lock-up-house. This was about a quarterpropose that all peNl:Onl
after 1.4 o'clock, and at the time the officer came into the room granted by the Crown alone, and not in asebrall
.be was preparing to attend the Committee.
Mr. Campbell wasthen ordered to retire, and Mr. Hinson, that
any Address of the House of Coinage
that would confer a great and unconstitetioni* .10.6111
the officer, was called in.
In answer to the Speaker's questions, he acknowledged that be te. bow
on that Body. He concluded with moving.
ir....
arrested Mr. Campbell on a civil process, notwithstanding he to bring in a Bill for abolishing and regishargailrog
showed him the order of the Committee for his attendance;
be CUM and Offices executed by Deputy, and
had never seen such a document before, and was nut aware that : provision tor recompensing the persons holdilig#
it was one which cold justify him for liberating the prisoner....
He took the prisoner to his house in Bkckfriars-road, and im- 1 o'"''''" and
mediately dispatched a messenger to the House of COmmuns, to I . CAIII OF CAPTAIN NINO.
4'""` other economical Leong.
Petitjum
' stake enquiries on the subject of the order. In the mean time be' Lord FOLK presented • anaddi
•got the order from Mr. Campbell, and took k to Messrs. Dan 1 Captain King, of tbe Navy, who hakd °••"_,Viii
sod Crosland, Solicitors for the plaintiff, at whose su:t he had ;of t.;. Majesty , shiparrested
In his opinion it was not a legal protection, and ordered him to I beet) deprived cif" just sham of Prises so
-.--
lies* the defendant in custody, hut to go to Mr. LIAM, Under- 1 Sio4 a the capture of greens Ayres, st t••
Aare of Sorrey, and shew him the order—b. did so, and Mr. I,
Although be commanded a abiP be
the expedition to cleat Vat place under Sir Itg•••• •
halm said he was quite unacquainted with the nature of it, but
dint the deponent had better go to Mr. Borchell, the Under-Sheriff i
rusk 01
of Middlesex. He did as directed, and on sheeting the order to ; pedition, and was acknowledged in his
' ham. .
Mr. Borchelt, that gentleman said, as the House of Commons , tqnant-Colonel on shore, and had beet
was not in Surrey, the order was, in his opinion, no ptotecuon. Captain at the time by the 1 the.ratt e
'The deponent then returned home, and gave Mr. Campbell his .till in disaibutioa of rizes, kie WaS oly
of.__
order, telling hire;at the soots. time that he could out discharge , still in
su
Mtn. He was just coming down to the House of Commona, to 110 hold,
orifice inquiries himself, when he was prevented by receiving the prayed the rank of Lieu cant: The v
or relief. -
or4er, in consequ knee of wields be now auended at the bar; the debt The SPEAKER asked, i( this Pititica .
iepon which Mr.libpirpbellwestakes was orange ; had he clsochargee • smuch as it prayed tor a sum d
ban after having arrested him, upon what should afterwards have ,
calved. ina
fftlYttillut a sikoient authority, it would have peeved the rata •1401. d -'
FOLKSTONX thoolOt the at" 1