Star.
London, England, 1824-06-22 00:00:00

TUE SLAVE•TRADE LAWS CONSOLIDATION BILL.

On the third readicig of the Slave Trade Acts Con-
solidation Bill,
The Earl of WESTMORLAND adverted to the
part he had formerly taken in opposing the abolition of
the Slave Trade. But as the Legislature had decreed
the abolition, both he and his colleagues had done all in
their Dower to gi%e effect to iheintenlion of Patliament.
The \ogle Lord then proceeded to min:advert on the
provisions of the Bal, which consisted of Y'r folio page:.
A similar Bill had formerly heen rejected by the House,
and Le saw no reason now for the adoption of the mea-
snre. He believed that since the passing of the Aboli-
tion A.:t, no Eli Almon had been found guilty of the
offence. He tiler erme saw no reason for adding to the
Fend Code, o& of loading the Statute Book with untie.
cessary enactnents. By the present Bill, instead of
ttial b 7 Jury, a person charged Vk ith the offence might
be tried in any Court of Admiralty, not even excepting
tiat of Sena Leone. A slave now could not be sent
from one Wand to another, without the consent of the
King in Council having been previously obtained; and
even that power was only vested in the Crown for
psriod of three years. lle ssished the Bill to uutiergo

due eonsideration, and should move its re-committnent.
Earl BATHURST defended the Bill, and thought it
highly desirahle that the different Acts on the subject
of the Slave Trade should be consolidated. It was true,
as his Noble Friend observed, that Englishmen had
not been platy of this offence ; but foreigners had
speculated largely in the trade; and slaves might, in
"that way; have been introduced into our Colonies. The
Bill only legislated to 1827, and then gave a year for
further consideration. The present Bill did not pro-
nounce the definite opinion of Parliament. He ad-
mitted that the slave, and the offspring of the slave,
were the property of the master ; but gill they were
not to be considered in the mere light of goods and
chattels, and removable from island to island at the
pleasure of the master.
Lord ItOSSLYN was of opinion, that under the
form of consolidation, new matter, contained in none of
the former Acts, should not be introduced into the Bill.
The Bill materially affected the value of all West In-
dia property, and destroyed the security of all money
lent on such property. He objected to the clause that
took away, at the end of three years, the power in the
Crown of allowing slaves to be removed from one Is-
land to another. It would be an act of great injustice
to prevent slaves fi con being removed from a place
where they were unproductive, to one where their la-
bour might be useful to their employer.
The Marquis of LANSDOWN thought it would be
highly dangerous to open the door to sudden emanci-
pation, in the present state of the slave population ; at
the same time it was equally necessary to take steps
for the moral culture of the negroes. As long as the
power of arbitiary removal was permitted, all attempts
at the improvement of the slaves would be unavailing ;
as all inducements .on the part of the slave, would, by
such a power in the hands of the master, be completely
done away. In Demerara alone, did any serious ob-
stacles present themselves to the gradual emancipation
of the slaves. He considered the Bill as entitled to his
warmest support.
Lord HOLLAND, while he thought the Bill liable
to some objections, approved of it highly on the whole.
Lord CALTHORPE said, that the present Bill was
necessary, to prove to the Government of France that
this country was sincere in her endeavours to put down
the traffic in slaves.—The Bill was then read a third
time.—On the question of the passing of the Bill,
Lord GROSVENOR said, that by making that a
felony which had formerly been a misdemeanour, we
should prove to France and all the world, that we were
sincere,—The Bill then passed.
MARIN/ INSURANCE.
Lord BEXLEY moved the third reading of the Ma-
rine Insurance Bill.
The LORD CHANCELLOR proposed the clauses of
which he gave notice, and described on Friday last, viz.
" 3. Provided always, and be it enacted, that it shall not be law.
ful for any society or partnership, composed of more than six per-
sons, from and after the passing of this Act, to contract or agree for
the insurance of any ship, or goods, or of any interest therein, until
a memorial shall be enrolled on oath in the High Court of Chan-
eery, containing the names and descriptions of the several members
of such society or partnership ; and that when a transfer is made's,/
any share or shares of any member or members of and in the capi-
tal or stock of such partnership or society, a memorial thereof shall
be enrolled in like manner, within three months after such transfer,
containing the names and description of the original member or
members, and of the person to whom the shares or interest sets
transferred ; or otherwise such transfer shall be null and voids ad
of no effect.
" 2. Provided always, and be it also enacted, that any porno
or persons, a member or members of such partnership or meloree
whose name or names shall be expressed in any such enrolment
as aforesaid, shall be, and shall continue liable in law and
equity to all actions, suits, judgments, and executions, for
the performance of any contract, claim, or demand, made or
arising whilst such person or persons was or were members of
such partnership or society u aforesaid, until a memorial or me-
modals of the transfer of the share or shares of such member or
members shall have been enrolled in the High Court of Clumsy
as aforesaid, and execution on any judgment or decree in any such
action or suit obtained against any such member or members may
be issued and carried into effect against any person or persons wit*
was or were a member or members thereof, at. the time the con-
tract, claim, or demand was made, or arose, in respect of which
such action or suit was brought, or against any member or members
for the time being, of such partnership or society, any law or usage
to the contrary notwithstanding.
" 3. And whereas great difficulties may attend the effectually
enforcing of just demands against such partnerships or societies as
I may be formed under the authority of this Act, where the number of
the members of such partnerships or societies is considerable; be it
theref:re enacted, that in all cases in which the number of members
shall exceed , and in which there shall be occasion to see
the persons forming such partnerships or societies, the plaintiff
in any action or suit in equity shall not be obliged to make, am
parties, defendants to any such action or suit, more than two penal,
whose names are so enrolled as aforesaid, and such two persons
shall be deemed and taken in all Courts of Justice to represent the
whole of the members of such partnership or society, for the pur-
pose of carrying on effectually any such action or suit to a judgment
or decree; and in case judgment or decree shall be obtained in such
action or suit against any two persons, members of such partner.
ship or society, it shall be competent for the person so obtaining
judgment, to issue execution thereon, or to enfiace the decree against
all and each of the members of such partnership or society. in the
same manner. and as fully and effectually, as if such members had
been, together with the two other members, defendants in such
action or suit.
" 4. Provided always, and be it also enacted, that wheel any such
partnership or society as aforesaid shall consist of more than six
members, it shall be lawful for them to sue in law and equity by
the secretary or any member thereof, on behalf of the partnership
or society ; and such suit shall be as effectual, to all intents rind pur-
poses, for the benefit of such partnership or society, as if the suit
were carried on in the names of all the parties thereof ; and dm
several members thereof shall, as well as such sectetary or membarl
in whose name such suit may be brought, be responsible to the de.
fendant or defendants in such suit for costs, and in all other respects,
as if they had all been parties to such suit."
Lord LIVERPOOL thought a general measure,
should be adopted ; and he would recommeod to his
Noble Friend to postpone his clauses to another Session.,
By the present Bill, no new law was about to be enacted,
only a monopoly to be.done away.
Lord REDESDALE differed from the last speaker.
He thought that a new law was proposed to be enacted,
and that the present was the proper time for establish-I
ing the restrictions.
Lord BEXLEY thought it would be advisable, in
the next Session of Parliament, to pass regulations of
the nature of those stated by his Noble and Learned
Friend. But he was of opinion that no bad consequences
would follow from postponing such regulations to neat
Session. lie hoped the amendment would be withdrawn.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said that this great
Atlas of an Insurance Company said to themselves,'
" Give me this little Bill, and I will move the whole
commercial world." The formation of such Companies
without a restriction, would be a dreadful nuisance,
and he should move the clauses pro forma, that they
might be entered on the Journals.
the Bill was then read a third time and passed.
The Marquis of LANSDOWN moved for some papers relative
to Ireland.
Lord CA NV DOlt moved the third reading of the Welsh Ju-
dicature Bill.
After a few words from Lord Basesomx, the Lou CVAINICLUIS,
and the Earrof Lerman, the Bill was reed a third time.
The House then divided on the passing of the Bill—For the
passing, B—Against it, 3,—Adioutnesi.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The Sesmcsa was summoned to the House of Peers, to bear the
Royal Assent given by COWiwiiesion to several public and pri-
vate Bills.
Mr. Jonnson, from the Office of the Chief Secretary for Ireland,
presented Accounts by order of the House.
The Lords' Amendatentd to the Thames Tunnel Bill were taken
into consideration and agreed to, and the Bill returned to the Lords.
A Petition was presented from the Town. Council of Dingwall.
against Negro Slavery; from Hornbury and from Wensley, to the
same effect.
Mr. MABERLY said, he had in his band a Petition from cer-
tain Public Officers, stating, that by an Order in Council, dated
July, 1822, they were subjected to a reduction of 10 per cent. from
their salaries, and praying to be relieved from the operation's of
that Order. He had always been an advocate for reducing, as far
as possible, the expenditure, to afford an opportunity for reduction
of taxation; but a Bill having pissed this House to repeal theSuper-
annttatien Fend Act, he thought it was but justice that the/red-
tioners, 30 in number, should also be released from this burthen.
some tax. He concluded by moving fur a Return of the gross and
net amount of the Salaries subject to a deductibn of 10 pet cent.
under the Order in Council of July, 1828.
Sir J.YORKE said, he understood that the Five per Cent. Fund,
which was adopted in 18::2, at the suggestion of the late lamented
Marquis of Londonderry, had, as far as this House could do it.
been done away, a Bill having been passed for that purpose, and
been sent to the Lords. Ile had understood that this was one of
those measures of economy intended to reduce the public expendi-
ture, and to introduce retrenchment. This was now to be done
away, and he wished Gentlemen to consider whether, in acting
thus, we were not, in the language so peculiarly that of the Noble
Marquis to whom he had alluded, turning our backs upon our-
selves ? If this was to be dune, he should, neat Session, move foe
the restoration of the two Lords of the Admiralty, and of the se-
cotrd Postmaster-General, as the Honourable Gentleman now did
for giving up this Ten per Cent. levied on salaries under the Order
in Council. These trilling retrenchments, indeed, were of but little
importance ; to attempt to reduce the expenditure by such reduction
was, according to the Honourable Gentleman's opinion over the
way, like attempting to bottle off the Atlantic Ocean!—(A laugh.)
He could nut agree with the Honourable Gentleman in his opinion,
he thought the Superannuation Fund was acting well, and he never
would have consented to give it up.
Mr. STUART -WORTLEY thought the public officers
should be adequately paid, and that the 10 per cent. now taken
from their salaries under the Order in Council should not be taken.
Mr. CALGRAFT would never suppose- that public officers were
actuated by regard for salary. Lord Camden, much to his honour,
did the most liberal and patriotic act that was ever performed in
this country--he gave up £B,OOO a-year for his life in aid of the
public. Emery article in this country was still over-taxed, and till
the country was effectually relieved he would not consent to give
up a sixpence of a tax so reasonable u that on offices.
Mr. ELLICE said, however unpopular it might be, whenever a
proposition was made to replace the salaries of the public officers at
the amount they were before the Order in Council for taking off 10
per cent. he would support it,
Mr. WILLIAM SMITH said, he believed the high offices of,
the State were sought for from motives very different from salary.
Mr. MABERLY thought all public officers should be well paid,
otherwise all talent would be shut out, unless accompanied by for-
tune in the possessor.

SPECIAL JURIES.
Mc Secretary PEEL said, a strange error had gate abroad
respecting what he had said on the subject of Special Juries, on
Friday night. He was reported to hate said, that he bad consulted
with persons in. the habit of serving on Special Jerks, and had
found them willing to co-operate in any improvement of the sys-
sem—be had said no such thing : what he said was. that he con-
sulted with the two individuals in the Courts of King's Bench and
Exchequer, whose office it was to return Special jurors, and found
them very anxious to have the 'system improved.. He never con-
sulted Special Jurymen.
A message from the Lords brought up several Bills agreed to by
their Lordships, and a Bill passed by their Lordships to enable the
Earl Marshal to discharge the duties of his office on taking the
oaths of allegiance and office.
Lord GEORGE CAVENDISH eulogized the Noble Duke
who was the object of the Bill, and his deceased brother, and
moved that the Bill be read a first time.
Mr. Secretary PEEL expressed his acquiescence in the Bill.—
The Bill was read a first time.
Lord GEORGE CAVENDISH moved the second reading of
the Bill. The Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be com-
mitted to-morrow.
Mr. Secretary CANNING said. dug sklaeogtt the Session vino
near a close, be thought the HousCwould have cm objection to sit
till the Bill could be passed—{Hear, hear).
SOUTH AMERICA.

Sir JAMES-MACKINTOSH said, he had a Petition
to present from the Chamber of Manufactures and
Commerce in Manchester, praying for the recognition
by his Majesty's Government of the new States of
South America. The Honourable Gentleman said, the
Petition was numerously signed, and would be signed
much more numerously, were not the Petitioneri afraid
of being too late to have it presented to the House—a
consideration which alone prevented Petitions on the
same subject from crowding the table. Until the recog-
nition of South America by this country took place, our
Merchants and Manufacturers were left at a loss to
know whether a great market was to grow up for them
in South America, or whether the keys of that market
were to be kept by the Holy Alliance—(Hear).—The
independence of South America was an object dear to
every British heart, and it must be grateful to their feel-
ings, that one of the brightest ornaments of the British
navy, in the bi ightest days of its glory, had, by his
skill, courage, and perseverance in the cause of free-
dom, contributed to establish that independence. He
did not speak in concert with any one ; no one was an.
swerable for what he then said; but he was sure it would
be grateful to the feelings of the people of England,
and he hoped to the feelings of his Majesty's Ministers,
torecommend to his Majesty to restore Lord Cochrane
to. that •servile of which he was so bright an ornament,
and to which be (Sir James Mackintosh) was confident
it would be his greatest delight and pride to return.
Petition laid on the table.
CUSTOMS AND kicsart.

The House resolved itself into a Committee on the
Customs and Excise Duties Regulations.
Mr. HERRIES said the number of statutes passed
on the subject of those duties amounted to no less than
'2200, about 1700 of which have been repealed, and
500 still remained in force. The object at present inc
tended was to apply a remedy to this complicated sys-
tem, by repealing all the present laws, and substituting
eight simple Acts in lieu of the whole. It was not in-
tended that the new Acts should be passed during the
present Session, but merely that they should be read a
first and second time, smite committed aind printed,
when they might lie over till next Session. The Hon.
Gentleman concluded by moving, that the Chairman
be instructed to move for leave to bring in a Bill to•
repeal the several Laws of Customs and Excise, and
make other provisions in lieu thereof.
Mr. WILLIAM SMITH hoped, that in establishing',
the ne►v system the mass of oaths now taken would be
got rid of.—The Motion was agreed to.
Mr. HERRiES proposed the several Bills,which were
all read a first and second time, and or dered to be taken
into further consideration that day two months.
Sir FRANCIS BURDETT gave noti..e that he
should, to-morrow, move an Address to his Majesty on
the State of Ireland.