Star.
London, England, 1830-12-17 00:00:00

GENZILAL ILEOISTZIL BILL.

Mr. CAMPBELL, pursuant to notice, rose to move foe leave to
bring in a bill for establishing a General Register Office. The hon.
member spoke at great length, in urging the necessity of a reform in the
law In this respect, and expressed a hope that he should see the law
over all England and Wales assimilated. He pointed out the Incon.
veniences that existed under the present law, from accumulation of
mortgages— the number of rights oe terms that had to be carried for-
ward in every tranttin of property ; and the risk was such, that no man
was secure ; and there were man who lost their terms, as all must give
way to the original mortgage. These losses did not benefit the public,
they were only transferred from one individual to another; and, like a'
plank in a shipwreck, no man could get upon it but by putting another
off, and, generally, the one who was saved was one who was least
entitled to protection. He had the greatest respect for the in-
stitutions of our ancestors, but he was convinced that all insti-
tutions must change with circumstances. (Hear, hear.) There
had been a register office which had existed in Scotland since 1611, and
it constituted the greatest pride of the law of that country. There was
oho a register dice in Ireland, which bad been found equally advan-
tageous (bear), and for the counties of York and Middlesex, therehad
been registers individually established; in Germany it existed and
he was convinced that no country stood more in need of a general re.
gister office than England. He would oppose the institution of
iinecatee on the establishment, as bed been the case where provincial
registers had been founded. He would have the eezzppee of regis.
trades or reference lower than either at the ofoasof York or
Middlemen. He would not say that the registez.office could be
as pautabk as the rass.adiaa, but it would be prothable to the pub-
lic, aa well as conveuient. The Host. Member stated that be bad
bad aricaeion sm*, the register of Middlesex, and it occupied bo-
ttom three and four weeks, and incurred an expense of nearly
41101. Mewling to the plan be bad to rupees, the same object would

be accomplished immediately, and at an expense of about 10m. He did
; not intend to disturb such title-deeds as were now existing, but only to
I apply the law for time to come. One objection which had been urged
against the measure was, that a public Register would he open to every
one who, from idle coeiosiey, chose to pay the fees, and the exposure of
the real state of properties might affect commercial credit in many in.
stances. In those countries where registers had been established, no
steel effects had been felt i and he had the concurrence of all the names
of the principal houses in the city in the measure, as it would save much
mischief that was done by false representation of property. The keep-
ing of separate registers was very inefficient ; he would therefore pro-
rose the establishing in the metropolis of "a General Register for all
Deeds and Instruments affecting real property, for England and Wales."
There should be no necessity for solicitors in the country employing an
agent in town ; it would be sufficient to communicate with the office by
post. The original title deeds could be deposited in safety, and the
owner if he chose might preserve a duplicate copy. There should also
be kept a register of all persons indebted to the Crown ; this was of
great importance, for the Crown held a prior claim to all others over
property indebted to it ; and however unfair it might be to give the
Crown this sweeping preference, there was at present no means of
ascertaining the Crown debtors, and after a lapse of two or three
generations, property might be claimed by the Crown for a prior
debt, and the then proprietor would be dispossessed: The plan
of index that he would propose, would at one view show the real
state of every claim against each property. No notice of existing
deeds unregistered would be entertained in preference to deeds regis-
tered. With respect to pedigrees, it was a fact, that in England it was
more easy to trace a pedigree 500 years back than one of 50 years ago.
There was no register of births, and such registers as were kept by Dis.
renters were excluded front them • to obviate this would form a part of
the measure, by having one general register of births, christenings, mar-
riages, and deaths; so that a pedigree might at once be ascertained.
The measure had long ago been approved of by a commission. in which
was the illustrious Sir Matthew Hale ; but unfortunately it was not
then carried into execution ; but there were greater facilities for the
accomplishment of it now, because England had become, as it were,
one great town. It had been suggested to make the trial in one
or two counties first; but against that he protested. The measure
must be general, or it must be objected. The plan had met with the
approbation of all the Chancellors, and the principal Law Officers.
Tice Hon. Member concluded with a few remarks on the opposition
likely to arise from the panic that had arisen amongst the Solicitors',
against the measure.
Mr. SUGDEN asked the Hon. Member if he had brought in the
measure on his own responsibility, or if he had the support of his Ma-
jesty's Government ?
Mr. CAMPBELL replied that in the present stage he brought it in
u a Member of the House, and that his Majesty's Government had
not yet decided how they should act towards the question.

Mr. SUDDEN was of opinion that such a measure should only be
taken up on the responsibility of Government, with the approbation of
the law officers.

Sir CHARLES WETHERELL trusted, that whenever the Bill
came under discussion, every country Member would be in his place
to oppose this most expensive and mischievous change. The learned
Gentleman, in his rather dubious eulogy of I ord Eldon, had meant,
no doubt, that that Noble Lord was so learned in the law as it was,
that his head was neither string nor liberal enough to know that which
it ought to be. Now be (Sir C.) knew of a set of reformers who
asserted that the law should be changed because they knew not what
the law was.—(A laugh.)
Mr. FERGUSON said, that there was a register established at
Edinburgh, and that it bad given satisfaction to the landed proprietors.
He should give the Bill his support.
Mr. HUME, in allusion to a question which had been put by an
lion. Member, asked in what situation Members, active and inde-
pendent Members, would be put if they could not introduce a Bill
without the sanction of Government y With respect to the subject
under discussion, he could say, that the register at Edinburgh was
much more easy of access than anything which he knew to be connected
with the law of England.
Sir J. SCA RLETT said, that he should not argue the question in
the present stage, but that he was entirely in favour of the Bill.

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that the eulogy which had
been given to Lord Eldon, and which bad been objected to, was he
believed, applicable to lawyers in general, for they were not a reform-
ing tribe. It would, indeed, give great weight to the measure pro.
posed, that it should have met with the approbation of so many eminent
lawyers as the Learned Gentleman had enumerated, and with the una.
nimous support of the Commission. If Government should be pre-
cluded by the present necessities of the country from giving the Bill
proper atten ion, and lending It their decided support, the Hon. and
Learned Gentleman was from his situation and talents a most proper
person to introduce it. He hoped, however, that Government would
be enabled to give the subject the consideration it was entitled to.
Mr. F h ESHEIF.LD said the Solicitors were far from being
enemies to improvements in the law.
Mr. CA MPBELL made a few observations in reply.
The Bill was then brought in, and read a first time.
COURT OF CHANCERY.

Sir. E. SUDDEN said that the House would recollect he had
when in office given notice of his intention to bring in a Bill for faci-
litating the administration of justice in the Court of Chancery.—
(Hear, hear.) The change which had taken place in his situation
had relieved him from the task, and he would leave it in the hands of
those who from their official situation and their talents, though not from
their seal, were more competent to perform It. The principal changes
he had intended to introduce were in the Court of Chancery. The put.
ting down of all patent pensions granted in reversions the Lord Chan.
cellor being indemnified for the loss he might sustain in consequence by
an addition to his salary of 2,0001. The Rolls Court should have be.
come a regular court for the transaction of all business except hank-
ruptcy, possessing the same functions as thou which were possessed
by the Vice-Chancellor's Court. At present, the Muter of the
Rolls could not hear motions, and suitors, after having had counsel to
move their causes in the Vice Chancellor's Court, were put to the ex-
pense of taking new counsel to argue the cause again in the Rolls
Court. (Hear, hear.) The blaster of the Rolla should have sat
the same hours as the Vice-Chancellor; and the Rolls Court should
have possessed a separate bar. The Vice-Chancellor would have
been regarded as entirely Independent of the Lord Chancellor.—
In the Exchequer the Chief Baron would have entirely dedicated
his time to the administration of Equity. The orders in the
Court of Chancery would have been revised, and a new list of
orders published ; the Court of Exchequer would have adopted the
same rules as those of the Chancery Court. The motions which
went under the name of motions of course, and which were accom-
panied with heavy fees, he should have abolished. The difficulty of
getting what the judgment of the Court really had been, was remarkable;
for after judgment had been delivered, it was difficult to determine its
meaning—the Register referring to the different briefs for the terms ;
and if they differed then there was a hearing before the Register
to settle the terms--aod if they could not agree about the
language of the judgment, then if It could not be settled, there was
a re-hearing of the case to learn what the Court's judgment really
had been (hoar). That ought to be remedied. Another remedy
was required—the prevention of the admixture of law and facts
in their arguments in Court, following the example of the Court of
King's Bench, special paper, or special argument day, would remedy
this defect. It was also requisite to correct the practice of postponing
motions from day to day, because it led to endless expenses, and to the
repetition of affidavits. The consequences were 1110061101116 He main.
1
tained that when a cause was ready for hearing, there ought to be a
Judge to hear it; and he did not say that further aid wee required ; but
if is were it ought to be adduced. Another great defect was, the delay
of judgments. He would rather have the Court shut up foe two or
three days In a week than have the judgments delayed. He would
have this remedied by having the officers to take notes of all cases
decided, and at the end of six weeks producing a list to the Court
of cases that remained to have judgments delivered. (Hear,
hear.) Another most important subject was that of appeals. A
Gentleman was generally selected for the Lord Chancellorship
on account of political circumstances, and but too often from a
common law court. That was an infliction on the country--
and the calamity was increased by finding that the self-same Judge
in the House of Lords had to decide on the appal against his decision.
That ought not to continue—the appellant jurisdiction of the House
of Lords ought to be separated from the Chancellorship. (Hear.)
He made no complaint of the recent appointment; the previous
Lord Chancellor (Lyndhurst), was taken from the common law courts.
He complained of the system. He thought nothing was more disgrace-
ful than the Scotch appeals—ecarcely one of them ought ever to have
been allowed—their object generally was to ascertain who was to pay
the expenses of a long-pending appeal. To remedy the defects of the
present mode, he would have appeals heard with the assistance of other
Equity Judges. There had been much inquiry ; but the present Go.
vernment would do itself great credit by introducing extensive reforms.
The country was prepared for them. The next subject requiring re-
medy was the offices connected with the Court of Chancery. He would
have the officers of the Court real and efficient. The heads of the six
Clerks Office received 12001. a year each. He would have a system of
taxing of costs instituted, and other really useful labour to the Button
imposed on them. The office of Accountant-General, who received
3,1001. he would not touch, even though part of the income was raised
from receiving part of the brokerage. The Report-office, where pro.
ceedings only were copied, required correction ; the master of it no-
°rived the enormous sum of 4,680 L last year. (Hear, bur). Im-
mediaterevisicm of it was called for.—(Hear, hear.)--The &Otter's
Office likewise required Investigation and correction ; additional Re.
besters were absolutely required to be appointed by the Judges, and net
y the present Registers as they required. Solicitors or Banisters ought
to be appointed, but the present persons who were clerks rose to be Regis-
ters in regular succession. That was an evil, the root of whirl ought to
be struck at. The Registers were not competent to pedant the duties
fie whish they now received emoluments. More Registers ought to be
Cidsad without any additional burden to the public. Am.
lial'efect was the great • hug* and imperfect mime of
prepselag decrees. He should *Wm to Bolieitees being al-
lowed to make the copies of decrees; but that the Registers ought

to be compelled to prepare such decrees as would be useful.
The Masters' offices were a source of still greater abuse, and
they still more loudly called for correction : the system of fees seemed
to be an incitement to prolong the business. That ought not to exist.
Another abuse was, that the proceedings of the masters were carried on
in chambers—they ought to be open to the puhlic—(Hear, hear.) He
had great pleasure in stating that the Masters themselves desired the
correction of these abuses. Thus, after all the inquiries, and the pre-
sent state of the public mind, as far as regarded the Court of Chancery,
the present Ministers had the opportunity of doing more to correct dirt
Court than had been possessed by any preceding administration. As
he proposed to make the Masters efficient officers, he would render it
unnecessary for them to attend, as matter of parade, on the Lord Chan-
cellor and the Master of the Rolls; and he would require that the Masters
should be really. judges,and that they should hear the cases publicly. Their
average profits for the last three years had been 3,8001.,—he would
give them 3,0001. a-year, thus rendering them independent of the soli.
&ors. Their Clerks' salaries had increased, being about 1,2001. a.
year ; and their salaries were raised by the most objectionable means—
by fees and gratuities--the *fatuities exceeding the fees, sometimes
amounting to 8001. whale their fees were not 5001. That could not be
right—and it ought not to be allowed to exist an hour longer. They
ought to have fixed salaries. Besides the practices of the Masters'
offices were almost all different. They ought to be uniform—there
ought not to be distinct rules in each Master's office. He also
proposed to correct the evil of requiring affidavits under certain
circumstances if the party resided within twenty miles of London,
to be sworn before Masters in Chancery. (Hear.) He should also
propose to correct the system of appointing the officers of the
Court. The appointment of a solicitor to be Secretary of Luna-
cies had given great dissatisfaction because he was a solicitor. No at.
torney in practice should be appointed to any situation in which it
was possible his official duty might even be supposed to be influenced
by his private practice. The present Lord Chancellor had also appointed
for Secretary in Bankruptcy a Solicitor in high practice. of great honour,
who did not since take bankrupt business; but his partner did, and that
was a cause of great dissatisfaction. The learned gentleman here
paused for an instant, and then said, I can't but hear what's said on the
benches behind me, and greatly am 1 surprised to hear such an observa-
tion from the hon. member for Middlesex. I can assure that hon. gen-
tleman it is no splash—(a laugh)--it is the performance of an impor-
tant and painful duty.—( Hear.) He hoped the observations he had
made might be useful ; and that the present government would gain for
themselves the high honour of putting the administration of the Court
of Chancery on the soundest basis. The hon. gentleman moved for a
return of all causes that stood for hearing in the Court of Chancery on
the 25th of November last.

Mr. A. TAYLOR said he had too much compassion for the speak-
er and the Members who had heard the statement to enter at any
length into the question. If any one could be gratified at the state.
ment made, it must be himself. Ever since the year 1810, he had la.
bourcd to have the abuses of the Court of Chancery redressed, but their
extent was constantly denied, even the hon. gentleman admitted them
all. His noble Friend, the present Chancellor, had only done what all
previous Chancellors had done in appointing his own secretaries, and
it was admitted he had appointed most honourable men. He was con-
fident the present Chancellor would remedy all the great abuses in
Chancery even without the aid of acts of parliament. He should move
that the debate be adjourned to Monday next.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL seconded the motion. He
thought his learned frier.d was wholly unwarranted in the observa-
tions he had made on the appointments made by the present Chancel-
lor, who had only appointed solicitors for his secretaries, as all former
Chancellors had done. If his learned friend thought there was any-
thing exceptionable in the practice, might lie not have mentioned it to
the Lord Chancellor, who was now in his seat. The present Lord
Chancellor had allowed two secretaries, appointed by Lord Lyndhurst,
to continue in office, though the appointments were highly valuable.
There never was a stronger instance of the absence of any improper
exercise of patronage. Ile called upon the public to look at his pro.
ceedings ; he could say there never was a judge who entered office
with a greater desire to correct abuses. If any man had a right to
take credit for the Reform that was now going on, it was his learned
and hon. Friend the Member for Durham. It was said the motions
were brought forward from political and party purposes ; he retorted
the accusation; it was for political and party purposes they were de.
kitten. He should be most happy to render assistance in the correc-
tion of abuses. and be was confident that was the feeling of every mem-
ber of the Administration and the house.

Sir C. WETHERELL said the present Lord Chancellor had only
continued the practice of all former Chancellors. He was not a politi-
cal supporter of Lord Brougham ; but he would defend the honour of
his noble and learned friend. The Attorney-General had most pro-
perly defended the noble lord from the unfounded attack made on him,
and If that learned gentleman bad not done it as an (Nicer of the
Crown, he should himself have done it as a volunteer.

Mr.HU ME could assure the learned gentleman he had not in.
tended to offend him. He had been asked what was the question be.
fore the house, and he answered there was no question, it was a 'splash'
(a laugh.) He would tell the learned gentleman what he meant by
" a splash ." it was when a long speech was made that was to end in
nothing. (A great laugh.) He did not, however, intend that the
learned Gentleman should have heard the observation. He had not
heard any speech from any lawyer in the house that ever gave him half
so much pleasure as that from the Attorney.GeneraL He was confident
he would never be three years in office and do nothing for the correction
of abuses, and then come down to the house complaining of their not
being reformed.
The question of adjournment was then agreed to.
31r. LITTLETON brought in a bill to amend and consolidate the
laws prohibiting the payment of wages in any other manner than the
coin of the realm.

Read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on the 11th
of February.
The House adjourned at One o'Clock.

STATE OF THE COUNTRY.

On Thursday evening, • shed belonging to Mrs. Moron, in a field
between Cottingham and Newland, was wilfully set on fire and burnt.
On the evening of last Monday week, a fire broke out in a field be.
longing to Mr. J. Westboy, near Barton-upon.Humber, which con.
sumed two stacks of barley and one of wheat.
On Sunday night week, two thrashing-machines, the property of Mr.
J. Whip and Mrs. Wardel, were set fire to, at Etton, near Beverley.
Mrs. Wardell's was quite destroyed, and die other was only partially
injured.
On Wednesday evening, soon after eight o'clock, three letters were
dropped into the Post-o at Beverley. and there being reason to sus-
pect that one of them was a threatening letter, the person who put them
in was instantly apprehended. It was subsequently ascertained that the
letter in question was signed " Swing," and contained a threat of a visit
from him to the gentleman to whom it was addressed. The person who
put the letter into the post-office la a clerk in a respectable house in that
town. Be has been held to bail to appear at the oesaions.—lluilPackei.
BRIGHTON. DEC. 14.—A destructive fire took place last night in the
neighbourhood of Bolney and St. John's Common, when a large quart-
City of oats and some houses were completely consumed. The Magi*.
crates have obtained some clue to the late conflagrations near Hickstead.
and are pursuing it with great vigilance.
CRILDISSORD, Dec. 14.—Previously to the commencement of the
Assizes, this county bad been comparatively tranquil, only one instance
of burning having occurred, and that apparently caused by private
malice rather than concerted malignity; but on a sudden disturbances
and symptoms of growing turbulence manifested themselves in various
parts of the county. One party commenced operations at Colchester,
another at Thorpe, another at Clacton, and another at Walton; but
these outrages were chiefly confined to the breaking of machines, and
compelling farmers to sign an agreement for an increase of wages.
Sncrroan, Bens, Dec. 13.—A fire, the work of an incendiary,
broke out yesterday afternoon in the farm-yard of Mr. Gresham, a gen-
tleman hi ly respected in his neighbourhood, steward to Sir John Os.
borne, of about a mile from hence. It was discovered early
enough to prevent the destruction of the whole rick-yard. and was con-
fined to the hsum rick, where it commented. It was gratifying to ob.
serve the emulation between all classes to render assistance.
At Dymcbureb, in Kent, a woman having a large family, has been
apprehended on suspicion of being the writer and distributor of several
threatening letters, and is now in confinement undergoing a legal
mination.—lentish

A correspondent states that a fire took plate on the prenders of John
Theophllus Dauber, Esq. of Layton, Ramer, only sir miles from
town, by which a large wheat-stack and other property were destroyed.
The fire was discovered by Mr. Daubries private watchmen, at tea
o'clock at night. An alarm was imviediately given, and the labourers
and people in the village, who assembled in great numbers, did all in
their power to pews the extension of the flames. The motive of the
incendiary kik mem difficult to be imagined, as Mr. Daubris and his
family are, and bow* lag been, extensive benefactors to the indigent
hi the neighbenebood.
A few days ago a he*, to the following purport, was received by
Mr. Smith, the pespdeler of the distillery In the Whitechapel road :
" Bir—Withost you employ more men and abolish machinery, your
extensive premises will be burnt to the pound in a few hours.
(Signed) "Sous."
Mr. Smith, hnmediatay upon raiding the letter, called all his work-
men together, read the letter to them, and asked if any one among
them was diustladed with his treatment. The workmea to the num.
bee ef 100, immediately answered that they were perfectly baddied
with their wages, and they all unanimously aimed to watch the pro.
mime, both night and day, free el any mews to Mr. Smith, and
said that, in ease of danger, they would risk their lives to protect Mr.
Smith and his property.
SO 11 ERSETBII IRE.
Sr a—l was much surprised to read is ma Aga al Illitrader bee
a oenneuniostion from a (*roman, a tails ems% aaea 11.
dame, relative to a disturbance that vase* Is It plias Is the nigh_
botobood of Heasbddge. As doe 'mongoloid's is mud mug.
trassa as d the win oak's a most pill maven is "snip
il'
obarister of the Methodists, who, he ants "tea es„
heed to be sworn in snail asitibles," I trust to your indoor

for the insertion of a few lines to correct his statement, and
point out to your readers, and to your Correspondent him.
self', the ignorance or the malice .that cause have induced hill,
to make the assertion complained ot. In the Fesent disturbed !late “f
the country, when it is the duty of every 111311 to endeavour 10 allav ti,,.feverish spirit that prevails. it is both foolish and mischievous to east.
Berate, it. direct tendency being to keep up exchettant and spresel
affection. Why then does your correspondent make tenstimes more of
the thing than the occasion demanded, and publish to the world, throe
the medium of your paper, vague and puerile rumours which s ere affitd •
but which wanted foundation, and were scarcely worth the noire ,
any sensible man ? I suppcse it TRIM he to gratify a disposition Mr
the marvellons ; a thing little minds, such as those who heard...4.lv
slander their neildsun, generally delight in. Not to go into do,d!
for I must be brief, suffice to say, there was some little disturbance et;
the night in quest'on. and a number of persons front various parts Caw,
to suppress it, but ,f you bate half the number your correspondent state,
you will still have mitre than were present. You may judge of the eor.
mines,: of the whole of his account, front his assertion that there wire
of the rirgleaders were appreltend..ri
at least 501) horsemen there, when there were not much above lOW
lour
these,
'
terrible mob were only spectators drawn together to see what was On..
emas feacrlTatnldcaennt Iseatsitens,wiehrAct all 7 that were engaged in the affair. The
on. "The Methodists, toa man,refused to be sworn!" How did your ltee
=respondent come by tais information ? Can he point out one mil:.
vidual Methodist who refused? If he can, he will be very clever; to
pcsitively there are no Methodist, in that neiAhbourhood, and without
the least fear of contradiction, I assert, that there is not a Methodist :t
Ilehester, Wiocanton, Hensbridge. or Siaihridge. Ilchester being th,
place near which your correspondent, I suppose, resides, and the other
towns, those in which the alarm was circulated, of which he has given
you so pompous an account. Another district so barren of Methodism
I do not know in the West of England, and yet this frontless man as.
ants, that " to a man the Methixlista refused to be sworn in special
constables."

ft is the farthest from my intention to write this in defence of ti!,
Methodists,for as a body they are utterly beyond the reach of any harm
your correspondent can do them, and equally regardless of the pLtty
slander with which he feels disposed to assail them; but to hold up :••
just and merited odium the pitiful attempt made to asperse their cha.
racier, and to inform your readers that your correspondent has toad,•
a good deal out of nothing, for there was scarcely more than the shadow
of cause for alarm, and ten men. instead of ten hundred, would have Kett
amply sufficient to have put Mr. Swing's mob, which so alarmed your
correspondent, though twelve miles off, completely to the rout.— I am,
Sir, a Wesleyan Methodist, and your obedient servant,
Milborne Port, Dec. 13. THOS. ENSOR.
&mum az.—Between six and seven o'clock yesterday evenicg
(Tuesday) the inhabitants of Reading were thrown into a state of per
alarm by the cry of " fire!" and in a few minutes the whole town sar
illuminated by the flames : it was soon known to be at the Art Farm, is
Watlington.lane, in the occupation of Mr. Shackell. The eogines of the
Berkshire Fire.office.the County Fire,the parish engines, and that of Mr.
B. Simonds, were quickly on the spot ; but it was a consider:die time
before a supply of water could be procured. The property destroyed
consists of a barn, stable, and cowshed, a rick of straw, and up-
wards of 5001.'5-words of building materials in doors, sash-frames, tic.
which were in the barn (where the carpenters were manufacturing them,
and who have also lost the whole of their tools.) Every exertion via.
used by the gentlemen and inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood
for seven or eight miles round, and by the military stationed here, by
whose means th.: fire was prevented coos-nunicating to several large
ricks of hay. There was no corn on the premises, Mr. Shackell having
carried it all to another farm in his occupation. No part was in.
surcd. The fire broke out in two or three places at one time.