Star.
London, England, 1831-02-15 00:00:00

WEST INDIES.

The Marquis of CHANDOS moved for various returns respec.ing
measures taken for the amelioration of slaves in the West Indies, &c.
also for accounts regarding the quantities of rum and sugar imported,
&c.—Ortlered.
The noble lord also moved for accounts of raw sugar exported from
Ireland, &c. Ordered.
The Marquis of CHANDOS presented petitions from Torrington,
Kembleton, &c. Bucks, for an alteration of the corn laws.

REPEAL OF THE MALT DUTY.
The Marquis of CHANDOS presented a petition from Burnham,
Bucks, for a tepeal of the malt duty. lie said he should support that
repeal when the motion for it was brought forward. Ordered to he
printed.
The Marquis of CHANDOS presented a petition hem Mr. John
Bowden, of Kent, for the repeal of the game lews.

SUGAR DUTISS REDUCTION.
The Marquis of CHAN DOS gave notice that on Monday next he
would call the attention of the House to the present state of the sugar
duties, with the view to a reduction of them.—( Hear.)
Mr. HOBHOUSE presented a petition from Shoreditch for Permis-
sion to have a voice in the management of their parochial affairs.—
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. HOBHOUSE presented a petition from St. Pancras, in favour
of the Select Vestries bill.
Severally ordered to be laid on the table.
PROPERTY TAX.
Mr. HOBHOUSE presented a petition from an Archdeacon, the
Clergy, &c. of Wilton, Wilts, for Parliamentary Reform and reduction
of taxation. He observed that 14.000 persons in Wilts had petitioned
for Reform. The petitioners thought the time for farliamentery Re-
form had arrived, and that nothing but a full and fair reprcun aUon I
would satisfy the people. They also called a reduction of taxation. He
thought the Ministers must resort to a property tax, a graduated pro-
perty tax. None other—for where was the justice of taxing a man of
5001. as they would the man of thousands? lie would not debate any
of these matters till the great question had been brought forward, but
before he would vote even for any property tax, there must be a re..
formed Commons House. (Hear.)—Petition ordered to he printed.
PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.
Mr. HOBHOUSE then presented a petition from St. Masses. pray.
ing for Parliamentary Reform, or that they might be disfranchised, be-
cause they could consider no greater curse than the present mode of re.
prascntation. He fully approved of their prayer.
Mr. HOBHOUSE then presented a petition from Lancaster for re-
form, annual Parliaments, universal suffrage, and vote by ballot. He
felt quite assured that the more the demand was considered, the more
clear and just would be the prayer for the vote by ballot. (Hear.)
Without that improvement, he was persuaded that reform would be in-
''sctual and unsatisfactory.—Petition ordered to be printed.
CORNWALL. REFORM PETITIONS.

Mr. PENDARVIS presented, with great pleasure, the Cornwall
county petition for parliamentary reform, signed by nearly twenty thou-
sand persons, and being seventeen yard, long! (Hear.) It was agreed
to at an open-air meeting. It was from a county that participated
largely in the:privilege of returning members. The petitioners, how.
ever, stated, that out of twenty boroughs, eighteen were under the in.
fluence of private individuals; only two had the semblance of free
representation. (Hear.)
Mr. PENDARVIS then presented petitions from Penzance, and other
places in Cornwall, also for parliamentary reform. The Penzance peti.
tion was signed by upwards of 1.0110 per-ons.—Ordered to be printed.
Mr. H. HUGHES presented a petition from Rye, Isle of Wight,
for a general fag.
Lord F. OSBORNE presented a petition from a parish in the Isle of
/Preppy, for a commutation of tithes ; and one from Royston, for Par-
liamentary reform.
Sir G. ROBINSON presented a petition from Northampton, for
reform and vote by ballot.—Ordered to be printed.
Mr. NVYSE presented a petition from a parish in Tipperary, for the
repeal of the union ; one from a parish in Tyrone, against the grant to
the Kildare-street 'Society ; one from Tuam, for extending the franchise
of Galway.—Ordered to lie on the table.—He also permuted one for a
revision of the law imposing a drawback on soap exported from England
to Ireland—it was from soap-boilers of Clonmel.
Mr. SYKES said he should be happy to pay the greatest attention to

this subject.
Petition ordered to lie on the table.
TAXES ON KNOWLEDGE.
Lord 111ORPETH presented a petition from compositors of the me-
tropolis, and its vicinity. He confessed that he felt pest anxiety on this
subject ; and had been tempted to ask himself, whether the reduction of
these taxes would lead to the extension of seditious and blasphemous
publication—but he was persuaded that the effect would be quite the
contrary. Where there existed education and publication, there order
had prevailed ; indeed, he might sum up by saying, that where the
"Schoolmaster" was abroad, "Swing" was unable to make way.—
(Hear.) The petition was for the repeal of the taxes on newspapers,
paper, and on advertisements.
Col. SINTNORTE, Mr. SYKES, and Mr. DIINCOSSIIE, supported

its prayer.
The petition was then read; it was as follows:
" To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled.
" The humble Petition of the undersigned Compositors of London
and its vicinity,
SEIEWETH
" That your petitioners, in praying the attention of your Honourable
House to the heavy duties on paper, newspapers, and advertisements,
with a view to their repeal, or great reduction, cannot but lament, that
at the close of the fourth century since the discovery of the art they pro-
fess, its exercise should be impeded by restrictions more worthy of the
period of its invention, than of an age distinguished like the present by
the rapid advancement of literature, science, and art, and by the efforts
made to disseminate universally the blessings of education.
" That so long as these obnoxious imposts, or taxes on knowledge
remain unaltered, education, however extended, can confer no substan-
tial benefiit on the great bulk of the population ; and it appears to
your petitioners somewhat anomalous, that whilst your honourable
house, by various grants of the public money towards educating the'
poor, is implanting a thirst for knowledge in their minds, laws are
permitted to esist which reader it only attainable by the wealthier
portion of the community.
" That the taxes on paper, newspapers, and advertisements (amount-
ing to more titan two hundred per cent.) are so heavy as to defeat their
professed object as measures of revenue, is strikingly evinced by the tact,
that in England, which is so accustomed to boast her enlightened and
thinking population, and where political information is so eagerly sought.
the circulation of newspapers will nevertheless bear no comparison with
that of other countries where these imposts are either uukoovrn, or exist
in a very modified degree. As an instance, your petitioners humbly beg to
state, that whilst the circulation of 13 Paris newspapers amounts to 50,000
per day, that of the morning and evening papers published in London,
where the population is one-third greater, is under 40,000 ; in the United
States of America, with a population of only twelve millions, there ere
above 000 newspapers; while in England, where the charge on news-
papers is five times greater than in America, owing to the duties in
question, there are but 29a; that, with the exception of the metropolis,
no one town in England, however wealthy or populous, can support a
daily paper, whilst in the United States, few towns of 10,000 inhabi-
tants are without one ; and that in the city of Boston, containing only
70,000 iuhabitants, there are I:0 fewer than thirty-four, six of which
appear daily.
" The injutious effect of the advcniscinont duty (producing the
small turn of 100,0001. a-year) is placed in n strikinn light by smiler
comparisons :—ln America, owing to the non-existence of fluty, the
charge for advertising, as compared with that in this country, is dimin.
haled in the ratio of ten to one on a single insertion, and twenty-four to
one on insertions repeated ; the result of which is, that the number of
advertisements published annually in America greatly exceeds that of
the English Journals. The thirty-four papers of Boston publish more
advertisements than those of all England ; and the twelve daily papers
of New York contain annually bait a million more advertisements than
the four hundred newspapers of the United Kingdom, nuts ithstanding
the population and trade of the latter exceed that of the Uritcd States
in the proportion of at least two to one.
" 'That, in addition to the great loss occasioned to the proprietors of
newspapers by the heavy duty on advertisements, and the serious check
it presents to that facility of communication which is so essential to the
prosperity of a commercial and trading community, it directly tenets to
prevent the extensive circulation of cheap knowledge among the people,
as only an expensive publication can repay the coat of giving it ger.eral
publicity.
"That, owing to the causes set forth by your petitioners, the expense
attendant on the establishment of a newspaper, and the extensive circu-
lation required to support it, is such, that few individuals can undertake
the risk ; and the important task of diffusing political knowledge is,
therefore, in a great measure dependent on the joint-stock speculation
of a few great capitalists, whose interest is obviously not to direct, but
to follow public opinion, instead of opposing and allaying the prejudices,
dispelling the ignorance, and improving the morals of the people.
" Your petiuoners further submit, that very peat and serious injury
arises to their trade from the duties complained of, by the obstacles
thereby thrown in the way of the circulation of newspapers, and the
impeetkability of placing the means of obtaining knowledge, whether
political or otherwise, within the teach of all ranks of the community. At
the same time they are not insensible, as el, a state avowedly
based on public opinioa, to the still greater nib babied en the country at
lsrge,by the channels of instruction being thus eisui against the people
--whose enlightenment should be the primary Akira of a free Govern-
ment, as affording the beat security against Weimar and outrage, and
constituting the most lasting founds*n of the prosperity, true greet-
nese, and glory et an empire.
" Your petitioners, dashes, most eernesd entreat your honourable
house to take the fasts here into your most serious
conaklmatko, and totally remove, or greatly reduce the duties

voi!iplalned of as Ifni, exisk•nce in their 'present shape—pro.
dt,ring so much itijury to the country, and so little advantage
to the revenu.P—tan only sartog:hen the belief, that fiscal clan-
manta, directed against the Press, are less priced by Govern•
meats u measures of finance, than u a means of controlling the
frvc expression, of public opinion.
" And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray."
Lord ItIORPETH then pie-a-wed petitions from Sheffiell, Hali-
fax, Deacon, &c. for parliamen'ary reform and ballot.-p-Ors!ered to
be printed.
Mr.SYKES mov.ll fur returns respecting the manufacture oft and
and soft soap, the number of licences issued, &c.--Ordered.

GLASGOW acroast PETITION.
Mr. HUNT presented a pttittcn from the East Barony or the
district for Glasgow, fin parliamewary reform, universal suffrage. rind
beim. He entirely concurred in the prayer It had been iircationed
that some thous/114s had netirio:,(d trout Wilts, had the petitions pra}cd
for vote by ballot rhore would have been 40,000 signatures. A noble
lord ( Morpctli)had pesented petitions fur reform, but in present Oir those
for the ballot his Lordship had been silent. Knowing bow intimitely his
Lordship %case:inflected with minicers, he r sgreted t is silen e
Lord MOH PETH said he had neither concurred i::, nor dissented
from toe prayer ; and as to the intentions of Ministers, he wai as
ram of them as any one could he. o:tiered to be printed.

111 r. HUNT presented a petition from the Tio Plate Nt 'uric. rs of
Dublin, for the Ilepeel of the Union. Ile presented it wi•li gm!,
pleasure because he thought the Irish were the hest judges of theta
own wishes and wants. .

O'GORMAN At AHON was glad to hear these liberal sention iits—
the observations were true. lie begged to gay, that he called for the
repeal to he effected by legal meant—he would county:aim: no oilier.
He Lad been misconceived the other night when he said tlit.t lie had be-
longed to a " seem society for the repeal of the Union," it was rot to
effvet that repe.tl by force of arms. The Association sae a Club. H:
was the only Catholic in it. he believed. It had existed before the
Cutho:ic Emancipation. lie had mentioned the fact to show that th •
demand for the relax, of the Union was sot new.
Mr. COOPER, adverting to the Roscommon petition, said, 'bet
none of the respectability of the County fed attended it.
O'GORMAN MA HON said it l'ad been attended b) the Sheriff,
O'Connor Don, &c.
Mr. COOPER did not deny that some were respectable.—Ordered
to b: printed.

SPECIAL COMMISSIONS.
Mr. HUNT presented a petition from persons assembled at the Ro-
tltnd a, 01nel:friars, for an address to his Majesty for a commutation of
the sentences of those tried under the special commiuions. In presenting
it he had disclaimed all connection with those who asumbied there, an.l
received money for the lectures or discourses delivered—with Mr.
Cobbett, Mr. Cathie, Mr. Gale Jones, &c. and for that disclaiti.er
be had received a threat, calling on him to disavow that language. r
to abide by the consequences. He had uttered that language—it
was the fact; he had no connection with those parties; and he trust,4l
he should never b 2 afraid or ashamed to avow langukte uttered by him
in that house.--(Loud cheers.) He had no intention of calling on tit..
house to exert its privileges in his behalf.—lf the threat ware carriel
into effect, it would be for the house to say what course it should per-m :
but if the house did not interfere, he had this consolation—he knot how

to defend himself.—( immense cheering.)
Petition ordered to lie on the table.
GENERAL ECAST AND JVBILEI:.

Mr. HUNT said he hail to present u petition front inhabitants ot
Southampton, praying for reform, and that when refoun vas effected,
there should be a general feast (loud laughter) and a geaeral jubilee.—
(Continued cheering and laughter.) lie concurred in its prayer : it
was a very sensible one, and he trusted that the decision of that house
would warrant a general feast and jubilee. At all events, we wanted no
fasting. (Cheers and laughter.) When the motion for a general fast
was made, should it be brought forward, he should deem it his duty to
oppose it. (Hear.)—Petition ordered to lie on the table.
satexawa.—ma• O'CONNZLL'i PLEA Or GUILTY, &.C.
The Marquis of CHAN DOS said, as he observed the Right Hon.
Secretary for Ireland in his place, he wished to ask him whether or not
any vessel loaded with firearms had been seized in the Stl4lllloll ? H:
wished also to ask, as he understood Mr. O'C mne'l had pleaded
"guilty" to the indieuneet, whether Govtrnment had entered into any
agreement for a eumpromise, eitherdirectly or indirectly % (hear.)
Mr. STANLEY replied, that as respected the first question pia by
the noble marquis, he could give no further information than what was
to be derived from the general medium through which intelligence was
obtained. It was true that an American vessel had been seized, havinA
on board a large quantity of fire-arms. But where it was going to, or
foe what purpose the arms were intended, Government had not been able
to ascertain ; however, the requisite inquiries had been instituted. With
reference to the second question, he was glad that the noble marquis had
put it, as he was aware that an opinion had got abroad that Mr. O'Con-
nell had pleaded " Guilty" in compliance with an understanding
with the Government. No such thing was the case. He could not.
however, but say that the friends of Mr. O'Connell had been 'sidle.
vouring to effect a compromise. But the answer given on this. 1-s well
as on the other side of the water, was, that Mr. O'Connell's ctindoct
had been of that character, that it was impossible for any admieis ra-
tion not to do what had been done ; and Mr. O'Connell was told dis-
tinctly :hat he must pursue his own course ; but whatever course that
might be, the law must be put into full execution. He was told that
the Government could not shrink an inch. Mr. O'Connell was dis-
tinctly assured of that before lie pleaded guilty. He was informed that
the law must take its course. (Loud and continued cheering from all
sides of the house.)

THE PINANCE MEAStritt&
Lora ALTHORP then moved that the report of the committee of
supply of Friday be received. In doing so he wished to take the earliest
opportunity of making some observations on the propositions he brought
forward the other oveniug. His object in bringing forward th r. resolu-
tions was to do all in his power to relieve the tax, a on the uranufacturia
interests and industrioue classes, and also the oppressive manner :n which
those taxes were collected. That class were borne down with taxes. The
proposition for a tax on the transfer of stock, which he brought forward,
had met with objections; it bad been said it would be imposteible to carry
it into effect. Now CSI the latter point he had consulted the mat pe-
tit:need persons, and they agreed with him that it would be et ry
to tax a transfer of bone fide stock, and also that it would be very cry
to slist'ulguish between such transfers and these of mortgage. He end
not then the authority to incntien one individual, but he now had ; it
was the Governor of the Bark of Ergland.—(Hear.) This gentler. to
was of opinion the tax might be carried into operation with facility.
Neither had he (Lord Alihorp) heard nny argument that ern.
vinced him, if carried into effect, that it would be at all inconsist.
cnt with the public faith.—(hear, hear, hear) Had he for a
moment entertained any such ides, he would have been the last man to
have brought forward such a proposition. 11/1 still thought the tax
might be imposed with advantage to the country ; but alter the opposi-
tion it had met with, it was wad not his intention to persevere in pressing
it. He bad certainly conceived it to be right to take the earliest oppor.
tunity of stating his intention not to persevere with the sax ; but. in
doing so, it would be quite obvious that he niuto abandon the idea
of making some of the reductions in other taxes that he had intend.
ed. He should therefore not reduce the lax on tobacco or on glass.
A misconception had gone abroad as to his motives in reducing the
tax on tobacco. He was of opinion that tobacco ass a good oLject
of taxation ; but the duty on it at present was so large, that it ht Id out
great inducement to smuggling. He thought, therefore, by reducing
it, it would do away with there disgraceful scenes which had been
curried on, more particularly on the coast of Ireland. After n.aking
Jere otsereations It was immeessaty for bim to say more. He would,
therefore, only add that he still thought that the tax on the transfer of
funded property might to imposed without any difficulty, and with
great benefit to the country.
Mr, WARD was oltliged to the Char weldor of the Exchequer foe
this concession ; he was persuaded that the tax was impolitic—that it
wettlel have beer. a breach of faith, and that even the Governor of the
Ronk could not know what devitos would be atleptid to tank the tax.
He wished to chew the greatest forbearerce to any persons entruetedwith
the administration of Government ; but if the propeoition for laying a
tax on funded property had been persevered in, he must lime protested
against such a measure, come from what Minieter it might. He had
been intimately conneced ter the last 25 years with the negociatione for
all loans of money lent to the Goverrntio, ar.d he could tidily say
that on individual ever left the Tresoury Chambers without an opinion,
if not an essurance,that no stamp tax or duty should at any subsequent
period he levied upon transfers of that description of property (hear.)
Hr felt obliged to the Noble Lord for thus early anioneecing his inten.
Lien not to persevere in the tax.
!Ir. Lll"f I.RTON said he had heard the statement with mingled
regret and satisfaction which had just been communicated. He applaud-
ed the manly conduct of the noble Iced in at once abandenirg lie tax,
but he was vile assured that the country would have supported the
noble lord though perhaps the majority might trot have been large.—
The agricultural interests felt considerably that the monied iotereets
contributed so little to the exigencies of the state, and to support the
poor. The defeat was clear ; but he regretted it was withdrawn. How-
ever, after what had passed, be thought the government would be jos.
titled in imposing a property tax.
Sir E. KNATCH BULL made some observations from under the
gallery, and asked whether the tax on the transfer of land was to be
persevered in, that on transfer of stock having been abandoned.
Lout A LTHORP replied. that the whole of that part of the plan would
be abandoned. Having given up the tax on stock transfers,
It would be unjust to tax the transfers of the land was already
sufficiently heavily burdened.
Mr. Alderman THOMPSON said he was very glad of the with.
drawal of that part of the Ministen' plan which regarded the tau on the
transfers of stock. It would give great satisfaction M the City, and ale
bey much discontent. He trusted other pasts of the plan would be re.

Mt

A

vied, particularly she duties on Cape wines. Since the finance state.
went had been submitted to the house, he had seen letters from some
of the most respectable parties connected with she wine trade of the
Cape of Good Hope, and from whose letters it appeared, that in a
statement forwarded to the Colonial-office in the course of last year, It
WWI clearly ahewn that no less a sum than one million nine htmaroi
I:iousand pounds was invested in vineyards in the neighbourhood
Cape Town. besides investments of 60,0001. in vineyards in other pants
of the colony. That in brandy casks alone there was invested no law •
.u,lithan 2i 0,0001. that the stock of wine on hand was worth 126,0001.
arol the wine in bond 100,0001. making a total of upwards of 1,700,0001.
embarked in that trade. If the duty took effect the value of the casks
would be the only value of the bonded wines. There were no less than 499
families engaged in the Cape wine trade, and the consequence of the pre.
*rot measure would be such a tall in the value, that the whole of this
o +ital. with the exception of the casks which contained the wine, wad&
be destroyed. By this measure the duty upon the wines of P
which now paid 100 per cent would not be increased to more Lilt
per cent. whilst the additional tax of sixpence a gallon on Cape wines
would increase the tax on that commodity to 110 per ten*. He saw alts
reason why the wines of the Cape of Good Hope should not be entitled
to the same protection against foreign wines, as British spi•its were
against foreign spirits. He also hoped the noble lord would reconsider
his proposition with respect to the timber trade. He was sorry to Wu.
pass on the patience of the house; but if members had the same typos.
oinks, that he had of seeing the state of the shipping interest, they
would ace that he was only performing his duty to a valuable class of
society. By the returns on the table, it would appear that itt the year
1829 the North American timber trade employed 1.169 ships, 431,900
tonnage, and 20,098 seamen ; that the number of British seamen em-
ployed in the Baltic outward trade amounted to 346 men, 46 sh4s,
and 7.500 tonnage, whilst the foreigners in the same trade anytime& W
1113 ships, 40,791 tons, and 1,641 seamen. From this it was evident
that if some competition were not kept up in the trade, between the Bri-
tish colonies and the Baltic, the whole colonial timber trade, as far as
the home supply was concerned. would be destroyed. Before he sat
down, he begged to ask the noble toed (the Chancellor of the Brche-1
quer) whether it was his intention to allow any drawback upon the
stuck in hand of printed cottons? When the noble lord considered
that this was the season of the year when houses in that trade laid in
their stocks, and that the alteration of duties would make a difference of
30 per cent. he trusted that the noble lord would, if possible, avert the
ruinous consequences which must result from refusing drawbacks.
Lord ALTHORP replied, that every man who considered this sub.
ject must admit that any plan to return the duties on all the printed
cottons in all the shops, would open a door to the greatest fraud. It was
true that in all cases of alteration of duties some loss must be una-
voidably experienced by the parties engaged in the trade; but experi-
ence convinced him that a proposal to remedy individual losses would
be productive of the greatest injury to the public, by the facilities it
would afford to frauds.
Sir J. YORKE could not but repeat the opinion he had often ex-
pressed, that it was better
‘l to bear the ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of."
That was what he would apply to the government plans of taxation ;
but if tax on the transfer of stock were to be abandoned, he should be
sorry if it were made the occasion of generating ill feeling between the
landed and monied interests. With respect to the plans generally he
hesitated not to say that the noble lord had attempted too much ; his
lordship had desired to conciliate public good opinion to too great an
extent. He recommended the noble lord to take off two taxes only
this year—those on coal and calicoes. He would wait to see the effects
of diem before he proceeded farther. He was against taxing the raw
material of cotton on its importation.
Mr. WARBURTON was glad that the transfer tax was withdrawn ;
tend he trusted a property tax would be imposed. If a property tax
were proposed it would produce many millions, and he would give it
his support, as it would enable Government to take off many millions of
taxes which now pressed on the productive industry of the country, and
relieve Government from the necessity of imposing any taxes on such an
infant branch of trade as steam boats. He regretted that it was thought
requisite to impose a tax on steam packets ' • it was a branch of industry
that on the contrary ought to be encouraged. To our western coast the
tax would be ruin : if war commenced, how valuable would be steam-
packets and vessels. To the changes in the timber duties he gave his
unqualified assent. (Hear.) The protecting duties were bad in prin-
ciple and opwation.
Mr. P. THOMSON said, that after the most deliberate reflection
he considered that the plans of the Noble Lord, as brought forward on
Friday, had merited the support of the House, and the approbation of
the country. He felt assured that it was only by the mutations of
taxes that the country could experience any relief from the 'butdens
that now pressed on its industry. Though it had been, in the Noble
Lord's opinion, incumbent on him to withdraw parts of the plans, he
WAS sure that the country would approve the financial plans of the
Noble Lord. Be it remembered that there were to be repealed
4,000,0001. taxes, and imposed only 1,400,0001. He regretted that the
country was to be denied all the benefits contemplated by the Noble
Lord ; at the same dine he was pleased at the spirit with which the
objectionable portions were abandoned. His Noble Friend had by his
arrangemenr' 400,1001. on hand above the estimated expenditure,
which was leaving the sum of 100,00 U. more than he had set out
with. His object had been demonstrated to reduce the tax on the
article for the consumer, and to increase the revenue by the effects of an
accession of consumption. This was the principle of the commu-
tation of taxes that had been brought forward by the Govern-
ment. The Right Hon. Secretary regretted that the relief did
not go farther • but it was as far as the present circumstances would al-
low. It had been said that the alteration of the duty on timber would
affect the interest of the ship-owners. It would be useless to attempt
to contend that the shipping interest was not mixed up with the ques-
tion, but he would contend that the interest of the ship-owners ought
not to be considered independently, at the expense of every other portion
of society. The duty being taken off coals had given an advantage to
the shipping interest in the accession it would uccasion in the coasting
trade : this advantage in this particular was such, that a gentleman in
the trade had informed him (Mr. Thomson) that he would now be
enabled to double the business he had done formerly. Gentlemen who
were of the agricultural interest must be aware of the benefit they would
derive from the alteration in the duty on timber, when they came to re-
quite it for the purposes of building; and those who asserted that the
measure would be so prejudicial to shipping interest., were, perhaps, not
aware that there were four hundred and eight thousand tons of shipping
em„loyed in this country before there existed any trade in Canadian tim-
ber. He had hoped that the plan of his noble friend would have been
adopted. He (P. Thomson) was sorry that it had failed : but to this
conclusion they must come at last—to remove the burdens from the la-
bouring classes; and assist the springs of industry, and by all means to
keep faith with the public creditor,
Mr. PRAEI) rose. There were several members rose at the same
time, but the preference was conceded to Mr. Prised, he being a new
another. He said, that had the noble chancellor not withdrawn his
proposed tax on the transfer of funded property, he (Mr. P.) would
have been ready to concede that it might be expedient, but he would
have been prepared to prove that it was unjust. He did not con-
sider that the taxes taken off would increase consumption to make
up the deficiency caused in the revenue. He acknowledged that the
present tax on calico was an oppressive and likewise a partial tax;
but by the proposed alteration the poorer class of people would
derive very little benefit. A piece of cloth, such as is worn by the
common people, would weigh about 41bs. and cost about Bs.—it
would, by the new arrangement, pay a duty of fourpence. The
finest description of calico, such as worn by the higher circles,
would weigh about 2lbs. cost 40s. and would pay a duty of only
twopence ; and consequently, the poorer classes were taxed double the
amount of the rich. The noble lord could therefore take very little
credit to himself for any great boon that he granted to the poor
people. He thought that the noble lord had overlooked that putting
on a penny of duty on raw cotton would go to extinguish our im.
port of East India cotton, and would be much in favour of the im-
portation of American and other cottons. The hon. member quoted
the prices of cottons from different markets, and on comparison
showed that the tax would act at the rate of four and a half to se-
ven and a half per cent. on East India cotton to that of some of the
others. At no distant period the alteration of the noble lord's pro.
position would be severely felt. The East India cotton was impotted
in British ships exclusively, and the present was no time to depress
the value of property of any description, either in our home territories
or that of our colonies. The hon. member at considerable length
examined the reasoning that had been urged by the noble lord, and
endeas oured to prove that his lordship had been brought to wrong
conclusions.
Sir J. GRAHAM complimented the hon. member who spoke last
for his speech, and said that he would prove a great acquisition to the
house. The hon. baronet acknowledged that the question relating to the
funded property was a difficult subject ; but he would not have sup-
ported the tax because it was expedient, if he had not thought it
just. The hon. baronet traced the circumstances of the country from
1797, at which period it had been legislated that the public creditor
could not receive gold which he had paid in, but only paper in re-
turn ; these acts of legislative injustice having accumulated in effects
had involved succeeding ministers, so that now it was not the con.
sideration of what was just, or what unjust, but the question was,
what measure was the smallest portion of injustice to supply the wants
of the state? Yet with all the insinuations about the unjustness of the
measure. a right bon. baronet who was in his place, had in 1818, when
be was Secretary of Ireland, voted foe the continuation of the property
tax, although the Act expressly stated that it should c ease to ex-
ist six months after peace was established. He did not coratider that
the violation had originated with the present ministers, Mr. Pitt had
made it a part of a special contract, most solemn with the public credi.
tor, that one per cent. of a sinking fund should be provided on the
whole debt ; Net minister after minister had succeeded, and no attention
had been paid to this contract. The sinking fund had come down from
five millions till, when the last ministry went out, the surplus revenue
was only 300,0001. The right hon. baronet was convinced that the tax
on funded property was quite consistent with the general statute that
had been framed for the property tax. The hon. member for Dumfries
had, on a previous evening, charged ministers with dishonesty, and had
concluded his attack with intimating that the present ministry would I

I

I•

111

.....
not be of long standing. How far that hoe. member might be correct tliskplear tbspomensystemlllMEllo bid received nodal but heights.
in his calculation, he (Sir J. Graham) would not now stop to inquire; alts had net Lisiipsied. Tose allowed the Inssvelmeslaidie Ckme
but he would take that opportunity saying, that the great principle was and noble ailed was es erdeleg an maser& policy
for whirr they contemdA when they were on the opposition bench, was trine hemmed the Cg Ibis sonntry to the nemest and the molest
that the time had arrived when it was indispensable to relieve the Itsespor thestry, that we wield be dm lint to do
burdens of the country—and in room of this pledge they had, as one whit wen was sad patient= to them to allow con& ezaniple.—
measure removed the tax of coals, as being one of the greatest meths With osopme to the alteraden In the table deans it was absolutely
of the main.spring of manufacture. The aoolition of the duty ea asemerr ;he the present absurd Mane she dodos Baltic timber was
printed calicoes he also defended ; *present the duty wan Std. yer yard. taken to Own* foe the pusses of Magee to with
bide
The hon. baronet replied to different statements of Mr. Petted, and dis- the advantage in duty of Cana ember. Hear. Tim tor if
seated from the conclusions adduced by that hon. member. Ministers the izebeinter's but was favenedie to as well as ftPaod.
of the Crown acted properly, after having submitted a measure to the the stead the in coal was &bees that would be gratega fith
representatives of the people of England, who had alone the right to ad- be tat evaldsl• (Haws hoax)
vise, and if the representatives of the people disapproved of that mem Mr. NORTH geld, it was with rest aerptise he had heard the noble
sure, it was the duty of Ministers to withdraw it. He was satisfied that bod a ter onathimaressel psinolgers, which *odd organ
in supporting the commutation of taxation that had been brought for- yon the Itith absents. 'llse Weir
the Irish abeam= estril
ward he could not be taxed with dishonesty. in this country was too great to allow the tax to, keep them at bona;
Mr. PRAED explained. but still they wield fad it as a meat vexations impost. The noble
Me K. DOUGLAS replied to the allusions that had been made to lord's reduction of newspaper tax is Oust 'Main, without a ma
him by the right hon baronet who bad just sat down. He considered it responding tandem in Ireland, Would &Pelee the Irish nllleilleese
a bad specimen of the policy of Ministers that they in their first act had of the advantage they had ling excit
e discootent. He
abandoned a measure which they were conscious was just. Expediency was glad that the tax on Imams had been withdrawn, as to
was what a Government of no free country ought ever to resort to. The him It appeased to be • violation of Palk faith' This might not have
Noble Lord in his proposition for a tax on the transfer of property would been the view of but it mistimed little to the publis wbe-
only reach that property which wen constrained to chants lands from tar the violation dis contra % proceeds ken want of interity, or a want
distress or misfortune, whilst the wealthy whose property was not ex- of capacity. The Legislature in this case were parties to a contract, for
pored to these casualties would not be disturbed. The Noble Lord had which they had meshed • consiimedes. Mid were as much bound by it
in giving his statement calculated on annual sales of this description of as an individual by a contract into which be bad entered. Disguise it
property to the amount of one hundred millions. This exposed a deeper as they might, the real argument of the Government was, Mr. NU vie-
picture of distress in the country than the hon. member bedews hadany bated the public faith—other governments did the same ; and they
conception of. He looked upon the plans proposed by the Noble thought they might do the same also. It was important to the public
Chancellor as violations of the general policy of the country. They honour that it should be distinctly understood, that the tax was &ban-
would have the moot baneful effects both upon our home and colonial dolled as a violation of the public faith; and that if persevered in, the
territories. The Noble Chancellor had calculated that the income Legislature would ever after be impotent to make a contract. (Hear.)
would be the same as the revenue of last year, and yet the affairs of Mr. C. GRANT said it was a little unfortunate that the speech of
Europe and the present state of Ireland were such, that it might be the learned gentleman was not delivered before his noble:friend had an-
probable we would reqtdre an accession both to the army and navy ; flounced his intention of relinquishing the proposed tax on transfers.--
but the Noble Chancellor had made no provision for these extremities (Great cheering.) The speech was no doubt able, but it was rather late;
in his calculations. The Honourable Member concluded with declaring for every one must perceive that it was intended* at part of a debate
that he had no faith in the measures proposed by the Chancellor of the in opposition to that tax.—(Hear, hear.) A mush more calculated to
Exchequer. excite discontent in Ireland has not lately boa made. The hoe.
Mr. C. FERGUSON thought that neither the proposing nor the and learned gentleman appeared to insinuate that his noble friend had
abandoning of these taxes would divest Ministers of the confidence of been deficient in integrity in introducing the proposed tax. His
the lame He admitted that if the tax had been laid on the transfer noble friend a character which made it certain that no
et property that it would have been deemed a breach of faith with the man in that house, with the samples of the learned gentleman,
public creditor. A tax upon the importation of raw cotton, without and no man out of that house, would asepsis biro of want of integrity.
manses to value, would be the ruin of our cotton importation; It was --(lmmense cheering.) The govenneset propessd the tax with the
absolutely necessary that this duty should be levied ad valorem. He conscientious conviction of its with public faith ; bat when
did not think that the tax on steam would be advisable. It would be they found the opinion of that bore, if the public, was opposed
Math to collect it would not be productive, and it would be very op- to k, his noble Mend acted wisely in witabswing it. (Hear, bear.)
regain, by preying on an improvement on our means of communica. The learned gentleman with an astadding sort of tact, had reminded
tion, as steam navigation was as it were in its infancy. He approved the Irish people that the late goverment had attempted to raise their
of the principle upon which ministers were acting, of withdrawing the stamp duty on newspapers. Wee he afraid that his imputation on
burthens from the sources of labour and as much as possible transfer- the present government might drive the Irish people for refuge to
ring them to another elms. the late ministry ? (Grouches:log.)
Mr. COURTENAY acknowledged that arrangements originating Mr. ROBINSON said until France shelved a disposition to reed
in 1797 had involved the country in diaculty—but he did not consider cote with us, it was impolitic on oar pert to sacrifice the interest of the
that that justified the measure that had been proposed by the Cape of Good Hope, and our commence with Portugal, which took from
Ministry. The measure was one of an unjust nature of Itself, in. us manufactures to the amount of two without a year, at a duty of fif-
dependent of any law existing ; it was to be an infringement of a teen per cent. less than the manufactures of alba countries; besides
bargain between two parties, and a breach of contract. The sir. taking so much of the fish cured in Newfoundland, that the trade of
cumstances of the proposition were without precedent or reuse— that colony mainly depended on the continuance of that market. He
He denied that the provision of a sinking fund of one per cent. believed in his conscience that the system for some time pursued
formed any part of the bargain with the public creditor; it was a towards our colonies, would kb% the trade of this country into great
measure proposed by Mr. Pitt for the benefit of the country. The jeopardy. If the noble lord could induce France to take our manufac-
honourable member had hoped that the provision would have been tures, he would gladly consent to the reduction of duty on French wines.
attended to, and he certainly did regret that it had been neglected; He wished to ast the noble lord whether the King of Holland had yet
but the honourable baronet did not seem to know that there was one settled the question referred to him respecting the boundary line between
description of fund on which one per cent. was sunk—the three and a the United States and Canada.
half per cents. He did not think that ministers had realised their Mr. DUNCOMBE had the highest respect for the noble lord, aad
professions; they had, when they sat on the other side, always de- thought it an additional proof of his wisdom and candour that be bad
eared that there ought to be a great deduction, both of taxes and so readily abandoned the tax on the transfer of property, which, he
expenditure ; but, in fact, they were adopting the very system of the thought, ought to have saved the house from the speech of the lona
Duke of Wellington, which they had so much derided.--(Cries of gentleman ( Ste North), which, though very elaborately prepared, was
hear, hear, and a number of members spoke at the same time across a day after the fair. (Great cheering.) The repeal o the coal duty
the table, but the confusion prevented what they said from ranching would be received as a boon by the whole country. (Hear.) The prin.
the gallery.) The Duke of Wellington had done away with many ciple the noble lord had laid down was, to relieve the lathing of the wren.places —(cries of " small ones !")—and a great many large ones try and the distress of the people, and certainly no pdedyle could be
too—(Hear, bear.) The honourable member anent approved of more entitled to the aproadon of the house and the alloteY. (Hoer,
the reduction on coals and candles, but be certainly ed of bear.) He hoped the noble lord would be able to roped the duty en
the alteration in the duty on Cape wine; it would be the means of most soap, which would be a great relief to the country. (Hrs. bosr.) En
seriously injuring our colonies. He disapproved of the alteration in the thought the repeal tithe Union would be a dismembenient at the em.
cotton duty. pire, which should be resisted even by a civil war. (Hear, Ines), . .
Mr. SCHONSWAR objected to the tax on timber, as depriving Ca. O'GORMAN MAHON lamented that the him. abeelii
nada of the means of buying the vast quantity of manufactures thence assert that he would sooner have a civil war than In a was= I
imported from this country. The tax would throw out of employ a OD which cortainlY very many in Ireland had set their hear". The as.
great number of ships. It would also put a check on the number of ble lord (Althorp) had said he would rather have blood than • forge
emigrants to North America, the ships which now conveyed them being the Union; it was the worst declaration he ever beard in that lioneareed
deprived of their return cargo. be hoped never to hear It repeated ; threats would never andmansinits ,
Lord HO WICK would not, as had been the case of an hon. member of the Irish people i they would be MOO inwards if ildills.„211• In ow'
opposite, continue the argument on the transfer of stock, as they were as scam-bosts was a tax on the poor Irish Pam* who woad low beds.
firmly convinced on his side of the house of the justice of that measure, as petved of the resource of coining over to Ilemleed to sell tide laser.
they might be on the opposite side of its injustice. (Hear.) He He was glad to hear from the Secretary for bind that as
( Lord Howick) was convinced that the tax would prove in the end as had taken place with the craven= in Dublin. Me naloied tinel=thehe
beneficial to the Cape as it was to this country. It appeared, from all taverna inDublin had pleaded gulltbas thefillelloOttelleeleilleellob Ile
the intelligence received from that colony, that of the wbok community hoped they would hear him out. They were hosethht to teletlemillwasam
the least prosperous were the wine growers, though favoured by the which all the relent ministers, the Prelnier,sod the lad Millorhalli
present laws. It would then be ultimately for the good of the Cape to declared to be oppressive and unconstitutional. Thy were also to be
check the trade at once, and divert the capital of the colony from an tried by a jury appointed by sheriffs, who were appointed by a
unnatural channel. Nothing could be more in favour his argument'lion, abhorred by the people ; and after the deck:ado=
than the comparison instituted by the hoe. member between the marl. in at house by the noble lord, that Mr. O'Comadl, while he moke
ties of wine imported from France and from the Cape. that the fact that Pelee, really excited to treason and sedition—alter Seth a declaration,l
two great countries, living at each other's door, aid formed to supply Mr. O'Connell and his fellow patriot bad no thanes of as Impartial
each other, should have carried on so paltry steads. He trusted -din trial; and they did right to plaid guilty, and throw thorned's, on the
the present measure would be the commencement of a better and House of Commons for protection. He hoped the noble Ind maul
wiser system ; that France would follow the example, and that, in a exempt the Irish labourers from the tax on coming over' and that he
few years, the trade between the two countries would be hugely in- would not tax the growth of tobacco in Ireland, so much of which was
creased. With respect to the cotton duty, an bee. member had said already _taken by the established church—a church that was the was
that it would be as oppressive for the poor as the printed cotton of Irelsnd. In this country it might be a blaming, but in Ireland it
tax. He had forgotten that the duty proposed applied to all kinds of Wall a CUM* 1
cotton, and, consequently, to the peat quantity of it which was used Mr. ATTWOOD thought the noble lord would have been fully Ps.
by the upper classes (hear.) titled in the proposed tax on funded property. There was is=ty
Mr. GOULBURN had heard with great pleasure, for the sake in this country that could be transferred without tax but the
of the national faith, the announcement of the withdrawal of the perty. The stamps produced 7,000,0001. a year, shiest the war;
transfer duty. He only regretted that such a measure should ever which was taxation on the transfer of property. (Hem.) The Add
have been submitted to Parliamant.—(Hear.) He bad heard es- Parliament should be strong indeed that would go to the inimenens
' really with regret, the Right Hon. Baronet defending It on the length of saying, that a large property should be created exam
ground of former injustices baying been committed by government..-. taxation for its own protection. (Immense chewing.) N he
Ile would, however not advert to his speech farther than to correct an im- eontended, so monstrous was ever intended as that stock d
putation thrown on it by AIL Pitt, who would, he nad said, have sane. not be subjected to those taxes to which eves,' other species of
dotted the present duty. In 1803, when Lord Wm:tab reposed a property in the country was subjected. Talk of viblation of Mane.
property tax, exempting from it property under 1601. except such as what was the Bank Restriction Act ? And if the exigoodee of
wan in the funds or in lands, Mr. Pitt said that such an exception the country justified that measure, was there not the same just'.
would be a breach of the principle on which loans had been contracted, dation for this proposition ? (Hear.) What was the Act of the
and inconsistent with the national good faith. With respect to the sub. ear 1819 (Peel's Bill) ? Not a word was then said by
Ttetiptec%
jest before them, he (Mr. Goulburn) objected to the noble lord, that in le baronet (Sir R. Peel) about the violation of faith,
relieving the poor from certain burdens, he imposed others which reseed which he was now so jealous. It was then admitted that the alteradin
no less heavily on them. Thus he had substituted to the duty on printed effected by the bill would be five per cent nothing was said about the
calicoes—an article of moderate consumption among the poor—a violation of faith to that extent. The right bon bare was quite silent
duty on raw material which formed a great part of their apparel. He upon that point ; but the violation of faith, instead of being to the
had observed with pain, in the measures of Government, an anti- extent of five, was to the extent of 26 or 30 per cent. In the present
colonial policy, that while they relieved our own immediate poor proposition there was nothing unjust; and if the measure were lost,
they neglected those more remote who had no less a claim to their there was one consolation, the noble lord's character would remain...-.
protection. The tax on cotton was a prohibition on the cotton of He thought, under the peculiar circumstances of the country, the tax
the East Indies, a trade which all the preceding Governments had was just and politic; and the state of the Continent also justified
made efforts to protect. It bad been already stated that the duty the principle of the tax. The state of affairs abroad let very little
on Cape wine would ruin the trade. The timber tax would, by reason to calculate on the continuation of peace ; he would hue
calling in the timber of the Baltic, put a stop to the industry and the noble lord to be prepared for war. As to the other taxes, they
resources of our important North American colonies, creating were ill suited to the circumstances of the country. They pre-
there general dissatisfaction. His great objection to the present seated labour without an ohject. Was there no evil in the eternal
financial arrangement, was, that it prof'weW to leave no surplus changes and mutations ?—(Hear.) No tax could be touched without
for the redemption of the debt; that it did not even assure the promos serious evils to trade. The abandonment of the repeal of the duty on
of our revenue, at the end of the year, meeting the amount of our glass—its repeal having been spoken of—bad been that day of the most
charges. The Right Hon. Baronet had said that he (Mr. Goulburn) serious consequences to the trade. (Hear.) And that was a trifling
had left no surplus. Now he had left a surplus of 2,900,0001.—(Hear, sample of the evil resulting from those eternal and laborious mutations.
bear.)—He had thus adhered to the resolutions passed in that House Then, there was to be a tax on raw cotton ; thus exposing the cotton
in 1827, that the Minister should look as near as possible to a surplus trade to the evil from which he bad proposed to relieve the ghee
of 3,000,0001. The Right Hon. Baronet bed also incorrectly stated trade; and it was doing that which they had laboured long to mum
that he (Mr. Goulburn) had calculated for the present year on a Suf. from the silk trade. Most mischievous must be these eternal made ef
plus of only 300,0001. He bad, on the contrary, told the House that mutations; he regretted that they were resorted to as sources of relief.
notwithstanding the reduction in taxation, he should from the reduction They would not encourage industry as it was contended. The Noble
of the interest of the Four per Cents, from the increased productiveness Lard said tobacco could not be grown in Ireland without a bounty; If
of malt and other duties, and by economy, have a surplus of 1,600,0001. that were so, why did they propose prohibitory duties? He ad-
These were calculations which be was justified in making. but the cal- vested to that feet to show the inconsistency of the principles es.
culations of the Noble Lord, founded on the increased productiveness of which these mutations of taxation proceeded. He would advert
'educed duties, had gone beyond all that was justified by precedents; only to one other point—to the proposed tax on steam vessels.. Ho
and he ( Mr. Goulburn) confessed that, adding to the account the chance thought it was most unjust. It wet contrary to all the PelheiPlee el
of a bad harvest, and of ether occurrences, he looked to the possibility trade. Instead of duty there ought rather to have been bounty. Steam
of our being reduced to that last of all evils for a nation, the necessity navigation was what ought to have every possible encouragement
of borrowing.—(Cheers.) dally when we knew what of bris America in particular, and other
Sir JAMES GRAHAM explained. He had been misunderstood; countries were making to establish a navy. The tax would hare the
he would never have given his consent to the transfer stock tax, if he most serious effect on die passengers between this country and Ireand.
had not been satisfied of its justice. One man had been in the habit of bringing over about .80,000 labourer
Sir T. ACLAND highly approved of the repeal of the coal tax, as from Ireland at 2a. ild. a head—the amount of the tax ; so that she
affording great relief to the poor. It would promote, among other tax would be imposed upon the humblest of labourers, and the repot
branches of industry, the shipping interest, to which ;it would give the beggar. It was, in other impiety, most impolitic—it was taxing
increased employment in the coasting trade. With respect to the labour, and that labour of the lowest character. He lamented that such,
steam-boat tax, he thought a news Wsmal, easy, and just mode et a tai waspeposod—it was utterly unworthy oft noble lord, and the
levying it would be to Ley it on the toolago. dear-coaches had log soUghtsthil pelnelpim of taxation that ought to be pursued in these
been made to seeldlinte to the ellipidgi of the State ; whyshed. those. (Year.
not the new cirespatan bear berrialperthe ? There was an minim Ille SHAW observed that he would take u . himself to my that
disadvantage buFtwed a die UM"' which Wag that mod by won the Member for Waserforil (Mr. 0' ) wield not speak of
the poor, which he bspkd wield new sinsothed. Ado as the Meniser. he Clare (O'Gorman Mahon) bad dose; bet
Mr. SPRING RlOlll said, the tax on the tram& of Medi that lith. Ilimbas• was sit Aga& ef judging et the qualiliestiess ef
cops no vidadon of pnblie faith; fie w itlate washy of the the sesposeable gsmilenn In t Jam.
public faith there was no Mama of elan& (ass) TY. visit hen. Mr. HUNT was cetan *Mae House absidd been bum en:
Leman oppodte had task mime NB the wood " smples,7 se width gaged six bests, after the C if the Enebeirm hod abamilensd
1. also attached much imPortolati hot it in alinseds•whin sepias, the tax on trandars Gold deem, be wools bath been alai Ware'
they could have what all the tbdr tale
_prayed he, re. minutes.minutes. As to the Mei ef nadnoildllkas meld .advise no heath
trnehment,
trenehment, great would be the C=lnut an
the country. With respect to of faith; but what was that width was aillol oedema faith ?—it was an
Cape wine, his noble friend had not been justly dealt with. He argued, Act of Parliament, and might net the Partisan* repeal what another

Parliament had done? He thought thelfotue could almost make black
white; it had in 1817, voted that a one-pound note and a shillihg
were equal to a guinea, which would fetch twenty.seven shillings
Then, he declared, there was nothing to prevent the parliament
dealing with the funds, and It would be no breach of faith. H,
was glad that the tobacco duty was not to be dim for there was
now scarcely moving anywhere without being diniatitsut with a pad
of whiskered dandies smoking cigars. Had it succeeded, the relief
was pot essential to the poor; that filthy weed was not necessary to
the poor. But the whole plan would disappoint the countrythew
nibidings would not satisfy the country. t was not redeeming then
pledges and promises to the country. The country would not sad
ought not to be satisfied with what was now proposed. The only
source would be a graduated property tax ; and that would (noble
them to repeal many taxes, the malt, soap, and other taxes. To that
they must come, or they would soon be obliged to resign their piae„;
and without the regret of the public, and it west tax to which no objee.
Lion had been urged except from some large landowners. He regrett";
the tax on steam-packet passengers ;it was the first effort of govern.
ment to tax machinery. (There werecalls of question.) Mr. H. said
that as he could not be heard (cries of No) he should move that th,
house do adjourn.
Mr. WARBUNTON seconded the motion.
Sir J. YORKE said if the adjournment were nightly pressed, to the
Impediment of public business, it would be requisite to come to some
understanding to prevent the agitation of the question after it was once
disposed of.
Mr. HUNT said, as it appeared to be the wish of the house to pre-
med, he should not throw further impediment In the way. He did not
desire to be pertinacious, and he should not trouble the house with any
further remarks on the question.
Motion foe adjournment withdrawn.
Mr. HERRIES, with reference to the proposed equalization of duty
on wines, wished to ask whether it was intended to dispense with the
stipulation of the Methuen or Portuguese Treaty regarding wines, which
prohibited such equalization He meant to give no opinion on the
subject. It was also requisite to know whether any steps were taken to
revise that Treaty.
Lord PALMERSTON said no steps had been taken for the revision;
and that was in consequence of the conduct of Portugal regarding wool-
lens. The duties on wines and woollens did remain unaltered, therefore
the treaty of 1810 was fulfilled. He considered that stipulations of the
treaty allowed the alteration now proposed.
Mr. HERRIES was satisfied with the explanation.
Mr. ROBINSON asked whether the disputes between England and
America, as to boundaries, were settled ?
Lord PALMERSTON replied that the answer was now on its way to
America.

Report of Supply then read and agreed to.
vEsTants BILL.
Mr. HOBHOUSE moved the second reading of the vestries bill
(though twelve o'clock had arrived), but he apprehended there was no
objection to the principle of the bill.
Mr. ROSS said he could not approve the bill.
Mr. HOBHOUSE said, he wished the honourable mcmbtr would
come at once to a vote on the bill, as he believed no biU would satisfy him.
Sir R. PEEL urged the
for a short ,as he was certain not protperiedoti of the honourable member post.
poning his motionthirty mem.
bees in the house had Read the ill. _ _ _

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER was of a similar
oplAftenr.a few words from Mr. BURNOUSE, the second reading of
the bill was postponed to Thursday next.

113111/OGLIWG SPIRITS IN lIIIIAND.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved for leave to
bring in a bill for the more effectual prevention of smuggling of ardent
spirits in Ireland. In doing so, the noble lord observed, that be did
ON approve of the present mode of punishing offences of this nature.
He should suggest the imposing of a fine under certain modifications.
After a few words from Mr. HERRIES, leave was given to bring
[in the bill. - - _

Mr. HUNT rose to move the adjournment of the house, it being
twelve o'clock ; but the honourable gentleman sat down immediately
after, "anklet cries of chair, chair.

GENZZAL FAST.

Mr. PERCEVAL than rase and moved that a day be set apart for
fasting and humiliation on account of the present disturbed and dis-
tressed stateof the country. The hon. member said that his duty to
GOD and his Sovereign were the only considerations that induced him
to bring the present motion before the house. He lamented that no
power alga, neither his strength, advanced age, talent, nor personal
character could be called in to lend force to the question. He had only
one claim upon the attention of the house, and that was in the name he
bore. His name was his only earthly boast ; he was in short the crea-
ture of his country's and his King's munificence; but for it he should
not now have been in the situation of addressing the house. (Hear.)
The necessity for a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, wu evi-
dent to him. Of one fact he was convinced, and it alone justitiid the
measure the country, it could nor be denied, was in a state of com-
plete dherganisation from one end to the other; there were no bonds of
attachment between the employer and the employed; nothing but mutual
distrust existed between man and man ; around them the nations were
shaking; there were wars and rumours of wars, which ought to cause
the people of England to look to the Disposer of events with all hu-
mility; great struggles and convulsions were every where taking place,
se that there was, in his mind, great ground for fear and trembling.—
The hon. member went on to show that politics were not altogether in.
separable from the pulpit, nor religion from the House of Commons.—
He implored the house respectfully and most sincerely to support the
motion. He then moved, that an humble address be presented to his
Majesty, that he would be n,ost graciously pleased to issue his procla-
mation to name a day for a general fast, and that on the same day a
contribution be made in all the churches and chapels In the kingdom,
for the benefit of the poor.
Mr. H. HUGHES seconded the motion.
Lord ALTHORP said he gave the hon. gentleman great credit for
the spirit that had dictated, and the zeal with which be had protect, the
motion ; but his lordship was of opinion that the subject was more fitly
adapted for the consideastion of the authorities of the church than to be
4 discussed in chat house. He did not mean to put a negative to the
motion, his only wish was to save discussion on the subject in the house.
Mr. PERCEVAL withdrew his motion.
ADJOURNMENT Or THE NoUn.
Mr. HUNT said he rose to fulfil his pledge, tomove that the House
do adjourn, it being past twelve o'clock. The Speaker could inform
him whether or not he was in order.
The SPEAKER asked if any one would second the motion.
Mr. HUNT said he did not want any one to second the motion.
He had redeemed his pledge by moving for the adjournment which he
should do every night when the clock struck twelve.
, No person seconded the motion.
Several petitions were presented, and other routine business gene
through, and the House adjourned at 90 minutes to two o'clock.

MARRIED.
Saturday, at S:. James's Church, Lady Elizabeth Pack, to Major-
Gen. Sir T. Reynell, But. K.C.B.—On the Bth inst. at Colton, Lan-
cashire. J. I. Rawlinson, of the Inner Temple, Esq Barrister at Law,
and Fellow of Trinity College,
Cambridge, to Mary, eldest daughter of
the Rev. J. Romney, B.D. of Witestock Hall. in the county o: L n-
eister—The 12th inst. at Kensington, D. Heming, Esq. of Lincoln's
Inn Fields, to Miss Charlotte H. Harding, of the High.street Ken-
sington—At Trinity Church, Brompton, on Saturday, Dr. Jonathan
Labatt, of Rutland-square, Dublin, to Mira Mary Bolton, of the
Orange, Brompton—The inst. at Ooudhurst, Kent, by he Rev.
.1. Harrison, M.A. Rector of Bugbrooke, in the county of North.
am n, the Rev. W. Harrison, M.A. Student of Christ Church, Oz.
ford, and Rector of Wannington, in the county of Warwick, to slary.
aline. third surviving daughtet of the Rev. W. B. Harrison, M.A.
Vicar of Ooudhurst—At Waterfotd, A. F. Wainewright, Esq of the
50th IRegimert, to Helen, daughter of Lieutenant-General Hojel, of
that day.

At Clifton, on the 9th inst. in the 19th ye it, Alex. Hanlon Pringle.
Rsq. youngest son of theists Joha Pringle, Esq. agent to the ROD. E.I.
Company at the Cape.—Wednesday, at his residence, Harborne, Staf.
fordshire, aged 68, George Sinicox, Esq. long known as an active ma.
gistrate for the county of Warwick.—The 10th inst. Wm. &Wart, jun.
of Golden-square.—Same date, at Dover, after a long illness, aged 40,
Caroline Jane, wife of L. B. Allen, Esq. of Dulwielneommon.—The
7th inst. on the Marine-parade, Brighton, bliss Susannah Lee, in her
71st year.—The 11th inst. of paralysis, CatherinelalHeroe, York•row,
Boarding-school, Newington, Surrey, after a loos and protracted illness.
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Thompson died on Wednesday evening, at
Edinburgh. He wasjust returning home from a meeting of Prcaby•
tcry, and having met a friend at the west end of Princes-street, be was
giving him an account of the proceedings which bad taken place. This
gentleman walked along with him to his own door, where, stopping
for a moment, as if he wished to say something more, he lowileog
some wends indistinctly, and instantly fell down on the pavement He
was carried Into his own house in a state of insensibility, but on opening
a vein only a few ounces of blood flowed, and he expired. -

••• The Proprietors qf Tag STAR, with a view beoneributediei,
main aid of Our various great questions ~.w peadiso.risake a tender
of their tallow to insert RleOhliiollB qf Public Muting, at HALT
lasts USUAL MODERATE RATE Or CHARGE, and as Tns STAR
is in established oirvulation throughout the United Marlow, tbe
such rooiortaal arososuatealisas &shwa* pubic loth.
• obeisis. The copy qf such resolutions may either be sent pe-
peg, or through As Prissier* qf load Newspaper..—!a As Pano-
rama, slate if, wesseeniosti on January 1, sea be Joked the bra.
sad gnat' Ma °nig mount 4/ Ow potkinglisp gime* Manaus, whisik
has aPP•orfal It IN" 'modal& Paper.

[GM WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE TO-MORROW.
blob • 4e. 4m. I Afterooon 4s. 22m.

LO'NDON : hinted and Yublhihed by JOHN MATNIE, at the STAR
Orrice, No. 1, Pickett-plats, Temple Bar.