Star.
London, England, 1826-12-14 00:00:00

STAMP DUTIES-LAW OP LIBEL.

Mr. HUME said, it was not his intention, in the pre-
sent state of the House, to offer any opinion on the ques-
tions involving-that important branch of the revenue,
the Stamp department, He rose merely to obtain re-
turns of the amount of revenue derived from the sale of
Stamps on Newspapers, Advertisements, Pamphlets;
and oa Marine, Fire and Life Insurances. Some parts of
the law regarding the Duties on Stamps requited imme-
diate revisi•,n, and he trusted the Right Hon. Secretary
(Al,. Pao') would loac no time in carrying intocffcct the
suggestions recommended by the Commissioners. The
duty on newspapers was not only an impediment to the
diffusion of knowledge and information, but it was an
injury to the revenue. He was prepared to shew that
the increase of the tax on newspapers had so far lessened
their circulation as not only to limit their utility, but to
injure the tevenue. He was persuaded that, if Govern-
ment would reduce the duty from threepence-halfpenny
to one penny, the revenue would gain, by the immense
rove :se of circulation which, such a reduction would
occasion. In the United States, whete there was no duty,
no less than 598 newspapers circulated ; while in Great
Britain and Ireland, it appeared, from the returns laid
on the table in 1821, there were only 281 newspapers in
circulation. When the comparative wealth of the two
countries was taken into consideration, it must be evi-
dent that a great impediment to the circulation of news-
papers existed in this country. In 1815 an additional
tax of a halfpenny was Lid on newspapers; and it
would appear, by comparing the returns for nine years
before and nine y, ars alter that period, that the tevenue
gained nothing by that additional tax. He trusted
that his Maj sty's M:nisttrs would adopt the same libe-
ral system, with respect to these most important vehi-
cles of information, which they had already applied to
other branches of the revenue. He concluded by
moving for a return of the amount of duty arising from
Stamps on Newspapers, in England, Scotland, and Ire-
land, from the year 170.
Mr. BROUGHAM Loped his Hon. Friend would
persevere in his inquities, as there was no mode by
which he could add so greatly to the numerous benefits
he had already conferred upon the country. It would
require great consideration before any distinction ought
Ito be made beta een the Daily and the Weekly Press;
but as the latter was on a more limited scale, it
might be the more safely selected for the first expe-
riment. All men who had ditected their attention to
the improvement of the people, were anxiously desirous
that an opportunity should be afforded of publishing
Weekly Papers, which might contain a little of the cur-
rent news, and some articles of science or more general
information. Such productions would now beNewspapers,
and taxed as such, however little they might have of the
character of Newspapers. He threw out these ideas in
the hope that they would be attentively considered.—
Whilst he was on his legs, he would take the opportu-
nity of saying, that it was only the state of the Session,
together with the absence of his Hon. and Learned
Friends, the Law Officers of the Crown, that deterred
him from calling the attention of the House to the law
of libel. He had nine years ago brought in a Bill to
render evidence of the truth of the assertions charged as
libellous, admissible in Courts of Justice. That Bill
had not met with encouragement, and had been drop-
ped. But recent experience of the inconveniences which
it was the object of that Bill to obviate, led Mm to
hope that the present Session might be a favourable
opportunity of recalling the attention of the House to
the subject. It was one of the greatest opprobriums
of the law, that however true the facts might be if
the prosecutor chose to proceed in a certain manner,
not by civil action, not by information, but by indict-
ment, the truth of the facts gave the party accused of
libel no greater chance than if they were utterly false,
of escaping conviction. He had himself been engaged
in a course of this nature in which the prosecutor had
been said to have been convicted of felony—and al-

though be had an attested copy of the record of comic
Lion in his pocket, he was precluded by law from off,
ing it in evidence. He would earnestly recommend thi%
subject to the attention of the Right Hon. Gentleman,
and if he should be induced to take it up, and be the
same foster father to his Bill, as he had been to other
measures which had been originally proposed from that
side of the House, he would find his Bill,which had been
read a first time, very carefully drawn up. His Bill had bet('
merely to render the truth of the facts admissible in evidence, but
not conclusive of the case.

Mr. Secretary PEEL agreed with the Honourable an 4
Learned Gentleman as to the great importance of the
subject, but thus unprepared it was:impossible for hint
to give any decided opinion upon the merit of the
suggested alteration. He should give the subject hi, 1).-5,.
attention, and If he should deem the alteration desirable, he wo
give the Hon. and Learned Gentleman ample notice of h 6 intent:oe,
The motion was then carried.
Mr. HUME moved for a Return of the net amount of Atlrer.
tisement Duty for the last 3o years.—Carried.

Also fora Return of Stamp Duty upon Pamphlets, which, is
he understood, was now yielding only 1,0001. a year, but which yet
operated as a check upon literature and information.—Carried.
On the motion of Mr. HUME, Returns were also ordered of the
amount of Duty on Marine and Fire Insurance ; and of the nutukt
of Officers of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Royal En.
gineers and Artillery, dismissed the service without trial by Court
Martial, in each year, since 1793.
The other Orders of the Day were then read, and the Howe
adjourned until Thursday, the Bth day of February next.

THE EVENING STAR.

LONDON.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14,1826.
STOCK EXCHANGE, TWELVE O'CLOCK.

A great confusion again prevailed at the opening of the market
this morning, and no real price could be obtained by 4 per Cent.
owing to the different opinions formed by the Public on the Knee,
of FRANCei Speech, particularly the latter paragraph, which the
Bears state to be Jesuitical and ambiguous ; in consequence of
which, great sales were effected. Consols, which opened at
I buyers, receded to 784, went up again to 784, and may now be
quoted at 784 for the Account. The Balls state that the Speech
is very pacific, and that no war will take place.
In the Foreign market there is not much doing, but South Ame-
rican Securities continue falling.

Current prices : Old Spanish 131 14, Mexicans 62 11, Colom-
bian 32 33, Chili an 38, Danish 53 55, Russian 78 80, Greek Ise
to 16.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCL

The Markets are in such a state of contusion, fluctuating almost
every minute, that it is difficult to give a price. Within this hour
Consols have become very heavy, and have again receded front 78/,
at which price they were in the earlier part of the morning, to 771
for the Account, being a fall of 1 per Cent. this mauling. The
Commissioners were served in Reduced at 76. A great panic

_ .
still prevails.
In the Foreign Market it is almost impossible to obtain correct
prices. Nu Salts can now be effected for South American securities.
Consols just done at 77a I.
Notice has been sent to LLOYD'S for Owners of Steam vessels to
send their addresses to the Navy Commissioners.
Accounts are said to have arrived from Paris this morning, that
FIaDINAND has taken the Portfolio from &Limon, his Minister,
who is under arrest, with three Captains General.
PRICE OF STOCKS AT TWO O'CLOCK:
Bank Stock 19914 19814
3 per Cent Red. 773/8 76
3 per Cent. Cons. Shut.
31 per Cent. 82% 14
Si per Cent. Bei. 82% 83 82% % 81%
4 per Cent. New Shut.
4 per Cent. 1826. 927/3 93 921,4
Lont; Ann. 18 17%
India Bonds 17 prem. par.
11,(XX) Excheq. 3 prem. par. 2 prem. par.
£5OO ditto 3 prem. par.
t:100 and 121 X) ditto 4 8 3 5 prem.
Cons. Int Acct. 781/2 79 781/4 % 77% 78
FORF:111N FUNDS, TWO O'CLOCK.
Chilton Bonds 6 p Ct. I Mex. Ms 1825, 6p. Ct. 64 3 13
Ditto Account 37 61 2 1
Colombian Bond:, 6 p Ct. Do. Acct. 631 60 2 1
Do. Bonds, *824,54 321 31 32 Peruvian Bonds, 6pC. 30
I)o.Acct. 33 sti 1 2 Portuguese Bds 5pC. 66 65
Danish Bonds, 3 pCt. 54 Russ. lids, 1822, $ p 791
Do. Acct. 55 54 Span. Bonds 5 p Ct. 151 121 13
Greek Bonds, 5 p Ct. Ditto Acct. 14 133
D0.80nd5,1825,5 pC. 15 16141 Ditto 85, 151
Mex.Bonds,s per Ct. 50 1 Fr. Renter, 5 p C. 96f
Ditto Acct. I Exchange, 25f 50c
BRITISII AND FOREIGN SHARES, TWO O'CLOCK.
SHAM ram.
Potosi La Paz and Peru. Ass. 50 5 .521.55. lls.
United Mexican 40 271 181 191
Equitable Loan Bank 5O 1 1

We are this day enabled to lay before oar Readers a
document, which has been expected with the utmost
anxiety,and which will be perused with proportionate co-
riosity. We allude to the Speech of his MOST CHRISTIAN
MAJESrY, at the opening of the Session of the French
Parliament, on Tuesday last; and that it may be the bet-
ter understood, we beg to remind our Readers that there
can be no doubt, at least it is infinitely probable, thatthe
French Cabinet was fully aware, when this Speech was
framed, of the proceedings which were to take place in
the British Parliament on the same day. Ist. Because,
on the Sd day of December instant, the Portuguese
Ambassador in London made a formal demand on
the British Government for military aid. 2d. Be-
cause the Portuguese Amtassador at Madrid had
about the 25th of November, or earlier, officially de•
dared that his Government had applied to England for
such aid, and that the legislative Chambers had autho-
rised the reception of foreign troops, which declaration
was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affsirs at
Lisbon in the Session of the 4th instant. Sd. Because
on Friday last that formal sanction for the reception of
an English army bad arrived in London, and on Sa-
turday the British Cabinet had decided on the Ktsc's
Message. There can scarcely be a que►tion therefore,
that each of those important announcements lad teen

duly communicated to the King of FRANCE, al.,'
reached Paris before Tuesday last.
With these facts before us, we are obliged, although
with the utmost reluctance, to pause before we care
Batter ourselves with the conviction that the Speech of
the French KING affords an adequate guarantee for the
preservation of the peace of Europe. In the first place,
the allusion to the daring aggression on Portugal is
very slight, indeed, and vastly below the important
notice which such an even{ demanded. His MAJESTY
indeed says,—" I continue to remove from all foreign
• Governments the assurance of the most amicable dts•

"positions—
dispositions which are entirely conformable
,' to my own sentiments for the maintenance of peace? 1
These are mere words of course. No Government of 1
prepared for war without con- 1
France has ever yet
tinged assurances of pacific dispositions.
Disturbances have recently broken out in one part of
the Peninsula. I shall unite my efforts with those of sey
4, Allies to put an end to them,and to prevent all their cow
sequences." Now who are those Allies? England is im-
mediately interested, and bound in solemn obligations for
the safety of Portugal. Why is she not mentioned? This
obscurity of expression is any thing but the manifests•
tion of a frank and honest intention to avert the honors
of war. The last paragraph to which we shall allude
is more specific :
France, industrious and tranquil, will acquire new
4, greatness; and her success in peace will not shed less
41 splendour than her warlike virtues will do, if honour
41 should oblige her to display thew." Now, we would
ask why is this last supposition deemed a matter of
possible contingency in the existing state of affairs?
We fervently hope that we are mistaken in the conclu-
sions to s hich we are thus most unwillingly compelled
to form, from the whole tenor of the Speech and its
concomitant circumstances. Be that as it may, Eng-
land may rely on the vigilance of his MAJESTY'S Minis-
ters. They are not to he lulled asleep by fair wcrds of
doubtful import.

Since writing the above, we learn from the City that
the greatest agitation prevails there—that a further re-
duction in the value of Funded Property has taken place
—and that the opinion is general in favour of hostilities.
We Announce these warlike indications, without, how•
ever, pinning our faith upon them ; because the measures
of Government, which have created the alarm, are the
best securities that could be devised for defeating it.—
But should our hole, be disappointed, we cculd only
say that there would be nothing in the chances of war
capable of intimidating the country, or in its expendi-
ture, to which her resources would not be found fully
equal. Besides, she would have justice on her side, toge-
ther a ith the prayers of the good and wise, all over the
world, in her favour ; and if to these advantages be added
her skill, courage, and perseverance; virtues in which she
has never been surpassed—it is clear she has nothing to
apprehend on the event of hostilities; but she will be
able, we still hope, to defend her honour without the
necessity of drawing a trigger; and Spain, as soon as
she hears of our demonstrations, will hasten, we are
firmly persuaded, to make all the reparation in her
power.

We have this morning received Papers from Deme•
rata to the SOth October. A letter of instructions had
be,n received by Colonel YOUNG, the Protector and
Guardian of the Slaves, from Earl BATHURST. It
is rather an interesting document, and appears to
have given satisfaction. His Lordship says, "It will be
your particular duty, as protector of slaves, to watch
over the faithful execution of all such provisions or re-
gulations, with respect to the treatment of slaves, as
ate at present in Demerara, or as may, at any future
time, be established them by any lawful authority."
In another portion of the letter, he states, " You will
not deem it necessary in all cases to wait to receive
complaints from the slaves themselves; but if you shall
hear of any unwarrantable treatment, to which any
slave, or any gang of slaves, is, or are exposed, you will
repair to the estate, and there institute a diligent inquiry
into the conduct of those persons who may be respon-
sible upon the occasion. You will not, however, forget
in the execution of your office, that it is also your duty
to secure all the legal rights of the proprietor as well
as of the slave, as far as they are involved in any trans-
action with you as Protector."
The remainder of the letter points oat the duty in-
cumbent on the Protector to impress on the minds of
the slaves industry and obedience, and to discountenance
frivolous complaints.
By these advices we also learn, that the new Slave
Code, for the religious instruction of the slave popula-
tion of Berbice, had been published in that Colony. It
consisted of forty-four articles, and its provisions were
to come into operation on the Ist November last.
We have also received accounts from Guadaloupe
and Martinique, by which we learn, that the Ordon.
nauce appointing a new political Constitution for the
French Colonies, had been carried into effect there.—
This Ordonnance enacts, That in addition and as a
counterpoise to the authority of the Governors of these
Islands, a Council General shall be formed consisting
of twelve Members, to be elected by the Colonists,
whose duty it will be to represent the Colonists and
give advice to Government on matters connected there-
with. The Council General is also to nominate their
candidates, from whom a deputy will be selected by
the King, to reside at Paris, to advocate and explain
the interests of the Colonists. The election of candi-
dates was to take place on the 15th of August.

We have received this morning Brussels Papers to
the 13th, the Algemeine Zeiting to the 7tb, and the
Austrian 06tover to the 2.1 instant. In the Brussels
PApers there is no political intelligence of the slightest
in crest, and thrAlgemeine Zdtung contA ins only loose re•
ports respecting the situation of the Pachs of EGYPT,
which, it is alleged, is become embarrassing and insecure

in the highest degree. Bit so many rumours to the same
effect hate appeared, without having ever been authen-
ticated, that the present intelligence must be received
with extreme caution, particularly as the source from
which it is derived is notorious for its indiscriminate

hostility to evely thing• Turkish. The Austrian
Observer has aJvices from the Turkish Capital to
this 11th ultimo, which are of a mixed character, as
they regard the affairs of Greece ; for, whilst they
state that tl,e Giceks have been defeated in another

attempt to reline the garrison of the Acropo-
Hs, they admit that a party, belonging to the assailants,
have fought their way into the Citadel and joined its
brave defenders. It is asserted, though it is to be hoped
not upon good authority, that General GAUSA has been
killed; according to one account, by the bursting of a
bomb, and, according to another, by a treacherous
companion in arms. We are sorry to learn that the
remains of arts in the Acropolis have severely suffered
from the effects of the bombardment; and it is to be
feared that those glorious monuments will be wholly
effaced, unless the siege be speedily raised.

LISBON EXPEDITION.

DOVER, DECIMSKR 19.

This day st noon, Mr.LATCHFOED, King's Messenger,
and LE SLICE Damn, Courier de l'Ambassade de
France, arrived in the SPITFIRE and HENRI QuArita
packets from Calais, bearing dispatches for Mr. Secretary
CANNING and the Prince POLIGNAC• Chaises were or-
dered immediately on landing, and they proceeded on
their route without the smallest delay. At one o'clock,
?Ai. two French boats entered the harbour, each having
a private Messenger on board, who quitted Dover for
London with the utmost dispatch.--The celerity of there
movements warrants conjecture, that something of im-

pnrtance is in agitation.
Lord and Lady GRANVILLE Lynam; GOWER, fa-

stilly, and suite, arrived from Paris on NI, nday ; his
Lordship being summoned to the House of Lords.—
Whilst their baggage, &c. was undergoing visitation at
the Custom-house, and which was done with the greatest
promptitude, the family took refreshment at the York
Hotel, and immediately alter set of for London.
This morning the remainder of the Second Division of th e 5d
' Regiment of Guards, destined for Lisbon, paraded on the Bird
Cage-walk, from whence they marched, aliWit nine o'clock, towards
Kingston, on their mete to Portsmouth, for embarkation. A
number of Military Officers witnessed their departure. The men
were all in high spirits.
The First Battalion of the First Grenadier Guards are to march
to-morrow from Knightsbridge Ba:racks to Deptford, whence
they will proceed in a steam-boat to the Nero, where they will be
put on board a King's ship, and conveyed to Lisbon.
The following is a list of the Regiments selected to form our force
at Lisbon :

Sir W. H. antron to command.

lOtb Hussars-14th Lancers.
Si: Companies of the Grenadier Guards.
Six ditto of the 3d Regiment of Guards.
Six ditto of the 4th Regiment of Foot.
Six ditto of the 60th Regiment of Foot, Ist Battalion.
Six ditto of the 63d Regiment of Foot.
Six ditto of the 25d Regiment, from Gibraltar.
Six ditto of the 64th Regiment, from ditto.
15th Regiment of Foot, from Ireland.
75th Regiment of Foot, from ditto.
Four Companies of the Royal Artillery have received orders to
prepare for embarkation.
One Company of the Royal Staff Corps is ordered to proceed to
Portsmouth for embarkation.
Three Brigades—Sir H. Boovsate, Sir T. Aftairrnnov, and Sir
E. &Arnim.

10th, 12th, and 15th Regiments of Dragoons.
A Detachment of Engineers, and two Companies of Sappers
and Miners.
The Cavalry will be commanded by Colonel Wystainase.
Yesterday four Brigades of the Royal Artillery marched from
Woolwich, on their route to Portsmouth, for embarkation.
This mornint the whole of the Artillery remaining at Woolwich
were drawn out on the rarade, or toe purpose of ben suspected oy
the Duke of Wmaasorom, whose arrival was momentarily ezpeeted.
The 63d Regiment marched in two divisions, Tuesday and yes-
terday, from the Infantry Barracks, Windsor, to Portsmouth,
where they were embarked for Portugal. The Castle duty is now
performed bfthe Royal Horse Guards dismounted.
The Troops from Portsmouth will be conveyed to Portugal in
four line-of-battle ships. Lord Manaus Bitauct.eax will have the
command of the whole naval force. The two Regiments at Cork,
which had been destined for Jamaica, will also sad for Lisbon, and
two regiments are expected there from Gibraltar.
The appointments and arrangements for the aid to Portugal have
been made, for the most part, on the suggestions of the Duke of
Wss.uwatort.

Conimiseary-General Busse is to be at the bead of the Corn
iniasariat in Portupl.