Star.
London, England, 1828-02-29 00:00:00

that it would undoubtedly form a subject of strict in-
quity by the Committee. He believed that the present
mode of indiscriminate imprisonment tended much to
the increase of this description of criminality, and that
the root of the evil would not be reached until they were
confined in a separate prison, and classed according to
the nature of the offences they had committed. He
trusted also that attention would be given to the ques-
tion of secondary punishment by transportation. It
was known that the condition of most convicts was
greatly improved by their being sent to the colonies,
and that it was no punishment at all. He had seen
many of their letters to their friends at home, which
were so many inducements to crime. They described
the superior advantages of their situation, and generally
declared it would be a good thing if the parties they were
writing to could be enabled to join them. I
Mr. IVILMOT-HORTON argued against the posi-
tion of the Hon. Member for Aberdeen that the increase
of crime, as of all other evils, was referable to taxation.
He contended that the lower classes were driven to
crime, by the lowness of wages, which was attributable
to a redundant population. He was convinced that
there were other causes to be found in the condition of
the lower classes than that of taxation, and that other
remedies were required. When the proper lime came
for investigating them, he trusted they would receive
the most deliberate attention of the House.
Sir E. KNATCHBULL said, he did not intend to
go into the questions of taxation, or the relations be-
tween capital and labour, but as the inquiry was pro-
, posed to extend to the county he had the honour to
represent, he should trespass upon the House with a
few observations upon that subject. His Right Hon.
Friend had said that the time seemed to be arrived
when the country had outgrown her institution. If his
Right Hon. Friend meant to limit himself to her insti-
tutions of Police—(Hear, (*tom Mr. Secretary Peel)—he
*greed with him, that an alteration had become neces-
sary. He was extremely glad to hear that any future
measures were not to be confined to the metropolis, be-
cause there were evils existing in the towns in its vicinity,
and still farther, which loudly called for remedy.—
When
he mentioned the town of Greenwich, it would
be difficult to name another town in England which,
more required the interference of a vigilant and well
regulated police. He would extend the same observa-
tion to Chatham and to Sheerness. He knew that every
thing was done by the established authorities in those
places which they had power to do, hint their means of
repressing crime were insufficient. No set of persons
deserved better of their country than the Magistrates to
whom he alluded, and he regretted that they were ex-
posed to attacks is that House, which ought, perhaps,
to have been met and repelled at the time when they
were made. But as the motion of the Hon. and
Learned Member fot Winchelsea was again to occupy
the House to-morrow night, an opportunity would then
be found to defend the Magistracy from the attack which
had been so unjustly made upon them—(Hear, hear).
Ho would not say more in the absence of the Hon. and
Learned Member, but had he been present, he should
not have stopped where he now did. Upon the punish-
ment of transportation he entertaided an opinion oppo-
site to that of the Hon. Member for Limerick. He had
letters from convicts, and although they undoubt-
edly stated that their situation was in many re-
spects improved, yet they all complained of the se
paration from their friends, which he considered
to be a punishment of a very severe nature. If that
punishment were to be abolished, he should like to
know what substitute the Honourable Member would.
propose in its place? Was it the practice of con=
fining convicts in the hulks? If so, the change,
would certainly nut have his approval. He believed
the effect of that practice to be morally bad, and the
comparisons made between their condition and that of
the labouring poor in the neighbourhood of the places
. where they were confined, were such as he would not
then venture to repeat. The Game Laws having been
mentioned as one of the sources of crime in this country,
he would say that no man was mote hostile to the
existing system of Game Laws than himself, and
none who more anxiously wished for the interference
of the House with a view• to their abolition. He
agreed with those who thought that increased facility
in prosecuting had added very considerably to the num-
ber of commitments. He had no doubt, however, that
remedies would be found for the evils complained of.
He could see no ground for despondency, for he
believed that there was in this country a fund of good
sense.and good feeling, which, combined with a high
respect for the laws, would induce Gentlemen to dis-
charge taeir duty by administering them in spite of
the attacks to which they were exposed in that House
and elsewhere—(Hear, hear). He trusted tho country
would continue to have what he considered the great
defence of its liberties and its independence—an unpaid
Magistracy, consisti' g of men removed by their cha-
racters from the suspicion of dishonour or unjust
partiality—(Hear, heat).
Dr. LUSHINGTON thought that the state of the
prisons of the metropolis had a powerful influence upon
that unfortunate inmate of crime which rendered the
appointment of another Committee necessary. He read
from the Report of the last Committee an account of
the crowded and inconvenient state of Cildbath-fields
Prison, describing the dormitov y of the prisoners, as
only allowing sixteen inches in width for each person.
The only thing done by the Middlesex Magistrates in
consequence or this Repurt was to dismiss the Visiting
Justices. He had been at the prison a few days ago,
and nothing whatever bad been done to remove any of 1
the evils complained of. He found the rooms so
crowded, that in one sleeping room seventy or eighty
persons were locked up together, with room for each
of less than sixteen inches ; and the Keeper told
him, that when he opened the dour in a morning,
he was obliged to wait sortie minutes before he could
eater, so great was the stench. This was the state of
Coldbath-fieldi Prison at present, and that of Newgate
was still worse. He had never felt sucb a degree 1 f
horror in his life as upon going into the condemned cell
at Newgate, and seeing three convicts together, one of
whom was to be executed the next morning, while the
other two knew their punishment was to be respited.
No situation can be mote dreadful than that of a man
labouring under the horrors of his impending fate,
obliged to remain with two others, who, instead of suf-
fering death, had just learnt that they were going to the
heavenly climate of Botany Bay. The Learned Mem-
ber then contended that the Old Bailey Sessions ought
, to be opened to the counties of Kent and Surrey, so that
offences committed on the other side Blackfriars Bridge
might be disposed of there, rand the business of the
Judges on the Circuit lessened.
1 Mr. C. BARCLAY said, that having been upon the
Committee of 1817, he knew that there was much in
their Reports from which the Right Hors. Gentleman
would find very valuable assistance. He had no doubt
that the late increase of criminal prosecutions had pro-
ceeded from the increased facility and lessened expense
ottending such prosecutions. There was one subject to
which he hoped the attention of the Committee would
be given, and that was the obtaining evidence from

persons who had been concerned in the transactions into
which they would have to inquire. In cases of bank
robberies, and the compounding for papers, it would be
extremely desirable to get such evidence, as he had np
doubt they might, if means could be found to secure
the parties from the risk of prosecution in consequence
of what they disclosed.
Mr. Alderman WOOD defended the system of Police
jointly established in the City and Borough, and stated
that the best understanding prevailed between the diffe-
rent Magistrates and their establishments. Improve-
ments had been made in the Westminster Police by the
Right Honourable Secretary, which were not required
in the City. The day patrol was a very good thing,
and had done much good in Westminster, but it was not
new to the City, having been established there long be-
fore. If any real benefit could be pointed out, no diffi-
culty could be found to arise from the privileges and
rights of the City. But he called upon the House, and
he called upon the Right Honourable Gentleman to imi-
tate the City of London in their improvements, for there
they would find a better system than anywhere else.
They had a night patrol as well as a day patrol, whose
duty it was to go round to every watchhouse, and see
that the night constable was discharging his duty. He
was quite sure that property in the City was protected
as well as it could be protected by any police arrange-
ments, and that the robberies which occurred were all
owing to the negligence of the owners. There were many
warehouses left with only a lock on the door, and not
a single living soul to mind the premises. Perhaps
this was only a padlock, or the best lock that could
be found, which perhaps an experienced thief might
open, and it was impossible to afford protection
it people left their property unprotected in such a
manner, to avoid serving particular offices, or perhaps
to save the expense of keeping a person to watch
it. The Learned Doctor had brought charges against
the prison of, Newgate, not for the first time, because,
perhaps, he had frequently heard him make them
before ; but he must say that he had never heard
him able to support any one of them—(A laugh.)
It should be remembered that the prison of Newgate
was entirely supported out of the pockets of the Cor•
potation of the City of London, and they would be very
glad to hand it over to the Right Hon. Gentleman and
get rid of it altogether. "The prisoners that were to be
supported there were mostly only sent there for trial;
they were not their own prisoners. With regard to there
not being room, he never saw any of the crowding de-
scribed by the Learned Doctor, but they were not
answerable for many of the causes which increased their
numbers. There was one reason for which the Right Hon.
Gentleman was not answerable; there was delay in a
quarter which had that effect. Among the causes of the
increase of crime was perhaps the number of commit-
ments to Newgate. He meant no reflections when he
said, that some Magistrates were too ready to commit
in cases where they should not. There were a vast
many children committed of ten and twelve years old,
who might be disposed of otherwise by the Magistrates
if they chose to exert their power. The expenses of
witnesses was very heavy, and some Gentlemen whose
means did not require such assistance, did not hesitate
to come upon the City for their expenses in a prosecu-
tion. Another cause of the increase of crime was, in
his opinion, the transporting criminals for the short space
of seven years.
Colonel WOOD said, that he had lately been in the
New Prison, and although he did not find it so crowded
as the Hon. and Learned Doctor had described it, yet
he saw that it was quite unfit for its intended purpose,
and the Magistrates of Middlesex certainly did not
perform their duty until a better was substituted in its
place. The Magistrates of Westminster were about to
build a prison for their offenders, and he had proposed
that they should unite with the Middlesex Magistrates,
and have a convenient prison together. But a Jealousy
had grown up between them, and he had been unsuc•
cessful. He hoped, nevertheless, that they would come
to an understanding.
Mr. Alderman WAITHMAN said, that while he
was Sheriff it was his melancholy duty to attend thirty-
six executions, and he visited the prison of Newgate
four or five times a week. But he must say that he
never saw it in the state described by the Hon. and
Learned Doctor, and he never heard the want of accom-
modation complained of. He believed that the increase
of crime depended upon the want of employment. He
knew that parents in all classes found the greatest dif-
ficulty in putting out their children, particularly boys,
where they could get an honest livelihood. He ex-
pected no substantial benefit from the repression of
crime, unless they could remove the cause. He was
convinced that, upon inquiry, the Police in the City
would be found to be as effective as in any part of the
country.
Mr. Alderman THOMPSON defended the City
Police. He said that the Magistrates neither spared
their time ncr the citizens their money to make their
police efficient. He thought the increase of crime.
was greatly owing to the i'JW price of ardent spirits.
—With regard to the compounding of felonies, he
knew that an organised system had been laid down for
robbing counting houses in the City of their account
books and securities for money. It was not to be won-
dered at that those who were so robbed, rather than
suffer in their honour or credit, should wish to com-
pound for the restoration of their papers; but he trusted.
that the Committee would examine this part of the sub-
ject with care. He recommended their attention to the
Act called Jonathan Wild's Act, which was so worded
that it was next to impossible to convict under it.
Sir F. BUR uETT said, that there were already upon
the table of the House Reports of great value, touch-
ing the principal evils into which they were now again
about to inquire, and he thought that to act upon those
Reports would be the much wiser course, in preference
to having another Committee. The Right Honourable
Gentleman might want further information, but if they
wore only to have another Report to be left on the
table, without any thing being done in pursuance to
its recommendation, he saw no us* in appointing the
Committee.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said, that the Honourable
Baronet was erroneous in supposing that nothing had
been done upon the Reports of the former Committees.
Several measures had resulted from them, that for
regulating prison discipline amongst the rest. At
present a Bill was in the House relating to the licensing
system. With respect to the recommendations con-
cerning the police, which had been made by those
Committees, he was not aware that there was any one
of them which had not been adopted. The Honourable
Member fest Penryn had objected to the Committee
being confined in its inquiries and objects to London
and Middlesex, but the Hon. Member was in error in
supposing that such was the fact. The Committee
was not to inquire into the police of London and Mid-
dlesex only, but also of the adjacent parts, which would,
of course, embrace the greater and most populous
portions of the neighbouring counties—(Hear, hear.).
An Hon. Alderman had said, that he (Mr. Peel) had'
objected to the concurrent jurisdiction possessed by the
City of London ; but, the Hon. Alderman in se saying

was entirely wrong. What he had complained of was
the exclusive jurisdiction possessed by the City of Lon-
don—(Hear, and a laugh). What he complained of was,
perhaps, incurable; but still it was a subject for com-
plaint, that there should be two distinct systems of
police in our metropolis—(Hear, hear). He was per-
fectly well aware that the Magistrates of the City
of London discharged their duties with great credit
to themselves and benefit to the community ; and,
in the remarks he had made, he had not the slightest
intention to say one syllable to the contrary. When
he had said that the system of watching appeared
to him to be capable of improvement, he did not think
that it was immediately under their direction. He
spoke in the belief that the different parishes adopted
whatever plan they most approved of. In the suburbs
such was the case, and it was certainly not so efficient
a way of proceeding as might be devised. With respect
to the present state of Newgate, he assured the Hon.
' Alderman that it would have been remedied some weeks
ago, had not a doubt been entertained as to the pro-
priety of his Majesty receiving the Recorder's Report
out of the Metropolis. There was no particular law
upon the subject, but a kind of prescriptive right or
habit having grown out of very long usage, it had not
been thought right to deviate from the course which
had been so long pursued—(Hear, hear). He could
however state, that whatever might be the personal
inconvenience sustained,the defect would be very shortly
remedied. In the construction of the Committee he had
taken pains to make it effective, without imposing
too great a labour on any particular Members. He had
thought it right not to call for the exertions of those
Hon. Members who were upon the Finance Committee,
although several of them were most active Magistrates,
and particularly well acquainted with the subject.—
He had therefore refrained reluctantly from inserting
their names in the list, but he really thought that it
would be impossible for them to give the attention which
was so desirable to both of the Committees—(Hear).
There was still one observation which he wished to
notice. His Hon. Friend, the Member for Kent (Sir
E. Knatchbull) had appeared to understand him (Mr.
Peel) to say that the country had outgrown police insti
tutions; but be had said no such thing. What he said
was, that in many parts where large towns had sprung
up, as Chatham and Greenwich, the police, which had
been appointed in earlier times, was not sufficient, and
some regular effective institutions were necessary to the
public tranquillity and the security of property—(Hear).
The question was then put and agreed to, and the following
Committee were appointed—
Mr. Secretary Peel Mr. Estcourt
Mr. W. Wynn Mr. Tennyson
Mr. Ferguson Mr. G. Bankes
Mr. Denison The Marquis of Cliandos
Mr. S. Rice Mr. Hobbouse
Mr. Alderman Thompson Lord John Russell
Mr. Calvert Mr. Western
Mr. W. Y. Peel Mr. Pallmer
Mr. G. Lamb Mr. Alderman Wood
Lord Lowther Mr. N. Calvert
Sir W. H. Fremantle Mr. Cost.
Mr. KENNEDY obtained leave to bring in a Bill to regulate
the Law of Settlement in Scotland.
On the motion of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, Copies of the Bill
before the House respecting tbidisfranchisement of the Borough of
Penryn were ordered to Do sent to that Borough ; and the Noble
Lord postponed the second reading of the Bill until tr-^•^r•^"
sennigbt.

CORPORATION AND TUT ACTS.
The Order of the Day having been read and agreed to, that the
House should resolve itself into a Conuttittee of the whule House

On the Test and Corporation Acts, •
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said, that previous to the Speaker
leaving the Chair, he wished to move that another Act, besides
those already mentioned, should be referred to the Committee to be
taken into its consideration. It was that of the 16th of Geo. 11. and
concerned the administration of the Loas's Supper, as a test on per-
sons entering upon a civil office.
The motion being agreed to, the House resolved itself into a
Committee, Mr. Lamar:on the Chair.
Lord OHN RUSSELL rose, and expressed a hope
that the Church Establishment of England would not
feel any alarm at the proposition which he had the other
night made to that House, and successfully carried. It
was a great and important question, and one which, in
a material degree, affected the rights of a great body of
the people. It had been suggested to him by his Hon.
Friend, the Member for Devon (Sir Thos. Acland), to
propose a temporary suspension Bill. This, he thought,
would not only not satisfy either the Church or the
Dissenters, nor would it be worthy of Parliament to
adopt such a recommendation. The Committee should
either do away the Acts altogether, or continue them.
Any other course of proceeding would be treating the,
subject as one of but trang importance. Such of the
Committee as thought with him would vote for the
repeal of the whole at once. To any other proposition
Lite could not agree. Much had been said the other
night about another question (the Catholic question).
He thought the grievances under which the Roman
'Catholics laboured were greater than those of the Dis-
senters, and had he imagined that the bringing forward
of his motion the other evening would have prejudiced
their cause, he would not have brought it forward. The
Petitions of the Roman Catholics and the Dissenters
were generally to the same effect—a prayer to be de-
livered from religious restraints. It had been said that
his motion, if carried into effect, would be likely to
produce irritation bets% een Churchmen and Dissenters;
but there was, as regarded Ireland, good evidence that,
since the repeal of the Test Acts, a good understand.
ing had been maintained between the Church and the
Piotestant Dissenters. The pint should at once be
conceded, and with a good grace. There should be no
cavilling about it, but the Dissenters should at once be
received into the body of the Constitution. The Noble
Lord concluded by moving, that so much of the Acts of
the 25th of Charles 11. and the 16th of Geo. ll.as related
to the taking of the Sacrament a the Lonn's Supper,
should be repealed.
Sir T. ACLAND observed that the House, by its
large majority on the question of the repeal of the Cor-
potation and Test Acts, had admitted the great claims
of the Dissenters ; but, as far as he understood, great
diffetence of opinion existed as to the amount of the
concession which should be made. The 'Honourable
Member was particularly anxious that the Church-
men should not be lost sight of en the present occa-
sion—(Hear, hear, hear); particularly as they had
preserved a dignified silence on this question. The
Honourable Member proceeded to read an extract
from Blackstone, which went to say that Non.con•
formists, Jews, Turks, &c. were excluded from cer.
,tain offices, and that the Test Acts were bulwarks to
the Constitution. Referring back to the question, he
was anxious to see it closed up for ever ; and he warned
the Government—if it were made a bone of contention
like another great question, there would, if it should
arise, be two great bones of contention instead of one.
In the precise shape of the Noble Lord's motion he did
not entirely agree. Whenever the Catholic Question
had been passed in that House, was it ever pretended
to grant it without security ? He would, therefore,
call for securities from the Dissenters upon the same
principle as those demanded from the Roman Catholics
by the Bill in 1825. The Hon. Member proceeded to
express an opinion, that he had no hopes of the ultimate
success of the measure of the Noble Lord (Lord John
Russell), because he understood his Noble Friend to

object in toto to any security being given by the Dis-
senters. What he wished for WA3 a Bill of Suspen-
sion—a Bill which would relieve the Dissenters from
every species of annoyance. It was not, however,
his intention to move any distinct proposition.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL explained. If this great
question could be amicably settled, it would certainly
doubly enhance its value, but as he thought no security
From the Dissenters was accessary, he should oppose
that any should be given.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said, if the question of the re-
peal of the Test and Corporation Acts remained between
the Noble Lord (Lord John Roussel:) and himself only,
he should not for a moment persevere in his opposition
to it, after the decisive majority of the other evening.
But as it did appear that those who concurred with
the Noble Lord (Lord John Russell) did not wish the
entire repeal of these laws, he asked Honourable
Members not to pledge themselves on ihe question. If
the scruples of the Churchmen could be removed, and
the Dissenters could be satisfied, he hoped the Noble
Lord would not, from his triumph the other night,
refute any proposition which might produce the con-
corrence of both Houses. What he wished for was, that
nothing should be delayed which should present a pac-
tical good. He wished for the maintenance of peace
among all patties, but still he thought that the ques•
tion ought to be kept open for further consideration.
The Right Hon. Gentleman concluded by hoping that
the Noble Lord would not press the Conra.ittee to any
decision that night.
Lord A LTHOR P looked for the security in this question and
in the Catholic question to the passing of the Acts. He considered
that the proposition which had been submitted was nothing more
than indemnity for the past, and " suspension" for the future—
(Hear).—Would the Dissenters be satisfied with such treatment?
He thought not ; but at all events, as the question had been agi-
tated, he consideced it would be most wise to let it rest for ever.
Dr. Pill LLD/ORE said, that in supporting the repeal become
sidered that be was in reality strengthening the Established Chun*
and Constitution. He was unfriendly to the proposition for sue-
pending the Corporation and Test Acts, because that would only
tend to promote irritation; be waster a complete r,pei I. If there
were not to be simple repeal, might there not be a short oath which
would reuder these Acts unnecessary? It was said, that the eal'
ryiug of this question would injure the Catholic Question, but he
was mot of that opinion.
Mr. WILMOT HORTON said, he had supported this ques-
tion because he was not one of those who thought that these
laws contributed any strength to the Established Church—(Hear.)
He was favourable to the proposition for a sespension of the laWs
as calculat4d to allay alarms that might otherwise arise; bat if the
suspension were not to be agreed to, he shosild adhere to his
original vote—(Hear.)
Mr. Secretary PEEL suggested the postponement of the pees.
don for three or four days—(Cries of " No, no !" and hear, hear:.
He made such a proposition only to avoid the inconveniences
moving his propositions in a Committee on the Bill.
Mr. C. W. WYNN said, that the proposed suspension would
keep the question alive ; now he thought it woultEhe very desirable
, that it should be set at rest for ever. Alter the majority of the
other night, it would be absurd to suppose that the Dissenters
would rest satisfied with the mere suspension of the laws of which
they had so forcibly and unanimoully complained—(Cheer.).
Mr. G. BANK ES rose amidst loud cries of " glestion, ques-
tion !" He approved of the mediatory proposition, and thought
the Noble Lord (Russell) bad been disposed to approve of it—
(No, !) He had drawn such inference, lie trusted, at all
events, that the House would acquiesce in the suggestion for three
or four days delay—(No, no).
Mr. CALCRA F"l' said, that all these suggestions came from
persons opposing the 11111; and that as to delay, though some might
deem it a very good thing, be considered it a very had one—(Hear).
He could not believe that there would have been the majority on
Tuesday, had the Members constituting that majority considered
that they were supporting any thing calculated to outrage the feel-
ings of the Church of England—(Hear). He Gould not agree to a
mere suspension of the laws; it would be little better than timbal
Indemnity Bills, and would keep alive jealousies.
Mr. FERGUSON considered that the proposrdssielay would be
of prejudicial tendency, and calculated to create obstacles. Nobody
had attempted to show that the Church was in danger, nor had any
one ventured to defend the Act. To the proposition fur suspending
the laws, he was decidedly unfriendly.
Mr. S. PERCEVA L recommended the adoption of the Right
Hon. Gentleman's (Mr. Peel's) proposition.
Mr. Secretary PEEL re-urged the necessity of postponement,
and maintained that it could not prejudice the Noble Lord's ques-
tion. He did not want to press the proposition of suspension now ;
be hoped he should not be driven to make any specific proposition.
He wished the question to be postponed till Tuesday; then it might
be formally and considerately put to the vote, whether there should
be suspension or complete repeal.
Sir C. COLE strongly supported the necessity of complete repeal
of thsse Acts:—it vial a great hardship to hold them in terrorena
over the Dissenters.
Lord SANDON said be was favourable to complete repeal; bus
he should prefer delay.
Lord J. RUSSELL said, if a more satisfactory adjustment
could be procured by delay till Tuesday, he would not resist it ; but
he thought all the objects of those who opposed him, might be
'achieved in the prOgress of the Bill. As to waiting that there might
be conviction, he feared Tuesday would not be lung enough to
wait for such object—(Heai). If suseension should he carried, he
hesitated not to say, that it would be viewed by the Dissenters as
defeat—(Cheers). He therefore felt it to be his duty to resist the
propositions for suspension and adjuurnment—(Cheers).
Mr. ESTCOURT expressed himself favourable co adjournment,
and thought suspension would be the best course to pursue.
Sir E. KNATCH BULL trusted that there would be time .
allowed for further consideration ; but if that should not be granted;
he must support the complete repeal.
Lord MILTON said, that if the spirit of conciliation bad beets
shown previously to Tuesday last, delay might have been asked :
it was now only solicited on idle pretences, in the hope to gain the
'vantage ground that had been lost, and thus defeat the Dissenters.
Mr. Secretary PEEL disclaimed all intention of desiring to
accomplish anything by indirect means. As his propositions had
been met in such a spirit, he would neither propose suspension,
nor ask delay ; but would leave the Noble Lord to pursue his ewe
course, reserving to himself the right to adopt any course hematite •
he should deem right—(Hear).
Sir T. LETHBRIDGE said, be bad intended to support the
Noble Lord this night; but after what had passed, he should not
give such vote—(A laugh).
Mr. WILMOT-HORTON said, he was favourable to the
repeal; but he had supported adjournment, nut from false pre-
tences to defeat the question.
Lord MILTON captained. The notice was for " repeal,'
therefore there had been time for consideration.
Mr. V. FITZGERALD said, the notice was for repeal, but
the motion was for " a consideration of the Acts." The asper-
sions about pretences were unwarranted, and gave rise to a spirit
that was to be lamented.
Air. C ALCR AFT hoped that these ebullitions would pass away.
If they were squabblings as regarded themselves, it would matter
not; but they must recollect that great interests were at stake.—
After what had passed, he was for adjournment.
Lord J. RUSSELL also rose, to express the hope that the dis-
cussions would be allowed to assume the temperate character that
had previously characterised them. He must press his resolution.
Lord MILTON regretted that any thing in his manner had pro-
duced momentary interruptions.
[Mr. Secretary Pear., and almost the whole of the Ministerial
side of the House, then rose from their seats and walked out. Not
more than twenty Members remained, while all the Opposition
Benches remained crowded.l
Mr. LYTTLETON lamented the course that the debate had

taken. •
Colonel DAVIES said, that any person who could feel personal
pique and irritation at what had occurred, were unworthy of taking
any part in public discussions, or of holding seats in that House.
Sir G. WARRENDER declared, front tke manner in which
the Members of the Administration had withdraw, be should feel
disposed to oppose any Government who could so act.
hit.. V. FITZGERALD said, that his Right Hon. Friend had
withdrawn, considering that the question was at an end.
Lord L. GOWER contended that the Right Hon. Gentleman
had acted rightly ; he hoped he never should see any Minister who
would coolly sit and hear charges about •' false pretences."
[Mr. Secretary Pau., after about a quarter of an hour's absence,
returned, and took his seat; but the benches behind him remained
nearly empty
Sir G. WARRENDER had not intended to say any thing to
continue irritation or unpicasantry.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said, as he was determined not to vote, he
had withdrawn, but be had Co idea that he should be tollowets t y
any one. He had not intended to give offtnce to any one by the
course he was pursuing.
Resolution 'agreed to, and Report ordered to he received on
Tuesday—The other butane's having heen disposed or, the Renee
Adjourned at a QOA OTTO TO OM UTLOCG