Star.
London, England, 1826-11-30 00:00:00

--iiiimu4LTAILIAMENT.
HOUSE OF LOMA Novratiza 29.

. . •
The liishop of Burrot. was Introduced, and toot the oaths.
The 1.131( D CHANCIELLOR, slier hearing Counsel in a
Scotch Appeal, intimated that he should move to-morrow, at two
o'cl.cb, that judgment be given for the Appellant.
_.• _

CORN. LA WS.

Lord KING said, he had another Petition to present
on the subject of Corn. Some thought the least said
the better upon the' Corn Laws at this time, yet he
timid not abstain from offering a few observations.
Parliament had been made to understand, and he was
sorry for it, that no alteration would be made in the
Corn Laws until after thetolidays. An alteration was
to be made, but what that alteration was GOD only
knew. He really thought his Majesty's Ministers did
not know themselves. He suspected that, when it
came to be known, it would be found to. be the risi*

•
eirnir of improveruent. The Report was, that seventeen
ibiliitSprit-litas to be the importation duty, inateadik
thirty-five shillings. -There was, it was also 5a1,c4,21
malignant party who never did justice to good inten-
tions.• A spirit something like the good and evil prin-
ciple known In the Mkt:* His • Lordship was afraid the bad spirit
upon the Corn Question would overpower the good. The Petition he
had to present Was from Manchester signed at a numerous Meet-
ing, held on Tuesday, the 25th of October. It stated, that in the
twelfth year of peace they were suffering from the means taken to
prevent a free importation of grain, which deprived them 'of the
advantage of exporting their manufactures, and kept them with.
out bread.

The Earl of LIVERPOOL—"t Before I say a word
on what the Noble Lord has thought proper to state
presenting the Petition, I wish to address a few obser.
vations on what passed yesterday. Aly Lords, I was
&Sim at the House yesterday and the preceding .day,
and I found the House adjourned. I came down to the
House at five o'clock, the usual time for public busi-
ness. I see no objection why business should not com-
mence at an earlier hour. I never had any objection to
four o'clock, but it should be known that public busi•
ness is to begin at that hour. I certainly do not mean to be
drawn by anything the Noble Lord has said, to a dis-
cussion of the Corn Laws, but I must say, the Noble Lord
is wrong in the first place if he thinks his Majesty's
Government have not come to a decision on this gun.
lion. His Majesty's servants have come to a decision,
and nothing prevents them bringing it forward before
Christmas, but a feeling that they would not be dealing
fairly with Parliament, if they brought it forward at
this period of the year. Parliament have met oaly for
the purpose of granting indemnity. If it were not for
that, there are many other circumstances which render
it expedient that Government should not state their measures on.
less they can be sure of a full attendance of Members. flaying
proposed to discuss this measure early after the receu, I will not
be led to state what that measure is, because I think a partial state-
ment might be productive of great public inconvenience. L will
certainly call the attention of this House to it at an early day after
the recess, because it is my wish this House should be put in pos-
session of the sentiments of his Majesty's Government on the sub-
ject without the least delay."
The Earl of LAUDERDALE did not mean to say
there was anything objectionable in the plan of the
Noble'Lord. It might be proper and reasonable for
the Noble Lords to say they had reasons why the coun-
try ought not to know at the present moment the
measures in contemplatipn, and all he wished was, that
those measures known to the Noble Lord might be
made known to the country in time to allow all parties
the opportunity of expressing their opinions. The Noble
Lord had said, the table would be loaded with Petitions
from the agricultural interest ; but there could be no de-
parture from the Interest of the communityat large. The agriculturists
did not wish to come to the House with Petitions complaining of
the Corn Laws, mixed up with Parliamentary Reform, the sale of
Church property and Crown Lands ; these were the last things they
were interested in. They wished that Parliament might legislate
for the protection of agriculture only.
The Earl of LIVERPOOL said he sliabld (eel
ashamed if, on a question like that of the Corn Law,
there was any disposition to defer the discussion beyond
the proper moment, or to conceal the object of the
measures to be proposed to Parliament. The Noble Lords
in that House, as well as elsewhere, would not think it
unnecessary to wait for the discussion. At the first
sitting in that House he had given notice of his inten-
tion to make a general exposition of the measures he,
should submit, with a view to the settlement of the
question. There was but one interest with the landholder,
as well as the commercial,part of the community, and
when the question could be mooted, that would appear.
In the meantime i: was important to the landed interest
that the deciion should not be long delayed. Feeling
that the suspension of this question might operate on
individuals, he should say there ought to be no delay.
Having said thus much to meet the plea of dilatoriness, which
might be urged when the question should he brought forward, the
Noble Earl expressed a hope that it would satisfy the House, and
meet the view of the great interests of the country.
The Marquis of SALISBURY wished to see some alteration is
the Corn Law. He considered a change necessary.
Viscount CLIFDEN was convinced the Noble Earl
at the head of his Majesty's Government intended to do
that which was beneficial to the country. He thought
at the same time that to introduce any unnecessary
delay upon a question of such magnitude would produce;
the greatest inconvenience. No one could tell what was the state
of the Noble case. His hope' was, that whatever might be
the result of the measures in contemillation, that the system of ave-
rages ought to be got rid of.

-Lord CALtliLitYaPproved of the measures of the
Noble Earl, and expressed a hope that when due con-
sideration could be given to the question, it would be
discussed on equitable principles. The interests of the
Agriculturists were important in the view of pits.
muting public prosperity, and he could not help feeling that the
manufacturers would be deceived if they depended upon putting an
end to thilr sufferings, by procuring a lower price fbr Corn than it
aught to stand at.

l'he Earl of LIVERPOOL said he could satisfy the
Noble Lord of the inconvenience of bringing forward
the question at this time. Nothing indeed could be'so
inconvenient as bi inging forward the question at a time'
when they were not sure they could get through it. He bad already
stated that if it were possible to bring it lot ward, then he should be
ready. There was, however, no opportunity.
The pl4rquis.6f, LANSDOWNE said he had some
.
Petitions to resent against the Corn Laws, and it kad
been hisAntentian to mike a few observations on them,
but after that,Whiib the lkfoblibitd bad said, hlshould
Ostain from smk,feg on the kubject. The, Noble,
01)99iit'i4tirtly st.sricurred:iyitki• theN,oble L.,rd in the
pf.loßffitisit. nos 11.4.4 lerw)tyd, die 'question before.
the, recess. 'hives aware c;fllie rat taagnitude the

.. -
question, and should have been happyif it Caulk/ Fait
been beinteit forward &Mir.' Not' only that 'Hail!,
but the rioblic at hrg.i'inust be Convinced, that -hill*
air= eat Of this 'subject all: parties were deeply tbit-
C were niit decided to that Vie* of 'the
Reneral interest the Mischief would be inexpressible.—
The raiseliiiif people had ro apprehend *diem so much
the Orange of prices, as that of expecting low prices.—
Thi Corn qiieition was one in which the interest of the
manufacturer and commercial interest must be made .to
coincide: When a contrary opinion was entertained
the raisliike would be severely felt. The greirt ivesticin
in the censideratioa would be, whether they could
discover the means of en thling the manufacturer ro
'puidhase the Vticessaries of life Upon terms which
-would enable bins to compete with the manufacturers of
other countilei. With respect to averages, the Noble Martinis
agreed that it was a system of vice in the Corn Law, which enn•rhe
amended. He entirely approved of the proposition of the Noble
Lord at the head of his Majesty's Government, and was ready to
titre every_ 'slipport tb his proposition. ' • - •
The arlg of LAUDERDALE agreed in many of the
observations made by the NOW Lards, but his bore
*as not very sanguine on the subject. He had for-
merlYbrought -forward a peace system of Corn Lawn,
and be believed It wOuldlage had the effect of producing low prices.
The history of the Corn Lawl.proved that the manufact sting and
agricultural interests had been common, and be could not join
in any opinion which supported any hostile feeling towards the
Agriculturist.
Tne Marquis of LANSDOWNE. did not mean to
say there was any difference between the Commercial
and Agricultural interests. He might have °said some
' hostile feeling had existed, but be meant to have said such a feeling
ought not to exist. It • would be ruinous to both. There was but
one interest to look to; and that was the interest of the community
at large.
Lurd ICING agreed there was but one interest, but
there was a narrow and a broad view of the question. It
was the interest of the Agriculturist to have high prices.
The Manufacturer's interest was to have low prices,
that he might compete with the Manufactureis upon the
continent of -Europe. • The Noble Lord then presented a Petition
from the Town of Brechin, In Scotland ; air) Petitions from the
Corporation and Magistrates of the same town, against the Corn
Laws.—The Petitions were read and laid on the table.

The Earl of LAUDERDALE then moved that an
humble Address be presented to his Majesty, praying that orders
might be sent to his Ambassadors, to return with convenient speed
an account of the laws in force respecting the exportation of Corn,
and the duties imposed thereon, as well as upon the trade of this
country during the last twenty years.
The Motion was carried.
Rail BATHURST laid on the table Copies of a Treaty of Pine
made with the King of Ava.
The Nom.' EARL also presented a Petition from Mr. Gourlt+y,
on the subject of Orders in Council relating to Emigration.—Lid
on the table.

The Earl of ROSEBERRY moved for a Return of the quantity
of Foreign Oats, Beans, &c. admitted to the Ports since the issuing
of tho. Order in Councii.—Ordered.

The House then Adjourned.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.

At four o'clock the Sneeze took the Chair, and several Mem.
likes were sworn in.
Sir J. BRIDGES brought up the Report on the Canterbury
Rail Way, which was received.
General GASCOYNE brought in a Bill to Amend the Liver.
pool Railway Act.—Read a first and second time.
A Petition was presented, complaining of an undue Return for
the Borough of Pumfret.—Ordered fur consideration on Wednes-
day, January 10.
Mr. POTTER* M'QUEEN gave notice, that he should shortly
move for a Return of the number of Appeals which had been
brought before the Quarter Sessions. throughout the country, during
1824, 1825, and 1828, distinguishing those which referred to the
settlements of the poor.
The same Hon. Member gale notice, that it was his intention to
apply for leave to introduce some. measure founded on those Re-
turns respecting the Settlement of Paupers.
Mr. MABERLY gave notice that he should very shortly move
that a Monthly Account be published of the Quantity of Gold and
Silver imported ; and also an account of the Quantity of Gold sod
Silver exported.
Mr. id A BERLY gave notice that he should, as early as possible
after the holidays, move for the Repeal of the Assessed Taxes.
Colonel TORRENS presented a Petition from the Seamen of
South Shields, praying fur a Repeal of the Corn lawn. The peti-
tioners stated it to be their belle( that the laws in question acted as
an unjust tax upon the price of bread, and that they tended solely
Ito enrich the pockets of the landlords at the expense of the rest of
the community. With the latter statement be (Colonel Torreon)
could not perfectly agree. The whole of the proceeds of the taxi
II levied through the Corn Laws did not go into the pockets of the
Landed Proprietors. The tax was distributed in various ways.
A part went for seed, a part for tithe!, another part to meet the
high prices of feed for cattle, and the test went to the Landlords.
It could not, however, in the present state of things, remain long
with them. When once the manufactures of the country, whether
item their high price or any other cause, were excluded inno
foreign markets, the Landed Interest would speedily find that they
must be content with far lower prices than at present.
Lord MILTON presented a Petition from the Weavers of Car-
lisle, praying for a repeal of the Corn Laws. That was its first ob-
ject, but it embraced also a variety of topics. Its contents might
be divided into five heads, besides the chief object it had in view.
First, it prayed that that part of the public propel ty, called Church
property, should be sold, and the proceeds applied to the reduction
of the National Debt. With that proposal he (Lord Miltod) could
not at all concur. Secondly, it prayed that the Army might be re-
duced •to the same strength and scale of expense en which it yeas
previous to the late war. Thirdly, it prayed for the abolition of all
sinecures, and of such pensions as had nut been bestowed for ser.
vices rendered to the country. Fourthly, It prayed for a sale of the
Crown lands, and that thiproceeds should be devoted to the exi-
gencies of the State; and hfthly, it prayed for an equitable adjust-
ment of the National Debt, and of all other debts, leases, &c. • As
Ihe before remarked, however, the chief desire of the Petitioners
was to have the Corn Laws repealed, and that once dame, the other
subjects might be taken into consideration.
The same Noble Lord presented a Petition from Bradford, pray-
ling fora repeal of the Corn Laws.
Mr. DUNCOhIBE bad been requested to support the prayer
of the Petition, ind he certainly was of opinion that sonic beneficial
change might be effected in the laws in question. He was 'nut,
►owever, prepared to censure them so strongly as semi. die% 'nor
could he pledge himself to any specific course of conduct, especially
while he was ignorant of the nature of the measure which his Ella•
jesty's kiloliters intended to propose.
Lord Mime presented several Petitions from different parishes
in Yorkshire, praying for a repeal of the Corn Laws.
Mr. MIME presented a Petition from the Silver Plate Workers
of Birmingham, praying for a repeal of the Corn Laws.• Alive a
similar Petition from the Trades of Arbroath.

MR. ROBERT TAYLOR.
Mr. HUME said that he had been requested to pre.
sent a Petition to the House, which was one of con,icker.
able importance with respect to the right of the subject
to enjoy civil and religious liberty. The Petition was
signed by a Mr. Robert Taylor, who appeared to him to
have suffered much for conscience sake. It stated that
the Petitioner had beck regularly ordained in the Ezta.
blished Church of this country, and that he had. taken
Bacl♦elor of Arts degree at S.. John's College, C4m-
brtage that after the must serious ciiii:idelation
and'reillection, he found it impossible to give credence
to
.ths dgctrincs of,the .E:tatilished Chula, and that
',dictators, be had felt himself bound in duty to renounce

theW that he bad *undone so from any desire to effect
singularity, to attract 'attention, or to benefit himself in
a worldly wly„ as was proved by the fact of his having
resigned4a Cure Suffolk, but that he had done so
because he could not attach faith to the Reveiitiens,
and..was in fact a Deist. The Petitioner further stated,
that he had no wish whatever to interfere with ethers,
bur that he conceived he had been deprived of many
of ilse rights of a British subject in consequence of the
religious opinions he entertained. He conceived that
it would be but just that the Acts of Toleration should
benefit him asNell as others, but that he found was not
disease. As a proof of this be instanced the fact, that
-his evidence would not be received in a Court of Law,
because he could not swear upon the New Testament.
Decisive evidence of the truth of"this statement had
lately been given. A shopman belonging to Mr..
Carlile bad lately been robbei of his watch, but the
Alderman before whom the shopman appeared re-
fused to receive his testimony, because he had no
belief in Christianity. He' was a Deist, and agreed
in opinion with the Petitioner. Thus great offences
might be committed with impunity, merely because
individuals chose to exercise a freedom of conscience,

and to judge for themselves in matters of
Oa this ground the Petitioner prayed for a repeal. of
• -the law which rejected his evidence, and to him (Mr.
Hume) it teemed to be but just that such should be the
case. The Hon. Gent. then referred to some Resolutions
Passed by the House in 1680, which went to give tole-
ration to all Protestant Dissenters. The Petitioner

prayed that persons professing deistical principles
should be sworn on the Brok of Nature, that their
testimony should be received, and meet with such
weight as the Judge and Jury thought it might de-
serve. Nor was there any thing at all extraordinary in
vat a proposal. The Courts of Law had rulei that
the evidence of Infidels should be taken, and that was

/not only to be proved by a great variety of cases on
record, but by the practice of every day. The evidence
of Hindoos was esteemed good, and did they acknow-
ledge the truth of the Revelations? No more than did
the Petitioner. Of late years it was an ordinary cir-
cumstance to find Lascars giving evidence, being sworn
according to the customs and faith of their country,
and why then should not the Deist be sworn on the
Book of Nature ? The Lascars were Infidels, and yet
they wete allowed to give evidence. The Petitioner
was a natural born British subject, and he should at
least be allowed the same privileges which were extended toolbars.
He (Mr. Hume) thought that the Petition was reasonable, sad ho
therefore hoped that it would meet with the attention of the
-Houle. It was time that the distinctions complained of should be
dupe away with; they were illiberal and unjust; and the Petition
should receive that consideration which was doe to matters of we-
sequence. The House should remember what some of its own Mem.
'bets had form-rly suffered from intolerance,and not longer continue
In force rest rktions which shackled conscience,and created discontent
and injustice. He therefore moved, that the Petition of Robert
Taylor be brought up.
Mr. Sergeant ONSLOW said, that did he not per.
fectly remember a speech which had been delivered
during the last Session by the Hon. Member for Aber-
deen, he never could have believed that such an Ad-
tires: as they had just heard would either be delivered
in, or tolerated by, that House—(Hear, hear).. But it
he was astonished by the general character of the
Speech they had just heard,.he was still more surprised
to hear the Hon. Member speak as he did respecungabe
Toleration Act.. Had the Hon. Member ever read
those Acts ? He could hardly think he had done so, for
if he had, bow could 'he posiibly think of comparing the
latitude which they gave to Protestant Dissenters to that
now asked for Deists? The Dissenter had some rego-
far form by which he pledged himself; but with the
Dei,t there was to be none at all. He was to swear by
the Bo( k of Nature, but what those books were he ap-
preliendei none could tell—(Hear). The Hon. Mem-
ber, however, had contradicted himself in the statement
be had made. He had said that the Peliioner, though
a natural born British subject, was not allowed the pri-
vileges intended to be granted by the Toleration Acts;
, that even Infidels were allowed to give evidence in a
'Omit of Justice, but that Carlile's shopman was not.—
Now, whi was an Infidel allowed to give evidence, and
not a I) ist ? Simply from the operations of the very
spirit of the Toleration Acts. The Infidel had a form
which he acknowledged to be as binding as the Chris-
tian did an oath taken on the New Testament, but the
Deist bad no settled form—(Hear). What the Hon.
Member complained of was this : The Petitioner was
unjustly dealt by, because he was not allowed t r give
evidence in a Court of Justice, from not having any re-
gular form on which he could be sworn. If indeed the
law imperat'vely provided that every witness should be
sworn according to the forme of the Established Church,
then be (Sergeant Onslow) would allow that there was
ample reason for complaint.i What was the first ques-
tion, according to Lord Kenyon, which should be put
to every person appearin; as a witness? Did he believe in a future
state of reward and punishment? And if that principle was cor-
rect, as the whole country felt that it was, what was the use of talk-
ing about swearing upon the books ofnature—(Hear.) The conduct
of the worthy Alderman who had refused to receive Carlik's man
as a witness had been censured, but he thought it most correct. If
Magistrates did not perform their duty in that manner, they might
soon expect to bear the Hon. Member fur Aberdeen arguing that a
man had only to say, K upon my honour what I say is true,' and
although the person of honour accused another of a heinous crime,
still he must be committed. The Petition appeared to him to be
unworthy of ousideratioa, and the proposal inotutrous—( Hear.)
Mr. BATLEY was but a young Member in that
House, and therefore he could not say that he had heard
the speech of the Hon. Member for Aberdeen, which
bad been alluded to, but he must confess, that the Pe-
tition which bad been introduced appeased to him to
be altogether scandalous. He thought' it altogether
inconsistent with the dignity and character of that
House to bear a a who confessed that he bad been
educated in the Ebtraslished Religion of the country,
come forward and unnecessarily proclaim his diibelief
io the SAVIOUR. Such a proceeding ought not to be
tolerated fir an instant, and it was perfectly absurd to'
attempt to draw a comparison between a Deist and a
Dissenter from the Protestant Church. The Hon. Mem-
ber who had introduced the Petition bad alluded to Judd. ea
received as witnesses in our Genii of Law, but be bad
to remark that those infidels deposed according to the
customs and faith of their countries. and did not attempt to give
evidence without offering any guarantee for their sincerity. He
objected most decidedly to the Petition.
Sir C. CARRINGTON most strongly condemned
the Petition, and he did not see how it could be enter.
tassel by the House. During the time which he had
occupied ao official situation is a foreign country, be
frequently bad to administer oaths to what were termed
infidels; but he was firmly of opinion that, however
appearances might be, there was no faith established in
any country or among any people, which did not lead
those who followed it, 4' through nature up to nature's
pas."- (Elear.) It would certainly have been be ttev if the Hoe.
Ifielbst for Aberdeen, se the Padden's; bad sweated what pard.
ealar hash Deists were to wear by, whether by Lneredue, or obat
other. Sub appending would at least bane sew b tbet the fie.

Ititionet was serious in the propoml he aqa4gL From the abstract
which had beensiven of the Peddiln it spurred to him most • •
jeetiocable, and eughtt to he received.
Mr. Secktary ;PEEL remarked, that Apo questions
had been agitated, which appeared to him to be en•
tirely dissimilar. The propriety of complying with the
prayer of the Petition had been considered, when the
fact was, that the House was only asked to receive the
Petition—(hear, hear). lf, indeed, the former had
been proposed, he could have had no hesitation in say-
ing, that he h-ld very strong feelings against it—but he
must also confess, that he did n 6 see any strong &jet-
,tion to merely receiving the Petition. Should the Hon.
Member who presented it think of following it upity the Introduc-
tion of a Bill, then there would be a fresh question before the
House, aq, he for one should have little or no ditileulty in making
up his mina on the subject. In the coarse of last Session Petitions
somewhat similar had been received, therefore there were prece-
dents to guide the House in the present ease ; and. however, he
thought that further discussion so the subject would only attach
an importance to the.proceeding, of which it was net at all worthy.
.clear, bear). He should therefore recommend that the Peti-
tion should be received. . .
Mr. W. SMITH remarked, that the Right Hon
Gentleman had just given a fresh proof of the admira-
ble discretion and good sense which he possessed ; and
he could have wished that he had set an example earlier
to those who addressed the House immediately pre-
ceding him. Perhaps when the Hon. Member for Be-
verley *as not quite so young- a Member as he then
was, he 'would learn at lean temperance; and the Hon.
Member for St. Mews might learn from the Right
Hon. Gentleman, with advantage, the difference be-
tween conceding to the prayer of a Petition and the mere receiving'
of a Petition. One of the palpable errors, into which those Hat.
Gentlemen bad 'Fallen was that they made no difference betw.een a
Debt and an Atheist. He would maintain that there was a most
essential difference. itnd he would also venture to assert that there
was less danger to Ife apprehended from the per who boldly
came forward and refused to take the oath prescribed by tbeChurcb
Establishment, than there was from him who took his oath without
believing himself to be responsible.
On the motion of Mr Hoare the Petition was read, and in ad&
don to what that Hon. Member stated, it declared that the Peti.
tioaer believed in a future state of punishment and reward.
Mr. HUME having replied to some of the remark&
which had been made, moved that the Petition should be printed ;
but the feeling of the House appearing unanimous against the mo-
tion, the Hon. Member contented himself with moving that it
should lie on the table.—Agreed to:
101110U01. or raioone.

Mr. ABERCROMI3Y moved the Order of the Day,
that tl,e House should resume the adjourned debate
respecting the election for the borough of Tregony ;
upon which
Mr. STUART WORTLEY addressed the House.
He was understood to say, that he could not allow an
occasion of this kind to pass without laying before the
House the views which he took of the subject under
consideration. A very eminent and distinguished Memo
ber of that House (Mc. Grenville, as we understood)'
had slid, that every deci i in the questions relative, to
elections, were matters of the utmost importance, not
merely to the persons returned, or to the electors by
whom they had been chosen, but to the country sit
large, on account of its operation as a precedent regal-
lacing the practice of future election.. The Hon. Gen-
tleman, after stating that he had taken pains to, fond a
well.grounded judgment on the subject, proceeded
with a variety of arguments and frequent reterence•to
documents, of which, for the reason already stated, it,
is impossible to give the details. He spoke, of the re-
turns as they then stood, as presenting an informality;
and he very much doubted whether it could be consi-
dered otherwise than as a mere informality. This, he
was of opinion, ought not to invalidate the return, for
the practice of the House ever had been, to paretten-
tion rather to the substance than the form of all such
proceedings. After referring to a case arising out of
the election for the borough of Camelford, and advert-
ing to the 'Tilt of Henry IV. cap. 15. he observed, that
in the event of a false return, all that the House could
do, would be to call the Clerk of the Crown to the
Bar, and deal with the case as justice seemed to require.
But that would not constitute non-annexation as a ground of inter-
ference on the put of that House. He knew not how far the eke-
don for Inverness, in 1784, might be taken as a precedent, but for
his pan he was opposed to the interference.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said, he could not let the present
opportunity pas;, without expressing the sentiments ex-
cited in the mind by what had just fallen from the
Hon. Gentleman behind him. It was not alone, that
be had then given earnest of his powers, but that he had
laid the foundation for a more solid reputation, by ed
dressing himself rather to a repulsive :abject of the de-
scription then before the House, than to one of a more
attractive character; or one Affording an oppottonity
for the ostentatious displiy of those talents, which he so
eminently possessed. He fully concurred in opinion
with those who thought that any decision to which the
House might come, on this important subject, ought to
be arrived at after mature deliberation, and he, for one,
ha I given the que,tian all the consideration in his
power, and he confessed, that he saw no reason for re
jetting the impression made on his mind during the first
discussion of it, and which he expressed on the former
night, namely, that the document in question should
not be considered as a return. Though far from saying
thit it was a question altogether, without doubt, yet not
to consider it as a return, would be. under all circum-
stances, the safest course that the House could adopt,
and to direct that it should be taken off the file. To
treat it any other way, would be, he conceived, to esta-
blish a precedent of most mischievous effect. The prac-
tice had .been to attach considerable responsibility to the
office of Sheriff, and to impose severe penalties for any
abuse of his authority, at the same time that they should
be lenient where no very culpable departure •Rom rec-
titude had appeared. He was not called on to admit
but either a double or single return—he was not to form
a judgment. He (Mr. Secretary Peel) was not pre-
pared to say, that he should have made a double return,
bet assuredly his impression was that the House should
decide it to be single. 'ln %his case the Under Sheriff
did not address himself to the Mayor of Tregony, he
selected a Captain Harrow, who appeared to him to
have the most colourable right to be addressed on the
occasion—be applied himself to one of the two contend-
ing candidates. • In every ease where a discussion arose
as to who ought to be the returning officer, a double
return should be made; but,' however, as in this case
there was no precedent exactly applying, the best course,
as it appeared to him, would be to follow the sugges-
tions of commm sense. The West course which could
be adopted, in cases of this description, was to admit of
no other species of return, except a single, or, failing
that, a double, return. nder all the circumstances of
the case be felt disposed to support the motion of the
Hon. and Learned Member, the more particularly as his
Resolution treated the second indenture in the light of
a document invalid in its nature. Previous, however,
to deciding on the motion of the Learned Gentleman,
be thought it due' to the dignity of the House, and the
importance of the question at issue, to get possession of
the original documents, through the medium of the
proper cacao and compare with them the represents-

tions Which had been made to the House on the subject'
of the retutns. The matter wet one-of-too great Con-
sequence, sot merely to thepartiesAirectly ibterested,
but to Parliamentlenerally, and, through it, to the
public at large, for them to pass it over lightly, or rest,
content with secondary evidence, when it was possible
to procure better and mare conclusive testimony—that
of the -original documents. These could be furnished
by the Clerk of the Crown, who, he believed, WAS in
attendance, and ready to appear, if the House desired it. When
the House got possession of the original documents, it would be
competaa to it to proceed to treat the return in the character of a
single return, and order the subsequent entry to be taken of the ale.
Mr. ABERCROMBY contended, that the Sheriff
had the•posver of accepting or rejecting altogether the
second indenture. If he accepted, he should have an-
nexeri it to the writ, and not have adopted a middle
course. It was not his intention to object to the course
proposed by the Right Hon. the Secretary for the Home
Department, and be sought for no evidence, save that
contained in the book now on the table of the House,
-which be thdught sufficiently conclusive and satisfac-
tory. If it appeared to be the pleasure of the House
(in accordance with the suggestions of the Right Hon.
Gentleman) that the :Clerk of the Crown should be
called before it, in order to produce the original docu-
ments, he saw no material objection to the adoption of
that course, and accordingly was ready to concur in it.
He was the rather inclined to offer no objection, as it appeared to
be clearly the intention of the Right. Hon. Gentleman, and the
House, to accede to the motion be had bad the boaodr on a former
evening to propose.
Mr. Secretary PEEL said that was undoubtedly his intention,
if they found the documents agree with what had been represented.
Mr. ARBRCROMBY said, that be alluded to the understand-
ing of the House, and not of the Right How Gentleman.
Mr. Secretary PEEL then moved that the Clerk of the Crown
be called in.

Mr. W.WYNN wished it:l'state to what extent be went
with the Honi, and Learned Gentleman, and in what he
disagreed from him. He could not put out of view all
the facts of the case, as being unworthy of attention.—
There were the facts of the ofilcer being a Deputy
Mayor, and of the return not being made by persons to
whom the precept was delivered. Every one of these
would be proper matter for the'consideration of a Com-
mittee, and therefore if the House undertook to settle
the question, they ought not to he 'altogether thrown
out of view. He bad heard with great satisfaction the
valuable researches indicated by the speech of the Hon.
Member who spoke first in the debate. They would
be of great utility hereafter in fixing the attention of
the House to the principle of looking, not to the form,
but to the general intention of returns. The Right
Hon. Gentleman then alluded to some coes, chewing
that teturntlent by persons other than the Sheriff had
received the attention of Parliament. If it appeared
from the certificate of the Sheriff that he intended to
make a single return, then he (Mr. Wynn) o ould not
object to the motion. He thought the Sheriff bad acted
with indiscretion, and might to have taken the one
course or the other. He thought, also, that the Clerk
of the Crown should have stated the circumstsoces to
the House.

Mr. Secretary PEEL said that his motion was limited
'to calling the Clerk of the Crown, for the purpose of
asking him whether those were true copies of the original
Returns. He entreated the H use to consider bow
every step they took might hereafter be used as prece-
dent, and he hoped that no other question% would be
put to the Clerk of the Crown.
Mr. ABEKCROMBY agreed with the Right Hon.
Gentleman that they ought pot to go into the examine-,
tion of evidence. It was by doing so that they were in
danger of establishing a bad precedent. He had from
the first pointed it out as a distinguished part of the case,
that it required no exaMination of evidence. This deci-
sion would be most important in pointing out to future
Sheriffs and Returning Officer!, as well as Clerks of the'
Crown, what was the exact line of their duty. He had never
made any complaint of the conduct of Mr. Wilbraham.
The SPEAKER said, it would be necessary for the
original motion to be withdrawn before that for calling
the 'lea of the Crown was put, and alluded to the
Standing Order, by which all Members upon double
morns must withdraw from the House.

Mr. Ailhacaeuar's motion being withdrawn, the Clerk of the
Crown was called in, and confirmed the representation which bad
been made by s comparison with the original documents.
After an observation from Mr. J. WlLLlaltq,
Mr. Secretary PEEL moved, " That the entry for the Borough
of Tregony is net a double return."
• Mr. TWISS suggested that the derision of the House should be
directed to the documents upon which they had decided, and not
to the entry.
Mr. A BERCROM BY said, that the objection of his Hon. sad
Learned Farad was groundless, because the entry was founded
upon those documents. .
After an observation from the Srsacsa, the question was una.
nimously affirmed, and the Clerk of the Crown was ordered to
take the entry of Messrs. Gordon and 11PILillop air the ale.
Lord NUGENT gave notice, that on Friday he should bring
forward a motion similar to one he proposed last year, upon the
subject of Borough Electors.

SUPPLY.

In a Committee of Supply.
Mr. HE ER lES mewed the mail vete fee the payment of twenty. 1
three millions of Exchequer Bills.—Granted.
Mr. HER RIES moved the transfer of ies,ooopoo, to discharge
outstanding supplies granted last gear.—Ganted.
The House resumed, and the Report wallordered to be received
to-morrow.
Sir A. GRANT brogue!t up the Report dike Committee on the
Postage Acts.
Upon the Reseletieis fixing the Rate of Postage fora Letter to
St. Domingo at 11. 3d. for a singk, es. 64. for a double, and as. H.
for a treble, and Ss. for letters weighing an ounce,
Mr. HUME salted whether, since the passing of the Act of last
Session, the practice of charging three or four pounds for the coo-
veyancenf a Newspaper had been discontinued?
Mr. BERRIES said, that as far as he was informed, wipes.
tionably the practice terminated with the passing of the Act.
Mr. HUME 'said, that if that was the case, the inha-
bitants of the Colonies were still worse off than before.
Formerly, by paying the annual sum of four or five
pounds, they could have their newspapers posted on any
day ; but now, if the persons sending neglected to post
them on the day of their publication, they were charged
full postage. Another grievance was, that persons who
went to fetch the newspapers were delayed while the
Postmaster opened them to ascertain the date.
Mr. BERRIES said, he should feel it his duty to make enquiry
open the subject, ad to do every thing in his power to remedy any
evils which might exist.
' Another Resolution Geed the rates of postage to Cuba at Is. U.
fora stogie, 41. itd. fora double, and 64.34. fee a treble letter, and ,
for an ounce weight Is: 44.—The Resolutions were agreed to. 1
Mr. BERRIES moved the second reading of the Oats Indem-
nity Bill.
Lord MILTON wished to know when the Bill went through its
ether stages?
Mr. • BERRIES said it was intended to get it through without
delay, and no objection was expected. It was to be committed to-
morrow, and read a third time on Friday.
The Bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be commit-
ted tisinoirow.
LAND AND ASSESSED TAXES COMMISSION.

Slr. HARRIES brought ins Ili for appointing a Land sad
Assessed Tax Commission.
Mr. HUME should like to hear the Hon. Member prove
the necessity of the Assessed TAU'S altogether before
he brought in this Bill, which appeared to him to be

taken with too much ease. He should have hoped that
nothing would have been done with the A.seised Tax,:
until that question had come before the House, of Olio
his Hon. Fr iend,the Member for Abingdon, had give,
notice, for repealing the whole r f them. He wished
the Hon. Member had brought in a Bill for dung away
with the Receivers General of 14:41141 and Assessed
Taxes, by which a saving of above 100,0001. a ye.tr
might be made. He was in a Committee where it w4s
proved that those taxes could be collected by the 0.4.
cers of Excise, and the Receiver General to be di,.
penned with.
Mr. HERTAIES merely rose to set the Hon. Member right as tt
the .nature of this Bill. It impeued no tax. it Continued no tat.
and the persons to whom it referred reeeie.:d trot one farthing of
emolument by it.
Mr. HUME said his objection was to keeping up the maebine.y.
The Bill was read a first time, and ordered for a second tead,ti
on the 23d at February.
The House adjourned at Savor &Cuter.
HOUSE OF COMMONS—Tuts DAT.

NOTICII3 or Mtrrious—slr. H. PA atm:A.—To move for an Account
of the quantities of Foreign Good• imported in 1844 and 18C6, the
duties on which were reduced in 1825.

Mr. Hunt—To move for Returns of all Officers who have been
permitted to sell their Full-pay, Ilalf.pay. and Brevet Commiwi..a,,
since the lan return in March; also, a ttcturn of the Mune, re.
ceived and paid far the same.
ORDEIIII UT vwe Day—Supply—Report of Resolutions respectiug
Exchequer Bills to be presented.
Oats Importation Indemnity Bill—to be referred to a Committee.
St. Domingo Postage Bill—to be brought in by Mr. firms•.

E EVENING STAR.

I.ON 1)0N.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER SO, 1826.
ST. Akssew's bAy—HotiDAY AT 71111 Banc
STOCK EXCHANGE., TWELVE O'CLOCK.
The various reports, in the course of yesterday afternoon, which
caused so great a panic in tall Consol market, has wow subsided,
and it appears to have been a mummers on the part of some of the
speculators. Consols, which left off yesterday at tis for the Ac-
count, opened this morning at 84 to j for the Account: soon after
went up to 84j, and may be qunted at present at 141, with little
doing. Consols are now 141 1 for the Account, and 831 to 84
for money.
In the Foreign market, South American Securities remain steady.
Current prices: Old Spanish 131 1, Mexicans 64, Colombian
411 421, Cbilian 38 39, Peruvian 34, Russian $7 1, Greek 191
20, Danish 62 j.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

Consols, Which were looking up in the earlier part of the morning,
and were done at 1141 for the Account, have since experienced a
small reaction, owing to an &press having arrived from Paris
with the Ettik of yesterday, bringing the Three per Cent. Fiends
Rests, at 71.50, and the Five per Cents. 9940. Consols may
at present be quoted at 114 j to for the Account ; for money,
about !In.—Little doing at present.

FOREIGN FUNDS, TWO O'CLOCK.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 p Ct. 66 I Guatatnila BJs. 6 p C. SI
l'o. Ace. 66 I Alez.lionds,s per Ct. SS
Milian Bonds, 6 p Ct. 39 Do. Ms 1625, 6p. Ct. 491 1 1 1
Colombian Bonds, 6 p Ct. Do. Acct. 691 1 1 j 70 69%
Ho. Bonds, 1624,42 1 2 1 Petwvian Bonds, 6 p C. 34 $5
Do.Aeet. 421 2 1 1 1 Portuguese Bonds 5pC.
Danish lionds,3 pCt. 621 Ditto Aect.
Ditto Acct. 621 1 1 Russ. 'kis, 1622, 5 p r. rth
Gr. 80wa5,1845, 5 p C. Span. Bonds 5 p Ct. 13t 1 1
Greek Aett.2o Ditto Acct. 131
BRITISH AND FOREIGN SHARES, TWO O'CLOCK'.
• SHAWL PAID.
Brazilian 100 20 40
Bridals Iron Company SO 35 9
Colombian 100 1S 10
Mexican Company 100 111 10
Potosi Li Paz and Pero. Ass, 50 4 afl 142 s

A Jamaica Mail has arrived at Falmouth, in forty-
two days, from Jamaica; but the Papers and Letters
will not be received till to-morrow, owing to two of the
crew having died on her passage, with the yellow fever.

We have received the Etoik of Wednesday, bat its
contents are not very interesting. An article from Ge-
neva, of the 23d inst. states, that accounts had been re.
ceived there of the miserable state of •the troops, under
ICAstAlsocast.—The Count de la FaRIIONATIN French
Ambassador to St. Petersburgh, has arrived in Paris.
According to the shared des Debats, a squadron of
27 ships is fitting out at Brest, for the protection of
French Comlnerce.

The French Papers which united in due course yes.
terday, contain but little intelligence. An article from
Florence gives some particulars respecting the siege of
the Acropolis of Athens, which do not confirm the last
report of the massacre of GouaaAs by his owe soldiers,
but shews that the defence was carried on with a degree
of spirit and skill far removed from any thing like
treachery on the part of the Commander. Not oaly
bad six desperate assaults been bravely repelled, as
former accounts informed us, but the garrison had dug
a mine, of which the besieged bad no idea, cm account
of the nature of the ground. They bad set fire to it, and
150 Turks had been blown into the air by the explosion.
This is the system carried on fora whole year with so
much success at Missolonghi, and bad struck so much
terror in the Seraskier's troops, who recollected the
heavy losses which they bad repeatedly suffered in that
siege at the fancied moment of victory, that it was with
difficulty that they were made to.maintain positions at
the foot of the hill on which the citadel of Athens stands.
Faisal Faxas.—Five per Cents. 100 f. Three per Cents. 71f. 110 c.
Bank Actions, Io6of. 50e. Neapollan Bmtes, Taf. goe. Haitian
Loan, 710 f.

An interesting discussion took place last night in the
House of Lords, with reference to the Corn Laws. The
Earl of Ltvzittoot. observed, that the question was one
of considerable impoktance. His Majesty's Ministers
bad come to a decisions the subject, and nothing p►r•
vented them from bringing it forward before the holi-
days, but a feeling that they should not be dealing
fairly with Puliament if they brought it under &MP
sion at this season of the year.
The Tregony Election Return again came before
the House of Commons, and, after what took place, it
may be laid down as the solemn and unanimous deo.
sion of the House—lit. That no indenture, which it
not annexed to the precept of the Sheriff, can be re'
cognised by the House-2,11y. That, to constitute a
double Return, both indentures mast be annexed to tba
precept—idly, That the Sheriff in every ease melt

'.
riii
ir

show, on h;s own, responsibility, between slaking a
double and a single Return, and that he is not entitled
to transfer the onus of that responsibility to any other.
Lord Micros; presented a Petition from the Weavers
of Car:i.le, praying for the sale of Church Lands, Crown
Lands, and equitable adjustment, and an emir. aboli•
title of the Corn Laws. His Lordship said, ott_the lat-
ter point he agreed with the Petitioners in the main,
but sot for so entire a repeal as they required. His
Lordship presented several Petitions from Bradford,
and other places in Yorkshire, for a repeal of the Corn
Laws.—Mr. Duscowas said be was requested to sup-
port these Petitions. However disposed he may be to
do so, yet he would give no pledge until be beard the
plsn of Ministers.
The House, after disposing of some miscellaneous
business, adjourned.

- The Princess AUGUSTA has arrived at her seat at'
Frosmore, from the residence of Earl and Countess Hamm; at
Meacham, Oxfordshire, where her Royal Highness had bees staying
tor some days.
The Duke of 1,1/xl.u/soros paid a visit yesterday to
the Duke of Yogic
The Earl of CLANWILLIAM left town on Tuesday, on
his return to Berlin.
The Marquis of PAI.MILLA, the Portuguese Minis-
ter, transacted business )eaterday nitis Mr. Secretary Carotin° at
the Foreign Daze.
Madante PASTA made her debut at the Opera at
Naples, in the character of !tads, with great success. Their MA-
JESTIES, who were present, desired M. the Duke de NOM, Super-
intet,dant of Spectacles, to express to Madame Parra all the plea=`,
sure that they had felt at the performance.
The lather of M. Larora. who is now playing with
deserved success at Pri.ry-lane Theatre, was long a popular actor
in Paris.
This is the unniversat y of R—DMAND 1/lONSIDI being
murdered at Harold, 1010; birth ot_Dean SWIFT, 1667, and of
Vomitus, 1694 ; Cariat.rs the "wel being killed at Fredetick-
shall, 1716; bittb of Prince CNA acts EDWARD, called the Young
Pretender, 1720; marriage of Prfill the GRILAT to his Prime Mi-
nister's daughter, 1729 ; and of the French forces evacuating Saint
Domingo And surrendering • to the British Fleet in 11103.—0 n this
day of the month, in 17.6, a severe frost commenced, which lasted
to the January following, during which the Thames was frozen over.
Tie wotkmen have commenced pulling down the
screen in front of the King's Pain. in Pall-Mall.
By the General Palmer, Madras Papers to the 30th
July, 3.1 d Calcutta intelligence to the middle,of the
same month, have been received. Some delay was
.I,prehendrd in the payment of the remaining instalment
doe from the Burmese, and the evacuation of Rangoon
was, consequently, delayed. " It would appear," says the
Calcutta John 801 l of the Bth of July, " that Rangoon
' will not be finally evacuated by our troops so soon as
was once expected, but at what time they will be with-
drawn we have not beard." In the hope that Rangoon
would not be given up at all, a considerable popul scion
of Peguers was flocking to that place, Runjeet Singh, a
rumour of whose death has been curtest, appears, on the
contrary, to have been very lively, at the date of the last
advises, making war on his neighbours in Cabul.
Passxsozas rag Gleotaat. Palmas, Captain Truscott, from Ma-
rirao:—Nlrs. Colonel Stackpoole; Mrs. Colonel. Leod ; Mrs.
Colonel Willie; Miss Baillie ; Mrs. Smart, Mrs. William Grey,
Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Banister' Mrs. Grey; Wm. Peyton, EM.
Senior Member Medical Board; J. Thomas, Esq.'avil Service,;
'Captain Taylor, 4th Light Cavalry ; Captain Evanson, Itia blajerg's
• 54th liniment ; Lirut. Harris, 20th ditto • Dr. Chine,. Dr. tlon.
hers• itlr. Reid, Mr. Wm. Grey, Mr. dallan, Mr. Mitchel, sad
Air. Beauthamp, of the Honourable Company's Service • the two
Ali•ses Millie, the two Aliases Bannister; Masters Massey, Stack.'
leucite, Forbes, Davis, BaiUie, arid the two Bdllies.
Tie antoutit of Exchequer bills issued, or authorized
to be issued, charged on the supplies of 1827, is stated
in a Parliamentary Paper at 23,200,0001. The amount
of monies to the Eichequer, and remaining to be re-
ceived, on the 20th of November of the present year, to
complete the aids granted by Parliament for the service'
of 1826, is stated, in a return presented to Parliament,
at 7.290,2201. • Of this sum, only the small portion of
99,8671. is stated to be in the Exchequer. The remain-
der is to be raised froth the Bank, on account of the con-
tract for paying the Naval and Military Pensions, or to
be brought from the Consolidated Fund.
The circumstances which induced his Grace the
Duke of BUCKINGHAM to turn his attention to the dis-
tresses of the lace manufacturers was the recurrence of
coMplaints of poor per)ons, which came before bias as
a Magistrate, that the lace buyers refused to purchase
their lace of diem at any price. It seems that the
dealers in the neighbourhood of Buckingham had
greatly reduced their purchases, and would no longer
buy lace except of certain favoured individuals.
In 1829, the number of births in Paris amounted to

ire

26,880;13,462 males, 13,318 females; 17,129 of those
were born in wedlock, 9,751 are natural children ;
1,422 stillborn children; 7,173 marriages took place;
23,282 deaths; 52 died in prison ; 257 were deposited
in the Morgue; 317 persons committed suicide—of
these were 206 males, 11l females ; 21 destroyed them-
selves from ill-requited love; 128 from disgust of life,
mental derangement, or domestic misfortune; 30 from
bad conduct, gaming, the lottery, and debauchery ; 59
from poverty, the loss of their situations, or deranged
affairs; 8 from tear of reproach or punishment; 71
from unknown motives. There are 10,053 vehicles for
the service of the interior of Paris, and 733 for the ex-
terior; 500 water-carriages drawn by horses, and 1,300
drawn by men; 178 royal diligences; 306 ordinary
diligences•' 249 small stages; 500 cabriolets for the
exterior. Deducting about one.third, in supposing that
the stages are not filled, we find that 29,121 persons
remove from Paris every week, equal to one person out
of 27 of the whole population. Every year the depar-
tures amount to 1,514,292; 8,396 places taken in the
snail coaches; 50,000 travel annually by boats that ply
on the Seine, and probably 6,000,000 by the short
stages, and yet in this extraordinary movement of the
population, only 122,807 passports were delivered.
Among the strangers who visit the capital, the English
are the most numerous; from 1815 till 1821, 123,734
have resided there—the number increasing propor-
tionally every year. In 1815 there were 13,822; in
1821 there were 20,184.
We underaand that the Burmese and Mughs in-
variabll
b ,r) t e'r tree u e and.goods in the north east
angle. of their temples. We have had this intelligence
glum excel exit authority, and we doubt not it will ap-
pear somewhat curious to our Masonic readers.
The tributes paid heretofore by different Powers to
the I)ey of Algiers were-900,000 francs by England;
1,100,000 francs by Denmark; by Spain, 1,200,000
francs; by Fiance, 1.175,000 francs by Holland,
625,000 francs; and Pot tugal, 3,470,000 francs.
At the present time the Barbary States receive from
Sweden, Denmark, and Portugal, but simple presents;
Great Britain, the United States, the Low Countries,
Naples, and France, have rarticillar Conventions • Rus-
sia, sia, Austria, Tu,r any, and Prussia, have Letters Of Pro.
tection -from the Sultan.