Star.
London, England, 1818-05-01 00:00:00

altered, that it was not his intention to proceed fur-
ther with it until next Session.
Sir M. W. RIDLEY congratulated the House,
and the Nation, on perceiving that this 'notion,
which tended to create difficulties on every part of
the country, was abandoned by his Majesty's Mini-
sters, and that an early notice had been given on'
this important matter, inasmuch as it could not but
remove a most disagreeable impression from the
minds of that reputable class of the community, the
Country Bankers.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
stated, that he considered it his duty to give this
early notice, but, however, it was by no means his
intention to abandon the object of the Bill.
Mr. TIERNEY said, that it could not but be conk
sidered as trifling with the House, if a Bill was thus
brought forward, which engrossed its attention in
an extraordinary degree, and afteniards abandoned.
He conceived that the sense of the House should be
taken on this subject, in which the interest of so
large and so respectable a body of men, whose wel-
fare was partly interwoven with that of the public,
were vitally concerned.
Lord CASTLER,EAGH observed, that it had
never been considered as obligatory on any Meinber
to pursue a Bill through all its stages, without the
liberty of relinquishing it, at any period he thought
proper. He conceived that if this course were adop-
ted, it would be productive of unpleasant effects. It
was a stale trick used by the Gentlemen opposite, and
he thought, that if interested parties pressed the fur.
-*her consideration of the 'natter, the result would

ptove unfavourable.
-Mr. BROUGHAM observed, that persons en-
trusted with the arrangement of the public concerns
should reflect seriously before they excited alarm in
the minds of the public. He thought that the Right
Honourable Gentleman had yesterday fully consulted
the feelings of those persons whom he was to-day de-
sirous of lulling to rest. The dissolution of the pre-
sent Parliament was long expected, but it now seemed
probable, as the postponement of a highly interest-
inj subject was reserved until nett Session.
Sir JAMES GRAHAM was sorry to perceive that
the measure had not been totally abandoned, instead
of being postponed. The public credit was at stake,
and it could not be doubted that from postponement
it would be considerably affected.
Mr. CALCRAFT observed, that he considered no
time as required for the further consideration of the
subject. It had already engrossed much attention,'
and if he• did not mistake the statement of an Ho-
nourable Member, the determination of the parties
whose interests were concerned was already known.
Sir M. W. RIDLEY stated, that he had yesterday
been present at the Meeting, which, with one or two
exceptions, consisted of country Gentlemen who
were not Members of the House. Every attention
had been paid to them, but there was no individual
banker who did not protest against the principle of
the measure. .

The Hon. W. H. LYTTELTON said, after he had
learned the intention of the Right Honourable Gen-
tleman, in relation to Country Banks, he made a
communication to four considerable Bankers in the
Noah part of Worcestershire, all of whom expres-
sed their aversion to the measure.
The Hon. F. DOUGLASS thought it would be
less alarming to the country, if the matter had been
fully considered prior to its being brought forward
than at a subsequent period.
Mr. TIERNEY wished that this Bill, in which the
feelings of the public were so much interested, and'
to which so much aversion was known to exist; had
been fully discussed. The attention of the Houie
'had been called to the subject, but at the moment
when public expectation was raised to its greatest
height, the measure was relinquished. It was a le-
gislative measure, and the Legislature were called
upon to adopt not to relinquish. He could not but
express his disapprobation of the proceedings, his
horror at this strange endeavour. The matter ought
fairly to be set at rest, and not by procrastination
leave the minds of individuals in anxiety and suspense.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER con-
ceived, that all argument on the subject was useless ;
several modifications had been proposed, which rex-,
dered. the passing of the Bill during the present Ses-
sion extremely difficult.—The Order was then read
and discharged.
OFFICERS OF ARTILLERY DRIVERS.

Mr. BENNET row to move, pursuant to notice,
that the House world take into consideration the re-
lativ, situation of the Officers of the Artillery Drivers.
There were twelve troops belonging to that body, of
which eight had been discharged alt the reduction of
the army atter the peace. The Officers of four troops
were afterwards replaced by other Officers, yet they
received their full pay, while the Officers of the dis•
charged troops were reduced to the half-pay esta-
blishment. It was true that they, while attached to
the army, were not possessed of any military com-
mand or authority ; but it yet seemed extraordinary,
that one portion of Oflicers should enjoy privileges
of which another portion of the same rank, and in
similar situations, should be deprived. The Ho-
nourable Member then went at some length into what
was understood to be a statement of" the peculiar
hardship of the case of the Officers alluded to, and
concluded by moving, " 'That an humble Address be
presented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent,
praying that he would be graciously pleased to direct
that the cum of 3,5591. be paid to the Officers of the
eight disbanded troops of Artillery Drivers on half
pay, and assuring his Royal Highness that this House
will make good the same."
On the question being put, Mr. WARD said, the
Honourable Gentleman had place} him in a painful
situation, that of explaining the official reasons for
refusing to Officers of merit whatthose he represented
had personally no desire to prevent. But duty re-
quired this, and he could assure the House, that ddty
alone bad governed the Master-General in refusing
the boon demanded ; dutLto the public, to the ser-
vice, and to the army at large. This, however, must.
give way if there was any promise ; he, therefore,
before he said a word, must deny in the most explicit
manner that any promise had ever been held out by
the Master-General, or any one. under him, or any
preceding Master-General, that could raise this ex-
pectation. He had been called upon indeed to say
whether there had been no understanding in the
minds of the Officers themselves ?—(hear, hirzr)—
But who could answer such a question ? It would be
to assume au attribute almost of Di' bgty, and