The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-02-11 00:00:00

e a larger power (

__„„), could only require a return of such accidents
,ed to the loss of life or limb ;hut it was equally ne-
,.ary to have a return of all accidents, as there might be
as much negligence in the one case as the other. It was
also proposed that in future the gatesat level crossings should
not he across the railway, but across the road, and that the
on railways be
rwpunation-,,ates opening

.11: the bill would not effeetqfleo'i;fei."l.
a; of
thhee
,0 lion. ,tnover. It Was not stringent .. ,an
feared, if It was sufficiently stringent, the proprietor
•

Mi.. NV

railways had sufficient influence in that houso to prevent its
passing. Nothing effectual would be done until two or three
lords were killed in one of these accidents. The hon. mem-
ber strongly animadverted on the negligence displayed by the
Great Western Railway in the case of the accident at Son-
ning-hill.
Mr. C. RUSSELL said he solemnly believed that that acci-
dent was as much a visitation of God's providence as if it
had been occasioned by the blow of a thunderbolt.
After a few observations from Mr. HARDY a:Itl Mr.
EWART,

Sir R. PEEL, said that in any establishments which alto-
gether superseded all other modes of travelling the house
was justified in legislating to prevent the occurrence of acci-
dents. He did not, however, think it advisable that the
house should prescribe the hours for the trains starting, or
indeed prescribe any details of that description, for that
would be to relieve the directors of railways from all respon-
sibility, and in the event of an accident their defence would
be, after all vigilance on their parts had been relaxed, that
they had acted according to the rules laid down by the law.
The motion was then agreed to.

Mr. WALLACE moved an address to her Majesty, praying
that she would be pleased to direct an immediate and dili-
gent inquiry on the spot into the nature and extent of the
misery and destitution under which the inhabitants of Pais-
ley and other towns in Renfrewshire have been suffering for
so long a period, and are still enduring. The hon. gentle-
man drew a feeling picture of the distress prevailing in those
districts, and suggested an inquiry on the spot, as being the
most efficient and least liable to delay.
Sir J. GRAHAM said he believed the distress prevailing in
those districts to be very great, but he objected to any such
inquiry, because it would lead to unfounded hopes and ex-
pectations. If the lion. gentleman desired to have the special
circumstances which led to the distress in Paisley investi-
gated, the better way would be by a committee of the house,
before whom a few competent witnesses might be examined.
If the hon. gentleman thought this course satisfactory, he
should not object to it, but if he divided on the present mo-
tion he must oppose it.
Sir R. PEEL said that such an inquiry would be apt to
diminish local exertions, while it could lead to no ultimate
benefit to the unhappy sufferers. He therefore expressed a
hope that the hon. member would not press his motion to a
division.

Mr. WALLACE assented, and the motion was withdrawn
accordingly. _ _ _ _

Mr. GIBSON obtained leave to bring in a bill to secure
(not to extend) copyright in books by having the original
right and all assignments of it registered in the. Court of
Chancery. _ .

The house having resolved itself into a committee of sup-
ply, on a motion that a supply be granted to her Majesty,
Mr. WAKLEY strongly commented upon the practice of
making royal speeches as unmeaning as possible, instead of
making them worthy of being considered as state documents.
The speech of the present year he characterised as being a
vapid, senseless, and useless production.
Sir G. CLERK said, that the preceding Thursday would
have been the proper time for such observations.
The motion was then agreed to, and the house resumed.

The other orders of the day being disposed of, the house
adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.-WEDNESDAY

Sir H. DOUGLAS took the oaths and his seat for Liverpool.
The lion. member was introduced by Sir R. Inglis and Lord
San don.

The house shortly after went into a committee of the
whole house, to consider the laws relating to the importation
of foreign grain.
Sir R. PEEL.—Sir, I rise in pursuance of the notice which
I have given to submit to the house the views of her Ma-
jesty's government with respect to the modification and
amendment of those laws which regulate the import of foreign
grain. I should consider it a reflection upon this house, if
I preferred any claim upon its patience and indulgence.
Whatever may be the demands which I have to prefer, and
however ill qualified I may be to relieve a subject necessarily
of detail, necessarily abstruse, by any illustrations of fancy,
yet I am convinced that the paramount importance of the
subject will induce the house to lend me that patient atten-
tion to which under other circumstances I might have deemed
it necessary to prefer a claim. Sir, her Majesty's govern-
ment have considered it to be their duty to consider the corn-
laws with a view to their modification and revision. (Cheers.)
They undertook the consideration of the question at a period
when there was great commercial distress—great suffering
and privation connected with that distress. But, sir, I con-
sider it to be my duty in the first place to declare that, after
having given to the subject the fullest consideration which I
can, I cannot recommend the proposal which I have to
make by exciting the hope that it will tend materially and
immediately to the mitigation of that commercial distress.
Hear.) My belief, sir, is, while I admit the distress—while
I deplore the suffering and sympathise with those who are
undergoing it, yet I feel bound to admit that I cannot attri-
bute that distress in any degree, such as has been supposed
by some, to the operation of the corn-laws. (Cheers.) Sir,
I do not view with those feelings of despondency, which
some are inclined to do, the commercial distresS now prevail-
ing in the country. I do not believe that the elements or
sources of our commercial and manufacturing prosperity are
dried up. (Hear.) Ido see a combination of causes acting
concurrently and simultaneously, sufficient in my opinion to
account, in a great degree, for that depression which unfor-
tunately prevails in our commercial and manufacturing sys-
tem ; and I have that confidence in the native energies of
this country, and I have had such frequent opportunities
of perceiving depression, and of revival almost as sudden
and extraordinary as that depression, that I do entertain
the confident hope and belief, that we may still look for-
ward, by the operation of natural causes, to a revival of our
national prosperity. (Cheers.) Sir, it is impossible, I think,
to take a review of those causes which have affected our in-
dustry, and, therefore, which have affected our commercial
prosperity greatly, without perceiving that they have been in
operation during the last four or five years. There have been
several causes, the separate effect of which would have been
considerable, but the concurrent effect of which has been
sufficient to account for this depression. If I look to the
stimulus which was given particularly, I think, by the faci-
lities of credit to great undertakings, in the years 1837 and
1838, to the connection which existed between the companies
and the directors concerned in joint stock banks and in ma-
nufacturing establishments ;—if I look to the immense efforts
which have been made for the increase of our manufactures—
for the building of houses for the reception of those indivi-
duals labouring in those manufactures, the emigration of la-
bourers from rural districts into our colonies, &c., the im-
mense increase of mechanical power which has taken place in
consequence of the operations going on in the years 1837 and
1838, I can hardly be surprised at the consequences which
followed a similar excitement, and which a similar stimulus
was likely to operate. The same causes which were in oper-
ation in the United States of America at the same time—the
same consequences which, in a greater degree have resulted
in that country, the derangement of the monetary affairs of
the United States, have acted powerfully upon the demand
for the manufactures of other countries; and, Sir, concur-
rently with that excitement and stimulus, and the depression
which followed from it, has been the effect of the same causes
in the United States—the diminished demand for our manu-
factures. There has been at the same time an interruption
of our amicable relations with China, which has caused a
considerable deficiency in the exports of our manufactures
which had been going on in recent periods, as compared with
former periods of our intercourse with that country. There
has also been, during a considerable portion of that time, the
alarm of war, and with that fact, the necessary stagnation of
odr commerce in some degree, as compared with former
periods. The united effect of those causes will, in my opi-
nion. go far to account for the diminution of our prosperity.
Sir, I am admitting the extent of the depression in trade,
but I am equally disposed to admit the extent of privation
and suffering which prevails ; but here again I am bound
to say that I cannot recommend the measure which I am
about to propose with any hope that any alteration of the
corn laws will be a remedy for some of the evils, which in
a great manufacturing country like this seem to be insepara-
ble from such commercial institutions. Extend your foreign
commerce as you may, depend on it it is not a necessary con-
sequence that the means of employment for manual labour
will be proportionate to that prosperity. (Hear.) Speaking
of particular districts, whatever may be the extent of your
commercial prosperity, or the demand for manufactures, it is
impossible not to see that the working classes must be sub-
jected to the severest privations. It was so at the period of
the greatest manufacturing prosperity, and it is the necessary
consequence of a sudden improvement in machinery, which
ruins the demand for manual labour, and exposes those de-
pendant on it to the greatest privations. (Hear, hear.) You
find hundreds of persons employed in a great manufacturing
district, relying for sustenance on their labour, and by the
exercise of ingenuity, or some improvement in machinery
which is copied by others, they are thrown entirely out of
employment, and deprived of the means of support. This
has been the case with the hand-loom weavers in England,
and with many other classes of persons engaged in works of
manual labour, and I admit that it is ahard condition of
manufacturing success that such should be the case. ( llear,
hear.) But it is no impeachment of manufactures that such
great privations exist. (Hear, hear.) Let it not be supposed
that I am deprecating the improvement in skill in machinery,
which is everywhere progressing. It would be madness to
attempt it. (Cheers from the opposition.) It would be folly
to deny that, in the aggregate, this country has derived its
greatness and its wealth from these resource. (Cheers from
the same quarter.) I know that to have attempted to obstruct
its progress would have been only to encourage rivals already
too powerful. (Hear.) In proportion to manufacturing im-
provement, in proportion to the stimuli to which I have re-
ferred—to the stimuli of speculation, and the facilities of un-
dertaking it by undue advantage, and also the facilities of
credit, in that proportion we must expect that in certain in-
stances and in certain classes privations must occur. But
looking at the general state of the commerce of this country
I must confess I cannot see the grounds for the despondency
with which some are apt to view it, nor can I see any grounds
for imputing it to the onetation of the corn-laws, or that
those laws have any material share in creating the various
evils which are so loudly complaied of in this respect. (Hear,
hear, from the ministerial benches.) It appears by this paper—
bdt we are too apt to think that there must be a constant and
rapid increase in our exports to other countries, and that we
are too apt to despair when any occasional check is given to
our commercial prospects in this regard. We are used to
compare the extent of our commerce for the last year ; in
fact, we generally insist on comparing it with some year im-
mediately preceding, and if we find any decline in that extent,
we are apt to suppose that the sources of our prosperity are
declining. Sir, as I was about to observe, it appears from
this paper which I hold in my hand, that in the last year, or
rather the latest period to which the returns have been made
up—l mean the year 1840—on comparing the state of trade
in that year with that of the year preceding, and during the
operation of the corn-laws, I can see no ground for the infe-
rences which are sometimes drawn, that the corn-laws have
been the cause of our misfortunes, or that the repeal of those
laws would afford any immediate relief. In 1840, the exports
of British produce in manufactures—that is the declared
value—to all parts of the world, exceed the exports of 1837
by £9,355,000, and exceed those of 1838 by £1,345,000, but
fall short of the exports of 1838 by £3,827,000—a falling off
sufficient to create anxiety. But the cause of that falling off
will be amply accounted for if you will refer to the state of
our commercial transactions with the United States of Ame-
rica—with that country with whose prosperity our own is so
immediately interwoven ; for in the United States, during
that period, there were causes arising from monetary affairs
which operated very considerably on our commercial exports.
But in 1839 our exports with the United States amounted to
I £8,839,000, whereas in 1840 they were only £5,283,000.
leaving a deficiency in respect to our exports with the United
States of £3,556,000. Now, this fact showed that there had
been a falling off in the amount of our exports to the United
States in 1810 as compared with those of 1839. The differ-
! ence, however, has been made up by the amount of our ex-
ports with our colonies. (Hear, hear.) It was satisfactory
to see the improved condition of our corn trade with our
colonies. In 1837 the amount of our exports was £11,280,000 ;
in 1838 it had risen to £12,025,000 ; in 1839 to £11,363,000 ;
in 1810 to £15,497,000. (Hear, hear, hear.) Let us then
look to the state of 'al

mate of our commercial transactionst with those
rivalry with our ma-
pcoosuendtrwiees
boandthmeoContinent d i na
as
rreferenceegards whom it was sup-
nufactures. Let us see what was the state exports
with Germany, Holland, and Belgium. In 1837 the
of our exports was £8,742,000 ; in 1838, .£9,000,000 e;
in 1839,
£9,860,000 ; and in 1840, £,9704,000. Thus showing in the
course of those yefirs that even in respect to those countries
which were supposed to be formidable competitors
with us in respect to our manufactures, our exports
to those had gradually increased within the last four years.
I believe that arnongSt the agriculturists themselves there is
a pervading feeliug that the corn-laws may be altered With
advantage.. (V*0;0 So far as I can collect from the com-
municatibriswacrelb 11:1&., I think that the great body of the
agricultural class- are in favour of a modification of those
laws. ,(Heat, hear.) There are others, on the contrary,

who caitsrtain altogather a different opinion who will he Con:
tented with no modification whatever, but will insist on the
immediate and absolute repeal of the corn-laws, It is ins,
possible not to feel that they who advocate a total repeal of
the corn-laws, and a removal of any imposition cf any kind
on the subsistence of the people, are enabled to appeal to
topics which give them great advantage; to complain that
there was a tax upon bread—a tax on the subsistence of the
people, and that those taxes were imposed for the particular
advantage of a separate class of the community. (Cheers
and counter-cheers.) Doubtless arguments of this kind must
make a great impression on those to whom they may be ad-
dressed. (Cheers and counter-cheering.) Comparisons are
made with facility and with efficiency respecting the cheap-
ness of food in this country and in other countries, and the
inference is drawn that the people of this country ought to
be placed on the same footing respecting the articles of sub-
sistence as that on which other countries are placed, and that
their happiness and comfort would be promoted by the total
abolition of any impost on the subsistence of the people.
Sir, I am persuaded that any conclusions drawn from such
arguments would be utterly fallacious. The question is, can
you infer the comfort and ease of any country from the price
of provisions in that country ? (Hear.) Sir, reference is
made to the price of food in Germany, and to the facilities
which the low price of articles of subsistence give to the
establishment of manufactures; and the inference is hastily
and unwisely drawn, that the people of this country must
necessarily be placed on an inferior footing to what they
would be if the price of food underwent a corresponding re-
duction, and was equalised with what exists there. Now, sir,
I apprehend the question is not what the price of food is, but
what the labouring classes have over the means of procuring
it. (Cheers from the ministerial benches.) Under the opera-
tion of the corn laws let us compare the condition of the
labouring classes in this country with the condition of the
labouring classes of those countries in which I admit the
price of provisions is greatly less. There is nothing to im-
pede the cultivation of corn in the Prussian states, and the
price of corn is greatly less than it is in this country ; but
can it be from thence inferred that the condition of the
people in the Prussian states is preferable to the condition of
the people of this country—(hear, hear) ?—or that the con-
sequence of an immense reduction in the price of the various
articles of consumption, and particularly in the price of food,
must necessarily lead to a great influx in the comforts and
enjoyments of the labouring classes of the community?
Sir, these are the means, from sources of unquestionable
authority, of forming a judgment as to the degree of corn-
parative comfort of the people of the two countries I have
mentioned. And before you determine that a low price of
provisions is necessarily essential to the manufacturing in-
dustry, to the general consumption, or to the comforts and
enjoyment of the people, it would be well to weigh the de-
tails of the. materials of which you are possessed for drawing
a safe conclusion from them. (Hear, hear.) In the report
of the committee which sat upon the import duties, there is
evidence upon this point—evidence given by the honourable
member for Bolton, whose attention has been directed to this
subject—who has collected materials of information and
comparison, and who, before the committee, and in the re-
port he made upon the Prussian league, and the state of our
commercial relations with the Prussian states, and the laws
which exist in Prussia with respect to commerce, has given
information on the comparative consumption of the people of
this country, and of the inhabitants of the Prussian states.
Let us look at the great articles of consumption, and we find
that meat is dearer, and corn is dearer, and the great bulk of
all articles which constitute the subsistence of the people,
and administer to their comforts, are dearer in this country.
But, as I said before, the true test is not the comparative
lowness of price, but the command the people have over that
which constitutes the comforts and enjoyments of the great
bulk of the people. I shall begin with meat, and I shall quote
an authority which cannot be disputed. I shall take my in-
formation from a perfectly unsucpicious source; it is that of
a gentleman who differs from me as to the operation of the
corn-laws, and who is a decided advocate for their repeal.
Dr. Bowring's calculations with respect to meal are these,
and his evidence is given in 1840. He is speaking of a period
when the corn-laws were in operation thirty years, and afford-
' ing, as they must have done, if it is their tendency to afford,
the comforts, and, consequently, the means of consumption
of the people. What is the report of the hon. gentleman.
He says in Prussia, and in that country there are means of
ascertaining its exact amount, 14 millions of persons consume
485 millions of lb. of meat, that is, 351 b. per head during the
year for the whole of the inhabitants of Prussia. But the
1 hon. gentleman says there are 25 millions of persons in this
country who consume 501 b. per head per annum, and it can-
not be less than that. It has been frequently stated at double
that amount, but I will take it at the lowest, and it will ap-
pear that whereas the inhabitants of Prussia consume, ac-
cording to that statement, 351 b. a head, the people of this
country consume, at the lowest, 501 b. per head for each of
the population. Now, sir, I will take the article of sugar—
but observe, I am not at all denying the severe distress
which prevails—l was present at the debate last nightrespect-
ing the distress now prevailing at Paisley, and I cannot but
feel a perfect conviction that in many parts of this country
there is much and severe distress. I, therefore, do not mean
to say that the 17,000 persons in Paisley who are supplied
with a livelihood by charitable means consume so much
meat—not I. But it is impossible to argue such a question
without drawing inferences from general facts. (Hear.) I
must not be taunted by the remark, that in Paisley, in Stock-
port, or some other places, there is an amount of population
which does not add to the consumption. I admit there is no
such consumption ; but I am compelled to draw general
conclusions from general facts. In respect to legislation,
you have no other alternative ; you must deal with general
averages and results. Well, I will now come to the article of
sugar, and I call upon you to pause before you come to the
determination that high prices are necessarily an evil. I rely
upon the authority of the honourable members opposite. In
France the consumption I take at 51b. ; the hon. gent gives
it 41b. 30z., but calculating that there may have been some
consumption of sugar made from beet-root, of which he has
taken no notice, I take it at the highest calculation, viz., 51bs
per head per annum. In the German states he gives the
consumption at 41b. per head, other places in Europe at 211 b,
while the consumption of Great Britain is calculated by him
at 171 b. per head per annum. (Loud cheers.) I will now
take the consumption of corn, of the very article now under
consideration. (Hear.) Mr. Deacon Hume, whose loss we
must all regret,—(hear)—calculated the consumption of the
people of this country at one quarter of wheat for each per-
son ; he calculated the consumption at 25,000,000 of quar-
ters, being one quarter per head per annum. The honoura-
ble gentleman opposite makes his calculation thus, 24 mil-
lions of population, and the consumption of grain 45 millions
of quarters, that is of grain of all kinds. Now, I beg the
house to bear in mind that with reference to the consump-
tion of corn, we have the estimate of consumption of two
gentlemen the best qualified to form a judgment, gentlemen
whose moderation in politics renders them above all suspicion.
They compared the consumption of this country with that of
other countries in which corn was cheaper. The honourable
gentleman opposite gave a total of 24 millions, and a con-
sumption of 45 millions of grain—not far from two quarters
from each individual. The gentleman to whom I allude gave
the consumption of the Prussian states ; there were there 14
millions of inhabitants, and the consumption of wheat was
riot more than thirteen millions of quarters ; observe, that is
less that one quarter per head. (Hear.) But while Mr. Hume
calculates the consumption of wheat at a quarter in England.
and nearly so in Prussia, it must be borne in mind that of all
the grain used in that country nearly three-fourths are rye.
The hon. gentleman says that in the States the consumption
of rye to wheat is in the proportion of three and four to one.
He says that the consumption of 1241bs give a consumption
of 651bs of wheat and 2411bs of rye to each individual. That
is to say, that in the 1241b5, the consumption of each indivi-
dual is little more than one bushel instead of one quarter.
The hon. gentleman then goes on to say that in England the
consumption of tea is as one pound to each person, whereas in
Prussia it is only one quarter of a pound ; that in the article
of salt the consumption in Prussia is 16111os per head, where-
as in England it is 221bs. Of cotton goods it appears that the
annual consumption in Prussia is as 4 1-3 d to each person,
or about one-half of what is used in England. In woollen
cloths, in Prussia, the consumption to each individual is in
the proportion of two ells and 1-6th ; in Great Britain it is
fire ells and 3 -sths. It appears, in fact, that the consump-
tion is greater in England than in Prussia ;—in tobacco there
it is 31bs : it is only one pound in England. In Prussia the
consumption of butter is 2lbs ; in England Ilb. But now
let us take other great articles of consumption, simultaneously
going on ; with respect to cotton goods, woollen cloths,
salt, tea, meat, and sugar. Then corn, the consumption of
each individual in each country, as estimated in 1840,
though corn was then high, exceedingly high, as compared
with the prices in Prussia. If I look to the share or com-
mand which the industrious classes of this country have over
the comforts of life, that command far exceeds that enjoyed
by the same classes in those countries where the prices of
grain exceed so much those of this country. I do not wish
to push this branch of my argument against our giving an
increased demand over the comforts of life to the industrious
classes,—not in the least. But, sir, it is an argument to show
that it is not fair to point at the diminished price of food in
another country as compared with this, and to infer from that
fact, that there is an increased comfort thereby secured; arid
that, to that extent the people of other countries are better
off. Sir, information has recently been laid on the table of
this house with respect to the consumption of the working
classes in Belgium. Look at the prices of wages in Belgium !
It is said there is a great manufacturing population there,
and certainly there is. In this document I find the average
prices of manufacturing and agricultural labour. Agricultu-
ral labour I find put down at lid per day, and manufacturing
labour at Is; masons is 3d per day, locksmiths is 3 d; ope-
ratives in manufactures, is 3 d ; ditto in furnaces, &c. is
4d ; jewellers and goldsmiths Is Bd. Now in the last year I
find the market price of wheat was at Ostend from 51s 9d to
53s 4d, and at Antwerp from 51s to 56s 2d, and therefore it
does appear to me, taking the averages of the price of corn in
Belgium, and comparing them with the wages, that notwith-
standing the manufacturing and agricultural prosperity the
wages in that country do not give the same command 'over
the enjoyments of life as they do in this country. (Hear,
hear, hear.) Sir, I refer to this for the purpose of confirming
my impression that to look for any rapid or great change in
the-conditon of the people of this country from any change
in the corn-laws, would only be subjecting it to the greatest
disappointment. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) My firm belief
is (I am speaking now of those who are in favour of the ab-
solute repeal of the duty on corn), that if this house were to
consent to a total repeal, the effect would be, instead of miti-
gating, even in the slightest degree, permanently at least, the
manufacturing distress, it would superadd to it by the se-
verest disappointment. (Cheers from the ministerial benches.)
Any such disturbance of the capital of agriculture would in-
evitably lead to fatal results, not only to agriculturists, but
also to those other classes whose prosperity is essential to
the welfare of the country. There is, however, another por-
tion of this house who advocate a material alteration in the
corn-laws, and who do not go the length of advising a total
and absolute repeal, but merely the substitution of a fixed
duty for the duty as at present imposed. With respect to
these the ground is narrow which we occupy. They are in
favour of a fixed duty on corn. They admit that agriculture
is entitled to protection, and, therefore. would impose a duty
invariable in amount on the importation of foreign corn.
(Hear.) Now with respect to this proposition it must be re-
membered that whatever odium attaches to a variable duty
it must necessarily apply with equal force to the imposition
of a fixed duty. (" No" from the opposition, and cheers
from the ministerial benches.) I am sure the hon. gentleman
who says no does not understand me. 1 am not saying that
the same objection applies to a fixed duty as to a variable
duty ; I am only saying that as far as odium attaches to the
imposition of a tax on the chief article of subsistence it ap-
plies equally to either proposition. (Cheers.) Both the one
and the other assume that agriculture is entitled to protec-
tion, either on account of the burdens to which it is subject,
or on the ground of public policy; but on principle, the im-
position of the duty rests upon the same ground, and on the
same arguments. (Hear, hear.) After giving the fullest
consideration to the question of a fixed duty I cannot recom-
mend it as an amendment to the present scale of duties.
(Cries of " Hear, hear.") I do not think that you can de-
vise such an amount of fixed duty during an average year of
supply of corn that would apply to all years (hear, hear),
if von will take into consideration the important question as
to the probahlity of this country being capable, from its own
growth of corn, of meeting the wants of our own population.
I am not prepared to admit that this country is not able to
meet those wants. (H tar, hear.) At the same time I will
admit that if we take the last four years into consideration
it would be shown, that there was an average of foreign corn
imported into this country of 2,300,000 quarters in each of
imported into this country during those years
these four years. (Hear, hear.) If they also took the last
twelve or thirteen years it would be seen that the quantity of
foreign corn ported
was from 12,000,000 to 13,0)0,000 of quarters. (Hear.)
That is the quantity imported during the entire of those
years. This is, shewn by a return which I hold in my hand,
from which it appears, that from July, 1828, to June, 1841,
the quantities of wheat and wheat flour imported into this
country from foreign countries, amounted to 13,475,000
qrs.

(Hear.) Indeed, If you take an average of ten years, it is
clear that there will always arise a necessity for the im-
portation of foreign corn into this country. Nothing would
be so absolutely mischievous as to attempt to pass laws which
would have the effect of giving such a great encouragement
to domestic produce. (Hear, from the ministerial benches.)
But, sir, I have been speaking generally. I say it is im-
portant to a country like this, whose chief means of subsist-
ence are derived from its supply of wheat—l say it is
important for a country like this, if we are obliged to resort
to foreign countries for supplies, that those supplies should be
occasional to make up any deficiency that might arise, rather
than to constitute the chief source of our dependence. (Cheers
from the ministerial side of the house.) 1 draw my inference
from what has taken place during the last four years. 1
shall of course be bound to admit that this country was,
during that period, dependent in some degree, in consequence
of an increase of the population, on foreign countries for
supplies of corn. But I will take the last ten years, and
what is the fact wish respect to the first six of these ten ?
Why, that the produce during that time was nearly sufficient
for the support of its population, inasmuch as the average im-
ports during the same period amounted only to 137,000 quar-
ters annually. And this, then, having been the case in the
years 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836, and 1837, it would be too
much, I think, to inter that the population has so rapidly
increased that we must abandon all hope of subsistence from
our own domestic produce. Within the last ten years the
population has, of course, exceeded any former ten years in
the annals of this country. During the last four years there
has been a demand for foreign corn, but in six years out of
the ten the productions of the country have been sufficient
for the consumption of the people ; and 1 am not, therefore,
prepared to admit the conclusions that there must ne-
cessarily he a periodical annual importation of foreign corn
for the supply of this country. In determining, therefore,
the duties which should he levied on corn, we should take
care to provide for periods of comparative abundance and
comparative scarcity, as well here as in other countries. Six
years of good harvests may occur in this country, when the
produce would be amply sufficient for our own consumption ;
if such should be the case, what he feared, supposing the
enactment of a fixed duty, would be the unlimited right of
import, which would be given at a certain amount of duty,
which could always be maintained, and which would sub-
ject the agricultural producers of our country to the great-
est distress and injury. (Hear, hear, hear.) A similar
result would be produced at periods of scarcity. when the
greatest misery might prevail amongst the population. It has
been observed by writers of-great authority that favourable
and unfavourable harvests recur in certain cycles, and we
shall find, if we look back at the productions of former years,
that though perhaps a year of abundance followed a year of
scarcity, yet we may find five or six years of comparative.
abundance followed by five or six years of comparative scar-
city ; and under such circumstances the effect of a fixed duty
on corn would be at all times, and under all circumstances,
to admit of the importation of foreign corn in this country,
and the inconvenience of such a result may easily be seen.
The periods of favourable harvests, it will be found, also
generally correspond in this country and in those countries
from which we obtain, when we require it, the principal sup-
ply of our corn. The great producing countries of Europe
lie under about the same latitude, and are affected generally
by the same causes; and it is proved, for the most part, that
an abundant harvest in this country is contemporaneous with
an abundant harvest abroad. The consequence is, that when
there occurs a great abundance of corn, by a sudden addition
to the quantity in this country, the price is affected very dif-
ferently from the degree which would be inferred from the
actual amount in the country. (Hear, hear.) It is stated
by Mr. Tooke, in his work " On Prices," that "the price
varies in its ratio very differently from the variations in the
quantity in the country, but the variation is greater in the
price of corn than in other articles of extensive consump-
tion." It is also remarked by the same author, that on a
comparison between the deficiency and abundance of har-
vests in this country and in others, it will be seen that abun-
dance here is generally contemporaneous with abundance in
those countries from which we chiefly derive our supply ;
and the consequence therefore would be, that in a time of
sufficient production here by the imports from abroad there
would be an increared discouragement and loss to the pro-
ducer of corn in this country. which he would consider and
deprecate as a very great evil. It is argued that the con-
sequence of imposing a fixed duty would be the pre-
vention of those alterations ; that although it would be
very difficult to maintain a fixed duty in a period of severe
scarcity, yet that the tendency of that law would be to pre-
vent scarcity, and a recurrence of those deficiencies, which
we, admit it is difficult to prevent. (Hear, hear, hear.)
Now I must say that all experience appears to me to prove,
that, with respect to corn, there are such fluctuations in its
priceeon account of the variations in the seasons, that it
would be impossible for you to take any precautions by legis-
lation against that alteration in price—(hear, hear, hear) ;
that no law that you could pass permitting the free importa-
tion of corn at a fixed duty would, in case of a deficient har-
vest here and on the Continent, prevent the rise of price to
such a point that a fixed duty could not be maintained. Take
the United States. They are not subject to the operation of
the corn-laws, yet there you will find, on account of the
fluctuations in the seasons, great fluctuations in price; fluc-
tuations as great as prevail in this country. (Hear, hear.)
In Prussia you will find that with respect to rye, a species of
grain not affected by the corn-laws, on account of the fluc-
tuation of the seasons, as great fluctuations in price as in the
price of wheat in this country subject to the operation of
the corn-laws. And in point of fact, that as the fluctuation
in the price must necessarily depend so much on the vicissi-
tudes of the seasons that no laws you could pass, restricting
comercial intercourse, could guard you against high prices in
severe seasons. If there be that high price, will you be able
to maintain your fixed duty ? (Hear, bear.) If the fixed
duty be Bs. or 10s., and if your interposition by legislative
enactment does not guard against the rise of price, if scar-
city takes place, and the averages rise to 80s. or 908., I retain
the impression I stated in the course of last session, that no
government could undertake at such a period to enforce a
duty of Bs. (Hear, hear.). If that is admitted you must
make some provision for the relaxation of that duty. If you
entrust the power of relaxation to executive authority, you
introduce uncertainty into the operation of the law; you
give a power capable of being greatly abused—(cries of
" hear, hear,"—and yotedestroy altogether that confidence
in the permanency of your arrangement, which you rely on,
for the encouragement of commercial enterprise. Therefore,
with reference to a fixed duty, both as applicable to a
state of abundance as to a state of scarcity, I have come
to the conclusion (after again considering this subject)
that it is not advisable for parliament to alter these laws
on the principle of the application of a fixed duty. (Cheers.)
The alteration of the law which I shall propose will proceed
on the principle of retaining a duty on corn, varying in
amount with the price of that article in the home market ;
that is the principle of the existing law. The maintenance
of that principle necessarily involves the system of averages.
It is said there would be a great advantage in sweeping away
altogether the system of averages. It is quite true that it
might be competent for me to abandon the present system ;
but with respect to the imposition of a duty on corn, you
must maintain the system of averages—because the annual
payment on account of tithe is founded on calculations con-
nected with it. It does, therefore, appear to me that, as
averages must be maintained for the purpose of tithe compo-
sition, it would not be expedient to adopt any other system of
averages, materially varying in principle for determining the
duty on corn ; and I say that it you determine the amount
of duty by the system of averages, it would be inconvenient
to have two systems prevailing at the same time with respect
to corn and tithe, while it would be unjust to depart materi-
ally from that system on which the averages with respect to
tithe is founded. There is a very general impression through-
out the country that a great deal of fraud has taken place
with respect to the averages. (Hear, hear.) There is a very
general impression, particularly on the part of the agricultu-
ral body, that there have been, either great frauds with re-
spect to the averages, or very extensive combinations entered
into for the purpose of influencing the averages, and pro-
curing the rates of corn to be made at a lower price than they
ought. (Hear, hear.) I am not prepared to deny that such
combinations may in some cases have been entered into,
nor that in some cases such frauds have been committed ;
but I very much doubt whether they have been practised to
any extent, or to the amount- that has been generally
supposed. It has been supposed, that generally speaking the
returns for London have unduly influenced the averages.
It has been generally supposed that in Leeds, Wakefield, and
in other parts of Yorkshire, great and successful combinations
had been entered into to influence the averages. Sir, as I
said before, these impressions may not be altogether without
foundation, but I believe that they have been greatly exagge-
rated. If I take the averages of the kingdom for six weeks
in 1840—if I take the averages of the kingdom for the 6th,
13th, 20th, and 27th of August, and the 3d and 10th of Sep-
tember, 1840. the average for the whole of these six weeks
was 735. ld. as the price of wheat. ' If, sir, I exclude the
London market the aggregate general average would be 72s 8d
in place of 73s Id. If I exclude York the general average
would be 71s 10d. These are sufficient, under particular
circumstances, peculiarly to affect the case ; and it may pos-
sibly be argued that in London the prices may be mainly in-
fluenced. It is difficult to estimate the effect upon other
markets; it, is extremely difficult to form conjectures on this
subject, but as far as we can judge from figures, I think that
the apprehension that extensive frauds exist in respect to the
working of the averages, though not altogether unfounded,
has been greatly exaggerated. (Hear, hear.) The difference
of the aggregate average, excluding London would be Is 3d ;
if London, Leeds, and Wakefield were excluded, there would
be a difference of la 10d in the amount of average. That
difference might affect the amount of duty ; but the price of
corn in London is usually higher than elsewhere—therefore
there would-be no imputation. if I find this the case in Lon-
doe, of fraud—it would afford no necessary inference of
fraud. Then again, the London averages quantity exceed
those of the country. For instance, in the year 1838, taking
the weekly averages from the 13th of August to the 7th of
September, the weekly average was 735. Exclusive of the
London market there would be a further difference. In the
year 1840 the aggregate averages between the 24th July and
20th August was 70s 2d; the average excluding London was
70s Ild ; now that difference makes a great difference in
the amount of duty—the duty on the aggregate average of
70s 2d is 25.8c1; and the average, including London, would
raise the duty on the price of corn to 10s Bd. But, as I
said before, I do not infer fraud from excluding London.
Various proposals have been made with respect to the amend-
ment of the law of averages by various parties; and• those
proposals, have received the utmost consideration from her
Majesty's government. I think there will be a general
agreement in this, that whatever system may be devised,
fraud should, as far as possible, be excluded. It is advised
by some that the returns should be made by the growers—
that they should make the returns connected with the aver-
ages : a proposal has been made, that it is necessary the
growers, and the growers only, should make these returns.
Now, sir, it is impossible to adopt such a principle or system.
At present Irish corn and Scotch corn are admitted into the
averages. It would be impossible, therefore, to exclude
Irish and Scotch corn from the averages, because this would
have a natural effect, in raising the prices of corn. This, I
must say, that I think we ought to guard as far as we can
against fraud, but I do not think we ought to attempt to in-
crease protection by any indirect operation. If, sir, I
thOught that a certain amount of protection was requisite, I
would make it directly and openly ; but it would not be fair
to procure an indirect protection and encouragement for our
domestic agriculturists by any alteration with respect to the
averages, except with a view to prevent fraud. Various al-
-1 terations in the law might be made by which the averages
might have the effect of rendering it impossible to guard
against fraud ; but I say that for the purpose of granting any
indirect protection for the agricultural interest, I will not be
a party to a proposal of any such eature. (Cheers.) It has
been suggested by some, that the seller should be required,
under a penalty, to make a return of the corn sold by him.
Sir, it is difficult to foresee what would be the effect of an
enactment like that requiring every farmer, under a penalty,
to make a return of the quantity of corn sold by him, and
its price, instead of its being made, as at present, by the
factor. I conceive the great security and only effectual
remedy is to bring the temptation so low as to give no
colour for fraud by an adjustment of the protection to be
afforded. (Cheers.) The proposal of her Majesty's govern-
ment, therefore, with respect to the taking of the averages,
will be thus. They will propose to take the averages in the
present mode, from the factor, the miller, or the purchaser,
the same party who now makes a return at the close of each
market day of the whole of the purchases made by him dur-
ing the week. We see no advantage in departing from that
principle, trusting that the alteration to be made in the mode
of levying the duty will effectually prevent fraud. We shall
propose that that the duty of collecting the, returns shall be
devolied upon the excise—a department hich is perfectly
competent to the due discharge of the duty. They have an
officer employed in each market town—an officer perfectly
qualified for the duty by being in the regular discharge of higher
and more onerous ones—qualified too by his general habits
of busineis; and' the' 'responsibility, attaching to him by his
being a public officer, and thereby giving a greater security

against fraud than if the averages were taken by other per
sons, as at present. We therefore propose that the averages
Should be taken as at present? but that the return should be
made to an officer acting under the Board of Excise. We
also conceive that in order to lessen the chances for the per-
petration of fraud, it is very desirable to widen the range from
which the averages shall be taken. At present there are 150
towns named in the Corn Bill from which returns should be
made ; from that number of 150 many very considerable
towns are excluded ;' towns have grown up' since the passing
of the act, which have become considerable markets for
the sale of corn. We propose, therefore, not to leave it to
the,discretion of the government, orof any body, but to name
in the bill which we shall propose, many of the principal
towns, now corn markets, which are excluded from the 150.
It appears to me that the more you widen the range from
which ydu get the returns the greater security you take
against their being influenced by fraudulent means. (Hear,
hear.) I should propose to limit the number of towns, as at
present, to England and Wales, although I propose to add to
the number of towns from which the returns are to be made,
still I shall propose that they should be confined to England
and Wales.
Lord J. RussEL-L.—How many ?
Sir R. PEEL.—They will be named in the bill.
Lord J. RussELL.—State the number.

Sir R. PEEL.-At present there are 150 towns named in
the bill. I propose to add to the numoer, not leaving it to
the discretion of the government, or any board, but that
those towns to be added be named in the bill. The three
protections then, Sir, we propose to take against the com-
mission of frauds, are first, to widen the range from which
the averages are to be taken ; secondly, to employ a respon-
Bible officer in the taking of them, one acting under the
orders and superintendence of a public board ; but the main
security will clearly be such an alteration in the duty as shall
diminish the temptation of fraud. (Cheers.) I trust I have
made myself sufficiently clear upon this point. Sir, I now
approach the more important part of the proposition which
her Majesty's government have to propose to the house.
Now with regard to the proposition which I am prepared to
lay before the house, I will just refer to the manner in which
the duty is at present imposed. I find that when the price
of wheat is from 665. per quarter to 675. the duty is 20s. Bd.
It then falls 2s. in price until corn is between 68s. and 695.,
when the duty is 16s. Bd. At 70s. the duty is 12s. Bd., and
at 715., 10s. Bd. ; it then falls 45., being Gs. Bd., and at 735.
it is 2s. Bd., and at 735. and upwards, ls. only. Now a great
objection has been urged to this mode of levying, on the
ground that the reduction of the duty was so sapid that it
held out temptations to speculators in corn. At 60s. the
duty was 265. Bd., and at 735. only la., therefore leaving an
increase of price of 135., and a decrease of duty of 255. Bd.,
being an inducement to speculators to retain corn, or to com-
bine to influence the averages. At 665. the duty is 20s. Bd.,
and between 665. and 735. the inducement to retain corn is
7s. rise in price, and 19s. Bd. ; being a total amount of 265. Bd.
Between 70s. mid 735. the difference was 3s. in price, and 9s.
in point of duty, being an inducement to keep the price of
corn at 70s. of 12s. It is said that the present scale of duty
is injurious not only to the consumer of corn, but to the pro-
ducer and also to the revenue. It is said to be injurious to
the consumer, because, "when the price of corn was varying
between 665. and 70s. the great object of those who specu-
lated in corn was to keep the price at the highest possible
point, in order that they might, when necessary, pour in a
quantity of foreign corn for their own advantage. (Hear.)
It is said to be injurious to the agricultural classes, because
it induced them to keek back their corn until a period when,
by the very operation to which I have already adverted,
foreign corn could be admitted, and thus the protection which
these classes had was taken away from them. (Hear, hear.)
It is injurious to the revenue, because it enabled parties to
hold back corn until the shilling duty only was payable, and
thus the revenue was defrauded of the amount which it was
entitled to, between the ls. duty and that which would be the
duty on foreign corn if it had been brought in when home-
grown corn was at the lower amount to which I have ad-
verted. (Hear, hear.) It is also said to be injurious to the
speculator in corn, who, calculating upon corn remaining at
a particular price, enters into a speculation, but finds upon
returning to this country that the purpose of his speculation
has been defeated by the altered. amount of duty. (Hear.)
These are the objections to the present scale of duty
arising from its rapid fluctuations. Our object in applying
a remedy to this system is to propose one that will diminish
the temptations to fraud which at present exist. In the
year 1838, the total amount of wheat taken for home
consumption was 1,728,000 quarters in the course of the
year, and of that amount 1,261,000 quarters were entered to
come in at is. duty. In the year 1840, the total amount of
wheat entered for home consumption was 2,020,000 quarters,
and of these 1,217,000 quarters were taken out at a duty of
2s. Bd. Now, the house will observe, that the rate of duty
at which this corn was brought in is not the only important
feature which attaches to these circumstances, but the period
of the year at which it was released from bond is also a mat-
ter for very great consideration in dealing with this subject.
In 1838 the corn taken out at a duty of Is. was so taken out
in the week following the 13th of September, and in 1840 the
corn taken out at a duty of 2s. Bd. was released after the 3d
of September. Now, in each of those two years by far the
greater part of the wheat taken out was taken out at a duty
of is. and 2s. Bd. ; but at the same time it must be borne in
mind, that it was taken out at a most critical period-at a
period when the farmers were thrashing their corn and pre-
paring it for consumption. At this time, therefore, there
was a great depression in the corn markets of this country.
But the circumstances which I have just alluded to will tell
with peculiar and unfavourable effect on the farmers of the
north, whose harvest is generally late; inasmuch as they had
to contend against a sudden influx of corn into our markets
. at the lowest rate of duty. (Hear, hear.) Now, this ought,
and I am sure will, prevail with those who approve of protec-
tion to agriculture, to listen with favour to a plan for the
modification of the existing system. (Hear, hear.) Sir,
with the permission of the house I will proceed, in the course
of a few minutes, to read to the house the scale of duties
which we propose to apply in this respect,-(" Oh, oh !"
from the opposition benches,)-and, sir, the scale of duties
is devised with the sincere desire to tiffs, s :sericulture and
agricultural interests every protection whets they can by pos-
sibility have, and at the same time it is devised for the purpose,
when foreign corn is required, of facilitating, as far as possi-
ble, commercial intercourse with respect to corn. Sir, nothing
can be more difficult than to attempt to determine what is the
amount of protection which is required for home consumption?
A thousand circumstances should be taken into considera-
tion by any person who would undertake to determine what
amount of duty should be imposed on foreign corn, so as to
leave a sufficient remuneration for the grower of corn in this
country, and to establish something like a settled scale of
prices. These were the two great points to be observed.
All persons wishing to protect domestic agriculture, must
consider, taking a comprehensive view of the subject, what
duty would leave a sufficient encouragement to the grower of
wheat. A further element of consideration was the price at
which foreign corn could be brought into this country. To
attempt to gain any accurate conclusion respecting a matter
that depended on so many varying circumstances would be
indeed fruitless. Respecting, however, the price of wheat
in this country there were some means of judging what its
fair average might be. If, for instance, I take the average of
wheat according to the commutation of tithes, the average of
seven years on which that commutation depended, is about
565. 10d. If again I take the average of corn for the last 10
years in this country, I find it to be (as we understood) about
565. Ild. But for the last three years the price of corn in
this country had been higher than I am convinced it was
generally desired that it should permanently remain-(loud
cheers)-and I would say, for the agricultural classes, that if
the oscillation of the price of wheat could be limited to be-
tween 545. and 58s. a quarter, that it would not be the de-
sire, as I believe it would not be the interest of the agricul-
tural classes that it should be higher. (Cheers.) If I take
the average of seven years of the last ten years, and, exclu-
ding those three years in which it reached an extreme price,
I find that the average is about 565. (Hear.) He could not
see any great advantage of a diminution of the price of wheat
below that price. The variations of price it was impossible
for any legislative enactments to remedy. In the year 1835,
when there was a nominal protection of 645., then the price
of wheat in this country was 395. It was impossible, in fact,
to calculate from any amount of duty, the price at which fo-
reign corn would be regulated. After these observations, he
would proceed to read to the house the scale of duty which
her Majesty's ministers meant to propose. When the price
of corn was under 515., he proposed that the scale of duty
should be 20s. When the price of corn was from 51s. to 525.,
he proposed that the duty should be 19s. Here he proposed
to make what he might call a rest in the scale, and he pro-
posed that when the price of wheat should be from 525. to
555., the duty should remain uniformly at 18s. Then, when
the price was from 555. to 565., he proposed the duty should
be 17s. ; 565. to 575., the duty should be 16s. ; when the
price was from 575. to 585., the duty should be 15s. ; from
58s. to 595., the duty should be 14s. ; from 595. to 605., the
duty should be 13s. ; from 60s. to 615., the duty should be
12s. ; from 61s. to 625., the duty. should be Ils. ; from
625. to G3s., the duty should be 10s. ; from 635. to
645., the duty should be 9s. ' • from. 645. to 655., the duty
should be Bs.; from 655. to 665., the duty should be 7s.
Then when the price of wheat should be from 665. to 695.,
the duty should remain at 6s. ; from 695. to 705., the duty
should remain at,ss. ; from 705.. to 715., the duty should be
4s. ; from 71s. to 725., the duty should be 3s. ; from 725. to
735., the duty should be.2s., and when the price of whest
should be from 735. to 745., the duty on its importation
should be but ls. When .the latter price is arrived at,
I propose that the duty should cease altogether. (Hear,
hear.) That is the scale I .propose. I will read the scale
again if it be required ; . perhaps . the house may like to
hear some of the leading items again. (Hear, hear, hear.)
When the price is under.sls. the quarter, I propose thatl the
duty be 205., never to be exceeded. I am quite satisfied that
a larger amount will not be attempted; and what is meant is
quite fair, and will secure fairness in the amplest sense.
(Hear, hear.) It is not meant that any small amount
taken out for home consumption shall be allowed to alter
the returns. When the price is 565. to 575., then the duty
to be 16s. ; when 60s. to 615., 12s. This scale will have the
effect of diminishing the temptation to practise on the ave-
rages. It would not hold out the temptation to hold back
for the sake of a lower duty. I think the scale will be found'
to be so arranged as to guard against those evils that have
been heretofore complained of, by so arranging as that the
diminishing duty shall act in concert with price, thus guard-
ing against the temptation to hold back. Heretofore the
contrary was the case ; there was the temptation to hold back
until there was the lower duty ; and further, there was mo-
tive for greatly tampering with the averages. Those evils
will, I think, be effectually guarded against by the scale now
proposed. That such was the effect the returns have shown,
for a greater amount of wheat was taken out than of any
other grain. That was not the case with oats. I will enu-
merate what took place with respect to oats. There were
3,513,002 quarters only taken out ; of that quantity 248,000
qrs. were taken out at Is. 9d., 659,000 qrs. when the duty
was 3s. 3d., 243,000 qrs. when it was 4s. 9d., and 940,000
qrs. when it was 6s. 3d. duty. That, sir, was the effect of a
gradually falling duty of Is. 6d. Now, I propose in no case
to exceed ls., and consequently I am entitled to think that,
by applying the duty to wheat, there is every prospect that
wheat, like oats, will be taken out at a higher rate of duty-
that the revenue will profit in a proportionate degree-and
that the consumer and the agriculturist will be equally bene-
fited by wheat being taken out at a legitimate time, when the
demand shall require it. With respect to other articles of
grain, I propose to adopt the proportion which I find in
the existing law. The proportions of the existing corn-law
are that, valuing wheat at 100 s., the value of barley may
be taken at 535. ; the value of oats at 40s. ; rye, peas, and
beans at 58s. If it be assumed that 565. being applied
for wheat, a duty of 16s. should apply ; that when barley is
at 295., a duty of 9s. ought to apply ; that when oats are at
225., a duty of about 6s. 3d. ought to apply ; that when rye,
peas, and beans are at 325., a duty of 10s. 31d. ought to ap-
ply. I am then not aware of any reason for an alteration of
the proportions which are at present to be found in respect
to other kinds of grain. And I propose, therefore, in adjust-
ing the duties applicable to other descriptions of grain, that
the existing proportion of t he corn laws should be applied.
The scale o duties I should propose for those several articles
of consumption will correspond with the relation of the price.
In the case of foreign oats, I propose that the maximum they
of Bs. should be levied. It is, probably, scarcely necessary
for me to read the whole of the details. I propose that the
duty should fall with the increase of price, to Bs. to 75., and
then that it should continue at 65., for the three items of
price of 215., 225., and 235. ; that on its reaching 2 ls., a duty
of ss. should continue. and that, with the decline of price, it
should be increased by ls. ; so that the extremes of grada-
tion of duty would be Bs. and Is., the duty of Is. being the
minimum rate, and continuing at that rate when the price of
oats should not exceed 28s. In the case of barley, I propose
that under 265. there should be a duty on every quarter of
Ils., that being the maximum ; that between 265. and 275.
the duty should be 10s.-; between 275. and under 30s. it
should continue at 9s. ; between 30s. and 31s. it should be
atßs., and so on ; and that at 375. weshould reduce the duty
to Is., that being the lowest amount of duty. I should propose

Sir Robert Peel completed the 54th year of his age on
Saturday last.

The Lords' Commissioners of the Admiralty have ordered
that in future all steam-vessels built for her majesty's navy
are to be fitted with Captain Smith's invention of boats
placed above the paddle-wheels.
DEATH OF " INDEPENDENCE."--,ThiS famous old horse.
formerly the property of the late Mr. Beardsworth, died on
Sunday week at Hednesford, aged twenty-six years.
The Mayor of Walsall has refused to convene a public
meeting to deliberate upon the propriety of presenting a pe-
tition to parliament for the total abolition of the corn-laws.

ARREST OF THREE SUSPECTED HIGHWAYMEN.—Three
desperate characters were arrested by the police, at Clitheroe,
on Friday night, in a lodging-house of bad repute. When
taken into custody, they were found to be severally armed
with a brace of loaded pistols.
Tilt Duxt.—The Herald, in describing the ceremony of
opening parliament, observes " We cannot close.our account
without expressing our regret at the infirm appearance of
' the great duke.' His, grace looked pale, and walked with
a feeble step."
A Hindostanee Prince, dressed in a suit of royal purple
velvet, and glittering with gold and brilliants, occupieda seat
in the northern gallery of the House of Lords, at the open-
ing of parliament, and appeared much interested with the
scene.

Mr. Heron, a minister, had a large family of children.
When dying, his weeping wife said, " Alas! what will be-
come of all these children ?" He pleasantly replied, " Never
fear : he that feeds the young ravens won't starve the young
Herons."

AN EAGLE.—On Thursday last Hugh Menzies, one of
Lord Ward's gamekeepers, captured a splendid golden eagle
upon one of the Glengarry hills. This unruly denizen of the
wilds has been for years known to the shepherds in the dis-
trict of Glengarry, and was much remarked, as well for his
size as for his destruction of game and flocks. He measures,
between the tips of the wings when extended, 8 feet 3 inches,
and from the point of the tail to the beak, 3 feet 2 inches.
He suffered little or no injury in the capture.
SINGULAR COINCIDENCE.—A HARD RACE.—Mr. David
Hincliffe, an operative fancy weaver, residing at Mold
Green, Huddersfield, was married upon the same day our
gracious Queen was united to Prince Albert; his wile was
delivered of a daughter, the same cloy the Princess Royal was
born ; and she also gave birth to a son the same day the
Prince of males came into the world ! Hitherto the race
has been equal; but in the event of Mrs. Hincliffe passing or
rather surpassing her illustrious rival—as some of her neigh-
bours venture to predict she will—it is hoped her Majesty
will generally acknowledge her supremacy, by sending her a
handsome present.

---
A DISSENTERS' LOYALTY.—A grocer, residing in Bir-
mingham, following the example so generally set by the in-
habitants, closed his shop on the occasion of the christening
of the Prince of 'Wales, but for fear he should seem too loyal
or too religious, placarded in large characters the following
notice upon his shutters :—" Closed for recreation, not to
sanction an unscriptural ceremony."
TILE QUEEN'S SHAWLS.—A letter was received in town
on Monday, from Windsor, acknowledging the receipt of
the shawls sent up last week. Her Majesty expressed much
gratification on witnessing such beautiful specimens of Pais-
ley manufacture, and made a selection from the several par-
cels. As an indication that the choice of her Majesty will
a not be without its effects, were happy to add that applica-
tions, both from Glasgow and Edinburgh, have been received
during the week for shawls of the Queen's choice. We hope
to hear of similar orders from many other quarters.—Paisley
Advertiser.

ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE,
GREAT CHARLOTTE-STREET, LIVERPOOL.

FAREWELL NIGHTS OF DUCROTV'S NATIONAL
ESTABLISHMENT IN LIVERPOOL!

THIS DAY (Friday),
BY DESIRE OF SEVERAL FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS,
A MORNING PERFORMANCE
Will be given, being THE LAST THIS SEASON.

THIS present FRIDAY EVENING, the 11th instant,
and TO-MORROW (Saturday), the 12th instant, will
he produced the magnificent Legendary Spectacle, entitled
ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON ;
OR, THE SEVEN CHAMPIONS OP CHRISTENDOM.
St. George of England, Mr. W. D. Broadfoot ; Tom of
Coventry, Mr. H. Beverly; Kalaba. Mrs. Nunn.
To be followed by an entire Change of
DUCROW'S SCENES OF THE CIRCLE !

•
To conclude with the Drama of -
THE FUGITIVE OF THE TORZA ;
Or, The Mill if Keben.
On MONDAY next, a Grand Equestrian Fete, for the
BENEFIT of SIGNOR HILLIER.
Private Boxes may be obtained nightly for Families on ap-
plication to Mr. F. CARMAN, at the Box-office, from Eleven
until Three o'clock.

Prices of Admission :—Centre Dress Boxes, 3s. ; Side
Boxes, 2s. 6d. ; Pit, Is. 6d. ; Lower Gallery, Is. ; Upper
Gallery, Gd. Second Price at Nine o'clock :—Centre Dress
Boxes, 2s. ; Side Boxes, Is. 6d. ; Pit. is.; Lower Gallery,
Gd. No Second Price to the Upper Gallery. Second Price
will be taken for Children under Twelve years of age to the
Boxes only.
Dorss to be opened at Half-past Six, and the Performance
to commence at Seven o'clock precisely.