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

see any great

ainution 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.neminal protection of G ls., 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..
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 193. 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
he 17s. ; 565.. to 575., the duty should be 16s. ; when the
price was frdm 575. to 585., the duty should be 15s. i from
58s. to 595.' ,
the duty should be 14s. ; from 595. to 60s. the
duty should be:l3s. ; from 60s. to 616., the duty should be
12s. ;, from 61s. to. 625., the duty should be Hs. ; from
625. to 63s, the duty should he 10s. ; from 635. to
645., the duty should be. 9s. ' • from 645,, to 655., the duty
s,hould_
.be Ss. ; from 655. to 665., the duty should be 7s.
Then when the price of wheat should be. from 666. to 693.-,
the duty should remain at 65.; from 695. to 705., the duty
should remain. at ss. ; from 70s. to 715., the duty should be
• from 71s. t^ `tie duty should'- " - 79.5. to

to 725., th. oe 3s. ; from i 4.,
the.duty should be 2s.,.and when the price of wheat
should.
,be from 735..
.to. 745., the duty on its importation
should be hut ls. When the latter price is, arrived at,
I propose that the duty should cease altogether. (Hear,

hear some .. .. . .. . . ..
of the leading items again. .(Hear, hear, hear.)
When.the. price is tinder 51s. the quarter, 1 propose that the
duty be 295:, 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.
(1-lear, hear.) It is not meant that any small amount
viken out for home consumption shall be allowed to alter
the returns. When the price is 565. to 575., then the duty
to be 165.; when 60s. to 615., 12s. Thissae will have the
effect of dimini;hing the temptation to practise on the ave-
rages. It'wotild not hold. out the.. temptation to hold :back-
for the sake of a lower duty'. 1 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 again&

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
wilt, I think. be effectually guarded against by the scale now
proposed. 'Oat such was.,the effect the returns have shown,
fur a greatergamount 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 ls. 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
wheht, like oats, will be taken out at a hiohp, rntp. of thaw—

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 4 ; os.rye, peas., and
beaus at 483, If it be assumed that 565. being applied
)r wheat, a duty of Ns. should apply ; that when barley is
ought to apply ; that when oats are at
;.3d. ought to apply; that when rye,
325., a duty of 10s. 34d. ought to ap-

.t 295., a duty of
25., a duty of at
,eas, and beans a

ply. lam 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 the corn laws should be applied.
The scale of duties I should propose fur those several articles

of consumption will correspond with the relation of t
In the case of foreign oats, I propose.that the maximum duty
of Bs. should be levied. It is, probabl
for me to read the whole of the detail
duty should fall with tl

carcely necessu;
propose t6.4,t fli
cf price,' to 85. to 75., an,

theit that it should ootitilitle at 65., for .th
price d 21

235. ; that on it

of ss. should continue. and that

le three items of
.ching 2-19., a duty

that the extremes of grads-
. and ls., 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
I Is., that being the maximum ; that between 265._ and 275.

, with the decline of price,, it

should be increased byls. ;
tion of duty would be

the 'duty shotid be 10s. ; between 275. and under 30s. it
should continue at 9s. ; between 30s. and 31s. it should be
at Bs., and so on ; and that at 375. we should reduce the duty
to ls., that being the lowest amount of duty. I should propose

and under 575., 35.; when 575. and under 585., 2s. ; and
when 58s. and upwards, that it shall be Is. This regulation
is to take away the sudden fall which occurs under the ex-
isting law. With respect to flour I propose to retain the
same calculation which exists with respect to wheat, and to
permit flour to be imported on the • same relative terms.
Now I believe I have put the house in full possession of
the nature of the proposal which it is the intention of her
Majesty's government to subMit. If you compare the
reduction in the amount of the duty with the existing duty,
you will find that it is very considerable ; and those who
have appettred CO think that the modification which I propose
to make in the existing law is of no importance, I shall ask
them to compare my scale of duties on the admission of
foreign corn with the existing scale. (Hear, hear, hear.)
When corn is at 50s. to 605., the present duty is 275. Bd.
the duty. What I propose at this price is 13s. At 50s. the
existing duty is 365. Bd., increasing as corn falls. Instead
of 365. Bd. I propose in this case a duty of 20s. without in-
crease. At 565. I propose to fix a duty of 16s.—the existing
duty is 30s. Bd. ; at 60s the existing duty is 265. Bd.—the duty I
propose is 12s. At 635. the duty I propose is Os. ; the exist-
ing duty is 235. Bd. At 6,15. the duty I propose is Bs. ; the
present duty is 225. Bd. At 70s. the existing duty is 10s.
Sd. ; the duty I propose is 55., and so on to be reduced •as I
have already stated, until it reaches one shilling. Therefore
it is impossible to dgny, on comparing the duty as at present
imposed .with, the dtify which I prOpose, that there is a very
considerable decrease in the protective duty on corn. It is
a decrease of protection which, in my opinion, can be made
consistent with justice to all interests in the country. lithe
agriculturists compare the nominal amount of duty that exists
with my proposition, they will find reason for allaying their
apprehensions ; but lam.bound to say that I think the agri-
cultural interest of this country can afford to part with a
portion of that protection which in my opinion it is perfectly
just should he diminished: (Cheers from 'the,opposition.)
I also consider that whatever arrangements can be made,
tending to facilitate the introduction of foreign corn, when
our necessities require it, consistent with a due regard to our
commercial intercourse, should be carried into effect. The
protection which I retain for domestic produce is not a pro-
tection for any particular class, for I ant of opinion that such
a,protection cannotrbe vindicated on any other ground than
that of the interests of all classes. (Loud cheering.) This
is,my opinion—the only protection that can properly he en-
forced is that which is consistent with the general interests
of all classes. (Renewed opposition cheering.) 1 should not
be a friend of agriculture if I asked for protection for the
purpose of propping up or defending their interests as a
particular class. •Such a motive as this I disclaim alto-
gether ; but it is my belief, and it is also the belief
of my colleagues, that it is of the greatest importance to the

welfare of all classes in this country, that precautions
should be take❑ that the main sources of our supply should
be derived from domestic produce, hut that any additional
price paid for this purpose is an addition that cannot be vin-
dicated. At the same time we are entitled to place such a
duty on foreign corn as is equivalent to the public burdens
which agriculture bears in this country, and any addition to
this can only be vindicated on the ground that it is for the
general interests of all classes; but I do consider that it is
for the general interests of all classes that a small amount
should be imposed in way of duty, in order to guard against
any calamity that would ensue if we were left dependant in
part, or altogether, on a foreign supply of corn. (Cheers.)
It is my belief that the alternation of the seasons mast form
a prominent feature of consideration. You must expect that
at some time or other when you have a deficient harvest in
this country, such a visitation will be felt abroad also, it is
ineuitable ; should you then find yourselves dependant upon
foreign countries for four or five millions of quarters of wheat,
and the calamity of a scarcity be a general one, in that case

you may depend upon it that the interests of sett-presei
would prevail in those countries, some impediments would be
thrown in the way of exports in grain, and their produce be
employed for the sustenance of their own population. Sir, 1
need not he a party, not on account of the special interests
of the agriculturists, but on account of all the most compre-
hensive interests of the country. I could not be a party
to any law that would render this country dependant
upon foreign countries for any very considerable por-
tion of our subsistence: That we have been dependant
for a portion of our supply for a series of years 1
cannot deny. In years of scarcity we must, to a certain
extent be dependant upon a foreign supply; but I can-
not abandon the hope that in average years we may be
able to supply our whole population. But, sir, even if you
should he disappointed in that hope, and you must resort to

difference between a supply that is 'casual and limited in
quantity, brought in for repairing an accidental and slight de-
ficiency, and a supply that would be permanent and extensive.
Sir, that is the proposition that I am authorised to make on
the part of her majesty's government. It is a proposal which
they deem, upon the whole, adverting to the extent of pro-
tection which for a long series of years past the laws of this
yen to the land, as worthy of the considera-
That is their proposal, prompted by no
r reason and sense of justice, to which
,y have been driven by no pressure but their own judgment.

country ha%

tion of parliamet

(Cheers.) It is the Proposal which her majesty's government
think necessary, and most for the interests of the country,
should it meet with the sanction of the' legislature. This,
then, I conceive is not an unfavourable time for the adjust-
ment of this great and important question ; and here I may
be allowed to say, that during.the period that this subject has
been under consideration, and notwastanding that the great-
est commercial distress had prevailed, still the 'question has
been considered with ;n4 much inoilerat and as much calm-
ness as it was possible, that such a question could be consi-

dered.' There ►:►ay have been great excitement, and there may
have been great endeavours to excite agitation, but I must
Say, that the general demeanour of the great body of the peo-
ple, and of those particularly who are most exposed to suffe-
ring in the n►anufacturing districts, deserves our best sympa-
thy and consideration.
.(Hear.) It 'snow open to parliament to
settle this great question. I hope that the result of the
proposal submitted to parliament by her Majesty's govern-
ment will lead to some favourable adjustment of this great
question. The proposal which we have made for that pur-
pose is one which we think will he most consistent with a
due consideration of the interests of all the parties in the

country. It it is the pleasure of parliament to assent to this
proposal, it will of course pass into a law; but if parliament

- -
will be adjusted with a view to the interests of those parties
to which I have already referred : and I conclude by ex-
pressing a hope that whatever arrangement may be come to,
it will be most consistent with the interests of all classes,
whether manufacturing, commercial, or agricultural, of this
great empire. (Loud and continued cheering.)
Sir It. PEEL moved that the Chairman do report progress,
and ask leave to sit again on Monday nest.
Lord J. RUSSELL then said •that after what he bad stated
the other evening in reference to the proposition of the right
h. AL-1 ;,,rpnci to enter upon any dis-

cussion of the -plan which had lust been submitted to the
house. But in older that they might come to the discussion
of it with as much information as possible—he did not mean
statistical information—but information with respect to the
plan .itself, it seemed to him not only advisable but abso-
lutely necessary that they should have a list of the towns
bart. - nt to ' -de in the averages

..n the r.„.it n. .... meant to _
(hear, hear,) and he hoped that the right hon. hart. would
be prepared to lay such a list on the- table of the house to-
morrow. (Hear, hear.)
Sir R. PEEL did not think he would be called upon for
such a list, but he would endeavour to prepare a list of the
large towns which would be affected, and to lay it before the
house on Friday next,
Mr. CoBOEN then rose. He was understood to say that
he did not expect from the present government any measure'
which would afford any relief to the people connected with
commerce, who were at the present moment in such deep
distress; and it was not, therefore, with surprise he heard
the present proposition. He must condemn it as most un-
feeling towards the people, and most unjust towards the best
interests of the country. After what had taken place on a
former night, after the general understanding on the subject,
he should not now enter into a discussion of the measure
proposed.
The motion was then put and carried.
Adjourned at eight o'clock until Thursday.

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

Saturday last.

The Lords'

Cornt

ioners 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 inyentiou of boats

placed above the
DEATH OF " INDEPEN4N%E."—This famous old horse.
formerly the property of the late Mr. Beardsworth, died on
Sunday week ut friedriesford, aged twenty-six years.

-wheel

The 111

r 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 ITIGHWAYMEN.—Three
desperate characters were arrested by the police, atClitheroe,
on Friday night, in a lodging-house of,badrepute. When
taken into custody, they were, found to be severally armed
with a-brace of loaded. pistols:•
THE DUKK.—The Herald, in describing the ceremony of
opening parliament; observes " We cannot close our account
without ^t

expressing our regret at ne infirm appearance of
the grpat 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 geld and brilliants, occupied a 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 pCiRt of the tail. to .tip(
He suffered littlu 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 wife was
delivered of a daughter, the same doy the Princess Royal was
born ; and she also gave • birth to a son the same day the
Prince of IVales came into the world ! Hitherto the race
has been equal ; but in the event of Mri. Ilincliffe passing or
rather surpassing her illustrious rival—as some of her neigh-
bours venture to predict is hoped her Majesty
eknowledge her supremacy, by sending her a

beak, 3 fe

wilt general

handsome present

I.49l:Alry.—A grocer, residing in Bir-
L,---urn, follo,wing the example so generally set by the in-
l'"Atan.ts; closed his shop on the occasion of the christening
of the Prince of Wales, but for fear lie should seem too loyal
or too religious, placarded in large characters the following
notice upon his shutters ::7-" Closed for recreation, not to
sanction an unscriptural ceremony." ,
ME QUEEN'S SITAI4LS.—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 mandfacture, and made a selection from the several par-
cels. As an indication that the choice of her qajesty will
not be without its effects, we are happy to add that applica-
tions, b- Glasgow and Edinbiir,i,

A. DISSEN

Joth from "" '''' ""gll, n4ve been received
Q
during the week for shawls of the ueen's choice. We hope
to hear of similar orders. (row 'many other quarters.—Paisley

Advertiser

BY DESIRE OF SEVERAL FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS,

A MORNING PERFORMANCE

Will be given, being THE LAST THIVEASON.

iiir
rr HIS present FRIDAY EVENIN the 11th instant,
-1. and TO-MORROW (Saturda , ,to 12th instant, will
be produced the mugnificent
.Leqen ; Spectacle, entitled

ST: GEORGE AND TIOrDIi.,tiGON ;
. OR, THE SEVEN CHAMPIONS7ON CHRISTENDOM.
St. George of England, Mr. W. I). Broadfoot ; Torn of
Coventry, Mr. H. Beverly ; Kalaba, Mrs. Nunn.

"To be followed1;y an entire Change of
DUCROWS SCENES OF THE CIRCLE !

To ?!oiielude with the Drama of
THE FUGITIVE OF THE TORZA ;
Or, The Mill of Keben.
On MONDAY next, a Grand Equestrian Fete, for the
BENEFIT of SIGNOR HILLIER.

Private Roses may be obtained nightly for Families on ap-
plication to Mr. F. CARMAN, at the Box-office, from Eleven
"• ' •

Prices of Admission :—Centre Dress Boxes, 35.; Side
Gd. ; Pit, ls. Gd. ; Lower Gallery, Is. ; Upper
Second Price at Nine.o'clock :—Centre Dress
Side Boxes, Is. Gil.; Pit. Is.; ' Gallery,

Gallery, Gd
Boxes, 2s.

Lower
. Secc

)nd Price
of age to the