The Statesman.
London, England, 1824-02-17 00:00:00

Ti 1F S rATESM AN

order to have the business of the office conducted ins man-
ner less expensive, and which mould be more conducive to
the interests of the public, it would not now be easy to de-
tail. However for the due discharge of the duties of Re-
membrancer, some person should be appointed ; and, ac-
cording to the minute, Mr. Vincent, was therefore appoint-
ed on the '22d of December ; but care was taken that he
should be precluded from having a deputy or appropriating
to himself any of the fees legally due, it be ng provided
that these were to be paid into the Consolidated Fund, and
the Lords of the Treasury have reserved to themselves the
consideration of what may he an adequate remuneration for
the discharge of the duties of the office. He assured the
House that he was most anxious that the office should un-
dergo some regulation, and be put on a less expensive foot-
ing. The present appointment was merely temporary, and
Mr. Vincent was to have no additional claim in consequence
to fill the office, in case the Lords of the Treasury should
determine to continue it.

Mr. RARING expressed himself satisfied with the ex-
planation of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and hopeu
that the Right Hon. Gentleman would take the means not
only of lessening the expense of this office, but remedying
the Exchequer altogether, and doing away with a great
and unnecessary expense. He hoped that he would not
continue so cumbrons,ridiculous and absurd a mode of keep-
ing accounts, which would be a disgrace to a tribe of In-
dian savages.
The Report was then brought np, and the Resolutions
read a second time. On the Resolution relating to half-pay
and pensions being read,
Mr. HUME gave notice that when this subject came to
be farther considered, he would feel it his duty to propose
that the law regarding poundage on pensions be abolished,
and that a fixed sum be substituted. Two years ago he
objected to this law, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer
then said that he would alter it, but, none having since
taken place, lie would feel it his duty to take up. the sub-
ject again. It purported to be a tax on pensions, but in its
operation it was partial and useless, it being collect-
ed on only a sum of 300,0001. He hoped the Govern-
tnent would take the subject into consideration, and re-
medy the evil, or abolish the law, as only applying tJ minor
offices.

opinion, be impo3sihle to prevent it. He again repeated,
that he wished to be informed what greater extent of coast
was to be blockaded, and what portion of the 5,000 men
were intended for the coast service. _ _

Sir 0. CLERKE said, that it was intended to have a
greater extent of coast blockaded, as, notwithstanding the
exertions of the preient commander, smugglinz was still
successfully carried on. In the violent and bloody affair
which took place on the coast of Kent, between the smug-
glers and the preventive service, the former made their
last bold effort; and since that co-ist has been tolerably
free from smuggling. In this Cautain M'Alullen had been
so successful, that it was determined to extend the hl.ck-
ade from the coast of Sussex westward to the Isle of
Sheppey, and that about six hundred seamen should be
employed on this service under the same officer. No
doubt, from the high duties which were unfortunately ne-
cessary, great temptation was held out to smuggling, and
rigorous measures of prevention was therefore necessary,
which the proposed plan would effect.

Colonel DAVIES s.►id that the more effectual mode of
preventing smuggling would be a reduction of the high
duties. As long as these existed, so long would smug-
gling continue. The expense of its prevention now cost
the country six or seven hundred thonsand pounds a-year,
which, if applied to the reduction of the duties, would be
more effectual in preventing smuggling than as it was
now applied. In this there was no moral offence; and so
long as a high premium was held out, whatever the risk
was, there would he no possibility of preventing it. When
the tinanciel concerns of the country would come under
the consideration of the house, he would take the oppor-
tunity of adverting to this subject again.
Mr. C. smiTit said a few words, which were inaudible
in the gallery.

Mr. HUME said that he saw no reason why any addi-
tion should be made to the navy. If ever a mischief pet -
duced evil, it would be this, of combining the expense ne-
cessary for the defence of the country with that necessary
to protect its revenue. No two questions were. more dis-
tinct. So far from its being useful to seamen for future oc-
casions to be employed on this service, none was more in-
jurious, because it lowered them in their own estimation,
and they were under a more relaxed discipline than in the
navy. He was anxious to know how much of the proposed
vote was intended for the defence of the country, and how
much for the prevention of smuggling. He would he glad
to know whit was the effect of the duties on the coast of
Ireland. because that would enable them to calculate how
much they were to expect from future reductions. He
would ask for what use twenty-nine thousand men were
now to be raised? fir in 1517 and 1515, when a reduction
of our naval force was urged, it was stated then by a No-
ble Lord, now no more (Lord Castlereagh), that we should
recollect our situation, and not forget that the state of
Europe was not yet settled, but as soon as it had assumed a
more tranytil aspect, reductions might be more (tidy
urged. Notwithstanding these hopes, they went on every
year increasing, till our naval force now exceeded by twelve
thousand :nen, what it had ever in the last peace. Last
year also, there was an increase of four thousand men, and
when an explanation for the necessity of such an increase
was called for, it was replied that it was necessary for us
to arm in consequence of the hostilities which were then
likely to take place between France and Spain ; and no up.
position was given to the vote. lint now that peace had
arrived, that the affairs between France and Spain were
settled, and the question respecting South America set at
rest by the speech of the President of the United States,
thanks to him and not to us ; for if we had had the man-
hood to speak out as he had done, we might have pre-
vented the peace of Europe from being disturbed. But
England feared to break up the Holy Alliance, which was
extending itsarbitrary arm over the world. Under these cir-
cumstances, what occasion could there be for an increase ? If
his Majesty's Ministers had information, (though some-
times they were very deficient in it), that a force was
pressing in Europe against South America, they ought to
speak our, and nut increase their naval force under the pre-
tence of a blockade. He would. therefore, object to the
vote, and the house ought, in his opinion, concur with
him. Thoseavho boasted of the prosperity of the country,
took great credit to themselves for remaining at peace, and
they deserved it because there could be no doubt that
peace was the interest of the country. Still if a state of
defence was necessary, the country ought to assume it,
and the real cause be avowed. Even without the pro used
increase England had mare ships and (nen than any other,
and no cause fur the increase could he shown unless
danger weie apprehended front some quarter. To
render the navy tormidable, something more than men
was necessary. In its present state, good seamen were
unwilling to enter it, because no man will change his
situation, unless lie had a hope of bettering it. Formerly
when any man entered the navy, no matter what situation
he first tilled, lie had the hope of rising to the highest
rank; and it was our boast, that while in Spain and France
none could rise to naval command but those whose arms were
embinaoned with hedges of nobility, in England any man
might rise to the command of his national fleet. Now the case
was altered, and an Order of Council, which he would read,
was issued, preventing persons of certain classes from rising
to a higher station in the navy. Was this the situation iii
which the British navy ought to be? Was it such a state that
raised it to its present preeminence? If twelve naval officers
were selected, lie was satisfied that eleven out of the twelve
would say, that the present would ultimately be its ruin. The
Order of Council was issued in Its-13, mud stated that no per-
son was rligibir to be a lieuteuaut, who was a first warrant-
master, or a second warrant master; in fact, that all masters,
except the schoolwaster, who of course was uitacqtia!ntett with
naval affairs, were excluded from being commanders. Lord
Howe stated that he was much indebted far his successes to
his masters. This was some proof of the ability of this class
of men. and of their capability to coin:nand. Besides these
grievances, it frequently happened that many young officers
were promoted over the heads of old and experienced men.— '
Why should this system be different in the navy and the army 1
In the army a serjeant may rise to any rank ; and why nut a
warrant officer iu the navy ?---Iu Iti22 our uaval force was
20,000 men, and a further increase was allowed under the pre-
tence of the peace of England being disturbed, till now, by an
additio:al increase of 6000, it amounted to 29,000. 'Dwelt no 1
man was more anxious than he to see the navy the strongest
arm of our defence, still, under its present system. he should
oppose the proposed increase, One of the most objectionable
parts of the system was, keeping men on board duriug their
lives, and giving unfledged boys the power of flogging.—(An
Hon. Member here intimated that Captains only had that '
power.)—Well, then, continued Mr. 11., it is all the same, for
Captains are now as young as Midshipmen formerly were.—
The Hon. Member concluded by protesting against any addi-
tional increase, and moved that, instead of 29,000 men. there
be substituted 25,000. On this subject he was deter-
mined to take the sense of the house, even iftie were to di, ide
alone, unless some better reason could be assigned for its
necessity.
On the amendment being read by the Chairman.
Sir 0. CLERK E rose for the purpose of replying to the
observations made by the lion. Member for Aberdeen,
with regard to the opinion expressed by the House in the
year 1817, on the maritime affairs of the nation. In his
recollection there was but one sentiment in the House—
not in that part, certainly, where the Hon. Member sat—
that the naval force was then reduced too low, even lower
than the period of 1792—that period to which the Hon.
Gentleman so frequently referred.—(Hear, hear.) It was
imputed to him that he had given no better reason for the
present increased vote than the augmented coast Is'o,l
ade, but the Hon. Gentleman must certainly base misun-
derstood hint. What he (Sir G. Clerke) relied on, in the
course of his statement, was the unsettle,: state of the
Spanish Colonies. and the necessity of a full and protect-
ing force to British commerce being maintains' in those
seas.—(Hear, hear.) In case hostilities took place between
Spain and her Colonies, the interests of this country de-
manded that a sufficient force should be ready to protet t
its commerce against those abuses which an infant belli-

gerent state might possibly commit. How often I •
been urged that the mercantile interests of the e,,„,,,r;
should be protected in the South American sea,
that purpose one or two ships had been sent out, an•l
in
that nearly the whole increased Etationve might !,
accounted for. The Hon. Member had thought proper t.t
speak of the character of the Navy being reduced
than it was in the last war, and of the difficulty :here
existed at present of procuring 3-amen for our ships. It at
the Hon. Gentleman might be assured there was no such
difficulty or any delay in procuring. able and saevieeatae
men. In fact, there was no objection by qualified seameo
to enter the British Navy at present. Whatever pr, udices
might have once existed, they were altogether rem seed,
and tile seamen were well aware of the improved condition
of the service, and increased advantage to them in entering
it. lie had talked nut only of the objections to enter the
service, but the great hardship of detaining a man all his
life in the Navy. But there again the inforsultion of the
Hon. Gent. was deficient, as, in time of peace, seamen were
enrtged but for three years.—(hear, hear.) —A rid if, ,lur-
ing a long and protracted war, the nrces,ities of the
country required a severe con rse, or compulsory measures,
to man its shipping, the ex; go•ncy of the case Was the bra
defence. However, as the Hun. Gentleman intimated hi;
intention of submitting a special motion on the
oft! • Navy, he (Sir 6. Clerk..) would not allude further io
that topic at present. The Hon. Gentleman had r.ls state,i
that, by an Order in Council, seamen could not rise, as
formerly, to the highest honours of the service. if the
Hon. Gentleman read a little further he would find, in that
same Order in Comma, a special exception for such 31 es-
ters as may distinguish themselves.—(Loud cheers
There was no class of men more useful than Masters in
the Navy, and it was accessary that the service should be
always provided with a sufficient number of intellio‘et
and experienced men in that rank. For that reason, per-
haps, s•.me restrictions were made to keep them in that
situation ; but as the Order in Council provided, an es.
eeption was always made fur such Masters as distinguislird
themselves. Any man who entered the Navy as a fury..
mast man, had as good a chance now as he ever had of ad-
vancing himself. If he has chosen to prefer the rank of
Master, be must see that promotion from that class ,vas
limited. With regard to tile next objection taken bv the
Hon. Member, that Isis Majesty's ships were Intrusted to
unfledged boys, the value of at might be ascertained from
the fact that, by the late regulations, no premature prom.
Lion could take place, as no Midshipman could be passel
as Lieutenant under 19 years of age, and who had not
served six years as a Midshipman. Whatever objections
might have been urged formerly. on that head, with ap-
parent justice, they were totally inapplicable to the pr,.
sent condition of the Navy. With regard to the com-
plaints of the Hon. Member, of old Officers being pat aside
to make way for young men of rank and family, he would
refer to the triumphant answer given t 3 a similar charge
last year, by a Gallant Admiral near him (Sir George
Cockburn,) Nothing inure need be said on that subject.--
(Hear, hear.)

Mr. BEItNAL said, that he begged leave to disagree
with the Right lion. Secretary in his opinion of the speech
of the Gallant Admiral last year, to which he hail so hi-
umphantly alluded. And so far from it being approved of
by the service, there was the greatest dissatisfaction ex-
pressed by all naval officers whose sentiments he bad the
opportunity of hearing. With regard to the proposed
amendment, however much he might approve of the gene-
ral conduct of the Hon. Member for Aberdeen, and of his
conduct in that House, as equally creditable to himself
anti useful to the country (hear), and though he gene-
rally agreed with him, yet, on that occas'on, he would
take the liberty of differing with him altogether. He
thought him in error, and he could not help seeing signs
which he considered as the forerunner of political dis-
agreement, particularly in the western hemisphere, and
that our commerce and shipping were likely to be exposed
to sudden convulsions, or be placed in a very doubtful and
distressing situation. lie was convinced that the state of
the West India Islands, and that of the South American
Colonies, was such, that squadrons of observation should
be maintained in the different seas. He was disposed for
this time to trust something to the discretion of his Ma-
jesty's Ministers, and he hoped that they would use their
power with moderation. The Navy should he always ap-
proached as a subject worthy of the greatest caution, and
he treated with the greatest temperance. This was not
the moment to go largely into the general question; but
this he would say, that the seamen of the present dal
were 20,000 times more comfortable than they were for.-
nicely.
Sir GEORGE COCKBURN would not appeal to either
of the Hon. Members to know whether the speech which be
had the honour of making to the House in the course of
last session, was satisfactory or not to the officers in the
service. There were several able and experienced officers
in the house—if they were prepared to say that there was
any thing in the remarks which he then made, which was
disagreeable to the service generally, let them get up and
assert it manfully. He him,. If was intimate with some of-
ficers of the service, and probably had as much experience
to guide him, as to the general opinion of what lie then
said, as either of the Hon. Members. What he then ad-
vanced, he now repeated, that while the road of promotion
was kept open to merit and enterprise, however obscure
tile station and origin of the parties, the navy wouid feel
no jealousy whatever at seeing persons of rank and condi-
tion promoted amongst them. They were of use wherever
they were placed. 'they were of use to the navy. They
were of great use in that house.—(Loud cheers from the
Opposition Benches.) The ships were as capable, and
the officers, he would contend, were more capable than at
any former period. There was a mischievous practice of
those good old times to which the Hon. Member alluded,
which now existed no longer,—of boys in their mother's
drawing-rooms being put on a ship's book, and thus ser-
ving their time without ever being at sea; and it was in
the memory of many persons, that in the American war,
we had post-captains of 17 years of age. But now no man
could be made post till he was of proper age. Then it
was in the power of an admiral to make his son or his ne-
phew a lieutenant at 16 or 17 years of age ; but now there
was a pointed and difficult examination to go through, and
if the candidate was not sufficiently skilled in navigation to
save the ship without the assistance of the master, he could
not be made a lieutenant. With regard to the masters, of
the impediments to whose promotion the Hon. Member
complained, it was to be observed, that no officer could be-
come so at once; a lieutenant could not be made, nor pu-
llers or surgeons attain their respective ranks, without
going through the previous steps in the royal navy bat a
master, Ulm had sailed in a merchant ship and was compe-
tent, might be made a master at once; aid on that account
it was thought but just that to that rank he should be re-
stricted, unless lie distingu:shed himself. With respect to
discipline, the Hon. Member should not mislead the house
by asserting that boys might flog the men ;
was in the hands of the captain only; and as it was a power
necessary, the house would see that it could not be lodged
in more proper hands.
S
ir F. OMANEY defended the vote proposed, and ex-
pressed his intention of voting for it. that power
Captain MA BERLY said, that when we were assured
by his Majesty's speech, that our foreign relations acre
never in a more pacific state, and when it
that the late Span'sh Colonies of South America could not
be reconquered by the mother country without foreign as-
sistance, he could not see with what face any honourable
gentleman could justify the augmentation proposed on that
grourd.
An Hon. Mesin ER under the gallery di (glared, that South
A merica was the place which peculiarly r.quired an ad-
ditional force. was apparent
Mr.HCME still maintained that the increase proposed

rot's in their mother I
book, and thus ser-
g at sea; and it was in
in the American war,
age. But now no man
proper age. Then it
ake his son or his ne-
of age ; but now there
ion to go through, and
drilled in navigation to
uoldf
roafi tdh et
omtahset emr ,a
shtee
rico,
on the Hon. Member
hat no officer could be-
not be made, nor par-
ective rank', without
the royal navy ; but a
it ship and was compe-
u; and on that account
rank he should be re-
sell. Witb respect to
not mislead the house
the men ; that power
and as it was a power
it could not be lodged
rote proposed, and ez-
.
'hen we were assured
oreign relations sere
wasrhenitcould o
appareont
nib America t
y withoutany
honourableforeiga a
tation proposed on that
ry di elared, that South
arty required an ad-
face
ad-
the increase proposed
•

was necessary. He complained not of the strict examina-
tion to which Lieutenants were subjected, but of the Order
in Council, to which he had referred, because it declared
certain officers ineligible to be examined touching their
qualifications. He wished to support the Navy, and he
thought be did so when he attempted to remedy abuses in
it. It had never been his wish that promotions should be
wholly regulated by seniority, bat be did not agree with
the sentiments expressed by the Gallant Officer last year,
en the necessity of promoting young men of family over
others, and as a candid friend had thought it right to re-
mind hint of what had fallen from him on that occasion.
'f he Honourable Member concluded by saying, that be
should persist in taking the sense of the house, and was
satisfied that in so doing be was acting for the good of the
service.
Sir G. COCKBURN said that there never was a more
!,old misrepresentation than that which the Hon. Member
for Aberdeen bad made of his (Sir G. Cockburn's) speech
of last session. It was impossible for any one to suppose
that he could have said that the son of every nobleman and
man of fortune should be made directly he had served his
time ; he was in the recollection of the house, and on that
he would rest, for he should be ashamed if it were neces-
sary to discuss the point. All his argument was, that
provided proper attention was paid to merit and services,
the eavy did not feel jealous that a proportion of noblemen
should belong to their profession.
Mr. CANNING. having a moat distinct recollection of
the debate of the last year, rose for the purpose of con-
firming the statement of the Gallant Admiral, of what he
did say on that occasion. The proposition stated fur him
was not that which he had said, that there was not in this
free country a claim from rank and title to all promotion.
The proposition which the Gallant Officer maintained, and
in which he (M r. C.) followed him, was, that the good
of the country, and the interest of the service would be
maintained by distributing a certain proportion of promo-
tions among men of rank and title, as well as among men
of merit and service. And why? because every seaman
would be satisfied by feeling that lie and the country were
equally secured and benefitted by that mixture of self-
created merit with hereditary rank. By such a union
all classes would be held together. You cannot, without
this principle of distinction and reward, allow men of rank
and title promotion. You are safe in doing so, provided
you do not interfere with the merit and eerviccs of those
alio have only merit and service. So far from depressing
the character of the Navy, you enable the profession, by a
union of el , and by making the Navy not only the profes-
sion of men of talent and skill, but by making it the profession
of a gentleman. Having said so much on this head, he would,
as he was called upon as a Alinister, offer a few observations
iJa another point. There never was a period when the country
was railed upon to pursue a more steady course than at present.
Though there was DO immediate agitation, yet it became the
country to maintain in all parts of the world its situation of
command. It was necessary that its naval force should be up-
held in the three great naval stations, the Mediterranean, the
West Indian and South American Seas. He did not say that
present appearances required any interference on the part of
this country with a strong hand or with promptitude, but it was
the duty of the Admiralty to see that the force of England was
roll, if not greater, to that of any other nation on any sta-
tion; and that each station was possessed of that strength
from whence assistance might be drawn as the exigency of the
case in another quarter required. If, taking these premises
into account, Hon. Gentlemen will calculate the present in-
crease to the possible necessity, they will find that if the vote
is on any ground defective, it is on that of insufficiency.
Mr. IIU AI E then said; he would not press his amendment to
a division. The amendment was then negatived, and the ori-
ginal question carried.
The Committee then voted 885,9301. for the service of the
marines,

f0t4,3t115/. for victualling seamen.
252,77:a. for the wear sad tear of ships.
9i,51301. for Ordnance.
sir GEORGE CLERKE agreed to postpone the Ordnance
Estimates.

The other Resolutions were then agreed to.
The house resumed, and the Report was brought up and
•greed to. The Resolutions were ordered to be submitted to
morrow (this day.)

lIICCIPIOCITY DUTIES BILL.
Mr. HUSKIIISON moved that the Report be brought up and
real. Leave was given to bring in the Rlit.

RISIDINCI Or IRISH CLERGY.

Mr. GOULBURN said, that be should not detain the
house with any unnecessary observations, as every person
must be convinced of the importance of the subject he
was about to submit to their attention. If the residence
of the Clergy in their respective parishes was a matter of
moment, it must he particularly so in Ireland, where, in
addition to the ordinary duties of ministers of religion,
they were in many cases called upon to supply the absence
of the eentry and nobility of the country. The object of
his Bill was to enable them more adequately to discharge
the combination of duties which belonged to their offices.
Cases might exist where it was not easy for the locum-
tent to reside, io consequence of extreme distance, or of I
some great bodily infirmity. This Bill was intended to
make adequate provision for the performance of the in-
cumbent's duties where he was prevented from re-
siding. By adequate provision, he understood the pro-
lision of a clergyman of good moral character,
aid with sufficient acquirements to discharge his
duties; and who should possess the means for discharging
not merely the clerical, but also the civil functions of his
office. Ms Bill was similar to that which had been passed'
tor the regulation of residence of the Clergy in England.
l: went even further, for it sarrowsd very considerably the
Plea of exemption, and provided, whenever it might be lie-
ces,ary for the appointment of a Curate, that the Curate
timid have an adequate remuneration. In the far greater
put of its provisions it was a mere transcript of the enact-
ments of the English Bill. The house would net therefore
Consider it neceseary for him to go through its different
parts with minuteness, or to explain at length its tendencies
and objects. If it should be the pleasure of the house, he
would now move that the Bill be brought in as a matter
of form, reserving the discussion for a future stage of pro-
ceeding. The Hon. Gentleman then moved for leave to
kin in &Bill to consolidate and amend theta** enforcing
the residence of spiritual persons in I reland, and to re-
strain all spiritual persons troin carrying on any trade or
merchandise, and for the support and maintenance of sti-
pendary Curates in Ireland.
Sir .1. NEWPORT said, that to prevent pluralities was
flue way to compel residence. • The extensive unions which
existed ought to be dissolved. He bad found that the
bean of Armagh, and other gentlemen in the county of
h.!eatb, held unions of parishes, in which it was impossible
nt trey could perform the duties. The bishops them-
'roes bad declared that these ought to be divided, but that
1/'elsw stood in the.way. There was an act of the 21st of
,
"". 11. which prevented such divisions from being made.
to these laws the Right Honourable Gentleman should
t"rn his attention, aad in repealing them be would
ttd. the beat remedy, and the surest way, to compel re-
-11,1,11ce.
11'. HUME expressed hie fear that no good could be
.011 e while the piesent system lasted. Until tbe overgrown
incomes which were atpresent enjoyed by individuals who
t!d nothing, should b
as e reduced one-fourth, he must con-
!oler such measures that now proposed, to be little bet
I" than patching up, not remedying, the inconvenience.
t DAWSON deprecated any attempt to interfere with
11 flood property of Ireland. and bore testimony to the
1.
a';'ble services of the clergy of that country.
colnnel TRENCH said a few words in support of the
motion,
Mr, BUTTERWORTH also supported the motion, and
bore testimony, from his own personal experience, to the
c
Ptsitv of a greater number of clergymen in Ireland.
/ir• CiOULBURN replied, andsaid, that be should for-
bp 4r from entering into the details of the bill, upon the ob-
irtt of tshich he presumed the house was agreed—namely

TUESDAY EVENING. FEBRUARY 17, 1824.

STOCK EXCHANGI, 12 o'CLoca.—Consols opened this
morning at 91/1 ; but soon after lowered to # 1 for the
Account; and for money were at 911;. At present they
are 911 buyers for the Account.—Tise money market is
very 'heavy this morning, owing, it is supposed, to cash
being scarce. There is not much business doing.
An Express from Paris is now anxiously looked for. to
obtain correct information concerning the Decree of Fer-
dinand in regard to South America; but hitherto we
have not heard of the arrival of any to -day.
A report prevails that the Persians have declared War
against the Turks.

Foaatom FUNDS.—This market is not in so favourable
a state as yesterday. It appears that the parties who pur-
chased on the intelligence from Paris, have over-bought
themselves, as most of the South American securities have
omewhat lowered this morning.
Spanish Bondkopened at 25t, with little doing. We are
informed that the Greek Loan is expected to be brought
forward shortly.
New Spanish, 191 to 6—Old, 232 to 6—Colombian, 74—
Chili, 846—Austrian Scrip, 96 i—Mexican Scrip, 9 to 1—
Russian, 931 to 4—Prussian New, 921 to 3 —Old, sh to 5
—Neapolitan, 85— Hullet's Mexican Mines, I to I prem.—
Anglo Mines, 81 to 9—French Scrip, 11 to /.

A private letter received yesterday from Paris, states
that a consultation of Physicians was held on Saturday, on
the state of the King's health. fie was considered to be
dangerously ill, and it was supposed he could not survive
the month of March.

It Is surprising, that when a law has passed declaring an
office inefficient and useless, and requiring it to be abolished,
when ingenious subterfuges Ministers can:resort to,when deter-
mined to evade its force. Mr. Baring, last night In the oa s e
of Commons, very properly enquired of the Chancellor of
the Exchequer, why he had not abolished the office of what is
celled the King's Remembraneer, upon the death of Mr. Steele•
This measure bad been strongly recommended by a Committee
as well as enforced by Act of Parliament. To this enquiry, the
Right lion. Gentleman returns a very curious answer, which
amounts to this, that the Lords of the Treasury, in their extreme
anxiety to carry into effect the recommendations of the
Committee, and the obligations of Law, lost not a moment
ie appointing Mr. Vincent the successor of Mr. Steele
They found out, that the Law only required the office to
be regulated, not abolished, and they had set to work
with all possible dispatch, to regulate it accordiugly.Wbat
the duties of this office may consist of, is not explained,
and certainly little understood ; but the manner in which
they are performed, according to Mr. Baring, seems to
set all amendment at defiance; for he says, that the present
absurd way of keeping their accounts " would dis-
grace a tribe of Indian Savages." The Lords of
the Treasury may be very expert :in many things,
but i.s any work of reformation, they are so far
from being proficient, that they are entirely out of
their element. Regulation is a process to which they
are competent enough, and provided they can retain the
patronage, they will have no great objection to regulate;
but as to any substantial benefit accruing to the public
from Treasury Reforms. that is entirely out of the ques-
t ion. We never beard of any Rensembraneer of much use
but one, and that was the Monitor to Philip of Macedon.
whose duty consisted in sonnding daily in his Master's
ear, " Philip, thou art mortal!" and it is a pity, that
such an office, should ever.have been abolished, for it might
have been attended with great benefits to Ministers as well
as to Kings.

The account circulated in the city yesterday, of the pri-
vilege granted to England and some other countries in
Europe, to trade with the ancient Spanish Colonies in
South America, is understood to have been communicated

by Telegraphic dispatch from Madrid to Paris, and brought
to London by express.
fhe only decree of the King of Spain, which theFrencb
Papers announce, is one issued on the 7th instant, for the
creation of a Sinking Fund " to correct a state of things