Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-06-30
CORN yrs

IOtN LAWS.
The British Ministry is, however ,esos;ine Go
the true measures to alleviate the distress, which.
though ocrasioned by the reaction of the spirit of
speculation, Is, as was observed some DAYS ago.
aggravated In no small degree, bY the shortness OF
the supply OF corn. The proposition of Mr. Can
ning to give 10 Minister, discretionary powers TO
ADMIT foreign corn, not exceeding 500 900 quar-
ers 10 qu'h'i'y' was alter debate on the evening of
the 9th acceded TO ,oithout a division The
Courier states that certain persons are endesyorng
TO excite the preJudces of the House of Lords but
intima'es that this body will concur with the House
of Commons.
In the course of the debate Sir Thomas Letber--
oridge stated that there we've 400, 900 quarters of
| com in bond, which would be lie, out at the low
duty of I2s To this was TO be added the 200 600
quarters 10 be added at the discretion of ministers
- He thought it would be the last time there would
be an opportunity OF contending for the principle of
| the corn laws
Mr. Peel, who replied, denied that the measure
was intended 10 aHect the general principle of the
sency OF which arose from the pr essure of cjrcuu
stances He supported the motion in a speech OF
some length.
Mr. Canning in his introductory speech declared
that IN case the contingencies occurred which Min
listers anticipated they would issue the order for
the importation OF corn on the authority of the
Kings Prerosa'ive, and afterwards arply to
Parlament for an indemnify. They preferred,
however, having the sanction of Parliament in ad-
vance.
The following extracts from Mr.. C's Speech.
explain the views OF the ministry, and the nature
OF the measure they propose.
The resolution which he shouId nronose ,vos or
the following purport: The Right Hon. Gentle
man then read the resolution, GO That il ia the
opinion OF the Committee that il il expedient IN
empower his Majesty, by an order or orders of his
Majesty in Council, to permit. unlimited, the en-
try' Tor homo consumption, Of an additional guam
THY OF foreign corn, meal or flour subject 10 the
duties hich may be imposed by an act 10 he n,sse6
In this Session OF Parliament.'' The mode nj eye
cutting that object was therefore, first, the imposi
tion OF duty; second, restriction Of price; and
third, Limitation of quantity when the question
was brought forward the o'her night. the duty was
made IFS: To that specification of a sum many of
his friends were averse, and agreed with Honora-
Die Gentlemen opposite, that it was imprudent tn
NIX settled duty. Others objected to ASSUMING.
any duty as maximum He perfectly agreed in
thinking that Ut was wrong to specify any rate be-
Cause II would tend to establish an opinion that
such was 10 be the standard for future regulations
OF the Corn Laws As TO the price, an Hon. Cen
tieman had supposed that Cos ought TO be the rule
at present; but the appointment Of anv such price
was liable to the same objection as the former case
iorit created popular impression that the price
"ouid never exceed that amount, which was only
prescribed, In reality, for temporary PURPOSES II
|
out 10 leave the adjustment of those matters To a
| discretion regulated by the state of the countrv
Asto The third point, which regarded the Limitation
OF quantity. L was supposed that Ministers wan
| ted TO ge rid OF the Corn Laws by side-wipd:
that opinion was not correct, and this limitation
was sufficient proof, for the duty and the price
might be raised TO meet an exigency of short dura
ton, without affecting the future relations of N.
| Corn Laws.
But there was great difference in respect N tho
quantity, which, If unlimited, might operate in n
| different manner, and extend the temporary effects
oil the other two branches of the measure unreason
ably, thereby affecting the intended discussion of
the general question during the ensuing Sess;on IS
Parliament The rule of quantity was certainly i,
some respects arbitrary, because it depended nm
| future contingencies; but it was deemed right IN
adopta certain amount, and permission was there.
tore required TOR the importation of so much in adj
dillon to what was already bonded, as would make
the whole five hundred thousand ouart.rs TIE
intended mode of operation was that the add,ior
al quantity should be brought in TO supply the de-
hciency caused by clearing on, " hat had been in
the bonded warehouses. The Right Honorable
Gentleman then proceeded TO read the particulars
OF the Bill, which accorded with the exnlana,ion
already given, the disposal of the corn vbich
has been already bonded, on the I'd of Nav in The
hrst instance, and of he iuitation of the quantity
10 the total OF 900, 900 quarters and of the time
10 TWO months, aud also the provisions as 10 duty
and prizes. The Right Hon. Gentleman then re-
Peated his reasons for not making any specification
oil duty or price, as il preferable TO leave such
points to discretion. if The exigency of the case
should require The danger of famine 10 be met bv the
proposed mode He hoped that the charge ofkeen
ing bad faith with the country would not be insi4
ted on after the explanation which he had given of
| the motives which induced Ministers 10 adopt the
expedlent They thought 1t the more prudent course
to guard against contingencies, which might, indeed,
be remote, but yet required to be provided for He
did not spprehend that the danger was probable.
and he hoped il would never occurto cali the mea.
sure into action, but he trusted that the countrv
would feel that the Government on the presen, or.
cason, well as the liberation of the bonded
corn, W. sinhuenced in its conduct by regard ~
the happiness and welfare of the community
| (Cheers.)
| From tie london Courier AIay &C.
W. ,ra ,oIl h., , oon,o..-.- ~ 49,,