Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-12-18
FREE-TRADE IN ENGLAND.

The leading item of late political intelligence
from England is the fact disclosed in the proceed
ings of Parliament, That the present Administration
of Great Britain has finally and positively abandon
ed the principle of protection, and ayowed itself in
favor of continuance of the heerade policy in its
fullest extent.
In the House of Lords on the 22d utmo, Lord DERBY
stated that the object of calling session of the House
prior Christmas close forever the controversy
with regard protection and freerade The result Of
the late elections had convinced him. he said that though
large number Constituencies well disposed to sup
port the Government they determined not to assent
to an alteration in the recent commercial policy of that
country and that any such attempt would instantly be
negatived by large majority Under these crcum-
stances he had felt it his duty advise her Majesty to
declare that the principle of unrestricted communication
ought to be adopted He then announced the Budget for
an early day. from the details of which he told the House
that the country would be enabled to judge Of the since
rity Of the Government and the wisdom OF Its policy
This speech received with cheers
On the 23d debate took place in the House OF Com
motion of Mr. VILLrERs, which he declared he
had brought forward for the purpose of placing on record
an unmstakeable declaration the subject of free trade
that men of business and the world might comprehend
the final decision Of England on this question
Mr. DIsRAEL who had proposed to amend this motion,
persisted in resolving it into inquiry whether the Mi
nisers had fulfilled their pledges since they into
power Following this view he maintained that the
Derby Administration was of necessity one of compro
mise and reconciliation. Office thrust upon them
when the former Cabinet fell to pieces from internal dis
sensons. They succeeded to power by motion con-
neced with protection, and consequently they violated
pledge by retaining Office with house opposed to pro-
lection Further he sad they had never intended from
the beginning to repeal any Of the measures of the free
trade acts.
Mr.. BRIGHT replied at length in speech chiefly no
ticeable for this passage:
IF the House maintained Mr.. Villierss motion, the
United States, where trade President had just been
returned by overwhelming majority, would also know
it. In the United States protection in the same help
less condition in England and though well beaten,
the supporters of that still cling by it as in this
country. But when President Pierce, in March next,
into power they might look forward to reciprocity
just much talked about there Therefore let them
put the books of the House resolution that nobody
could mistake"
The debate having been adjourned to the following day.
it was then resumed by Sir JAMES GRAHAM, Mr.. GLAD
STONE Mr. CoBpEN and Others and resulted in the with
drawal of Mr. DIsRAELfs amendment and the substitu
ton of one proposed by Lord PALMERsToN.
The debate further journed until Friday, when,
after another heightened discussion, the House divided
the amendment of Lord Pmerston when the numbers
were for the amendment 46S against it S. Majority for
the amendment 4l5