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Leader (1850-1860), 3rd April 1852, Edition Country of 2, Page 5

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      The Ballot. Mr. Beekeeey Brought On His ...

      Wowed some satirical commentfl upon foe ^ Lrcadian 5-i ^ i « between the Austrian Government and the pre-SSriStion , worthy , he observe ^ of Tirgil . * J 3 e , r * in * ' - he said , that we had now a Government which Sathized with Austrian pr inciples , and that with so ^ h inutual confidence there would be no danger to Bn-S travellers , he suggested to Mr . MUnes that as the dis-™? sion had sufficiently accomplished the object in viewlrtiouffh the resolution contained an assertion which no ^ e could deny—if the Government would move the pre-Sis d uestionhe should ^ go ^ toa dmsioiu . ..

      , _ _ This virtually ^ settled the discussion . Mr . Batlije C oCHbane spoke , and managed to mis-state facts and malign persons not defenders of despotism . Sir John Wa &&> ¦ though ¦¦ with "' morel .- tact , had done likewise . Mr Vb ' bnon Smith held that the Austrian " menace " had not been withdrawn , an assertion indirectly contradicted by Mr . Heni / ey , who , adopting the suggestion of Lord Palmerston , moved the " previous question , " which was agreed to .

      HOUSE OP LOBDS . On Monday the Earl of EmiEiiboeottgh moved for a copy of the proclamation issued on the 21 st of January , 1852 , by Mr- Frere , the Commissioner in Scinde . ' In that proclamation it was declared tha ^ Ali Mourad , who was an independent prince , and an ally of the British Government , and who was in possession of considerable territories in the northern part of Scinde , had , by a commission appointed by . the British Government , been found guilty of having forged a certain treaty by which he had obtained possession of certain districts instead of certain villages , which he claimed to be entitled to under a treaty called " the treaty of Nownahur ; " and that , in consequence of his

      having been thus found guilty , he had been deprived of all his territories ,- —not merely of those territories which he had obtained fraudulently , but of all his territories , save those which he had inherited from his father . Great as the prejudice must be against the disgraceful crime of forgery , he was sure that their lordships would not willingly see even the poorest person deprived of these three advantages when placed on his trial for any offence—first ; a tribunal free from every suspicion of partiality ; next , evidence free from taint ; and lastly , if guilt were proved , a punishment not incommensurate with the offence , arid not inconsistent with the position of the accused person , Lord Ellenborough contended that not one of these conditions was observed in the case of Ali Mourad . The

      British Government in India had a dispute with him regarding certain lands , which he was accused of having obtained fraudulently . But we were not justified in dealing with him as a prince and a subject at once . We had a right to demand compensation from him , but not to proceed against him , as a prince , for forgery , and then to dapvivo him of all -that rcmotitutod domi nion . Ali Mourad had rendered great services to Sir Charles Napier in the campaigns in , Scinde , of 1842 and 1843 . On a subsequent occasion he had assisted Sir Charles Napier with a force of 6000 men . His fidelity at the time of the campaign of the Sutlej , in 1846 , had also entitled him to great consideration . Lord Ellenborough objected to the constitution of the

      commission of inquiry which had decided on Ali Mourad ' s guilt , which was nominated by the British Government , the plaintiff in the caso . And he believed that all the witnesses , some of them men who had been dismissed and punished by Ali Mourad for various frauds , were unworthy of credit . And as the whole annual value of the lands said to have been unjustly withheld was 400 CW ., while the estates confiscated by the British Government produced 100 , 000 / . a-year , the punishment was evidently excessive , and the sentence ought to bo revised . And even if it were just that

      thoso lands should be confiscated , the Nawab of Bahawul pore had a prior claim to them , which ought to be duly considered by the Government , as the Nawab a ™ ndered us valuable services during our campaigns m Afghanistan , and at a later period in the Punjaub . Lord BitOTTGmoN said , that if there really had boon >»» y violation of equity in this case , ho and he alone was responsible for it , as ho had , when President of wifl | Board of Control , authorized the transmission to _ of tJ » o despatch by which this prince was deprived as ho thought justly—of his ill-gotten possessions , ^ von in the year 184 , 7 , Sir Charlos Napier had

      bojorno cognizant of the forgery by which Ali Mourad « aa appropriated a district belonging- to the British Movornment ; and Mr . Pringlo , tho resident , having jJ'Wo inquiries , by desiro of Sir Goorgo Clorli , then > vornor of Bombay , roported-to tho Government that com ' * - n ° ( 1 ° ubt ol * tho «^ lt of A 11 Mourad , The man f * Whioh hfld beon n PP oint « fl was composed of tlinni gr < 3 ttt oxPorienc ° > and nothing could bo fairer duPh . ri ! in whioh the inqw ^ y 1 ) atl b <> on condon ,, 4 ° roP ° rfc of the commission , and all tho amenta appended to it , had been transmitted to tho wmT' 1 !!* "Generftl » an < * all tho various reports had nfter-08 beon sent to tho authorities at homo , and ho did

      not believe there was a difference of opinion in India * or even in England , as to the guilt of Ali Mourad . He thought , that in dealing with the acts of great public functionaries , placed at a distance from home , they should be very kind to their virtues , and a little blind to their imperfections , arid he hoped he had satisfied their lordships that there was no foundation for these charges and allegations . ; The Earl of JDebbt commented with some severity on the course taken by the Earl of EJleriborough , and expressed his satisfaction at Lord Broughton ' s

      vindication of the East India Company , whose proceedings had been characterized by equity and moderation . Only those lands had been taken from Ali Mourad which he had unlawfully obtained , and his patrimonial possessions had been left to him . On the part of the Government he had no objection to give the papers moved for , b « t he thought that , in fairness , the report of the Commissioners should be included . After a few words from Earl GrBEY , the papers moved for , with the addition suggested by the Earl of Derby , were ordered .

      But two weeks ago , our readers will readily remember , Lord Derby pledged himself to dissolve Parliament as soon as possible , and convene a new one in the autumn . The proceedings of the House of Lords on Tuesday show that he has withdrawn his pledge , and that gratuitously . As will be seen , he made an opportunity . The Earl of Minto incidentally asked Lord Lyntfliurst whether it was his intention to proceed with his

      bill for enabling each House of Parliament to take up in an ensuing session a measure which had been passed by one of them in the preceding session ? His inducements to ask this question were , that there was a general impression abroad that we might very shortly expect a dissolution of Parliament . It was also said , that as a very short and hurried session would follow the general election , many measures would be passed in one house which there would not be time to consider in

      the other . He suggested that some of such measures might be proceeded with during the present session , as their lordships had at present a great deal of leisure in their house , The Earl of Debby . —Before my noble and learned friend answers this question , I beg to correct a misapprehension under which the noble earl opposite labours as to what fell from me some nights ago . Nothing has ever fallen from my lips which could lead any man to suppose that the present Would be a session " of unusually short duration . I never said anything that could justify such a conclusion . I say farther , that the continuance of the session depends on causes over which I can have no

      control . As far as I can form an opinion , the next session , so far from being a short and hurried session , wiH commence at an early period , and will be of no ordinary duration . The noble earl has done me the honour to allude still further to what he supposes me to have said . What I did say was this , that I thoug ht it advisable that the autumn should not pass over without Parliament coming to a decision on certain subjects deeply affecting the welfare and interests . of the country . But I did not say anything which could lead the House , nor did I intend to lead tho House , to tho impression that there would bo an early dissolution in the spring , to be followed up by a short and hurried session in the summer . On tho part of her

      Majesty ' s Government there was no such intention . As to the object of the question now put by the noble earl opposite to my noble and learned friend , as to tho expediency of passing a bill to enable us to keep a measuro hanging over from one session to another , I have onl y to say , that whatever may have been hia intention or mino as to enabling one House of Parliament to take up in a following session a measure passed by tho other in a preceding session , I never contemplated a measuro for onabling ua to continue in ono Parliament a bill commenced in another . Tho Earl of MiNTO complained that ho had boon misunderstood by tho noblo oarl opposite , and explained what ho actually had said ; but in too low a tone of voice to enable us to report him .

      The Duke of Newcastle . —My lords , my understanding is , that tho present explanation of tho noble c arl ( Derby ) is not in accordance with that which I understood to fall from him on a former night , nor with tho undorblanding which other noblo lords have of tho expressions which ho then used , and which gained thoir approbation , nor with tho general interpretation of tho public . Tho noblo earl has etatod with groat correctness tho latter part of tho answor which ho then gave mo ; but tho noblo earl will not , I think , deny that ho also stated that ho did contemplate an early dissolution of Parliament , and that ho did not think it right , considering tho temper of the

      prosent Houso of Commons , to persevere with any measures of legislation oxcopt thoso winch wore of instant urgency . Ho will not , I- think , deny that ho also Htatod that which , of course , producod a groat effect , and rqnderod hia explanation moro satisfactory—that ho would not p lodgo him , solf to dissolvo Parliament on any doiinito or particular day—that ho would not pledge himself to dissolve in April , May , or Juno—The Earl of DiranY . —I never mentioned thoso months , Tho Duke of Nhwcabtm . —I must then appeal to tho recollection of your lordships—for my recollection on tho point ia distinct . If tho noble oarl Bays that ho madoHueh a statement without intending it , I am roady to admit it ; but from my porfoot reliance on my own recollection I must eay that tho noblo oarl has forgotten his own

      statement ; for . I aver that he distinctly said that he did not pledge himself to the time of the dissolution , and that he would not say whether it was to take place in the monthof April , May , or June . The Earl of Deebt . — The noble duke has evidently misunderstood what fell from me on a former occasion . I said that I would not pledge myself to specify the day on which I would advise HerMajesty to dissolve Parliament , or the month in which a general election should take place . I said that I thought that it % as expedient for the public advantage that the autumn should , not pass over without a . new , Parliament having an opportunity of discussing certain questions of deep general interest ; and I added , almost in the same Words which I repeated to-day , that 1 thought it was expedient that those questions should be disposed of before the ordinary time of assembling Parliament for the session of 1853 . That statement I repeatagain . Beyond that I have not bound myself , nor will I be induced , to go . Here the conversation dropped . Air Armed Mercantile Steam - Maeinb . —The House agreed , on Tuesday , to a resolution moved by Mr . Anderson , worded as follows : — " That it is the opinion of this House that , in ordeV the better to provide for the public safety , to economize the public resources , and to preserve peace , it is desirable that measures should be adopted with a view to render the commercial steam navy promptly available for the national defence in case of emergency . " Impost Duties on "Wines . —Mr . Anstet moved on Tuesday for a select committee to inquire into the causes of the decline in the revenue derived from the import duties on wines . Mr . Disraeli objected that the revenue had not declined , and consequently it would be absurd to inquire into the alleged decline . Mr . Anstey agreed to leave out the words objected to , and the committee was granted . The BaMiOT Division . —In addition to the legitimate Tories who , as a matter of course , voted against the ballot , on Tuesday , we find sixteen decided Whigs ; most conspicuous among whom , are Mr . Cayley , the Hon . W . F . Cowper , Mr . John Hatchell , Lord Alfred Hervey , Viscount Palmerston , Lord John Russell , and the new Whig-Conservative , Mr . Frederick Peel . Mr . Gladstone , and Mr . Goulb . , also voted in the majority ; while in the minority the onlv name one meets with which affords any surprise , is Sir Robert Peel . All the members for the metropolitan boroughs voted for the motion . Of the City members two , Sir James Duke , from choice , Boron Rothschild , from necessity , were absent ; two , Lord John Eussell , and Mr . Masterman , voted against it . Of the Middlesex members , Mr . Osborne was in hia place , and voted for , while Lord Robert Grosvenor was absent . Greenwich was compelled to vote against the ballot , Mr . Salomons being absent per force , and Admiral Stewart voting with . Lord John Russell . Salford ( Mr / Brotherton ) was absent ; the West-Riding was for , in the person of Mr . Cobden , Mr . Beckett Denison being absent ; Sheffield was for , Mr . Roebuck having paired off , and Mr . Parker being absent ; Leeds was divided , Mr . Marshall for , Mr . Beckett against ; Gateshead ( Mr . Hutt ) by mistake , got among the " noes ; " Newcastle shirked the division , both members absent ; Bradford voted for , in the person of Colonel Thompson , Mr . Milligan contrived to be absent ; Bath , Birmingham , Derby , Glasgow , Leicester , Macclesfield , Manchester , Oxford , Preston , Kochdale , Southampton , South Shields andWolverhampton , voted for ; bo * th the Liverpool members voted against . Of the Oldham members , Mr . Fox voted for , Mr . Duncuft found it convenient to bo away . Hull divided in like manner , Mr . Clay voting . Such are some o f the results of the last division on the ballot . Tho number who voted with Mr . Humo last week , was by a mistake printed 84 instead of 80 . Tho Morning Herald states , that on Thursday night Sir James Graham and Mr . Cobdon wero observed in tho House of Commons " in eloso and earnest conference for a considerable time . " This is headed " mischief browing , " by the ministerial organ . Harwich . —This maculate borough is without a representative . Sir do Lacy Evans , to remove the anomaly of a virtual disfranchisomont without good reasons , moved on Thursday for a commission to inquire into tho existence of bribery in Harwich : but Government , and Whigs and Tories opposed tho motion . Sir do Lacy Evans was obstinate , however , and on a division , there wore—for the motion , 96 ; against it , 137 . Sooing this , Mr . Thomas Duncombo logically concluded , that as Government had refused inquiry , tho writ ought to bo issued at once . Mr . Bright , however , and others , contonded for delay and a proper notice . Government supported him , and Mr . Duncombo withdrew hia motion .

      A^&. $M$'- -., , The Leader. 313

      A ^& . $ m $ ' - - ., , THE LEADER . 313

      Election Matters. Me. George Henry Vansi...

      ELECTION MATTERS . Me . George Henry Vansittart , of Biahum Abbey , is tho first to commence tho contest for tho county of Berkshire . Ho hiiM iasuod an address to the doctors , declaring himself a Protectionist , a supporter of Lord Derby , " and a decided opponent of tho HolflHh and levelling doctrines of tho Manchester school . " His great object is to secure the rojection of Mr . Philip Pusoy . Mr . Alexander , Henry intcmla to retire from tho representation of South Lancashire , and there ia a probability that Mr . Alderman Watkins , a Manchester merchant ,, of liberal politics , will bo brought forward us a free-trade candidate . ' Tho report that Mr . William Entwinlo would become a candidate for Manchester is doniud . 'I ho , present mombors , Mr . Bright and Mr . Miluer Gibson , will bo ro-olootcd without opposition . Mr , J . 13 , Smith's friends are very sanguino of hie

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), April 3, 1852, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_03041852/page/5/