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    _ Pebrtjauy 28, 1857.] THE LEADER. 1&5

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    Imperial Parliament. ¦ ' ' -—?-— ¦ ' ¦ ....

    for the Speaker leaving the chair ; but , should that coarse succeed , and Mr . Disraeli's resolution be proposed , he must oppose that too . —Mr . Newdegate was in fayour of Mr . Bentinck's amendment . Si x Charles Wood was surprised at the reasons offered by Mr . Gladstone for supporting the amendment . He "was also surprised at the excitement displayed by him when he used language towards the Chancellor of the Exchequer which it was hardly decent for one gentleman to apply to another . Mr . Gladstone had lectured them , and told the House that he would not allow them to go into Committee of Supply unless they were fettered and bound by the resolution of Mr . Disraeli to adjust the income and expenditure . He ( Sir Charles Wood ) denied that any compact was entered into in

    1852 to abolish the income-tax in I 860 , whatever the circumstances of the country might be , or whether it ¦ was at war or not . What ' the Government then proposed to do only rendered it possible for Parliament in 1860 to repeal the income-tax . Mr . Gladstone had acted upon the principle of Arthur Young with reference to the taxation of a variety of articles to a greater extent than the Chancellor of the Exchequer had done ; and yet the right hpn . gentleman turned round upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer , and said he had departed from the policy adopted for the last fifteen years , though he had merely done in a less degree what the right hon . gentleman himself had done in a greater degree . He denied the right of Mr . Gladstone to lecture them as he had done . With regard to the Estimates for the present year , he believed i t to be impossible to reduce them

    more . . Mr . Gladstone explained that nothing could be further from his intention than to accuse Sir George Cornewall Lewis of intentional deceit and falsehood , as some had supposed . —The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the words of Mr . Gladstone had certainly conveyed to him the impression that he meant to charge him with making substantially deceptive statements . The House first divided upon Mr . Bcntinck's motion for -an adjournment of the debate , which was negatived by . 477 . to 25 . A second division then took place upon Mr . Disraeli ' s resolution ; and this -was set aside by 286 to 206 .

    The Chancellor op the Exchequer said that , if any objection were made to his proceeding with the resolutions on the income-tax ,, he ' should of couTsebe ready to move that the chairman do report progress ; but , if there were no objection , he would propose , with a view to the introduction of a bill , resolutions to the effect that for the next three years a tax of 7 d . in . the pound be levied on incomes of 150 / . and upwards , and a tax of 5 d . on incomes from 100 ? . to 150 / . — The House having gone into committee , and the resolutions having been read , Mr . Disraeli observed that , as the resolutions would , no doubt , lead to a . discussion , he hoped the right hon . gentleman would not press them . —The House then resumed , and the chairman reported progress .

    The Ionian Subjects Committee Bill , and the Public Health Supplemental Bai ; ( 1857 ) , were read a third time and passed . —The House adjourned at one o'clock . Tuesday , February 2 i ( h . In the House of Lonns , after the Royal Marine FoecesBill had been read a third time and passed , the debate commenced on Lord Derby ' s motion with respect to

    THE ATTACK ON CANTON . The Earl of Derby moved a series of resolutions condemning the recent hostilities in China . The lorcha Arrow , he contended , was not a British , but a Chinese vessel , being owned and manned by Chinese . Whatever doubt there might be a 3 to whether the English flag was flying at the time , or not , there could be none that the Arrow -had no legal rig-lit to carry that nag ; nncl Sir John Bowring liad himself acknowledged , in two documents , that the English license had expired before the events which led to the hostilities . Yot Sir John had made a directly contrary statement to Commissioner Yeli—an act of insincerity which was tho reverse of that straightforwardness which should always characterise

    the dealings of English officials . With respect to tho claims of English subjects to free admission into the city of Canton , it was true that the treaty of 184 ( j conferred that power , and ho had no doubt that here wo were in the right , and tho Chinese in tho -wrong ; but it watt a question whether it was politic to press our claim at that particular moment . In 18-18 and 18-1 . 9 , the Government , on tho authority of Sir George Bonham , had conic to tho conclusion that it wan not expedient to assert our right to cuter tho city ; and , in the latter year , Sir George issued a proclamation prohibiting tho English from entering Canton . Sir John Bowring possessed ji

    monomania on that nubjeut , and ho would run any ri £ k to accomplish tho privilege he ko greatly desired ; but tho Chinese were not without apprehension of a collision with tho English , should the latter enter Canton—a foar which was Mi arc d hy Sir George Bonham . Tho cornvspoudi-nce between the Chinese and Kngliah official ; * in connexion with tho lorcha affair showed uniform courtesy and forbearance on . the part of the former , and , with Jmrdly mi < : xo « ption , disrespectful and arrogant menaces on that of tho latter . Hostilities were resorted to with great precipitancy , and in a very short timo tho question of ncce .- 's to Canton nw > do ita appearance . Tho treaties which Sir John

    Bowring accused the Chinese of shamefull y violating had remained unfulfilled with the full , acquiescence of our own Government . Lord Derby concluded by appealing to the Bishops to declare themselves strongly against an attack which violated every principle of religion . " If the Chinese unbeliever , to whom they described the maxims of their religion as maxims of forbearance and long suffering , should find them , to be uncharitable , relentless , and bloodthirsty , he ' would say to them ' Away with your religion ! 1 will aet according to my ' own light . Your religion is Avorth nothing ; your practice is in contradiction to your morals . ' ( Cheers . ") The Chinese should be ' made aware that in the couutrv from which the officials came who ill-treated

    them there is a high assembly-, composed of the nobles of the land , and that they will stand up as the opponents of tyranny and injustice . ( Cheers . ) They should knowthat in that assembly there are men who are the guardians of religion , and that they especially rebuked those distant officials , and vindicated the character of the country from the consequences of an unchristian outrage , lie looked to them with confidence not to leave a false impression upon the minds of ignorant people , hut to stand forth as the defenders of humanity . and of religion . He should deeply deplore if the representatives in that House of the Church throughout this empire uttered an uncertain voice on this occasion , or if by their

    hesitation they gave rise to the impression that their high and holy sanction was given to deeds of violence , which in their consciences they could not palliate . But , if he should be disappointed in his appeal to them , he would . turn with confidence to the hereditary peers of England . ( Cheers . ) To them he would make an appeal , earnestly , humbly , and with confidence . He would ask them not to tolerate the capture of commercial vessels , the destruction of the forts of a- friendly country , or the slielling of an undefended commercial city ; and he would beg that they would not , under any ' consideration , give the sanction of their voices to the shedding of innocent blood , -without warrant of law and without moral justification . " ( Loud cheers . )

    Lord Clarendon said Lord Derby had erred i n describing the relations between England and China as pacific previous to this rupture . The Chinese had long sought to violate British rights acquired by treaty ; and the state of things had become intolerable . The granting of licenses to ships the property of foreigners is constantly recognized , and is practised not only in China , but at Malta , Gibraltar , and Singapore , the legality being beyond a doubt . The Arrow had not forfeited her Hcens c , because the vessel was still at sea , and therefore still entitled to bear the English flag . Mr . Parkes was bound to do as he had done , and indeed he had acted with great moderation and discretion . The Chinese had no conception of international law ; and it was therefore necessary

    to make them sensible of the law of force . Various measures had been adopted , but in Vain , to induce the Chinese authorities to fulfil their treaty engagements . The Government , however , would have been , content to let the question of the entry of the English into Canton remain ia abeyance , if the affair of the Arrow had been satisfactorily arranged . Were we to be told that a British force sent out to a distant part of the world should see English lives and property jeopardised , and not interfere V ( Hear , hear . ') Yet " the third resolution of bis friend would be considered out there as an order to engage in no ofl ' entiive operations ; it would cause consternation not only in Canton , but on all our British residents in China ; the position of every British resident would be one , not only of dismay , but of the greatest danger ; and the result would be the probable

    renunciation of nationality , and allegiance to tho English flag , to seek for safety with some foreign power . What the Chinese could do , tho House had heard not long since . A missionary , after being tortured three days , was burnt to death , and his heart was roasted and eaten by the executioner . In conclusion , Lord Clarendon urged tliat the only instructions that could be sent out to tho Admiral must bo general instructions , or they would be of no use . If ho waited for orders , the Chinese might Hpomd the intervening four months in fortifications ; and the result would be , that tlie opposing force which was sufficient at the time , would , after that interval , be useless . He trusted that their Lordships would not ngroe to the resolutions , whicli would cramp the hands of her Majesty's jHcsrvants in China , and bring disgrace on our name and on our Hag .

    Lord LvNimuitsT thought tliG recent proceedings could not be justified upon any principles , cither of law or of reason . Tlie lorcha was not nn English ship , and , even had it been clothed with the privilege's of a . 11 English fOiip as against ounseh-cn , no law , ordinance , or register , could yivts tho . so privileges as against , torciigucrrf . Ha concurred with all the . scmtiineutri enunciated by Lord Derby , and would cordially support his . motion . —The Loui > CliiANfcuhKou reminded tho llou . se Unit , there waa

    a treaty by vliieli tho Chinese ¦\ voiv . buiind uoL to Heisce Kii-p (! cteil criminals on board Kngli . sh ahipH without the intervention of t . Iio English consuls . An overwhelming amount of evidence . showed that the English flag wiw Hying at tho time , and therefore tho whip was beneath the proU'f . 'tion of thi .-i oountiy . The Chinese , consequently , bad no right , whatever to board th » Arrow , which -enjoyed a license ! within tlie prerogative of tlio Crown to grant . — Karl ( Jki ; y , on the contrary , contended that tho Arrow was not an Engl ish vessel ; and h « thought it

    was a very dangerous thing to allow subordinate officers to resort to offensive measures without reference to the Home Government . As long as our policy towards China had been one of conciliation , we had succeeded ; but the late outrage had been a scandal to Christianity-. Should the resolution be carried , he trusted Sir John Bowring would be immediately recalled . —The Duke of Argyll , said that the Government , would hold i tself responsible for the acts of its agents , and he argued that Sir John Bowring and the others had acted in accordance with the strictest right . On the motion of the Elarl of Carnarvon , the debate was adjourned to Thursday , and the House rose at twelve o ' clock .

    THE TEA DUTIES . In the House of Commons , Lord Johkt Russell gave notice of an Amendment on the tea duties—that a duty of Is . 4 d . shall be imposed for 1857-8 and 1858-9 ( instead of Is . 7 d . and Is . 5 d . ); and that in 1860 the duty shall fall to Is ., as proposed in the Budget . STATUTE CONSOLIDATION . In answer to . Mr . ArsL , EY Pellatt , the ATTORKrEVGeheral said that the statutes relating to masters and workmen had been consolidated by the statute law commissioners . The consolidation bill was now under the revision of that body , and he believed it would be brought in and laid on the table . He was not aware that there was any intention on the part of the Government to introduce any other measure on tho subject .

    GENERAL BEATSON . In answer to Colonel Dunne , Mr . Frederick Peel said the court of inquiry into the charges against General Beatson would only be open to the parties concerned , and not to the public . It was simply a preliminary proceeding , analogous to the grand jury in civil cases . JOINT-STOCK BANKS . In answer to Mr . . " Wilkinson , the Chancellor ofr the Exchequer stated that the Government had prepared a measure on the subject of joint-stock banks , which would be introduced by the Vice-President of the Board of Trade as soon as there was a probability of its being considered .

    OUR REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM . Sir Joshua Walmslet , in moving for a select committee to consider and report upon the most practicable means for lessening the existing inequalities in » our representative system , and for extending to the unenfranchised a share of political power , urged the necessity for this inquiry , and the reasons why the House should take tlic subject into consideration . Out of a population of 28 , 000 , 000 , there being 5 , 500 , 000 adult males , only 1 , 000 , 000 are electors , and , among these , coercion and influence exert a restrictive effect . Besides the limitation of the franchise and the existence of nomination , boroughs , there are inequalities in the system which call for correction . He cited various authorities in

    support of his views , and insisted that it is due to the people of this country that 4 , 500 , t ) 00 adults should not be debarred from the elective franchise . —The motion was seconded by Mr . IIadfiicld . —Sir George Strickland said that , though an old reformer , ho could not suppoTt this motion . It was more -waste of time to move for a , rambling and fishing committee , " without a specific and detined purpose . —Mr . Stakkohd satirised the Government , and called on them to state -when they expected the fitting season would arrive for a comprehensive measure of reform . —Mr . Duncombb , like Sir George Strickland , regretted ho could not support the motion , the objects of which were too vague . —Mr . W . J . Fox , in supporting tho motion , observed that the very notion of representation included

    tho reform of imperfect representation . That imperfection is the germ of agitation , tho yielding to whicli is tho worst s \ ' 3 t , em of policy , as it weakens the confidence of the people in their governors , Hiibjccts th « m to tho influenee of demagogues , and initiates them in all the tiicks and arts of faction . —Lord Palmeurton considered tho matter of too great importance , and that it involved too many and material interests , to be thrown loose to the chance decision of a committee ; it should bo placed bo fora the House in the shape of some dofinito proposition . Ho thought Sir Joshua VYnlmflley must see that the concurrence of opinion in tho House waa against his motion . —Admiral Bkrkklky , Mr . Lookk King , and Mr . Waknkr , spoke againat tho motion , which was negatived by 1 'JO to 73 .

    . cnuncri of cahi . islk . Mr . Fickcujhon obtained leavo to reintrorluco his bill to appropriate the income ; of tho first vacant canonry of tho Cathedral Church of Carlisle to tho augmentation of certain ecclesiastical incumbencies within the said city .

    Accrni ' . N'i' . s on rattavayh , Mr . Btcnttnck . obtained a select committee to inquire into the causes of nccidonts on railways , and into tho possibility of removing any mich caused by further legislation . TITK OlVir . HKKVIOK O' * I ' - '' ANI >) . Mr . Dkary called attention to tho mode of conducting the examinations of candid . lies for udtniMwion into the Civil Sorv » i' < : in Ireland ; and moved that an address bo presented to her Majesty , praying that h 1 i

    _ Pebrtjauy 28, 1857.] The Leader. 1&5

    _ Pebrtjauy 28 , 1857 . ] THE LEADER . 1 & 5

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), Feb. 28, 1857, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_28021857/page/3/