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Leader (1850-1860), 19th February 1853, Edition 1 of 1, Page 174

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      country in objects of general benefit , remarking that a nation which had thus entitled itself to the sympathy , respect , and good feeling of the people of this country , 0 was not to be treated as a corsair and a bandit . In seeking to discover the views and opinions of the Government of Lord Aberdeen , he referred to the declarations of some of . its members . Sir James Graham , he observed , had described the Ruler of France as a despot who had trampled upon the rig hts and liberties of 40 , 000 , 000 of men ; thus holding up to public scorn and indignation both Ruler and people . Another Cabinet Minister , Sir Charles Wood , had accused the Emperor of the French of gagging the French and Belgian press , though , " of course , " without meaning the slightest offence to the Emperor . Upon these indiscretions , as he termed them , Mr . Disraeli

      commented with much severity and still more humour , observing that they suggested grave doubts as to the foreign policy of the present Cabinet , which were not removed by the programme of Lord Aberdeen . " There is one other reason why I am bound to pursue this inquiry at the present moment , and I find that reason in the present state of parties in this House . Ifc is a peculiar state of things—it is quite unprecedented—it is well deserving the attention of hon . members who sit in that quarter of the House ( pointing to the benches below the gangway on the Ministerial side . ) We have at this moment a Conservative Ministry , and we have a Conservative Opposition . ( Cheers . ) Where the great Liberal party is I pretend not to know . ( Cheers . ) Where are the Whigs

      —( cheers)— -with their great traditions—with two centuries of Parliamentary lustre , and deeds of national patriotism ? ( Loud cheers . ) There is no one to answer . ( Renewed cheering . ) Where , I ask , are the youthful energies of Radicalism — its buoyant expectations — its expanded hopes ? Awakened , I fear , from the dreams of that ardent inexperience which attends sometimes the career of youth , it finds itself at the same moment used and discarded—( cheers )—used without compunction , and not discarded with too much decency . ( Cheers . ) Where are the Radicals ? Is there a man in the House who declares himself to be a Radical ? ( Hear , hear . ) No , not one . He would be afraid of being caught and turned into a Conservative Minister . ( Roars of laughter . )"

      In these circumstances , it was the absolute duty of the House to obtain something more satisfactory , a frank explanation from the Government upon this important question ; he was , therefore , entitled to ask what was the system on which our foreign policy was to be conducted , and what was the state of our relations with France , Lord J . RussELii said , if Mr . Disraeli ' s object had

      been to obtain an explanation respecting our foreign relations , lie might have confined his observations within much narrower limits . Indeed , the statement l > e ( Lord John ) made the other night , that we were on terms of intimate friendship with France , might itself have satisfied a member of thut House , and he thought it a calamity if an attempt were made to convert this into a party question , and to throw suspicions on the intentions of the Government and sow dissension

      between two powerful countries , lie now repeated , that tlte British Government was on terms of amity with that of Franco , with the domestic concerns of which we hud no right to interfere . Mr . Disraeli , he remarked , lmd referred to certain speeches delivered on the hustings . For what purpose was this done , except to excite irritation and provoke suspicions , and this by one who professed to have nothing more at heart than : i cordial understanding' between the ; two countries ? Nothing was further from the intention of the speakers than to disturb that good understanding ; . and with reference to the programme of Lord Aberdeen , it contained a clear announcement of the foreign policy of the Government . He retorted the charge of inconsistency

      and aberration from principles upon the Protectionist party , and defended , against the strictures of Mr . Disraeli , the temperate progress meditated by the present Government . With respect to himself , lie Htiid there wen ; two questions respecting which he felt great interest . —the further education of the people , and the amendment of the representation ; but he should not push on any measure which he thought out of time , or not likely to meet wiih success . He thought measures of this kind should he duly weighed ; and if he could contribute to the stability of a Ministry formed of men honestly intent upon ( lie good of the country , and to bring forward wine measures with due deliberation , he should glory in doing no .

      Mr . ( Joiidhn contended that-our great naval preparations were the real cause of uneasiness at home , while they endangered our understanding with France . If a friendly note were to be exchanged with tin ; French Government on the subject , he had no doubt that it would \ h-. responded to in a manner that would banish all suspicion . If it did not , lie would be ready to vote lOO . OOO . OOO / . to resist a French invasion . Tho Government iirolcHsed to trust tho friendly sentiments of France , while it went on increasing our ariimincntH , which weio <> f i 1 ( , tdUu-1 ,, since for every ship we built the French built another , ho that the ro ' lutivo forces

      remained the same . While we were thus lavishing money on our defences , our population was diminishing by emigration . If the Government refused to adopt the suggestion of diplomatic action to check the increase of armaments in both countries , he should suspect them , of being actuated by sinister objects . Sir J . Graham did not believe that a diplomatic note would be attended with the effect Mr . Cobden expected . When we reflected upon the slight occasions which might give rise to unexpected hostilities , he could not be a party to leaving this country unprepared for defence . No one could be more attached to peace and economy than he was ; but being a friend to peace , and

      thinking that armaments should not be needlessly iucreased , he deeply regretted the course pursued by Mr . Disraeli . He denied that in the speech referred to by that right hon . gentleman he ( Sir James ) had called the Emperor of the French a despot or a tyrant . He explained what he did say on that occasion , observing that , although he was most desirous to maintain friendly relations with France , and although not one word had fallen , from him calculated to disturb these relations , if ifc should be the opinion of the House that neither there nor on the hustings was he at liberty to give expression to his conscientious feelings , he was not fit to le a Minister .

      Sir James made the following spirited defence of his speech at the late Carlisle election , which had J ) een severely criticised by Mr . Disraeli : — " I have a distinct recollection of using the "words I am now about to state—viz ., that in a nation , a most polished nation , celebrated in arms , in arts , in literature , and in science , the liberties of the people were prostrated atthe feet of a single man ( cheers ) . That was the expression I used . I think the right honourable gentleman has said that the people of this country hate coalitions . I think the people of this country hate mystification ( cheers . ) They like the truth , they like to hear it spoken , they dare to speak it themselves ; and if this language so used by me be unworthy of the British nation , or to be held by a

      member of this House , or inconsistent with peace , then I am not worthy of my seat ( cheers ) . Let the House say so . I am ready to abide by their decision ; but this I say , although I am most desirous to maintain the most friendly relations with France , and that not one word should fall from me which should excite the enmity- of that great people , still , if I am not to be allowed , either on the hustings or in this House , to give expression to that which , my heart dictates and which my mind and conscience approve—I say I am not fit to be in the Ministry , if such be the tone of the Government . But I recollect that I am still a member of a free community , which dares to defend the truth , which loves the truth , and which , after all , is the last refuge of the liberties of Europe ( loud cheers ) .

      Mr . M . Gibson took the same view as Mr . Cobden of the influence which our preparations exercised upon France , and , with him , urged the expediency of coming to some mutual understanding that should put a stop to these indefinite armaments , one country rivalling another in the expense of their preparations . Mr . Baillie , confining himself to questions of internal policy , contrasted the published sentiments of Sir J . Graham and Mr . Gladstone upon the subject of

      Parliamentary reform , and adverted to the irreconcilable opinions of the . members of the present Administration upon a still more important subject—the religious question . Lord I ) . Stuart admitted that we had nothing to do with the internal afliiirs of France , and that if that nation chose to succumb to an absolute government , we had no right to interfere actively ; bufc he did not think the press and statesmen of this country should be debarred from expressing an honest and a candid opinion upon the subject . The discussion here terminated . Upon the question that the Speaker leave tho chair , Mr . IIumk objected to tho House voting the Navy Kstimates before it hud determined whether or not the Income-tax should lie continued . Upon u division , the motion was carried by HM to 2 tt , and the House went into COMM 1 TTIUC OK SUl'l'LY . Sir J . Gil ah am , in moving tho Navy Estimates , said they were ; not recommended on any ground of a hostile character towards any foreign l ' ower whatever , hut for reasons which had been sustained by the reports of two committees . He stated that tho net aggregate increase amounted to 39 J ) , 000 / . upon the three items of wages , victuals , and stores , iind he indicated the causes of this increase . He gave ) explanations of various reductions , savings , and improvuments in the naval departments ; he developed tho views of tin ; Government with relation to matters

      connected with our steam and general navy ; and , tendering further elucidations when desired of tho different votes , concluded by moving a vote of 45 , 500 men for the service of the navy , including 12 , 500 marines . This vote was agreed to , after discussion . Other votes were likewise agreed to , and the Chairman reported progress . Tho romuining business having been disposed of ,

      the House adjourned , at a quarter past one o ' clock , until Monday . Registration op Titles . —Mr . Henry Drttmmoud moved for leave to bring in a bill to facilitate the sale and / purchase of land . After tracing the history of our conveyancing system , and dwelling upon its utter inapplicability to modern requirements , he remarked that no lawyer was ever satisfied that any man was the owner of the land he possessed , but that every transaction necessitated a fresh , examination of title . He contended that , after one inquiry into title by a proper tribunal , its certificate ought to be good for ever . The real property commission had recommended a registry , and his bill was designed to carry out that recommendation , and to reg ister titles to real property-He sketched the history of legislation on the subject , and urged the unfitness of lawyers to deal with . it . On this head he told a capital anecdote : — 1

      " Everybody knew that some very great men had carried through bills which had been very incomprehensible . He was once sitting next to Sir Robert Peel when a certain bill which had been introduced by the Government was under discussion ;• and he pointed out to Sir Eobert a particular clause in the bill ,, saying to him , ' Is not this clause perfect nonsense ?* Sir Eobert looked at the clause and then said , It is nonsense ; you had " better go and show it to Lord John . ' Mr . Drummond walked across the House , and showed it to Lord John , who said , ' Theclause is nonsense , but I have nothing to do with , it ; it is Peel ' s bill . ' ( Laughter . ) Mr . Drummond brought the bill back to > 8 ir E . Peel , and told him what Lord John had said , when Sir-Eobert replied , ' It is true I brought it in , but it was by the orderof the Government ; and old Eldon was Chancellor at the time ,, and he never would let the law officers do their duty . He wouldj always meddle with it , and the clause certainly was nonsense . " ( Laughter . )"

      He explained that his bill provided that , when once a registration had been effected , nothing but a statement of the new transaction should be requisite . Mr . Headlam seconded the motion , and warml y defended a system of registration . Mr . Hume was of opinion that a merely permissive bill would not be useful . Leave was given . Election Bills . —After a slight but congenial opposition from Colonel Sibthobp and Mr . Spooneb , the County Polls Bill , limiting the polling at county elections to one day , was read a third time by a majority of 129 to-28 , and passed , on Wednesday .

      Mr . Geoege Butt obtained leave , under a protest against tinkering reforms , from Mr . Sidney Hebbebt , to bring in a bill to limit the time between the proclamation and day of election in counties , and between the receipt of the writ and the election in boroughs ; to limit the polling at elections for the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge ; and otherwise to regulate the proceedings of elections for members of Parliament in England and VVales . Hop Duties . — Mr . Fbewen made an ineffectual , attempt , on Thursday , on the part of the Sussex hopgrowers , who are totally opposed by the growers of Kent , , not to obtain a repeal of the hop-duties , but to declare them impolitic . He was supported by Mr . Bright and . Mr . Hume , and opposed by Mr . Gladstone . Motion , lost by 175 to 91 .

      Teanspoetation . —In the House of Lords , on Thursday , Lord Monteagie inquired whether it was the intention of her Majesty ' s Government to introduce a measure for the total suppression of transportation . The Duke of Newcastle was happy to have the opportunity afforded him of correcting a very general misapprehension as to what had fallen from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs . Tho Government had resolved not tc send any rnore convicts to Van Diemen ' s Land , but they had determined to continue for a short time transportation ; to Western Australia .

      Mapiai . —A very striking despatch from Lord John * Russell to Sir Henry Bulwer , in relation to the Madiai ,. lias been published . Its date is January 18 th . He eaya that tho hesitation of the Grand Duke on the subject , implies cupital punishment . "It is the same thing in effect to condemn a man to die by firo like Savonarola , or to put him to deatli by tho slow torture of an unhealthy prison . " His argument is , that civilized Europo abhors religious , persecution ; and thut tho Grand Duke , should tho Madiai dio in prison , will bo considered as having put to death i a human beinef for being a Protestant . " As this is a-1

      matter uflcclinga Tuscan subject , it may bo said that her Majesty ' s Government have no right to interfere . If thiss means that interference by force of arms would not bo justifiable , I confess at onco that nothing but tho most extreme case would justify such interference . Hut if it bo meant that her Majesty has not tho right to point out to > a friendly Sovereign tho arguments which have prevailed in tho most civilized nations against tho use of tho civil sword to punish religious opinions , I entirely deny tho . truth of such an allegation . " Ho then directs Sir Henry to lay all theso considerations before tho Grand Duko ini the most friendly spirit .

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      "A STRANGER" IN PARLIAMENT . Tins has been n week devoted by the House of Cominonn to unconscious exposures of its own thorough want of earnestness in " foreign policy . " Lord Pal--inerstoii , on Thurmlny , dressed in deep mourning ( for his wife ' s brother )—black to the studs and to the kids , , and yet talking in the most intensely and succeHsfully jocular vein , was an exemplar of the system—elaborate ;' affectation of liberal and Protestant grief—real ytociv cur'atilt --isni .

      Mr . ( , ' obden , who eiui see every inconsistency hui > - his own , last night pointed out , in a ihw words , the > utter hollownesH of nil the elaborate affectations , om the part of the respoiiHiblo statesmen , oi' faith in the ; pacific notions of tho French Kmporor , by saying , adu dressing himself perHonully to . Lord John Russell ~ -. IU > w i « it thut you , who fiml no much fault with the nixs *

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      174 THE LEADER . [ Saturday , __ . . 1 ... I ,, . i . .. I , . > i ¦— ¦ ¦¦ . „ . 11 .....-i — - — ¦ ¦ .. 11 .. i _^__

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Feb. 19, 1853, page 174, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1974/page/6/