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    $ttq»ri*l parliament

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    -" -"" ""^ TcEB»-»Yj Feb. 4th, 1845. ' O...

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    AND NATIONAL#MffliSV' JOURNAL.

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    VOL. VIII. SO, 378. LONDON, SATURDAY, FE...

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    c» HOUSE OF COMMONS—Tuesday, Feb. 4. The...

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    J&C^ruu+^C >&~hJ{rh

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    $Ttq»Ri*L Parliament

    $ _ttq _» ri * l parliament

    -" -"" ""^ Tceb»-»Yj Feb. 4th, 1845. ' O...

    - " - " " _""^ TcEB » _- » Yj Feb . 4 th , 1845 . ' OPEXLNO OF THE SESSION . , , _.., _^ n _« enini of Parliament by her Majesty in _per-^ _levent which usually attracts a large consen _^ nf her _JMesty ' s "loyal" subjects to witness _iob _^^ j _corttae as it wends its way from the Palace . the - _^ _ST _nge of Lords , and on this occasion the line- ' to _^ * hi > weather save anadditional impulse tothe _**^ oTmanv to testify their "loyalty" to her _it _^ L At Si 4 ptatec to two o clock the report of _^^ announced that her Majesty and her _illus-^ s Consort had entered the state carriage , and _^^ v aflerwards the Royal cor tege was seen emerg" * ° froitt the Palace gates . At a quarter past two _^" mtbe firing of cannon was repeated to announce -- _"S Ythe corte ge had reached its place of _destinationtSJfllise of " Lords . "WitMn ihe bod y of the house _^ t _fv was on tiptoe . The attendance of ladies on _•^ _oeca-aoTa to witness the interesting ceremony was - _areater than -usual . The doors of the house were _cioeu

    _* ncd at twelve o , ana _qaicKiy every seat was Sued hy those who had -been fortunate enough to _^ n tickets of admission . But few peers were * _Lent , and it was fortunate that the gathering was _^ _iin , as the benches - usually kept vacant for their _inrdship 3 ' accommodation were laid siege to by . the fair _Sauts _wholooked with imploring eyes to the _mesflJer to provide them with places . The dresses of _ffjjy of them were brilliant ; satin , velvets , andsilks _y et * ervhue wereinTichprofusion : while feathers and IL _flondseastarich lustre over the fairforms of those _Sho wore them . The corps diplomat * one mustered in _-jarrre body , and stars and orders on splendid _nnil forms g littered from the ambassadors ' ' bench . The italic of Wellington entered in his peer ' s robes at

    h _altpast one . His _Urace appeared in good neaitn _jmj sp irits , although rather -umrm . The Lord _Chancer next entered . At a quarter to two a flourish _oftrumpets announcedthe arrival of Royalty . Again 2 flourish of trumpets was heard , and the appearance of ihe heralds in the portal ofthe house tola to many _expectant eyes that her Majesty was approaching _, flic Royal cortege then advanced , "the Marquis of -fiinchester holding the cap of maintenance , the Earl _jjekwanv the ; crown , the Dnke of Wellington the sword of state . -His Royal Highness Prince . Albert idd her Majesty ' s hand and led her to the throne . TJcr Grace the fineness of Bneclench was in

    attendance on her Majesty as Mistress of the Robes . It jad been reported that his Royal Highness the Prince „ f Wales was to occupy the chair of state on ihe right hand ofher Majesty ; but hia Royal Highness was not present Prince Albert sat in the chair on the left of the throne . Her Majesty , who looked in perfect health , wore the Royal purple robe over a dress of white satin , and a tiara of brilliants on her head . His Royal Highness Prince Albert wore the uniform of the life Guards . As soon as the Members of the House of Commons appeared ai the bar of the house , xhe Lord Chancellor handed the speech to her Ma-: « tv , and her Maiesty proceeded to read , as follows :

    "Xt LO . M 3 ahd _Gmt-raK _? _-, " I rejoice tbat I am enabled on again meeting you in Parliament to congratulate you on the improved _condign of the country . •« increased activity pervades almost every branch of Hinnnfactnre , Trade anil commerce have been extended si home and abroad , and among all classes of my people there is generally prevalent a spirit of loyalty and cheerful obedience to fhe law . •< I continue to receive from all Foreign Powers and States assurances of their friendly disposition . " 1 have had much satisfaction in receiving at my Court ihe So vereigns who , in the course of the last year , visited dris country .

    «• ' The journey of the Emperor ot Russia , undertaken ai a Teat sacrifice of private convenience , was a proof of ihe -friendship of bis Imperial Majesty most acceptable io n ! y fecling 6 . * " The opportunity of personal intercourse thus afforded to me may , I hope , be the means of still further improving those amicable relations which have long existed between Great Britain and Russia . " The visit of tbe _TTing of the French was rendered _especially welcome to me , inasmuch as it lad been preceded by discussions whicli might have impaired the good understanding happily established between the two

    countries . " 1 regard the maintenance of this good _nnderstanding ss essential to the best interests of both , and I rejoice to ircaess that tiie sentiments so cordially expressed by all (• lasses of my subjects on the occasion of his Majesty ' s _xiat were entirely in unison with my own . " Gejstlemek of the House of Commons , " The estimates for the ensuing year have been prepared , and will forthwith be laid before yon . " The progress of steam-navigation and fhe demands for protection to the . extended commerce of the country « vill occasion an increase in ihe estimates connected with ibe naval service . "Mr Lords axd Gesxixmen _, " I have observed with sincere satisfaction that the improvement which is manifest in other parts ef the country has extended to Ireland .

    « The political agitation and excitement , which I have cad heretofore occasion to lament * , appear to have _gradually abated , and , as a natural result , private capital lias been znore freely applied to useful public enterprises _nnfeotken through the friendly co-operation of individuals _interested in the welfa-re of Ireland . y 1 have carried into effect , in the spirit in which it was tobcdven , ihe Act" for the more effectual application of Charitable Donations and Bequests . "I recommend to your favourable consideration the policy of improving and extending the opportunities for icademical education in Ireland . "The report of the commission appointed to inquire hno the law and practice in respect to the occupation of and , isnearlyprepared , and shall be communicated to yon immediately after its presentation . "The state of the law in regard to the privileges of ihe Bank of Ireland , and to other oanldng establishments in that counti v and in Scotland , will no doubt occupy year

    attention . 'The health of the inhabitants of large towns and populous districts in this part of the United Kingdom has been Hie subject of recent inquiry before a commission , Ac report of which shall be Immediately laid before you . "It will he highly gratifying to me if the information _aadsngsesUoas contained in thai-report shall enable you to devise the means of promoting fhe health and comfort of the poorer classes of my subjects . " I congratulate yon on the success of the measures which , three years since , were adopted by Parliament for the purpose of supplying the deficiency 5 n the public -revenue , and arresting the accumulation of debt in the time of peace . "Thc Act which was passed at thai time for imposing a " _* _£ * upon income will shortly expire .

    "It will be for you in your wisdom to determine -Bhether it may not be expedient to continue its operation ior a _"torther period , and thus to obtain the means of adequately providing for the public service , and at the same time of making a reduction in other taxation . _"TPhatever may be the result of your deliberations in this respect , I _feefassnred that it will be yonr determina--aon to maintain an amount of revenue amply sufficient to meet the necessary expenditure ofthe country , and firmly to uphold that public credit , which is indispensable tothe national welfare .

    "The prospect of continued peace , and the general state of domestic prosperity and tranquillity , afford a favourable opportunity for thc consideration ofthe important matters to which 1 bave directed your attention , and I commit them to your deliberation , with the earnest prayer that you may "he enabled , under the superintending care and protection of Divine Providence , to strengthen the feelings of mutual confidence and good-will between different classes of my subjects , and to improve the condition of my people . " Her Majesty having Tead the speech , -returned it to the Lord Chancellor-, and then descending- Irom -the throne , again took the hand of Prince Albert , and , attended by the great officers of state , proceeded totheRobing-room The Royal tort * aeleft the house in the same manner in which it had entered , her Majesty affectionately shaking hands with his Jtoyal Highness the Duke of Cambridge as she passed him . We have seldom seen ner Majesty on a public occasion in better spirits . The house then adjourned .

    Her Majesty read the " speech * ' (!) in an effective _jnann-C ' . Her perfect enunciation made every word of tHe address be distinctly heard in the remotest corner of the house . The allusions to the incometax and to Ireland were listened to with peculiar interest , and some of fie peers and commoners exchanged significant g lances . Her Majesty read the last paragraph ofthe speech slowly and most enipha-The Speaker then bowed and retired with the members ofthe ether house . Her Majesty was escorted to the long gallery by the officers of state , and bowed to the peeresses and peers as she left the Loose . Prince Albert also bowed several times . Her Majesty looked -rtanarkahly well , and seemed to lie in the enjoyment of perfect health . The house resumed at five o ' clock , and almost immediately afterwards , "*¦* The Soke of WnxisGTO-s laid upon the table a rail , entitled " An Act for the better regulation of Select

    Vestries , * ' which was read a first time-ADDEESS K ASSWEB TO BEE _MAJESTl'S SPEECH . On the motion ofthe Duke of _TTeimj-gton , _TheLocn Chancellor " reported" the Royal speech , to use the language of the journals , or in other words read it at length , and the same was subsequently read by the clerk at the table . Tbe address in reply , which , according to unvarying precedent , was a faithful echo of the speech , was moved by Marquis Camdes , and seconded "by lord Gusli os , each of these noblemen confining themselves upon this , their first occasion of appearing before the House , pretty dosely to the topics suggested in the speech , and contenting themselves , as they passed each paragraph _sevelally in -review , with declaring their perfect accordance in the sentiments expressed , and recommeading them for the adoption of their lordships .

    The Marquis of Sobmasbt , so far from moving any amendment npon the address , approved of all he had yetieard ofthe measures to be proposed _oj _eorernment ; and promised tbat he , at least , would not taunt Ministers with the inconsistency of their present proposals with their former professions . He had always regarded thc in _g-mry ' which had been in progress as to the tenure of

    -" -"" ""^ Tceb»-»Yj Feb. 4th, 1845. ' O...

    land in Ireland as an unmixed evil , and he regretted to find that the result had justified his anticipations . The amount of agrarian outrage was also greater than it had been for many years , but lie should not for the present bring forward any motion upon the subject . The Duke of Richmond complained that while their Lordships werc called upon to express their satisfaction at the national " prosperity , " no mention had been made ofthe agricultural body , or of the losses to wliich it had in the last year been subject . There was a Board of Trade which represented commerce and manufactures . Why was there not also a Board of Agriculture ? He regretted also that no promise was held out of an alleviation of the hardship with which the income-tax bore upon the agricultural tenant .

    A _NoBi-d Loan who followed , expressed his regret that any interference with the Scotch system of banking was contemplated . He earnestly deprecated any change in a system practically so successful , and threatened fhe unanimous opposition ofthe Scotch constituencies to such an invasion of their interests . Lord Whabxclif-fe said he could not allow the objections whichhadfallenfrom the tw » noblelords to gowithout reply . The Duke of Richmond had complained , that in the speech ber Majesty ' s Ministers had not rightly stated the condition of the country , and then he found faultwith them because the state ofthe farmer was not so flourishing as it had been . If his noble friend would look to the paragraph to which his observations referred , he would

    find that the remark respecting the improved state of the country was confined to the condition of the manufacturing , commercial , and trading part of the community . Then with regard to his other noble friend who spoke of tiie anticipated change in the banking system in Scotland , his noble friend had introduced the word " currency" in what he said , that word not being contained in the speech . The paragraph referred only to the banking establish _, ments of Scotland , and not in the least tothe currency . Lord Brougham , after expressing his satisfaction in strong but general terms with the several paragraphs of the speech , dwelt especially upon the happy effects which had "been produced in both countries by the visit of the King ofthe French , and the improved state of public feeling towards England in that country .

    The Marquis of _Laxsuowxe , after guarding himself from the impression , tbat because be moved no amendment he acquiesced in all the opinions that had been expressed , and . _TcmarMng especially upon the occurrences connected with the State trials of last year , proceeded , in reference to the subjects of difference which had been adjusted between this country and France , to inculcate the necessity in every instance of entering at the earliest period npon a full and explicit explanation . Without this , every insignificant island would become a plaguespot , and any unimportant transaction might be sufficient to disturb the peace of Europe . He objected altogether to the system of protectorates , which , as now constituted , be considered to be entirely innovations , and concluded by an energetic protest against the further continuance of the income-tax .

    Lord Aberdeen , in reply to the observations of the noble Marquis on the subject of mutual explanations , declared that the satisfactory adjustment of the-questions respecting Tahiti had in this very manner been accomplished . The question of protectorates had not been in any degree involved . A subordinate officer , without instructions and without authority , had exceeded his duty ; a representation ofthe circumstances , founded upon justice and urged with moderation , was made to the French Government ; and thus a settlement was arrived at , of which neither party had any reason , or felt any disposition , to complain . He had asked nothing which . he should not himself , in a similar case , have conceded , and upon this principle the negotiation had throughout proceeded . Lord Campbell said , that as the bill which he introduced during the last session of Parliament , for the better administration of justice in appeal cases , had been referred to , he wished to say , that unless the Government introduced a measure on the same subject , he should take care to renew the proposition which he had made last

    year . Again and again he was determined to bring it forward , unless her Majesty ' s Government took thematter up . With respect to the better _administration of the law , he had no doubt that a variety of measures would be introduced . Doubtless much had been done ; but let it not be forgotten that much remained to be done . Very soon a new Ecclesiastical Courts Bill must be introduced . The law of debtor and creditor was also in an unsatisfactory state , and various other questions of a like nature would require an immediate settlement at the hands ofthe legislature ; amongst the earliest to which attention ought to be directed , was the bill for amending the law of debtor and creditor , for the most serious inconveniences had already arisen from delay on that subject . He knew that the subject was one of great difficulty . He knew that his _-Vohleand Learned Friend who now sat onthe edge ofthe woolsack ( Lord Brougham ) differed on many points from those by whom that law was administered ; and such a state of things made it only the more necessary that the matter should , with as little delay as possible , be taken up by the legislature .

    TheLoBD Chancellor said , with respect to the bill which his noble and learned friend had just mentioned , namely , the bill intended to apply to appeals in criminal cases , he should only say , that if asked whether he intended to support or introduce a _bUl of that description , he should request the House to remember the history of that bill ; it was one intended to meet a particular case , and to afford relief to a particular individual . Bearing these facts in mind , he had opposed the measure then , because _hethoughtthat those circumstances of themselves formed constitutional and legal grounds of objection . But in the present session the case was most materially altered , and he should therefore have no objection , under thc sanction of the Government , to introduce a bill having that purpose in view .

    Lord _BnoucHAM said , as to the law of debtor and creditor , he should not now go into that question , though he was perfectly ready to vindicate the measure of last year—a measure respecting which the most extensive attempts had been made to mislead the country , though there was really nothing in the hill to produce the misdecision which was sought to be produced . As to the £ 20 clause , they allknew what pains had been taken to show that that clause had upset the retail trade of the country _, ne was a great friend to that clause ; but he was bound tosaythatthe clause was not his , that he was in no

    respect the author ofthe clause , for , as many of their lordships might remember , it was an addition made in committee . He did not deny the great inconvenience which arose from not making salaries and pensions liable to creditors ; for instance , a clerk with £ 200 _a-year , living in furnished apartments , mig ht contract a debt of £ 19 , and set his creditor at defiance , for fhe furniture in his lodging conld not be seized . Still the £ 20 clause had done great good , and Captain Williams , the Inspector of Prisons , had borne testimony to the beneficial effects which it had produced ; and he believed there was not one instauce in which it had diminished the wholesome credit granted by

    any retailer . Lord Campbell staled that the bill had been drawn up by Mr . { now Mr . Justice ) Erie ; the clause referred to had been drawn up at therequest of Mr . M . _O'Ferrall . The motion for presenting an address to her Majesty , in answer to the speech from the throne , was then brought up and agreed to unanimously . The house then adjourned to _Thursdayi

    And National#Mfflisv' Journal.

    AND NATIONAL _# _MffliSV' JOURNAL .

    Vol. Viii. So, 378. London, Saturday, Fe...

    VOL . VIII . SO , 378 . LONDON , SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 8 . 1845 . .. _- _^ _JSSVSSSSi-SL * "

    C» House Of Commons—Tuesday, Feb. 4. The...

    c _» HOUSE OF COMMONS—Tuesday , Feb . 4 . The members of the House of Commons assembled at about half-past one o ' clock but the attendance was thin , not more than seventy members being present when the House was summoned to the bar of the Lords . On their return no business was transacted , the Right Hon . Gentleman immediately quitting the House , and liis example being followed by the other members . At five minutes before four o ' clock the Speaker resumed the chair ; when Mr . Clifton , the newly-elected member for North Lancashire , and Mr . J . Somes , member for Dartmouth , were introduced , and respectively took the oaths in the usual form .

    Mr . J . Touxe moved that a new writ be issued for the election of a knight of the shire to serve in Parliament for North Wiltshire , in the room of the non . Sidney Herbert , who has accepted the . appointment of Secretary-at-War . —Agreed to . The Hon . Gentleman then moved the issue of writs for the election of a member for ihe borough of Buckingham , in the room of Sir T . F . Fremantle , who has accepted the office of Secretary for Ireland ; and for thc election of a member for Stamford , in the room of Sir G . Clerk , who has accepted the office of Master of her Majesty's Mint . —Both motions were agreed to . An Hon . Mehmeb on the Opposition benches moved that the Speaker issue a writ to the Clerk of the Crown in Ireland for the election of a member to serve m Parliament for Tipperary , in the place of the Hon . R . 0 . Cavedeceased . —Agreed to .

    , Lord Ashxet gave notice of his intention to move , on an early dav , for leave to bring in a bill to regulate thc labour of chUdren in fhe calico printworks of Great Britain and Ireland , and also a biU to regulate the labour of young persons in mills and factories . Mr J _Tonxo gave notice , on behalf of Sir R . Peel , that it was the intention of the Right Hon . Baronet to make a financial statement on Friday week , tneHth of February . Mr . Ewaux gave notice of his intention to move tor tae appointment of a select committee to inquire whether the present system of indirect taxation does not press heavily and unjustly on the poor ; also for leave to bring in a bill for fhe total abolition ofthe pnnishment of death .

    Mr . Wallace gave notice of his intention to move on an early day for thc appointment of a committee to in . quire how many of the railway companies , liable to the provisions ofthe Act of thelast session _. have complied with the regulations of the 6 th clause of that Act , relating to the better accommodation of third-class passengers . Also ,

    that on the llth of February he would call the attention of the house to the reports of the Select Committee on Railways , and the constitution of the Committee of thc Board of Trade intrusted with the transaction of railway business , and the effect of its decision on the interests of the country . Mr . Wakley gave notice that , - on this day week , he would move for a return describing the diplomas , licenses , and other testimonials approved of by the Poor Law Commissioners as entitling persons to practise as medical attendants in Poor Law unions in England and Wales . . - Mr . Mackinnox gave notice that , on this day fortnight , he would call the attentoon ofthe house to thenecessity of promoting the health of towns , by preventing interments within their precincts .

    _POST-OFTICE ESPIONAGE . Mr . T . Ddncombe gave notice that , on this day fortnight , he would call attention to the unsatisfactory and evasive character of the report of the committee appointed to inquire into the opening of lettevs at the Post-office - , and that he would submit a motion on the subject .

    THE ADDRESS The Speaker then reported to the house that he had been to the House of Peers , where he had heard the speech ofher most gracious Majesty from the throne , of which , to prevent mistakes , he had got a copy . The address upon tiie ' speech was moved by Mr . C'habteris , who congratulated the house on the general prosperity ' of the country , as evinced by the steady improvement of ouv trade and commerce at home and abroad _. _" He regretted that he could not call this popularity universal , inasmuch as in the agricultural districts with which he Avas himself more immediately connected , there existed at present great distress caused by the failure of the crops , ne congratulated her Majesty on the friendly state of our foreign relations , which he considered would be much confirmed by the visit of three foreign monarchs ,

    who had all been the guests of her Majesty , to our shores within the last twelve months . He particularly insisted on the good consequences likely to result from the visit Of his Majesty the King of the French , which he looked upon as a security for peace , and of renewed and prolonged amity between France and England . He hoped that a brighter day was about to dawn upon Ireland , in consequence ofthe abatement of _agitatien in that country , and of the introduction of measures which , being based on the principles of impartiality and equality between contending sects , were calculated to remove the remnants of national animosity , and to unite all in thc love of our common country . Such a measure was the Charitable Bequests Act of last session , which he considered as a first instalment : and he looked forward to the Academical

    Education BiU promised by the Government , aud' to the contemplated measure for the improvement of the tenure of land in Ireland , as instalments which were to follow . He congratulated the house on thc increase ofthe income derived from the Excise , which he considered as a sound test of national prosperity . He likewise congratulated it on having placed the banking system of England on a safe footing : and hoped that in dealing with the same system in Scotland they would interfere as little as possible with existing interests . He looked forward with confidence to a great amelioration in the moral condition of tbe poor from the general sympathy which had lately been excited for them in the minds of the higher and middling classes —a sympathy which was testified by the numerous plans wliich were now daily promulgated and discussed in every quarter .

    Mr . Baring , in seconding the address , insisted on several of the topics which had been noticed by Mr . Charteris . He , too , was of opinion that the maintenance of peace , of so much importance tothe happiness ofthe world , would be confirmed by the recent visit of foreign sovereigns to this country , ne hoped that the visit of the Emperor of Russia to this commercial country would induce him to agree to some relaxation of the commercial restrictions on theintroduction of the produce of England within his dominions ; and that the visit of the King of the French would remove those feelings of bitterness which had grown up in consequence of the events at Morocco and Tahiti . The interests of England and America were both bound up in the continuance of peace , and he hoped that in spite of newspaper paragraphs in both countries , the good feelings of honest and independent

    men on both sides of the water would prevent any interruption of it . Indeed , from the mutual interests which sprang up under it , the maintenance of peace was a guarantee for its prolonged continuance . As a security for peace , England should be always _prepared for war ; and if the increase of our commercial transactions and the introduction of steam navigation had produced new circumstances , which endangered our safety , he was sure that the national spirit would gladly provide funds to meet a necessary expenditure to avert that danger . He spoke in terms of great satisfaction on the nourishing prospects of the iron manufacture , and oa the improved condition of the shipping interest . The cotton manufacture , and Etill

    more the woollen trade—the latter of which indicated an improved condition of the poorer classes—were al 60 prosperous . The same was the case with the _maniofacturers of flax , hemp , and silk . Our imports and exports had both increased , as was evident from the Custom-houee returns on tea , coffee , sugar , and tobacco . This prosperity had acted on the finances of this country , which now appeared in a very satisfactory condition . That condition had arisen from the imposition of the income tax , which had changed a deficiency into a surplus of revenue . If the country was to have relief either from a remission of duty in taxation , or from a change in the mode of raising and collecting the revenue , he thought that it would not be wise to depavt from this source of

    income . Lord J . Russell could readily concur in the terms of the address proposed on this occasion ; hut there were topics in the speech of her Majesty , and in the address in reply to it , which called for remark . That the visits of foreign sovereigns to this country might be a fresh guarantee for the continuance of peace must be the anxious wish and sanguine expectation of every man who heard him ; bufit was sometliing singular , that though the mover and seconder of tbe address were both expressing hopes of peace , Ministers were themselves taking

    precautions against the contingency of war . He congratuT _lated the House that our amicable relations with France were not broken ¦ but said that he could not participate in those phrases of satisfaction which Ministers used in their own praise at the conclusion of the last session . They then thought it right to advise her Majesty to praise the wisdom and moderation with which they had conducted the negotiations with France . He saw no cause for admiring either their wisdom or their moderation . What was tbe case ? Pritcbard had been put under arrest , and had been committed to solitary confinement by the French

    Commandant at Tahiti , on suspicion of encouraging insurrection among the natives * , and it was communicated to him , that if insurrection took place , he should be held _vBETuvru-ihle for all the bloodshed which might ensue . Another French Commandant arrived , who thought that there was no ground for such severity , but who also thought that it was unsafe that Pritcbard should remain at Tahiti , and therefore desired him to leave the island . It was impossible not to admit that if Captain Bruat thought the conduct of Pritcbard to be a cause . of danger , he had a right to remove him ; but to place him in solitary confinement , and to say that lie should be responsible with his life for any insurrection , was a gross outrage , and demanded reparation . He was of opinion that if there had been that cordial understanding between the ' two Governments of which their

    partisans boasted so loudly , a satisfactory arrangement might have been made without the delay of two months and without any danger of war . He commented at some length upon the correspondence which had taken place between 3 d . Guizot and the Comte de Jarnac on this subject , and said tbat those papers made him believe that the two Governments of France and England were both too much influenced by the pressure from without , and that the understanding between them was not cordial and complete . The cloud which menaced the duration of peace had , however , blown away , and he now trusted that Ministers on both sides of the Channel would feel that it was for the interest of their respective nations , and for the peace ofthe world , that they should remain united , and that they should not suffer their subordinate officers , at a distance of three or four thousand leagues , to disturb

    their common tranquillity . The present state of Spam had been produced by the cordial understanding between England and France , two of the most free nations-of'the earth ; and that was a result which no - man _COUld be proud of . Whilst he hoped that that cordial understand _, ing would vet ripen into friendship , he hoped that it would in future be employed in the promotion of commerce in the propagation of intelligence , _^^ _T of freedom , i » the destruction of slavery , and no t tor tne substitution of a tyrannical Government , for mild and constitutional sway . He was not satisfied with thereviva 1 of the commission for the revision of the treaties on the slave-trade ; yet , if they thought that the exercise of the right of _search would interrupt peace , Ministers ought to tell the public what could be substituted for it . He congratulated the house _o-i the improved condition oi and rejoiced that it

    our commercial relations with China , had tended much to _increase commercial and _» a _" "" - turing industry in Great Britain . He jreferred . te ¦ the _p-iragraph in the address _bating to the abatement of agitation in Ireland , and said that , nevertheless , the accounts which he had receivedfrom tliatcountry refcncd to many symptoms which were highly menacing . _> o man said that there was fear of insurrection ° _>'™ re _£ _* of agitation ; but no man coidd say that there was hat love andaffection for the imperial leg islature which _ ought to exist in the inhabitants of a free country . He a ™ tea _thaTwant of love and affection to the very mjud . c _. ous proceedings which had been taken _againsMerer « 1 « _persons in that country . He then referred a J _** ea length to the O'ConneU trial , and to the reversal of he judgment in the House of Lords , particularly noticing

    the judgment of Lord Denman _, who declared that the defendants upon the record had not had a fair trial , and that if trials were to be conducted in that way , the trial by jury was a delusion , a mockery , and a snare . On thc question of academical education ¦ in Ireland , he did not know . whether it was a wise one or not ;¦ ¦ but . as it had led Mr . Gladstone , whose talents he eulogized highly , to leave the Ministry of wliich he was so valuable a member , Jie hoped that some explanation would be given of a measure which had ; created such - dissension , and appeared so objectionable to tiie Right Hon . Gentleman . Every . measure of that kind was calculated to excite suspicion , not only in England , but in Ireland also . He quoted the _Chavi-^• _e ¦ . . Beq «* sts Bill as . a proof of that position ,. and imputed the -unpopularity of its reception in Ireland *? ' . _*? ; F . nt of confidence in the sincerity ofthe party

    _^" ,- _^ . ' Proffered it felt by the population of that country . _*? _£ ?* _}>!?* _# . b & A inflamed religious prejudices for years ; and how , when its . leaders adopted a better policy , ' could they wonder that the agitators should throw back upon them the phrases ! Of " aurpliced ruffians" and' "demon priesthood , " which they themselves once used ? Such was the retribution wliich always fell on men who , instead of appealing to sound opinion , ' appealed to popular prejudice , andfounded their power on deluding their countrymen . He expressed great satisfaction in seeing that the Government were now adopting several measures which they had condemned , when proposed by their predecessors ; He rejoiced in the present gratifying state .: of commercial and manufacturing industry , but reminded the house that the prosperity of 1830 had been followed by the distress of

    183 ft _^ 39 , 1810 . We might prevent such : vicissitudes in future ,-hot by interfering with the dispensations of Providence , but by enabling the manufacturers of this country to exchange their produce for the productions of otlier nations , lie implored the nouse to endeavour to ward off the mischief which other deficient - harvests might bring upon us by giving a freer'inlet to the productions of oth

    Mr . Miles wished to know why Lord John had proposed a fixed duty , if he was so convinced that protection was the bane of agriculture ? Had his Lordship found it convenient to make a compact alliance with the Corn Law League ? If the income tax were continued ) he should claim that in the reduction of taxation the agricultural interests should not be forgotten . Mr . Gladstone entered into an explanation of the reasons which had induced him to retire from the Government of whicli he had been a member , After thanking Lord John Russell for the very kind terms in which he hud spoken of his services , he observed that in the statement which he was about to make , he had no blame to cast upon any of his colleagues for any dereliction of their principles or their professions . His statement , therefore , would not be a controversial statement or a justification

    of his conduct , but a mere explanation of circumstances , which if mis-stated or misconceived , might lead to mischievous mistakes . He bad not resigned on account of any matter connected with that department of the Government with which his services had long been connected . He had not resigned on account of any difference of opinion on the intentions , as far as he knew of them , of his late colleagues towards the Church cither of England or o . f Ireland . He had stated to the world formerly , not in ha 9 te , but with great deliberation , the relations which a Christian State ought to have with respect to religion . He had a strong impression that those who had once expressed strong opinions on subjects , involving such important principles should not be parties to propose material departures from them . At the close of last session

    Sir R . Peel mentioned his intention to inquire into the state of education in Ireland , and the spirit with which that education was conducted . He was not in possession of the measures which " the Government were about to bring forward ; and as to Maynooth College , he knew of nothing which they were about to do that might not be safely inferred from what they had done . At . tho same time he must say that the views whichher Majesty ' s Government took on that subject , differed from those which he thought ought to be taken on such a question . The spirit of their measure with respect to the endowment of the College of _JTajnooth differed much from the spirit of that which he had deliberately recommended . His uniform conviction was , that though he was not to fetter

    his judgment by reference to abstract theory , yet that it was due to the' public to place himself in a position to form an honest and an unsuspected judgment . He had , therefore , taken a course which had caused him much pain , and which bad separated him from men with whom he had acted in public fife , and whom he was bound to say he continued to regard with unaltered sentiments of public regard and private attachment . The discussion of an increased grant to Maynooth was connected with excitable topics in this country ; but he was not pvepared to take part in any religious warfare against Sir R . Peel's measure—such as he anticipated it might be _^— -nor to draw distinctions between the Roman Catholics of Ireland and others of Ms fellow-countrymen , so far as regarded their religious creed .

    Sir It . Peel commenced his observations by referring to the subject of Mr . Gladstone , for whose talents he felt an admiration which could only be equalled by the attachment he . felt for his private character . "His right hon . friend had mentioned his objection to their measure some time ago , and' if he had not pressed his resignation it was his ( Sir B . Peel ' s ) fault , as he was unwilling to lose his splendid services as a Minister ofthe Crown . It was not on account of any difference on the commercial policy of the country that bis right hon . friend had resigned his office—on such points there was , and always had been ; the most complete unanimity between them—but it was one of such a subject , which he might be permitted to mention to the house , though liis right hon . Mend bad declined . On tbe motion of Mr . Wyse last year , he , as the organ of tbe Government , had declared that it was

    their intention during the recess to apply themselves to the question of academical education in Ireland , ne had then admitted that there were not the same facilities for academical education in that country that there were in Great . Britain ; and he was now prepared at an early period of the session to propose an increase of facilities for academical education in Ireland , open to all classes Of he * Majesty ' s subjects .. Among ether Institutions which would be benefitted by that increased vote , the College of Maynooth would be one . The Government intended to propose a liberal increase in the grant to that college ,. unaccompanied by any restrictions or regulations as to religious doctrines which would diminish its grace and favour . The sincerity with which the Government was acting on this subject was evident from the fact that it had persevered in its intention with a

    full knowledge that it would lead to the resignation of so valuable a colleague as Mr . Gladstone ; and yet the noble lord had taken a party advantage of the liberal policy adopted by the Government , and had condescended to make a little insinuation against it , in order to persuade the people of Ireland to reject the proposal , because the Government were the authors of it . He then proceeded to defend the conduct ofher Majesty ' s Government in respect tothe Charitable Bequests Bill , which they had proposed as : a matter of justice to Ireland . The noble Lord had thought it decorous to neutralize the benefit of that measure by again ripping up phrases which had been used in the heat of party contest ; but who could wonder that the agitators used them , when the noble Lord forgot his dignity aiid followed their bad example ? The words whicli the noble Lord had quoted were not used by him or by his

    friends , and he denied that he had ever , used words of insult to the people of Ireland . He considered the speech of the noble Lord as a bitter party speech , and thought that his equanimity had been disturbed by the contrast which existed between the speech from the throne this year and those speeches which had been made when he was Minister . Then there was great distress—now there was great prosperit y;—then there was a deficiency , —now there was a surplus of revenue . . He then proceeded to justify the proceedings of the Government in the late negotiations with France on the ' subject of thc treatment of Mr . Pritcbard . He had never asked more of the French Government than that which he ultimately got—a fair and reasonable reparation . He should _haye felt that he was pursuing a course Inconsistent with good policy if he had asked for a reparation humiliating to

    France . He denied that Government had complimented itself at tbe close of last session on account of its wisdom . All that had been stated was , that the differences had been adjusted by the justice and moderation of the respective Governments of the two countries . He rejoiced in the good understanding which now existed between the two countries , as there must from their proximity to each other be a good understanding , or something differing little from downright hostility between them . There was not one reparation made b y France to . us which he would not have made to France himself if the circumstances had been reversed . With regard tothe . financial arrangements of the year ,, he would only remind the house , that an

    Hon . Friend of his had given notice that , it was his ( Sir Robert Peel ' s ) intention to bring them forward before the usual time . He should place at an early period the general outlines of his plan before the house , as he thought that when alterations were to be made in our financial policy an early declaration of tliem was best . He wished the noble Lord would take tiie sense of the house on the question , whether the Government had dishonoured the fair fame of their country by their course , either with respect to Mr . Pritchard , or to the right of search . He Wished the house to declare whether the conduct of Government , in accepting a reparation which was honourable to both countries , was hot a course dictated by wisdom , and justified by sound policy .

    Sir C . 2 ? a pier complained ot the conduct ofthe French officers ' at Tahiti , not only towards Mr . Trite-hard , but ; also towards the commander of the Cormorant . If an English officer had behaved in the same manner towards French subjects he would have been brought to a courtmartial , and would have lost his commission . He thought that sufficient reparation had not been given to this country . He expressed his satisfaction at heart , that a considerable addition was going to be made to ouv naval force . If it had been made sometime ago , we should have heard nothing of these outrages towards Mr . Pritchard .

    Mr . _Plumptre did not consider the explanation of Mr . Gladstone to be very intelligible . He admitted that Sir R . Peel had last session promised to make further con-Cessions to the Roman Catholics . His announcement that . he was now prepared to carry that promise into execution would create a considerable sensation' out of doors , . He was surprised that Sir R . Peel , after his experience , -was not convinced that conciliation was an inexpedient : course . Concession was the fruitful parent of demands , and would continue to . be so while anything remained to be demanded . Mr . Wyse observed ,, that at the close of last session he had not asked for , nor had Sir R ; Peel promised to grant _.

    any concession to the Roman Catholics , The grant for education was not to be considered as a mere financial question ; it rested- on higher grounds : it was a great moral question .. He thought that Sir R . Peel had redeemed the pledges on this subject which he had given last session . He had promised to take into consideration the means of facilitating the education of the laity and clergy of Ireland—tbat was all Sir R . Peel said , and it would be for the house to deal with his measures , when they were introduced , as , it thought fit . He wished to know whether it was the intention of the Right Hon . Baronet to throw the University of Dublin open ? On that point he had not said a word .

    Mr . _villier 8 said that it was now clear that all the objects ofthe protective system had been defeated , and that in consequence of the relaxation of that system the present prosperity of the country had been produced . It was owing to the blessed intervention of Providence , and not to any merits of Hon . Gentlemen opposite , that this was owing . The commercial interests were flourishing : but the agricultural interest was complaining—labourers , tenants , and landlords . Gentlemen opposite werc tho partisans ofthe protective system ; and they were disappointed at its present results . If those results were bad , what reason could they urge for its continuance ? He rejoiced in the declaration of Lord John llussell , that protection was the bane , and not the support of agvieuk . ture _, and called upon the house to watch with the closest attention the hew financial measures of Government—to support them , if they abandoned , and to oppose them if they were based on , the protective principle .

    Mr . Sheil alluded , in a complimentary strain , to thc resignation of Mr . Gladstone . He thought that Sir R . Peel would think it unfortunate that his Right Hon . Friend should have determined to sacrifice the statesman to the author , and would have reason to exclaim , ' . ' 0 , that my friend had not written a book ? " He ( Mr . Slieil ) remembered every word in that boob , and lie recollected that Mr . Gladstone had stated that " the maintenance of Maynooth was a matter of contract ; that if such contract existed , Maynooth ought to be maintained in a degree of splendour worthy ofthe donor ; but that if no such contract existed , then Maynooth ought to be suppressed . " Now , there could be uo doubt as to the existence of such a contract made at the time ofthe union , and confirmed since by many grants of the Imperial Parliament , and therefore he could not help expressing some _eulfprifee that a difference on this point should have induced the Right Hon . Gentleman to retire from his

    situation in tiie Ministry , He gave Sir R . Peel high praise for making tliis grant , and for the manner in which he made it . He also wished to know whether the University of Dublin was to be thrown open , as it was a point of honour with every Irish Roman Catholic to have its scholarships and fellowships thrown open , as they were not on an equality with their Protestant subjects so long as they were debarred from them . He showed tbat it was not a small insinuatien which Lord John Russell had made against the present Government in his admirable speech , for it embraced the injustice of all their proceedings in the celebrated O'Connell prosecution , from Its _firsit commencement to its close . He then entered into a discussion on the merit 3 of the Charitable Bequests BUI , and after some other observations , asked Sir J . Graham if he was still prepared to'bring in his Irish Registration Bill , and to repeat his pledge that conciliation had now reached its utmost limit ?

    Sir J . Gkaham bad no hesitation m stating that it was the determination ofthe Government to propose an Irish Registration Bill this session . As to the period of its introduction , he could not speak so decidedly , as it was clear that a measure of vast importance , of which notice had been given that night , must precede , it . ' The Maynooth question and the Academical Education Bill would also precede it ; but it was undoubtenly the intention of Government to introduce- such a measure this session . He could not hold out any hope thai Government would alter tho main principle of the Bequests Bill , relative to the holding of land in perpetuity ; but as it was not the intention of Government to place-the regular clergy in a worse position than that they occupied before the bill was introduced , they would have no objection to propose an alteration in it , if it should be found that the regular clergy were damnified by the 16 th clause , and another clause which had relation to it . '

    Mr . Shaw said , that the scholarships and fellowships of Trinity College , Dublin , could not be thrown open to Roman Catholics , as they were part and parcel of the Protestant Church of Ireland . Lord _Palverston concurred in the _satisfaction which had been so generally expressed by the house at the late visit of foreign Sovereigns to this country . He was not , however , sanguine in his anticipations as to the real benefits to be derived from it . The effect of a good understanding between two countries was best seen when casual circumstances rose up which were calculated to disturbit . He thought'that the cordial understanding so much boasted of last year had failed on the very first occasion on which it might have been useful . He denied the position laid down in France , and acquiesced inhere , that Mr . Pritchard was not a consul when arrested at

    Tahiti . He had suspended his functions . Quoad the intrusive French officers , who had seized on the island and deposed Queen Pomare ; but he was still in the performance of consular functions to all British subjects frequenting that island as merchants . If there had been any charge against Mr , Pritchard for endangering the tranquillity of the island , then he admitted that the French authorities in the island had a right to require him to depart ; bnt it wa 6 incumbent on them , before they called on him to withdraw , to have placed their charge against him clearly under his view . No such charge ha ; d been laid before the French Chamber , and there was nothing to justify Ms removal from Tahiti , even in the most courteous manner . The French officer removed him , because he suspected that Mr . Pritchard had done something worthy of suspicion . Here then was a gross outrage committed ; and it was the fault of the two Governments that it had been committed , for the protectorship of Tahiti

    never ought to have been allowed . That change in the Government of Tahiti conld not be made without incurring the risk of a _coUision , ' whicli might bring the two Governments into a very awkward condition . If we had had a stout frigate or two on that station things would have passed in a manner more decorous , and less likely to have brought the two nations into collision . He would not say that there was great ground for the country to complain , as things turned out at last ; still he could not say that the result justified those ardent expressions of satisfaction communicated to the French Government , hut not repoatedrto Parliament at the close of the last session . He maintained that our G overnment had not acted altogether in a way satisfactory to this country . The Right Hon . Baronet had described the outrage on Mr . Pritchard as a gross outrage , for which he had no doubt that reparation would be given by the French Government , and yet no formal reparation for it had ever been demanded by the British Government .

    Sir R . Inglis regretted that Lord Palmerston had taken the course he had done on the Tahiti question . For his own part , deeply interested as his feelings were against the slave trade , he would not say or do anything to disturb the arrangement which had been made and accepted as satisfactory . He warned his Right Hon . Friend , the member for Tamworth , that he must not expect to pacify Ireland by the measure which he had just propounded , or by any measure of a similar character . Lord Sandon was not prepared to join with the last speaker in his objection to the increased grant to the College of Maynooth .

    Lord Howiok said that nobody had been more anxious than himself to suppress the slave trade ; but what had been the result of all the efforts made for that purpose by tliis country ? Many valuable lives of our officers and seamen had been sacrificed j and _we-had not only failed in our object , but had . even aggravated the horrors of thc slave trade . We had no right to exercise the police ofthe sea unless it were clear that in so doing we were promoting the interests of humanity , ne was aware that such sentiments would not find favour with the house and the Government ; but he was of opinion that if we abandoned our right of search , other nations would be compelled by a joint feeling of honour and humanity to prohibit the exercise ofthe slave trade by their subjects . The address was then put from the chair , and carried unanimously . iwcoire TAX .

    Mr . _Hawes inquired whether the U 6 ual trade and navigation accounts would be laid on the . table before the 14 th of'February , when the BightHon . Baronet proposed toeall their attention to the continuance of the income tax . Also , whether any other papers relating to the state of the revenue , and the operation of the new tariff , would be pre .

    viously laid on thetaUe , so as to enable theheuBe to come to a . correct . _decision _, pni :. tiu 8 _* _abjeetf _: _^ . - _^ . _^ - _» _»;>; _--tr . ' Sir R . Peel said he would do all in his power to expedite the trade and navigation returns , and would , if possible , lay them on the table » u extenso before - the ; Hth of : February . If , however , this was impracticable , he would take care that ah abstract-of them should be furnished . He had already caused a paper to be prepared , showing the quantity of articles _iinpbrted ' iwo years before and two years subsequent to the tniilf , and would lay it on the table . The house then adjourned at eleven o'clock . . Wednesday , Feb . 5 . The SrEAKER took the chair at four o ' clqpk .

    Mr . Wallace presented u petition from operative bleachers in Lanark , Renfrew , and Stirling , - complaining of a protracted detention each day in the rooms in which a great part of their business was carried on , and in wliich they were exposed to a temperature varying from 112 to 120 degrees of Fahrenheit . Thcyprayed the . house to adopt some means of ameliorating their condition . The Hon . Member gave notice , -that he would to-morrow move that the petition be printed in the votes . Mr . Wakley gave . notice that on Tuesday week he would move for a return showing the number of persons prosecuted under the Game Laws in the years 1812 , ISIS , and 1844 inclusive , * distinguishing the parties , . whether men , women , or children , so prosecuted , the nature of tin-Charge , aud the result in each case ; stating also the cosb of such prosecutions , and also the cost to the poor-rate of supporting the children of persons so convicted while the fathers or mothers were in prison .

    THIRD-CLASS RAILWAY CARRIAGES . Mr . Wallace said , that when he gave notice of his intention " to inquire of the President of the _lioai-d- of Trade how many ofthe railway _comnanics coming within the provisions of the Act of last session hail complied with the regulations of the sixth clause , ; is to having seats and protection from the weather for the conveyance of third-class passengers , and also how many had failed so to comply , " it did not occur to him that the late President of the Board of Trade was not now in office . lie did not know whether any other member of the Govern _, ment was prepared' to answer his question ; if there were not any , he was ready to postpone his question to a future occasion . The Chancellor of the Exchequer suggested that the Hon . Member _mightObtain his object by giving notice of a motion for a return of those railway companies which had failed to comply with the _regulations of the sixth clause ofthe Act referred to .

    Mr . Gladstone said , that as the question related to matters whicli had occurred months ago , he had no objection to give the Hon . Member an answer . ' From returns made to the Board of Trade , lie was enabled to state thut all the railway companies , with a very few ex . ceptions , had complied with thc provisions ofthe Act of Inst session with respect to the conveyance of third-class passengers , and the complaints which had been made to the Board of Trade on the subject were very few indeed . He would not name those companies which had complied with the Act , for that would be to include them all , with , as he had said , very few exceptions . The Board of Trade had not proposed tiny alteration in the form of the third-class carriages , but they had insisted that those carriages should be provided with seats , and should be covered in from the weather , as far as was consistent with the necessary admission of light and air .

    That plan had been adopted , and it had proved a great accommodation to the poorer classes . He would mention one or two instances by way of illustration . From the report of the Grand Junction Railway Company it appeared that the plan had been adopted , and that , without any injury worth mentioning tothe receipts of the company , 2 , 500 passengers per week of the power class had gone by the third-class conveyance , who could not under the former system have availed themselves of that mode of travelling . On the . Birmingham line 48 , 300 poor persons had been conveyed in three months , which was at the rate of 193 , 000 per year . The number previously convoyed in a year was 65 , 000 , so that there had been an increase of about threefold in tho number of the poorer passengers conveyed by third-class carriages . These facts would show the great extent of accommodation _afforded to the poor by this new arrangement .

    Mr . Wallace said , he would , adopt the suggestion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer , and move for a return of those railway companies which had failed to comply with the regulations of the Board of Trade , and would fix his motion for to-morrow ( this day ) . Mr . Youxo moved the usual sessional orders . Mr . Williams begged to call the attention ofthe house to some ofthe orders which would be read for its adoption . Amougst these was one which said "That it is a high in . fringement of the liberties and privileges of the Commons of the united _. kingdom for any lord of Parliament , or other peer or prelate , not being a peer of Ireland at the _. time elected , and not liaving declined to serve for any county , city , or borough of Great Britain , to concern himself in the election of members to serve for the

    Commons in Parliament , except only any peer of'Ireland at such elections in Great Britain respectively whore such peer shall appear as a candidate , or by himself or any others be proposed to be elected ; or for any lord . lieutenant or governor of any county to avail himself of any authority derived from his commission to influence tho election of any member to serve for the Commons in Parliament . " This was one of the resolutions adopted by the house at the commencement of every session , as one of its " sessional orders . " But how was it acted upon by thc house V Was it not notorious that peers not only did " concern ' themselves in the election of membors to serve in the

    Commons house , but did actually send members there by their own direct influence ? and if the act were proved , us it easily could be , the house had no means of remedying the evil ; or , if it had any such power , it was also well known that it was not exercised . According to thc common law , there was nothing to prevent any peer being duly qualified from registering himself as an elector for returning a member to Parliament , and from voting for that purpose . Where , then , was the use of this " sessional order 1 " He hoped the Government would take this into its serious consideration , and so arrange it that these " sessional orders" should be in reality what they pretended to be on the books of the house .

    The Chancellor of the _Excheqoer said that her Majesty ' s Ministers were not more interested in the question introduced by . the Hon . Member than any other members ofthe house . The question was one relating to its privi . leges , with which it would not permit the members of the Government or any other body to interfere . The house , mid the house only , was the judge of its own privileges , and with that ancient practice he did not think it right to interfere . He did not mean to deny that a peer had a right to vote for a Member of Pftiiiamcnt independently of the right of the house to examine and decide whether thc person so elected had been duly elected . With respect to the resolution read by the Hou . Member , he ( the Chan _, cellor of the Exchequer ) did not wish to see any alteration made in it , because he looked upon it as essential to tiie maintenance of their privileges .

    Mr . Williams would beg to put one question to the Right Hon . Gentleman . He would suppose that a peer duly qualified as to property should present himself to the revising- barrister , and claim to hare his name inserted in the register . Well , the barrister , seeing all the qualifications quite correct , could not refuse to enter lus name . He could know nothing there of the House of Commons , or of its " sessional orders . " Then , the claimant ' s name being on the register , and the House of Commons not wishing to erase the name from it , he was anxious to know in what way thc house could vindicate its privileges . He would ask the Right non . Gentleman how it was to be done ? ¦ ¦ The resolutions before the house were then agreed to . On the next resolution ( that whicli Mr . Williams had read ) , being read ,

    Mr . T . Duncombe said that it was his intention to renew thc notice he had given last session , of a motion for the appointment of a select committee to inquire , whether in the returns of members to serve in the reformed Parliament there had been any made through the direct influence of peers . The Chancellor of the Exchequer said that he was anxious that tlic resolution , then before the house , should continue on its " sessional orders , " because it was necessary to the maintenance of tho privileges . He ( Mr . Duncombe ) was , he owned , greatly surprised to hear the Right Hou . Gentleman make this statement and preserve the gravity of his countenance while he made it . A peer of Parliament must not " concern" himself i » any election of a member of Parliament , nor assist him with his influence ' . Why thc Right Hon . Gentleman

    when he said tins must have known that there was scarcely a county , member , | audj very " few borough mem . bers , in front , or behind , or alongside of him , who did not implore , almost on his knees , that some peer of Parliament would " concern " . himself in liis election in order to secure his return , Was it not then a mockery and a farce to talk of inscrtiug in our " sessional orders ' - ' : a resolution declaring it to be a breach of privilege that any peer of Parliament or lord-lieutenant of a county should " concern" himself in the election of a member of Parliament ? Let the house but give him the committee for which he would move , and he would undertake to prove that two-thirds of the peers and half the bishops ( a laugh ) did " concern" themselves and interfere in the election ! of members returned to that house . Why , the

    circumstances which passed before their eyes within a few days must havo convinced , not alone the members in the house , for they were convinced already , but must have satisfied every man who took the trouble of reflecting on them , that peers of Parliament did , and were entreated to " concern " _, themselves in the return of members to that house , ( Hear , bear , and a laugh . ) There was the case of one gentleman , who , if he did not succeed in persuading a certain peer of Parliament to " concern '' himself and interfere in his return , might place the house in thc unpleasant condition of being without tlio services of a Secretary for Ireland . ( Laughter . ) He would repeat , then , tliat it was a mockery and a farce to talk of maintaining bur privileges by such a sessional order as that now before

    them , and he was surprised that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should make the statement and keep the gravity of his countenance . He had last year voted against this resolution , and he would do so again . For bis own part , he would much rather that peers did openly vote for members of Parliament . It would bring them in contact with the people , from which they ( the peers ) would derive great benefit . They would find amongst them what they did not always find amongst their own body . They would find more candour , more sincerity , more honesty , > and patriotism than they could get amongstmore elevated _memhere of society . "If noble lords mixed more than they did with the working classes , they would find few who would give their votes ( Continued in our eighth page )

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• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 8, 1845, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_08021845/page/1/