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    • ———m ¦ ————————— —————mm March 7. 1646...

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    fomivx jftobnmnts*

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    " And I will war, at least in words, (An...

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    • ———m ————————— —————mm TIIE TYRANNICAL...

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    SERIOUS DISTURBANCE AND MURDER ON THE HA...

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    Railway Accident.—The special train whic...

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    jMpmal Jariiament*

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    HOUSE OF LORSS-Mcvdat , March 3. The Lor...

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  • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

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    • ———M ¦ ————————— —————Mm March 7. 1646...

    ¦ March 7 . 1646 . THE NORTHER N STAR . 7 ' —_ _____ m —— mmmmmm * mmmmm -- _^— — mmmm —' mm mmmmm _ma mmmm—mmmmmm mmmmmmm _^ ________ __^ _^___ ________ ¦ . . „

    Fomivx Jftobnmnts*

    _fomivx _jftobnmnts *

    " And I Will War, At Least In Words, (An...

    " And I will war , at least in words , ( And—should my chanio so happ en—deeds , ) With all who war with Thoug ht V " I think I hear a little bird , who sings The people byaud by will be the stronger . _"—Bisca

    REVELATIONS OF ROME . [ From the Westminster Review . ] so . II . THE PAPAL GOVEBKMEST . "We are not here about to treat of the Pope , that vominal head ofthe State , all-powerful for evil , absolutely impotent for good . As a general rule , he may be set down as an old imbecile , thrust into power by a faction ofthe cardinals , who share amoDgthem thespoils ; or as a veteran trafficker in ambition , who settles witli the elec tors the price of his elevation to the papacy , and who is compelled , at thc risk of his life , to observe theeouditious of the compact . The real chief is the Secretary of State _fSecretario di Stato ) : this is he who was the

    leader of the triumphant faction in the conclave . Ue stands above all authority . lie is supposed to receive the responses of tlie " papal oracle , and to utter them in the name of laws . A few strokes of die pen , forwarded to a tribunal , enable hiui to annihilate , without publicity , statutory enactments . It often happens that , when an advocate is relying upon particular articles of law as the basis of tlie right of his _case—eren in the third court of appeal—he is obliged to hear that those aiticlesare no longer in force ! The _secretary lords it over thc finances and every otherbranch ofthe administration , sparing himself the trouble of advertising the subalterns of his intentions , so that his commands and their regulations are continaally at variance . The department of foreign affairs is _exclusively his .

    Nexttohim conies the Cardinal _Ganerlenyo . His _fiuties it is hard to define . His titles confer on hiui the Freaideuc . v of the apostolic chamber , and the management of the customs and the mint ; but the mint has a special president with independent _pawers , and the customs are at the direction of the treasurer . * * * * Indescribable as Proteus , the CarnerUngO seems to be thrown into the midst of thc governmental chaos we are describing , for tbe sole purpose of mystifying the citizen in the endeavour to fix on the source of his grievances . _Frequently does it occur that the regulations enforced by this high functionary , in virtue of some one of his titular powers , are in direct collision with those of the treasury or the congregation of bridges and roads ; and it then becomes impossible for fhe unfortunate who suffers by the

    contradiction to tell to wliich of these authorities he is to appeal . More definite in duty , but equally unaccountable as to performance , is the treasurer-general , who completes the supreme triumvirate of the Papal States . He is the real minister of finance ; though , with the usual rule of misrule , several branches of that head are entirely independent He attends to the collection ofthe revenue , and appoints the provincial receivers : he contracts loans , and orders the sale or purchase of public property . He never gives account lo any one of his administration , nor of the distribution of the funds that enter the treasury ; neither bas anj one a right to demand an account . He can * only be dismissed from his office by promotion to fhe caidinalate : he then leaves on his desk a key supposed to be that of the treasury ; being the only formality that is indispensable .

    Below these three great dignitaries are to be found a multitude of congregations and o ther authorities with undefined functions ; the congregation of bridges and roads , composed of cardinals residin _** - at Eome ; to whom belong a council of arts , comprising six engineers , a central directory for the care of the post roads , and au administrative council for cross-roads , a board of dikes and water-courses , an administrative council for the aqueducts of Borne , an engineer-in-chief for the provinces , the Reno commission for all the legations established at Bologna , besides an endless number of sub-councils , inspec tors-in-chitf , and engineers , all enormously paid for doing nothing ; the congregation of Buon Govern ) , composed of eardinals and presiding ovar the badness ofthe Marches , whose duties should be discharged by a principal department of thc Home Office ; the Pope ' s auditor , whose cares , according to the constitution , should bo confined to tlie legal protection of widows , minors , and the poor , but

    whose power has so thriven thathe can bow suspend , by 3 decree , the decisions or the results of decisions pronounced by the tribunals , even when the cause has run ¦ tiie course of all the courts , and-is no longer liable to appeal ; the Congregation of Studies , a body of cardinals to superintend tbe spread of education under a system _tftat proscribes mutual instruction as tainted with heresy ; tbe Congregazione JGUtaire , composed of Monsignori , ¦ under the presidence of the cardinal secretary of State ; fhe legates and delegates , veritable Pachas of the Holy See—the former , cardinals , acting as viceroys in tiie four principal provinces of the state—the latter , Monstgnori , taking care of the distrUts of lesser importance , but both exercising an administrative , restrictive , and judicial authority , immense , arbitrary , and irresponsible ; lastly , tiie Governor of Rome , baring in his hands the general direction of tbe police , presiding orer the metropolitan criminal tribnnals , and , like the treasurer , only quitting his ofiice bv promotion to the cardinalate .

    Again , below these authorities , almost all irresponsible , all without definite limits to their power , and busy for plunder and anarchical confusion , is a greedy , intriguing , demoralised herd of prelates , legists , auditors , secretaries , and subalterns , whose omnipotence , each in-his sphere , has its root in tbe universal ignorance , fated and inevitable to the very constitution of this administrative hierarchy . * * * # Ignorance is decreed for all the high functionaries of the state , because , in the first place , the Pope is bound to select thtm , not from the most capable , bnt , in accordance with former engagements , from amongst those who contributed by their intrigues to his election ; secondly , because , chosen from the clergy , they can have no administrative knowledge , theoretical or practical : a canon

    becomes a treasurer ; a cardinal who has devoted his life tothe study of ecclesiastical antiquities , directs tbe war department ; a man who has presided over a diocese as bishop turns up as secretary of state . Ignorance is decreed for two-thirds of the head employes in the secondary hranchesof administration , because tbey are filled up from that mass of Prelati , followers of the Cardinals , who possess the three indispensable requisites , celibacy , nobility , and interest , and whose education is limited to ¦ wha tistaughtin the schools under thenameof philosophy , and to the elements of jurisprudence ; often indeed given to those whom it may be wished to dispense with in higher offices , on account of malversation , but whom it mav not be desirable to brand with public disgrace

    this was the constant custom of Cardinal Gonsalvi . On this ignorance in the chiefs is built the grasping insolence and unbridled license oi the mixed class we are now speaking of . Bach head bas his auditor , bis legist , hi * secretary , who does everything for him ; these despise their master , whose ignorance tliey are fully sensible of , and whose favour they have obtained by cringing subserviency , if not by disgraceful compliances ; tliey know they have no longer hold of office than the duration of the flickering life of tbat aged Pope who elevated their patron , and their aim is to amass a purse as quickly as possible . Public opinion is no check on them , for thev know that the moral responsibility of their misdeeds will & _U whoUy on their nominal superior .

    IMAHOCS PEOrLlGACI Or THE PAPAL ADMISISTEATIOK . Yet lower , beneath this factitious class of intermediates between principals and subalterns , swarm , ac reptiles iu filth , a hideous race , not to be hinted at in good society , but whose abnormal existence must be proclaimed iu this our tffort to make intelligible the nature of the papal government and tbe justice of the revolutionary movements of the people—a race of valets , parasites , prostitutes , _trufnekers in vice , legions of familiar demons who crawl from the basement to the very summit of the edifice . Th _« _j celibacy of the clergy , the occupiers of every avenue to power , is the source of their influence ; and it will be easily understood tbat in a state where everything goes by interest , that influence is immense . For ages past , the interior corruption and Vie pomer exercised at _Itomeby domesties and teamen of g * _Uaulrg have been notorious ; but before tbe time of Pins the Sixth the profligacy of the priests , though more brazen , had not , in general at least , stained

    t iie family hearth ; the natural children of Popes , cardinals , and bishops , impudently recognised by tbeirelevation to the highest dignities , were uot the _offspring of their neighbours'wives . The terror of the Keformation and tlie ordinances of the Council of Trent still exercised an ameliorating influence , if not on the reality , at least ou tiie outward decorum of tbe manners of the clergy . At a later period , it Is observed by an Italian writer , the depravity general in Europe daring the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries , the examples set by Cardinals Itichelieu , Hazarin , and Alberoni , and the morale of tiie theology disseminated by the Jesuits , masters in the art of inciting the human passions , te turn them in the end to their own account—of leading to transgression , to set a priee on the pardon—and of fostering covert infamy , to lord it orer their penitents by tha possession of their secrets , taught the Roman cardinals and bishops that it was more convenient and less scandalous to insinuate their seduction where it wa * the interest of all parties to conceal it .

    The _efiectsof this lesson beoameapparent m the papacy of Pius the Sixth , and have but augmented since . At tbat date , fhe famous Marchesa Sacrati , wife of Gnddi , a Bolognese , was all powerful at court . The husband was _created 8 Chevalier and a Marquis ; and got a fortune ont of the customs , during the _treasurcrship of _Braschi . _"PToaien became the agents betweeu the _Prclati and the petitioners for employments or gratuities : they , and often their husbands , made this traffic a source of wealth . Aud out of these shameless practices , which w _« avoid portraying in full , grew the influence of servants as accomplices and procurators . Men snch as Marianino and

    Giovanniuo , the former in the service of the elder Cardinal Albini , the other in that of _Cardinal Gonsalvi , might be seen , under Pius the Sixth and Seventh , holding levees in which were trafficked the employments , pmsions , and favours thatoughttohavebeen solicited from tbe Secietaries of State . Places endowed with large emoluments were created solely to gratify the craving of these insatiable eamencri . The dishonouring tradition is still unbroken , aad a short residence at Home is sufficient to enlighten the traveller as to the value to ber husband of the allpotent influence vested in tbe wife of Gsatauiao , the pontifical barber .

    • ———M ————————— —————Mm Tiie Tyrannical...

    • ———m ————————— —————mm TIIE TYRANNICAL MILLOCRATS OF DUNDEE . The following" is the petition of the factory girls , from a meeting of the inhabitants of Dundee , presented by Mr . i _>* iucomlie , and referred lo iu tho last number of the Stir . ~ \\ , trust that the inhabitants of Dundee , who have done themselves so much honour by taking up this case of rank free trade oppression , will not now allow the case to die , but will continue _energetically until they get satisfaction for the poor girls from their inhuman masters . The women of mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mm 1 _^ mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmm ' _^ ' _»

    Dundee should not sit in _company with any man who has not taken a part in this struggle ; the married women should pinch their husbands from night till morning , put salt in their tea , and mustard on their bread ; the girls should refuse to kiss their sweethearts , and the mothers and sisters _^ should let the men walk barefoot rather than mend their stockings , if they have not done their share . "Without hearing tbe case at all , every man with a particle of brains iu his head would at once come to the conclusion , that six girls will not venture to complain of their master unless they have right on their side .

    Petition of _Chairman of a Meeting of Innooitants of Dundee The petition of the inhabitants of Dundee , humbly showeth , —That yonr petitioners have learned with regret and alarm of the cruel and unjust treatment of six faetory girls in the employ of the firm Baxter aud Brothers , manufacturers in this place , of the name of Jane Bennet , Ann Connell , Isabella Millar , Barbara Downie , Helen Barret , and Margaret Roy , These girls had heard tbat others at the same work had got the promise of an advance af wages , they also applied with upwards of _forty others who wrought" ! the same flat , for a like rise , but getting no satisfaction , they stopped away from the work for that afternoon . Next

    morniug , at five o ' clock , they returned to work—wcre lured iuto an office to speak to some person , and found , to their surprise , that parties were there to apprehend them . They were no more guilty than the others—did not advise the others to demaud an advance of wages , or to leave the work that afternoon ; but these , as your petitioners have reason to fear , were selected as victims , because they bad few or none to protect or defend them . One of them has neither father nor mother ; four are without fathers , and their widowed mothers were in a great measure depending on them for relief . They had been in the work from their infancy—never gave any previous _ofuuee , and received from the manager ( or overseer ) thc character of being steady .

    Your petitioners hare to complain to your honourable Ilouse that these girls were taken prisoners before six in the morning—taken to a private office ia the town , and detained there till ten in Jhe forenoon , paraded through the main street to the office of a justiee of peace , and detained there till twelve , when they were sentenced to ten days' imprisonment , with hard labour . AH these six hours they were under the care of four men , who never left them , and thereby they were prevented from attending to the calls of nature , without violating every mark of female modesty , and in the presence of these officers ot the law .

    lour petitioners have still further to complain that they have reason to believe that the warrant for apprehension was not according to the forms of law . That they ( the girls ) were tampered with , to give certain answers before the justices in fhe hope of gaining favour ani getting clear , which answers might tend very much to their injury . Also that tliey were tried by a close court , to which their nearest friends were refused _access . That they Were made to sign papers , of the purport of which they had no knowledge , through the agitation that pervaded their minds . Four of them , who . could not write , had their names appended to these documents by parties in court , without their mark or consent . Also , that they had no opportunity given to bring any exculpatory evidence forward in their own behalf , and being

    minors , the youngest being thirteen years of age , had no one to couduct their case or speak in tlieir behalf , and were wholly unfit to defend themselves . Also , that some of their masters were shut up with the justices in a private apartment , as well as their manager or overseer , from which they sallied forth with the judgesthat were to try this case ; that these parties stood near the judges during the time of the mock trial , and tbat the masters and judges whispered together for sometime before " sentence was given : and , in the opinion of your petitioners , sueh conduct bad a tendency to influence the judges in their decision . These girls were couveyed to prison , underwent fhe punishment of ten days with hard labour ; during this time they were able to eat little , never having beeu in a court before , or charged with any trim _? .

    Your petitioners have also to state to your honourable House that , at an overwhelming meeting af the inhabitants , it was agreed to memorialise the Lord Advocate on the subject . His lordship at once agreed to this request , and the sheriff for this county made an investigation . This investigation was by no means satisfactory to the public mind , inasmuch as no one on the part of tlie girls or the public was allowed to be present , or to suggest any questions to bring out the truth , or serve thc ends of justice . And your petitioners have also to _coaiplsin that since the investigation his lordship , the Lord Advocate , has refused to satisfy either the girls or the public regarding tbe results ofthe inquiry made .

    For these , and other reasons , may your honourable House be pleased to causa an investigation into this case , to cause the whole of the investigation taken by the sheriff for Forfarshire , and other documents that may bave passed between the Lord Advocate and any party or parties on this subject , to be laid before the House ; and should yonr honourable House find tbat these girls have not been properly treated , tbat compensation may be given for loss of time and false imprisonment ; and tliat your honourable House would alsc make inquiry of the reasons why the Lord Advocate continues to refuse _giving anv definite decision on tbis _matter _.

    Your petitioners would still further pray , that _thould jour honourable House find that these girls have been tried by due form of law , that the law may be speedily altered , as nothing can have a greater tendency to alienate the working classes from the government , the institutions , and laws of the country , than to find that they can be apprehended by their masters , tried by their masters'friends , and , although minors , not allowed anyone to plead for them , or see justice done thtm ; that there is no redress when an appeal is made to the law officers ofthe Crown , tut that masters , judges , law and law officers , are all arrajedon on oue side against the poor , the orphan , the fatherless , and defenceless .

    Your petitioners would ( eaniestly entreat your honourable House to take this case into your immediate consideration , that the feeling of the pubiie mind may be abated , and that they may yet sm there is one court to which they can appeal for justice , and meet with redress . And your petitioners , as in duty bound , will ever pray . _Signed in the name and on behalf of the _public meeting of the inhabitants . Willuh Scott , Chairman . "

    Serious Disturbance And Murder On The Ha...

    SERIOUS DISTURBANCE AND MURDER ON THE HAWICK RAILWAY . We regret to state that , between Saturday night and Sunday morning , a breach of the peace , of the most daring kind , attended with murder , occurred ou the North British Railway Company ' s branch line fo Uawick , in the neighbourhood of Fushic Bridge , about eleven miles south of Edinburgh . Jt appears that about midnight two of the " navies" employed in the vicinity were taken into custody , charged with stealing a watch or watches , and lodged iu the cells of the county police station , at Gorebridge . Some time after , a large body of their fellow excavators , to the number , it is said , of about 300 , assembled , armed with bludgeons , pickaxes , hedgebilis , Ac ., and proceeded to the station-house for the purpose of liberating the two prisoners . Tlieir entranco was for a

    time forcibly resisted by Sergeant Brown and Con stable Christie , the latter of whom received several severe injuries , particularly on the arms ; but their resistance could avail nothing against such powerful _assailants , and they had to give way , being overpowered hy numbers . One of the fellows , it is stated , presented a pistol at the head of the sergeant , and demanded the liberation of the prisoners under the pain of death , and upon his refusal to unlock thc doors of the tells , they broke them open , and their comrades being thus liberated , they marched off with them in the direction of Fushie Bridge , about half a mile from the scene of their _violence . At that point they met the district constable Pace , who was returning from his accustomed rounds , whom they savagely attacked and beat in the most brutal manner , one of the ruffians striking him a blow on the head , it is supposed with a pickaxe , which laid his skull open . The poor man was afterwards found

    lying on the road in this state , and conveyed home , where medical aid was promptly in attendance ; but the injuries hehad received were such that he never _i-pokc ifterwards , and died the next day . Information of the riot and assault haring reached Mr . List , the superintendent of the county police , he immediately _requested assistance trom the city police , with the view of proceeding in search of those most conspicuous in the affair , and of keeping the peace . Sheriff Jameson having granted a warrant , Captain Uaining sent off twenty-five of his constables to tho scene of action , Mr . List and Sergeant Brownlec having previously set off , and they were afterwards followed by thc sheriff and the procurator fiscal , Mr . Scott . Mr . List , with the force placed at his disposal , succeeded in apprehending thirteen of the rioters , who were identified as being amongst those who rescued tho prisoners from thc station-house . It was not then ascertained who was the individual who struck down Constable Pace .

    Further Particulars . —It appears that the navies" charged with the riot and murder are Irish . A correapondent sends us word that on Monday morning the _Scotchmen working on the line , haying been sorely exasperated by the brutal doings ol the Irish , turned out all along the lino , to the number of 1 , 500 , and burned down tlie huts , and drovo all the Irish off the line . When our correspondent ' s letter was written all was quiet .

    Railway Accident.—The Special Train Whic...

    Railway Accident . —The special train which loft Rugby station at forty minutes past eight o ' clock on Saturday morning witluhe Loudon morning papers for the north , ran into a coke train near the _Systonstation . Tho guard received several severe contusions on the head , and little hopes are entertained of his recovery . The engine-driver is also seriously hurt .

    Jmpmal Jariiament*

    _jMpmal _Jariiament _*

    House Of Lorss-Mcvdat , March 3. The Lor...

    HOUSE OF _LORSS-Mcvdat , March 3 . The Lord Chancellor took his seat at five o ' clock . PROTECTION OF LIFE ( IRELAND ) BILL . Lord BnoL'iuuM stated that Lord Chief J ustice Denman wished to propose several important amendments on this bill , bat being compelled to leave town for a few d . iys , had requested him to applv for a postponement ol the proceedings with reference to it until

    h ; s return . After a short conversation , in which the Lord Chancellor , the Marquis of Lansdowne , the Earl ol Wicktow , Earl Grey , and other lords took part , tlie further consideration of the bill was postponed till Friday . THE CAMPAIGN UPON TIIE SUTLEJ . The Earl of Riro . v moved a vote of thanks to thc Governor-General , the C ommaniler-in . Chief , and the officers and men of thc army on the Sutlej , for the late _brilliant victoiies at Moodkee and Ferozeshah

    After briefly recapitulating the circumstances which rendered the concentration of the British forces on tlie Sutlej unavoidable , the noble lord proceeded to comment on thc actions . themselves , and on the gallantry displayed by the troops on the occasion . Having paid a just tribute to the memories of Sir It . Sale , Sir J . M _* Caskil ] , and Major Broadfoot , he next passed an elegant euiogium on the eminent services of Sir II . Hardinge and Sir II . Gough , and concluded by moving the several resolutions in which thc vote of thanks was embodied .

    Ihe Marquis of Lansdowne rose with thc most perfect sincerity of feeling to givo those resolutions his most cordial support . It was impossible not to feci that the bravery displayed by British soldiers on tins occasiun had never been exceeded . The noble marquis concluded by saying that he wished for t _' _-. c present to consider these great transactions in the splendour of their owu success , and would reserve for another time all considerations as to the particular policy which had brought them about , aud that he should , therefore , give his most cordial support to the _resolutions

    __ The Duke of Wellington could not hear thc motion discussed without adding his unqualified approbation of the conduct of all concerned in tliese glorious victories . The Governor-General hadsct an example which ought to bcfollowcd . Wlien iie found that his services wouid be useful , he laid aside his position and power as Governor-General , and volunteered his assistance to the Commander-in-Chief in the great contest which was impending . But not the G ovcruor-Gcneral alone—all had exerted themselves to the utmost to obtain the great result which crowned their efforts ; and he hail not for a length of time heard of an action which had given him such unqualified satisfaction .

    The Marquis of Londonderry was anxious to bear testimouy to the devotion to their couutry displayed by the two chiefs in command , and to the ability with which they had planned and executed the masterly evolutions which decided the fate of tlie day at Ferozeshah . The Duke of Richmond had seen with the greatest satisfaction that a medal was to he awarded to all who shared in these actions , and hoped that her Majesty would take this opportunity of returning a favourable answer to those Peninsular veterans who

    had applied ibr a similar boon . He trusted also that Lord Ripon would consider if it were not possible to have the names of the non-commissioned officers and privates printed and published in this country . The Earl of Ellen-borough said this last achievement justified the high opinion he had ever entertained of the army with which ue had been recently connected in India , and assured ilie liouse that everything that had been said applied as much to thc natives as to the European troops . After a few words from Lord Auckland , the resolutions were carried nem . am .

    Several bills wcre then forwarded a stage , and the house adjourned at half-past seven o ' clock . HOUSE OF _COMMONS-MoMwr , March 2 . The house met a few minutes before four o'clock . A great number of railway bills were read a second time . Mr . W . Patiex presented a petition from Wallingford in favour of a Teu Hours * Factory Labour Bill . Mr . S . Crawford presented a petition for the release of Frost , Williams , and Jones . Mr . T . Duscombe presented a petition from a place in Essex against thc enrolment of the militia , and also a petition praying for a reduction of the stamp duties affecting building societies ; also a petition in favour of a Ten Hours' Factory Labour Bill ; also a petition from Hertford for the repeal of tho Corn Laws . ANDOVER UNION .

    Mr . Wakley presented a petition from one of the board of guardians of the Andover Union , complaining of the violation of ihe regulations laid down by the Poor Law Commissioners . The petition stated that the board had openly declared that they would get rid of Mr . Westlakc , the medical officer of the union , in consequence of the exposure which he had caused as to the proceedings in the workhouse . The petitioner prayed for iuquiry into the case . The hon . member then gave notice that he would to-morrow ( this day ) move that the petitiou be printed with the votes , so that it would be in tlie hands of members in time for the motion of which the hon . member ( Mr . Etwall ) had given notice on the subject , for Thur & day .

    FABRICATED PETITIONS . __ Mr . C . Berkeley rose to call the attention of the house tothe petition which he had presented on Friday last , complaining , that a petition had been forwarded for presentation to that _hou-e , ostensibly from Cheltenham , but in reality it was from Manchester . This , he believed , the house would agree with liim in saying was a breach of its privileges ; and , having laid thc case before them , he would willingly adopt any course which might be pointed out for vindicating those privileges . He could prove that many of the signatures to that petition were _for-reries _. _' and that many names were added which were not on the original sheet . He was the more anxious

    that the house should take the matter up , because complaints were very general out of doors that the petitions of the people did not receive that attention from the house to which they were entitled ; but this fact could not excite surprise in any one , from the manner in which petitions were got up in many parts of the country . If the liouse would give him a committee of inquiry , he would put the fact of the fabrication of petitions and the forgeries of signatures beyond all doubt . He moved thai a select committee be appointed to inquire into the presentation of certain forged petitions and signatures , and under what circumstances those signatures had been attached .

    Mr . Newdegate , in seconding the motion , said that the lion , member had very properly called the attention of the house to this subject , but there was another subject to which that attention should also he given , lie alluded to the practices ofthe agents of the Anti-Corn Law League in the manufacturing of votes at the registrations . He thought that the privileges of that house were in greater danger from such practices than even from petitions with forged signatures . Mr . Hume rose to order . Thc lion , member was entering upon a subject not before the house . Mr . Newdegate gave notice that it should come before it .

    Mr . Bright read a letter from fhe secretary of the League with reference to the alleged forgeries , aud the cause of the petition being sent round by way of Manchester instead of direct from Cheltenham , and contended that these explanations showed _^ that _though there might have been irregularity in thc proceeding , no charge of fabrication could be sustained . Mr . Ferrand inquired whether it was competent to him to move an amendment ? He had received a letter from Sheffield , bearing out the statement he had made the other nighc as to the manner in which petitions were signed ; and he had also an extract from another communication , referring to thc same proceedings at Leeds . One letter he had received he would read to the house : — "If the following letter will be of auy service to you in your opposition

    to the League —{ an ironical cheer from the Opposition benches}—1 will give you the names and residences of persons who were era ployed by the League to add signatures to their petitions , one of them to the tune of 14 , 000 , without leaving his room ; and the other to the number of 500 , and there are more instances if necessary . " He ( Mr . Ferrand ) wrote to the person for a reference as to his respectability * lie then went to him , and had a personal intervie « and lie found the whole of the writer ' s statement toj be correct . He was in _possession of the names of the witnesses whom he was prepared to produce before a committee , and he would therefore move as an amendment , that the inquiry of the committee should be generally as to the manner adopted by the League to obtain signatures to petitions to that house .

    Lord J . Mansers said , that as he was walking the other day __ down Grosvenor-place he heard a comfortable-looking baker ' s boy say to liis companion , "I say , old fellow , have you signed the Anti-Corn Law petition ? I have signed it three times . " ( A laugh . ) This was no isolated case . ( Hear , hear . ) Such things had occurred daily in all the great thoroughfares of London . ( Hear , hear . ) lie regretted this the more , becauso they were bound to pay the utmost attention to petitions legitimately signed . After some further conversation upon tlie subject ,

    Sir R . Peel had no objection to a general inquiry into the practice complained of . But would it not be better to confine the committee to the specific case brought forward by the lion , member for Cheltenham , in whicli a petition , had been presented as to which there appeared some informality and impi _opriety ? There might be another committee for tho general question . The second inquiry might be extensive and prolonged , while it might be necessary to report on this specific case at once . ( Hear . ) The committee was then agreed to .

    THE LATE BATTLES ON TIIE SUTLEJ . The Speaker called on Sir R . Peel to move his re solution of thanks to the Indian army , when

    House Of Lorss-Mcvdat , March 3. The Lor...

    v _- _winoi ? Presented » Petition from certain indi-¦ » s « al 7 n , ( lin g a * Reading , declaring their _abhorl _^ _TJti r ; var ' an praying the house to grant no iotc of _tfiatiks to the army in India , wkicb , had just ° e" u R Ct 0 iy in "" uniust aiu * impolitic war . _,, t * 'F 1 . 1 ki : l ffas ! lbout t 0 _Propose that the thanks ot that house-one of the highest rewards that could ue contorted on successful valour-should he given to tin ' - ™ "ge , _Govcrnor-General of India , to Sir ? i « _w ! V _.- _Comraandei-i-rChief of the forces in u _» _Jfiagt Indies , and t o the officers and men under their command , who , on the banks of the Sutlej , by their discipline , fortitude , and brilliant courage , had achieved a great and glorious victory , and had shown themselves worthy of the name of _England , and of

    the service to which they belonged . But lor what he had just witnessed , he would never have believed , that any body of Englishmen , seeing the unprovoked aggression which our army _> vaa called upon unexpectedly to meet aud check , would have been found to sign a petition , grudging a tribute of applause to to their valour and devotion which it then displayed . The hon . baronet then proceeded at great length to detail the events connected with these battles ; but , as our readers have already had all the leading facts in thedespatches _published last week , itis unnecessary to do more than refer to thein here . Sir Robert excited the sympathies of the house by reading to it a private letter from Sir H . Hardinge , to a member ot uis family , giving a most _eraohic picture of the

    cveuts ot the memorable night of thc 21 st , during which Sir Henry took little rest , but occupied himself in going from regiment to regiment , to ascertain tlieir temper and to animate their ardour . He likewise stated that Sir II , Hardinge had sent one of ins sons , who was in the civil service of India , and happened to be in the held , to the rear , because his presence disturbed him ; but that ho had kept his youngest son , who was a military officer , and had a oharactcr to gain , near to his own person , because it gave him encouragement in the performance of his duty . Having shown that the Commander-in-Chief _, thc Governor-General , and the officers and men of the British army , had performed exploits worthy of thc British name in thus gallantly resisting and

    defeating treble their own number ofthe bravest troops in India , trained by French officers , and provided with the most formidable artillery , he could not , he said , conceal from the house that his feelings of pride and satisfaction at those exploits must be tempered by recollecting that they had been attended with the loss of so many officers of the highest promise . Sir R . Sale , whom all admired for fiis heroic achievements at Jellelabad , had closed iu these actions a long career of military glory by a death which he foresaw and even wished for . " Felix ttiam in _opnorlunitate mortis . " Lie hoped that thc house would unanimously support him , if , in case her Majesty should think fit to record her regret for Sir R . Sale ' s death , and her sense of his eminent services by

    recommending the erection ofa public monument to his memory , he should propose an address in return , promising on its part their readiness to ma _* ke good tho expense of it . After paying a melancholy tribute of praise to the services of General M'CaskiU aud Major Broadfoot—whose civil sagacity was only to be equalled by his military ardour and valour—he said that he would not make any comments ou individuals of lower rank who had fallen , lest ho should offend any deceased officer ' s family by not mentioning the name of their relative , when all had distinguished themselves gloriou sly . Whatever their rank , the house did justice to the services of them all , and deeply lamented their loss . He hoped that the thanks of the liouse would be conveyed to every regiment and to every man on the field without exception . Lord J . Russell participated in the feelings which Sir R . Peel had expressed in the name of the house ,

    and hoped that he should be permitted to hare tiic satisfaction of seconding the resolution which he had moved , and which he trusted would meet with unanimous support . These resolutions would animate the survivors of those great actions , and would be a consolation to the families of those who had fallen . He agreed with Sir R . Peel in thinking that when Sir II . Hardinge left his eminent position in the Ministry and in the country to become Governor of India he did so from the most patriotic motives . Without expressing any opinion at present ou the policy of the Indian government , he observed that the desire of Sir H . Hardinge to confine himself to the territories already acquired by the East India Company was highly honourable to him . It could not be denied that that policy of forbearance had oxposed the British army to an unequal encounter ; but thc spirit of that army , instead of quailing against such odds , was only animated to greater exertions .

    Mr . Humb expressed his entire concurrence in tliese resolutions . He read a letter from a politieal agent iu India , who had long been conversant with the character of the Sikhs , for the purpose of shewing that Sir II . Hardinge had not been taken by surprise by the army of Lahore . He hoped that , in disposing of thc patronage at its disposal , due consideration would be paid by the government to the families of those officers and soldiers who had fallen . Sir R . _Lvglis wished to take his share in the tribute of admiration which was now paid to the English and Indian army . Mr . Hogg eulogised thc courage and fidelity of the native troops . Captain _Layard and Sir Howard Douglas successively addressed the house in support of the resolutions .

    Lord Ebrixgton asked whether the government wns prepared to take any measure which would enable the relations of the private soldiers to know their fate in these actions . Lord Joceia'n obsorved that a list of the officers and men killed and wounded was regularly sent to the llorsc Guards , and any information respecting any person in that list would be readily given at the Horse Guards . The list of killed and wounded in these act ! ns had not yet been received . Sir J . _HounousE observed that all measures ought to be adopted to give information to the relatives of our private soldiers , respecting their fate . He

    knew that it was not customary to publish the names of the private soldiers killed ; but he saw no objection to the couise hinted at by Lord Ebrington . After a few words from Mr . Mangles , Mr . C . W . Wrxx suggested that the government should publish either in the Gazette , or iu some newspaper , tho names of all the soldiers who had fallen in these actions . He looked upon these victories as an honourable testimonial to thc British government in India . The fact that no desertion had taken place in our Sepoy army was a decisive proof of the gratitude which they felt for our protection . After a few remarks from Dr . Bowring _, Sir R . Peel , and Sir T . Colebrooke ,

    Sir De Lacy Evans recommended that the names of the officers who had fallen should be recorded in some public manner . The glorious name of Sir Robert Sale would not appear in thc records of their proceedings . Sir R . Peel observed , that so little did lie differ from the gallant general on this point , that lie had actually prepared a resolution , but there was no precedent for it . lie hoped that Sir De Lacy Evans would not disturb the unanimity of the house , by pressing his proposition to a division . The resolutions were then passed nemine dissentients .

    CORN AND CUSTOMS IMPORTATION ACT . The house then went into Committee on this bill . On Mr . Green ' s proposing the first resolution from thc chair , Mr . Villiers observed , that as the Ministerial measure _recognised thc expediency of establishing the freedom of trade in this country , he regretted that it had been considered advisable to postpone the establishment of it till the year 1849 . In his opinion that delay was uncalled for ; and the full benefit of the Ministerial scheme might be obtained at once . He should therefore propose an amendment , providingi ' or the total and immediate repeal of all the existing duties on corn . He showed that it was tlie opinion of the late Earl Spencer , and of those great livingagriculturists , the Farlof Radnor and Lord Ducie , thatit

    wasfor the interestof the farmer—and , indeed , of agriculture generally—tliat the abolition of the Corn Laws should not be gradual , but immediate . He then adverted , but not in a spirit of hostility , to the position in which the government stood with regard to his amendment . He could not understand what objections Sir R . Peel could urge against it . If no evil or difficulty were to be apprehended from acceding to his proposition , he asked the committee to consider whether there wcre noisome advantages to be derived from it . For instance , it would unablo the government to meet witli greater ease the emergency of Ireland , and it would lead to the dissolution of the Anti-Corn Law League , which , though it was entitled to the gratitude ofthe country , would cease its agitation as soon as the cause of it disappeared .

    Colonel SnmiORr inveighed against the Ministers who had insulted the country by their extravagant proposition for the repeal of tho Corn Laws . 11 there should be a division on this question , _heshoHld divide along with Sir R . Peel , but from no affection to him , and from no regard to the members of his cabinet . He should divide in that way because , on comparing the propositions of Mr . Villiers and Sir II . Peel , he believed that Sir R . Peel's proposition was the less evil of tho two . Lord Worslby observed , that if he wcre called unon to make a choice between thc amendment of

    Mr . Villiers and the proposition ot bir 11 . Peel , he shokld certainly vote for the amendment of Mr . "V _illicrs in preference , liut , if he gave suchaYote at present , he should be procluded from voting in favour of any other amendment which might be proposed on the Ministerial plan—for instance , he should not bo able to give his support to the amendment of Mr . O . Stanley for a fixed duty of 5 s ., which he conceived would be au adjustment of the question . Mr . M . Gibson considered that Mr . Villiers had taken a most judicious course iu proposing his amendment to the house .

    Mr . B . Escott considered the amendment of Mr . Villiers the most consistent with reason ; but could not vote for it on the present occasion , as he was afraid that he should endanger the success of the Ministerial proposal by so doing .

    House Of Lorss-Mcvdat , March 3. The Lor...

    Mi * . R . Coluorne declared his intention of voting for the amendment of Mr . Villiers . After a few words from Mr . Goring , declaring his intention _toopi-ose this measure to the utmost of hi * abilities , , , , „ » Mr . Bright commented on the speech of Lord Wovsley , and on his _uccla' _-atuui that , a , fixed duty ef 5 s . would now settle this question , lie read extracts from a speech of Lord _Worsley to show that at no very distant period his lordship had declared thatsuch a measure would not prove an adjustment of it . Sir R . Peel would not renew the debate on the Corn Laws , which had already extended over twelve nights , although he wns anxious to make some explanations on some matters which had occurred in it . He would , however , _nostnone those explanations

    till the second reading of the bill to be introduced upon these resolutions , and would confine himself to the consideration of the question whether it be desirable that the Corn Laws should be totally and immediately repealed , or that thoy should be mollified and continued for three years longer . If be looked singly to the emergency in Ireland , lie would not deny that the immediate suspension of the Corn Laws was the more expedient measure of the two . He knew that the Anti-Corn Law League would be satisfied with nothing else than a total and immediate repeal of tlie Corn Laws ; but there were many persons who thought that the Corn Laws ought not tobe repealed at all . His object in bringing forward this project was twofold—one was to meet the

    emergency in Ireland , and another was to reconcile the legislature to an adjustment of the question , lie repeated his former declaration , that , if the representatives of the agricultural interests should prefer an immediate repeal of the Corn Laws to the continuance of tlicm for three years , and should combine with Mr . Villiers to curry his amendment , he should accept the amended proposal , and exert himself to the utmost to carry it into law . At the same time he would not answer for the result in another place . Of this he was certain , that had he brought forward a motion for the immediate repeal ofthe Corn Law , he should have abandoned all hope of succeeding with it . lie was sorry to hear Mr . Bright threatening them with continued agitation on this subject , lie

    thought that such agitation would he an evil , and , moreover , he thought that it would be unsuccessful . Alter a few observations from Mr . G . Palmer against the government mea ure , which the noise in the house rendered almost inaudible , Lord J . Russell took a view of the various propositions which were then before the committee . Comparing the amendment with the government scheme , he considered it to be more wise as an abstract , and more beneficial as a practical measure . The case , however , which he had then to consider , was , that of government proposing a plan for the settlement of a question on which there was great resistance offered by a party in the House of Commons ' , and on which there might be a still greater resistance offered on thc part of a majority in the House of Lords . lie did not know what view the upper house might take of

    that question , and , therefore , he felt compelled to listen to the views taken by the Prime Minister . Sir R . _Pci . _'l said that he had reasons why he preferred his own proposition . He ( Lord J . Russell ) did not think those reasons sufficient ; but he was obliged to consider , that although on the one hand he sliould gain a better measure , he should on the other risk the success of a beneficial one . On weighing those two considerations , he could not bring himself to assist in carrying out the amendment of Mr . Villiers . Tho impatience of the house for a division was strongly manifested , but Sir H . Jslliffk succeeded in gaining a hearing for a few words against thc proposition of Mr . Villiers and the government plan . Mr . Hume warned thc free trade members against playing into the hands of tlie Protectionists , and entreated Mr . Villiers to withdraw his motion .

    After a few words from the Marquis of Granby _, Mr . P . Borthwick moved the adjournment amidst a perfect storm of cries of * " Divide , " " Adjourn , " " Go on , " & e „ which lasted some time ; at last the committee divided on the question of the adjournment , when there appeared : —

    Ayes 70 Noes 227 Majority against the adjournment 157 Lord J . Masners proposed a similar amendment , on which an angry discussion , full of personalities , arose , in which Lord J . Russell , Mr . Ferrand , Lord C . Hamilton , and several other members took a part _, tt was at last terminated by Lord J . Russell ' s observing that in the then temper of the liouse the best thing that could be done was to move that the chairman report progress , and ask leave to sit again tomorrow . This proposition was acceded to . ' The house resumed , and immediately afterwards adjourned at halfpast one o ' clock . HOUSE OF LORDS ~ Tuesday , March 3 . CORN LAWS .

    On the presentation of a number of petitions by the Earl of Hardwick _agninst the measures of government with reference to the Corn Law 3 , a discussion ensued , in wliich several noble lords took part , but as we shall , no doubt , shortly have enough of the subject in this "house , " itis unnecessary to do more than notice this "bye blow . "

    PENAL COLONIES . The Marquis of Laxsbownk presented a petition from the colonists in Van Dicmen ' s Land , stating that the island had suddenly been made the sink into which all the convict _labmir of thc United Kingdom had been thrown . The result of this was that thc free _labourers had been unable to compete with the inundation , and had emigrated in great numbers from the colony . Having brought the case __ of the petitioners before the liouse , the noble marquis went on to say , that he was not an advocate for the abolition of transportation , but he trusted that some means would be found for diverting the stream of convict labour from Van Diemeh ' s Land , and thus easing the petitioners from the grievanco under wliich they at present laboured .

    Lord Stanley , though he tlwught thc evils complained of were exaggerated , adiuittod that the colony had suffered considerably under the existing system . It roust be remembered , however , that by the terms of their grants , the petitioners were bound to maintain a certain number of convicts , and labourof this kind had for a long timo been considered by them as a boon . The present government was not responsible for thc existing system , whicli had been planned and carried into effect under Lord Melbourne ' s administration . The petitioners seemed to have ascribed their pecuniary embarrassments to the presence of convicts , when the truth wns that they had shared in the mania for speculation whicli had . afflicted our Australian possessions , and thev

    would no doubt recover , as New South Wales was recovering , from its ruinous consequences . Lord _Lyiielton was prepared to state that the case of thc petitioners should receive every attention from thc Colonial Department . Earl Grey said he was prepared to express ac opinion that transportation should be got rid of ; what was wanted was , not a modification , but an abolition of the system . The Bishop of Oxford considered that transportation , as it had been hitherto conducted , Dud been a curse to the world aud a reproach to tho nation ; we had sent out , since the commencement of the century large bodies of criminals without the slightest

    moral supervision ; these men wero to be thc founders of anew people , and yet we had given them no means of moraf restoration . Wc had reaped as wc had sown , and the fruit of our labours was a crop of most deep and horrible pollution . He fully concurred in the opinion of Lord Grey , tliat our strictly penal discipline could be managed better , more safely , mid more cheaply at home ; thc separation of convicts and their moral restraint could be much more effectually carried on at home ; but when this was accomplished , and they wcre fit for social life , transportation should commence . The Marquis of _Laxseowke briefly replied , and the petition was ordered to lie on thc table .

    Several bills were then forwarded a stage , and the house adjourned till Thursday . HOUSE OF COMMONS-Tuksday , _Marcu 3 . Mr . T . Dukcombk gave notice that on thc 18 th instant he would move for leave to bring in a bill lor limiting the hours oMabour in certain factories . Several hours were occupied , partly in a discussion originated by Mr . Nkwdegats upon the evils of the Registration system , the misdeeds of the Anti-Corn Law League in procuring frivolous objections to their qualifications to be served upon county electors , and counter-charges of the same character against the agriculturists ; but partly also in the interchange of all sorts of personalities conncotcd with the exciting

    subject under discussion . To give an intelligible summary of all the charges made and refuted , or counter-charged upon the original complainants , would occupy far more space than wc are able to give between "the pot aud the kettle . " The only bit of straightforward honesty uttered in tlie course of ' . tlie debate , was the suggestion of Mr . T . Duncojibk , who said that Mr . Newdegate would move for a select committee to inquire into the whole system of Parliamentary registration , with a view to reform tho Reform Act , aud to get rid of the finality of that measure ; he ( Mr . Duncombe ) should be happy to afford every assistance , and to such a motion he hoped the right hon . baronet at the head of tho government would give his support .

    Mr . Humb felt great satisfaction that this abuse had arrived at its present crisis , because there was now some hope of . its correction . The best mode of amending the Registration Act would be by simplifying the frauchise . There wero now fifty different sorts of franchise ; he would reduce them all to nearly one—he meant to household suffrage , Mr . Nkwdkoatk ' s motion , which had given rise to the whole discussion , was ultimately withdrawn , a pretty general opinion being expressed on all sides that some change in the present system of registration is absolutely necessary to proteet the dulv qualified elector from vexatious objections against his right to the franchise _.

    House Of Lorss-Mcvdat , March 3. The Lor...

    CORN LAWS . The liouse then resolved itself into a committeoof the whole house on the Customs and Corn Importation Acts , and the adjourned debate on Mr . _Villiors ' s intendment for immediate repeal was renewed by Mr . G . Banks , who repealed somo kind of arguments with whieh the country has been " dosed" tor the last three weeks , and was followed by Mr . C . Howard , Sir S . Hamner . Mr . Moffat , Mr . Finch , Mr . Ward , Mr . Liddell , Mr . Hutt , and Mr . Borthwick , some on ono side and some another , without the slightest novelty in tlieir speeches . Mr . _lIuMR observed , that , as during thc agitation of tlie Reform Bill , he had been one of those who had raised the cry of " the bill , the whole bill , and nothing but the bill , " so now he wonld take the government measure , and nothing but the government measure .

    Lord G . Bentinck maintained , that on the question whether we ought to consent to the immediate repeal of the Corn Laws or to accept the proposition of government , thc sentiments of Mr . Miles and his friends had been greatly misapprehended . Mr . Miles had never said that we should prefer immediate repeal to having it _-iiispei . ded over our heads for three years . He hud said , that if it was certain that tlie blow would be struck , it would be better to have it struck at once than suspended fur three years . But it was not certain that the blow would be struck . The friends of protection had received a check and mot a repulse ; but they were not half beaten yet . _Napolson had said that Englishmen never knew when they __ were beaten . That was the case of the Protectionists

    now ; they wero determined to light the buttle from pillar to post , and from pust to pillar , and to keep the conflict up before the country , until it was thoroughly convinced that the Ministerial party had betrayed the trust which its friends had reposed in it . Before the contest was closed , they would drive thc Ministers to appeal to the country , and when that appeal was made , he should no longer despair of the success ofthe country party . __ Mr . Cobden called attention to the fact , that very little had been said in tho course of this debate on thoqucstion before the house , which was , " Shall the Corn Law be abolished immediately or at the close of three years ? " lie thought that it was unfortunate that the proposition of Mr , Viliiers was now brougiiB forward ; but according to the forms ' of the house it

    must be brought forward now ernever . He was sure that if it could be proposed at a later stage ofthe government bill , it would meet with greater success than it was likely to meet at present ; ior Mr . Miles in thathouse , and the Duke of Richmond in the House of Lords , had both said thatthey preferred immediate to delayed repeal , and he believed that their opini ns were very generally shared by the tenant-farmers Commenting on Lord G . Bentinck ' B declaration that his party was not yet iiaif beaten , and that it would go on fighting from pillar to post again * t the repeal of the Corn Laws , he said that if the noble lord were determined to continue this battle for three years longer , it was a sufficient reason to induce the government to settle this question at once and for ever . Hecalled upon the friends

    of tree trade to stand by their principles , wliich were embodied in the present amendment ; for if they did they could not be wrong if they should be compelled to go to their constituents . Sir R . Peel had allayed the agitation of the country by the mere introduction of the measure ; but he warned the hundred gentlemen who -were prepared to give it a desperate resistance , and if they cared io place Ministers in a minority , that that agitation was only lulled by the expectation that _tftc measure would be passed . He could foresee the possibility of government being driven from office before tlie measure was passeu by the liouse of Lords . He did not know whether tlieir tenure of office was worth nioro thau two months' purchase . He doubted tho wisdom of the Protectionists in upsetting thc _government even lor tlieir own selfish policy ; but he knew that their success would be a great misfortune to the cause of free trade . It was because he foresaw danger

    to that cause and a factitious opposition to the government , to which he would not lend himself for a single moment , that he was anxious to keep his principles intact for the country , on whicli he sliould be prepared to iall back with greater strength in case the threatened appeal were made to the _eonstituencies . After the decision on the present amendment , he sliould . feel it his duty to give the . _proposal of Government as cordial a support as any man in that house . _Though not a payment in full to the _toun'ry , it _wr . s an instalmentof 17 s . 6 d . in the pound ; and he would use the resources which he should gain by it , to gain the remaining 2 s . ( kl . at the earliest opportunity . Sir T . Aclaxd made an impassioned reply to the speech of Mr . Cobden , and declared his intention of supporting the government proposition on this occasion , because he considered it an alleviation ofthe otherwise rapid descent which the agriculturists would have to undergo .

    Mr . 1 . Dukcombk repeated the declaration whicli he had made on a former night , of his intention to support the government proposition against that of Mr . Villiers . He had told the government that if they would stand by their new law of settlement , he would stand by their plan of settling the Corn Laws ; and unpopular as the determination might render him , by that determination he would staud . The Protection patty , who had heaped such unmeasured invectives upon Sir R , Peel , would that night go with him into the same lobby ; but he was almost of _opinion that Sir R . Peel would not be safe in their company .

    The harl of Maiicii denied that the Duke of Richmond had ever expressed himself in favour ot the total and immediate repeal of the Corn Laws . He thought that after the events of the last session Sir Robert Peel would be quite as safe in the same lobby with the Protectionists , as Sir J . Graham would be in the same lobby with Mr . Duncombe . ( Roars of laughter . ) . Mr . Hudson and Lord Worsley next addressed the house , their principal object being to show , like many preceding speakers , that the farmers were in favour of immediate repeal ; assertion and contradiction on this point _wete bandied about like shuttlecocks , during the whole debate .

    Colonel _Sibiuorp excited immense laughter by reading from a paper he had prepared , his advice , iii all Christian charity , to thc government , that , sccirg there was no chance of getting the sc : Ule _* ss ministers a place in the house in any other way , they sliould restore the franchise to Sudbury for that purpose . Mr . Waklky regretted that " Mr . Villiers was determined to persist in dividing the committee upon his amendment , for ho was convinced that a more inexpedient course could not be taken . Referring to the Westminster election , he said : —The electors had chosen the Radical candidate , and the house ought to _understud from this , that Radical principles were advancing and becoming ascendant . He could state , from his continual and daily intercourse with the middle and working classes , thatthe impression was preralent , and all but universal , that the r . ' ght hon . gentleman , the _First-Ministcr of the Crow , bad done all that he could do with regard to this subject . Every oue was full of the expression— " We do not

    consider , reflecting upon the position in which the right hon . baronet is placed , tliat he could do more than fie has done , and we ou _^ ht to feel the utmost gratitude for his exertions . " ' ( Hear , hear . ) That was the expression of all parties ; and yet hon . gentlemen said , " You must goto the country , " and _othtrssaid , " You must go to the people . " Theykniut perfectly well that they would not go to the people . ( Cheers from tho Protectionists . ) If there were an election , would they go to tlie people ? If they relied upon what wero the feelings of the people , let them taketheelectioiibyashowofhands . ( Oh , oh ! " ) Oh , oh I why , of course , they would not . Then let them say no more of going to the people , who had hands as well as hon . gentlemen opposite . No , the object was to go to those who claimed the right of selling food at tlieir own command , and to dtny ' to the unfortunate beings who created the food by their labour the opportunity of giving their voiees . tet those were called elections by tiie people : what could bo more unjust ? ( Cries of Question . " )

    After a few words from Mr . Nbwdecate , Mr . Villers vindicated himself from the censures cast upon him for _persisting in this amemmient , and expressed his surpriso at the reasons urged by Lord G . Bentinck and his party lor not giving him their support on this occasion . Tiic Committee then divided , when there appeared—For the amendment IS Against it „ 2155 Majority against it ——1 S 7 The Chairman was then directed to report progress . The house resumed , and immediately afterwards adjourned at half-past one o ' clock . HOUSE OF _COMMONS-Wedxksday , March 4 . Mr . S . Crawford presented a petition from Hay . wood against the enrolment of thc militia , and oue from a person named Wood for an extension of the elective franchise .

    CHARITABLE BEQUESTS BILL . Lord J . Manxsrs moved the second reading of the Pious and Charitable Bequests Bill . The object of the measure was to afford increased facilities for pious and charitable bequests , by repealing the act of 9 Geo . 11 . Provision was made ' for tho protection of surviving relations , by enabling the Lord Chancellor , in case of their destitution , to authorise a provision for their use out of the bequeathed estates . A security w ; _iu _affordeu against uuduo influence over persons in eMtremis , by an _wiaehnent requiring that every instrument effecting such bequest should be attested by three medical men , who should deposoto the physical and mental health of the testator , and to his free agency iu the transaction . Sir J . _GttAiuu opposed the bill , and moved that it be " read that day six months . "

    Alter a discussion , in which Mr . P . Howard , Mr M . Milnes , Sir G . Grey , Lord C ive , Sir R . Inglis , Mr . O'Connell , tho Attorney-General , Mr . C . Buller , and Mr . _Hawes took part , * The IioiIjo divided , when the numbers V _** 6—For the second reading ~* Against it . .... „ ,. _^ ,. _*« _^ _w Majority against it •••« — < w

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 7, 1846, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns4_07031846/page/7/