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Northern Star (1837-1852), 12th March 1842, Edition 1 of 5, Page 7

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    • NOMINATIONS TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL.
    • THIRD EDITION
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      Untitled Article

      HOUSE OF COMMONS . ( Concluded from our sixth page . ) foand that the same oppressive proceedings were in many instances chargeable cm the cultivators of the goQ . —{ bear , hear . ) He would read to toe House a ji&teniEnt which appeared two er tires weeks ago in the pnbBc newspaper * . Tfce proceeding to which it referred took place in a count ? magistrates ' office on Monday , J " eb . 14 , when thane were present Messrs . S . S . Olivier , ft , Hcghes , and T . H . Gmbbe . The Hon . member then read the following paragraph from the Wxltshirt Ixdepadad : — " Jeff-y Bowse , a labouring man , -was charged iritb damaging a maiden oak tree , the property of the trustees of the late Mr . Watson Taylor , at Urebfont A policeman stated that he saw the defendant go from his

      bouse to a tree , into which he climbed and cat wood ¦ siili * bttQKx * - He then west to him and stopped bim , and took away the book . This was before six o ' clock in the morning . It was bright moonlight Mr . 2 f ew said that the damage was Is . Dowse , in his defence , say , « i was driven to do this by distress , to get some-{ king to ' nuke a fire to wash clothes for my family . I ' ve a wife and £ ve child en ; and no week this winter have 1 earned more than 7 * . Last week I only earned 6 s . 3 d . ; jnd oat of that I paid Is . lOid . rent ; and 3 d . for firing , sod what was left ( 3 * . 7 ^ dvf was all we had to keep seven persons One of the Magistrates—You need not jaw married ; besides year distressed condition did not authorise yon to steal . Bjwse—No , Sir ; but distreffl drives one to do what yon would net do at another ilme- If I fo to prison , I shall bare some victuals to eat , feat ' s one comfort A Magistrate—Yoa have an

      bonest face ; it is a pityyou should do such things . You look honest iA more respectable-looking labouring xnau we have seldom seen . ) In answer to one of the magistrates , Bo-arse said thst be bad been digging { or Mr . John Snook , and before that for Mr . Weeks Fined 10 s . inducting costs Bowse—I could not pay 10 d-, much less 10 s . I must go to prison , I suppose . He was committed for fourteen days . "' If the House would set about de-rising & remedy for snch a state of things they must look to the poveity which overspread the people both in the rural and manufactuiing district * . Whilst this poverty existed they must expect to have such complaint * urged upon them again and rgain ; and , however discreditable to the House and the country the statements might be which had been made by the Hon . Member for Kn&ieaborough , he was glad they Lad been brought forward , and be hoped the Hon . Mtmber would insist on their being folly investigated .

      Mr . Lakbtos , as the representative of a northern constituency in some degree affected by the statements of the Hon . Member for Knaitsborougn , expressed a bope that be would move for & Committee forthwith . Mr . Pkelbxsd said he had brought forward these charges in reply to Hon . Gentlemen opposite . The Hon . Member for Wolrerhampton told him a few nights ago that the matter should not be allowed to rest ¦ where it was , and be thought the Hon . Member would instantly have moved fer a Select Committee to enable him to prove the charges he had made . He was prepared that iastant to produce his authorities to tht > House , or before a Select Committee , whenever it should be appointed ; and he had made up his mind himself to more before Easter for a Committee to investigate the whole matter , unless some other Hoc Member should do so before Fri&sy next .

      Mr . Yillieks said he had not allowed the matter to rest , having proJnced to theHeuse the names of np-Tsros of 100 manufacturers who broadly and most useguivc-ally denied the charge . After somB sentences from Captain Pechell , Mr . O'Coskell , in moving ler a return of the persons who had registered arms in the county of Downs , imputed a recent murder in that county to the jspMt of Or&ngeism . Lord Eliot gave some explanations , and expressed the regret of the Government . He believed , however , that the offence bad begun upon the Roman Catholic side . The production of the return was agreed to . The Speaker having left the chair ,

      Sir H . Haedikge brought forward the Army Estimates , proposing an addition of 1 , 447 men to the force voted in the last efisinmtf . making a total of 95 , 628 men , exclusively of the troops employed in India . He explained the necessity of reliefs for some regiments which had far many consecutive years been kept abroad ; and observed thst efficiency was the truest economy . Lord HovncrK . was understood to express bis appro bation of SirH . Hardinge ' s statement Lord ABTHITB ' Lessos thought that in the present state of our re atians with America and France , a larger force should hare been proposed . He wi shed , too , that more of encouragement should be bestowed upon the service , in order to induce good men to jriait JSx . Mi CAULAT said a few words .

      Sir K H ± 2 j > ixgk , in making some additional observadoss , declared that her Majesty kad now six battalions in the eompletest order , ready at any moment to be seat to any quarter of the globe . Same conversation &bout the depot system took place betveen Sir H . Habdihgb and Lord Johh Rcsselx , is the cootse of which Lord John expressed his general eoccmTence in the vote . Mr . Williams thought that the statement of the Wsjs and Means ought to have preceded the discussion of Sie Estimates . The revenue fell short of the

      expenditure in the last year-, and the expenditure in this year-was greater than In the last The deficiency was S | millions in last year , and in this year it would be mom . He saw no occasion for so large a force , and would move a reduction . He objected also to the Knount of the half-pay and retired allowances ; to the late brevet , which be said that the army bad not merited by any recent services : and to the pensions jflsred to widows . He proceeded in a similar vein of citirinni through varisus other items of military expenditcre .

      ssr Howabd Douglas was not surprised that the lite Ministers did not resist the now proposed proiifico ; it -was only what they themselves ought to have recommended . The reliefs of the army bad hitherto baa very insufficient , as was also the force now employed in India . He insisted on the importance to the troops of religious instruction , of libraries , and of sriBgi ' -baEks . Captain Latasd wished that the soldiers' pensions fchonld be increased , and that , after ten years , a soldier « aonld be entitled to a free discharge .

      SttH-Hasdisge inclined to concur in the opinion that the period of service entitling a soldier to his discharge might be nsefnlly shortened . As to the increase of pensions , the difficulty was chiefly a finanmni one . With respect to Mr . WiUiams'B observations , be stated , Bfct seven battalions of the proposed force were Kqoired for tbe war in Cfeina ; and that the half-pay liit had been much diminished , but could not be furjkw reduced , except by death , the officers being now , for the inert part , too old to be recalled into aitive service . Ab the number of officers diminished by ° -= ath , the number of pensions to their widows bad unavoidably augmented . Tbe service abroad was so severe , that the reliefs must absolutely be increased ; £ nd this required an increase in the total force . 3 Ir . Williams said , that after the explanation given M to tbe erigeudes of the Chinese war , be would forbear from dividing the House .

      * & O'Cosxell said a few words , and the vote was afinned . On the second vote , for the sum required to maintam &ese forces , Mr . Williams proposed to cut eff the exc of pay received by the Household troops be-JQM » hai was received by other regiments . Sb H . Hasdisge defended this extra pay , on the SKrciid of tie peculiar character of these troops , toa lie greater expense of living in the metropolis . Colonel Rattdox confirmed this view . ***• Williams , persevered in dividing the House , aca -was defeated by a majority of 144 against 12 . j . ^ k ^ illiass , nothing daunted , took another nmsion upon the Tote for the volunteers , and was again Defeated . The Committee then passed the remainder of the Anny Estimates , and proceeded to those of the

      «* . Ctbiets raised -another discussion upon the tt » of Elton , defending some parts of his conduct Captain Berkeley gave a sketch of Mr . Eiton ' s Esval lifej impeaching him of habitual insubordinstion . Captain Rocs vindicated the court-martial , and disspproved the clemency of the Admiralty in resoittiEg -P " of the sentence . Some conversation followed about the effects to be ^ P ecteo : from the Merchant Seaman ' s Registry Act . oth and 6 th William IY ., c . 19 , which Sir a ft spier considered & measure of great benefit te the B » vy . ^ The Committee then proceeded with the other -rotes , * ad the House adjourned . ^^ -

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      IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT . —Tuesday . The Lords were occupied with the consideration of two Bills for Legal Improvement ; and the Commons with various matters of little import to the Pwple . ^

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      HOUSE OF COilMONS , Wedkisdat , Hauch 10 . The second re&ding of Sir Robert Peel ' s New Cora giii led to a long debate , of not much interest , after we many long-winded speeches , pro and con , alreadj Pveatothe public . Lord Ebnngton , it . Blackfonf > lord Howick , Mr . Shiel , Lord John Russell , J ^ id Wo rslej , and Sir C . Napier opposed the meagjre i while CoL Wood , Mr . Buck , Mr . Pakinton , « r £ . KnatchbulL , and Mr . Gladstone upoke in fa-Tonrof ii . Sir E . Peel replied at great leagth . The Hous 8 then divided ! For the second readmg , 284 Against it 176 Majority 108 . The Bill was then read a second time , and ordered to " ? eomaUted < u we understood ) on Friday .

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      Northern Star-Office , Saturday Morning ^ Twelve o'clock . The Budget is at length out . We give below at great length , the speech of Sir Robert Pee \ He is a bold man . He tells the country plainly that he will not reduce the public expenditure ; he admits honestly that the poor are robbed already as much as they well can be ; and he proposes to take , directly , from the pockets of the Moneyocracy the gum of £ 3 , 750 , 010 for meeting vhe deficit of the revenue , in the shape of an Income Tax . In this measure he says , that his colleagues

      unanimously -concur . We shall see what effect this proposal will produce opon the monied classes . There will be a precious stir ! we calculate ap ^ n having Chartists springing up like mushrooms ! Let not the people however be fooled by all this . Whoever pays the Three Millions directly , they will have it all to pay n » the losq buk . Sir RoBBEf will make no redactions . The whole dead weight must still hang upon our necks , and will do bo while we consent to carry it . Ij i 6 not in faction to relieve the people honestly ! -

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      BUDGET . . The Order of the Day for the House resolving itself into a Committee of Ways and Means having been read , asd the Speaker having left the chair , Sir ROBERT PEEL rose , and addressed the House as follows : —Sir , —As the House has consented to vote those estimates which her Majesty ' s Government have considered it their duty to propose for the chief , military establishments of tho country , I rise for the purpose of redeeming the pledge which I gave , that I would avail myself of the earlier possible opportnnity , consistently with Parliamentary usage and public interest , to develope the views of her Majesty ' s Government in reference to the financial and commercial pofcey of the connirr .

      Sir , no man can feel more deeply than I do the magnitude and extent of the duties that devolve upon me- ' -no man can feel more conscious than I do , how disproportionate are iuy intellectual powers to the proper performance of these duties . Bat I should he unworthy of the trust committed to me—I should be unfit to attend in this place , in which Ministers of the British Crown have stood , if I could feel disheartened or . disturbed—if I could abate anything of that composure and conten&edness of mind , or of that buoyancy of spirit , which ouj ; ht to sustain every public man when he enters on the fearless and faithful discharge of a great public duty , and when he is conscious that he is actuated by no motives t-at are not honourable and worthy , and when he feels a

      deep and intimate conviction , according to the best calculations which his imperfect and fallible judgment can enable him to form , that that which he is about to propose is conducive to the welfare—he might almost say essential to the well-being of this great country . Sir , from seme of the embarrassments which accompany an official statement 1 am relieved . It is sometimes necessary to maintain great reserve—to speak with great caution ; a due regard for the public interests may require—may impose ca you the duty of making partial disclosnrei of important facts ; but , Sir , I am embarrassed by no fetters whatever— - { cheers . )

      I mean to lay before you the truth , the unexaggerated truth ; and I do this because I think that in great financial difficulties tbe first step towards improvement is to look them boldly in the face —( hear , hear . ) . What is true of individuals—is true of nations —( hear , hear , hear , ) There is no hope of improvement or recovery , if once you consent to conceal from yonrself the real difficulties with which you have to contend . Sir , I have another motive for making a full and unreserved disclosure . It is my intention , oa the part of her Majesty ' s Government , to undertake the responsibility of proposing that which we think essential to the interests of the countrv .

      W ith you will rest the responsibility of adopting or rejecting the measures which we propose ; and it is therefore fitting , in order that you may be able to discharge that duty , that you should have before you every information—every element which is necessary to enable you to form a full and impartial judgment . Sir , I have two requests to make to the House . The first is , that you will bear in mind that from the period when I bring forward this statement , I am left nnder comparative disadvantages—( hear . ) I speak particularly with reference to the estimates which 1 have , formed from the probabla revenue of the country . I have deemed it my duty not to delay the voting of the supplies until theSu&ncial accounts of the year shau be closed . If , after my estimates have been formed , with every desire that they should be just and accurate , I should prove to be mistaken , I trust the House will bear in mind that I labour

      under disadvantages with which others have not had to contend . The other request I have to offer to the House . is , that you would have the goodness to postpone your judgment until I have laid before you my whole plan , and that you will not judge hastily , by a partial development of my views , nor denounce me as proposing something unreasonable and insulting to ; he people . I earnestly hope that every man , giving to the consideration of this question a full sense of the real , but not insuperable difficulties , will postpone his judgment until he has before him the whole of the plans of tbe Government—( bear , hear , hear . ) J shall now proceed , Sir , in the ordinary manner , to state the facts with respect to the finances and expenditure of tho country , and I

      will , in tbe first instance , refer to the estimate which was formed by the R ght Hon . Gentleman the late Chancellor of the Exchequer with respect to the probable revenue and expenditure of the country , on the 5 th of April , 1842 . Events have proved that that Right Hon . Gentleman ' s estimate was as nearly correct as it is possible fer an estimate to be . ( Hear , hear ) I think the Right Hon . Gentleman calculated that the income of the country might he expec : ed to realise the sum of £ 48 , 310 , 000 . He calculated the expenditure for the Esaie period , that is . for ihe year ending the oih of Apnl , 1 C 42 , at £ 50 , 731 , 000 . There were some slight variations in the vo ' . es which , of course , the Right Hon . Gentleman . could not foresee at the time when he was

      speaking . There was , I think , a vote for the Ordinance . Estimates , which was made in the first session of the present Parliament , and another for the Caledonian Canal , which were omitted in his calculation ; but the amount was bo small , that it was hardly worth mentioning . The deficit was £ 2 . 467 , 000 . Of course ft is impossible to say whether the Kigbt Boa . Gentleman's estimate were perfectly accurate or not , because the proportion for one quarter is cot given . The actual produce , however , of the Revenue , from 5 } h April . 1841 , to the 26 th of February , 1842 , was £ 43 , 733 X'OO . If you estimate that the receipt for the current quarter of the present year will be equal to the receipt of the current quarter of the last year , yon must add to the actual rtceipt , the sum of

      £ 4 ^ 323 , 000 ; consequently the revenue wouid amount on the 5 th of April to £ 48 , 053 , 000 , being less than the amount estimated by the Right Honourable Gentleman by £ 160 , 000 . On the other hand , ihe expenditure will not probably be so great as he estimated . The actual amount of d-ficit mav probably be taken at £ 2 324 , 000 . As I said before however , I speak to the estimates , independent of the last quarter . 1 am giving the best estimate which I can form . I n < m pToeeed ro estimate the income for the year ending the 5 : h of April , 1843 . The Customs for the ensuing year I estimate at £ 22 , 500 , 000 . The Excise , on account of the unfavourable season for maltinglcalculate at £ 13 , 450 , 000 Of course , as a favourable harvest has a tendency

      to increase the excise revenue , it alsa has a t \ ndency to diminish the amount of revenue from the im portation of foreign corn . On the other hand , if there'be an unfavourable harvest , and your Excise revenue is in consequence diminished in amount , then there is somecomjedition Pj be expected from tbe revenue which is derived from th . 5 import rf foreign corn . 1 fhall thea take the CnEtoms for the year , ending the 5 th of April , 1843 , at £ 22 , 500 , 000 ; Excise , £ 13 , 450 , 000 ; Stamp ? , £ 9 , 100 , 000 ; Poftoffice , £ 500 , 000 ; Crown LanoV , £ 150 , 000 ; Miscellaneous items of rerenue £ 250 , 000 , making a tttal ettimatei reveaue for the year ending the 5 th of ApriL , 18 j 3 , of £ 48 , 350 , 000- ( hear . ) Ihe expenditure , now that the House has Fanctioned thaictes for the Army and Navy can be e timsted with greater accuracy . The intercut on the debt will be £ 24 627 , 000 ; terminable annuities , £ 4 , 076 , 000 ; interest on Exchequer Bills . £ 722 , 000 ; making the

      total charge on account cf the debt £ 29 , 425 , 000 . The charges on the Consolidated irund , including tlw Civil Lifct , I take at £ 390 , 6 u 0 . The iterns nnder this head are so numerous that , 1 suppose , the House will not reouire me to go through them alL I shall then take ilia wbele of them at £ 2 , 368 , 000 , making a total charge on the Consolidated 1 ' und of . £ 31 , 795 , 000 . The vot 33 for the Army if ultimately sanctioned , will not amount to more than £ 6 , 617 , 000 ; navy , £ 6 , 639 , 009 ; ordnance , £ 2 , 684 , 000 ; miscellanies chargeable upon the annual grant of Parliament , £ 2 , 800 , 000 . The vote for Canada , including clothing for volunteers , and other particulars , £ 108 , 010 . It was formerly understood that a corresponding amount would be expended on fortifications in that country . The expenditure for China I take at £ « 75 , OOO for the present year . The vote for China consists of two parts , £ 175 , 000 to defray the arrears of expenditure for the present year . The other vote is £ 500 , 000 , to

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      meet the charges which are ncsessary to provide for the actual expence during the year ending the 5 th of April , 1843 . Tbe total amount of the estimated expences of the country will thereby be £ 50 , 819 , 000 . The general expenditure , of the country , for the year ending the 5 th of April , 1843 , I take to be £ 50 , 819 , 000 , the income at £ 48 . 350 , 000 , and the probable deficiency £ 2 , 569 , 000 ; but this deficiency is on the vote for the year , and the expenditure which it will be neceisary to provide within the year . To that deficiency ought to be added the charge which may be unavoidably incurred on account of Chinese hostilities . I do not contemplate any necessity to provide within the year for more than £ 581 , 100 ; bnt he would form a very inadequate C 3 timate . indeed , of

      the probable cost of the expedition , who should think that the whole expence would be . limited to £ 500 , 000 —( hear . ) Sir , the expence of our expedition to China stands thus : —The arrears of sums due to the East India Company , to April 30 , 1841 , amounted to £ 708 , 000 . A grant was made in the session of 1840 of £ 172 , 000 . This left the arrears of former years to be provided for in 1841 , £ 535 . 000 . The estimate of the expenditure to the 1 st April , 1842 , was £ 658 , 000 , making the total charge to April , 1842 , nearly £ 1 , 200 , 000 , or exactly £ 1 , 119 , 000 . There was applied to that charge a grant of Parliament in the Session of 1841 ^ amounting to £ 400 , 000 , and there was also applied in India vton » 3 ' out of the ransom of Canton amounting to £ 618 , 000 . You therefore have

      to settle for the cost of 1841 thus < to be entered against the charge of £ 1 , 193 , 000 , a ret-off of actual payment of the amonnt of £ 1 , 018 . 000 , and the arrears now amount to £ 175 , 000 . Looking to the extent of the preparations which have been made for the continuance , I trnst for the completion , of the Chinese war , 1 think you cannot safely estimate the eost for the year ending 5 th April , 1843 , at much less than £ 1 , 400 , 000 . We make provision in the present year for £ 500 , 000 ; but let us take the cost at £ 1 SO , OW , which is the lowest at which it can be fairly taken , there will be a deficiency tome time or other to be provided for of not Jess than £ 800 , 000 . Therefore to my estimated deficiency on the vote of £ 257 , 000 , you ' most . not lo-aa

      sight of a probable demand of £ 700 , 000 , or £ 800 , 000 . There may be votes in addition to these—there may be votes on account of Australia , ' and other Colonies , which are not included in the sums I have already stated . I do not take into account a charge whicn it will not probably be necessary for us to incur—it is not exactly a charge ; but there are engagements into which it is necessary we should enter in aid of the credit of Canada for a loan to that colony of £ 1 , 500 , 000 . But that , I apprehend , will be independent of any actual char&e , and the grant will merely be passed on the part of the country in aid of tho credit of Canada . At the same time it is fitting that the whole state of our financial affairs should be fairly brought before the House . Now , in addition

      to all thi 3 , those facts of which we have recently become cognizant , which have taken place in Affghanist&n , may as far as I can form a judgment , imposed , upon her Majesty ' s Government the necessity of calling upon Parliament to sanction perhaps a considerable increase to the Army Estimates for the present year . I do not think it advisable that we should come to any hasty decision upon that subject , in the absence of official information ; bit I have already received decisive proofs that this House , the representative of a great people , will be ready to make every effort which can be shown to be nccesssry for the purpose of repairing occasional or partial disasters , and vindieatiug the authority of her Majesty in India . Bear in mind , that in addition to any

      estimate of an actual deficiency of £ 2 , 570 , C 00 , in addition to my estimate of the deficiency which must some time or another be provided for on account of the possible expenses in China , you must add that probable demand which I may have : o make for an increase of the military or naval establishments of this country , in consequence of the Btate of our affairs in India . Sir , for the purpose , as I said before of bringing before the House a full and complete , view of our financial position , I feel it my duty to refer to a subject which has of late occupied little of the attention of the House , but which , I think , might with great advantage , have attracted more of their consideration . I refer to the state of our Indian finance , a subject which , in former days , used to be

      thought not unworthy of the consideration of Parliament . Sir , I am quite aware that there may appear to be no direct and immediate connection between the finances of India and the finances of this country ; but that would be a superficial view of the Btate of our relations with India . Depend upon it , if the credit of India Bhould become disordered— if some great exertion should become necessary on the part of the Indian Government —then the credit of England will be made to suffer , and tbe collateral and indirect effect of disorder in Indian finances will be instantly felt in this country . I am sorry to say that the Indian finances offer no favourable prospect * at the present momeiit , for the t tate of the finances of this c ' uiitry

      I believe the Indian accounts are made up one month latiT than the accounts in this country . With regard t > the account , I have every reason to look oa it as a correct account of the position of the revenue of India . This account gives a stivement of the gross revenue in India , the charges paid ; and there are two columns containing an account of the surplus . In the year ' . ending April , 1836 , tuere was a surplus amounting t-j £ 1 , 550 , 000 . In tie year ending 5 th of April , 1837 , t » ere was a surplus of £ 1 , 100 , 000 . On the 5 th April , 1838 , it was reduced to £ 650 , 000 . On the 5 th of April , 1 « 39 , there was a surplus of £ 280 , 000 , audon the 5 th April , 1840 , so far from there being any surplus , there was a deficiency of £ 2 , 414 . 000 . I cannot calculate the

      deficiency for the year 1841 at much less than £ 2 , 340 , 000 . The House , then , will bear in mind that in the fulfilment of the duty which 1 have undertaken , I present to them a deficit in the finance of this country for the curreut year to the amount of £ 2 570 , 000 . How shall that deficiency be supplied ? Shall we persevere in the system which wo have acted upon for tbe last twenty-five years ? Shall we , in time of peace , have resort to continual loans ? Shall we try the issuing of Exchequer-bills 1 Shall we resort to the savings' banks I Shall we have recourse to aDy of these expedients which ( call them whatever jou please ) are no more nor less than a permanent addition to the debt of the country ?—( " hear , " aDd cheers . ) Here we have a deficiency of nearly £ 5 , 000 , 000 in two years f and now I will ask what prospect we have of a reduction in our expenditure ? Do you calculate , looking , without entering into details , looking at the condition of the whole of

      our extended empire , and the demands which are made upon us lor the protection of trade , and bearing in mind also the intelligence which has lately reached us ; lookiug 4 I say , at all these things , do you calculate that with regard to the due honour and safety of the Crown and the country , that there is any pre ? pect of a reduction in our expenditure ? 1 am bound to say I cannot . Is this the occasion of a casual deficiency in the revenue ? Is it a deficiency arising out of extraordinary circumstances ? Is it a deficiency for the last two years ? Sir , it is no such thing . It is a deficiency which has been gaining on us for the last seven or eight years . The deficiency in the revenue on the oih April , 1838 , was £ 1 , 428 , 000 5 th April , 1839 , £ 430 , 000 5 th April , 1840 , £ 1459 , 000 oih . April , 1841 , . £ 1 , 85 ] , 060 5 th April , 1842 , £ 2 . 334 , 000

      Thus showing a deficiency in these four years of £ 7 , 502 , 000 . In addition to this there was the anticipated deficiency of the year 1843 , which he estimated at £ 2 , 570 , 000 ; thus , adding this te the deficiency already mentioned , there was a total deficiency for the six years , in reund numbers , of £ 10 , 070 000- ( hear . hear . ) I have here ma . de a full and unreserved statement to the extent of the deficiencies which Parliament has to meet . I do so , in ordtr that the House may be made acquainted with the exact siate which the country is in , and in the full confidence that the resources of this great community are equal to the demand to be made upon them , and in the belief that the energy and wisdom of Parliament will be ready to direct these resources

      in a manner suitable to the occasion—^{ hcar , hear . ) Wei ! , with this proof of the * deficiency before you , will yoH hare recourse to the miserable expedient of a loan 1 1 certainly shall not be aparty to such a course , ( hear , hear . ) With these facts before my eye ? , I would not dtBgrace the tituaiion which I have tho honour to occupy by such expedients ; and I hardly think that Parliament wi ! l adopt a course which is so extremely objectionable ( hear . ) i hardly think that you , who have reduced the charges connected with the postage of the country , and « vho have in the preamble of the bill in relation to that subject , pledged yourselves to redeem any loss arising from the reduction which has taken place in consequence of that reduction—you will not have recourse to the

      expedient to which I have referfed . I therefore call on you to redeem the pledge which you have given , and which I warned you not to give , ( hear , hear ) ; but having given it , I call on you now to redeem it . If , however , you ate net bound by tae pledges of your predecessors , you are bound at all event 3 by the engagements you hare made ; for almost the fmt vote you gave after your election was the adoption of a resolution tt the effe t , that it was impossible any longer to permit the fctata of thipgs which exUted , and which presented nothing but a continual deficiency of the and that

      revenne , you would apply yourfelves without delay to the consideration of the financial stat 3 of the country , with the view of adopting some means for equalising its revenue and expenditure—( hear , hear ) . I apprehend , therefore , that with the universal consent of this House , and of the country peaerally , I may abandon the consideration of any scheme that would propose tj supply the deficiency byauy such miserable devices . ( cheers . ) If I mufcthave recourse to taxation , shall I then levy it on what is called articles of sustenance—on those articles which may appeir to some as superfluities , but which are known to coufctitute aitlclei of

      ueccBsary consumption 1 No ; for my part I cannot consent to a system of taxation which can possibly have this effect ; and I say , moreorer , that 1 think 1 have given you conclusive proof that we have already ar-

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      rived at the utmoft limits of this description of taxation—( cheers ) . I am speaking here of articles of luxury , which appear not to const tite th « ai tides of consumptiottamongst thelabouriDg olassea-- ( hear . ) The iogM Hon . Gentleman opposite attempted to redeem the pledge which had been given by Parliament to repair the deficiency in the revenue caused by the defalcation in the Pc-t Office ; and he accordingly proposed , in the year 1840 , that five For cent , duty should be levied on articles of customs and excise , and ten per cent , on the ^ sessed taxes . The nett produce of the customs and excite , ending the 5 th of January , 1840 , was £ 37 , 911 , 000 . I wish now to carry your jud gments with me , for lam about toshow you that the means are exhausted bv which meii

      thinK they could possibly find a remedy for the deficiencies that exist . ( Hear , hear . ) Now the estimated produce of the increase of 5 per cent , on articles of consumption was £ 39 872 , 000 ; the actual increase waa £ 38 , 182 , 000 ; the actual addition esj ™ ated to be gained by such 5 per cent , was £ 1 ' 2 £ S ? A In 8 tead of that sum the actual increase w ? -. £ 262 , 000 ( hear , hear ;) that is , instead of producing 5 per cent , additional / it has . been little more thana £ per cant . —( hear , hear . ) On the other hand , the estimated result of the < , increa ' -o of the ten percent , on the Assessed Taxes has been fully realised . Making an abatement for the depression of trade , I think none can resist the conclusion thai the Bye per cent , upon Customs and Exoiue will end in nothing but failurehear

      -- ( , hear . ) I will then discard the notion of supplying the deficiency by ir burring fresh debt ; and I have attempted to carry your conviction with me that we cannot look to increased taxation on articles of consumption . It is possible to resort to another means . Shall I revive old taxes that have been long abolished ? Shall I look to the Post-office as a possible mode of increasing the revenue ? I will not say that the Po 3 t office ought not to be a source of revenue ; but I will say that the measure has not had complete and fair trial . I am so Feu 8 ible of the many advantages that result from that measure , that i should not consider myself justified in recommending any change for the present ' year—( hear , and cheers . )

      Shs'l I , then , revive the taxci that were laid . upon the great articles of consumption , and which were very productive 1 Shall 1 revive the taxc ^ upon salt , upon leather , and upon wool ? 1 don ' t know that with respect to eome- —ai regards leather , for instance—I don ' t know that tho reduction took place with fairness —( cheers . ) Sir ; I am very much afrad that the full amount of the benefit in that direction w ? t not carried to the account of the consumer—( cheers . ) I bellevo that you omitted to adopt the measure which youi ought to have adopted contemporaneously with the reduction of the duty upon leather , namely , the reduction of the duty upon the import of foreign hides—( hear . ) Sir , I fesr you reduced the duty but to promote a monopoly at

      home . But , Sir , the question is not now whether v » o shall reduce the existing duties—the question is , whether we shall revive a duty that hag been abolished , and upan the faith of the abolition of which various contracts and commercial and manufacturing arrangements have be en made . I do not think I need argue against the revival of the duty upon salt , leather , or wool . Sir , shall I , then , resort to locomotion —( a langh )?—8 hall I increase the tax upon railways ? -I confess that nothing buthard necessity should induce me to derive revenue from them . Well , then , Sir , I have gas —( laughter . ) I should be also most unwilling to place a tax upon gas , and therefore I range the taxes upon locomotion and upon gas light in tbe same category as the taxes upon salt

      and leather . Shall I hope for an increase of revenue from diminished taxation —( loud cheers ) 1 Before I apply myself to this , let me remind you of the extent of your difficulties . I have confirmed confidence that there is a buoyancy in the consumptive power of this country to realise ultimately an increased revenue from decreased taxation ; but it requires a long process before that end caa he attained . 1 have the firmest belief that any such plan as that proposed by the late Government , or any other plan for raising the revenue by diminishing taxation , will not afford any immediate relief for the supply of any present deficiency . I have looked with considerable

      attention to the effect produced by the reduction of taxation on articles of great consumption . 1 do hot find in many cases that elasticity which gives you , after a lapse of time , increased revenue ; but 1 do find io almost every case , if not in every case without exception , that the interval of time which elapses before the same amount of revenue ia received , is very considerable . On that ground , then , Sir , 1 am led to believe that' with the present deficiency , which it is necessary to provide for , you cannot look to supply that deficiency by a mere reduction on articles of consumption , if you resort to that as the only means of supplyingit—( hear , hear . )

      THE NEW TAXES . I will now state what is the measure which I propose , —( hear , hear , )— -which I propose under tho sense of public duty and under a deep conviction that it is necessary for the public good . I -shall make an earnest appeal 0 the possessors of property , ( Cheera . ) Sir , I propose for a time , and I never had occasion to make a proposition with a more thorough conviction that it is one which the public interests of the country require—I propose that , for a time to be limited , the Income of this country should be called upon to contribute a o rtain sum for the purpose of remedying these mighty and growing evils . I propose that the income of this country should bear a charge not exceeding 7 d .

      in the pound , —( hearj)—not amounting to 3 per cent ., being a charge o £ £ 2 IS * , 44 . per £ 100 , for the purpose of not only supplying the deficiency in tbe revenue , but of enabling me with confidence and satisfaction to prjposb great commercial reforms , which will afford a reasonable hope of reviving our commerce , and making that improvement in our manufactures , which will " Boon react upon every other interest in the count ry ; and which , in apecuniary point of view , will , by the dimiiiishod cost of articles of consumption , and by the diminished cost of living , be a compensation almost to every one for the pecuniary charge , but which by relieving : you from the continuance of this mighty evil will more than compensate you for tho amount ; 1 propose that tho

      land occupied by tenants shall be estunned and taxed at half the vent I also propose , for I see no reason why it should be otherwise , that all funded property , whether it be the property of natives of the country or of foreigners , should participate in the charge , andi be subject to the same burden . This is the nature of the proposition which it is iny int ; ntion to make ; which 1 nrako with the full , the unanimous concurrence of my colleagues—( hear)—and with the deepest conviction on tneir minds , as on mine , that it is wise and necessary to impose this tax . '[ . The Right Hon . Baronet , here entered hit : > a long lifct of calculations as to the estimated amoui . t of this tax , which ho gave at about £ 3 , 775 , 000 , and which he thought should coi'tinue

      for five years ; but he would for the present limic the duration so as to give Parliament the opportunity t > sanction the fuitfor continuation of the tax , at the end of three years . He felt , some difficulty in applying this tix to Ireland , because there existed in that country no machinery for its collection . He thought , however , that Ireland should pay htr quota ; but . if tther means of raising it could be devised , he should prefer them . ] I propoeo , therefore , ti levy a duty of Te . a gallon upon Irhh spirits , arid I firmly believe thai to Irish diitil . ' o : s , and to Ireland itself , considerable revenue may be derived , not only w . thout ihconvenienca , but wit i po-if ; ve advantage . 1 hope t ji realise from this £ 250 000 . The other sources from which I wish to

      derive some income , making with tho former auequivalerit for t . aafr I ' might : have hoped to . have received from a property tax , are perfectly legitimate , and their effect in operation will fall upon propeity . I propose , in respect tj the great mass of articles , particularly in respect to alt those connected with property , to equalise this stamp duties in Ireland with those in this country . I expect £ 160 000 on account of the equalisation of st imp duties . And this to the £ 250 , 000 to be derived from spir its , arid I obtain from Ireland £ 410 , 000 , and I have the most perfect conviction that this were bettsri under existing circumfctances , than if I had' advised a new duty , and imposed a direct tax upon property . Then with respect to the Absentees—( hear , hear , hear ) , I

      propose that they should contribute 'to the property duty . By returaiiig to their native country , and speuding their incomes upon their estates , they may eB-ape the levy which I mean to propose ; but by residing in this country , without any ^ : call of public duty , I think they ought to be subject to a tax—( cheers . ) Sir , there is brie other duty which I propose to impose . At present there is a duty imposed by the law of 4 s . per ton on coal exported in foreign ships . At the tjme that was imposed the policy of the law was of course to require revenue ; but there is no duty imposed upon coal exported in British ships . The operation of the reciprocity treaty has beea to exempt foreign ships from the payment of the duty , which wasj originally contempj * : ed to be levied upon the export of coal ; and I must say , that I cannot conceive that there is any more legitimate object on which to impose a duty than upon coal exported to foreign countries—( hear , hear . ) I speak of a reasonable impost ; and upon an article produced in thi 3 country , the element , of

      manufactures , necessary for the manufacture , ^ contributing by its export to excite competition with the home market . If I can raise a reasonable amount of duty from a tax upon British coal exported to foreign countries , I think its legitimate source of revenue . The sum derivable from it may be estimated as amounting to about £ 200 , 000 ; an amount which will be no inconsiderable increase to the revenue , and which will operate as few taxes do , to the encouragement of native industry and domestic manufacture . Now having stated to the House all the taxes I mean to propose , perhaps it may be convenient that I should show the total amonnt which I expect to derive from them . I epeak of the produce of them from the 5 th of April , 1842 . I propose thai the new taxes should haye operation from the 5 th of April , 1842 . I calculate on obtaining from these sources a total amount of £ 4 , 310 , 000 —( here an observation was made by Lord John Ruesell , which did mt reach the gallery . ) Ye ? , that will be altogether

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      £ 480 , 000 . I deduct now from that sum of £ 4 , 380 , 000 the estimated deficiency for which ¦¦ ' ¦ : I must provide . That deficiency is £ 2 , 570 , 000 , which will leave a rarpias of £ 1 , 800 , 000 . The House fiiu 3 t recollect that the deficiency waa on the votes of the . year . I have to add to that th « excess of the expenditure in China , an excess which cannot be estimated at leffl than £ 800 , 000 . The expenditure that will probably arise from the position of our affairs in India ; may be calculated to roquire also a very considerable deduction to be made from our estimate of surplos ; biit reserving these matters , I calculate on a surplus of £ 1 , 800 ^ 00 . The qaestioa then , is , how am I to deal with thai surplus in a manner which I consider the most conducive to the interests of tho community , theimost consonant to public feeling , » nd the best calculated to effect a great improvement in our commercial relations—( hear . )

      PROPOSED REDUCTIONS . Sir , I look to the tariff , and I find that it comprises not less than 200 different articles which are subject to various rates of duty ; and during the interval which I have been in office I caii only say , that each individual article of that tariff ha ? been the subject of careful consideration by the Government—( hear , hear . ) In the case of each article we have attempted , ae ^ well as we conldy to determine what is the proportion borne by the duty in each case to the average price of the articles , for the purpose of ascertaining to what extent it may be desirable to make reductions in the various duties—( hear , hear , hear . ) Sir , the measures which we propose , will include in their general principles a

      complete revision of the ; duties affecting those articles , and a general alteration of our commercial tariffcheers . ) The measures which we propose , will proceed upon those principles for tho complete revision of our tariff , which upon mature consideration , we have thought necessary —( hear , hear . ) ; The general principle upon which we will proceed will be , first , the removal and thelelaxa iou of duties of a prohibitory nature ( hear , hear , and loud cheers ); and secondly , a reduction of the duties upon the raw materials for manufactures to a very considerable extent ( renewed cheering from the opposition ) . Iii some cases I propose to retain merely a nominal duty , for the purpose of affording statistical

      informat oh ; and in no ea ^ e , » r in scarcely any case , will wo propose to lay a duty upon raw materials for mami factures exceeding 5 per cent ; and as I said bofore , in many cases the duty will bo merely a nominal one ( hear ) . With reipeo . t to the duty upon , articles which are pa rtly manufactured , I also propo' o a coDfideraWe reduction , in no caee to e : ccod 12 psr cent . I don't mean that this 12 per ccn " .. should be applied , but that is the general principle and u aximum of duty which ; I shall reserve , with th * exception of certain articles to which I shall call the attention of the house by and bye . Now the course which I shall pursu ; will be to have the whole of the tariff srranged under twenty different - 'h eads ... . . For ins-UncP i under the first head we shall have included live

      animals and provisions of all kinds ; under the second head spices ; under the third all description of seeds under the 4 th wood for furniture ; and under the 5 th ores and minerals ; and in order to relieve myself frotn the necessity of ^ joing through the whole mass , I will propose the amended scheme of ithe tariff ( loud chcera and conuter cheers ) , as clearly as possible under twenty different heads , classing , as nearly as may be , articles of the same description and character . Each of these schedules will contain five columns . In the first column will

      be the name of the article ; in the second , the rate of duty ; in the third , the amount of duty act tally received ; iu the fourth , the proposed rate ot duty to be levied on the artiole on its importatun from foreign Countries ; and in the fifth , the proposed rate of duty on the imports from British colonial posBCsaion 8 . Now it appears that I cannot lay tho scheme before the House in any clearer way at present ; for to attempt to go through the whole « t present would be only to add to the great labour of the duty lam discharging , and fatigue the House .

      But here is the whole of the tariff under the e different heads , and on Monday morning next the schedule will be laid upon the table for the information of the commercial world . Of 1 , 200 articles of consHmptiou , I propose to reduce the duty on 750 of them . These latter articles have relation to manufaciured articles . With respect to the 450 articles I do not propose to reduce the duty . I am infiutiaced in : this view of the matter in consequence of tho very trifling difference between the duty and tho . actual cost of the article . But with

      respect to the other 750 artioles , I do propose to reduce the duty most materially . There are some important reductions which I intend to make iu these article ? , partly from consideration in reference to reveriue , atid partly from this motivp . There were several treaties entered into by this country with other countries , which are still pending . There was the treaty which had been entered into by the Noble JLord opposite ( Lord Palmeraton ) with Portugal , and which would have been completed but for the troubles which have taken place there . We have also opened a negociation with Spain , with respect to commercial matters , and we have strongly urged upon Spain the beneficial advantages that would result from such a treaty being

      carried out . All I can tay is , that the proposition has been most favourably received . Similar ne # ociations were also pending with South America , and we have intimated to France that we ehould bo happy to resume negooiations in relation to the commercial treaty which had been proposed by the Noble Lord . I should be glad of the treaty being carHed out , for it npuld strengthen the ties of amity aud of friendly cohsideratibn between this country and France . I believe that France would be a gainer , both morally and commercially , and the industry of both countries would be bene&ted , if those duties which interfere with trade were relaxed . This at all events would be tho result , that the benefit obtained by one commuaity will react upon the other

      I say nothing of any probable period at which the treaty with France may be signed . I can only say that it is my ultimate hope and conviction that the public mind of France will support the govern ment in such a measure . Now while these treaties are pending , theva are several articles which would be included in the negociations in respect ; of which it would be impossible to advise the Hjuse to make an immediate reduction . I think when we make relaxatioES , we ought also to make the couutry to be benefitted by it grant to us correspondent advantages . I therefore think , to eneure this end , that it would not be wise to reduce the ameunt of duty on those articles which must form the basis of negociatioiii Therefore I do not propose a reduction on

      thoamount of duty on brandy and vrin : the hope that the duty may be relaxed when corrcspondiDg relaxatiOus are made by foreign countries to be benefiMed by the relaxation . Again , with respect to the various fruita on which 1 am most anxious to relax the duty , but which form the basis of ncgOciation , I propose for that purpose to retain it ; liot , I say , with relerence to revenue , but simply to facilitate negociation . I do hot think that : it is necessary for me to specify tho other articles which wiii appear in the schedule . Now , these various reductions , the removal of prohibitioiiS , the reviaal of prohibitory duties , the reduction of the dittits on aiticks BUChB a oils and ores , having a tecdency to remove the burdens oa , commerce ; these various

      rcdiiciions may , in my opiaion , be the mode ot conferring great advantages on the niaiiufaclurcs of this country , without incurring tho risk of greater 2 oss to the revenue than about £ 270 , 000 . Having thub spoken of articles used in manufactures , I new apply myself to the consideratipnot the redactioa of duties on great articles of cdnsumptiou . The chief articles of consumption to which I shall advert < trcsu ^ a , r , coffer , a , nd timber . With respect to sugar , I wish is werein my power to state that her Majesty ' s ministers deemed it consistent with their duty to say that they could advise any alteration of the duties on that article . [ The Right Hon . Baronet then went at length into the reasons of his Government for proposing not to aisturb the existing duty on sugar . ] With repect

      to coffee , I am sorry to '• • say that during the last year there has been a re duction in the consumption . Thtre has been ah increase in the consumption of suKar , but a decrease in t ' ut of coffee . I suppose I need scarcely inform the House what the present amount cf duty on coffee is . On foreign coffee the duty is bow-Hi 3 d . psr . lb . ; oa coffee from the British colonies 6 d ., Tvhile on coffee impoi ted from British possessions within the limits of the East India . Company ' s Ghatter the ditty is 9 d . ; the effect of this is , that a considerable quantity of coffee ^ the growth of ipreigh countries , comes into competition with pur own produce , exempt from tho duty © f Is , 3 d . It is sent from Brazil and Hayti to the Capo of Good Hope ; and the mere fact of its having been there ,

      jntitlos it to come iu at the duty of 3 d . —< hear , hear ) . It may cost them Id . per 1 b . for freight , &c , bat even than it comes into competition with the produce of our own colonies at a . duty of lOd . I prppbae to reduce the duty on coffee the produce oi British possesstons to 4 d . per pound , and on coffee the produoe of all foreign cpnntries to 8 d . Assuming that there will be no increase in the consumption , the loss from this reduction may be taken at < £ 237 , 000 ; but , assuming anincrease in the consumption to the amount of ten per cent ., the loss , in such case , would then be £ 171 , 000 . Now add this amoant to tho loss which 1 have already estimated , the total amount will be ^ 270 , 000 ., I now come to the duty on timber ; la respect to this question we are embarrassed with the consideration of the ttate of the interests of our

      Canadian colonies . The present ratp ; of daiy on foreign timber is 553 . a load ; bnt the duty on timber is now levied in a complicated and unfair way . And in taking the average amouut of duty on foreign timber , including tho duty on deals , staves , and lath ' s ; taking the whole together , the " aggregate amount will not exceed 41 s . a load . The duty on colonial timber is 10 s . a load , and here also the average duty may betaken it 8 s . or 9 s . a Ibid . ( Hear . ) In the year ending April 1844 , I propose that the duty ou foreign timber should be reduced to 25 s . I propose also , that in the year endiDg April , 1844 , the duty on deals should be reduced from 30 a ., which is the proposition , with regard to its immediate operation , that it should be reduced to 20 a .-, and in like mailer , ihst Ott that jear the duty oa lath wood

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      Bhould be reduced to 20 a . I propose that the duty upon colonial timber should be reducea to is . a load ; that the duty upon deals should be to-reduced 2 s a load j and that the duty on lath timber shall be reduced t » Ss . a load . I estimate the tolal loss in this respect at not less than £ 608 , 000 a-year . I propose to remit altogether the dudes on the export of British manofaotnresC'hesuri hear" and cheerfi ) , whioh I find will incur a loss to the revenue of £ 102 , 0001 . a-year . I will call your attention to the duty upon stage coaches ; and in dealing with this question you must consider the amount of competition which the proprietors of these stage coachea have to . contend against , especially on those lines of road where railways have been established . I propose , with

      regard to Stage coaches , an uniform mileage of l | d ., and to take off altogether the assessed taxes —( cheers . ) This proposition , if assented to by the House , will lead to a loss of revenue amounting to £ 61 , 000 ; bat it is a loss which I feel caa be vindicated on the ground of Btrict and impartial juB ^ ice—( cheers . ) I also propose to take off the duty imposed upon persons who are in the habit of letting job carriages , and which will lead to a loss in the revenue of £ 9 , 000 , making .-a total loss in this departmeut of the revenue of £ 70 , 000 . Aiid now I will shortly review , at this stafip ; of my statements , the wheld of the financial arrangeinettts . I calculate that the deficiency iir-tlw revenue up

      to the 5 th of Aprili ; 1843 , will be £ 2 , 570 ^ 000 . The reduction on articles of tariff will not entail a loss of more than £ 27 O , 0 G 0 . Tue loss on cotton £ 170 , 000 , the loss on timber" £ 600 , 000 , the Ios 3 arising from the reoeal of tho export duty on British manufacturea £ 100 , 000 , and the loss I rom stage coaches £ 70 , 000 . The total loss to the community in consequence of the reductions which I propose will be £ 3 , 708 , 000 . Against this I ha- 'e to place the amount of tiie increased reveuue which I expect io receive frora the new taxation , which is calculated at £ 4 800 , 000 . there will , therefore , be a burplus in favour of the country of £ 520 , 000 , to meet the increased charges of the country , arising from the state of our relations in China , and in consequence of what may arise out of

      pur sti . il pending commercial trbaties With other cpuutries . 1 have now laid before you , without reserve , the wholeof the plan of her Majesty ' jj Government ; I have given you a full and explicit , but I believe an unexaggerated , statement of the financial difficulties of the country * We have thought it our dHty to give Pur counsel to the Legislature , freely and unreservedly— -to give the beat advice we could , leaviug with the legislatui-e the responsibility of adopting or refusing the advice we thus give . I , on the part of tke Govemnient , have now performed that duty—( hear , hear . ) T , with the weight and authority of the Government , have brought forward what we deem requisite for the present state of our finances- — ( hear , hear . ) And I now conclude , devolving on

      the Parliament the duty of maturing ^ Bur pla S if they approve of them ; at ill events the responsibility- of adopting or rejecting them . You will bear in mii ; d tnat this isno ordinary period . You will bear in mind that there are iadications among all the uppor classes of society of increased comfort and enjoyment ; of increased . prosperity and wealth ; ami that , concurrentiy with these indications , there exists a mighty evil that has beea growing for many years—( loud cheers . ) You are now called onto relieve that evil . If you have fortitude and constancy , ai I firmly believe you have , you will not consent , with folded arms , to allow the annual growth of this great evil . You will not reconcile ii to your consciences to hope for rtlief from a diminution of taxation . You will not permit this evil to ga . in such gigautio strength that it will be far beyond your power to check its progress . If yoa

      do not take this ; cdurse ; if you dopermic the evilto continue , you must exptet severe , but just judgment . My confident hope and belief is , that when I devolve the responsibility upon you , you will prove yourselves wpithy of your mission—of the mission and functions of the representatives of a . mighty people ; that you will not tarnish the name that it is your duty to cherish as your glorious inheritanc 3 j that you wiU not impair the character for fpititude , for good faiths which , in proportion ^ as the empire of opinion supersedes and preponderates over the empire of phvsical force , constitutes a free people , but , above allj the people of Eugl and , and gives i hem the power of reputation and character . That will make the country powerful , so as to repel hostile aggression , and maintain an extended empire . , ( The Right Hon . Baronet sat down amidtt loud and loDg-coi ) t ; nued applause . )

      Untitled Article

      CONFIRMATION OF THE WORST ACCOUNTS FROM INDIA BY THE GOVERNMENT ORGAN ; We fear that there is now little hope of any mitigation of the deplorable accounts from Affghanistan . At a late hour yesterday we aacertained that tbe intelligence received at the office of the Board of Controul more than confirmed the worst statements in circulation but , as it appeared thai thesa accounts merely echoed the impressipus of the Indian Government , formed without officisl or authentic informatioh v yre aihered to the hope that the lcc&l authorities had been misinformed . Many private letters caused us to abandon that hope , which , though wanting an official character , are traceable to certain

      and trustworthy sources , ; agree in giving tbefoilowing outline of the sad disaster ; On the 5 tn of January , the British force to the number of about 4000 niea , quitted the entrenched camp of Caborf under a convention agreed upon by Major Pottinger and Mihomed Ukhbar . The terms of the couvention are hot described further than that these terms guaranteed the unmolested retreat of the British to J « llalabad , with sojab equivalent advanta /{ 0 to be given to the insurgents , for the assurance of . which advantage six British officers—the names of only three of whom we knew ( Messrs . Webb , Walsh , andConoUy ) —were retained as hostages . The convention , however , as must have been apparent to every one acquainted with the perfidious ; , charaster of the

      Affghaiis , was made only to be violated ; for the British had scarcely appeared outside of their entrenchment ? , when they were attacked by the whole Affghan force , probably ten times their number ; they fought their way , however ,: through a- long and dangerous defile , to : the point at which it narrows most ; at the Kourd CabobI PasSj about ten or twelve miles from Cabool . Here their position becomius utterly desperate , they dismissed tbowomen , in their company , surrendering them to an Affghan escort , who carried them back to the city . At Tezcen , a little in advance of the pass , General Elpliinstone and Colonel Sheltpn were made priioners . This loss of their chief officers , and the severe defeat which probxbly caused it , was naturally followed by

      the disorgan i zation of the army ; and the Wot of the ; a -. texpsed retreat was reduced to a series of desperate ai \ d desultory struggles , in which the immense tuperiority in numbers of the enemy , aiid their occupation of all the strong positions , ena ^ l ' . d them to destroy ihe ixhole army in detail—siey * stragglers alone escaped , almost by miracle , to JeKalabad . Among these was Dr . Biyrfon , who reached the last named plaoe in aii exhausted and almost dying state , on the I 8 t , h , a fortnight after the commencoment of the fatal retreat . It was I ) r . Biydon ' smisloraiue to witness ihe fall of teven of hi ^ brother cffipcrs , among whom are named Brigadier Anqtieti ? , Msjor Ewar { , and Lieutenant Sturfc . He also witnessed the capture of General Elphinstone and Col . Sheiton ( proof that the first had rot died , as was reportedly and the disorganisation of the army . We have not seen any

      particulars of his own escape . Such is the latest and inosi complete , and , we believe the most accurate , account pf this melancholy affair , go deplorable in itself , and so untortunate in its poiitical influence , By this time tho honour of the Britisti arms has no doubs been fulJy vinclicated ; but at what expense ? At the cost of rendering the occupapts oitheffute of India for ever the implacable enemies of the British name . The mur'dei of Byrnes and M'Naghten miis t be avenged , the treachery and cruelty of Mahommed Ukhbar must bo punished , or the whole of our Indian influence will be shaken to its centre . But how can this be made appear otherwise than unjust and tyrannical tfo the wantonly inVaded Affghans ? Such are ever the retributivo cpns-iqucnces of the first deviation from the right fztb . —6 ' iandardi Friday . . .-. ' ¦¦• . ' ¦ ' : " . . ' ¦' . ¦ " ¦¦¦ . - . .. . ¦ ' ¦ ¦• ¦ .

      Nominations To The General Council.

      NOMINATIONS TO THE GENERAL COUNCIL .

      LAMBETH TEETOTAitEKB . ; Mr . Edward Blackmoor , baker , 185 , Blackfriars' - road . ' ' : ¦ ' ¦ . * ' :, ¦ . ' ¦ ::. ' ¦ ' . ' ' - , •¦ ¦ . ¦ ¦ ' . ¦"' : ¦[" "• . ¦ " - ' .. . - '¦ Mr . Charles Grahamj smith , 24 , Yoik-street , Yprkrpad ; ..- " ' ¦ ¦' : ' : ¦ ' - . ' - ' - ¦ .:: ' : - ¦'¦¦ ¦ - : : ¦ ' . ¦ .. ' ¦' . ' ' ' .. '¦' . - ' ¦ - •¦ ¦> fr * Stephen Mackeyy ehdemaber , 14 , Herbert ' sbuildiitgs . ¦ ¦ ;¦ - .. ¦ ¦ V . Mr . Richard Hamblyn , shoemaker , 27 , Cross-stfeet , Blackfriars ' -road , ^ ; Mr . James Baker , stonemason , 7 , Church-sfreet , Waterloo-road . ' . ¦¦ : . ; . " . ¦'"' . ; -. v- ' : /^ '• "" ' . Mr .-. Wm ; Lyons , hatter , " 53 . George-street , Black " friars ' -road , £ ub-Treasurer . Mr . John Mawman , tailor , Z , Berry-street , sub-Secretary . -. " .- ¦ - ¦ ¦' : ¦ ' •' ¦ ¦ . " . ¦ ¦' . ' . '' ¦ ¦ - ' ¦ ' ' '¦ :. '¦'¦ . ' - '¦ :. : ' - ¦' - ¦ . ' ¦ . '¦'

      - : ¦ SOUTHAMPTON . : ; 7 Mr . G . Goodman , chairmaker vBick of the Wallfli Mr . J . Hill , cordwaiuer , 8 , Spa-road . Mr . Pra » neli , brushmaker , Charlotte-sireet . Mr . Russell , cordjWainer , Russell-court . Mr . Palmer , cordwainer , Mount-street .

      ¦ : ¦ , . ... - ; . .. . ,. ., ; . ¦ ¦ ' IUNLET . ¦ .. ;; .. _; :. \ - r , ¦'' . , : ¦ : ¦ Mr . Joseph Heath , china jaatter , Slack-lane , Hanley . ' ¦ ¦' :, ' - ¦ . ¦ ' - ¦ '• ¦ > " :.. ¦ ¦ . ¦ . . : WJEWSPA ^« 1 l ¦ ¦' Mr . John Harrison , chiiar ^ StetlEySS ^ Bt Shelton . f /^ S ^ FSKX Mr . John Younr , pottejtoffis ^ f ^^^ ifc ^^* # jBBggB y HamlPt ^^ Henshall . HSipl ^^^ Mr . James Livesey , P ^^ Kp ^ PJPl sub-Treasurer . *¦ ¦ \ WmMtW& £ P ® Mr . Moses 11 iij iiji _ i in iniliiiiil _ W ftlMijllTi ton , Bub So « acetary . H ^ ViS ^ aasiMcir

      Untitled Article

      HOUSE OF COMMONS , Fbidat , Maech 11 th . In answer to a question from Mr . J . S Wortley , the fearful accounts from India were confirmed by SirR . Peel . Some other business of less consequence transpired , after which the Right Hon . bart . brought forward his

      Third Edition

      THIRD EDITION

      Untitled Article

      THE NOBTHERN STAR . :.: : ... " ' . - . ¦ ; , . : ¦ , ' " . . ? ' , ; ' \ r : , ' . />¦ . " ^ ; ¦ ' } r : " : ' * V "N ¦ ' : l- : ^ T ^

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 12, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1152/page/7/