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Northern Star (1837-1852), 23rd June 1849, Edition 1 of 3, Page 7, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      POLICY OP A teSSSu I iiilll P i ^ penencea . He alluded . snm > n » r ™ ™>^ w ; .. thl L ^

      & * tSS ^ i t *^ ?™ a « >» ty to attest the hZl S ? <* " »*¦*•?*«» « profoundly calm ; and ' we S why ^ tical offenders should be held in dnr ^ ce or retained in exile . Dis LordsMp told the Home tliat the rejection of Mr . Hume ' s tooth . sfaon ^ oold meet the , desire of the people W ? l ° " SSshfn ' - ' ^ ^ etedjandfarording io S ^™ S" ? showin S . immense contentment pre-Commons for perpctuatinjr the system nf ,, ™ 7 ;"

      content There troiiM not be , m such a < & < & tnp S ^^ , * -- ' * ** Frost - Wim ™ J' 2 s Jones , toreturnfrom Botany Bay-in urinmn * back the martyr , Jfitchel , from the Cape of GoVd HoDe Sh nT" tiedoors of thejaa ' s sow contS g bmithOBnen , Meagher , Ernest Jones , and that poornnhnppy hoy Mullins . We therefore ™ 11 upon lord John Hussell to do what Louis Philippe eWj « id-todo ^ hateven Sanaa has done-i to do , in tme , iy wt every despot and tyrant in Europe has not refused at different times . When a nation is f ^![ andagOTernment is strong , an amnestv should he granted : ifsuclianact of grace teS ? refused , we must conclude that the country is not really tranquiL and that the srorernmpn * i * ™*

      positively stiong . Md Lord John Russell tell the fr" *^ Tuesday night in the H <>« se of Commons ? il he did , how can he set his face against an amnesty * bow thatwe demand it ofhim on behalf of the political prisoners ? l'he time has come when mercy should he shown to those who have yielded to the impulse of an honest enthusiasm , and who have not jerpetrated any degrading crime . The enthusiasm may Ime been erroneous in principle—the zeal may iiave been utterly mistaken—the conduct of the individunls allnded to may have deserved punishment But there is a season for forgiveness and pardonand there is a moment -when the continuation of punishment becomes persecution . Political offences

      must not he classed nor viewed in the same light TOth felonious crimes . The law may make sedition felony ; Tmt morals will never regard it as such There is no stain upon the character of a man who is incarcerated for such "felony ; " and there can consequently be no harm in restoring him to society . To Tetain him in custody when a sufficient example las already been made ofhim , is a petty vengeance unworthy of a Government—distasteful to a ^ enerous pub'ic . TVere the nation at large canvassed , an immense majority of votes ¦ wonla be given in favour of an amnesty . The English character is

      natuKuly humane , charitable , benevolent : let not the Government outrage It liy carrying punishment into an extreme , making- it revenge . Such a proceeding -would be as cruel as it is unjustifiable . ? rost , Williams , and Jones , have already been tremendously punished ; society demands no further expiation at their hands . The Chartists condemned last summer have been a year in prison : surely this is punishment enough for any hasty ¦ vrorAs uttered or any mad freaks attempted . . And mercy towards these men becomes the more necessary "wiicn "the mode in which their conviction was

      obtained is taken into consideration . The victims of Powell , the informer , arc fitting objects for the exercise of Ministerial humanity . Again , John 3 tli : c ! iel—weak in constitution and impaired in iealtli as he is—has undergone enough . . Although ¦ we may blame him to some extent , yet it is impossible not to admire his 15 Oman character and his Grecian fortitude . Be it also remembered , that , Lad he succeeded , he would have been accounted a patriot , and not looked upon as a traitor . Smith O'Brien , and M 3 colleagues , have passed through " the bitterness of death : " what more can be

      required at their hands ? Ministers may safely pardon all these men whom we have named or allnded to . If society , either in England or Irelmd , were outraged , it is now appeased ; and no one dreams of vengeance . At least , no one ought to do so—and ¦ we are well assured that the millions of these realms do not . If , then , vengeance be shown , it will exist on the pait of those hnlf-dozcn men in Dcnningstreet wlio have the power to pardon . Hut JSnsfland has never been famous for amnesties . In no country on earth have political offenders been so xemorsely " doomed to undergo the entire sentence erdainedhy law as in England . The scaffold has done its bloody work without compunction in these

      islands ; ialls have echoed to the moans of thousands mid thousands whom bad laws drove to desperation and then punished ; and the penal settlements have received too many victims of this same description . Our Sinss have been uniformly ferocious , and our laws savage against political © Senders . It is now time to turn over a new leaf . Such an act of humanity as an amnesty will come most gracefully from a female Sovereign . It would heal many ¦ pounds in the public heart , and subdue many sore recollections in the public memory . Be it well understood , that political offences arise from

      political agitation ; and no party in the country has agiiaicdaj : rimes more than the " Whigs . Certain facts which eame out last year respecting a celebrated letter produced by General Kapler , show that at one time the Whins would not have much hesitated to push agitation " into open insurrection ; and jet they have punished their humble imitators with a terrific severity . Is it not , then , high time that cur statesmen should convince us how ready they are to temper instice with mercy ? Let a beginning le made—let the Whigs take the initiative—aud let a general amnesty be proclaimed .

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      •¦ I * ' ' B . OYSL Polttechxic Institution' . —ilr . Russell , the well-kno wn comedian , has commenced delivering a , series of dramatic readings of the p lays of Shakspcrc at this " place . Previous to commencing , 3 Ir . llnssell remarked that he presumed his auditors p-erc all aware that there once was such a person S 5 William Shakspere . lie was led to maie this rcraark from the fact , that on several occasions lie had met with parties who were entirely ignorant alike of the name of the immortal bard as of his glorious -irorks . A curious-instance of this caraerto his knowledge but very lately . A friend of his having to attend a committee of the House of Commons vas pas < = in ^ the spare time he had previous to cnieriu" the House in examining the tombs in Westlainstta-AlAey . While thus occupied , he observed * ladv and her daughter looking at the Skak ^ penan

      jtionHmea ^ when the voung lady remarking the cro wn which formed a portion of its ornament , cuicilv demanded of her mother if " Shakspere was t kic » " " The mother considered for a brief period , and Then answered , she Sieved "he was somethin- of tbe sort . " The Asiatics , said the reader , T . -oufd soon mike us ashamed , for on the authority of a worthy missionary , the works of Shasspei-e formed oue of the principal educational subjects in Calcutta and other parts of the East ; and a certain T . oble lord , when writing home to a relative , had said , it would surprise an Englishman , and delight Mm too , to see the little , « dut-faced rascals reading Saakspcre . " J » reading , Mr . R exhibited , evidently that he was fully acquainted with his snbject / and aware Of its interest and importance . The modulations of his TOicc , in the giving oi the

      various characters , was hig hly effective . To rim Sjubeholbebs ash Fsiexds of the ManCUESTek People ' s Isstitcie . — , the directors of the above Institute , feel it to Id « M » dug to address you , relative to the pecuniary dimoult es under winch we are labouring , and to intimate tiiat Tinless we obtain some assistance we shall ue unaei the disagreeable necessity of giving up that excellent buildin " . —There is a considerable debt due , which mi ^ ht soon be liquidated if a number ot friends would take up additional shares , or otherwise assist US in a pecuniary manner . We therefore Tnncti . r . rAnflvniroealfor support , and hope every

      ieKon whowishcSTrcllto such an institution wm Sd us , and relieve us from our present embarrasments . —If ^ e obtain the assistance which ww-Bectfully and urgently solicit , the institution would loon become remunerative to the shaieholders . —As the above excellent building was raised for the laudable purpose of g iving to the working classesa T » lacp in Which their rights and privileges coald he SJSated 4 hope t&tall friends to hbevty will feel S She a duty , a * , well as a pleasure , to assist fr L retE" so valuable an institution .- } Ve con-^ We rfS To ^ i respectfully , ! te

      PntECTORS . Tbixgs . —Londoners J ^ s ^^ rjsf ss ^ themselves to be supplied ^ J ^ MS , ^ for pr oduced , at tha ^ stposable ratc ot . cna = ^ mfMmm TxzityJfews . , . „ - _ !„ , * rations , " as the soldier ji ^ ssaaKK" *''* >

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      i MONDAY , Juxe 18 . HOUSE OF LORDS . —The Leasehold Tenures I IRELaxd ) Biix was read a third . time and passed alter a division , in which the numbers were-- ' 1 ' or the third reading ... 38 Against it ... 33 Majority ... .. " .. ^ 5 Titb Pjssenoers' BiLL-Earl Grey , in moving the second reading of this bill , said that it was proposed in pursuance of the recommendation of the SXffiS ? , tfathe . P ™ cipal shipowners engaged t o £ } S carrylD J S grants from this country ™ -Mwnoa , and was merely in its most important provisions a re-enactment of the existing « aw , and contained but a few alterations , which he oeueved to be important improvements . These were mat the existing regulation for carrvins not more tnau two passengers for each ton should include the CrCW a ~ i means of Tentiiatio ? should he provided —and that an improvement should be made in the oietary from a pound to a pound and a half of flour , and an allowance of tea and sugar . The bill was then read a second time . .

      AccinEXTs in Mines . —Lord Wharncliffe moved for the appointment of a select committee to inquire mto the best means of preventing the occurrence of dangerous accidents m coal mines . There had been no inquiry on the subject since 1835 , and he thought the time had arrived when some inquiry might be attended with the greatest advantage . He apprehended no objection to the motion , and believed that the inquiry would not be a protracted one . The Earl of Carlisle said there was no objection to the motion , as the necessity of some remedial measure was admitted . The government had been making endeavours on the subject through Sir H . De la Beche , who had sanguine expectations of their successful result . But , nevertheless , the government would willingly adopt any suggestions by the committee now proposed that might appear useful .

      After a few words from Earl St . Germans the motion was asreed to , and their lordships adjourned . HOUSE OP COMMONS . —Mr . Ekxest Joxjes . — Mr . O'Connor inquired whether it was the fact that Ernest Jones had ineffectually applied to the visiting magistrates for leave to petition the House respecting his treatment in prison , and to ascertain from the judge who pronounced sentence on him whether his treatment was In accordance with that sentence ? Sir G . Grey replied , that Ernest Jones had applied several times to the authorities ; and , in consequence of the numerous complaints , he ( Sir G . Grey ) had directed the Inspector of Prisons to make inquiry . " That officer had given him a report , in which he stated that , with the exception of two

      persons , Ernest Jones and another , all the prisoners expressed themselves satisfied , having no complaint to make so far as concerned the officers of the prison . The complaints were describe-d as being entirely unfounded . Ernest Jones had since complained repeatedly of the regulations to which he , in cominon with others , was subject . His complaints , indeed , were of that class of complaints which arose out of the necessary adherence to the regulations . It was only by the order of the judge that he could be put among the first class of misdemeanants . Itappcarcdthataletter had been written by Ernest Jones to the hon . gentleman containing a petition to parliament , but it could not be transmitted on the ground that the power of sending a letter was limited to once in three months .

      Mr . O'Connor wished to know whether a prisoner , having exercised liis privilege once in the three months , was precluded from making application to the authorities with reference to any ill-treatment he might receive ? . . Sir Cr . Grei did not mean io say so . The prisonerhad the power of sending a statement to the Secretary of State at any time . Mr . llixoLEy complained that the political prisoners in Lancashire were required to wear masks on certain occasions , which , was very offensive to their friends .

      Sir G . Grey presumed the prisoners referred to were those who were transported for life'for having conspired against the constitution and the government ; they were only subjected to the general regulations of the prison , as imposed by the visiting justices , and he could not recommend her Majesty to exercise any interference on then behalf . Mr . ltOEBUCK thought these prison regulations ought to be laid on the table , in order to show by whose authority it was this wearing of masks was oriffinated .

      Sir G . Grey replied , that all the prison regulations must be sanctioned by the Home Secretary , but this was not one of a recent character . The masks were only worn on occasions when the prisoners would otherwise have an opportunity of seeing each other . Tuk Irish " Traitors , "—Mr . Napier having offered a petition purporting to be from Mr . William Suiitli OBrien and his fellow prisoners , Messrs . Measlier , 31 'Manus , and O'Dohcity . Lord J . Hussell inquired of the Speaker whether a petition from persons attainted of high treason

      could be received . The Speaker rep lied that a petition from one of those persons ( Mr . S . O'Biieu ) had already been received , but he was not aware of any rule or other precedent upon the subject . The Attorney-General opposed the reception of a petition from parties not being entitled to be heard in a court of law . _ Mr Xafjeu urged tliat . it was contrary to the spirit of the Constitution that the parties should not be heard bv petition . Sir F- Tuesiger thoug ht the question so important that it should be postponed , to allow time for

      consideration . Sir It Peel considered that there was a speciality in the case which would warrant the House in receiving the petition , which might not he receivable under ordinary eireumstanoos since they were about to leg islate because doubts had

      "ii'iscn Air bright observed that as persons in the situation of the petitioners might approach the Crown bv petition , and as there was no precedent , the right of petition to this House should be as wide as pos-Mr Herries vicrcd the question ns an important one , which would lay down a precedent . The petitioners were persons civilly dead . Mr Cockbcrx said if the House chose to legislate bvan ' Mjxw / arfol-w , ^ was preposterous to refuse to hear the petition . The act might be intended to aaaia « ate , not mitigate ppishmcnt . LSSl -J . KcssELLsaid he had thought it right to surest the question ; but , as there seemed to be an impression 111 the House that the petitioners ought to be heard , he withdrew his objection . The petition was then read « t the table It . set forth the case of the petitioners , protested against thel , m ^ hich they hid heard was pending before to seiuu it

      till * IIOUSC for transporting them a penai - Sent ? or hS «« J P ^ cd ***** "Samst by counsel at the bar of the House . The petition was ordered to lie on the table . Transportation Ton Theason ( Imlaxd ) Bill .-On the order of the diiyfOr tllC SCCOIld reading of th Sir ' George Ghev stated that the object of tlio bill was to remove all possible doubt as to the right of the Crown and of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland representing the Crown in that country , to commute the punishment of persons under sentence of death for hig h treason XO transportation . JJe Stated the course -which had been pursued by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland towards these persons , and the grounds upon which the doubt rested which this bill was intended to remove—namely , that the law of Ireland relating to the transportation Of

      offenders did not expressly extend to treason , me Kst law authorities were of op inion thatalthougli JSS wls not included in express terms , it was o Sy a hi ^ l er species of felony , and that the protest of the « mvieu might bo disregarded . It was however , deemed better to pass a bill to ™ rcthe possibility of doubt , and to do away with al d » - Sction , in this respect , between treason andicloy , sons to enable the Ciwm to temper justice Tilth "Rural moved , as an amendment , tliat tlio peutionS be heard by counsel at the bar agams the bill . He argued that the Crown , although it niiffht , by reprieving the prisoners , retain them lor anTndefiuitc time in prison , had no power to transport them ; that this was an exjjoti facto law , to arm the Crown with a power it did not possess ; fhnt the act of last session created a distinction be-Sn treason and felony ; asd that if there was no real doubt ( of which the parties had a right to Si themselves ) , there was no need of tins ; act . JO'Cokvell seconded tlicamcndrnent

      Mr . . - ^ . S ^ Sto ^ resisted it , and explained sB ^ -- $ 3 ?« iH aafesisite ws ^ si * u ™™ t nf prror m the House 01 LOl'US . „ i hv Mr Assist , Mr . Keooh , Mr . Roche , Mr . posed byMK A » 3 Ii > Go Mr MossELIlj 1 ^ TJ ^ Jmns Who anmed that , this question andMr . toOLBS , w « o fe pe ' t ; tione ^ could mvolvmg legal pwnts , y j ^ Krf £ Ssel SS rfthreference to ° bill , L it waLX to suppose the lives of the prisoners ™ impriMnnuit , which might be inflicted as secoSVpunishment tinder the common law mtliout & bV ™ , ^ * " * , an . aggravation of the nSal y ; and that , under the . circumstances of the rise leniency should be exercised . reiuxuv

      L-itSW ; Ti 7-nT . onri Air Sf > rm > nn £ "SSX * M , Woob Ml Mr Sorgog SSSassftawswa

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      might not be needed , it was desirable that no doubt whatever should remain , and that it was , merely intended to enable the Crown to extend mercy to those who had justly forfeited their lives . Sir James Graham , in consequence of a remark by Mr . Reynolds , observed that , whatever feelings he had entertained for Mr . S . O'Brien , he could not say anything in extenuation of his o&ence , and that if condign punishment had been inflicted upon persons in a humble condition of life in Ireland , it was due to public justice that no distinction should be made in favour of persons in higher ranks . The question respecting the bill was one mainly of law ; and if he had any doubt , it would have been entirely removed by the Attorney-General .

      Air . Roebuck supported the second reading of the bill . He challenged any lawyer to have the audacity to say that treason was not felony , and , if it was , it was an insult to the common sense of the people of England ,. who desired to be mild and generous , for pettifogging lawyers to introduce this opposition . Great as was * * his antipathy to the punishment of death , he would rather that these persons should be ' hanged than that they should escape b ^ r such a quibble . All the transactions of Mr . S . O'Brien had been so thoroughly mischievous , and he had been so careless of tlie misery ho inflietec upon his poor followers , that he would be amongst the first to assert that he deserved to be visited by the severest punishment which the law could inflict . [ Tho speech of Mr . Roebuck was interrupted by a sharp collision with Mr . Grattan . ] Mr . Roebuck continued : He objected to the punishment of deuth

      ( Uh , oh , and laughter ) , but while the law stood as it was , he was not to be twisted from his purpose , nor the government of this country to he put into leopardy , by any such proceedings as those he had heard the lion , member for Month countenance . He did not forget what the hon . member had said , though let it not be supposed that it was from its wisdom that he remembered it . ( A laugh . ) lie said this was a ridiculous attempt at insurrectionthat if they had not made this false move they would have found there were some persons who would have made a real move , and that he would nave been among those persons who made the real move . ( So , do . ) . , Mr . Grattan rose to order . The hon . member had made him represent himself as a traitor , and tay hat he would have suceeded Mr . Smith O'Brien in his attempt . He said no such thing . Let the lion , gentleman tell the truth . ( Hear , hear . )

      Mr . Roebuck did not wonder that the hon . gentleman sliould not recollect what lie said . It was no at all unlikely that what he said should have passed from his memory very soon nfter he stated it , for there was nothing that gentleman could say that would be likely 10 rest on anybody ' s mind—fa Invgii ) —but , somehow or other , there w . 'is something so ludicrous in the statement he made , that by an accident it was left in his memory . ( Laughter . ) The hon . gentleman < Iid say what he hid just repeated , lie wonld reassert it . and was ready to appeal to otners . if , by any accident , it , had remained in the memory of anvbody in that House , whether he did not say it . [ Mr . Grattan : What did I say ? 1 The hou . gentleman stated chat this . rebellion was a ri .

      diculous rebellion , and that if it had not been made , a more serious and rational rebellion—which the hon . gentleman himself ^ ouldhave been called on to sanction and aid-would have occurred ( " No , no . " ) lie be < rge < 1 parden , but the hon . gentleman did say all he had asserted now . Mr . Grattan must put a stop to this . He asVed if any hon . member was to be allowed to get up and represent any gentleman sitting there as a traitor ; to say that there was in the House a member who iad declared that Vii * . Smith O'Brien havino- failed he was readv to take his place ? The hon . gentleman opposite kn , } stated that he ( Mr . Grattan ) would have followed Mr . Smith O'Brien ' s steps . ' Lr-t him "fr »!\ lmse ] f - ('" llear ' hear » " ™ cries oi

      The Speaker said , if the hon . ' and learned snem-> er had misstated anything that the hon . gentlema--had said , the latter was at perfect Jiberty to . state 10 the House what he did say . (•« Hear , hear , " from Mr . Koebuek . ) Mr . Gratt-an ha < l stated that Mr . Smith O'E Jen iad " vulgari sed sedition . " That was the very phrase le used , and in addition , that now no one would foll ow his exam ple . Seeing the lion , member for Nottingham ( Mr . O'Connor ) present , lie was reminded o f the Chartists , and said that not even they would follow the example of Smith O'Brien .

      Mr . Roebuck thought that short explanation nearly answered all his purposes . The hon . gentleman said that what had occurred in Ireland had " vulgarised sedition , " so that the hon . gentleman opposite ( Mr . O'Connor ) would not follow the example . ( " Oh , oh ! " ) But let the nous- ? under tand what they were about : they were discussiug a bill brought in for the purpose of giving the Q , u en a power that had been disputed . in certain quarters , viz ., to grant some mercit ' ulcommutation of the sentence passed upon these men . Now , lie said this bill was not requisite , but , supposing it to be neessary , the answer to it , as he understood was , that it was a retroactive law that would aff ct a person now a prisoner , in a way that he would not be affected supposing the law not to pass .

      Mr . 11 . M . Fox explained , that what he meant to convey by his int rruption of the hon . and learned « ent ! eman was , that , after the pardon hail been in fiict passed by the Crown for ih * capital offence of these unfortunate men , he hoped tbe House will not be led to come to a severe decision against them , and at all events would not refuse to aflow them to biheard by counsel at the ba < - of the House , by the persuasion and argument of the hon . and learned gentleman , who had himself stood at that bar as tho hired advocate cf rebels . ( Hear , h « ar . ) Mr . ItoEBUCK : This only shows the spirit in whi * h these mattei s are argued by hon . gentlemen opposite . Why , Sir , I spoke in favour of counsel being heard at the bar . ( Hear , hear . ) That was my argument . I say to the hon . gentleman , when he says that I was the hired advocate of rebels , that he states that which is simply a falsehood . ( Cries of ' ¦ Order ! ' )

      The SrEAKEn : The expression which has fallen from tho hon .-and learned gentleman certainly is rn-t parliamentary , aud ought to be retracted . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Roebuck . —Sir , the exp-ession not being Parliamentary , for that reason I retract it . Mr . GkaiTAN confessed he was surprised that the hon . and learnc ; i gentleman should have expressed himself in such terms as he had done . If he would alter his manner , he would show more respect for himself and for the Housp . ( "Question ! question !") The question is , whether we shall hear counsel at the bar or not . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . French . —No ; the question is not whether we shall hear counsel at the bar cr not , but ibe question is . whether the hon . and learned member fur Sheffield shall or shall not withdraw the language which he has addressed to an lion , member in thi-House , and which no lion , member has a right to address to another . ( Hear , hear . )

      The Speaker . —I understand the hon . andlrarned member for Sheffield to have withdrawn ths espres-Sion . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Roebuck . —Yes , Sir , yes . I will say at once , feeling as I always do the greatest respect towards this House , that anything which should be saifl by me that transcends its forms and its orders I am most willing to retract ; but I lione the House will allow me the right to defend myself against a most unjust imputation . ( Hear , hear . ) I nr .-st willingly retract any form of expression which I may have m ; de use of contrary to the rules of t ' .-e House , retaining still a direct denial to the assertion of the

      hon . gentleman , which assertion was made without proof , which has been denied by myself many ' s the time and oft —( hear , hear)—and which I say , 111 the Spirit of an honourable opposition in p ''>] i'fcica ] life , ought not to have been reasserted . I hope the House will excuse me for having for a moment gone beyond those limits which they have j cry p'oierly decided and no lion , member oughtTo transcend . and which I acknow ' edge I have for an instant done . I retract the expression , and make many apologies to the House , and more especially to you , Sir ; but to the hon . gentleman opposite I have no apology to make . ( Hear , hear . )

      Mr . Grattan . —The hon . and learned gentleman has been more kind to the hon . member for Longford ( Mr . R . M . Fox ) than to me , but leu that pass . The hon . and learned gentleman has talked a great deal of magnanimity and courage ; but I do not think there is much real courage 011 the part of the man who is always making it a topic of public boast . ( Hear , hear . ) As the hon . and learned gentleman i » always throwing himself in oiir way , we must be excused if we do sometimes tread upon him . The House divided , when the amendment was nejativedby ITS against 31 . Mr . ANSTETthen , in a long speech , moved the adjournment of the debate . Mr . Napier said , t > . e sense of the House had been fairly taken , after a very full discussion , and although he thought the bill cither unnecessary or unwise , he would not be a party to any further

      obstruction . . Upon a division , the amendment was negatived by 195 against 9 . The debate was the n renewed upon the second reading of the bill , which was opposed by Mr . Mr . UEYNOlDS also opposed the bill , and made an attack upon Mr . Roebuck . He was afraid , not bein" a lawyer , to say one word against the bill , because he had the fear of the hon . anil learned member or Sheffield before his eyes . It occurred to him that fre hon . and learned member stood exceedingly well witll himself . ( A laugh . ) In Ireland thev had a saying when a man was guilty of egotism to a areat extent , that whil t be was alive his trumnpter was not dead . ( A laugh . ) The hon . and Mmea member ' s trumpeter would live while he wS member for Sheffield . ( Laughter . ) The , hon . and learned member reminded him of a countryman nf | , who . going to a fair and finding no one ready 2 fight , thiw back his coat and said , "Who'll

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      tread on the skirt of that ? " ( A laugh . ) The hon . anil learned member had given a wholesale challenge , — " Let me see any man who wM dare to quote the'aw with me . I hold in my hand the Act of George I , " or George II .,-he ( Mr . Reynolds ) did not ki . ow which , - ' . but that lion , and lean " ed gentleman gave chapter and verse ; he said , "Here is the text—here is the black letter , and here I am , tho member for Sheffield , arid when I open my mouth let no man speak — ( laughter ) — * let no lawyer measure his le ^ al knowledge with me—1 am the law an ; l the prophets . " ( Great laughter . ) ixn hon . and learned gentleman had said that the mercy of the people of England pressed the Minister " to mitigate thia sentence . lie

      would admit that the people of England as a body , were benevolent and merciful . He thought so , and his intercourse with them ha . l confirmed him in that ppinimi ; but lie denied that the hon . and learned member for Sheffield was merciful . He heard the hon . and learned member , with feelings not of sorrow alone , but of horror , rake up all matiers connected with the unfortunate gentleman now under sentence . of death—the hon . and learned member said everything he could to aggravate the crime , but nothing to throw a shade over that gentlem m s misfortune . What mercy did the hon . and learned members show ? lie voted against permitting the unf rtunate prisoners being heard at the bar of the House . Was that mercy ? If it were .

      lie ( Mr . Reynolds ) did not understand the meaning of the expression . ¦ ; The hon . and learned member thought the sentence , not severe enough , and said , ' What do they want—to be hanged ? Sooner than submit to anything like success on th < ir part , in this view I would hang them , " lie" supposed the hon . and learned member called that , mercy . He recollected rending in the newspapers that the hon . and learned member to * k him ( Mr . Reynolds ) to lask oh a formtr ocvasion fofsi'me . observations he had made , an s if the newspaper was correct , the lion , and learned member amused the Hmise by imi-- ating what he called " his Irish brogue ' ( a laugli ); but he had heard from the hon . members who were present that it , was a dead failure . ( Great laughter . ) And he had h-. ard more ; that upon that occasion the noble lord at the head of the government said he was ulad to sue the hon . and learned

      member , again in the House ; and that lie reminded him . of a frozen trumpet which , beoming thawed , emitted sweet sounds , —that meant the voice of the hon . and learned member . ( A laugh ;) He allowed 1 hat the noble lord was a great and successful statesman ; but he appeared to . him ( Mr . IV-yno ' ds ) t > be a bad juJge of music ( great laughter ); for if the noble lord referred to the hon and learned gentle man ' s voice as music , it occurred to him to be just as appropriate to . call tho sound of a railway whistle music , for tlvrre appeared to him to be no music in 1 he hon . and learned gentleman ' s voice . ( Laughter , and cries of" Question ! " ) Let them recollect the question . ( A laugh . ) It whs whether , at the request of the hon . and learned gentleman who had entertained them with a hm speech of special pleading , they would pass an ex post facto law to enable them to transport Mr . O'Brien and his co-associates .

      Mr . Roebuck replied : As to the qupstion before the House , he wished it should go forth to the country and to the world what it really was . Last year a number of Englishmen were tried for sedit ion , and having been convicted , were » t that moment undergoing the sentence of transportation . They were not educated men ; they had not led the people away under the sanction of that influence 'vhich education necessarily possessed in this and every country . But they were suffering the penalty of the law , > . nd if the persons accused and found guilty of high treason were permitt ' -il to escape , every one of those p : ior un ' ortunate Englishmen had a right to appeal ' 0 the House and ask for a remission ottlxeir sentence . ( Hear , hear . ) He insisted 011

      that- yes , and he gave notice that if the sentence of the-law shiiuld not be carried into execution on thosvmeii , he was resolved to ask for a mitigation of the punishment of the persons who had been transported for sedition . ( Hear , hear . ) Not even the lion , member for Dublin would protend to say that those persons in Ireland had not beeti guilty of levyng war against the Quot-n—the highest offi'MCe known to the law . They had been found guilty by a j'iry of their coun ' rymen , and their sentence had been confirmed un : uiim » vsly on an appeal to the highestc-iurtinthekin « dom . There w . is then no injustice in the decision so far as the law was concerned . Let them see , then , if there were any

      moral circumstances cennected with their crime which might tend to lessen their inculpation and puuishment . lie could imagine there were eases in which rebellion might have some justification , but in the present instance there was nothing to tako their high treason out of the category of ridicule in which it had been placed by the lion , mem her fov Meath ( Mr . Grattan ) . Herts were men so infatuated , so blind to anythiuu'but their own opinions , that they looked t <> neither right nor loft , but seduced some ignorant men to rise in rebellion against this constimted authorities—a ridicu ' ous outbreak , is which every sane man n ] ust know that cruel ar . d terrible ruin must fall on the unfortunate creatures who

      fought , suffered , and died in it . Iia' ! not mis 17 distress , and death been the consequence ? ( Hear , hear . ) And was it any excuse to say every rational man knew . thu outbreak must tail , and that educated mtm , accustomed to sit in that House and discuss the matter . ? relating to tliia great empire , should escape , when his ( Mr . lloebuek's ) poor countrymen , CuflVy aud . others —( laughter ) oh , yes ^ ihey laughed at Cuffey . He was » poor man . There was no sympathy for him . Oh , dear , no ! Ily was not " a gentleman , " therefore th-y had no Irish p-itrioiism veiling itself in uuintclligib'e ejaculations about him . If they wished his countrymen to be satisfied with the administration of the law , it must be fairlv

      administered to Mr . Smith O Biien , even though lit wa * Mr . Smith O'Brien , as we , 'l as to the poorest in the land . ( Hear . ) The hon . gentleman ( Mr . Reynolds ) was so confused that he could not recollect what had occurred for ten minutes together . He had accused him ( Mr . Roebuck ) <> f alluding to V . r . ' 15 rien ' s family . The right htm . baronet ( Sir James Graham ) h . aJ done so , biitlie had never mentioned their , nams . He asserted in the face of every lawyer in the House that " treason' ' ¦ wa 3 included under the general term " fclonyr" and ih ? ref » re was included in the gencriil act of parliament relating to felonies . He would like to ste the lawyer who would di'ny that . . Mr . Chisiioj . m Anstey . —I do .

      Mr . Roebuck . —Well , if the hon . member asserted that felony was not the common law term , he ha'l done with it . ( Mr . Anstey here walked across the floor of ti . e House with an open book , which he presented to the hon . member amid some laughter and cries of " OHer . " ( The hou . manlier here read . an c-xtract from tlip work in question , . and wh ch he declared did not in tho least alter his opinion of the law upon the subject ) lie would assort that there was not that stron . * mora' feeling that would prevent the punishment of death from being inflicted if the responsible counsellors of the Crown had nos advised her Majesty to commute the capital

      j'unishiucnt . ( Hear . ) What had caused all this newborn sympathy with men who wire a : Jowed ti be traitors ? He eould _ not understand it . The hon . member was proceeding to quote th- words " having n pull at the exchequer . " which he stat d had been use . l by the ton number for Dublin on the occasion of the recent discussion in that Bouse , when he was iutemipte . 1 by Mr . Rbvnolds , who said , "I never used the words " Mr . Roebuck . —There were 200 men in the House who would say that the * c words were uttered . Mr . Ubvnolds ( loudly ) .- l Nu !" The Spilakbr . - " Onlvr !"

      Mr . Roebuck . —J insist upon it they were ; but it is d Eoitlcly to vefer to a past ikbate , and 1 won ' t . ( A . lauRh . ) Mr . D . Eroivkk here made a remark which we did not catch . Mr . Koebuck . —The hen . member for Mayo says " It is false . " Mr . I ) . Browne . —No , I said it was not true . ( Much kuchtcr , and ; i cry of " Order . " ) Ml" . Roebuck . —Tlio hon , gentleman is not in that State in which I can notice what fails from him . ( Laughter , anil "Order , order . " ) The lion , member proceeded to notice the argument of the hon . member for Meath , which , he said , ho would leave the House to answer und then to dooido between

      them , when he was interrupted by a cry of " Question . " Question ! ( said the hon . mcmber , ) but you did not call question when the hon . member for Dublin attacked 1119 just now . ' If this species of attacks arc continued because I , in my capacity as a member of this House , choose to notice the way in which the government of this country think proper-to deal with Ireland , I am the more determined not to be turned from my course by any such violence or specimen of unfairness , but , supported as I am out of doors as well as in this House , I will endeavour by every means in my power to put a stop to that wasteful expenditure of the funds of my own country for the improvident-use of the

      people of Ireland—of the money wrung from the hard lands of my countrymen to satisfy the rapacity of Irish idleness . ( "Question . " ) Ay , that is the question . Mr . Lawless . — " Give him rope enough '" Mr . Roebuck . —An hon . member near me ( pointing to the lion , member for Cloiinid ) exclaims , " Give him rope enough ! " I ask you , Sir , and I ask the House , if any phrase of mine has justified such an expression ? ( "Yes , " from some Irish members , and "Order . " ) I have marked the gentleman ( still pointing to Mr . Lawless ) , although I don't know who he is , or what place he represents . But I say that is an offensive expression , and that it is improperly used to hon . members of this House .

      Mr . Lawless . —You don't know the proverb . Mr . ltOEBUCK . —The hon . gentleman is adding to the offence . ('' Ifo , no , " from Irish members . ) He says I don't know the proverb . ( A laugh . ) Hut as I know that insolence is no answer , I know that ignorance is no argument—and that vulgar abuse is

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      not to put me down in this House . ( " Order , order , " and oonfusion . ) "'¦ An Irish . Member . ( whose name -vro ' could-not learn . )—Sir , I rise to order . * I think the language used by the hon . member for Sheffield was such as cannot be fit for any Irish member to listen to . (" Order , order . " ) The Spkakeij . — The hon . member should not interrupt the hon . member for Sheffield . I think that the hon . member was not out of order . I could not hear the precise words addressed to the lion , member for Sheffield by the hon . member who interrupted him , and therefore I couhl not tell to what extent that hon . member was out of order . But I must state that I do not think it ; idds to the dignity Of our proceedings —( cheers )—that hon . members

      should be subject to these constant interruptions . ( Hear , hear . ) Captain Berkeley . —Sir , having sat close to the hon . gentleman who interrupted the hon . and learned member for Sheffield , I feel bound to say those interruptions were so contrary to the rules of Parliament that guide hon . gentlemen that I do not wonder at the violence with which tho hon . and learned member resented them . The Speaker repeated , that lie had not heard tho words addressed to the hon . member ( Mr . Itoebuck ) or he would certainly have interfered sooner ; but he hoped hon . members would see the propriety of respecting the dignity of the House by abstaining from the use of offensive expressions .

      ¦ Mr . J . O'Cossell said , that he too had been sitting near the lion , member fov Sheffield , and could bear his testimony to what , had been going on ; and he must say that if hon . members had interrupted the hon . gentleman it had not been without provocation —( oh , oh !)—which had met with 110 censure , either from the House or from the hon . and gallant member ( Captain Berkeley ) . Mr . Lawless said , it was because he had heard so many interruptions offered to tho lion , member for Sheffield that he said it would be much better to give him rope enough and let him ' alone . His object , in fact , was to stop those who were interrupting the hon . member , ( "Hear , hear , " and laughter . )

      Mr . IioEiiucK said , tli ; it the hon . member first said , " Give him rope erough , " and afterwards , " You don't know the proverb " . " The proverb was " Give him rope enough and lot him hang himself . " ( Laughter . ) Could anybody wonder that he sliould reel , as the Speaker had said he did , that the dignity of the House would not be advanced by such a species of opposition ? ( Hear , hear . ) He was sure he discussed tho question of the hon . . and learned member for the University of Dublin in ; i spirit which need not have raised the ire of any human being against him ; and yet , notwithstanding that , the hon . member for Meath ( Mr . Grattan ) had spoken of Mm , as he was always in the habit of doing , in a most offensive way . But he ( Mr . ltoebuckj-did not care for that , for so long as ho felt ho was discussing a great question fairly and honestly , he would not be drawn aside from it by the impatience of Irish members . ( Cries of " Question , " uud "Divide . "

      . Lord J . RussEMi said he rose only for the purpose of putting it to the House whether it was desirable that a diseussion of this kind should be continued . ( Hear , hear . ) Jv ' o one could find fault , with the course taken by tho hon . and learned gentleman , the member for the University of Dublin , anil those who followed him in ohjucting to the bill as a measure of an unusual character . He regretted that hon . gentlemen had lost sight of the merits of the question , and lie felt that if this diseussion were continued there would bo replies and counterreplies , which would only be calculated to diminish the dignity of the House . ( Hear , hear . ) He hoped therefore that hon . gentlemen would abstain from any further personal remarks , but come at once to a decision on the question .

      Mr . I ) . Browne feared that , while the hon member for Sheffield pursued thetono he usually adopted in attacking the representatives of Ireland , and aspersing the character of Irishmen , those incidental remarks of which he complained would bo made . Ho must say that , before tiio ho ; i . member obtained : i seat in th : it House , these an » Tj discussions did not occur—( hear , hear)—and he suggested to the hon . gentleman that it would , be . advisable for him to maintain in that House tho same equanimity which lie evinced out of it . lie was too frequently the aggressor towards tho Irish representatives without any necessity , and made use of language towards them , which , having the feelings of men , they must repudiate . The hon . gentleman concluded by saying that lie would vote against the bil ! . Mv . ItavxoLDs denied having used the words " » pull at the Exchequer" on the occasion alluded to —he applied thorn to tho Shannon job .

      Mr . Lawless next rose . amid marks of impatience , and complained that the hon . member for Sheltk'ld had deliberately insulted . throe Ii'i . sh members . He accused the hon . member for Longford of falsehood , the lion , membur lor Mayo of intoxication , and—( cries of " Oh . '" ) Tho Speakku w : is understood to say that the hon . member must not repeat words that had been withdrawn . Mr . Lawless explained that when the hon . member for Sheffield made use of that language to the hon . member foi * Mayo , ha ( Ail . Lawless ) said to tho latter " give him rone enough . " The lion , incnibur for Sheffield had been called a Sheffield blade ; but if ho were so , ho must be one of those which were sometimes seen in f'e shop windows , which no one could tdiicli without cutting his fingers , and which was of 110 usu to the proprietor . He was sure t ' ae people of Sheffield would soon be tired oi ' the hon . member . Tho House tlum divided .

      • For the motion 17 "> Against it- l'J Majority 150 The bill was then rcau a second time . The other business , which was merely routine , was disposed of , and tho House adjourned at a quarter past one o ' clock . TUESDAY , Juxe 19 . DOUSE OF LO 11 US . —Accidents ik Mines . — The Marqir ' s of Lo : « noNDBitnv , with relc-reuce to the committee appointed to investigate the subject of accidents in coal m ines , bugjjod that his name , which appeared on the list , might be struck out . lie should not have objected to the appointment of a commission , being anxious for every humane inquiry , but delegating the subject to a committee ho thought was going rather too far .

      Lord AViiAKXCLiFFE explained the grounds on which he had placed the noble marquis ' s name ou the committee , and the subject dropped . Ai'U-uiiis of Canada . —Loud Brougham brought the affairs of Canada before the House , and after g iving an elaborate historical sketch of the British connexion with that colony from the Peace of Paris in 1762 down to the present time , proceeded to oxpose what he termed the folly of the doctrine of responsible government , in Canada , the inevitable result of which would be—as , indeed , Lord John Russell had predicted in l&J'J—the confiscation of British property , the insulting of British subjects , and tbi ! punishment of British soldiers for discharging their duty . But there was one consequence- of when carried

      this " responsible government" on under tbe dictation of M . Papineau and his associates , which had not been foreseen by Lord John Itussoll , and that was that the day would come when British loyalists woi'O to bo taxed to pay French rebels for the losses they hud sustained in having their rebellion crushed ; and yet this very case had occurred , and to id was owing tiie excitement which had lately arisen in Canada , whore Lord Elgin , acting up to this doctrine of responsible government , hail been obliged to sanction tlio introduction of a bill to g ive compensation to rebels for their losses in 1 S 37 and lS&i . Tho noble lord imxt entered into the details of tho bill for tho purpose of proving that in its original form it tail been

      distiuctly intended to make compensation to the rebellious party , and proceeded to advise tlio government to throw away this wild theory of colonial government , exposed as it was to ridicule and reprobation . In fact , though the theory might be well adapted for a parent state , it was especially ill-lit tod for : i colonv like Canada , where there \ v ; isno House of Lords , iind where tlio Colonial Assembly was so narrow in its numbers that it might bu packed . You are on the eve of a great struggle in Canada ( stiid his lordship ) , and it' you suppose t-hnt siwfc Struggle between the races there , or between you , tilt ) parent state , aud your colonies at large , is viewed with indifference by your neighbour on the other side of the Atlantic , —if for a moment you rock yourselves

      asleep with the idea , that the Americans , having cnonith to do at home , will not look across the St . Lawrence , or that , haying an abundant extent oi territory , with an infinite variety , of soil , they will not covet more , oh ! let me wake you Iroin that pleasant dream ; let roe remind you that if America is , for tho first time , an unambitious republic ; it , for the first time in the history of human nature and of governments , you have an instance m America of a country abounding m wealth , and with a rapidlv increasing population—with a government without the control of the Crown—without , an aristocracy to control the Crown to keep the peace , as here , and without the lion ' s mouth to control die aristocracy , and ensure the perpetuity of peace , as in Yenice oi old , —if , l » y lw'ds , America for tllQ

      first time furnishes an example of a popular government , without any such checks , such balances , and such control , being divested of all ambition , it is the most novel event in the history of human nature and human governments . Bui , - above aJJ , if you should fancy that America , having great territories extending from south to west in all directions , having more land than she knows how to cultivate , more people than she knows how to govern , —more produce than she can either consume or barter , and therefore will not look to the north to extend her dominion , but will rest satisfied with what she at present possesses , -without seeking at any cost to increase her store , then I say there will be presented to us an infinitely greater wonder , —nay , an absolute miracle ;• and that your lordships will have a right fov believing what hitherto has

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      been contrary to tho whole kfetory of tlie Ji'iHiaii passions , ofluitiinnprosperity , mid ofhwmin . criln ?< But ( continued the " noble ami learned lord ) fiirdif * ferent would the reality be . The tfaited States of America counted every day as an age' till she heard of this bill having received the Royal assent—till she had heard that England had p lunged herielf into the gulf which was now yawning before her . 3 ) e . vi (! es the lust of power , which w . ns ever increasing in proportion as it 9 cratitioation enabled it from one . state to exten d itself to another , there was'S ' positive , n direct interest , -which no American doubted , in that nation seeking to extend itself cm tho north . The Canadas were a great refuge for nmawav negroes . In Upper Canada there were no less than 15 , 000 runaway negroes . Again , this eoimfry had adopted

      the doctotie ot Iree trade , in which , however , the Americans did not sympathise with 15 s . AVe had abandoned protection , the Americans wished to increase it ; and what prevented them f ? om giving general protection to thvlv own manufactures ' ? Upper Canada had a frontier of 1 , 400 or 1 , 500 miles ill extent . It was therefore , utterly and absolutely impossible for the Americans to protect their trade , No corps of police , no militia , much less any forco of Custom-house officers , could prevent a single bale of gooils entering that extensive frontier , which consisted partly ot" water and partly of land . Tariff they could have none , as long as England possessed Upper Canada . . Therefore it was that lie eonjsred their lordships to knit them the affections of their

      fellow-subjects in Canada , « nd thereby render tho severance oH that colony from the mother country impossible . 1 / e had seen men within tho last throe weeks who wc-re born and bred in Canada , and who had all their possessions and" £ in > ilies there , and they li . 'id such a . horror of bein ^ r g iven up- to the front dominant republic of the west , that they declared were that catastrophe to be consummated they would leave the country , as their forefathers left their mother country from the excess of their loyalty . lie implored their lordships not to hasten that catastrophe , but to save their fellow-subjects from being sacrificed for the sake of this whim ' of a responsible government . ¦ To this end , he earnestly

      asked their lordships to niloptthe following rcsolu « tions : —> " That by an act passed in the Parliament of Can . 'idii , entitled ' An Act to provide for the indemnification of parties in Lower Caiiada whose property was destroyed during the rebellion in the years 1837 and 1838 , no security is afforded against compensation for losses sustained in the rebellion m Canada in 1837 and 1838 being given to persons ongaged in the said rebellion . "— " That it is just and necessary , cither by recommending a further and amending bill to the Legislature of Canada , or by such other menus as may be cn ' ectunl , to provide security against any compensation for losses sustiiiiicd in the saM rebellion , being given to-persons ona ; agod iii or having aided or abetted the same . "

      Earl GitEY had listened most attentively to the very elaborate speech of the noble and learned lerd . He confessed that he felt himself at the close of it as little able to comprehend as ho was at the beginning what great public object or interest would be answered by tho proposed resolutions . All the party statements which they had so often beard had been repented by Lord Brougham , but ho had not given the solution of . a most difficult problem—namely , how the practical management of bur own affairs might bo enjoyed by Canada on the one hand , and the superiority of tbe mother country bo maintained ou the other . If they rrcre to adopt the views of the noble and learned lord , awl look upon , tlie French Canadians as disguised enemies—us

      rebels whose guilt was only partially forgotten—as n . party who were , as he described them , " not loyal , yet not disloyal , "—if they were to make distinctions of that kind they would be using language and following a course calculated to shako tiie very foundations of the colony . Such a courso was tlio Opposite of that followed " by all the greatest Sovereigns and statesmen . lie mi g ht remind the House of the courso pursuud on : i siiuihu * oci :: ision by the great Lord Chatham , who , twelve years after the suppression of the rebellion in IT-ID , was able to conquer this very colony of Canada by the ai .. l of those Highlanders who had foiiL'hfc for the Stuarts nsrainsfc

      the Crown . The noble lord then Jefcnucil the doctrine of " responsible government , " hold Ui > to ridicule by Lord Urouglwin , and proceeded to say that it was tlie only principle upon which tlie internal atnih-s of Canada eouUl be properly administered under her existing constitution . Of one thing , to judge from letters which he had received , there couid be r . o doubt , and that was , that Lord jEl <( in would have acted unconstitutionally had bo refused to sanction the Compensation Kill after it had been carried by a large majority in both Ilonsos of tho Legislature . ' The " noble lord then sat down by calling on the House to refuse its assent to Lord Brougham's resolutions .

      Lord Ly-VPHukst said that , though he Jinil not addressed the llousii for some years , he felt it his duty to express his entire disapprobation of the Compensation Dill , lie would not enter into tlio disputed topic of responsible government , for the real question at issue was the act of Parliament which rewarded rebels at the cost of those loyal colonists who had shed tlieir blood in defence of tho Grown . Earl Grey had advised the House to bury rebellion tu oblivion , but this was the first time that lie had ever heard of rebels being not only amnestied " . nd pardoned , but also rewarded for the losses which their treason had brought upon them . Tiro nobleiord prouceduti at- grcariength to declare lii . s indignation . it the measure , and concluded by expressing his determination to vote for Lord Uroughain ' s resolutions .

      Lord Camphem . bad heard with extreme pam the speech of Lord Lyndliurst , which he feared had hucn indtiuoi ! by a piTSimsion that the French Canadians were aliens in raci-, in language , and in religion . This act was founded ou the precedent followed in the case of the Upper Province , and it would be most invidious to introduce into a measure which was to operate in Lower Canada restrictions which were not applied to Upper Canada . The object was togive compensation ' lbr rebellion losses , without at all meaning that rebels should he compensated . I ' sii'tios must establish a just and equitable claim ; but it would be hard indeed to impose ou claimants die necessity of proving that they were loyal subjects . It was enough to provide that those who had ' been convicted or hni surrendered ; m < l wore transported to Bunmi'la should be excluded . If this act were disallowed it would lead to a war of classes in Canada .

      Lord Stanley concurred with Earl Grey in tho policy of obliterating the memory of past oftenccs ; but tbe qiies ' tijn was whether this bill as framed did not give encouragement to rebellion . It was because in his opinion it went to compensate imconvicicd rebels at the expense of those who had suttered in their . persons and property to _ suppress rebellion that lie considered this a case in which tho Crown should interfere . The Upper Canada Acts were not intended to compensate rebels ; nor did ho believe that rebels had been compensated . The whole course of proceedings in tiie Canadian Legislature , in direct contradiction to the avowals of Earl Grey , intimated that it was the intention , not oi ; Lord Elgin , but of his advisers , at least , to compensate rutids . This , therefore , was no matter of mere

      local concern ; the act deeply attcctcd the honour and dignity of tlie Crown , ami their lordships ought to treat it ns an insult to every loyal subject of lior Majesty , The Earl St . Oeumass was surprised that Lord Stanley should support the present motion , having , when Colonial Secretary , frankly and fairly adopted the principle of responsible Government , and sanctioned the appointment , of Messrs . Laiontaiuu and . Baldwin as law officers of the Crown in Canada . No case had been made oiit io iti (! uce their lordships to interpose thoir vote to an act of mere local concern , which hart received the support of a large majority of tlie United Legislation of the colony , anil also of the British House of Commons .

      The Marquis of Laxsdowse felt that the decisi " of this matter would determine whether tl o cons " tutional government which had boon accorded to Canada was a reality or a delusion , a substance or a shadow . This was no question of principle , but of detail ; ami it was not competent for their lordsllips to go into committee , and pronounce clause by clause whether the Canadian legislature had decided right or wrong . He denied that this was an net to ' rotx ; m \ rebels . JS ' o man was . 1 rebel who could not be proved by law to be so ; and no man was rewarded iii the eye of the law who did Iiofc take advantage refused to others . To keep hanging

      over the French population the imputation ot habitual disloyalty was tho very way to produce it , and to foment that jealousy of the interference and control of this country which it should be our first , object to put an end to . It was not for those who set the precedent in Upper Canada to tako exception to this act , which mi ght , no doubt , have been more judiciously worded , but fwftied 110 grounds whatever for their lordships withdrawing from the Canadians the security which had deliberately been given them for the freedom of their Constitution . Lord Brougham having briefly replied , their Lordships divided— «;

      Contents ... { g ^} £ } oB Xon . content ,.. { gS :: ; $ } oo Majority against the resolutions . —3 Their lordships adjourned at a quarter past two o ' clock . , HOUSE OF COMMONS . —Vancouver ' s Isl . vxb — -ThoEiu-1 of Lincoln moved an address to tho Crown expressing tho opinion of the House that tho Hudson ' s-bay CoTnpany , to which body Vancouver ' s Island bad been granted by lloyal charter , was illadapted for superintending the establishment of any colony founded upon principles of political-or commercial freedom ; that the means adopted to ascertain that the company's acceptance of tho grant would be consistent with their charte ? of incorporation vrcve insufficient ; and praying her Majesty to direct th . it measures be adopted to ascertain whether a valid grant had been made of tho powers purported to be convoyed , lie commenced by demou «

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      ¦ _ . Jpn e 23 , 1849 . THE NORTHERN STAR . 7

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), June 23, 1849, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1527/page/7/