Maio ally rnatidugn in Variianaut.

Houses OF Loans. lfonday, May G.—The Suez Canal ; Lord Carnarvon's Motion- Tuesday, May 7.—Wills of Personalty by British Subjects ; referred to a Select. Committee.

Thursday, May 9.—No sitting. Ascension-day.

Friday, May 10. Syria; Lord Stratford de Redcliffe's Motion.

110178& of COMMONS. Monday, May 6.—Marriage of the Princess Alice ; Queen's Message Considered—Ways and Means ; Budget resolutions—Copyright in Works of Art Bill, read a second time. Tuesday, May 7.—Ionian IslandsMagoire's Motion for Papers-jersey Court; Mr. Pigott's Motion—Irish Tramways Bill in committee. Wednesday, May 8.—Labourers Cottages Bill read a second time—Cruelty to. Animals Prevention Bill thrown out—Valuation (Scotland) Acts Amendment Bill thrown out--County Voters (Scotland) Bill read a second time—Masters and Opera- tives Bill; debate adjourned—Princess Alice Annuity Bill read a second time. Thursday, May 9.—Privateering ; Mr. W. E. Forster's Question—Ways and Means; Paper Duty—Supply; Army Estimates—Budget Bill read a first time. Friday, May 10. Syria; Sir James Ferguson's Statement—Austria and Italy; Lord J. Russell's Statement--Supply; Army Estimates.

THE BUDGET.

On the motion for going into Committee of Ways and Means, on Monday,. Sir MINBY WILLOUGHBY wished to be informed whether Mr. Gladstone had taken into account the claims of the Indian Go- vernment, and the increasing charges for naval service on the coast of America. Did he adhere to his estimate of 69,900,0001. as the ex- penditure for 1861-2 ? Mr. GLADSTONE said he saw no reason to alter his estimate.. The charge is not so likely to be swelled as to be brought down. In Committee, Mr. GLLDSTO/CE moved, that on and after the 1st of October, 1861, the duties of Excise now yable upon paper of any de- Sir GEORGE GREY rebuked Lord Robert for using nomination, and button-board, mill- paste-board, and scale-board heard in that House, and again pointed out that there M seldom made in the United Kingdom, and also all allowances and drawbacks trenching on the independence of private members, nor any departure of or in respect of such duties shall cease. from strict usage in the course proposed'of taking the Committee that Then arose a very brief debate, in a thin House. Lord ROBERT night. Sir Join; PAKINoTow defended Lord Robert, who spoke under Czco., Mr. BENTINCE, Lord Cum) HAMILTON, and Sir LAwaztics "not unnatural excitement caused by the unusual course" adopted by PA.LIC, assailed the whole policy of the budget, which was defended by Mr. Gladstone in pressing on the motion. Mr. GOWER and Mr. &m u. The discussion was without general On a division, the motion to adjourn was negatived by 160 to 98; interest, except in so far as it showed the spirit of the Opposition. but Mr. GLADSTONE saw no use in their pressing the matter further. But there was no division. Few members were present, and Mr. It would have the special advantage of allowing Lord Robert Cecil Disrumm, reserving his right to take any course he pleased at a later time to reconsider the vocabulary m which he addressed the House. stage, did not find it convenient to take the sense of the Committee Mr. DmitszLi, however, made another speech. He was glad Mr. then. So the resolution passed without a division. Gladstone had publicly acknowledged the efficiency of Lord Robert The resolution increasing the Excise duty on chicory having been Cecil's powers of expression. Mr. Disraeli had never heard more con- to, Mr. GLADSTONE moved one extending the act of last session, stitutional opinions expressed -2s'etr'ecehdenabled persons to take out licenses to keep refreshment houses. and derisive cheers.) Ministers would learn that the best way to in more effective language. (Cheer:. It was argued by Mr. ATRTON. Mr. HENLEY, Lord FERMO; and Sir manage the House of Commons is to defer to reasonable requests. You MORTON PETO, that the terms of the resolution were too sweeping, may bully a colleague, but the House of Commons cannot be bullied. and that it was unjust to consider every house open after nine o'clock Mr. Disraeli proceeded to argue that the House ought not to be denied a night house, and subject it to police inspection. Moreover, Mr. an opportunity of considering these questions in every form ; to assert NEWDEGATE and Mr. HaNNEssr described these licenses as taxes on that an attempt had been made to stop discussion; and to contend food. The effect of this conversation was, that Mr. Gladstone under- that Ministers were trying to abridge the privileges of one House and

took to reconsider his resolution, and withdrew it for that purpose. to abolish the power of revision enjoyed by the other. The other resolutions wered to after some debate. They were : So the debate was adjourned until Thursday.

resolution charging a duty oaf3e13s. upon an additional license to be The Report of the Committee was agreed to almost without a de- taken out by any licensed dealer in spirits, authorizing him to sell by bate on Thursday. Sir STAPFOB.D NonsmcoTz raised some objections, retail spirits in any quantity not less than a quart bottle, not to be and Mr. Disraeli supported him, but the discussion had no interest. consumed on the premises ; another, imposing stamp duties on leases It was arranged that a bill or bills should be brought in, and read a or agreements for letting furnished houses for any term less than a first time and that the second reading should be fixed for Monday. year,. a third, charging a stamp duty of 21. upon licenses to be taken Mr. MAGUIRE, who wanted a select committee on the operation of out by house agents, not being licensed auctioneers or appraisers; foreign export duties on rags, and who desired to [delay legislation a fourth, charging in lieu of the ad valorem stamp duties upon foreign until it had inquired and reported, raised some opposition in a Coro- bills of exchange for the payment of a sum exceeding 5001., a stamp mittee of Ways and Means on the paper duty resolutions. He called duty of ls. per cent. ; and a fifth, charging a duty of 5s. upon licenses attention to the injustice which would be done to the British paper- to be taken out by persons selling table beer by retail, at a price not ex- maker if a moderate protective duty were not imposed upon the im-

...ceding lid. the quart. portation of foreign manufactured paper. He believed that all the

On the question that the Chairman should report the resolutions to home producer wanted was a clear stage and no favour; but how the House, Mr. DISRAEL/ repeated his statement that he reserved to could it be said that he had a clear stage if the foreigner were to im- himself the privilege of taking exception to the paper duty resolution. pose an export duty of 91. per ton upon rags. The hon. member sug- As the House, he said would have fewer opportunities than usual of Bested that a select committee should be appointed to take evidence discussing the financial measures of the Government, and as the form on the subject, so that the British paper-maker might be allowed to adopted deprived the House of Lords of the power of revision, they state his easefully and fairly. With that view he moved that the Chair

should proceed with unusual deliberation. man report progress and ask leave to sit again.

some progress, when Mr. Burr, who had charge of the bill, moved THE IONIAN ISLANDS.

Member for their own business, the latest period, including those in relation to the prorogation of the Lord ROBERT CECIL said there was more in these changes than met Legislative Assembly in March, 1861. the eye. Government hoped to seize the valuable hours of Tuesday He stated that these papers had been refused by the Government, which they nights. Their conduct was of a piece with the devices which charac. would have granted as a matter of course if contentment with the rule of Eng- terized the scheme from beginning to end—devices by which Mr. land prevailed in the Ionian Islands; but the very contrary being the case, it Gladstone proposed to wreak his spite on the House of Commons— was not proper that Parliament should be kept in ignorance of the true condition (Cries of " Oh, oh ! " mid cheers)—devices more worthy of a country of those islands. He urged that it was by no act of their own that the Ionians attorney than a statesman. (" Oh, oh !") were handed over to the protection of England in 1815; and they had for many Mr. CONINGHAM said this attack was unjustifiable. Mr. DISRAELI, years struggled for annexation to Greece. The hon. member stated the circum- while acquitting the Government of any design, lamented that their stances connected with the insurrection in Cephalonia in 1849, and the severity with which it was put down by Sir Henry Ward, the then high commissioner, conduct should be open to suspicion, and urged the House not to agree which he justified by saying that the people were semi-barbarians. He then to the motion for reporting progress, but continue to discuss a vain- proceeded to argue that the whole course of events in subsequent years and up to able measure in committee. Sir GEORGE GREY said the practice of the present time proved that annexation to Greece and the establishment of their taking the report on the evening after the resolutions of a Committee nationality was the wish of the Ionians; and to that object their efforts were of Ways and Means had been agreed to was of immemorial usage, and constantly directed. Referring to the mission of Mr. Gladstone, he pointed out had nothing to do with the new standing orders. Mr. RENT/NCR in- that it appeared to have been directed to dealing with every subject except that sisted that the proceeding was unusual and improper. He intimated on which the Ionians had set their hearts, and his mission resulted only in his that Mr. Butt must have made some arrangement with the Govern- leaving a crop of additional difficulties on the hands of the ordinary High Com- ment, and hoped the Opposition would defend private Members. missioner. He showed that Sir Henry Storks had seized a pretext to prorogue Lord PeurzusToN agreed that the proceeding going on was unprece- the Assembly in order to avoid a discussion on the despatch of Lord John Russell to our Minister at Turin, in which he laid down that all peoples had a dented. (Cheers.) He commented on the large attendance of Mem- right to choose their own rulers; and contended that England should obtain the hers, " all thinking of nothing but the interest of Ireland." concurrence of the other Powers to her giving up this protectorate and the annex- On a division, the motion was carried by 181 to 79. ation of the Ionian Islands to Greece.

The reports of the resolutions respecting the marriage of the Prin-

cess Alice having been agreed to, the next order was the report of the Mr. CONINGHAM seconded the motion. ebeen no

should be one bill or several bills. had no fear but that when the vexatious restrictions now imposed Mr. GLAnsTorrs, however, remained firm, and the House resumed. upon the British paper-makers were removed, they would be able to True to his promise Mr. Gladstone placed on the paper for Tuesday; compete with the foreigner in every neutral market in the world. the Report of the Committee of Ways and Means; and this led to a They were now exporting the best paper to the Continent, and under "scene." such circamstarre.s it was absurd to say that they required protection. All the motions by private Members had been gone through, the On a division, the motion for reporting progress was negatived by House had gone into committee on the Irish Tramways Act, and made 100 to 54.

that the chairman should report progress. To this the Opposition Mr. MAGUIRE moved for papers and correspondence relative to the vehemently objected. "It was unfair." Government were about to mission of Mr. Gladstone to the Ionian Islands, and others in con- use the first night of the new standing orders to thrust aside a private tinuation, from the arrival of Sir Henry Storks, in February, 1859, to Member for their own business, the latest period, including those in relation to the prorogation of the Lord ROBERT CECIL said there was more in these changes than met Legislative Assembly in March, 1861. the eye. Government hoped to seize the valuable hours of Tuesday He stated that these papers had been refused by the Government, which they nights. Their conduct was of a piece with the devices which charac. would have granted as a matter of course if contentment with the rule of Eng- terized the scheme from beginning to end—devices by which Mr. land prevailed in the Ionian Islands; but the very contrary being the case, it Gladstone proposed to wreak his spite on the House of Commons— was not proper that Parliament should be kept in ignorance of the true condition (Cries of " Oh, oh ! " mid cheers)—devices more worthy of a country of those islands. He urged that it was by no act of their own that the Ionians attorney than a statesman. (" Oh, oh !") were handed over to the protection of England in 1815; and they had for many Mr. CONINGHAM said this attack was unjustifiable. Mr. DISRAELI, years struggled for annexation to Greece. The hon. member stated the circum- while acquitting the Government of any design, lamented that their stances connected with the insurrection in Cephalonia in 1849, and the severity with which it was put down by Sir Henry Ward, the then high commissioner, conduct should be open to suspicion, and urged the House not to agree which he justified by saying that the people were semi-barbarians. He then to the motion for reporting progress, but continue to discuss a vain- proceeded to argue that the whole course of events in subsequent years and up to able measure in committee. Sir GEORGE GREY said the practice of the present time proved that annexation to Greece and the establishment of their taking the report on the evening after the resolutions of a Committee nationality was the wish of the Ionians; and to that object their efforts were of Ways and Means had been agreed to was of immemorial usage, and constantly directed. Referring to the mission of Mr. Gladstone, he pointed out had nothing to do with the new standing orders. Mr. RENT/NCR in- that it appeared to have been directed to dealing with every subject except that sisted that the proceeding was unusual and improper. He intimated on which the Ionians had set their hearts, and his mission resulted only in his that Mr. Butt must have made some arrangement with the Govern- leaving a crop of additional difficulties on the hands of the ordinary High Com- ment, and hoped the Opposition would defend private Members. missioner. He showed that Sir Henry Storks had seized a pretext to prorogue Lord PeurzusToN agreed that the proceeding going on was unprece- the Assembly in order to avoid a discussion on the despatch of Lord John Russell to our Minister at Turin, in which he laid down that all peoples had a dented. (Cheers.) He commented on the large attendance of Mem- right to choose their own rulers; and contended that England should obtain the hers, " all thinking of nothing but the interest of Ireland." concurrence of the other Powers to her giving up this protectorate and the annex-

Mr. GLAnsTorrs said that, with the consent of his colleagues, he

Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. DISRAELI hoped the matter should, on personal grounds, abstain from voting if the question were would not be pressed at that hour [after midnight]. He was prepared pressed to a division. Although the Government could not accede to to go on, but left it to Lord Palmerston to decide. Lord PALMERSTON the motion, they did not do so with any desire to withhold informs- decided to go on. Mr. LONG then moved that the House should tion, but on account of some of the papers containing comments of a

arlio_urn. personal nature, and for the sake of the peace of the islands in qnas-

Mr. GLumoNz explained that the course he had taken was the tion, it was not considered advisable to produce them. Such portions ,usual and regular one, repeating emphatically the explanation given of correspondence as related to the feeling which prevailed in the Sir George Grey. Lord ROBERT Czco, said he was aghast at Mr. Ionian Islands would be produced, as well as any propositions made efladstone's audacity. The Government were proposing to subdue the House of Lords : they intended, to obtain power, to take a course by him (the Chancellor of the Exchequer), winch, fact, had been given to the public at the time they were made. Ile had not repented hitherto unprecedented for half a century. his It has been the practice hitherto to divide all measures of finance into separate having undertaken his mission to the Ionian Islands, his object bills, and to send them up separately to the House of Lords ; but now, fors being to place their relations with this country on a more satisfactory a , ohject, to avenge a special political defeat, to gratify a special pique— footing, by the offer of institutions founded on the highest principles "coral—and to gain the doubtful votes of a special political section, it is pro- of constitutional liberty. He would assert that the leading sentiment posed to vary the practice of half a century—(cheers)—and yet the right hon. of the population, when he was among them, was one of content. It gentleman stands at that table and tells us he is proposing to take the usual and WAS true that they set a high value on nationality and he protested insariable course. (Loud cheers.) against that feeling being treated with ridicule. 'That sentiment was

largely traded in by selfish demagogues, who belonged to the worst class of the people; while the best classes, although desiring to see the coming of Hellenic nationality, distinctly declared that the time had not yet arrived for its attainment ; while the feeling of the great body of the people was that of kindness and even gratitude to Eng- land, and they certainly preferred her rule to that of any other foreign Power. So far as his own opinion went, he thought that England had no selfish interest or advantage in the retention of these islands, but stilts bound to retain them in the interest of Europe. There was no evidence that Greece desired this union; even if she were herself in a different political and social position to that which she actually held. The beat thing Greece could do would be to attend to her own con- cerns. It would be a crime against the safety of Europe if England. were at this moment to apply to the Powers to be allowed to surrender the protectorate, because the Ionian is closely connected with the Eastern question. Men may differ as to the practicability of maintain- ing the Ottoman dominion in Europe, but all will agree that we should not, by piecemeal measures, break up the great European question.

lit this part of his speech Mr. Gladstone, regarding the character of England as involved, gave a luminous description of the condition ao.d political institutimus of the Ionian Islands: "As far as I can perceive, the common and!popular opinion in this country is that the Ionian Islands enjoy at this moment many of the elements of a free government. I am sorry to say that this is far indeed from being the truth. I do not think that any Englishman thoroughly acquainted with the laws and the system of the Ionian government would ever dignify it with the name of a free government as we understand it ; at the same tone it is very far from being the opposite of a free government. It is a strange and extraordinary mixture of incongruous elements that are always, and must continue to be, hopelessly in conflict with one another, till they have undergone a degree of reform amounting to reconstruction. Let me mention first in what way it is not a free government. There is perfect liberty of the press ; that is a great item of freedom; but it ought to come in its own place and time, and the possession of entire liberty of the press, when it does not stand side by side with effective parliamentary insti- tutions, is, I must say, a very doubtful benefit. With respect to the franchise, it is a great mistake to say—as it is frequently aid in this country—that the people of the Ionian Islands have a franchise amounting nearly to universal suffrage. On the contrary, the population of the islands is nearly 250,000, and the number of those who are enfranchised, or possess the parliamentary vote, is not more than 6000 or 8000. If the islands, therefore, go wrong, it cannot be said it is under the influence of universal suffrage. There is in that country a power called the high police; it has not been exercised for some years, but it is one of the most despotic powers that can be conceived. In the exer- ohm of it, the Lord High Commissioner, if he thinks fit —that is, if he believes it is demanded for the public safety—can call any man he pleases, separate him from his family, friends, or occupation, and banish him to any portion of the Ionian territory. Perhaps that does not sound a very formidable punishment ; but if we consider that the seven islands have appended to them several others, containing not more than twenty or fifty in- haiitants, and if we suppose, perhaps the editor of a newspaper (." Bear, hear," from Mr. Maguire--laughter)—may no such mishap occur to the hon. gentle- man i—just as he is preparing a leading article, to be sent off to employ his leisure—and he would have plenty of it—for six months or a year on an island where a score of fishermen constitute the whole population, and their cottages all the means oflodging and entertainment, it will be seen that this power of punishment may be made a formidable and fearful engine. The total abolition of this power of the high police' was one of what the hon. gentleman calls the insignificant boons I was commissioned to offer to the Ionian Islands. (Cheers.) The Assembly is not possessed of the right of free initiative in matters of money and legislation. That, I think, is far from being a free Assembly. It has no means of influencing the choice of the Executive; it does not possess the power of the purse. It. is quite true that there is a machinery for passing all taxing laws and ordinances through the legislative body ; yet, in case the action of the Legislature is suspended—and the cases are not unfrequent- then the power of raising a revenue is reserved to the High Commissioner. It is clear that a Government, as we understand it, does not exist in the Ionian Is- lands. But their constitution, it is said, does not contain one democratic element —the ballot. It has many advocates in this country; but even among those who advocate it I have heard it admitted that if it were adopted ninety- nine out of every hundred Englishmen would insist on having it known how they voted. That, I believe, is the case, and the necessary effect of it is to reduce the ballot to a smaller question than it would otherwise be. In the Ionian Islands, unfortunately, there has never been a difference of opinion about the ballot—they are all for it; yet nowhere can it be so injurious as among a people whose great misfortune and curse is a want of moral and political courage. But it is not only the ballot that is injurious to these qualities. While on one side the institutions are inefficacious, on the other they are extremely democratic. The Assembly consists of forty-two gentlemen, and they meet in a hall the galleries of which hold a crowd of something over a thousand persons. We know perfect lywell if this House consisted only of forty-two members, meeting not merely in the presence; but practically under the domination, of that kind of population, what sentiments would prevail in such circumstances. Nor is that the worst. There is one characteristic of Ionian institutions worse even than this. Every member of the Assembly is a highly salaried officer of the Government. I trust, in all the changes that may be introduced in the constitution of this country, the very last will be the payment of the members of this House. (Cheers.) But it is not even the mere payment of the Ionian members that is all; for that, as in America and some States of the Continent—I will not now allude to Prance--bas been bona fide, intended rather to reimburse the members their actual casts than as a pe- cuniary inducement to be elected ; but every member of the Ionian Assembly is, relatively to the standard of the country, a highly paid public officer, and, un- fortunately, the principle does not stop there, it runs through the municipalities also. Altogether the operatiod of the system is the most hopelessly corrupting it is possible to conceive. The extensive and frequent elections, by popular vote, of salaried public officers is enough to destroy and eat up the heart of all political life and virtue in any country. (Cheers.) This payment is carried to such a point that a member of the Ionian Assembly receives two or three tunes as much ass member of the Greek Chamber receives for his attendance there. In this natter, unfortunately, retribution has come upon us for the deeds of our fathers. When the Government was, first established under the British protectorate, it was founded on the principle of bribing a certain portion of the Ionian people in order to establish a political influence. On that principle the Assembly was constituted. But, once that body was virtually nonunated, the members of the municipalities were virtually nominated too. The time came when they were actually elected ; but the system of paying, the members was, unhappily, not abolished. Hence the hopeless corruption that pervades the Civil Govern- ment of the islands from one end to the other, and the result is curious. Though England bears the entire cost of the military defence of the islands, and for this purpose the people are the most lightly taxed in Europe, yet they are, on the whole, rather more heavily taxed than the People of other countries, from having to contribute to the support of a whole army of citizens, appointed to do nothing or to ,superintend others in doing it, in numbers equal to en actual army formed for the defence of the islands. I have spoken freely of these fundamental vices of the Government established under the protectorate of England. But I must in justice say, that while I be- lieve we shrank from giving the Ionians a real constitution in the fall sense of the term, I think in every other point our policy and proceedings towards them were intended to be generous. We have made no great exactions from them for the support of English interests, and they have enjoyed a general security of person and property. We have introduced many beneficial laws, and we have effected many .material improvements that havegreatly contributed to the comfort of the population. This being the state of the Ionian Islands, it certainly ap- peared to me, as Commissioner—and in this I obtained the assent and support of' the right hon. gentleman opposite—that, though from European considerations. we could not hold out any expectation that we should abandon the protectorate, yet it pertained to the character and honour of England that the Ionians should, be offered a free Legislature. That offer was made, nor do I repent having been the organ through which it was made, whether it was accepted or not. I desire the well-being of the Ionian Islands. I am convinced that free institutions would confer upon them great benefits. I know their introduction would be a work of great difficulty, but they would gradually produce a different phase of public opinion, and likewise bring out all the best elements of Ionian society—elements. Which are now smothered and kept down by the foul atmosphere generated by the existing institutions. But at the same time these gentlemen in the islands have thought otherwise. Why have they thought otherwise ? Because you- have created there such an extraordinary mass of private and personal interests connected with the maintenance of great and little jobs in every form and in, every quarter that'yon have a greater power enlisted against improvement than you can almost hope to bring into action in its favour. (Cheers.) The political: life of the people is little developed, and the very same men—I beg the House to remark this, for it is of the first importance—the very same men who adhere the most closely to this system of corruption, and who as long as it is left undisturbed proclaim themselves the fast friends of England, are the first to assume the garb. of the demagogue and to lead on the err for union with Greece the very moment von attempt to introduce those practical improvements which would do some in- jury to the pastures whereon they fatten. (Cheers and laughter.). Snch is a true statement of the case of the Ionian Islands. I shall not enter into details of the nature of the constitution which was offered to the people, but shall simply say that it would afford a full and absolute power over the public purse in the sense in which we understand it, and that it would afford at all times a large, ands ultimately a commanding, influence over the compositiontf the executive Govern ment, with entire guarantees for personal liberty under all circumstances, and with adequate means of bringing public functionaries to justice in case of malver- sation. (Cheer.) That was the offer we made, both because we desired to pro- mote the welfare of the people of the Ionian Islands, and likewise because we felt the matter to be of great importance in reference to that which we prized still more—viz. the honour and character of England, which we believed to be at stake even in her dealings with that very limited people." As to himself; "The object which I had in view, if it has not been gained so far as the advantage of the Ionian Islands is concerned, has been gained at least in one respect—viz. that we have effectually placed England in her right position as the friend of free, and constitutional laws and institutions, enabling ourselves to look Europe in the face and say, that if evils and abuses prevail in the Ionian Islands they prevail not by-our fault, but in despite of our honest endeavours to cure and to remove them." (Loud cheers.) Mr. LLYARD desired that an expression of opinion of that House should be elicte ,d in order to put an end to a mischievous state of things in the Ionian Islands, which was created by a minority of the popu-' lation.

He pointed out that there was no such pure geographical or national connexion, between these islands and Greece as had been asserted. Whatever might have. been the short-comings of the Government of that republic by England, it was certain that very much had been done which had'promoted the social prosperity of the country, while the present system was very different, and far better than it was twenty or thirty years ago. He believed that the mission of the Chancellor- of the Exchequer had raised false hopes in the Ionians, which had been disap- pointed in the sense on which those hopes had been founded; but offers of constitutional government were made- to them of the most extensive character,. but which they had declined. He would assert that every protection, and that equal to that afforded to English subjects, had been given to the Ionians in the East, and their increasing commerce had been always safe under the British flag.. It was absurd to claim nationality for those islands in the sense in which it was demanded, and he pointed out that the very persons who were urging annexation to Greece in Corfu were not Greeks, but Italians. If those islands were given tip in the present state of Greece, they would become nests of pirates directly, and indirectly bathe cause of raising a new complication in the Eastern question.

Mr. WHITESIDE contended that if good government in the Ionian.. Islands was difficult before, after the speech of Mr. Gladstone it would become impossible. His speech was simply a criticism of Mr. Glad- stone's address, and sarcastic observations on Lord John Russell s des atch-writing on nationalities. Mr. MONCKTON Mnzas was gratified to find that a subject of so much interest and importance had been brought under the notice of. the House. He could not understand why the report of Mr. Gladstone should have been kept secret so long, but he hoped that when it was published it would have a salutary effect upon the future of the Ionians. Mr. Mows= expressed his hope that the inhabitants of the Ionian Islands would feel, after the discussion of that evening, that the English Parliament really sympathized with them, and was anxious to

them enter upon a course of self-improvement.

Mr. C. FORTESCHE stated that the papers relating to the Ionian Islands consisted of coufidential reports of Mr. Gladstone, which were not of a character to be produced, as well as of correspondence of a' public nature, which would show the nature, objects, and results of' Mr. Gladstone's mission, which could be produced if required. He

that so far from the Ionian Islands being in a disturbed state, the profoundest tranquillity prevailed.

Mr. MAGUIRE accepted the offer of the Government to give such papers as they thought proper to be produced. rd PAIXERSTON thought that this discussion would do good in the Ionian Islands, as it would show that there was no disposition to do anything but that which was for their benefit and advantage, and therefore, nothing would -induce this country to consent to inflicting on them the injury of annexation to Greece in the unsettled condition of that kingdom, and the Government were only discharging. a dutyto which they were bound by treaty as well as by a sense of duty to the Ionians themselves in refusing to accede to that wish on their part.

The motion was withdrawn.

THE WEDNESDAY BITTING.

Sir LAWRENCE PALK moved the second reading of the Labourers Cottages Bill. The object of this bill is to improve the rural districts, and it proposes that life tenants may raise money, in sums not exceed- ing 1401. per cottage, for the improvement of the dwellings of la- bourers; the money to be raised with the sanction of the Chairman of Quarter Sessions ; and to he made a first charge upon the estate.

In the debate upon the motion it was generally admitted that labourers' cottages need improvement, and that landowners ought not to expel labourers by refusing to build new cottages ; but great dif- ference of opinion prevailed touching the state of different districts, and it was strongly pointed out that in all cases the landowners have an interest in retaining population. The objections to the bill were that it was not drawn with sufficient care, that it gave a power to Chairmen of Quarter Sessions they ought not, and would not care to possess, that it did not sufficiently safeguard the rights of mortgagees; but that on the whole the object of the bill was a right one, and that it was desirable some legislation should take place to enable proprie- tors to effect essential improvements in the condition of their estates and the labourers upon them. The bill, however, was read a second time, on the understanding that considerable amendments should be made in Committee, and that the duties proposed to be allotted to Chairmen of Quarter Sessions should be imposed upon the Inclosure Commissioners.

The principal speakers were the mover, Sir GEORGE Lzwrs, Mr. DUTTON, Sir W . JOLLIFFE, Sir B. LEIGHTON, Sir J. TEtOLLOPE, Mr. BLANEY, Mr. HENLEY, and-Mr. ESTCOURT. Lord RAYNHAE moved the second reading. of a Cruelty to Animals Prevention. Bill, but one giving such extensive powers to stipendiary magistrates and requiring for its execution such "an army of place- men," that Mr. HENLEY said the Government in refusing to consent to it "gave almost the greatest instance of political virtue on record." Bill withdrawn.

Mr. Btecxnuns moved the second reading of the (Valuation) Scot- land) Acts Amendment Bill. Its object was to ascertain the net value of property and levy assessments upon that. The LORD-ADVO- CATE moved that it be read a second time that day six months, stating that it would throw everything into confinion. Mr. GLADSTONE said it would alter the principle on which the Scotch and English Income Taxes are levied. Mr. HOPE, Mr. Furter, and Mr. Munn supported, while Mr. MACK, Sir E. COLEBROOKE, and Mr. Bucnerran opposed, the bill. On a division the amendment was carried by 146 to 78.

A debate than arose on the motion for the second reading of Mr. Ifecminvon's Masters and Operatives Bill, a measure providing ma- chinery for the prevention of strikes, by establishing complicated tribunals of arbitration. The clock put an end to the debate, and it stood adjourned.

BELLIGERENTS' RIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN. CONFEDERACY.

Mr. GREGORY asked whether any attempt on the part of the Govern- ment of the United States to levy Federal dues off foreign vessels outside the ports of the Southern Confederacy before such vessels broke bulk would not be an infringement of international law ; if the United States Government had been informed that no blockade would be recognized unless effective; and whether the belligerent rights of the Southern Confederacy would be recognized. Lord Sono RUSSELL replied : " In regard to the hon. gentlemaa'sfirst question, I have to say that having con- sulted the Queen's Advocate with respect to Federal dues to be levied outside the ports of North Carolina and Virginia, he stated to me that the answer to such a question must depend entirely upon the circumstances of the case, and that it could not at all be declared beforehand whether such an attempt to levy dues would be according or contrary to international law. Olconrse, no instructions on that subject have been sent to her Majesty's Minister at Washington; but Lord Lyons is of opinion that such an intention would be found impracticable, and would not be likely to be effective. With respect to the hon. gentleman's second question, whether the Government of the United States have been in- formed that a blockade of any port of the Southern Confederacy unless it were effective would not be recognized, I certainly have not-felt it necessary to give any instructions to our Minister on that subject. It it well known to Lord Lyons, sad it certainly has been declared law by the United States, that no blockade could be recognized or deemed valid unless it were an effective blockade, and I have no doubt that there would-be no difference between her Majesty's Govern- ment and the Government of the United States on that point. With regard to the lion. member's next question, as to the belligerent right of issuing letters of marque, I must, in the first place, wait for more explanation, and in the second place, reserve part of the answer which 1 have to give. With respect to belli- gerent rights in the case of certain portions of a State being in insurrection, there was a precedent which seems applicable to this purpose in the year 1825. The British Government at that time allowed the belligerent rights of the Provisional Government of Greece, and in consequence of that allowance the Turkish Government made a remonstrance. I may state the nature of that remonstrance, and the reply of Mr. Canning. The Turkish Go- vernment complained that the British Government allowed to the Greeks a belligerent character, and observed that it appeared to forget that to subjects in rebellion no national character could properly belong.' But the British Govern- ment informed Mr. Stratford Canning that 'the character of belligerency was not so much a principle as a fact; that a certain degree of force and consistency, acquired by any mass of population engaged in war, entitled that population to he treated as a belligerent, and, even if their title were questionable, rendered it the interest well understood of all civilized nations so to treat them ; for what was the alternative? APower or a community (call it which you will) which was at war with another, and which covered the sea with its cruisers, must either be acknowledged as a belligerent or dealt with as a pirate; which latter character, as applied to the Greeks, was loudly disclaimed. In a separated despatch of the same date (12th of October, 1825), Mr. S. Canning was reminded that when the British Government acknowledged the right of either belligerent to visit and detain British merchant vessels having enemy's property on board, and to confis- cate such property, it was necessarily implied as a condition of such acknowledg- ment that the detention was for the purpose of bringing the vessels detained before an established Court of Prize, and that confiscation did not take place until after condemnation by such competent tribunal. The question has been under the consideration of the Governmept. They have consulted the law officers of the Crown. The Attorney and Solicitor-General, and the Queen's Advocate and the Government have come to the opinion that the Southern Confederacy of America, according to those principles which seem to them to be just principles, must betreated as a belligerent. (Hear, hear.) But further questions arise oat of that question, with respect to which we are still in doubt—as what are the alterations which are to be made in the law of nations in consequence of the Declaration of l'aris; and those questions being of a difficult and intricate nature have not yet been determined upon. They are still under the consider-

ation ofthe Government, and will be still fartherconsidered before any declaration is made to other Powers."

On Tuesday, Mr. HORSPALL, who had given notice of a motion respecting belligerent rights at sea, consented to postpone it, at the suggestion of Mr. Wtuoin and Lord RuatensroN ; the reason being that the Government was not in a position to make any distinct statement.

On Thursday evening Sir GEORGE Lzwis, in answering a question from Mr. W. E. Foams, said that the Government would shortly issue a proclamation setting forth the general effect of the common and statute law in the matter of privateering. The proclamation is apropos of the troubles in America. In answer to Mr. BENTINCK, Lord PAIXERSTON repeated his pre- vious statement to the effect that what is passing in America will not require any additions to our naval or military force, and will not affect our revenue.

Wins.

Lord LYNDHURST went down to the House of Peers on Tuesday, to state his views upon Lord Kingsdown's Will of Personalty by British Subjects Bill, and charmed the House by a brief speech in its favour.

He said the object of the measure appeared to have been misapprehended in certain quarters. It had been represented to be inconsistent with international law ; but in his view of the subject it was quite the reverse, and rather went to reconcile the law of England with the law of nations. In all cases of the dis- position of freehold property it mattered not where a man n was domiciled when he made his will ; and why, he asked, should he not have the same power of:dis- posing of his personal property consistently with the laws of his country. This was the only object to which the bill was directed.. He thought that frequent in- tercourse between foreign nations was calculated to remove prejudices and in- crease their mutual respect; and, although Lord St. Leonardo had expressed some apprehension with regard to the possible effect of thehill, he could assure him that it had been introduced with no covert design whatever ; and when ii passed through committee he was satisfied that it would accomplish the laudable, object for which it was intended. Lord ST. LEONARDS said he was willing to give his adhesion to the principle of the bill if the question of domicile could be settled satisfactorily ; but he was not prepared to give greater facilities to a man for making his will in a foreign country than be now enjoyed at home. One object of the measure was to get rid of the law of domi- cile; but that law was the law of nations, and unless we could induce other countries to agree with with us, the bill would have no effect except so far as regarded personalty within the jurisdiction of our own Courts.

Lord WENSLEYDALE objected that the measure was an attempt to change the law of domicile, and that legislation could not do. Heusi the alteration would be unnecessary and useless. The bill, howeven was supported by Lord CRELMSFOB.D and the LORD CHANCELLOR, and referred to a select committee.

THE Sunz CANAL.

The Earl of Canxenvon moved for copies of correspondence be, tween her Majesty's Government and the Consul-General of Egypt, and of any other communications that have passed between her jesty's Government and the Governments of Turkey and France relative to the proposed constructionof the Suez Canal. Lord WODEHOUSE admitted the importance of the subject, and said it had occupied the serious attention of the Government. The dif- ficulties in the way of forming the canal were very great, and were every day developing themselves in a way that rendered it more than ever doubtful whether it would succeed. It however, contrary to ex- pectation, the canal should be constructed, guarantees would be taken that it should not be used to the detriment of foreign Powers. Under these circumstances he hoped the noble earl would not press his motion, as the production of the papers at present would be incon- venient to the public service.

Lord STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE believed that the speculation would not succeed, so that there need be no alarm on the subject. The Earl of BLLENBOROUGH pointed out the great impatience that the canal would be to France in ease of a war with this country. The Earl of CARNARVON ultimately withdrew his motion.

THE PRINCESS ALICE.

The House went into Committee of supply on Monday to consider the message from the Crown touching the marriage of the Princess Alice.

Lord Parornasxoer stated that the proposition which the Govern- ment were prepared to make was that a sum of 30,0001., in addition to an annuity of 60001. per annum, should be given to her royal high- ness.

" In the case of the Princess Royal, the House voted a dower of 40,000l and an annuity of 8000i.; but, considering that the Princess Royal stood in a some- what different position as firstborn of the Royal family from that of any of the junior members of the family, we are not going to propose now precisely the same provision as was.made then. The provision which 1 think, on the one hand, is adequate to the circumstances, and, on the other, is not too great for the liberality of the Haase to grant, is a dower of 30,0001. instead of 40,000/., and an annuity of 6000/. instead of 80001."

This was, he thought, such asuitable provision as the House would a prove of, because it would never do for one of the royal family of mngland to go forth as a pauper. AA resolution to that effect was passed unanimously and without dis. (maim. The House then went into Committee of Supply, when a resolution was passed with similar despatch, voting,30 OW. as the marriage portion of her royal highness. A bill founded upon these

resolutions has been i brought in to give them effect.

COPYRIGHT (WORKS OF ART).-On the motion of the second reading of this Bill, Mr. WALTER, Lord PERROT, Mr. LLYABD, and Mr. CONINGHAN raised objections. The bill went further than to protect artists against pirates, and entitled an artist to retain the copyright against the purchaser. ,Mr. LAYARD'S remarks went against copyright in general. The Arronszv-GENERAL said that a purchaser could bay a picture. with or without copyright. In the former case he would become the absolute owner; in the latter case he would still have the enjoyment of the picture and the right aside. When a man buys a book he can read it and sell it, but he cannot multiply copies of it unless he buys the copyright. So with works of art. The Attorney-General vin- dicated the right of artists to copyright in their works.

The bill was read a second time.

ARMY ESTIMATE:.—Considerable discussion took place in Committee of Supply on Thursday, upon an item in the Army Estimates of 201,8331., for the depart.. ments of the Secretary for War and of the Commander-in-Chief. The number of extra clerks and the appointment of a prdcis writer and librarian were the points chiefly objected to Colonel DICKSON moved the reduction of the vote for clerks in the War-office by 50001. On a division the amendment was lost by 131 to 100. Mr. CHILDERS moved the reduction of the same vote by 30001. On a division the amendment was lost by 156 to 75. Mr. AYRTON moved to reduce the gross vote of 201,8331. to 196,224L, the amount at which it stood last year. On a division the amendment was lost by 124 to 103.

The vote was then agreed to, and the House resumed.