Ettiatt5 atilt Vrarratugo iu Vartiuunut.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OP THE WEBS..

Hoes' or LORDS. Monday, August 7. Royal Assent to Married Women Bill, Convict Prisons (Ireland) Bill, Oxford University DA Admiralty Court Bill, Regis- tration of Births (Scotland) Bill, Sale of Beer Bill, Reformatory Schools (Scotland) Bin, and Court of Chancery Bill—BIlle of Exchange ; Lord Brougham's Statement— Beal Estates Charges Bill passed—Bribery Bill passed, as amended—Stamp-duties Bill passed—Militia Bills read a second time. Thrsday, August 8. Public Revenue and Consolidated Fund Charges (No. 2) Bill Dassed—Militia Bills committed—Public Health Bill passed—Metropolitan Sewers Hill passed—Bribery Bill; Commons' Amendments to Lords' Amendments agreed

to. irameaday, August.9: Russian Government Securities Bill reported—Militia

Bills Isteved• yy,,,,,,day, August 10. Royal Assent to Public Revenue and Consolidated Fund mares (No. 2) Bill, Burials beyond the Metropolis Bill, Spirits (Ireland) Bill, Yontlful Offenders Rill, Valuation of Lands (Scotland) Bill, Stamp-duties Bill, Crime and Outrage (Ireland) Bill, Parochial Schoolmasters (Scotland) Bill, Standard of Gold and Silver Wares Bill, Merchant Shipping Bill, Public Health Bill, Bribery But, Usury-laws Repeal Bill—Campbell's Monument in Westminster Abbey—Rus- sian Government Securities Bill passed—Common Law Procedure Bill ; Commons' Amendments agreed to—Appropriation Bill read a second time—Austria ; Lord Cla- rendon's Statement in reply to Lord Clanricarde. Friday, August 11. Royal Assent to the Metropolitan Sewers Bill, Real Estate charges Bill, Medical Graduates (University of London) Bill, Militia (No. 2) Bill, Militia (Scotland) Bill, Militia (Ireland) Bill, Militia Ballots Suspension Bill, Mili-

tia Pay Bill, Prisoners Removal Bill, Episcopal and Capitular Estates Management (1854) Bill, Encumbered Estates (West Indies) Bill, Legislative Council (Canada) Bill, Bankruptcy Bill, and Merchant Shipping Acts Repeal Bill—Common Law Pro-

cedure Bill; Commons' Amendments agreed to ppropriation Bill passed—Cus- toms Bill passed—New Zealand Company ; Petition from Auckland. Hors OP COmMOxS. Saturday, August 5. New Writ for Aberdeenshire, in the room of Admiral Gordon—Court of Chancery Bill passed—Usury-laws Repeal Bill passed—Episcopal and Capitular Estates Management Bill passed. Monday, August 7. Encumbered Estates ( West Indies) Bill reported —Legislative Council (Canada) Bill committed—Public Health Bill passed—Russian Government Securities Bill passed. Tuesday, August 8. Bribery Bill ; Lords' Amendments considered—Mr. Edmund O'Flaherty; Mr. Lucas's Complaint—Indian Budget; Sir Charles Wood's State- ment—Bankruptcy Bill passed—Common-law Procedure Bill passed. Wednesday, August 9. Slave-trade ; Lord John Russell's Answer to Mr. Hume— Public Revenue; Mr. Gladstone's Reply to Sir H. Willoughby—Appropriation Bill passed—Legislative Council (Canada) Bill passed—Encumbered Estates (West In- dies) Bill passed. Thursday. August 10. No business of importance. Friday, August 11. New Writs for Marylebone, in the room of Sir B. Hall ; • and for Canterbury, Cambridge, Maldon, Barnstaple, and Hall—Common Law Procedure Bill; Lords' Amendments agreed to—Russian Government Securities Bill; Lords' Amendments agreed to

TIME- TABLE. The Commons.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjournment. Saturday 2h 21, 30m

Monday 5h .... 7h liOni Monday 2h . . 7h Om

Tuesday Oh 9h Om Tuesday 2h . (m) 12h 30m Wednesday 3h 4h 10m Wednesday Noon .... 411 Om Thursday 4k . . Sh Om Thursday 3h .... 6h 15m

Friday Sh .... 6h 15m Friday Si. .... 6h 42m

Sittings this Week, 6; Time, 12k lam Sittings this Week. 6; Time, 27h Om — this fiesadon. 98; — 2631225m — this Sessioz.. 144; — 948h 41m

THE WAR: Fosrrrow OF AusTRIA.

At the sitting of the Lords on Thursday, the Marquis of CLANRICARDE, in moving for further information respecting the war and the alliances and confederacies entered into, made a variety of complaints, but centred his chief comment upon our relations with Austria.

In the first place, he briefly noticed the attacks that had been made upon himself—the accusations of "personal, interested, and ignoble motives," levelled against him, because he had fulfilled the duty of a Member of Par- liament in expressing his opinions on the operations of our commanders abroad or the Government at home. He found a precedent for his conduct in that of Mr. Pitt ; who, when the war broke out in 1803, took exception to the first two measures of the Addington Administration, and divided the House upon the Income-tax Bill, although he approved of the war. Enter- ing on the subject of his motion, he commented on the want of sufficient information with respect to the new organization of the War Department ; on the ineffectiveness of the blockade in the Baltic, the Black Sea, and the White Sea, to prevent Russian commerce ; and the inadequate supply of gun boats for service in the Baltic. In regard to the last-named subject, he described steam-boats plying on the river in Upper California, which do not draw above three or four feet of water, yet which carry fifty or sixty pas- sengers, besides one hundred and fifty tons of goods. The public do not believe, and he did not believe, that Admiral Napier had stated that Cron- stadt is impregnable; but he believed that what Admiral Napier really pointed out was the deficiency of the fleet in this particular.

Turning from these matters, he asked for a copy of the treaty between Austria and Turkey, concluded at Constantinople on the 14th June. He described the Turkish Government as unwilling to allow an Austrian army to enter the Principalities; but when at length the Turks consented, and the treaty was signed, Austria did not move a soldier into the Principalities; but she made an humble appeal to Russia to withdraw. Russia would not listen to her terms; still Austria did not and does not move. Austria will not fire a shot in hostility to Russia, but will interpose an immense force between the retiring army and the victorious Turks. We have sacrificed much to gain this German alliance ; but what security have we as to what the conduct of Austria will be when the Principalities are evacuated ? He hoped the House would be told what ground there is for expecting the real sad cordial cooperation of Austria, not only for her own objects—the inde- pendence of Turkey and the freedom of the Danube—but for our objects and those of civilized Europe. The Earl of CLARENDON observed that he had never brought any of those charges which Lord Clanricarde had so elaborately refuted; nor had he ever complained of Lord Clanricarde's perfect consistency, in never Missing an opportunity, and in creating many, of marking his want of confidence in the Government and in their ability to carry on the war. But if he had any disposition to impugn Lord Clanricarde's conduct, it would be that night ; for about the first half of his speech was occupied in details and facts which it would be most pernicious for the enemy to know. [Lord ABERDEEN—" Not facts !"] Not facts, but stated as X15. Expressing his regret that he was unable from want of notice to meet all the assumed acts, Lord Clarendon passed at once to other topics of the speech ; making some interesting statements respecting the rela- tions between Austria and the Porte, and Austria and England. The treaty between the Porte and Austria was communicated to us, and ,anr sotne delay it was signed at Constantinople. We knew nothing of it Detore that ; and no instruotions were consequently sent to Lord Stratford, Who merely said that he recommeneed the Porte to adopt that treaty ; and In a month or three weeks afterwards the Government approved of the ad- !lee of Lord Stratford. And if Lord Stratford, who is no bad judge of what is for the interest of the Porte, and whether it was for its interest to reject

The Lords.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjournment.

or adopt it, recommended the adoption of the treaty, he did so because he saw that the preamble as well as the articles was closely connected with all the proceedings that took place in Vienna in conjunction with England and France, and which were recorded in a protocol, and because he saw nothing in the treaty to prevent the Sultan from taking any measures he pleased for the resumption of his authority in the Principalities. As soon as we saw the substance of this convention, our language to Austria was, that the occupa- tion of any portion of the Ottoman territory was a matter of extreme deli- cacy, and that great care must be taken that everything should be done in the name and on the behalf of the Sultan, and to uphold his authority; that every measure, whether for the restoration of the Hospodars or other- wise, must be of a temporary character." [Here Lord Clarendon interpolated a correction of Lord Clanricarde : the Russian reply to Austria was made in June, and it was not an insolent rejection, but, on the contrary, it was an offer to adhere to three of the prim cipal points which had been established by the protocol of Vienna.) "My Lords, the language which we held to Austria when we heard of this announcement of her intention to enter the Principalities, was, that if Austrian troops were going to enter Wallachia, which had been evacuated by the Russians, for the purpose of proceeding on to Moldavia in order to drive them out there also, then the convention would be faithfully fulfilled ; but that if she were merely going to occupy the province on its evacuation by Russia, then we did not consider that they would be warranted in doing so unless with the consent and by the desire of the Porte. The Austrian answer to this was, that they only intended to enter the Principalities with the view of preventing anarchy, and of establishing order, in the name, on the behalf, and at the desire of the Sultan ; that they could not enter as belligerents, because they had not yet declared war ; but they announced to us that being once in they would resist by force the return of the Russians there. And the Porte replied by appointing an Imperial Commis- sioner to proceed to the provinces to arrange all these matters on behalf of the Sultan, and to establish a judicial inquiry with respect to the conduct of the Hospodars at the time when the Russian troops entered last year ; and it was to depend upon the result of that judicial inquiry whether the Porte should consent to the reestablishment of these Hospodars. The Aus- trian Government communicated to us their entire satisfaction at such a functionary as this Commissioner having been appointed. We all know that the Principalities were about to be evacuated—at least Wallachia—bo- cause Prince Gortschakoff appears to have taken an affectionate leave of the Boyards, and to have burnt and destroyed everything in that country. Now, this is certainly due to the presence of the Allied forces at Varna, and to the bravery of the Turks; but it is mainly owing to the position which the Aus- trian army has taken up. It is now some time ago since we received in- formation that the Austrian army was being concentrated in the Bukowina and in the North of Transylvania ; and their position became so threatening to the Russians in Moldavia that they were no more able to retain that pro- vince than Wallachia ; and it was only the day before yesterday that we heard that official orders had been received by Prince Gortschakoff to eva- cuate both of these Principalities. "My Lords, I am not about to enter into any elaborate defence of Austria, or pretend to be able to explain the motives or the policy of that country; but I certainly see no reason to retract any opinions that I have given with respect to the grounds which make it conduce to the honour, the dignity, and the interests of Austria, to act in the manner that we are entitled to expect from her. I entirely agree with my noble friend, that Austria is an independent power, and has a right to pursue her own policy in her own way ; and we have no right to complain of it, because I say, whatever my noble friend may think as to any sacrifices that we have made, I entirely deny that our policy has in any way been dependent upon Austria, or our course of conduct in any manner influenced by her. True, she may not have been so rapid in her movements as we may desire. [Lord ABERDEEN was here understood to observe that her army was not ready.) To be sure, her army was not prepared ; and to bring it up to its present state of effi- ciency, with 300,000 men, was certainly a work of time as well as of very great expense. As my noble friend says, the policy of Austria must of course be guided by her sense of her own interests, as is the ease with that of Eng- land and France; and the interests of Austria, let me remind you, are of a far more complicated and antagonistic character than those of either France or England. Our objects and interests—and I recur to them as my noble friend has again adverted to them, and I have the less hesitation in alluding to them be- cause they are to a groat extent shared in by Austria—we think the designs of Russia upon Turkey, as shown by the misuse of treaties at certain times, and by their misinterpretation at other times, are dangerous to the tranquillity of Europe; we think the constantly increasing armaments of that great despotic power have created a prestige, real or imaginary, which has enabled Ramie to extend her domination and influence in quarters which they have no right to reach ; and we think that dangerous to the independence of Europe and to the progress of civilization. Why, my Lords, at this moment Russia de- fies England and France in arms, and the public opinion of the whole world ; and I say that the state or the sovereign of a country who can do that either possesses, or believes himself to possess, a power which cannot be exercised with safety to others, and particularly when such a power is exercised in support of unjust pretensions. I say further, that if such a power is a reality, it must be curtailed—if it is a delusion, it mt-at be dis- pelled; and such, I think, will be the result of the present war, and of the great and disinterested efforts of England and France. In bringing our fleets and armies to bear against the common enemy, we have not the same financial and above all not the same political difficulties to encounter as Austria has. Those difficulties, for which my noble friend must make allowance, are principally of a German character ; and I do not think we ought to blame Austria for not advancing till her frontiers were secure. I consider that she has managed her affairs skilfully, and over- come all the manoeuvres and tricks that were resorted to to paralyze her actions; and I have great satisfaction in stating to your Lordships, that within the last six-and-thirty hours, and consequently since the evacuation of the Principalities by the Russian troops was known at Vienna, notes have been exchanged between her Majesty's Government and the Government of Austria which will show, when they come to be made public, that Aus- tria has as little intention as ourselves to return to the status quo." (Cheers.) Towards the close of his speedo, Lord Clarendon made a rapid summary of what has been done from the declaration of war in March to the advance of the Allies from Gallipoli to Scutari, thence to Varna, the raising of the siege of Silistria, the retreat of the Russians, and the more important opera- tions of the Allies, which have perhaps already commenced. In the Baltic, he pointed to the Russian ships of war blockaded in their ports; the trade of Russia now almost extinct in that sea ' • and the probability of a reaction of public opinion in Russia following upon the stoppage of trade, the closing of markets, and the drain of military levies—a drain upon capital. He briefly alluded to the prompt restoration of tranquillity in Greece, where a diversion had been attempted ; and finally to the firm alliance that subsists between France and this country. He repeated what he had often said before, that it would be useless to state now what ought to be the conditions of peace ; but all, he added, are of opinion that the objects for which we make war are to obtain ajust, honourable, and lasting peace. " And we believe that no peace will be just or honourable, or be likely to be lasting, which does not secure the independence and in- tegrity of the Turkish empire—which does not make the Ottoman empire a part of the general system of European policy—which does not protect the Ottoman empire from menace and secure it from danger. I say, my Lords, that without thin, peace could neither be just, honourable, nor lasting. In order to accomplish these objects, we desire the cooperation of other govern- ments, though we are not dependent upon them. France and England will not relax in their efforts : they rely upon their own great resources, upon the justice of their cause, and upon the support which they receive at home. And, my Lords, although we are ready to negotiate for peace, we are determined never to do so until we have good evidence of bona fide intentions to accept those conditions which we feel are just, and to which the whole of Europe is as entitled as it is interested in our maintaining." After a few querulous remarks from Lord CLANRICAR.DE, his motion was agreed to, and the discussion terminated.

THE INDIAN BUDGET.

In a Committee of the Commons, on Tuesday—the House at the time consisting of hardly more than a dozen Members—Sir CHARLES WOOD made his promised statement on the finances of India. He began by observing, that it is only two years short of half a century since an Indian budget was presented to the House of Commons; and, fol- lowing the precedent of former years, he proposed to submit a series of reso- lutions to the House—resolutions little more than mere assertions of matters of fact, framed according to the form provided by former acts of Parliament. The accounts which he should present had been drawn up with great care ; but he regretted that he could not lay before the House complete accounts down to a period later than the 30th April 1852. For the year ending 30th April 1852, the revenue of Bengal was 7.584,435/s and the local charges thereupon 1,936,362/. ; leaving a surplus of 5,648,0731. The revenue for the North-western Provinces was 5,670,7151., local charges 1,402,238/. ; surplus 4,268,4771. The military expenditure for Bengal and the North-west Pro- vinces was 5,442,2301., other charges exclusive of charges of collection 8,770,3301.; leaving 4,484,320/. applicable to the general charges of India including the debt. The revenue of the Presidency of Madras was 3,704,0481., the local charges 3,204,273/. ; surplus 499,7751. In Bombay the revenue was 2,868,2981., local charges 2.847,392/. ; surplus 20,9061. The interest of the India debt was 1,967,3591., and the home charges 2,506,377/. In 1849-'50 there was a surplus upon the whole Indian revenue of 354,3371.; in 1850-'51 a surplus of 415,8661. The estimate for 1852-'53 was—income 26,915,4311., expenditure 26,275,966/. ; surplus 639,4651. But here the surplus stopped; for the estimate of 1853-'54 was—income 26,586,8261., expenditure 27,459,9611.; deficit 872,3351. The principal item of deficit was in the article of opium-236,0001. ; while there was also an in- creased expenditure of between 500,0001. and 600,000/. in the cultivation of opium. There is an increased expenditure of 102.0001. in public works. The whole cost of the Burmese war would be under 200,0001. The total ar- rears due to the Queen's troops-400,0001.—were charged last year upon the revenue ; an item that would not occur again. In fact, about 200,0001. of the expenditure of the jiresent year had been transferred to the last year. Taking the great articles of revenue seriatim—land, opium, salt, and cus- toms—Sir Charles offered some explanations on each. The land revenue he

be hoped would increased by the reduction of the assessment in Madras.

Much reliance could not be placed ou the opium revenue, although it will probably maintain the ordinary rate of from 4,000,0001. to 5,000,000/. With respect to salt, he entered into an argument in favour of that tax, to show that the Natives obtain sufficient salt; and that the extension of the excise would compel the employment of more Native collectors, whose cruelty and rapacity were denounced in that House,—an extension greatly to be depre- cated. The revenue derived from customs is about 1,000,000/. ; and there is no probability that either exports or imports will greatly increase. The great item of expenditure is the army. It is impossible to expect any reduction under that head. We have undertaken to maintain order in re. very large additional territory—the Punjaub, Pegu, and Nagpore—with- out any great addition to our troops ; but the number cannot be reduced. There are 30,000 Queen's troops, 20,000 officers employed in Native regi- ments, altogether about 50,000 Europeans ; with the Natives there are about 320,000 men under British control; while in some of the few Native states that remain there is a military force of not less than 400,000 men. With respect to the other great sources of expense—public works, and ju- dicial establishments—the expenditure is more likely to be increased than diminished ; as neither can be properly conducted without sonic increase in the present altogether inadequate European agency. But in one source of expense, the Indian debt, some reduction has been made. Up to the end of May last, out of 27,212,0001., the whole amount of 5 per cent stock to be operated upon, 25,765,000/. has been transferred to a 4 per cent stock, and 1,447,0001. taken in cash ; thereby effecting a saving of 330,000/. per annum. That is a satisfactory operation to be executed in the face of a local war just concluded, and of a general war now commencing ; and shows how highly the stability of Indian finances is estimated. Never- theless, as this saving would be absorbed by increased expenditure, it would not be wise to urge the Indian Government to make further reductions of taxation. Having made these statements, Sir Charles took a survey of Indian affairs in general; noting the occupation and settlement of Pegu, and describing it as adapted for cotton-growing, abounding in timber, and likely to be one of our moat valuable possessions; the annexation of Nagpore; the prosperity

of the North-West Provinces ; the resumption of friendly relations with the

Affghans, thus affording a means for the extension of British trade in Persia;

and the probability that before next session amicable relations will be esta- blished with the chief of Cabool. He further remarked, that external dis-

tractions being at an end, the Government had turned its attention to inter-

nal improvements. The Governor-General has laid before the Government,

schemes for raising the salaries and position of the Native judges ; for improv- ing the police, improving the roads, and inspecting the gaols. That gigantic undertaking the Ganges Canal, constructed under the superintendence of Lieutenant-Colonel Cautley, has been opened. The length of the main canal is 525 miles, of the branches 373 miles; total 898 miles,—nearly twice as large as the greatest canals in any other country in the world. About 6,000,000 of people will be benefited by the irrigation it will supply. He described the great prosperity of the Punjaub, effected in three years; the water-supply to Bombay ; the survey of the Godavery, now in progress ; the construction of railways and the extension of the electric telegraph—by this time carried to Delhi. He also mentioned, in passing, the changes under the late act, the assembling of the Legislative Council of India, the reconstruction of the Board of Directors, the proceedings of the Law Com- mission, and the arrangements for the admission to Haileybury by competi- tion, not yet completed. There remained two other subjects—public works, and education. He had been struck by the absence of all system in regard to public works. Go- vernment could never ascertain how much had been done, or what state the works were ins and he found that works were undertaken without reference to what could be done. To remedy this, he had sent out, as a model, the estimates annually framed in England, and had instructed Lord Dalhousie to expend what may be necessary to forward the principal public works. The real check to the execution of these works has been the want of ad; quate superintendence ; but he trusted that the colleges about to be ego: blished will induce many to educate themselves as civil engineers. With compliments to Sir Charles Trevelyan, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Matuda, Dr. Moore, Mr. Norton, Sir Erskine Perry, and others, for what they 14 done to promote education, Sir Charles explained the measures taken for supplying that great want in India. After stating that English education has been pushed to a high extent in Bengal—that the Govemor-General has recently founded a college at Calcutta, embracing law, medicine, and en gineering—that Mr. Thomason founded excellent schools in the North. west, and Lord Elphinatone a college in Madras,—he proceeded to describe the main features of the scheme as stated in a despatch before the House " We propose to give assistance to all schools of every class in India whist; will submit to inspection, and afford an education sound in quality and sue ficient in scope ; we propose to do this without taking the slightest notice of any religious instruction which may be given in the school. Honourable gentlemen are aware that in India, as in this country, religious opinions are a great obstacle to education. We proceed on the system of grants and aids to schools, according to their wants and means ; we propose to put them all under inspection, requiring certain things to be done and taught, and care- fully abstaining from interference with all points connected with religious teaching. This is the more necessary from the peculiar circumstances of India ; and I am perfectly convinced, that if the Government of India were to attempt to do anything that would produce the idea that they wished to prose- lytize, it would bring the whole cause of education and the system we wish to establish into discredit amongst the Native inhabitants. We give assistance, therefore, to Missionary schools, to Mahometan schools, to Hindoo schools, what- ever the religious tenets may be, looking only to the secular education they propose to give, and requiring that that shall be of a sufficiently high stand. ard. We propose to establish universities in the great centres of the Indian Presidencies, on the model of the London University, with colleges subsi- diary to them, admitting to the privilege of degrees, and combining students of every religious persuasion. Below them will be schools of two different classes. Probably in -the lower of these classes it may be found impossible to teach anything but the Native language, whilst in the class of schools above them I hope that both the English language and the vernacular dialects of India will be taught. At present one of the greatest difficulties interposed in the way of Native education is the want of books in the vernacular language of which the contents are valuable and worth teaching: but to some extent at least this want may be supplied, and at all events we may confidently look forward to the greater diffusion of the English language amongst the Native population, and with it a knowledge of the science aid arts of Europe. We propose to establish scholarships as prizes from the lower schools, presenting to the students rewards which the more diligent and exemplary may hope to obtain. There have been many in- stances of Native students of superior endowments, well fitted for the voca- tion of schoolmasters, and whom we should be willing and anxious to train up as teachers. We propose to submit these schools to constant inspection, and to place the whole educational system under the superintendence and control of a department of the Government with a responsible head. In ad. dition to the classes of seminaries already specified, we propose to establish either professional colleges, or branches of colleges, for the purpose of giving a professional education, in which also there will be scholarships as rewards of proficiency to those youths who may compete for them. In the lower &ass of schools we shall provide a Native schoolmaster, with assistance in books and scholarships to the class above. For the upper class we shall give assistance towards the erection of school-houses in which the two languages will be taught, with scholarships to the colleges ; and for the students most proficient in the end there will be scholarships in the training schools or the professional colleges." This plan has met with the approbation of Dr. Duff, Mr. Macaulay, Sir Erskine Perry, Sir Edward Ryan, Mr. Burke, secretary to the Board of Edu- cation in Calcutta, Mr. Norton, President of the Council of Education at Madras, and other gentlemen ; and he could not doubt that it would gra- dually work its way to success, extending over that vast region, so that the grand and lasting result we may look forward to will be the moral and re- ligious improvement of its inhabitants. (Cheers.) In the brief conversation which followed the moving of the resolutions, Sir ERSKINE PERRY said he had heard Sir Charles Wood's speech with "unmixed gratification." He approved of the conversion of the 5 per cent stock, although it would be a loss to himself of some hundreds a year ; and also of the measures taken to promote education. He traced these benefits to Parliamentary interference; and he urged the Government to bring all the home governing powers under one roof and to reduce the number of Directors. Mr. ax- rump expressed his great satisfaction at the very large views on education enunciated by Sir Charles; and suggested that the Governors of the four Presidencies, following Lord Elgin's example, should make a yearly report of progress within the year. Mr. HUME said that reports of that kind are regularly forwarded to the Court of Directors; the only thing wanted is to make them public. He approved of what was pro- posed to be done in establishing a system of education ; and enlarged upon the necessity of extending public works as a means of bringing about an increase of the revenue. After some further remarks upon special points by other Members, the various formal resolutions were agreed to

ELECTORAL BRIBERY.

The Bribery Bill passed its final stage in the House of Lords on Mon- day. On the question that the bill do now pass, the Marquis of Cuts- RICARDE moved as an amendment, that the word " not " should be in- troduced into the clause legalizing the payment of travelling expenses, so as to make them illegal. He considered the clause as widening the rood to corrupt practices. He was not favourable to the vote by ballot, bothe must vote for it should the efforts of Parliament against bribery fad of success. Lord REDESDALE opposed the amendment, on several grounds urging that the clause had been supported by seven Cabinet Ministers in the other House, and carried by large majorities; that the payment of travelling expenses is not bribery ; and that it would not be courteous to the House of Commons to send down a bill so greatly altered at the close of the session. The Duke of NEWCASTLE held that it was desirable to put an end to that very heavy item called "travelling he simply Bay " Ay " or " No," he would vote with Lord Clanncarde , but he thought that it was not expedient to send the bill down to the House of Commons with one of their decisions completely reversed, espe- cially as the greater portion of those who voted on the clause would be absent. Besides, the insertion of the word " not " might cause unce.r-e tainties ; and the better plan would be to omit the clause, so that, aSs bill is temporary, the question may stand over for two years. J-krt,‘. expenses." Could CAMPBELL, remarking that Lord Mansfield had decided that the payment of travelling expenses was bribery, said that if the clause as it stood were agreed to, it might admit of universal bribery.

Lord Clanriearde's amendment was negatived without a division ; and the Rouse divided on the question that the clause stand part of the bill

content, 4 ; Not-content, 30. So the clause was struck out, by a ma- jority of 26; and the bill was passed. When the bill returned to the House of Commons, on Tuesday, Lord JOHN RUSSELL moved that the Lords' amendments should be taken into consideration. He stated that the House of Lords had struck out the remotion g declarations in the bill, and also clause 23, relating to travel- g expenses, leaving the question for future settlement. Lord ROTHAM commented on the impropriety of the proceeding on Lord John Russell's part, in asking the House, especially at that period of the session, ion to concur in an amendment striking out a clause for which him- se- lf and his colleagues in the House of Commons had voted. He said he had d never moved the adjournment of a debate on any occasion ; but there is a limit to all human endurance, and, actuated by these feelings, he moved that the Lords' amendments should be considered that day month. A debate ensued, in which various Members expressed diverse opinions on the bill. Lord JOHN RUSSELL explained that the clause was not the most important in the bill ; that it was merely incidental, and formed no part of the original measure; and that its omission would leave the law as it stood before. Mr. HILDYARD called upon the "patriots" not to consent to the rejection of the clause at the caprice of the House of Lords. For this he was rebuked by Mr. HUME and Mr. Thews DUNCOMBE; both of whom, however, believed the bill would prove inefficient. Mr. GEORGE Burr and Mr. CAYLEY supported the Lords' amendment. Sir JOHN PAKINGTON recommended the Government not to press the bill, but to consider the subject during the recess, with a view to resolution next session. On a division, Lord John Russell's motion was carried by 78 to 21. Then followed five other divisions : one, moved by Lord HontAx, that the House do now adjourn, was negatived by 84 to 16 ; a second, by Mr. F. RUMS, _that the debate be adjourned—negatived by 79 to 13 ; a third, by Lord HOTHAM' that the House should adjourn—negatived by 79 to 13; a fourth and fifth, to the same effect, by Mr. MALINS and Lord HOTHAM —respectively negatived by 78 to 13 and 77 to 11. Lord HOTHAM once more moved the same motion ; when Mr. THOMAS DUNCOMBE suggested a compromise—Lord Hotham to withdraw his opposition on condition that Lord John Russell should agree to limit the operation of the bill from two years to one year and until the end of the following session. This sug- gestion was adopted; and, with that alteration, the Lords' amendments were agreed to. THE Russrex SECURITIES Buz,.

On the third reading of this bill, Sir Frrzaov KELLY moved a clause and proviso in substitution for clause 1 of the bill ; the chief effect of which was that subscription to or for a direct loan to Russia should be made a misdemeanour, as well as dealings in the stock, with a proviso that the act should not extend to any subscription made in a foreign country by a foreign firm having one or more British partners. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL opposed both clause and proviso as the former made that offence which is high treason by law a misdemeanour, while the proviso would permit British subjects to subscribe directly to any amount to a loan for Russia. Besides, clause 2 declared that nothing in the act should reduce the offence from high treason to misdemeanour ; so that one clause would stultify the other. Some further discussion arose ; Mr. Hums suggesting the withdrawal of the bill, Mr. WUXINSON op- posing it altogether ; and Lord DUDLEY STUART and Lord Joini RUSSELL supporting it. Then, both the clause and proviso having been negatived without a division, the House divided on the question that the bill do pass—Ayes, 51; Noes, 13 ; majority, 38. The bill passed accordingly.

When the bill reached the House of Lords, the resolution of the 2d May was suspended on the ground of " urgency," and the bill was read a second time, committed, and reported. In the course of debate on Wednesday, the Duke of NEWCASTLE supported the second reading, but was not prepared to say that the bill was necessary. At the same time, Government would be unwilling to throw any obstacle in the way of a measure which the other House of Parliament deemed necessary in order to maintain the interests of England in its conflict with Russia. Government had not neglected the sub- ject ; but had notified in all countries that any British subject concerned in the loan to Russia would be guilty of high treason, and had instructed the British Ministers abroad to desire the Courts to which they are ac- credited to throw every obstacle in the way of the loan. This had been done without a moment's delay. Feeling that this bill could do no harm, while it might do some good, he hoped it would pass. Lord CAMPBELL said, that if the bill should pass in its present state it would not be of the slightest use, because the common law, without a statatable enactment, was insufficient to meet the offences committed out

of the kingdom; he suggested that a clause should be inserted, to the effect that any ffence under the act committed out of the kingdom should be dealt with and punished as if it had been committed in Middlesex.

The bill passed on Thursday, with the addition of a clause to the effect of the amendment suggested by Lord Campbell ; and this last amend- ment was agreed to by the Commons on Friday.

THE REVENUE.

_Taking advantage of a question from Sir HENRY WILLOUGHBY, on Wednesday, Mr. GLADSTONE offered some explanations with reference to the last quarterly statement of the revenue. That statement showed a decrease upon the quarterly revenue of about 570,000/. ; but that appa- rent decrease was entirely fallacious. In the first place, we must deduct 140,0001.; a sum paid to the credit of the land-revenues of the Crown, and having nothing to do with the quarter's revenue, yet forming an item in the account of the second quarter of 1853 with which this last quarter was compared. Another item was 233,0001. for tea-duty, entirely due to the second quarter, but which found a place in the first because it was paid on the afternoon of the 5th of April last. That took away 373,000/. from the 570,0001. And as the quarterly return only referred to England and Scotland, the increase on the Irish revenue, sufficient to dispose of the remaining 200,0001., was not taken into the account. So that, not- withstanding the war, the dearness of money and provisions as compared with 1853, and the great reductions of taxation, the revenue of the second quarter of this year was equal to that of last. With reference to the expenditure and the balances, Mr. Gladstone said that the additional expenditure tetween the 5th April and 29th July Was about 3,500,000/. as compared with 1853; and there was no reason to suppose that there would be that eztravagant departure from the

pati- mates which the House had reason to lament with regard to former wars. Ample provision had been made for meeting the necessities of the war ; and he thought it quite possible that he should not be compelled to use it to the full amount. With regard to the balances, on the 5th July they had risen to 3,600,0001., and there is every reason to hope that on the 10th October they will amount to 4,500,0001. He had not the least ex- pectation of calling on the Bank for the use of funds which are properly its own.

WEST INDIAN LOANS.

On the motion for going into Committee on the Encumbered Estates (West Indies) Bill, Sir JOHN PAXINGTON protested against the harsh manner in which the Government are acting towards the West Indians, by seeking to extort more from them in repayment of the Hurricane Loans than can fairly be demanded, especially as the West India pro- prietors have been ruined by Imperial legislation, and as a great saving- 3,000,0001. last year—had been made by the public in the cost of sugar. In this complaint he was joined by Mr. ELLICE and Mr. HANKEY. Mr. Wu.sox and Sir GEORGE GREY defended the course of the Government. The loans had been borrowed under the 2d and 3d William IV, in 1832 or 1833 ; they were to be repaid in ten years ; but before the term ex- pired, another ten years was granted, and subsequently five years more. This term expired in August last. It became the duty of Government to bring these claims to as early a conclusion as possible ; and they pro- posed, therefore, to accept that sum from a proprietor which he could show was as much as Government could ultimately obtain by what might be called harsh treatment. The Commissioners are empowered to extend to 1859, and no longer, the payment of these loans ; being pre- pared, in the mean time, to receive applications for settling and com- pounding them. The fair spirit of that proposition may be judged from the fact that since last year, out of fifty-six estates in Jamaica, the Ex- chequer Loan Commissioners have succeeded in bringing into a fair way of settlement no fewer than forty-one.

C03131031 LAW PROCEDURE BILL.

On the third reading of this bill, Mr. ISAAC Burr urged the Govern- ment not to press the clause which dispensed with the unanimity of juries. It might be made a separate measure next session. The Soli- errort-Gesrankr. assented ; admitting that there ought to be full delibera- tion before making so great an alteration of the law. Mr. J. G. PHILLI- MORE put in a plea for the clause, and proposed to divide the House upon it ; but Lord PALMERSTON dissuaded him, lest he should endanger a measure of great importance in other respects.

The bill was read a third time; and on the question that it do pass, the words in clause 13, providing that the verdict of ten out of twelve jurymen should be sufficient, were omitted. The bill then passed.

In considering the amendments made by the Commons, more espe- cially in the clause relating to juries, the LORD CHANCELLOR stated, that the clause as amended simply enacted that no jury should be kept toge- ther longer than twelve hours if the jury could not agree,—the very provision rejected by their Lordships earlier in the session. He therefore proposed that the Lords, in agreeing to the Commons' amendments, should omit the provision relating to the jury, thus leaving the law as it stands.

To this proposal the House assented, after some remarks by Lord CAMPBELL on the great importance of the measure, and an expression of regret from the Marquis of LANSDOWNE that the jury clauses had not been retained.

BILLS OF EXCHANGE.

The Bills of Exchange Bill having been lost in the House of Commons on Friday, through misunderstanding and misrepresentation in the ab- sence of the Law-officers, Lord Baoronaar, on Monday, presented a peti- tion to the House of Lords from the London committee of merchants as- sociated for the improvement and assimilation of the commercial law of England, Ireland, and Scotland, praying that the measure might be taken up again early next session. He remarked that the bill, as prepared by him and perfected by their Lordships, for introducing summary process on bills of exchange, went to assimilate the law of England not only to that of Scotland but to that of all mercantile countries. The bill was sent down to the other House on the 2d of June, and read a second time on the 9th June. But last Friday it was withdrawn, on account of the opposition it received. The main ground taken against the bill was that, because a bill of the House of Commons, which could not be sent up to the House of Lords until the 4th of August, would come under the pro- hibitory resolution of the 2d May, therefore a bill that came down from the House of Lords on the 2d, and was read a second time on the 9th June, should not be passed ! It was further said that it would be a hard thing to compel a man who had signed a bill at three months to pay that bill at the expiry of the date ! And then, one of the " currency doctors " of " the Brummagem school," who think we cannot have too much paper money, said the bill was brought in to perpetrate a " job " in the ap- pointment of a registrar. Now the fact was, that when the measure was first concocted, it was arranged that the bills should be registered by the officers connected with the Courts of Common Pleas, Queen's Bench, and Exchequer ; but the mercantile body told the Select Committee of the Lords that this would not do, and that there must be one officer to regis- ter bills, with an office open from nine in the morning until after post-hour in the evening. Yet that change, which was not a speculative improve- ment, but founded on a rational basis, was called a job ! For parties making such accusations he felt nothing but contempt.

Lord CAMPBELL and the LORD CHANCELLOR both concurred in thinking that it is of immense importance to assimilate the law of the three portions of the "United Kingdom ; and Lord BROUGHAM promised to re- introduce the bill next session.

Mn. EDMOND O'FLAIIERTY.

On the motion for the consideration of the Appropriation Bill as amended, Mr. Lucas, with a long speech abounding in hostile comments and insinuations addressed to Mr. Gladstone, asked for an explanation of the appointment of Mr. Edmond O'Flaherty as Special Commissioner of Income-tax in Ireland. Reviving the cases of Mr. Stonor and Mr. Law- ley, and referring to recent rumours that Mr. O'Flaherty had absconded in consequence of the discovery of forgeries committed by him to the amount of from 14,0001. to 20,0001., Mr. Lucas desired to know if Mr. O'Flaherty was still a Special Commissioner of Income-tax ; and how Mr. Gladstone would justify his appointment. He described Mr. O'Flaherty as a person unfit to be placed in a position of trust, from his pecuniary embarrassments. But he was "a furious political partisan " ;

and though he was the most unfit man in the three kingdoms, he received the appointment as a reward for political services. Mr. GLADSTONE said that he had only received notice of Mr. Lucas's intention of bringing the case forward at eleven o'clock that morning, and he had written to ask Mr. Lucas to postpone his question in order to al- low the correspondence on the subject to be searched. Mr. O'Flaherty's brother, the Member for Galway, was now gone ; and it was surprising

that the commonest good feeling did not lead Mr. Lucas to give notice

while that gentleman was in town. As far as Mr. Gladstone was con- cerned, the matter was simple. The House had been misled into sup- posing that it was discussing the case of a Special Commissioner of In- come-tax in Ireland. Nothing of the sort. Several months ago these appointments ceased. The House would recollect, that in consequence of anticipated difficulties in the application of the tax to Ireland, two Spe- cial Commissioners for that country were appointed. But in February last, or at latest in March, it was found that the Income-tax was so easily levied there that the Special Commissioners for Ireland were un- necessary. One of them, Mr. Godley—a gentleman whose talents and character entitle him to fill a much higher position in the public service —was appointed to succeed the late Mr. Dickens in England; the other, Mr. O' Flaherty, ceased to be a Special Commissioner, not for any mis- conduct or fault in office, but simply because the office itself was abolish- ed. Since that time, Mr. O' Flaherty was only a private individual ; and it was no part of Mr. Gladstone's duty to inquire into rumours respecting his private conduct. Those who made the appointment are not respon- sible for what has since occurred. On the resignation of Sir Eardley Wilmot, who was at first named to act with Mr. Godley, Mr. Gladstone applied to Sir John Young, the Secretary for Ireland, who recommended Mr. Edmond O'Flaherty. Other direct testimony to his character had been given; and Mr. Gladstone beard nothing to convince him that Mr. O'Flaherty had then been guilty of disreputable transactions, even supposing it to be true that he has been guilty of them now. In answer to a question by Mr. Hone, Mr. GLADSTONE said that Mr. O'Flaherty had never touched public money ; and no complaint had been made as to the manner in which he had discharged his duties.

Mr. DISRAELI took occasion to improve the opportunity of reminding the House, that in the debate on Mr. Keogh's case, the testimony of this very Mr. O'Flaherty was relied on to prove that Lord Naas had made Mr. Keogh an offer of office on behalf of Lord Derby. He hoped the un- favourable impression then made against Lord Naas by Mr. O'Flaherty's testimony would now be removed. Colonel DUNNE added, that when Mr. O'Flaherty's statement respecting Lord Naas was read in the House, Lord Naas had in his hand "the most damning proof that Mr. O'Fla- Lady was not a man to be relied on ; but he had too much delicacy to bring it forward."

CAMPBELL'S MONUMENT AND WESTMINSTER ABBEY.

Lord CAMPBELL, previously to putting a question, made a statement with respect to the conduct of the Dean and Chapter of Westmin- ster in demanding 210/. for the space sufficient for the pedestal of a statue of Thomas Campbell the poet, intended for erection in West- minster Abbey. For the grave 731. 5s. had been paid, and 71. 7a. for leave to put his name on the stone that covers it ; yet a further demand of 2101. is now made for two square feet to be occupied by the pedestal. The statue has, in oonsequence, remained five years in the artist's studio. Would Governmeut remonstrate with the Dean and Chapter, so as to procure admission without satisfying this exorbitant demand ; or would Lord Aberdeen propose a grant of two hundred guineas for the purpose of wiping away the reproach ? The Earl of ABERDEEN, expressing his sympathy with the object in view and admiration for the poet, said that there are no estates for the repair of Westminster Abbey, and the only funds available are those derived from the receipts of money for burial-places and the erection of monu- ments. The Dean and Chapter have no personal interest in the matter, but they are bound to maintain the fabric. As to a Parliamentary grant, be was not prepared to propose one ; and he submitted that it would be better for Lord Campbell and other admirers of the poet to subscribe the SUM required. He for one would readily join in such a subscription, and he had no doubt that the 2101. required would be easily provided.

SPAIN AND THE SLAVE-TRADE.

In reply to Mr. Hone, Lord Joan RUSSELL made a statement of what bad recently been done by Spain towards the suppression of the slave- trade in Cuba. He represented that stringent orders for the liberation of all newly-arrived slaves were sent out to Cuba in February last ; that further orders to the same effect were issued in March ; and that under them 600 slaves in March and 600 in May, who had been landed and placed on an estate, were liberated by the Governor with the sanction of the tribunals. It was also ordered that any authority that failed to re- port the arrival of fresh slaves should be dismissed and subjected to pe- nalties. It is true that the venality of the Cuban authorities has frus- trated efforts to suppress the trade; but as the Queen Mother, who had notoriously been one of the chief promoters of the trade, has been re- moved, a new Government been instituted in Spain, with Espartero at its head, and General Concha appointed Captain-General of Cuba, there is no doubt that Spain will now zealously cooperate in the abolition. At the same time, her Majesty's Government will impress on the new Go- vernment of Spain that all their credit will be forfeited if this disgraceful traffic be continued under their sanction.