POSTSCRIPT
• SATURDAY.
The House of Commons sat till half-past one this morning; but as most of the time was devoted to the consideration of the Benefices Plurality Bill in Committee, the record of their proceedings occupies little space in the newspapers. The remaining clauses of the bill were agreed tan; and it is to be " reported " un Monday. We notice that Mr. COCICIENAVS amendment, respecting property in trading concerns held by clergymen, was rejected. On the motion of Mr. SPRING Ries:, the bill for granting a sum of money for the support of Scotch Parochial Schools was read a second time, by 79 to 12.
Mr. MELIA at Wri.rearam's bill for abolishing the Stamp.duty on the admission of Freemen passed the second reeding, by 3.5 to 30.
Lord FRANCIS EGERTON presented a petition in favour of the inter- national Copyright Bill, signed by individuals, the bare mention of whose names would be received with honour and respect in any assembly of the civilized world, whether a Chamber, a Parliament, a Cortes, or a Congress. Ile would mention a few,-Mary Somerville, Joanna Millie, Lucy Aikin, Harriet Martineau, (whose name would be re- ceived with enthusiasm on the other side of the Atlantic.) Sarah Porter, Laura Laudon. There were also the names of Robert Southey, Samuel Roeers, Leigh Hunt. In fact, there was only one signature which did rot belong to some person distinguished in literature-that was his owe. ( Loud cries of " Hear. hear! "from both sides of the (louse.)
Ilere ends the account of the noticeable matter in the Commons.
The !Loads had some conversation respecting a letter from Mr. Baekhouse, Under Secretary in the Foreign Office, to Colonel Shaw, stating that Lord Palmerston " would move her Majesty's Government to take upon themselves the payment of the claims of the Legion against the Spanish Government." Lord ABERDEEN asked Lord Melbourne, whether Ministers had acceded to Lord Pulmerston's application ?-the sum amounted to about 27,0001. Lord AI ErBoURNE replied, that there was no intention of praying the claims of the Legion. Lord ABERDEEN thought it very strange that the Foreign Secretary and the Treasury should have a difference on this point. The Duke of WeEEINe.ros said, that what made the matter serious, was the pub- lication of the letter by the Foreign Office. Lord ME1,110CRNE said, that Colonel Shaw had published the letter ; which amounted to no more than a statement that the claims would be forwarded to the Treasury for consideration. Lord Ranee thought that Lord Palmer- ston should have told the unhappy claimants at once that the money would not be paid. Here the conversation dropped.
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