Elder% nub ProccrItingl in parliament.

I. POOR-LAWS AMENDMENT BILL.

When Lord ALTHORP, on Monday, moved that the House of Corn- moos should go into Committee on this bill, Mr. COBBETT moved—. " That before the House proceed further with this bill, it appoint a SelectCommittee to inquire into the causes of the great increase of the amount of the poor-rates in England and Wales." He utterly denied that the distress of the agriculturists arose from the Poor-laws, although it appeared that the bill before the House was to be the only measure proposed by Government for their relief. He referred to the report of the Commissioners, and to the answers received to the questions put to 1717 gentlemen of England and Wales, in proof of this opinion. Out of the whole number, 159 only ascribed the ruin of the farmer to the Poor-laws. Mr. Cobbett believed that the increase of taxation was the cause of the increase of the poor-rates ; but why the poor should be blamed for that, he could not understand.

Lord ALTHORP replied, that be had merely stated the increase in the poor-rates to be a main ingredient in the distress of the farmers ; and therefore, that a bill which improved their administration and lessened their weight, would go a great way towards relieving that distress.

Colonel EVANS and Mr. ROBINSON spoke in favour of, and Mr. HemE, Mr. PETER, and Mr. SLANEY, against Mr. Cobbett's amend- ment; and the House rejected it, by 140 to S.

The Speaker then left the chair ; and the House being in committee the 33d clause—altered so as to give the owner of lands and tenements six votes, while the tenant had only one, in vestry, and also to give him the right of voting by proxy—was brought under discussion.

Colonel TORRENS moved that the consideration of this clause, of the principle of which he disapproved, should be postponed for the pre- sent.

Mr. HUME and Colonel EVANS objected to this clause.

Lord ALTIIORP supported it.

He considered it an act of great injustice to deprive a man who might have- the greatest interest in a parish of a vote at its vestry. It was, in his opinion, a clear principle, that the owners of property should have votes as well as the- occupiers. Then came the principle of giving them the power to vote by proxy. In political matters, it was true, a great difference of opinion might exist as to the propriety of the principle of voting by proxy : but it was a different thing to allow owners of property, as a matter of accommodation, to vote in matters pecuniarily interesting them, to vote by their agents. If a gentleman who lived in Northumberland possessed the right of voting through a property that belonged to him in Cornwall, of what avail or use would that right be to him unless he could exercise it through his agent ? Mr. GROTE wished that in town parishes this part of the bill could be dispensed with: its effects would be mischievous. He did not object to the vote by proxy, to be exercised in the manner and for the purposes the clause proposed.

Lord ALTHORP said, that cumulative voting would not do any harm in town parishes; what influence would Mr. Portman's six votes give him in Marylebone ?

Several Members made brief speeches for and against this clause, and after a further explanation by Lord ALTHORP, that the clause only affected three branches of the duties of a vestry,—the election of guar- dians of the poor, union of parishes, and building of workhouses,—the amendment of Colonel Torrens was rejected, by 128 to 3.5.

Mr. JERVIS then moved that the part of the clause relating to proxies should be struck out. This amendment was also rejected by the Committee ; the numbers being 125 and 30; and the clause was ordered to stand part of the bill. Clauses 34th, 35th, and 36th, were also agreed to, after some inef- fectual opposition by Mr. PouLErr SCROPE, Sir H. WILLOUGHBY, and Mr. HODGES. Clause 37th was postponed ; and the clauses from 38tb to 44th inclusive were severally agreed to. The Committee then com- menced the discussion of the 45th clause ; which was postponed, oz the motion of Mr. SCROPE, on account of the lateness of the hour.

The discussion was resumed on Tuesday, at: themorning sitting.. The 45th clause having been read, Mr. POULETT SCROPE moved an amendment, to the effect that no- thing in the clause should be understood to authorize the Commissioners to issue any rule to the guardians of any parish to prohibit them from giving relief out of the workhouse to the sick or impotent poor, or widows, orphans, and illegitimate children. Lord ALTHORP contended, that the bill did not prevent such relief from being given, and that the amendment was therefore unnecessary.

Mr.COBBEIT supported the amendment. The bill gave theCommis- sioners the power to issue such regulations as they saw fit ; they ought not to have such power. Mr. Putman was decidedly opposed to that part of the bill which made it imperative to send paupers and their families to the workhouse. : they would never be able to raise themselves to their former level agam Mr. GROTE hoped that Lord Althorp would not give way to the amendment. After some further observations from Lord DAItLiN TON, Mr. HALCOMB, MT. SCHOLEFIELD, and others, it was negatived) by 148 to 40; and the Committee rose, it being three o'clock.

The debate on the 45th clause was resumed in Committee on Thurs- day morning. •

Mr. COBBETT moved an amendment, to the effect that husbands should not be separated from wives or children, and that the inmates of workhouses should not be liable to have their heads shaved, or be compelled to wear workhouse dresses. He made a desultory speech in support of his motion ; and thanked God there was a House of Lords, which would throw out the bill. He was utterly opposed to the doc- trines inculcated in a Ministerial paper of that morning (the Chronicle), which wanted to remodel that House, and drive all the poor Lords out of it.

Lord A LTHORP opposed the motion. He would not limit the power of the Commissioners by adopting the amendment.

The Member for Oldham said, that if the House did not vote for his amend- ment, it would be as much as voting for shaving the heads ti the poor, and putting badges upon them. The Member for Oldham knew very well that was not the case. If he were to propose a clause to the House that Mr. Cobbett should not speak the same speech ten times over, and the House should reject the clause, would he say it was an inference that the House wished he should do so? (Laughter and cheers.) After some further discussion, in which Mr. BAINES, Mr. PRYME, end Mr. WOOD, took part, the amendment was rejected, by 128 to 11. The clause as amended was then ordered to stand part of the bill.

The 46th clause, which enacts that after the 1st of June 1835 all al- lowance to able-bodied workmen shall cease, was read. .

Lord A LTHORP intimated his intention to propose an amendment so as to give the Commissioners a discretionary power as to the operation of this clause.

Colonel TORRENS said, that he considered this clause to be at once the most important and most delicate clause in the whole bill.

The allowance system was the worst part of the Poor-laws, and it was per- haps the most difficult to be got rid of. In the natural course of things, the single man would receive as much wages as the married man ; but the effect of giving parish allowance to married labourers with large families, had been to lower the wages of the single men; and he feared that the consequence of pas- sing the present clause would be to reduce the wages of the married men to a level with those now received by single men. Out of this difficulty, lie con- fessed lie should not be able to see his way, were it not for the important amend- ment intended to be proposed by Mr. Whitmore to the Emigration clause.

Mr. them( called the attention of the House to the condition in which workmen would be placed who, being partially employed, were not in the receipt of sufficient wages to maintain themselves. He moved an amendment, empowering overseers to grant relief in such cases, but requiring them immediately to send a notice thereof to the Commis- sioners.

Three o'clock baying arrived, the House adjourned.

Considerable progress was made in the bill last night. Previously, however, to the Speaker's leaving the chair, Mr. COBBETT moved for an account of the expenses of the Poor-Law Commission, and a state- ment of the other offices which the Commissioners held, and for which they were paid out of the public purse. After Mr. Cobbett had spoken some time in favour of his motion, he said, " Will the noble lord agree to that return being—" Lord A LTHORP—" To be sure I will."

Mr. COBBETT—" To be sure be will !—(Laughter.)—Does the noble lord agree to my motion ? Lord A LTHORP (touching his hat)-.." Yes." Mr. COBBETT—" Oh! then you know I shan't speak any more : the noble lord agrees to my motion 1"

The House went into Committee, and the discussion of the 46th clause was resumed.

Mr. HARDY moved an amendment to the effect "that the overseers of the poor should be allowed to give immediate relief in all cases of emergency." After some discussion, the amendment, which was op- posed by Lord A LTHORP, was withdrawn; and the clause was agreed to.

The 47th clause was passed without discussion.

Mr. POULETT SCROPE moved an amendment to the 48th clause in order to deprive Vestries of the power of giving or refusing relief as

they pleased without appeal to the Magistrates--a power which this clause conferred upon them.

In the course of the debate on this amendment, Mr. COBBETT spoke against Mr. Sturges Bourne's Act. This called up Mr. GORING ;

who reminded Mr. Cobbett of the effect of Isis own writings, and of the fact that Goodman. the rickburner of Horsham, had confessed that he had been stimulated by his works and speeches to commit incen- diarism.

Mr. CounErr was heard in reply to this attack. He said that Mr. Goring had surely forgotten that the merciful and generous Whigs had brought him to trial on the very charge of instigating the people to acts of ineendiarism. He had surely forgotten that, in refutation of the charge, there was a document containing KM signatures of persons who were present at the time when he was said to have uttered that which led Goodman to set fire to the stacks. He forgot also that this Goodman had caused five fires; and that witnesses at the trial proved, that in two or three instances he was actuated by feelim;s of private malice. Notwithstanding these facts, Goodman's life was spared, while another man was taken out of the same gaol and executed, though he had set fire to but one rick. The truth was, Goodman was stimulated to make the statement he had made by the persons who were about him in the prison. It was proved at the trial, that the autography of the confession was not the same as was that of the letters which he had written to his friends ; the confession was fabricated for him, and put into the newspapers Mr. Goring forgot all this—he forgot that it was proved at the trial that the assertions attri- buted to Goodman were as false as his own assertions would be if he did not be- lieve them to be true. ("Hear, hear !" and great laughter.) He was not sure that he could not produce now some men residing at Battle who were re- ceiving the public money for the service they rendered the Whig Government in aiding the conspiracy formed for the purpose of the trial. Goodman's life was spared because he lent his hand to the fabricated confession. Mr. GORING said that be had seen the identical confession of Goodman.

Mr. COBBETT—" Did you see him write it?" ("Hear!" and a laugh.) Mr. GORING—" I certainly did not: it was the Sheriff of the County who did." ("Hear!" and cries af " Question !")

The Committee then divided on Mr. Scrope's amendment ; which was rejected by a majority of 127 to 25; and the clause was agreed to.

The clauses from the 49th to 59th inclusive were also passed with- out amendment, and the Committee rose.

2. IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.

Leave was given to Sir JOHN CAMPBELL, on Thursday, to bring in a bill to abolish imprisonment fur debt, except in cases of fraud. He mentioned, that on the first day of the session, he had given notice of a motion to bring in a similar bill ; but on the day it was to have come on, he ceased to be a Member of the House. On the very day, however. of his restoration to the House, he had renewed his notice ; and hoped he should be able to carry through a measure which lay so near his heart. He then went into a general argument in favour of the aboli- tion of imprisonment for debt, and read an extract from Burke in con- firmation of his opinions on the subject. He could not, however, pro- pose to abolish imprisonment, sinless he could offer some equivalent to the creditor, and effect some improvement in the law of debtor and creditor.

He proposed, first of all, that there should be a power of instant execution upon all bills of exchange, promissory notes, and bonds. When a man put his hand solemnly to instruments of that sort, it was monstious to allow hini, with- out any shadow of pretence, to have a trial, to put in sham pleas, and thus per. Laps to cause greater expense to the creditor than the original amount of the debt. There was nothing like this in Scotland, in France, or in any other country of Europe; and why should it be so any longer in England? Another improvement he intended to introduce, was for the purpose of more effectually compelling the debtor to surrender his property. Under the present system, the debtor put his creditors at defiance. By the Lora Act it was provided, that any man taken in execution for a sum under :h.9! might be compelled to bLIC- render all his property; but if the sum was above that amount, he might put his creditors at defiance, and, by living within the rules, enjoy all the luxuries of life as in a palace, and squander all that property by which his just debts should have been paid. Ile proposed by this bill, whatever the amount of the debt was, that the debtor should be subjected to an examination before a compe- tent tribunal; and if he should not fairly disclose and surrender his property, he should he put into close confinement and treated as a criminal. Common debtors would thus be treated, in fact, as bankrupts.

He also proposed that all manner of property, securities, money in the Funds, copyholds, &c. should be surrendered for the benefit of creditors.

Another improvement of considerable importance would be, to allow the cessio bonoruon without imprisonment. If a debtor were honestly disposed to surrender his property, why should he not be allowed to do so voluntarily, without being arrested by a Sheriff's officer and thrown into prison ? The creditors would have the opportunity of judging whether the debtor was honest or not. At present, all future effects were liable, and the spur of industry was entirely taken away ; it was therefore proposed that a certain proportion of the creditors in number and value should give a certificate, and the debtor would then become a new man, in the same manner is if, under the present system, he had been a bankrupt. If, however, on the other hand, he contracted debts on false pretences, or made an assignment of debts and property with the view of defrauding his creditors,—if, in short, he did not make a just and fair disclosure of the state of his affairs, he should be guilty of a miademeanour, and subject to punishment accordingly. There would be some expense incidental to the machinery for this measure; but nothing like the cost of the Insolvent Debtors system, which was 300,000/. annually, and which would be done away with.

Several members suggested what they considered improvements in the bill, which Sir John Campbell promised to attend to. A separate measure, he said, would be proposed for Ireland.

3. DISSENTERS' PETITIONS; VIEWS OF THE GOVERNMENT.

Numerous petitions were presented on Wednesday, at the morning sitting of the House of Commons, in favour of the removal of Dissen- ting disabilities ; also in support of the Established Church, and against the admission of Dissenters into the Universities. Several members delivered their sentiments on these subjects in the course of the desul- tory discussion which ensued.

Mr. MILES remarked, that the late declaration of the Sovereign of his determination to maintain inviolate the rights of the Church was widely circulated and running like wild-fire through all parts of the county of Somerset, and was, as might be expected, exciting a warm interest amongst that large mass of the public who were attached to the Church.

Mr. SHEPPARD had formerly voted in favour of the Dissenters ; but, from subsequent declarations which had proceeded from them, he found that he must withdraw part of that support.

Mr. CLAY was struck with Mr. Miles's observation respecting the King's declaration spreading like wild-fire through the land. • If this was having such an effect, it made it important to inquire how far this declaration had been advised or suggested by the responsible advisers of the "Crown. This was the more necessary, as it seemed to be the leading impression in that declaration that the Church did not stand in need of any reform. Now he thought that nothing could be more unfortunate for the Church itself than the existence of such an impression in such a quarter. Sir ROBERT PEEL admired the conduct of Mr. Sheppard in with- drawing his support from the Dissenters : he was justified in doing so, for the reason he had assigned. He would call attention to a recent declaration of the Dissenters United Committee.

This declaration, the Flouse must consider, had not been hastily made in the heat of debate, or without consideration, but was deliberately put forth at a meeting specially convened by a body of Dissenters, forming the United Committee, dele- gated by the Dissenters generally, and of course representing the sentiments of that body. They stated, that their object in putting forth the declaration was to rescue themselves from imputations which had been made against them of au attempt to overthrow the Established Church. The charge against them was, that they designed the total destruction of the Episcopal form of worship, and that they were desirous to enjoy the secular advantages that would result from a separation of the Church from the State. Those Dissenteis positively denied the assertion. They did not wish to overthrow the Church, or to interfere with the Episcopal form of worship ; nor did they desire that the emoluments of the Church should be appropriated for the purposes of their own religion ; hut they did declare that they wished to withhold from the Established Church the con- trol it possessed over the State, and the support it received from it. They did not wish it to be given to thern—true, but they wished it taken from the Esta- blished Church, which was nothing less than a separation of Church and State. All they disclaimed was, any interference with the ecclesiastical discipline of the

Much ; but az they, the Established Church, had never expressed any desire ta interfere, or attempted any interference, with the form of worship adopted by the Dissenters, he did not think any great value was to be attached to the dis- claimer. The Dissenters prayed that there might be a total severance of the alliance between Church and State; which he contended amounted to a decla- ration that there should be no Established Church wiihin these realms.

He considered it the duty of Ministers to take an early opportunity of explaining candidly what their views were on this subject.

Mr. BAINES contended, that Dissenters must, upon principle, object to the alliance of Church and State. They had no wish to take the property of the Church ; but they thought that it ought to be differently applied.

M. SHAW said—

Ile believed it had now come to the simple question of whether there should Ne a clitirell or no church ; and he thought, as that was the case, it was most deoirable the Government should not entertain one opinion in that House and a slitIreat opinion in another, but should distinctly state what opinion his Ma- jiesty's 3liuisters, as a Government, entertained with regard to the Church.

Mr. lima., Mr. METHUEN, Sir It. PEEL, and the Marquis of Citasmoa, maintained, that Mr. Baines was incorrect in stating that the whole body of Dissenters wished for a separation of Church and State. There were petitions before the House which disproved this assertion.

Earl JERMYN said— The evidence of every day proved it was the imperious duty of the Govern- ment to declare the views they entertained toward the Church and the Dissen- ters. He then alluded to the appointment of Mr. Abercromby ; and said, that when that gentleman was called upon to give his opinion on the subject of a separation of Church and State, he stated that it was a new question, and one that required very serious consideration. He thought that not only the indi- vidual opinions of the members of the Government should be stated, but also what were the views of the Government of which Mr. Abercromby was now a member.

Mr. ROBERT GRANT, being the only member of the Government present, thought it rather hard that he should be expected to speak for Ministers on this occasion, merely because he had a brother in the Cabinet.

The petitions were then laid on the table.

4. JEWISH DISABILITIES Mu.

The third reading of this bill was opposed, on Wednesday, by Mr. CUMMING BRUCE; but carried by a majority of 50 to 14. It was then passed.

On Thursday, the bill was read a first time in the House of Peers.

5. POST-OFFICE REFORM.

Ott Thursday, Mr. ROBERT WALLACE moved for a copy of the letter addressed by the late Commissioners of Revenue Inquiry to the Trea- sury, in reply to the statements made by the Post-office department on their reports, but withdrew his motion, on being assured by Lord ALTHORP that the document in question should be produced as soon as it had been submitted to the Duke of Richmond.

Mr. WALLACE then brought forward his motion for an address to the Xing, praying his Majesty to place the Post-office Department under :he control of Commissioners, in compliance with the recommendation of the Revenue Commissioners.

By the office being put in commission, he was sure a saving would be effected of not less than 200,0001. or 300,000/. per annum, and he therefore would en- treat the Government to make the experiment. Without having regard to the actual outlay, he hesitated not to say that three efficient Commissioners could be found to discharge the duties for the salary which had hitherto been paid to she Postmaster-General, and thus would be secured the services of three men of business instead of one Peer of Parliament, whose duties to his country in the ether branch of the Legislature must materially interfere with that close atten- tion which was necessary in the head of so important a department as the Post. office establishment in this country.

He alluded to the patronage vested in the Postmaster- General, which was so great as to be almost unconstitutional.

That officer had the appointment of every person within the range of the Peet-office establishment in England, Ireland, Scotland, and the Colonies. That pietroirage had been, and might again be, made use of for political purposes, and thus pi °duce an effect upon the representation of every city, town, and district is the realm. The extent of patronage in this country alone was immense; as would appear from the circumstance that the Postmaster-General had the ap- pointment of not less than 1,500 Postmasters, besides all the subordinate ser. azats employed by each. He contended, that by placing the office in the hands of three Commissioners—the chief with a salary of 1,000/. per annum, and the other two 8001. each—an effectual benefit and advantage would ensue to this branch of the public service, and would take away many of those blots and evils to which on an early day be should more particularly advert. He could not avoid now expressing his gratification at and bearing his testimony to the high- winded conduct of the noble Duke who had recently seceded from his presi- dency over the Post-office department, with regard to the communication with France. He must join also in thanking that noble Duke for the free transmis- sion oi the literary productions of this country, and for that free intercourse which assisted in the extension of the literary knowledge of this country over lite at hole of Europe, and especially that most important branch of literature political knowledge. For these advantages he was indebted to the exertions and geed feeling of the late Postmaster-General ; whose conduct, when lately in communication with the Post-office department in France, lie had ascertained to have been of the most conciliatory nature. He had seen it to be his duty to wait personally on Dr. Bowring, one of the authors of the Report just put into circulation, on the Commercial Relations with France, including Post-office arrangements of course, and who had just returned from that country ; and Dr. Bowring had assured him of the Duke of Richmond having been no less liberal and generous in the late great achievement than the officials representing the 1?reuch Post-office.

Mr. HUME seconded the motion.

There was a reason, which Mr. Wallace had omitted to state, whv the Post- meter-General ought not to be a political party,7-namely, that changing as that officer did with every change of Administration, the affairs of the esta- blishment were left entirely to the management of the Secretary. This was pregnant with evil, and he must deprecate the vesting so important a trust in any subordinate officer. He did not wish to say any thing with respect to the kte Postmaster-General, but he felt bound to state has conviction—a conviction fueintal upon the attentive perusal of the Reports laid on the table of the Home some years ago--that in no Government establishment had there been less pro- gress in respect to improvement made during the last fifteen years than in the

st- office department.

Mr. VERNON SMITH spoke highly of the Duke of Richmond's con- duct as Postmaster- General, and of the difficulty in procuring an adequate successor to him. He contended that the head of the Post. officeought to be a political officer; and objected to the appointment of a Board, which would lessen the amount of responsibility which ought to fall upon the really managing person, who would act as Chief Commissioner. He denied that so large a saving as Mr. Wallace had mentioned could be made in the department. The patronage of the office had not been used by the Duke of Richmond for political pur. poses, and with his predecessors he had nothing to do.

[At this moment an interruption took place, in consequence of a communication made to the Treasury Bench, which on being circu- lated elicited loud cheers from the Ministerial sides of the House, the nature of the communication appears from what followed.] Mr. SMITH continued— He could not complain of the interruption. He could not avoid expressing a hope that the Member for Greenock would not think it necessary to place the office of Secretary for the Colonies into commission, particularly as the right honourable gentleman who had recently been appointed to fill that situation had been returned again to this House. (Renewed cheers.)

He presumed that Mr. Wallace did not intend to press his motion.

Mr. WALLACE did not think it incumbent on him to proceed further at present in the matter. Ile should take an early opportunity of again bringing the subject before the House, and would labour assiduously to bring about a reform in the department.

After a few words from Lord ALTHORP the motion was withdrawn.

6. DISTRESS OF THE HAND-LOOM WEAVERS.

Mr. Maxwet.t., on Wednesday, moved for a Select Committee to inquire into the distress complained of in the petitions of the hand-loom weavers.

Mr. GILLON, Sir D. SANDFORD, Mr. COBBETT, Mr. HOULDSWORTII, Colonel TORRENS, Mr. HARDY, Mr. J. FIELDEN, Mr. G. W. WOOD,

and others, supported the motion ; principally on the ground that good would come of the inquiry, though by no means wishing to coon. tenance the idea that the establishment of local boards, which the peti-

tioners desired, would be of service. Mr. EWING, Mr. PouLerr Titoatsosi, Lord PALMERSTON, and Mr. PRYME, opposed the appoint- ment of a Committee.

Mr. Pouterr THOMSON trusted that the house would not go into an inquiry found on a principle that would only tend to delude the people as to the causes of their distress.

lie had as much at heart the interests of those manufacturers as any Member, and it was for that reason that he would resist such a motion as this. lie begged at the same time to state, that he thought the House might, with great propriety, enter upon a future occasion in the next session of Parliameet into an inquiry into the subject of wages generally, with regard to which lie knew that many Members were anxious to obtain information. When such a Committee was appointed, the hand-loom weavers would then come before it with flair ease divested of any delusion, such as that of the establishment of local boards of trade, for which the petitioners, and those Members who supported the motion for inquiry, asked on this occasion.

Mr. HUME had always held that wages would regulate themselves according to the wants of the public in any trade.

To attempt to raise them by any other means than the fair increase of the de- mand for labour, would be absurd, and would always fail. He felt greatly for the distresses of the hand-loom weavers, but he did not see how it was possible that the Legislature could assist them in the way they sought. Suppose a bill were brought in to regulate the wages of any particular trade, it would have the effect of sending the best men in that trade out of the country. This was fully and fatally experienced in the case of the Spitalfields weavers.

Mr. CORBETT trusted, that after the descriptions of distress they bad heard, they should not again be told that it was desirable that Englinid should become the great manufacturing shop of the world.

He trusted too, that they would no longer bear the Member for Middlesex eulogize the operation of the Scotch poor-laws, as an example for this country to follow in amending its own system of poor-laws. Mr. Hume had expresseda fear that if the House should interfere in this matter of wages, it might drive valuable branches of manufactures from the country. Drive them front the country ! Ay, drive them from the world, he would say; drive them down to the infernal regions, rather than that they should produce such misery. (A laugh.) He wished not England to become the manufacturing shop of the world ; on the contrary, if manufactures were to produce such distress as had been described—if they were to be followed by such a harvest of misery—he should like to see them driven not only from this country, but from the world. (" Oh!" and a laugh.) Ile was not a judge of the measures that might be necessary to relieve the distress of those suffering manufacturers, but he would certainly vote for a Committee of inquiry to see what could be done for them.

He hoped the Committee would be granted : they had plenty of Committees on other subjects, then why not grant one on this?

They had a Committee to inquire into the causes of drunkenness, though every human being knew beforehand that it arose from the use of beer andgin. They had a Committee appointed nevertheless, and sitting, with its Chairman, and all the other rigmarole, to inquire into that which all knew to be the effect of beer and gin. They had also a Committee appointed to inquire into the best mode of educating the people. The complaints made by the people to that House were, that their bellies were empty, and that their backs were bare; aid a Committee was appointed to see how their heads were furnished, and whether any addition could he made to that furniture. It was food and raiment that the people of Paisley called for and wanted, and the House in its wisdom would give them little books to satisfy them: It was food and raienent that the people wanted, and not those little papers which the House was for circulating.aruongst them. The appointment of the Committee would do no.harni, and it might pos- sibly do a great deal of good. Lord PALMERSTON observed, that Mr. Cobbett's remedy for the distress of the manufacturers was to send them to the infernal regions. Mr. Comierr—" No, no: I said the trade, not the manufacturers." Lord PALMERSTON-" Well, if the honourable Member was for sending the trade to the infernal regions, he might as well send the manufacturers after d, as that would shorten the sufferings they would have to endure in the way to their destination. (A laugh.) Mr. C,obbett was, by way of relieving the manufac- turers, for sending the manufacturers out of the country altogether. He rather thought that the petitioners, and those Members who supported the mai", would not accept of a Committee on such terms. In his opinion, the interesti of the petitioners, as well as of the manufacturing classes generally, would be most beneficially consulted by reserving all inquiry for the generalCommiltee that would be appointed neat session. The House divided : for the Committee, 70; against it, 42 ; majority against Ministers, 28. The Committee was then appointed.

7. PARLIAMENT IN IRELAND.

Mr. Bisn moved, on Thursday, that an humble address be presented to the King, praying him to hold his Court and Parliament occasion- ally in that part of the kingdom celled Ireland. He supported his motion in an amusing speech, repeatedly interrupted by general laughter. This, he said, was no party measure; it was on the contrary, one which might be supported by or sides of the House—by Whigs, Tories, and Radicals, by Protestants and Catholics, by men of every religion, and of every shade in politics, by Repealers—and Anti-Repealers—in short, by all the Members in that House. He was sure that if a repeal of the Union should take place, it would be the ruin of the country. He himself had been in Ireland, and he could speak from personal observation as to the condition of that country. He could say from what he saw, that it was in a most desperate, in a most deplorable_ indeed, he might almost say, in a disgusting state. Ireland must really be in a bad state, when the people complained there, for they could suosist upon what would be starvation to an Englishman. If this alteration were adopted, it could not of cause come into operation sooner than twelve months; awl in the mean time, even then the greatest advantage would be produced by it, as the command that would go forth to get their house in order, and the other preparations that would be made for holding a Parlizunent in Dublin, would give employment to a great portion of the people of Ireland. If this motion was granted; that great stumblingblock in the way of the improvement of Ireland, the absentees, would be removed ; and unless they got kick the absentees to Ireland, it never would be quiet. Now, to get them hack, you must first make the land palatable to them ; and the absentees would mit go back there at present, because they were in danger of having their throats cut every week.

English gentlemen knew all places abroad, but very little indeed of their own country. The only Irish gentleman in the Government was out of the House at present ; but Mr. Bish knew that uo country was better adapted for the advantageous employment of capital than Ireland, if it were peaceable ; and his measure would tend greatly to restore tranquillity and contentment that to country.

He said that Mr. O'Connell and his party did not show good policy in always abusing the Whigs, and saying that they never did any thing. To be sure, there was not much love lost on either side, for the Whigscalledhim and his party demagogues, agitators, disturbers, and if not traitors, within seven- eighths or fifteen-sixteenths of traitors. He remembered, that the day after the speech of Mr. Stanley on the Coercion Bill, when he went into the City, the question of every one to him was, " Where did you sit ?" " Did you hear Stanley's great speech?" and they all, in fact, seemed to think that the late Semetary fur the Colonies had swallowed up the Member for Dublin and his party. He believed that that gentleman's party would equally wish to swallow up their opponents; but for his part, he would wish to do away with every thing of the kind. Ile had seen both Houses of Parliament before the Union. He hail been in Dublin before the Union, and it was a gay and lively city then. But what was it now ? It looked just as if the cholera had taken possession of it.

If the Court and Parliament were to go to Dublin, every thing would soon be well adapted for them.

No doubt, new Brightons, new Margates, new Hastingses, and new Tun- bridge Wellses would spring up there ; and be had no doubt that there was

plenty of mineral and other waters in Ireland for their gratification. Such a course of proceeding would add immeasurably to the wealth and population of Ireland. He thought it would be advantageous and agreeable to the King him- self, thus occasionally to visit his Irish dominions. For his part, he never could understand why the King should be confined as at present in a state prison. Before his Majesty came to the throne, he could do what he pleased; and go where he pleased, and nobody took any notice of him. (Lanyhter.)

He was aware he had made a very rambling speech, but thanked the Ilouse for their attention.

Mr. RUTIIVEN seconded the motion ; which Mr. LALOR also sup- ported. It was then negatived without a division.

8. MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS.

RELIEF OF THE POLES. On the motion of Lord DUDLEY STUART, on Monday, the House resolved itself into a Committee, and voted the sum of 10,000/. for the relief of the Poles now in this country. It was stated by Lord Aurnoite, that this money would provide a twelvemonth's support for the sufferers.

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA. Colonel EVANS proposed a resolution on Thursday, to the effect that the payments to Russia in part of the Russian Dutch Loan sheold be suspended as the Czar had not fulfilled the conditions of the convention under which the money was payable, having disseated from the m?asures to enforce the surrender of Ant- werp. Lord PALMERSTON went into an explanation of the circum- stances under which this country became liable to make the payments in question ; and contended, that the RussianGovernment had not for- feited their claim to it by any subsequent act. He moved the previous question upon the resolution. After some remarks byColonel Davies and Mr. HUME, Lord Palmerston's amendment wag carried without a division, and the resolution was lost.

SPANISII CLAIMS. A motion by Lord EBRINGTON, on Thursday, fora Select Committee to inquire into the chums of British merchants On the Government for compensation for damage done by the Spaniards during the last war with France, was opposed by Lord ALTHORP, and negatived, on a division, by 62 to 28.

IRISH TITIIES. ADMISSION OF DISSENTERS TO THE UNIVERSITIES. In the course of a long and desultory conversation which took place in the House of Commons last night, respecting the business of the House (which was admitted by Lord Althorp to be in a more than usually backwaid state), Sir ROBERT PFEL wished to know distinctly whether the appropriation clauses of the Irish Tithe Bill were to be retained or struck out ? It was only right that an early day should be fixed for the discussion of this subjectewhich was of the most pressing moment. Lord ALTHORP wished to get through one measure at a time: be wished to have the Poor-Law Bill through the Committee, before he brought the Irish Tithe Bill again before the House; and therefore he could not name the precise day when the latter measure would be brought forward.

.Sir ROBERT PEEL was anxious also to know when the bill for ad. nutting Dissenters to the Universities would again be discussed. He believed it was fixed for Monday, and that it would come on then. ( Cries of " No, no!") Mr. G. IV. Wool) said that he should be ready at the morning sitting of Tuesday. Mr. GOULBURN okeoted to a measure of such vast importance being discussed at a morning sitting. He subsequently said, that it wand/ occasion a three days' debate at least.

No precise information was elicited from Ministers on either of the subjects.

REGISTRATION OF VOTERS. Lord JOHN RUSSELL, on Monday moved for leave to bring in a bill for,the more effectual registration of voters. He gave the following explanation of its principal provisions. The clerk of tine peace in counties was to issue a warrant to the high con- stable, w who would issue precepts to the overseers. In boroughs, the towa-delt was to be invested with the office of putting Tup a list of freemen's places of of abode. With respect to towns, he proposed that the registration hdhixrg should be paid once, and that the first time of the payment the name of the voter should be placed on the list. The bill would also contain some provisions to prevent what in some places had been found an inconvenience—namely, the practice of frivolous claims and objections. It was proposed that, where a son claimed the right of voting without probable cause, or where an objection was made without probable cause to a person claiming such right, the barrister should have the power of allowing certain costs. There was another point: a phrase used in the Reform Act, of " other buildings," had given rise in souse boroughs to an abuse whereby persons not substantial voters had been mule nominal voters by the erection of sheds and similar buildings, which conferred upon the occupiers a right of voting, which was exercised in favour of the rev- son erecting them. It was intended to define the phrase " other building" more strictly, so as to confine the right of voting to persons occupying suIrstatt- tial buildings, such as mills, brewhouses, granaries, &c. and thus to obviate dig

abuse.

After a brief discussion, in which Mr. Wyss, Mr. WALTER, and

Mr. PRYME joined, leave was given to bring in the bill.

CORN-LAWS; TIMBER AND TEA DUTIES. Mr. POULETT MOW- SON presented some returns on Thursday; from which it appeared that no foreign corn had been imported into the islands of Goa-al.:AT, Jersey, and Man, and thence transmitted to this country, in contravers. tion of the Corn-laws, as bad been stated in the newspapers. Ile also said, in reply to a question from Mr. ROBINSON, that the importation of Baltic timber by way of Canada was not contrary to law, and that the Government would not go beyond the law to prevent it. Mr. E. CHAPMAN then asked if it were true that tea had been imported from Dantzic into Liverpool ? Mr. THOMSON replied, that the tea had been so imported, as the Liverpool gentlamen had discovered that Dantzie was eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, and a clauie in the act allowed tea to be imported from any place eastward of the Cape. [Daritzie is about fifteen miles to the cast of the Cape."

COMMUTATION OF TAXES. Sir SAMUEL WHALLEY DIOV.rd., on Tuesday,

" That as the Assessed Taxes are prejudicial to the home trade anti manuhrtIllW this country, anti as their pressure OCCaSkill(41 persons of moderate t■wi their incomes abroad, it is expedient that they should be repealed, and the mlelcircil in the revenue supplied by a tax upon real property, securities on real propoi.;., the public Funds.'

He said that as his health would not allow him to do justice to the subject, he should leave it in the bands of Mr. Robinson. Mr. 'ROBINSON then moved an amendment,

That a Select Committee be appointed to consider the expediency of a !N`Ni,s.n such commutation of taxes as may afford mile to the labouring and product and to equalize the pressure by a more equal di,trilmtiou of the public burden:, ,itlrat the interest of time National Debt, and time necessary charges for the public ',nice, after making every practicable 'Auction. may be raised with the least in tare 1,3 the in- dustry and improvement of the country."

Mr. Robinson had scarcely commenced his speech, when the House was counted out, a; a quarter before six o'clock.

FELONS PROPERTY BILL. Mr. ROTCH moved that this bill shoald be considered in Committee on Wednesday. Sir JoiIN C.1V;•111:;.1., ex- pressed his disapprobation of it : it went further than Mr. Rotel, had at first stated. He moved that it be considered that day three months; which the House agreed to ; so the bill is lost.

DISMISSAL OF NAVY OFFICERS. Sir EDWARD CODRINGTON pre- sented a petition, on Monday, from a Dr. Williams, a Navy surgeon, who complained of having been dismissed from the service by the Board of Admiralty, without airy means being allowed him of dis- proving the imputations on his character which formed the pretence for his dismissal. Sir Edward in strong language reprobated the general conduct of the Admiralty as regarded the entertaining of complaints against officers, and refusing them courts of inquiry. It had been in contemplation to dismiss himself from the service ; but the Admiralty dared not do it, as he could have exposed their conduct in the blouse of Commons.

Mr. LABOUCHERE and Sir JAMES GRAHAM defended the practice of the Board generally; and in regard to this Dr. Williams, said, that he had been guilty of dishonourable and ungentlemanlike conduct, and acme not fit to remain in the service.

. RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLIES BILL. On the motion of Mr. Manly, this bill was read a third time on Wednesday, by a majority of 88 to 33, and passed the House of Commons.

BRIBERY BILL. This bill was committed pro form(' on Wednesuzy, on the undeestanding that no further steps were to be taken with it this session ; as Lord JOHN RUSSELL said, the period of the sessioal was too far advanced to allow of the measure being fairly discussed.

CARRICKFERGUS BOROUGH. On the motion of Mr. O'Coanear.r, on Monday, the issue of a new writ for this borough was postponed to the fifth day of the next session.

NEW WRITS. A new writ was ordered on Tuesday for Filinbunala, Mr. Abercromby having accepted the office of Master of the Mint. [The House loudly cheered this announcement.' On Wednesday, a new writ was ordered for Wexford County; Mr. Carew having be made an Irish Peer.

LEITH HARBOUR BILL. This bill was thrown out OD Monday, at the second reading, on the motion of Mr. MURRAY (the Lord Advo- cate); who stated that the Government bad resolved to take the sub- ject into its own hands.

CHIMNEYSWEEPERS REGULATION BILL. On the motion of the Duke of SUTHERLAND, this bill was read a second time in the House of Lords last night ; and referred to a Select Committee.