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PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE WEER.

Boma OP Loans. Monday, February 13. Indictable Offences (Metropolitan District) ; Lord Chelmsford's Bill read a second time—St. George's-in-the-East ; petition presented by Lord Ebury. • Tuesday, February 14. Central Italy and Savoy ; Lord Normanby'a Motion— Probate and Administration (India) Bill read a first time. Thursday. February 15. Treaty with France ; Lord Airlie's motion. _Friday, February 17. Savoy and France; Earl Granville's Answer to Lord Nor.' Manby—Endowed Schools Bill committed.

Eon= rie COMMONS. Monday, February 13. Relations with China ; IsIr. B. Cochrane's Motion—Export of Coal ; Mr. Horsman's Complaint—Supply ; Navy Estimates—Probate and Administration (India) Bill read a third time suil passed— Law of Property Bill read a second time. Tuesday, February 14. Maynooth; Mr. Spooner's bintion.—Cambridge Statutes; Mr. Pollard Urquhart's Motion. trensesday, February 15. Electoral Corruption ; Select Committee appointed on Bills relating thereto—Adulteration of Food and Drink; Sir. Scholefield's Bill read a second time—Commissions on Irish Magistrates ; Colonel Dunne's Motion. Thursday. !February 15. Annexation of Savoy ; Lord John Russell's Statement— Manning the Navy ; Sir C. Napier's Motion—Flogging _in tie Army and Navy ; Mr. Willman's Motion—Civil Service Appointments ; Mr. Hemanney's Motion—Popular Recreation; Sir J. Trelawny's Motion—Religious Worship ; Mr. L. Ring's Bill read a first time.

Friday, February 17. The Budget ; Mr. Ducane's Notice of Motion—The Treaty ; Questions by Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Horsman—Supply ; Army Estimates. THE REFORM Brix.

Lord Joust Russum. gave notice that on Thursday, the let of March, he proposed to ask leave to bring in a Bill to further amend the repre- sentation of the people of England and Wales. The announcement was received with a few but faint cheers.

THE NAVY ESTIMATES.

The House went into. Committee of Supply on _Monday, in order that the Secretary of the Admiralty might make the annual statement in ex- planation of the Navy Estimates. Lord CLARENcE PAGET made a clear, frank, and comprehensive speech. He first showed that a few years ago we suddenly found ourselves not superior to, but on an equality with other nations in naval force, in con- sequence of the change introduced by steam. It behoves us to regain the superiority we possessed in the days of sailing ships. What is the force of other nations ? There is no mystery in these matters. We need not fear that we shall give offence by stating the strength of the French navy. Two years ago, the French Minister of Marine supplied him with the name and force of every ship in France. Well, France possesses 244 steam-ships that can be manned and sent to sea in a few weeks. That is, 32 ships of the line, 34 frigates, 17 corvettes, and many smaller craft afloat, including 31 transports. Among those build- ing are 5 ships of the line, 13 frigates, and 5 iron-cased ships. They could be launched in a short time. Russia possesses a steam navy of 187 vessels afloat, and 48 building. Of the vessels afloat, 9 are line-of- battle ships, 18 frigates, 10 corvettes ; of those building, 9 are ships of the line, 3 frigates, and 11 corvettes. Here he showed that as Russia has her fleet always manned, and France can always man hers at plea- sure, the strength of the fleets of those countries is represented by the actual force afloat; whereas our strength can only be reckoned by num- bering the ships in commission. Exclusive of sailing vessels, we have 27 ships of the line in commission, 34 frigates, 94 small vessels—a total of 164 ; but the tenders, guard-ships, &c., bring the number up to 244. For home defence, including the Mediterranean squadron, we have 27 line-of-battle ships, 14 frigates and corvettes, and 29 sloops and gun- boats ; the remainder of the ships in commission being on foreign sta- tions. Our total steam-fleet consists of 48 ships of the line afloat, and 11 building (two will be launcked next month), 34 frigates afloat and 9 building or converting ; 9 steam block-ships afloat; 4 iron-cased-ships building; 16 corvettes afloat, and 5 building ; 45 screw and 35 paddle sloops afloat, and 15 building; 169 gun-boats afloat and 23 building ; 8 floating batteries, 61 transports and small vessels, and 4 screw mortar- ships. During the next financial year, the Government hope to add to the Navy 10 ships of the line 12 frigates, 4 iron-cased ships, 4 corvettes, 15 sloops, and 23 gun-vessels and gun-boats. Passing from this subject, he proceeded to deal with the votes. The great increase arises on three items, men, ships, transport. The Govern- ment ask for an increase of 11,700 men and boys ; that is, 8000 seamen, 1000 marines, and 2000 boys; 100 coast-guardsmen afloat, and 600 ashore. About 10,000 seamen are to be kept as a reserve, and 6000 marines kept ashore. This carries out the recommendation of the Royal Commissioners. The pay of masters, engineers, paymasters, and chaplains, is to be increased —at a cost of only 25,0001. It is necessary to give the Controller some as- sistance.- as at present, instead of going into the dockyards and overlooking everything, he is kept a prisoner in his office. " The Duke of Somerset has gone into the report of the Committee on Dockyard Economy, and his mi- nute, which will be shortly in the hands of Members, presents many sug- gestions and remarks which will be found to be very valuable. Having given some attention to the question of the payment of the men in the dock- yards, I must admit that it is fraught with difficulties. Whether to pay the men by day labour, whether by task or job, whether their earnings are to be unlimited, and whether they are to work extra time, are all matters of vital importance. The question involves the expenditure of millions of the public money, and therefore it has been considered very carefully by the Admiralty. But I am bound to say that, when the honourable Member who has given notice of such a motion proposes an inquiry, he will not find any great opposition on the part of the Admiralty. (Cheers.) In the mean- time it will be our business to reform wherever we can. We shall not wait for the report of that Committee to carry out improvements which we think are to the advantage of the service, but we shall really look forward to that inquiry with a considerable amount of interest. It is not that we consider the Dockyard Committee has not done its duty. They have made many most valuable suggestions, and some of them we have already carried out. With regard, for instance, to the entry of apprentices, we have taken steps to improve that system, and various other details upon which I will not dilate. We still think, however, that there is a feeling on the part of the country that we do not get the value for our money. (Cheers.) With that feeling existing, it is wisdom, both on the part of Government and of Par- liament, to forward by every means any inquiry which may be thought ne- cessary. If, on the one hand, it shall be found that the present system works well, no man will rejoice more than I shall, or more than, I am sure, will the right honourable Baronet. But if any method can be found of con- structing men of war—always bearing in mind that they must be built with reference to all these requirements—at a less expense, it will be the duty of her Majesty's Government to give every possible assistance in making that discovery.' As regards the Naval Reserve, Lord Clarence made an interesting state- ment. " We take, it will be observed, the same amount for the annual re- tainers, conduct-money, &c., for the Naval Reserve, as we did last year. This new force, to which the country looks with so much satisfaction, has certainly up to the present time not fulfilled the expectations which were raised. I always felt, from the first, that it was an experiment. I know what seamen are. They are fine, noble, hearty creatures, but men of remarkably suspicious character, and if there are any people they are suspicious of, it is the Admiralty. (Laughter.) We are really much indebted to the Board of Trade for the exertions which they have made in drawing up the regulations and giving us their assistance to carry out the measure. I wish I could state to the House that the men were entering freely ; but they are not. Captain Browne reports from the different merchant ports that the men say, ' We think the inducement very fair. We think it very handsome ; but they only want to kidnap us. The moment we put our names down they will send us off to China.' It is very curious to see men labouring under that delusion. I have been asked over and over again by directors that- _

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great shipping companies, and by men of importance in these commercial ports, for some assurance on the part of the Government that the men will not be called out until war is declared. I told them I could not give that assurance, but I also told them that it was perfectly certain there was no in- tention to call them out,. except in the event of a critical emergency; that the threat of immediate hostilities, or of something which would oblige us to make the greatest exertions for the protection of our shores, were the only circumstances under which the Government could call for their services. If I can reassure them by what I say tonight, I really believe little more is wanting to induce them to flock to the force. It is so far satisfactory that they are beginning to get over this extraordinary idea. I wish to declare to them that her Majesty's Government have no sort of intention to kidnap them into the Navy. And perhaps I had better add a more practical assur- ance—that if we wished we could not enter them in the Navy, because the number is complete, and, except for casualties, we have no means of entering any considerable number of men over and above what we have at present. I think that is a very satisfactory state of things, and that the House will be glad to hear there is no difficulty in getting men. It must be remembered that a vast force of ships is only the creation of the last few months, and that this fleet is wholly manned." (Cheers.) Among the improvements to be made 'are these : Government will pay for ships' chronometers, hitherto purchased by the officers ' • it is proposed to ri

aid the Superintendents of Portsmouth and Plymouth bj, appointing two assistants, so that the former may have time to see that the men are not idling. A sum of 100,0001. is saved in the vote for artificers. Lord Clarence Paget, true to his opinion in opposition, declared ho disliked alterations and conversions. The old ships are not worth the time and money spent on them. It is putting new wine into old bottles. Vote 10, which dealt with these mat- ters, did not give any great detailed information. Lord Clarence Paget thought this was the fault of the House of Commons, which has never asked for it. A return has been presented to the Admiralty on the subject ; it is not perfect, it is a novelty, but it is interesting, and gives a comparative view of the cost of building in different yards. Its present value is nil, com- pared with what it will be in future years. In all matters of account there as nothing like publicity, and the effect of this comparative view will be economy m our dockyards.

During the past year there were built in the dockyards 38,820 tons of shipping; and during the present year it is hoped that 39,934 tons will be built. Instead of consuming 30,000 loads of timber, the ordinary con- sumption of a year, 64,000 loads have been consumed, and the Admiralty has been unable to import timber as rapidly as it has been worked up. In steam machinery we are building engines of an aggregate power of 18;000 horses. Lord Clarence spoke of the iron-cased ships, and declared himself to be one of those who believe they will be vessels of a most formidable na- ture. Besides the work done in the dockyards, we are building by contract sloops and gun vessels costing 1,355,8071.

The half-pay list has decreased by 27,000/. ; and in a few years the bur- den will greatly diminish. In order to improve and alter the system of re- tirement and stimulate promotion, a vote of 12,000/. is taken. The widows of warrant-officers are to be pensioned ; a sum of 500/. is taken for that pur- pose "and that sum, I may say, we have screwed out of the Chancellor of the Exchequer." In conclusion, Lord Clarence said we are bound to con- tinue our exertions until we place the Navy on a sound footing. Mr. Cob- den, in a patriotic speech, said he should like to see an agreement with Frame, that the French navy might be two-thirds that of England. They had not surpassed the necessary superiority of our navy over France, as laid down by Mr. Cobden.

The vote submitted to the Committee was 2,216,9451., to defray the expense of maintaining 64,000 officers, seamen, and boys, in the fleet for One year.

The debate that ensued did not elicit any striking speech. Sir Joint Pam-Nome approved in the main of all that had been done, and claimed much of the credit of it for the late Government, whose programme has been carried out. He hinted, however, that when we have reached a force, say of sixty ships of the line, we should not build more until we had maturely considered the question whether ships of the line are the most effective ships in the Navy. But first we must secure our supe- riority. Sir CHARLES NAPIER discoursed on the absolute necessity of obtaining a reserve, even if we had recourse to ballot ; and on the ques- tion of maintaining discipline.

The conversation was continued some time longer. Mr. W. WILLIAms, growing impatient of "speeches," moved that the Chairman should re- port progress ; but withdrew his motion immediately on an appeal from Lord PALDERsxos. A little later, Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT dissuaded Mr. LINDSAY from pressing a similar motion. The vote, together with 3,476,7571. for the wages of Seamen and Marines, and 1,458,0871. for victuals, was agreed to, and the House re- sumed.

MANNING THE NAVY.

On the motion of Sir CHARLES NAPIER, the House has unanimously agreed to a resolution, that the Government should take into considera- tion the recommendations of the Commissioners on the Manning of the Navy, with a view to carry out the principles thereof. The motion was productive of an interesting conversation on the scheme for providing a naval reserve, in the course of which Mr. HEN- LEY strongly insisted on the necessity of dealing frankly with our sea- faring men, and putting trust in them ; Mr. LIDDELL argued in favour of educating boys in training-ships ; and Mr. LINDSAY urged the propriety of breaking down the barrier between the Navy and the merchant service. All the speakers admitted that we must have a Naval reserve. On the part of the Government, Lord CLARENCE PAGET supported the motion, pointing out that the Admiralty have already carried out some of the re- commendations, and are engaged in deliberating on the remainder.

THE TREATY WITH FRANCE.

The Earl of AIRLIE moved for copies of correspondence relating to the negotiation of the treaty with France, in addition to that already pro- duced. The principal point of Lord Airlie's speech referred to the clause of the treaty dealing with coal, to which he strongly objected, and as strongly entreated the Government to procure an alteration in that clause of the treaty. What he wanted to know was, who first broached the subject of that clause ? who proposed that we should not place any restriction on the export of coal for ten years ? Lord WODBILOUSE said there was no objection to copies or extracts of the correspondence, but he did not know that it would afford the infor- mation desired by Lord Airlie. He thought that exaggerated apprehen- sions had arisen on the subject of coal. Lord lam:mime described the treaty as " one-sided." The Duke of SOMERSET did not think that went of coal would prevent any nation from going to war. It is necessary that the French manufacturers should get coal, in order to enable them to submit to English competition. Earl GREY objected to deprive the country of the power to stop the export of coal. As to the treaty, hei lid not object to most of the changes it proposed, but he thought they should not have been subjects of a treaty at all. Specifying objections in detail, such as the reduction of the duty on wines and spirits, he said his main objection, was that commercial questions should not be made matters of stipulation with foreign powers, but should be settled according to our domestic interests. Such a mode makes no progress in removing a re- strictive system from Europe. It is the old pernicious system of making bargains. France makes by the treaty but an inconsiderable advance on the road to commercial freedom, retaining her system of navigation laws, and only making material reductions on coal and iron, commodities they require. Larger results would have been obtained if matters had been left to the operation of the good sense of France. By forcing changes upon the French contrary to their opinion, they might be led to desire war for the purpose of stopping the treaty. The Duke of ARGYLL contended that Lord Grey had misapprehended the principle of the treaty. It is not founded on the exploded theory of reciprocity. Nominally confined to France, it is not really so, but extends to all other countries. We had agreed, at the suggestion of France, to make contemplated changes in such a way as to enable France to give us certain advantages. It would be absurd to reject those advantages from an admiration of the principles of free-trade. The Duke of Argyll con- tended that the article touching the export of coal is perfectly harmless{, and showed that no circumstances short of life and death could induce us to prohibit the export of coal.

Lord STANLEY of Alderly objected to .the treaty, and especially to the coal clause, which would enable France to supply countries with which we might be at war with coal from our mines. He also objected to the clause referring to the differential duties on shipping.

Earl GRANvILLE repeated the arguments of the Duke of Argyll, adding that during the whole of the Russian war we did not prohibit the export of coal. The question is a bugbear.

The motion was agreed to.

CENTRAL ITALY AND SAVOY.

The Marquis of NOTIMANBY raised a discussion in the House of Lords, OR Tuesday, on a motion for papers and dates of papers. His complaint was, that Mr. Corbett, our Chargé d'Affaires at Florence, had attended the official reception held by Signor Buoncompagni, Governor-General of Tuscany. The substance of hie speech, however, was an attack on the Italian Provisional Governments. Every one has been nominated by Piedmont ; not one was chosen by popular election. The name of Signor Buoncompagni is a byword in Italy. Lord Normanby read private let- ters to show that the Central Italians are under compulsion, and he raked up the story of Count Anviti to throw general discredit on Parma. One part of his speech related to the proposed annexation of Savoy to France, and he complained that the conversations and negotiations on the subject have not been reduced to an official shape. Earl GRANVILLE said it was unprecedentedly irregular to ask the Go- vernment for papers which they declared it would not be for the public advantage to produce. He would, however, give the dates of the com- munications on the Savoy question down to the present time. Lord Granville did not admit the doctrine that all communications between a Minister for Foreign Affairs and an ambassador must be official.

As to the instructions to Mr. Corbett at Florence, Mr. Corbett was desired to treat Signor Buoncompagni in the same unofficial way that Count Ricasoli had been treated. It would have been foolish and wrong to make a difference. In showing friendly attention to the Provisional Government Mr. Corbett acted wisely. Lord Granville warmly defended the people of Central Italy from the accusations of Lord Normanby. Authentic information derived from British agents shows that Central Italy has been remarkably tranquil, and has presented a striking contrast to the state of things in 1848. Lord Normanby's accusations rested on private letters, and Lord Normanby's Parliamentary experience should have shown him that the British Parliament could not be influenced by such communications.

The Earl of MALMESBURY bitterly complained that Parliament had no information. They are compelled to rely on speeches in Parliament, official despatches in the Moniteur, and, worse than all, on Mr. Renter's telegrams. That was not the case when the late Ministry were in power. He had been misrepresented as a partisan of Austria, although, through Lord Loftus, he had told Austria that England would not assist her in her military occupations of Italy. His object was bond fide neutrality. Lord Malmesbury took occasion to condemn the project of annexing Savoy to France, and to show that a kingdom of North Italy, with France in possession of the key of the Alps and Austria holding the Mincio, would not be a strong kingdom. It would be open at both ends. (" Hear, hear !" from Lord Derby.) He also condemned the English

proposal for the settlement of Italy ; and declared that the Italians ought to be left to work out liberty for themselves. (Cheers from the Ministe- rialists.) Like Lord Normanby, he joined in attacking Signor Buon- compagni, and in condemning Mr. Corbett if he attended the Acting Governor-General's levee. In conclusion, he asked whether France in- tended to annex Savoy or not ?

The Marquis of CLANRTCARDE replied to Lord Normanby, and the Earl of CARDIGAN denounced the Government of the Pope.

The Earl of DERBY regarded the discussion as premature, and held it not desirable to enter on the various topics raised by Lord Normanby. He desired more information respecting the proposed annexation of Sa- voy; and implied by his speech that the Government have withheld in- formation and given evasive answers. As to Mr. Corbett, did he offi- cially attend the reception of Signor Buoncompagni? That they ought to know.

Earl GRANVILLE said he had already stated the most recent reply of the French Government respecting the annexation of Savoy, and he had said negotiations were going on. He repeated, as regards Mr. Corbett, that Mr. Corbett was instructed to treat Signor Buoncompagni as other ministers had been treated. Lord DERBY renewed his inquiries, and Lord WODEHOUSE said, whether Mr. Corbett was right in going at all was of no consequence, since he was only acting under instructions placing him in an officious position. The motion for papers was adopted, with the omission of all mention of Mr. Corbett's instructions.

In reply to questions from Sir ROBERT PEEL and Mr. finvarotin Errs- CIERA.L1), Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that inquiries of the Sardinian Go- vernment had produced a general answer, that Sardinia had no engage- ment with France to cede Savoy, and has no intention of ceding it ; but the French Government has told the Sardinian Government that if Sar- dinia is aggrandized by the annexation of Central Italy, France would think that her frontier is not secure without the annexation of at least some part of Savoy.

RELATIONS wrrn CHINA.

When it was moved on Monday that the House of Commons should go into Committee of Supply on the Navy Estimates, Mr. Ruiz= Coca- BANE interposed with a speech on our relations with China. The object of his speech, copiously built upon extracts from the China Blue-book, was to censure the course pursued by Mr. Bruce, from the moment of his arrival in China as Minister to the climax at the month of the Peiho. He contended that Mr. Bruce's proceedings were not justified by Lord Malmesbury's instructions. He blamed Mr. Bruce for lingering at Shanghai ; for his refusal to grant an extension of time to the Chinese Commissioners ; for his orders to force the Peiho. He insisted that the Chinese Government had fulfilled its obligations, by offering a passage to Pekin by way of Pehtang on the morning of the fatal conflict ; and he exonerated the Chinese from a charge of treachery. With the proceed- ings of Mr. Bruce he contrasted those of Mr. Ward, and insisted that Mr. Bruce should have followed a conciliatory course. Admitting. that we should make some demonstration, as great in its moderation as in its force, he quoted with approval a speech which Lord John Russell made in 1857, declaring that neither for political nor commercial advantages will we stain our honour or commit injustice.

Sir MICHAEL. SEYMOUR, whose acts had been glanced at, gave a long history of his career in China. He thought that we could not avoid hostilities in the present case ; but, having obtained the success which must accompany the allied forces, the utmost forbearance and considera- tion should be shown towards a nation so utterly indefensible as China. The consequence of any rude shock would be the break-up of the empire.

Lord Joan RUSSELL answered Mr. Cochrane. Mr. Bruce was sent to China to obtain the ratification of the treaty of Tien-tsin. He asked whether he should insist on going to Pekin, and Lord Malmesbury di- rected him to do so, stating that a sufficient force would escort him to the Peibo, and that he should ascend the river to Tien-twin in a British ship, and Mr. Bruce acted strictly according to his in- structions. The case which occurred was not foreseen. He told the Chinese Commissioners that he was going to Tien-tsin, and that he trusted the necessary orders would be given to convey him thence to Pekin. The Commissioners never suggested an objection to this course ; it was not in their minds to do so. But in China two parties, the war party and the peace party, seem to be both in power together. At the mouth of the Peiho, neither Mr. Bruce nor the Admiral could find out what orders had been given, or whether the river was obstructed by au- thority or not. Suppose Mr. Bruce had declined to attempt the passage, what would not have been said ? There were infinite difficulties in his way ; and the Government had informed him that what has taken place had not diminished their confidence. The Chinese must be treated with justice ; but we shall require an apology, and not less than the terms of the treaty. After the next mail has come in, Lord John will state what

course will be pursued. Lord John did justice to the bravery of Admiral Hope and his gallant men. Sir Joins PexiNoroN stating that he thought the present not a fitting time to discuss the question, expressed his concurrence with Lord John Russell, but made, at the same time, large reserves. Sir DE LACY Everts agreed to postpone his motion on the subject, on the understanding that Lord John would make a full explanation on an early day. Lord PALMEESTON put in a strong plea for going at once into the Navy Esti- mates." Sir CHARLES NAPIER eulogized Admiral Hope, and contended that by his fortitude in the action he had earned the Victoria Cross.

In the House of Lords, the Earl of MALMESBURY said, on the following evening- " I beg to give a notice, in consequence of what passed in another place yesterday. It is stated that the noble Lord, the Secretary for Foreign Af- fairs, there said that Mr. Bruce was acting exactly according to his in- structions when he forced the passage of the Pei-ho. It was not my wish or intention to bring this subject at all before your Lordships, or to say a word upon it. I have a high respect for Mr. Bruce, and I should be sorry to say a word to throw blame on his proceedings; but at the same time I cannot consent to the assertion that all these proceedings were, to use the noble _Lord's words, exactly according to his instructions.' I therefore give notice that, on Tuesday next, the 21st instant, I shall make a statement relative to the instructions given by me to Mr. Bruce, her Majesty's Envoy in China."

Last night, Lord DERBY withdrew this motion on behalf of Lord Malmeabury, who has had a satisfactory conversation with Lord John Russell.

FLOGGING IN THE ARMY AND NAVY.

Mr. WILLIAMS moved for returns of floggings in the Army and Navy, and the names of the officers commanding at the time. This is an an- nual motion, intended to continue the series of Parliamentary papers. Mr. Williams took occasion to animadvert on the retention of flogging as a punishment, and advanced arguments against it. Lord CLARENCE PAGET did not object to produce the returns, but de- clined to insert the names of the officers. He had stated last year that the Admiralty felt that the present Articles of War were not at all in ac- cordance with the spirit of the time, and that it was intended to bring in a bill to improve the code of naval discipline. That measure would deal with all the matters that had been referred to by the honourable Mem- ber; and he hoped would prove satisfactory to the House.

Mr. ROEBUCK and Mr. CHARLES BUXTON gave the debate a general turn, by advocating abolition; Mr. Buxton especially desiring that the vote on Mr. Williams's motion might be taken as an expression of the opinion of the House. Mr. Buxton is persuaded that it would be the soundest policy to get rid of the lash in the two services, which are made unpopular by it to the working classes. Discipline could be main- tained as well without the lash as with it. In the best continental armies it is unknown, and discipline is kept up in many of our regiments and many of our ships of war without flogging. Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT pointed out the distinction between the compo- sition of our army and that of Continental armies, which were raised by conscription from all classes. A very strong authority must be exercised over a body like our Army, raised in so peculiar a manner, by a mode of

punishment more rapid and summary than was applied to civilians. But flogging was a punishment not unknown to civil life, and he cited sta- tutes in which flogging was the penalty for certain offences. He did not say that this was right, but it was an answer to the objection that a rule was applied to the soldier from which the civilian was exempt. Since that case at Woolwich, which he thought a bad one, corporal punish- ment had been, by a wise, just, and humane General Order of the Com- mander-in-chief, restricted to few offences ; and he wished that it should be reduced to a minimum. He hoped the House and the country would see that they might safely leave this matter in hands well able to deal with it.

Sir CHARLES NAI'mt was of opinion that corporal punishment could not be wholly abolished on board ship ; but it should be inflicted only after trial by a court-martial.

After further debate in an impatient House, Lord CLARENCE PAGET moved to omit the words " and of the commanding officers." The House divided, and rejected the original motion by 126 to 46. The return was ordered as amended.

Marsocera.

Mr. SPOONER occupied the larger part of a brief sitting on Tuesday by raising a debate on Maynooth. His motion was, that the House should resolve itself into a Committee on the Acts endowing Maynooth, with a view to the withdrawal of the endowment.

The speakers for the motion were Mr. It. Loam and Mr. NEWDEGATE and on the other side were Mr. PATRICK O'BRIEN Mr. POPE HEN- NESSEY, and Mr. CARDWELL. The Secretary for Ireland did not answer the speech, but urged the expediency of settling the irritating question by a decisive vote.

On a division the motion was negatived, by 186 to 128.

BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION.

The Wednesday sitting was entirely occupied with a debate on the means of preventing electoral bribery and corruption. Mr. MErzort moved the second reading of his bill, a measure in the direction of seve- rity. Mr. HUNT seconded the bill, but objected to its provisions. Sir FRANCIS GOLDSMID made a speech against severe punishments. Mr. Con- LIER advocated severity, and regarded the enactment of severe penalties as a test of the sincerity of the House. Sir GEORGE Gamy, however, intervened with a suggestion that in- quiry should precede legislation. He doubted whether an increase of severity would have any effect. Mr.11y.r.r.on, accordingly withdrew his motion for the second reading of his bill.

Mr. JamEs now moved for the appointment of a Select Committee, to which Mr. MELT-ores bill should be referred ; and Sergeant KuroLexs seconded the motion. The debate now spread out in all directions, but ultimately the motion was agreed to.

GRAND Anus. Lord CHELMSFORD carried on Monday the second read- ing of his Indictable Offences (Metropolitan District) Bill. This measure abolishes grandjuries in the metropolitan district, and provides that within this district no criminal charge shall be tried without previous in- vestigation before a police magistrate. He mentioned cases in which grand juries had prevented trials that should have been had by ignoring bills. Po- litical offences are exempted from the operation of the bill.

ST. GEORGE'S-IN-THE-EAST. Lord EBURY presented a petition from 4000 inhabitants of St. George's-in-the-East, setting forth a history of the innovations of the Reverend Bryan King, and praying that a commission should be appointed to draw up a few plain short rules or canons, regula- ting the furniture of our churches, the dress of our ministers, and other matters. The Bishop of EXETER, stating objections to Mr. King's pro- ceedings, said he believed they were not contrary to law, but he did not like these things. The bench of bishops have long desired a cheaper, more ready, and effectual mode of correcting irregularities of any kind in clergy- men. Yet let the law be tried. To shut up the church is beyond the com- petence of any person or authority known to the law of England. Lord BROUGHAM desired to put an end to the scandal at all hazards. The Bishop of LONDON said the services at St. George's passed off quietly on Sunday evening—a result due to the presence of sixty policemen. He repeated his previous statement that, if the clergy would place the matter in his hands, he could bring the church into a peaceful state.

Civil. SERVICE EXAMINATIONS. On the motion of Mr. POPE HENNESSEY, a Select Committee has been appointed to inquire into the present mode of nominating and examining candidates for junior appointments in the Civil Service, with a view to ascertaining whether greater facility may not be afforded for the admission of properly qualified persons.

RECREATION ron THE PEOPLE. On the motion of Sir Joan TRELAWNY, a Select Committee has been appointed to inquire whether it is in the power of Parliament to provide or of this House to recommend, further facilities for promoting the healthful recreation and improvement of the people, by placing institutions supported by general taxtion within reach of the largest section of the taxpayers.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBIUDGE.—Mr. POLLARD URQUHART moved that a humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying that she will be gra- ciously pleased to withhold her consent from certain portions of the statutes of Trinity and St. John's Colleges, Cambridge, now before Parliament, re- lating to the compulsory ordination of the College Master, the compulsory celibacy of the Senior Fellows, the removal of fellows who may have openly seceded from the Church of England, the filling up of the vacant places in the seniority by the Master and the remaining Semors, and the delegating to the Master and Seniors exclusively all rules respecting the attendance of the Undergraduates who are not members of the Church of England at the College chapel ; and that her Majesty will be graciously pleased to give such directions as to her may seem fit, to refer the above-mentioned sta- tutes to the Cambridge University Commissioners. Mr. BaxgEs seconded the motion ; he urged that Dissenters should be allowed to enjoy the fellowships which were intended to be the reward of merit, and which were unconnected with ecclesiastical functions. Lord STANLEY said that the Commissioners of Cambridge University had no competency under the Act of 1866, under which they were instituted, to deal with the question of the exclusion of persons other than the members of the Church of England. The only mode of settling that question would be by a bill in Parliament, as by Act of Parliament the exclusion was created. If it had been proposed by any of the Commissioners to give a licence for nonattendance at chapel, on the ground of conscientious objections, it would not have been within their power to have carried their object. He had no alternative but to oppose the motion.

Mr. WALPOLE said that the questions involved in the motion had been deliberately brought before Parliament, discussed, and distinctly negatived, and it was very inconvenient to raise them again in the form of the present motion.

After a few words from Mr. BRISCOE and Mr. NEWDEOATE, the motion waswithdrawn.

Comanesion ON IRISH MAGISTRATE.—Colond DUNNE moved for a copy of the commission for an inquiry into the conduct of Mr. Balfe. This gen-

tleman is a Roscommon Magistrate. He was accused of subornation of perjury and personation, and the Irish Government issued a commission to inquire into his conduct. The inquiry, impartially conducted, led to a com- plete acquittal ; but it is contended that the inquiry was altogether illegal. The Government assented to the motion, but refused to discuss the merits of the question.

EXPORT OF COAL. Mr. Molinari called attention to the fact that the article in the commercial treaty relating to coal is differentfrom every other. It is not to be brought under the notice of the House. Coal is one of the first commodities to be admitted into France, and at the lowest duty; we undertake

to place no export duty on it and thus France can, but we cannot obtain a re- venue from coal. The Queen is to veto any bill imposing an export d uty on coal. Export duties are indefensible, but Sir Robert Peel put a duty on coal in

1842, perhaps because scientific men were alarmed at the consumption of coal. At the present rate of consumption, our coal will not last for 300

years. He desired to know how the assent of the House would be taken to

this article. Mr. A. Stars added that France was not bound not to put duties on articles sent to this country. Colonel PERCY HERBERT pointed out that the provision would operate inconveniently in time of war, al- though we were neutral. Mr. RICARDO defended the article. Lord PAL- MERSTON simply promised full explanations on Monday.

SIIMMARY OF THE BUDGET.—" Let me now bring into one view the alterations which I have stated in detail, and in doing so I must endeavour

to bring clearly before the mind of the committee three separate sums—let, the entire amount of the remission or relief to the consumers by the adop- tion of the plane we propose ; 2d, the amount of loss to the revenue which they will entail ; 3d, the amount of compensation which will be derived from the changes in the tariff which we recommend for the adoption of the com- mittee. The Customs' duties under this treaty with France will give relief to the consumers of a sum of 1,737,000/. and a loss to the revenue of 1,190,0001. By the supplemental Customs plan we will give relief to the consumers of 1,039,0001., and there will be a loss to the revenue of 910,000/. ; total relief to the consumers, 2,771,000/. ; total loss to the revenue, 2,100,000/.

In the Inland Revenue Department there will be a relief on paper of 1,000,000/. ; on hops, 105,0001. ; and on game certificates, 50,000/. ; • making

in all, 1,155,000/. ; and a total loss to the revenue of 990,000/. There will thus

be a total relief to the consumers in the Customs and Inland Revenue Depart- ments of 3,931,0001., and of loss to the revenue of 3,090,0001. The amount of

compensation by means of increased consumption maybe estimated at 841, 000/., and there will be a further compensation by new charges and savings on esta- blishments of 982,000/., being a total of 1,823,000/. Taking this computa- tion, there will be a net loss to the revenue for 1860.61 of 2,108,0001. I will not enter now more fully into the question of relief to the consumers, but I believe that the effect of the tariff in 1861-62 will be to enrich the re- venue to a much greater extent than, perhaps, many anticipate. I will now state in a few words the effect of those changes in bringing forward that most desired consummation of all Reformers—a simplification of the Cus- toms' tariff of the country. The number of articles subject to Customs' duties in 1842 was 1052 in 1845, 1163 articles, for I must remind the House that the first operation of the reform of the tariff was to multiply the number of articles, in consequence of an increase of the headings under which they were specified. In 1853, the number of articles was 466 ; in 1859, 419. After" the changes now proposed are adopted, without allowing for a few subdivisions, such as the specification of two or three classes of sugar, the whole number of articles remaining on the tariff will be 48. There are three classes of articles, including in all 15, such as sugar, tea, tobacco, wine, coffee, timber, raisins, &c., which are in reality the only articles that Will be retained on the tariff for purposes of revenue. Besides those 15 articles, there are 29 which, though yielding revenue, are only retained on special grounds. Thus five articles are retained on account of countervailing duties on domestic articles, and 24 on account of their re- semblance to one or other of the 15 articles I have adverted to. We could

not, for example, admit can de Cologne free of duty, while there is a duty on brandy. It thus follows that your Customs' revenue will be derived substantially from 15 articles. That is a result which I hope Custom-house reformers will be of opinion justifies the changes we have made. There will be a relief from indirect taxation of about 4,000,000/. Out of that,

1,000,000/. paper duty will go directly to stimulate the demand for rural la- bour, 1,800,000/., or the greater part of 2,000,000/., under the French Treaty will in every instance strike at differential duties, and will be the means of removing from the tariff its greatest, perhaps its only remaining deformities. There will be on the British tariff, after the adoption of these changes, nothing whatever in the nature of protective or differential duties, unless you apply that name to the small charges which will be levied upon timber and corn, which amounts in general, perhaps, to about three per

cent. With that limited exception you will have a final disappearance of all protective and differential duties, and the consumer will know that every shilling he pays will go to the revenue, and not to the domestic as against the foreign producer."—lifr. Glaeleton;te Speech.