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PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OP THE WEER.

' House OF Loans. Monday, March 27. War with Russia; Royal Message. - Tuesday, March 28. Administration of Justice in Ireland ; Lord Clancarty's Mo- tion.

• Thursday, March 30. Petty Larcenies ; Lord Campbell's Question—Russian Black Sea Fleet ; Lord Malmesbury's Question—Testamentary Jurisdiction ; Lord Chancellor's Bill committed pro forma—Convention with Turkey ; Lord Malmes- burv's Question.

iriday, March 31. Address in reply to the Queen's Message—Day of Humilia- tion and Prayer; Lord Roden's Question.

Horse OP COXIIONS. Monday, March 27. War with Russia; Royal Message— Settlement and Removal Bill; Debate on second reading adjourned till 28th April- Church-Building Acts Continuance Bill reported—High Treason (Ireland); Mr. Whiteside's Bill reported—Ministers' Money; Sir John Young's Bill reported. Tuesday. March 28. Holyhead and Dublin Mail.; Mr. Herbert's Motion nega- tived—Mr. Chambers's Convent Committee; Debate on Nomination.

Wednesday, March 29. Episcopal and Capitular Estates; Lord Blandford's Bill; Debate an-second reading adjourned till the 8th April.

Thursday, March 30. Hay Contract; Sturgeon and Sons' Petition—Rights of Neutrals, Questions thereon—Resignation of Mr. Baines; Explanations—Income- tax Bill, passed—Convent Committee ; Debate on Nomination, adjourned.

Friday, March 31. The Address on the Queen's Message.

TIME- TABLE,

WAR WITH RUSSIA ROYAL MESSAGE.

Both Houses of Parliament were very fully attended on Monday night, in consequence of the announcement that a message from the Queen would be read, declaring that negotiations with Russia were at an end. In the House of Lords, the Peeresses filled the gallery set apart for ladies ; and the space below the bar was crowded with Members of the House of Commons and other privileged persons. The Lord Chancellor took his seat on the woolsack a little before five o'clock. At that hour the Earl of Aberdeen and the Earl of Clarendon entered together ; the former holding brief conversation with Earl Grey, and the latter with Lord Brougham. The Ministers present at the opening of the sitting were Lord Aberdeen, Lord Clarendon, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the The Lords.

Hours! Hoar of Meeting. Adjournment. Monday bh litt 15m Tuesday 5h Oh 10m Wednesday No sitting.

Thursday bh. 6h 93wFriday 5h Si, 25m Sittings thin 3431 42:

The Commons.

Hour of Hour of Meeting. Adjournment. Monday 411 .... 111; 15m facade,. 4h .(m) 112 15in Wednesday Noon 5h 30m Thursday Sh .(m) 2h Om Friday 1h .(m) Ili Om

Sittings this Week, 5; Time,41h Ow

— this Session. 41; — 263k Sou

Duke of Newcastle, Earl Granville, the Duke of Argyll, and Lord Stan. by of Alderley. The Opposition benches presented Lord Derby, Lord Malmesbury, Lord Eglinton Lord Ionsdale, the Marquis of Salisbury, and Lord eolehester. Bevels' Prelates, among whom were the Arch. bishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Exeter, were present. Before the Royal meseage was announced, the Loan CiteNcEmori pre- sented a petition -from. Sir Culling Earclley, praying that a Committee might be appointed to consider the report on the University of Oxford, with the view of providing the means of admitting Dissenters to that University. The Earl of ABERDEEN then, advancing to the table, said—" A mes- sage from the Queen, my Lords." The message' handed to the Lord Chancellor by the Assistant Clerk, was then read by the Chancellor, as follows.

"Victoria Regina—Her Majesty thinks it proper to acquaint the House of Lords, that the negotiations in which her Majesty, in concert with her allies, has for some time past been engaged with Ins Majesty the Emperor of All the Russiaa, have terminated ; and that her Majesty feels bound to afford active assistance to her ally the Sultan against unprovoked ag- gression.

"Her Majesty has given directions for laying before the House of Lords copies of such papers, in addition to those already communicated to Par- liament, as will afford the fullest information with regard to the subject of these negotiations. It is a consolation to her Majesty to reflect that no en- deavours have been wanting on her part to preserve to her subjects the blessings of peace. "Her Majesty's just expectations have been disappointed; and her Majesty relies with confidence on the zeal and devotion of the Muse of Lord; and on the exertions of her brave and loyal subjects, to support her in her de- termination to employ the power and resources of the nation for protecting the dominions of the Sultan against the encroachments of Russia.", The message having been again read by the reading clerk, Lord CLA, nscrnoic stated, that on Friday he should move that the message be taken into consideration.

The Earl of DERBY remarking that it was not the time to say a single word on the important subject to which the message relates, presumed that the Premier or the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs would take the opportunity of stating not only the causes of the rupture but the pre- cise objects of the war; and would explain whether there are any con- ventions or other engagements into which we have entered with France and the Porte binding us to any specific object. He also expressed his earnest anxiety that Government would state whether or not there are articles in the convention between us, France, and Turkey, "which will be of a nature to establish a protectorate on our part, as objectionable at least as that which on the part of Russia we have protested against."

Earl Gans trusted that the address would be so drawn that there would be no difficulty in its being carried unanimously.

In the House of Commons, the private business was carried through with an animated buzz of conversation, the House being unusually full. At five o'clock, Lord Joan RUSSELL walked down to the bar from his seat on the Ministerial bench, and, in reply to the Speaker, said he bad a message from the Queen. A cry of "Hats off!" arose, and most of the Members uncovered ; but others, among whom was Mr. Hume, did not take off their hats until the Speaker began to read the message; which, at his formal request, Lord John Russell brought up and placed in his hand.

On the motion of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, it was agreed that the message should be taken into consideration on Friday next.

In reply to questions from the Earl of MALMESBURY, on Thursday, the Earl of CLA.RENDON stated, that information he had received was contrary to the report that the Russian fleet had left Sebastopol for the coast of Circassia. A recent telegraphic despatch conveyed a report that ten Rus- sian ships of war were between Sebastopol and Perekoff—not near the coast of Circassia. According to the last accounts, Sir Edmund Lyons had just returned from a cruise in the North of the Black Sea, without seeing a single Russian ship. In reply to a second question, Lord Clarendon said that the convention between the Porte, Frauce, and England, had been only provisionally signed by the French Anibassador. By an oversight at Paris, full powers had not been sent to him ; and it had not yet received his formal sanc- tion. But Lord Clarendon hoped soon to receive the convention, and to lay it on the table of the House.

RIGHTS OF NEUTRALS.

Mr. lissniam, Mr. T. A. MITCHELL, and Mr. W. PracE, put ques- tions to Ministers with respect to neutral vessels ; and successive replies were given, to the following effect.

The ArroaNer-GENEsat said, that the bond fide sale of a Russian ship would be protected by law although it were navigated by a Russian crew ; but that might raise a suspicion as to the bona fides,

The declaration does not give up the right to search and seize neutral vessels which carry the enemy's despatches and articles contraband of war. It would be difficult to say offhand what is contraband of war ; but, speaking generally, articles contraband of war are articles which may be directly, and such as may be indirectly applied to purposes of war. Russian produce purchased before the commencement of hostilities would not come within the prohibition applied to property purchased from the actual enemy.

Lord Joint RUSSELL stated, that arrangements are in contemplation by which licence would be granted to British subjects now in the Russian territories to bring away their own bond. fide property in neutral vessels notwithstanding the exigence of blockade.

THE HAY CociTaxer.

Sir W. B. SMLITH presented a petition from the firm of Sturgeon and Sons, of Grays, Essex, expressing their horror at the condemnation, with- out trial, to which they had been subject ; averring that the 4000 bales of hay, as returned, remained in their premises ; consoling themselves with the prospect of a public prosecution ; and praying for an immecliate inquiry into the whole of the hay prepared by them for the Government. In reply to Sir W. B. Smijth, Mr_ OSBORNE said that the case, with re- ference to a prosecution, was under the consideration of the Admiralty Solicitor,

PAUPER SETTLEMENT AND REMOVAL.

Before the order of the day for the resumption of the adjourned debate on Mr. Bainee's Settlement and Removal Bill was read, Mr. Wersoti asked what measures Government intend to propose with reference to the irremovability of Scotch and Irish paupers; and suggested the further postponement of the debate.

Lord Joan Russ= said that Lord Palmerston would shortly be in the House, and would reply to any questions ; but he stated at the same time, that Government were not prepared to explain in detail the mea- sures they would propose with referenee to Scotch and Irish paupers. He did not think that was ground for postponing the second reading. Shortly afterwards, the order for resuming the debate was read; and Mr. PACK; dissatisfied with Lord John Russell's statement, moved that the debate be .p.ostponed until the 24th April. Mr. War.rout, Mr. R. PALMER, Mr. H. HERBERT, and Sir JOHN PAKINGTON, supported the amendment ; as the House ought to have full inffwitustion as to the in- tentions of Government on the collateral subjects before they affirmed the principle of the bill. Mr. BAINES oontended that the House could legislate upon the English measure without being compromised with reference to Scotch and Irish removals.

Lord Psysrinurrox admitted, that the English. Irish, and Scotch la- bourers, must all be dealt with on the same principles.

If you SSW a man going up an almost perpendicular ladder with a hod of bricks on his back almost equal to his own weight, or performing any other service of supreme toil or danger, you, might be sure he was an Irishman ; a if that man were ill, he would be 'liable to removal; and if he died, all his family also - while an Englishman would not be so dealt with. Was not that manifestly unjust ? If the power of removal, as regarded English poor were taken away, it should also be taken away with respect to the Irish pau- per, or at least "very much restricted." Great apprehensions prevail on thi;3 matter; and he thought there should be some inquiry, not simply to obtain material for legislation, but to remove the unfounded prejudices of those who think England will be deluged with Irish paupers. If Parlia- ment were to say that twelve months' industrial residence should make an Irish pauper unremovable, he thought that would remove any reasonable apprehension of abuse. But the justice of making such an arrangement, and the necessity for investigation, formed no reason why the House should not decide on the second reading of the bill.

Sir Joan TROLLOPE and the Marquis of GRANBY contended that the whole subject should be considered together. Sir GEORGE GREY said that Lord Palmerston's statement placed the matter on a different footing from that on which it stood on Friday night. Then it was said that Ministers were pledged to place English and Irish paupers on the same footing; but Lord Palmerston said it was only in- tended to prevent the removal of Irish paupers under circumstances of great hardship. He was not disposed to lose the present measure by mixing the two subjects; and thought there was no reason for further postponement. Colonel DUNNE would support the amendment, because Ministers would not carry out the promises they had made. Mr. E. DENISON said, there was a danger that the question would be made a party one after all. He suggested that the division should not be pressed by Government, for thereby the existence of the bill might be hazarded, but postponement agreed to, since postponement must take place at some stage. Mr. PHILLIPS supported the amendment. Mr. MAGUIRE warned the Irish Members, that if they passed the English bill they would forfeit the power they had of "putting the screw on the Government." Lord Jonx RUSSELL observed, that if the House consented to the se- cond reading, the claim of Ireland would be irresistible' and that if they did not, it would be tantamount to saying that the law should remain as at present.

• The House divided on the question that the debate be now adjourned-- Ayes 209 ; Noes, 183; majority for adjournment, 26.

Trie announcement of the numbers was greeted with cheering by the Opposition.

Mn. BAINES : EXPLANATIONS.

Mr. Banrits made a personal statement respecting his connexion with the office of President of the Poor-law Board, and his present relation to it. He had framed the Settlement and Removal Bill exactly in accordance with the recommendations of the Select Committee of 1847.; confining the abolition of the power of removal on the ground of settlement to England and Wales. In reply to Mr. Walpole and Mr. Maguire, he had distinctly stated that the bill did not refer to the removal of Irish paupers. Within a day appointed for the second reading of the bill, a numerous body of Irish Members prayed Lord Palmerston to take this opportunity of placing the Irish pauper in England on the same footing as the Eng- lish, so far as removal was concerned. Those Members were in- formed that, in the opinion of the Cabinet, the prayer ought to be com- plied with. When first aware of this communication, Mr. Baines felt mortified and hurt ; but on reflection, he was convinced that no inten- tional disrespect was intended to himself. Even if he had not arrived at that conclusion, he hoped he knew his duty better than to allow himself from a sense of personal annoyance to be driven from public office at a time like the present, But, apart from the personal provoca- tion, he felt that he should be placed in a position of difficulty. He had seen Boards of Guardians, and had assured them that these Irish removals should form no part of the bill. But it was evident that the Irish Mem- bers, and some English Members, construed the assurances of Lord Palmerston into a pledge that the bill should be moulded so as to include Irish removals within its provisions. Mr. Baines, however, felt satisfied that this branch of the subject was not ripe for legislation ; and, holding that opinion, he thought that if he retained his office his character as a public servant might be impaired, and he sent in his resignation on Tuesday. Lord Aberdeen begged him to reconsider it. He consulted "a noble lord and a right honourable gentleman," both highly qualified to offer sound advice ; and they were of opinion that, with honour to himself and without injuring his efficiency as a public man, or damaging the measure, he might continue to hold office. Upon this he wrote to Lord Aberdeen, qualifying his decision, and remaining in office for the Present; requesting, however, permission again to tender his resignation if he were unabte to acquiesce in the ultimate decisions of tho Govern- ment. [This statement was received with cheers from both sides of the House.] Lord PALMERSTON paid Mr. Baines high compliments. His colleagues would have felt it a great misfortune had they lost, his services. With I regard to the memorial of the Irish Members, Lord Palmerston had thought that Mr. Baines was already aware of the matter, and he had re- quested Lord Claude Hamilton to communicate with him as to the man- ner of accomplishing the object in view. He had never considered it

essential, in order to accomplish that object, to make any change in the bill.

Mr. T. DUNCOMBE characterized Lord Palmerston's explanation as un- satisfactory ; and sneered at the flirtations between Tiverton and Tyrone. Mr. PAcitz and Colonel DUNNE congratulated Mr. Baines on his return to office ; the latter, however, insisting on having an Irish clause in the English bilL Mr. DISRAELI sardonically commented on the five resigna- tions within the last twelvemonth, each followed by an immediate return to office ; and suggested, that to prevent these scandalous exhibitions of discord, a court of arbitration should be appointed, composed of the youngest Bishop and some retired diplomatist of eminence, such as Sir Hamilton Seymour.

INCOME-TAX.

The third reading of the Income-tax Bill was not allowed to pass with- out Opposition speechmaking. Sir Jonx PAKINGTON uttered a long, ha- rangue, to show that Mr. Gladstone was a bad financier ; his speech QOM- prising in its circuit the secret correspondence, the balances at the Ex- chequer, or rather the want of them, the increase and inequality of the Income-tax, the rash reductions of the soap and tea duties, and the in- fliction of a succession-tax on property. Sir John "argued," that Mr. Gladstone must have known, from the secret correspondence, that war was coining ; and that, therefore, his statement last year respecting the Income-tax, was hardly sincere.

Mr. CARDWELL made a debating speech in reply. Mr. MAr.nvs, Mr. VANsirranr, Mr. GREAYES, made Opposition speeches ; and Mr. LASSO defended the Government.

After this dull debate, the bill was read a third time and passed.

MINISTERS-MONEY.

In the Committee on this bill, there were six divisions. On clause 2, fixing the sum below which houses should be exempted, Sir JOHN YOUNG moved that the blank be filled up with the words "ten pounds." Mr. FAGAN moved as an amendment, the words "twenty pounds." Amend- ment negatived by 92 to 77.

Mr. HADFIELD renewed the struggle, by moving that the blank be filled up with the words "fifteen pounds." This was negatived also, by 92 to 71; and the clause was filled up with the words " ten pounds."

On clause 3, Mr. JOIIN O'CONNELL moved an amendment, exempting from the tax houses belonging to Roman Catholics or Dissenters. Ne- gatived by 92 to 71.

Mr. FAGAN moved a proviso, making it incumbent on the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to declare yearly the increase of their income, and pro- viding that the increase should be applied to the reduction of the assess- ment of the tax. This was negatived by 95 to 76.

Mr. MEAGHER moved the omission of the clause compelling Town- Councils and Boards of Guardians to collect taxes for Ministers : but he was defeated by 99 to 72.

All the clauses having been agreed to, Mr. VANCE moved a clause pro- viding compensation for collectors dismissed under the bill. But the clause was thrown out, by 144 to 18.

TESTAMENTARY JURISDICUON.

In moving that the Peers should go into Committee on the Testa- mentary Jurisdiction Bill, the Loan CHANCELLOR announced that he should not move the restoration of the clauses as to real estate struck out by the Select Committee. Personally his opinions were unchanged, but he deferred to the many communications ho had received, not only from Lord Brougham but from many friends of the Government. After some conversation, the bill was committed pro forma', and was ordered to be recommitted on Monday.

CHURCH. PROPERTY.

In moving the second reading of the Episcopal and Capitular Estates Bill, the Marquis of BLANDFORD prefaced a statement of its objects by narrating the course of legislation followed in respect of Church property since 1834; showing what had been done for the regulation of the in- comes of the bishops, the enfranchisement of Church property, and the suppression of canonrica and prebendal stalls. He proposed to vest the management of the entire property in the hands of the Estates Commis- sioners; who would act as land-agents of the Bishops and Chapters, re- ceiving the proceeds of the estates, and administering them for the public advantage. At present the Bishops and Chapters are the land-agents for the Ecclesiastical Commissioners ; and it is desirable that they should be relieved from that position. Lord Blandford dealt largely in statistics respecting Church property ; and calculated that, by the proposed plan, an annual surplus of 550,0001. might be obtained from episcopal and capita- lar property for the relief of spiritual destitution. Sir 'WILLIAM CLAY moved that the bill be read a second time that day six months : not that he objected to the principle of the bill, but he thought that all the acts relating to these commissions should be consoli- dated.

The discussion that followed was of a discursive character, and resulted in an adjournment of the debate. Mr. HADFIELD supported Sir William Clay. Mr. MOWBRAY, strongly objecting to a central administration of Church property, which might lead: to its being dealt with as National property, reluctantly supported the amendment. Mr. Hiram supported the second reading. The clauses could be discussed in Committee. Mr. Gourmuari stated many objections to the bill : it provided no security for the payment of the incomes assigned to Bishops and Chapters, and it gave a lay commission absolute power of dealing with the lessee for the sale of Church property. Mr. HORSMAN supported the second reading ; and cha- racterized Mr. Goulburn as the most henest mid unchanging opponent of ecclesiastical reform, Mr. Gamma's. retorted, that as Secretary of State, in 1835, he signed the Commission out oi which all these reforms ori- ginated; and that in the divisions that took place on the bill, the name of "Edward Ilorsman " stood next to that of "henry Goulburn."

Mr. LIDDELL and Mr. HENLEY opposed, and Sir GEORGE GREY sup- ported the second reading.

In the course of the debate frequent allusions were made to the incon- venience of discussing the bill in the absence of Ministers ; and at this stage Sir JOHN YOUNG explained, that Ministers did not underrate the importance of the bill, but they were now unavoidably absent on business of very great importance.

There seemed a general feeling that the debate should be adjourned, and Lord BLANDFORD consented to fix the adjournment for the 8th April.

CHURCH-BUILDING COMMISSION.

The House went into Committee on the Church-Building Acts Contin- uance Bill. There was a division on the first clause, providing for the duration of the Commission. The Government proposition was, that the blank should be filled up with the words "20th of July 1856." Mr. HADFIELD moved that the Commission should be limited to one year from the passing of the act, and until the end of the next session of Parliament. Mr. HORSMAN pointed out, that there are three Commissions—the Church- Building Commission, the Ecclesiastical Commission, and the Queen Anne's Bounty Board ; that these boards are practically composed of the same members, meeting frequently on the same day, at an expense of 15,000/. a year. It would be better to have one board of practical men, at a salary of 5000/ a year, thus saving 10,000/. a year. Lord PALMIIRSTON laughingly observed, that by Mr. Hadfield's pro- position the Commission, if in 1856 Parliament sat in September, might endure for two or three months longer than the period he was willing to take. That was rather an exorbitant claim. On a division, the words "20th July 1856" were carried, by 153 to 49. The House resumed ; and the report was brought up and agreed to.

THE CONTENT COMMITTEE Mr. THOMAS CHAMBERS moved that the Committee to inquire into Conventual and Monastic establishments should consist of the following Members—

Mr. T. Chambers, Mr. Walpole, Mr. Miall, the Marquis of Stafford, Mr. Bowyer, Mr. H. Drummond, Mr. Fagan, Mr. Kinnaird, Mr. J. Fitzgerald, Mr. Dunlop, Mr. J. Ball, Mr. Newdegate, Lord E. Howard, Mr. R. Philli- more, and Mr. Napier.

Mr. BOWYER moved, as an amendment, that the order for the appoint- ment of the Committee be discharged.

Great consideration, he said, is due to the Catholics of England and Ire- land at the moment when the Queen expresses her confidence in them and

• they are called on to shed their blood in fighting the battles of their country,. It is important to prevent disunion ; yet here was a measure which the Catholics regard as an insult and an injury ; and should the inquiry proceed the Catholics will be excited by feelings of hatred against the Protestants. Mr Chambers had pointed out the severe penal clauses of the Emancipation Act ; yet they had never been enforced either by Whig, Tory, or Coalition Government. Was it reasonable to call venerable men, liable to penalties for violating the law, before a Committee of inquiry which could not hear and determine, but only inquire ? It would be a violation of the well-known principle of Magna Charta, according to which all inquiries concerning offences should be according to law. Then as to convents, they are the private homes of women of the highest rank—homes which ought to be held peculiarly sacred : yet this inquiry might result in turning them out of their homes and subject them to being questioned before a Committee of the House of Commons. Mr. Chambers had not made out the slightest case for a legal, and still less for a Parliamentary inquiry. Vague charges of delinquency had been preferred upon evidence that would not convict a pickpocket. It was said that lunatic asylums are visited : well, gentlemen may visit con- vents. Anybody may go out of a convent who pleases ; the doors are open. On the authority of Bishop Ullathorne he asserted, that since the French Revolution enclosed conventual establishments have decreased from twenty- five to eighteen, eleven of which are boarding-schools; that the unenclosed orders had increased on account of the great demand for education ; that the increase in the monastic establishments has only been in the ratio of the increase of the population ; and that all the land together which they possess does not exceed two thousand acres.

Mr. ESMONDE seconded the amendment.

A long debate ensued, in which many Members took part. Lord LOVAINE supported the original motion; while he repudiated the exa- mination of nuns. Lord JOHN RUSSELL thought the House might well consider whether it would maintain its decision of appointing a Cora- mittee,—which, however, he admitted was carried by a large majority. The names of the Committee had not been impartially chosen, and he could not expect them to refrain from prosecuting any inquiry suited to -their prejudices and extreme opinions. Lord John contended that no -case for an inquiry had been made out ; he asserted his disbelief in the current cock-and-bull stories—or as the French called them " histoires -du coq a Pane "—meaning by " l'ilne" the person to whom such stories are generally told; and stated that if he had to give a vote he should vote for the amendment. Colonel NORTH told the story of a- Miss Fitzallan, who, confined in a house at Banbury, solicited the assistance of the Ma- gistrates to prevent her from being carried to Belgium : the Magistrates declined to interfere ; and when Sir George Grey was referred to, he re- plied, that as he had no information on the subject he could not advise the magistrates how to act. They had no power of getting into the house; but subsequently the lady made her escape. Mr. DRUMMOND did not like the terms of the motion, nor the argu- ments used to support it, nor those used against it ; but he argued him- self for the inquiry. Mr. CROSSLNY, Mr. NEWDEGATE' Mr. SrooNzu, Colonel Basin, and Mr. PACE; supported the original motion; Captain BELLEW and Mr. Foarescuz supported the amendment.

Mr. THOMAS CHAMBERS described the amendment as unprecedented.

He could not hear of a single instance in which that House had revoked a decision, not snatched hastily when half the Members were at dinner, but arrived at after a debate of seven hours, and granted in a full House by a majority of 67. This country stands alone in Europe in its relation to this question. If it were said he had not made out his case, he replied, that he had shown such grounds that a majority of 67 granted him a Committee. He disclaimed all intention of hurting any human being, or of dragging any lady from the seclusion of these establishments to be examined before the Committee. They had to inquire whether these institutions had increased, their relation to the laws of the country, what is done with their property, and whether there does not virtually exist a power to imprison and trans- port their inmates. It was not necessary to prove these things true, but that they are generally believed. He had been quite overwhelmed with commu- nications from Roman Catholics stating cases. ("Read, read !") He would state also, that when these stories were inquired into, they always ended in total darkness. If these things were true, they ought to be reme- died; if they are not true, inquiry will explode the prevailing fallacies. The question must be dealt with. Conventual and monastic establishments ate now hundreds, their inmates are numbered by thousands, their property by thousands : would Parliament wait until the establishments be thousands, and the inmates and property millions?

Mr. OSBORNE said, that at first sight the proposed inquiry was harm- less ; some gentlemen wished to indulge their curiosity at he expense of the nunneries of England: but the House should inquire whether the

motion was likely to end in an inquiry, or whether it was anything more than an attack on the Roman Catholic religion.

He hoped to prove that Mr. Chambers was the unconscious instrument of a widespread organization, supported by powerful prejudices without and within the House, for an object more questionable than inquiry. The Ro- man Catholic laity were not the promoters of that inquiry ; for they pro- tested against it as an insult and an injury. Mr. Chambers was the uncon- scious instrument of the Protestant Alliance, and what is called the Scotch Conference, whose recorded resolutions demand not only an inquiry, but the repeal of the Maynooth grant, and " the immediate exclusion of Papists from Parliament, and from all 'power, place, and pay under the Crown, at home and abroad." But on what did Mr. Chambers rest his case ? In vain are strong instances of the ill-usage of nuns in convents searched for. Co- lonel North, during that dreary interval when the Speaker is left almost alone, had read a letter from Banbury : why, the house at Banbury was not an enclosed house at all, but it belonged to the Sisters of Mercy. It be- longed to a Miss Fitzall ea—whose real name was, he believed, Magan—who was out of her mind, said had passed herself off as the daughter of the noble Lord behind him—he being at the time of the presumed fatherahip ten years of age. (Laughter.) She was one of those impostors with whom this country is occasionally infeated. These are the kind of disclosures made and cordially believed in this country. He could remember on the other side of the House one of the twin Members for Warwickshire cir- culating a story which frightened the whole country, about a building at Edgbaston, which, on inspection, he found to contain numerous cells. (Laughter, and "Ifear, hear !" from Mr. Spooner.) He would give the honourable gentleman the advantage of those cells. (Laughter.) A great sensation was produced in the House, and he believed it had no small effect upon the division that was taken at the time ; but it turned out that these cells were no more than cellars : what he described as a cell for flagellating monks turned out to be a larder for hanging up mutton. (Great laughter.) The honourable gentleman was imposed on, or at least imposed on himself. Those parts that were supposed to be oratories turned out to be nothing else than closets; and there was a large drain running across the road, which the honourable gentleman mistook for a chamber of penance. Mr. Osborne amused the House by describing the doings of two Italian lecturers, one at Hastings, the other at Brighton : the former described him- self as "the Reverend Johannes Victor de Theodore, P.D., an Infulatus, and Archdeacon of the B.omish Church, who, by the Pope's order, was sent to Siberia for reading the Scriptures, where for a year and eleven months his sufferings were very great.' (Much laughter.) This gentleman was an- nounced to appear in "pontifical robes.' The Brighton lecturer, the "Baron de Camin," 'describing the cruelties inflicted on nuns, said that nuns taking the black veil were frequently smothered with incense, and even carried out dead. When called upon for proof, he grew indignant, and beat a retreat in the confusion that ensued.

On the authority of Dr. Dollenger of Munich, and the late General Ra- dowitz, Mr. Osborne showed that convents in Prussia and Bavaria are exempt from intrusion : the state has no right of visitation. He also denied, referring to the reports of the Inspectors of Schools, that monastic institu- tions have increased of late years. He severely condemned those who pro- pagate insinuations against ladies dwelling in convents; "insinuations, which, mean and unfounded as they are, often prove more injurious to a woman than the coarsest and boldest accusations.' It would he unseasonable to take such a step as that proposed just as we are engaged in a war in which thousands of Roman Catholics are serving in our armies; and he en- treated the House not to lend its aid in carrying out the nefarious project. (Loud cheers.)

Mr. WHITESIDE sarcastically alluded to Mr. Osborne as one who had transferred his services from the Army to the Navy, and now appeased as a successful theologian. How did he discuss the question ? By reading "silly and absurd paragraphs," making "flimsy statements," and, although burdened with the whole affairs of the Navy, finding time to make up such a "bundle of trash." It was said the Roman Catholic laity had not complained : but how was the knowledge of the mode of making deeds and wills obtained, but through the complaints brought by Robaan Catho- lics before the legal tribunals.

The debate now languished ; Mr. P. O'BRIEN and Mr. Jonst ()Toxemia, repeating the arguments of Mr. Bowyer Mr. DUNLOP denying that the resolutions quoted by Mr. Osborne were those of the Scotch Conference ; Mr. J. D. FITZGERALD replying to him by reading an extract from a cir- cular of the Conference denouncing Popery in the strongest terms; and Mr. BLAND and Mr. GOOLD, as Irish Protestants, testifying to the benefits conferred on Ireland by the convents. Cries of " Divide !" were frequently raised, and Mr. COGAN moved the adjournment of the debate : but the motion was negatived by 233 to 91. Mr. Moone moved the adjournment of the House : this motion was nega- tived by 223 to 59.

The House next divided on Mr. Bowyer's amendment ; which was ne- gatived by 177 to 120. The original motion was agreed to ; but the no- mination of the members of the Committee was deferred till Thursday.

When, late on Thursday night, the order for the nomination of the Committee was read, and the question put that the name of Mr. Cham- bers be agreed to, Mr. GOOLD moved its omission, with the view of sub- stituting that of Mr. Sotheron : negatived by 117 to 60. On the name of Mr. Walpole being put, Mr. LUCAS moved that the further nomination of the Committee be proceeded with that day six months. He supported the motion with a long speech, reviving the de- bate on the original question. Before the amendment could be put, Mr. V. SCULLY moved the adjournment of the debate : negatived by 150 to 74. Mr. KENNEDY made the same motion : negatived by 121 to 68. Mr. Moonz renewed the motion ; and Mr. Casseszas consented. It was then a quarter to two o'clock !

STEAM BETWEEN DUBLIN AND LONDON.

Mr. H. HERBERT moved an address, praying that her Majesty would direct that immediate measures be taken for carrying into effect the re- port of the Select Committee appointed last session to examine and report upon the present state of the communication between London and Dub- lin,—namely, "that a class of steamers be provided with adequate ac- commodation for passengers, and with greater capabilities as regards speed than those at present employed." While greater speed has been gained in the communication between England and America, and Eng- land and the West Indies, that between London and Dublin has been going backward. Since the Union, Committees had made recommenda- tions on this point, and the Government of the day had in almost every instance acted upon them. But the policy of the present Government tended rather to impede than facilitate that communication; for the ex- penditure for the postal service, which was 141,0001. in 1848, was in 1852 reduced to 25,0001. Mr. VANCE seconded the motion.

Mr. GLansrorra said he was under the necessity of opposing it. The case of Ireland was not exceptional, as some Members made out. The principle of substituting mall-packet service by contract for Government performance of the servie ,e —a principle adopted on the recommendation of a Select Committee,—had not been exclusively applied to Ireland, but had been applied first at one point then another, until the case of the Dover packets is the only one remaining, and there the substitution of the contract system will take place on the let of April. The present demand did not arise out of the insufficiency of the performance of its duties by the Post-office, but is a demand for the increase of the comfort and luxury of passengers at the expense of the public purse. Mr. Gladstone showed that the recommendation of the Committee, referred to by Mr. Herbert, had been only carried by the casting-vote of the Chairman ; that the re- port made no allusion to the question of cost ; that that cost would be not less than 120,000/. a year; and that, although he would not lay down the doctrine that under no circumstances should the passenger-traffic between Holyhead and Dublin be considered by Parliament, nothing like 120,000/. a year should be expended for purposes of luxury at a moment when the country is called upon to incur enormous war-expenses at the call of honour and duty.

Mr. FRENCH and Lord Kus supported the motion' and Mr. COWPER opposed it. Cries of "Divide!" rendered the remarks of Mr. Wir.r.smas inaudible ; but the debate was still continued by Mr. It. M. Fox, Colonel DUNNE, and Mr. GEORGE. When the division was taken, the motion was negatived by 208 to 152.

ADMINISTRATION OP JUSTICE IN IRRI AND

The Earl of CLANCARTY, in moving for papers relating to a case of murder in Ireland, stated the facts, and called on the Government for an explanation. It appears that two men, Wilson and John Murphy, quar- relled and fought with fists ; and that while the fight was going on Hugh Murphy, standing behind, clove the skull of Wilson with a spade, and killed him. The Grand Jury of Armagh found a true bill on the charge of murder ; but when the case was called on, the counsel for the Crown compromised the matter without trial ; John Murphy being acquitted, and Hugh Murphy, who pleaded guilty of manslaughter, being sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Lord Clanearty thought that the case de- manded inquiry.

The LORD CHANCELLOR admitted the correctness of the statement made by Lord Clanearty. He explained, that in some cases where a prisoner pleaded guilty to the minor offence, sentence was passed without going into the 'capital charge; but he did not remember a case where a person charged with murder had been allowed to plead guilty of manslaughter without evidence being taken as to the capital charge. The best course was to have a charge of murder tried ; but he believed that the Judge (Mr. Sergeant Howley) had given every consideration to the evidence, and that, as the Crown counsel stated, the depositions would show that there was not the least pretence for finding the prisoners guilty of murder. Why the sentence had been only six months' imprisonment he could not say ; nor could the House form any opinion, as they were not aware of the mitigating circumstances.

Lord MONTEAGLE, the Earl of EoLtrixoN, and the Earl of DONOUGH- MORE, testified to the eminent services of Mr. Sergeant Howley as a judge, and the great benefits he had conferred on Tipperary and other distritts, by conciliating all classes.

Motion withdrawn.

PETIT LARCENIES.

Lord CAMPBELL, on Thursday, stated that he had just returned from administering justice upon circuit, and in every county he remarked that there were commitments for what are called felonies, but which are really trivial offences, such as stealing a loaf of bread, a pair of shoes, or a few turnips value one penny. It happened again and again that the offenders had been lying in gaol for a longer period than would be awarded to them on conviction ; and many of them pleaded guilty, and would have pleaded guilty in the first instance had an opportunity been given. He wished to ask whether there was any intention of bringing in a bill to remedy this evil ?

The LORD CHANCELLOR said, that some time ago Lord Brougham had presented a petition praying that persons charged with this minor descrip- tion of offences might be enabled to plead guilty at Petty Sessions. He con- curred in the opinion ; but it was difficult to define where the jurisdiction of Justices should commence. He should be glad to consult with Lord Campbell upon a measure to meet the evil.

THE EASTER ADJOURNMENT.

Lord jonfi Russ= gave notice, that on Tuesday the 11th of April, he would move the adjournment of the House to Monday the 24th of that month ; and he would also move that after the Easter recess the or- ders of the day should for the remainder of the session have precedence on Thursdays of notices of motion.

THE IRISH COMMITTEE.

The Corruption Committee still continues at the receipt of evidence.

Mr. William Dane, again examined, produced a letter, purporting to be from Mr. Lambert Smith, tending to contradict that gentleman's evi- dence. The letter was addressed to Mr. E. Lynch of Athlone, and in- quired for a list of the electors in the interest of Mr. Keogh. Mr. Vernon, one of the Committee, examined the letter ; and found that the date, "12th June 1853," was in a different handwriting from the letter itself, and that the post-mark was 1852. Mr. Dane could give no explanation Of this fraud ; and the Committee-room resounded with murmurs of indignation.

Mr. Keogh made a statement in answer to the charges brought against him. With respect to the appointment of Mr. Lambert Smith, that was Obtained in 1845, by Sir John Young, to whom Mr. Keogh was then unknown. Mr. Keogh stated that he had been induced to contest Athlone in 1847, on the understanding that his expenses should be partly paid. When, however, he was engaged in the contest, the money was not forthcoming, and he was obliged to borrow. Colonel Smith advanced him the money he required. Mr. Keogh minutely detailed his pecuniary relations with Colonel Smith, and showed that before he sailed for America, on personal business, Colonel Smith was released from all liability. Up to the day of his death he was on intimate terms with Mr. Keogh. It was never meant that any consideration should be given for the money in the shape of office. For their great services to him he had done nothing for the family ; but if he could get an appointment for any of them he would.

Subsequently, Mr. Keogh went through a list of thirteen appointments alleged to have been obtained by him, and satisfactorily accounted for them. He also declared that the statement cf Mr. Dane, relating to the alleged assault upon an hotel at Athlone, is a pure fabrication.

Mr. John Reynolds explained, that the money alleged to have been presented to him had been subscribed to pay the expenses of his election petition : he denied that he had sold a place for 91.; and said that Dr. Gray's story about coercing him to vote for Mr. Disraeli was false and malicious.

Mr. Andrew Walker, merchant at Sligo, denied that he had ever acted as Mr. Somers's agent in the distribution of patronage, or that any Coast Guard or other situation was ever given by that gentleman, through him, to any one. Nor had he ever heard the story of Mr. Somers having fallen into Loch Gill, near Sligo.

Mr. Bright intimated, that he had received a letter from a soldier who was present on the occasion in question, which stated that that accident happened not to Mr. Somers, but to Mr. Dillon Brown ; and he expresed to Mr. Walker his regret that he had given him the trouble of coming to London.