Ertintro ant VrnErthings in Varlianant.

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OP THE WEEK.

llonsE or LORDS. Monday, June 25. Consulship at Mozambique ; Lord Strathe- den's Motion.

Tuesday, June 26. Ecclesiastical Commission ; the Archbishop of York's Bill read a second time-Church Temporalities (Ireland) Acts Amendment Bill read a third time and passed-Ecclesiastical Courts and Registers (Ireland) Bill read a third time and passed.

Thursday, June 28. Breakwaters and Harbours ; Lord Clanricartle's Motion- Law of Evidence; Lord Brougham's Bill read a first time-NeW Zealand Bill read a first time.

Friday, June 29. Trotman's Anchors ; Lord Hardwicke's Question-Irish Mail Packets ; Lord Dungannon's Question-Harbours and Breakwaters; Lord Clanri- cards's Question-Tithe Commutation Bill read a second time-Spirits (Ireland) Act Amendment Bill read a second time.

House or Commas. Monday, June 25. Bankruptcy (Salaries, Ste.) Bill, Debate on Report adjourned-Excise and Assessed Taxes Acts ; Committee-Tithe Corn- mutation Bill read a third time and passed-Spirits Bill committed-Oxford Uni- versity (No. 2) Bill read a second time-Refreshment Houses and Wine Licences (Ireland) Bill iced a second time-Ecclesiastical Commission Bill read a second time-Mines Regulation and Inspection Bill in Committee. „Tuesday, June 26. Irish Appointments ; Mr. Conolly's Motion-Distress in Erns; Mr. Hennessy's Motion-The Militia; Mr. Herbert's Bill, leave given- Corrupt Practices ; Sir George Lewis's Bill, leave given-Locomotive Bill In Can- mittee - Anstruther Harbour Bill read a third time and passed. -Wednesday, June 27. Labourers' Cottages (Scotland) Bill committed-Bleach- ing and Dyeing Works Bill in Committee. Thursday, June 28. European forces (India) Bill; Debate on the second read- ng, adjourned. Ywilillag, June 29. Tenure of Land Improvementtlitsibhd) Bill in Committe" Tax mills tommittee ; Mr. Collier's Notice of Manon-Indian Papers ; Colnel SykOsillAwntitien-European "gees (India) Bill postponed-Bankruptcy Bill atom postpenee-s3upply ; Civil seeds:Estimates.

THE BANKRUPTCY BILL.

When the report on the Bankruptcy and Insolvency (Salaries, ta.)

Bill was brought up on Monday, Sir Hurray Wn.noronort moved that the word " compensation" should be struck out from the first resolution. He contended that the report gave large power of granting compensation. The charges under this head on the Consolidated Fund have increased to an extent which is perfectly astounding, and now it was proposed to in- crease it by 21,0001. Sir RICHARD Burnam said he was not surprised at the alarm shown at the amount of compensation already given ; but the House would perceive that it is the price paid by the country for former errors. The bill before the House did not contain a word relating to compensation. The compensations referred to were granted in 1831, when the old system of bankruptcy was put an end to. The compensation was charged on the fee-fund in the belief that the business of the Court would in- creme ; but so little in consonance with the wishes of the community, that the business of the court underwent an annual decrease. Under those circumstances, the Commission which had been appointed in 1894, had recommended that the compensations in question should not 'be charged on the fee-fund, inasmuch as it was not just that the creditors should be obliged to pay the penalty occasioned by former errors. In conformity with the recommendation of the Commission, therefore, the present bill proposed to transfer the compensations mentioned in its 140th clause to the Consolidated Fund.

Mr. :Biunow and Mr. litiorrELD, having objected to compensations, and Colonel FRENCH having taken exception to the bill altogether, the House divided when the motion was carried by 111 to 98.

The SPEAKER then put the question that the House should agree to the resolution as amended ; whereupon Sir McKean BETHEL'. said that as the whole bill was founded on the proposition that compensation should be taken from the Consolidated Fund, ho could not, therefore, go on with the Bankruptcy Bill. Mr. Memo; thought this a proper course, and said he was sure Members did not know what they were voting for.

Mr. BRIGHT said Sir Richard seemed to have come suddenly to the

determination to withdraw the bill. It was not necessary to do so. It is the strong wish of the mercantile community that the bill should pass. He suggested that Sir Richard should take twenty-four hours to re- consider the question, before he added to the disasters of the session. Mr. BOUVERIE joined his entreaties to those of Mr. Bright. Mr. Mow- BRAY disclaimed the imputation of ignorance on the subject. It is, he said, " because I have seen the practical working of a system which saddles the Consolidated Fund with hundreds of thousands a year for the benefit of persons in the prime of life who are perfectly competent to dis- charge any duties which may be imposed upon theca that I went into the same lobby with the majority on this occasion." Sir RICHARD BETHELL said that he had not imputed. ignorance to Mr. Mowbray. It was Mr. Mowbray's side of the House that insisted on compensations. Reluctant to withdraw a bill which had cost him so many months of labour, he would give the House an opportunity of re- viewing its decision. He would take a division on the resolution, and if the House repeated the vote, then reluctantly and mournfully he must withdraw the next order of the day—the Bankruptcy Bill. Mr. ELLICE vindicated his vote and said he should exercise his right of giving an independent vote, and throw upon the Government the res- ponsibility of withdrawing the bill on untenable and unjustifiable grounds. Sir HENRY WILLOUGHBY exhorted the House to stand by its decision. Mr. COLLINS hoped the House would not be influenced by the threat to withdraw the bill. Mr. HEADLAM said the principle involved is essential to the measure, and without it the bill could not be proceeded with.

Mr. HENLEY sharply assailed Mr. Malin for imputing ignorance to the ma)jority. Sir GEORGE GREY said the vote come to, placed Sir Richard Bethell in a position of great difficulty. But it was desirable that he should have time to consider if he felt in a position to do so, how the inconvenience re

might be medi i ed, and therefore Sir George suggested the adjournment of the debate.

Sir HUGH Claims, remarking that had he been present he should have

supported Sir Richard, to whom the country owes a deep debt of grati- tude, approved of the course"suggested by Sir George Grey.

Debate adjourned.

EUROPEAN FORCES (INDIA) BILL.

The debate on the order for the second reading of this bill was begun on Thursday.

Mr. ARTHUR Meats opposed the bill, on sanitary, political, and

military grounds. He complained that the Secretary for India has not only monopolized the decision of the question, ignoring the Council for India, but desired to withdraw the scheme of amalgamation from the consideration of the House of Commons. He moved that the bill should be read a second time that day three months.

Sir EDWARD COLEBROOKE seconded the amendment. The House was asked to legislate in the dark upon a most vital question. Mr. T. G. Bantu° defended the course pursued by the Government. To say that Sir Charles Wood has not consulted the Council of India is only a technical objection. When the change is effected the officers will be just as well trained as they were under the old system. The power of the Governor-General will not be touched. It will remain as it is now. Mr. HENRY BA.ILLIE opposed the bill at great length, and especially made it a charge that Sir Charles Wood had not submitted his scheme of amalgamation to the House. The change would impose additional ex- penses on India, and subject it to the control of the War Office. Sir HARRY VERNEY took the same side, emphatically pointing out the fact that the officers of the Royal Army do not behave with that consideration and kindness towards the natives which characterize the officers of the local army. Sir Jorior ELPHINSTONE also opposed the bill, and brought his Indian experience to bear against it. Mr. Auvume KIGNAIRD and Sir Marro Fentronsa were on the same side. On the other hand, Mr. Vsetsrcriurr and Colonel PERCY Itaaiairr unhesitatingly supported the bill. Mr. Brocrox trusted that the House would remember that the Council Of India were strongly against the scheme of the Government, as well as the Council af Calcutta, including Mr. Wilson • that it had been con- demned by Lord Ellenborough, Lord Canning, and Sir John Lawrence ; that the late Government had been in favour of a local force, and the present Government had been of the the same opinion last year. He ar- gued,, upon sanitary, financial, and other grounds, in opposition to the Mr. HORSHAM said that the question as to whether there should be a local or an imperial army in India was not the first question to be con- sidered; but there were two preliminar7 inquiries :—First, whether the House had received adequate information on the subject ; and secondly, whether the large change proposed was to be carried out by a simple re-

solution, after the passing of which the House would hear no more of the matter. It was an attempt to dodge the House, and to avoid its coming to a decision on the mixed military and political question, and to remit it to the hands of the Horse Guards. The Army in India, by a combination of political functions, governed India, and the transferrence of the civil power from the Company to the Crown was a simple matter, while the real. difficulty lay in the transfer of the military power and command. This bill of two clauses repealed all the laws by which the empire of India had hitherto been governed; and it required the greatest care and circumspection on the part of Parliament. Because the solution of this question had baffled the Secretary and Council of India and the Cabinet, it had been committed to the irresponsible au- thority of the Horse Guards, and the Supreme Government of India was transferred from the Governor.General to that department. The right honourable gentleman very strenuously denounced the alteration of opinion with regard to the maintenance of a local force in India—a mea- sure which he had advocated and endeavoured to carry out by means of

A bill which he had prepared last year—and which change of opinion

nothing had been shown to justify. He made very strong charges against Sir Charles Wood of suppressing documents and despatches which would have shown that the reason for his change of opinion ,existed at the time when ho was in favour of a local force, and Mr. ,Horsman declined to consider the question under such circumstances of imperfect information.

Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT said that Mr. Horsinan had confined himself to a condemnation of the excessive transgressions of the Government. As

to the suppression and delay of documents, the papers in question had been presented in March - and it was not the fault of the Government if they had not been printed. There was not a single part of this change which could not have been effected by regulation, and without coming to that House at all ; but it was thought only proper to do so. As to the bill for increasing the local army last year, that was brought in as a precautionary measure, because it was believed the number of the men in that force was in excess of the number sanctioned by statute. If the Government had produced a detailed plan before asking the assent of the House to the main principle involved, no doubt complaints would have been made of such a precipitate and unconstitutional course. There was not a question of ex- pense with regard to the army which the Government in India had not in its own bands, and the authorities at home bad no power whatever to get a sixpence spent on the British soldier in India ; and not a jot of additional power was given by this bill. There was no intention and no power taken to render the Commander-in-chief in India inde- pendent of the Governor-General. Mr. Herbert had never had a more difficult question to deal with, and having a bias in favour of a local army, he had come slowly and reluctantly to a contrary opinion ; but which he had arrived at on a consideration of the weight of authority, especially as applied to the important circumstance of the mutiny of the local force, the extent of which had been underrated, for the mutineers had entered into communication with the Sikhs for the purpose of an at- tempt to drive the Queen's army out of India.

. Mr. RICH moved the adjournment of the debate, which was opposed by Lord PALMERSTON. On a division, the motion for adjournment was rejected by 262 to 83. Mr. DANDY SEYMOUR moved the adjournment of the House. On a division this motion was lost by 229 to 51. Mr. HENNESSY again moved the adjournment of the debate. On a division, the motion was negatived by 190 to 43.

Mr. A. Mmes moved the adjournment of the House.

Lord PALMERSTON, who had expressed his willingness to agree to the adjournment before the previous division, but who was overruled by the

majority, now suggested that the motion for the adjournment of the House and that for the adjournment of the debate be acceded to. This was done, and the debate adjourned until Friday.

THE Mrsrrra.

Mr. Srmeny Tionever moved, on Tuesday, for leave to introduce a bill to Amend the Laws relating to the Militia. In doing so he made an important statement.

Owing to continual changes the Militia has been for years in an un- satisfactory state. For its numbers it is not inefficient, no Militia was ever more efficient, but its strength has fallen short of the quota, and more men appeared on paper than could be accounted for on parade. That does not arise from want of material. There were in England in 1851 4,167,000 adult males, between eighteen and forty-five years of age, and there will be next year 4,622,000. Compared with the men of the soldier age 120,000 is nothing. The cause of non-attendance has been the constant embodiments and disembodiments, and the recruiting of the Line in the ranks of the Militia. Then the embodiment of the Militia has driven out the country gentlemen, and the connexion of a regiment with its county is injured by removing it for six months or two years to do garrison duty. The men have the same feeling of objection. The Militia should be a reserve force to be embodied in case of war, and the labouring classes look upon embodiment, except in case of war, as a breach of faith. Aa to. Local Militia, Mr. Herbert made these remarks :—

" A good deal has been said in favour of a Local Kffitia. Now, I do not understand what is the difference between a Local and a General Militia. The popular notion is that the Local Militia is a force confined to its own county, and that a General Militia force is one each regiment of which may be • removed from its county. But, strictly speaking,yen can no more take 'tbe General Militia out of their respective counties ttit a Local Militia. 'At this moment we have an exceptional Act of Parliament enabling the Go- .vernment to embody the Militia, although the condition which the law held necessary to embodiment does not exist. But, if you, maintain a General Militia upon the local principle, you have all the advantages of the local force, with this further advantage—that you have a well organized force, with a capital corps of officers and a permanent staff. Nothing, therefore, in my opinion can be more unwise than to introduce a Local Militia in the place of a general force, which in its natural constitution is local, but which by legislative interference you have chosen to divert from its natural con- stitution. I come, therefore, to the conclusion that it will not be wise to attempt any change in this respect until you have tried the Militia law as it stands. The one thing the Militia wants is to be let alone. It has a capital constitution ; the law on which it is founded is sound and wise but Parlia- ment under the pressure of a great emergency set it aside. I hope, how- ever, that the House will not be induced to depart from the law, but will 'give it now, almost for the first time since it was enacted some few years ago, a fair trial." Mr. Herbert next explained, in great detail, the changes proposed and partly carried oat. Militia may volunteer to serve in Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Colonies. Small battalions may be amalgamated with others of like strength. This has been already done in Scotland and Wales with success. The times of training are now fixed beforehand, and the training will be simultaneous in order to check desertions. Increased pay is granted to adjutants who no longer depend on fluctuating allowances, from head money from recruits, and the like. Government has desired the Lords- Lieutenant and commanding officers to take none but men of known resi- dence and fixed habits, and this has led to marked improvement. In 1859, there were 44,340 present, and 30,557 absent in the disembodied regiments. The absentees have been struck off. Fifty-four regiments trained this year have supplied 48,569 men. The absentees have diminished at the rate of one-half. It will take time to induce the labouring classes again to put faith in the Government. The whole of the Militia is now armed with the Enfield Rifle, and 94 adjutants and 260 sergeants have passed through Hythe with credit. Promotion in the regiments as a rule is to go by seniority, and when the Lord-Lieutenant breaks the rule, he must assign a reason. All men re6nrolled, after five years' service, are to receive an addition of ten shillings to the bounty, instead of good conduct money. Free kith are given, school fees are abolished. Arrangements are made for amalgamating the artillery force of different countries, for building stores, and power is taken to call out troops for training either on enrolment or sometime before the general training of the regiments. Power is to be taken under the bill to raise the English Militia from 80,000 to 120,000; the Scotch from 5000 to 10,000; and the Irish, from 15,000 to 30,000. Since the Volunteer move- ment, it has been difficult to attract the non-commissioned officers to the Militia. "The Volunteer corps are very naturally eager to receive as much assistance as possible in their drill, and I am sure that nobody who witnessed the spectacle in Hyde Park on Saturday—which seemed to me one of the greatest and most imposing which has taken place in the metropolis for vears--would grudge those corps the aid of those non-commissioned officers by whom they appear to have so well profited. (Cheers.) It is, however, important that the Militia force, which is of a permanent nature, should be made as efficient as possible ; and I therefore propose to afford the perma- nent Staff—not by the present bill, but by the Militia Pay Bill, which will hereafter be introduced—increased pay." Ensigns are difficult to obtain, and two lieutenants are to be appointed to carry the colours. In conclusion, he said :—" This bill does not propose to reorganize the Militia, or to esta- blish in this country any foreign system in the raising and maintenance of that force. Our duty is, it appears to me, to keep up the traditions of the Militia, and to endeavour, by strict adherence to them, to bring it into a more efficient state." (Cheers.) The bill was well received, and leave was given to bring it in.

ECCL2SIASTICAL COMMISSION.

Mr. BENTINCR resumed, on Monday, the debate on the Ecclesiastica Commission Bill, by delivering a speech in support of Mr. Selwyn's amendment, that the bill should be read a second time that day six months. He was followed by Mr. HOWE. Mr. MALINS condemned the system of centralization embodied in the bill, and suggested that the deans and chapters, instead of being allowed to retain thoir entire estates, should be secured proper stipend, and that some simple machinery be arranged by which to hand over the surplus to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The bill confiscates the rights of lessees.

Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that Mr. Malin seemed to propose the con- fiscation of the rights of the lessors. Having explained the old system of fines on renewals of leases for lives to show that the lessor always-re- tained the right to allow no more lives to be put in, he said the object of the bill was to insure a more equitable distribution of Church revenues, so that the excess of income from capitular estates should go to the aug- mentation of small livings. He bad always been of opinion that it was desirable that the bishops and deans and chapters should hold landed property. He was ready to admit that if the estates of the Church were sold and the money invested in the- funds, the dignitaries of the Esta- blishment might have more certain incomes; but then they would not have that dependence on the land and that fixed stake in the country which it was desirable they should possess. Mr. Sarireaux ESTCOURT was opposed to the measure, because it made use of the machinery of the Ecclesiastical Commission alike for the sale and future management of the estates. The ancient system of manage- ment was, in his opinion, preferable to that which it was proposed to substitute by modern legislation. He thought, however, that the objec- tions which had been urged against the measure could be better discussed in Committee.

Mr. SELWYN withdrew the amendment, and the bill was read a second time.

In the Upper House the Archbishop of YORK moved the second read- ing of a bill to authorize the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to give due consideration to local claims on their funds. The spiritual wants of the working-classes in any district should be provided for before any of the money ganoes to the common fund. The "P 1 of CHICHESTER thought the bill should be postponed until the measure before the other House came up. Earl Gns_srvirax modified this suggestion—postponed until the House had reason to doubt whether the bill would come up. The Archbishop of Youx agreed, provided Go- vernment would give his bill precedence. Earl GREY said postponement would be justifiable if Government would support the bill. Then fol- lowed a discussion on the point The Government would give no assur- ance. A large number of Peers were decidedly in favour of the principle, and the bill was read a second time.

THE SIAN'S-TRADE.

Lord STRATIYEDEN moved that an humble address be presented to her Majesty, praying her Majesty

to be gracMualy pleased to appoint a Consul at Mozambique, with a view to promote the interests of com- merce and the execution of the treaties between Great Britain and Por- tugal upon the Slave-trade.

Lord WODEHOUSE said that although he objected, in the name of the Government, to the address moved for, he was not sorry that the matter had been brought under the consideration of the House. In respect to the appointment of a Consul at Mozambique for the suppression of the Slave-trade, he thought that the suppression of that trade depended more upon developing the resources of the country, and imbuing the natives with a love of trade and commerce, than upon either ourselves or the Portuguese. To further these objects the Government bad thought that it would be better to forward the objects of Dr. Livingstone's expedition, which they had done by proposing a grant of public money to assist him, than by appointing a Consul at Mozambique. The real source of the evil, however, was not on this, but on the other aide of the Atlantic, at Cuba. He hoped Lord Stratheden would not persevere in his motion.

Lord BROUGHAM said that until the Portuguese honestly carried out the engagements by which they had bound themselves, so long would the development of the resources of the East Coast of Africa, in spite of

any efforts on our part retarded. He strongly denounced the in- sincerity of Spain in suppressing the Slave-trade in Cuba and con- trasted with it the conduct of Brazil, which had done its beset) do away with this inhuman traffic by admitting emancipated Negroes to the highest public trusts and to an equality with the Whites in social life. In conclusion, he inveighed against the harshness of the laws of the United States in regard to the Negroes, and read to the House an ex- tract from a decision of the Supreme Court, declaring that no Negro had any rights which a white man is bound to respect. The Bishop of OXFORD was much disappointed at the announcement of Lord Wodehouse that it was not the intention of the Government to appoint a consul at Mozambique. He agreed with Lord Wodehouse in the importance of Dr. Livingstone's expedition, but thought it would be of small avail if not backed by the influence of a British Consul at Mo- zambique. He trusted that the decision of the Government on this sub- ject was not final.

The Duke of SominisEr wanted to know how the appointment of a consul at Mozambique would tend to the suppression of the Slave-trade ? As long it vessels carrying an American flag were exempt from exami- nation it would be impossible to stop the traffic in human flesh. The only place where it would be possible to affect the Slave-trade was at Cuba. He was glad to see that the United States had cooperated lately with us in suppressing this trade by sending a squadron to the West coast of Africa.

Earl GaAirviLLE trusted Lord Stratheden would withdraw his motion, as, if persisted in, he should feel bound to oppose it. That course might lay the Government open to a false charge of lukewarmness in the sup- pression of the Slave-trade, than which nothing would be more un- founded.

Lord STBATHEDEN declined to withdraw the motion, and the House divided, when the numbers were—Content, 11; Not content, 6 ; Ma- J9rrty, 5.

otion agreed to.

nos Regulationand Inspection Bill, and made progress. On clause 10, M. ATILTON moved the insertion of words compelling proprietors to fence ,off places not being worked, so that the foul air might be kept out of the places in use. Carried by 185 to 18. Mr. AYHTON carried another amend- ment, providing that refuges should be constructed every twenty yards. Mr. BRUCE proposed to insert words enabling, proprietors to dispense with the u se of covered cars, except when repairs were in progress. Negatived by 127 to 47. Motion to report progress agreed to.

BERAXWATERS and HAmiouns. The Marquis of CLAN-mouton moved for a Committee to inquire whether harbours and breakwaters cannot be constructed at less cost. He objected to the report of the Harbour Commis- sioners, because its plans were too extensive and costly, suggesting floating breakwaters. The Duke of SOMERSET said recent reports on floating break- waters had not been favourable. He should be glad to see the experiment tried, but could not see the necessity for an inquiry. A conversational de- bate ensued. Earl Giterivimsi did not oppose the motion. If a Commit- tee could be got, Lord Clanricarde might take one; but Lord CLANRICABDE withdrew the motion.

DISTRESS IN Ennis. Mr. HENESSY moved an address to the Crown, praying her Majesty to direct that steps should be taken to relieve the dis- tress prevailing in Erris and other parts of Ireland. The distress, very se- vere, has been caused by the hard winter. It has been relieved by private subscription. He complained that the Irish Poor-law did not admit of out- door relief. Mr. CARDWELL'S answer was that the workhouse, only con- tained 120 inmates; it will hold 600. Private funds have given relief to all who needed it. Mr. WEvoit, Lord PERMOY and Mr. MAGUIRE, said the Poor-law does not work well. People will do anything rather than go into the workhouse, and that some other mode of relief must be provided. Mr. LONGFIELD and Colonel DUNNE supported the motion on the same ground. Mr. CLrvn and Mr. Forerun:4r opposed it, the latter on the ground that the facts had not been established before a Select Committee. Motion negatived by 84 to 49.

Intim APPoiNrbtErrs. Mr. CONOLLY moved two resolutions severely censuring Lord Carlisle for his Irish appointments, especially those of Mr. Lyle to be Lord Lieutenant of Londonderry, and Mr. Tenison to be Lord Lieutenant of Roscommon. He made a speech full of personalties and and expressions which caused much amusement. Mr. CARDWELL defended the Lord-Lieutenant in which he was aided by Mr. Witswow, Mr. ORMSBY GORE, Sir Geonoz GREY, Mr. HORSMAN, and heartily by Lord PALMERSTON% Mr. Conolly's supporters were Colonel Fnancn and Captain ARCHDALL. Motion negatived, without 'a division amid some laughter. BLEACHThiG BILL. The Wednesday sitting was mainly occupied with the consideration of the Bleaching and Dyeing Works Bill. The debate on an amendment moved by Sir Timm CAIRNS to exempt from the operation of the bill the linen bleaching ground of Ireland, was resumed, and carried on with spirit for some time. In the end the amendment was carried by 190 to 48. An equally long discussion arose on an amendment, moved by Mr. EGERTON, king the hours of labour at twelve instead of ten. Mr. Borantex, Lord JOHN MANNERS, Mr. Caooz, Sir GEORGE LEWIS and other Members who protested against the attempt to turn a ten hours into a twelve hours bill. Amendment negatived by 256 to 42. Mr. EGERTON moved a new clause, exempting works wherein royal blue dyeing is carried on. Negatived by 109 to 55.

The clock here put a stop to further proceedings for the day.

umREGULATIONS. The House went again into Committee on the