Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

wrong. He trusted that the mere imputation of being actuated by factious motives would not be deemed sufficient to induce their Lordships to say 'Not-content' to his Motion. He implored them to pause and consider this subject well. He conjured them not to give the radicals abroad this additional reason for reproaching them, that when a case of distress was fully proved and substantiated-as he had a right to say it had been by himself, and still more ably by his noble friends who had supported him-they had, without assigning any reason, refused inquiry. He pledged his honour that he had no motive in bringing forward this motion but the good of his country. Neither had those who supported him any object but the public benefit. They had come forward from a sense of duty, to support this question, and for them he demanded that justice which he called for for himself,namely, that their Lordships should believe that this was a straightforward, plain, and manly Motion.

Their Lordships then divided, when the numbers appeared Content, present 39, Proxies 22, Total 61, Not Content, present 69, Proxies 72; Total, 141.-Majority 80.

instead of that, they were surrounded with
the most deplorable misery and distress-
a degree of distress which Ministers them-
selves did not dare to deny, although they
would not inquire into it.' The First Ma-
gistrate of the United States went on
to say, "In communicating with you for
the first time, it is to me a source of un-
feigned satisfaction, calling for mutual
gratulation and devout thanks to Provi-
dence that we are at peace with all man-
kind, and that our country exhibits the
most cheering evidence of general welfare
and progressive improvement." Thus it
appeared that thanks were given to Provi-
dence in America, whilst in England Pro-
vidence was graciously permitted to bear
the imputation of causing national dis-
tress. This was the case with America,
and therefore he had a right to say that
the noble Duke had been very much mis-
informed. But perhaps the noble Duke
thought that the speech of the President
was not worthy of more credit than
speeches delivered elsewhere. One cause
assigned by the noble Duke was, that we
got fresh butter from Holland by steam.
Now he would read an account of the but-
ter from the Netherlands. In 1826 there
were 160,000 cwt.; in 1827, 136,000 cwt.;
in 1828, 143,000 cwt.; and from other.
countries there were imported, in 1826,
273,327 cwt.; in 1827, 291,579 cwt.;
and in 1828, 278,000 cwt. Here, there-
fore, was a decrease, and thus the argu- Cumberland
ment founded on the butter melted away.
A noble Marquis (the Lord Lieutenant for
Kent) had adverted to the different parties
in the State. Now he begged leave to de-
clare under what party he ranked himself.
He was not of any theoretical party; he
was of that party-of that class of men, if
such a class existed-who, in their public
actions, had no other object in view but
the good of their country. He belonged
to that party which had the welfare of the
country most warmly at heart: he would
tell the noble Lord, and all who talked of
factious motives being the foundation of
his conduct, and that of his noble Friend
who supported him, that he would never
be able to influence his vote in that House,
or to intimidate him and his noble friends
by calling them ultra-tories, ultra-whigs,
or whatever other name they might be
He would vote for Minis-
pleased to use.
ters when he thought they were right, and
he would oppose them in every fair parlia-
mentary way when he thought they were

List of the Minority and Majority.

Dukes.

Gloucester
Richmond

Argyll

Marquisses.
Lansdown

Salisbury
Clanricarde
Sligo
Ailesbury

Earls.
Winchilsea

Carlisle
Ferrers
Cowper
Tankerville
Stanhope
Radnor
Digby

Mansfield
Carnarvon
Romney

Dukes.
Newcastle
Grafton

MINORITY.

Eldon
Rosebery
Falmouth
Stradbroke

Kinnoul

Viscounts.

Granville

Goderich

Melbourne

Maynard

Barons.
Teynham
King
Holland
Vernon
Calthorpe

Lilford
Redesdale
Rivers
Seaford

Bishops.

Bath and Wells

Llandaff

PROXIES.

Marquis,
Anglesey
Earls.
Guilford

Devonshire
Marlborough

Orford

[blocks in formation]

Rosslyn

Shaftesbury

Forrester

Glenlyon

Harris

Hill
Manners
Maryborough
Montagu

Willoughby d'Eresby
Bishops.

London
Winchester
Oxford

Pomfret

Malmesbury

Charleville

Jersey

De La Warr

Dudley

Prudhoe

[blocks in formation]

Glengall

Wharncliffe

Westmorland

Cornwallis

Chesterfield

Bristol

[blocks in formation]

Aberdeen

Gower

Cassilis

[blocks in formation]

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Thursday, March 18.

MINUTES.] Returns presented-Of the period at which the Cork Foundling Hospital was first established, and statements relative thereto :-Copies of Memorials to the Irish Government on the subject of advances to build the Court House at Kerry. Of Memorials to the Commissioners of Customs relative to the office of Coal Meters, Dublin. The expenditure of the Commissioners of Public Records in 1829, and Works published. The number of Letters, from the Solicitor to the Board of Taxes to persons in arrear in 1823, and charges thereon. Writs or Processes issued by the Solicitor. Letter from Mr. Abbot, dated Nov. 27, 1829, with the observations of Messrs. Brooksbank and Beltz. A Scale of Stamp Duties on Bills of Exchange. Accounts of the Notes of Country Bankers; Notes stamped; and of the Bankers who have commuted for the Stamp Duty since 1826. Accounts relative to the Penitentiary at Milbank; and to the Irish Tontine Annuity office. Accounts of the Corn, Meal, and Flour imported from Ireland during the last two years. Copies of the informations and judgment against Mr. Alexander, the Editor of the Morning Journal. The gross receipt of the tolls of vessels passing the Light Houses of Winterton, Orfordness, Dungeness, North and South Foreland, and of Hunston Cliff, with the expense of maintaining the Light Houses. The number of Contracts now existing for supplying the Naval service. The Second Report of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on East India Affairs. A copy of the Commission issued for inquiring into the state of Ecclesiastical Courts in England and Wales.

An Address was ordered to be presented to his Majesty, for a copy of the 18th and 19th Reports on the Public Records of Ireland.

Returns ordered-On the Motion of the Marquis of BLANDFORD, of the number of Persons entitled to vote at Election of Members of Parliament for Ireland:-On the Motion of Mr. SYKES, of the amount of Tonnage entered Inwards and cleared Outwards in Ireland since 1823:-On the Motion of Mr. WOLRYCHE WHITMORE, of the total quantities of Hides, Skins, Malt, Coffee, Tea, Paper, Printed Goods, British and Irish Spirits and Tobacco, charged with Excise Duties in each year since 1818:-Of the number of Gallons of Spirits imported from Scotland into England since 1827; with the number of Excise Officers employed on the Borders, and the Expense, as well as an Account of the quantity of Spirits seized.

Council of Kirkaldy; and from the Chamber of Com

merce of Kirkaldy:-By the Earl of BELFAST, from the Merchants of Belfast. Praying for a Repeal of the Vestry Act, Ireland, by Lord BINGHAM, from the parishes of Kilcomen and Robin. Praying for the Repeal of the Subletting act, by Mr. O'CONNELL, from three parishes in Ireland. Praying for a Reform in Parliament, by the Marquis of BLANDFORD, from Garboldsham (Norfolk). Against the proposed Alteration in the Licensing System, by Mr.

Petitions were presented-praying for a Free Trade to China | tion of government; the punishment of by Sir R. FERGUSON from the Magistrates, and Town- death was inflicted in many cases, where it completely failed to deter others from the commission of offences. Horse-stealing, for example, had been carried to a great extent, and it was quite plain that the number of executions for that crime had not tended to check it. In the revision then going on of our Criminal Code, he hoped, therefore, that this subject would not be overlooked. The number of offences to which the penalty of death was attached was disgraceful, and it had signally failed to answer the effect intended. Petition to be printed.

PELL, from the Licensed Victuallers of Cheltenham.
Praying for a Repeal of the Malt Duties by Mr. EDWARD

DAVENPORT:-By Mr. POTTER MACQUEEN, from the Freeholders of Bedford; and complaining of Distress, and praying Relief, by Admiral SoгHERON, from Southwell. The Indemnity Bill was brought in and read a First time; as was a Bill to Repeal certain Inoperative Statutes in Ireland.

REVISION OF THE CRIMINAL LAW.] Petitions praying for a revision of the Criminal Law, so as to do away with the punishment of Death in cases of Forgery and other crimes, except murder, and to render punishment more certain, were presented from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, by Sir M. W. Ridley; from Carlisle, by Colonel Lushington; and from Chelmsford, by Mr. Bramston. The hon. Gentleman said, that he concurred with the Petitioners in their prayer, that human life should not be taken away except for murder. The making any other punishment, such as that of solitary confinement, certain, as the consequence of particular crimes, would probably be more effective for the prevention of crime than the present system. However, he should not feel altogether disposed to take away from the judges that discretion they were very properly allowed to exercise in particular

cases.

Mr. Western, like his honourable colleague, supported the prayer of the Petition. He concurred with the petitioners in thinking that the punishment of death was frequently inflicted when it was not necessary to insure the safety of society, but he had not yet carried his opinion so far as to suppose that it ought to be abolished in all cases except murder. It sometimes happened, that great violence was used in committing crimes, which, though not amounting to murder, could only be repressed by capital punishment. Except in such cases, he admitted, as a general principle, that the law ought not to inflict death as the punishment of crimes.

Petition to be printed.

Similar Petitions were presented from Sunderland and Darlington, by Lord W. Powlett; from Lewes, by Mr. Kemp.

Mr. Grant said, he earnestly hoped that this subject would not escape the atten

Sir M. S.

OPERATIVE WEAVERS.] Stewart begged leave to present a Petition from the Operative Weavers of Glasgow, praying for some relief from the sinking distress under which they suffered. The Petition was signed by about 4,600 individuals; and large as this number was, he was informed that it composed but a very small portion of the thousands that were now suffering the severest privations from the extremely low rate of wages given to Operative Weavers in Glasgow. The petitioners averred, "that the average income of each family, according to the strictest investigation, amounts only to about 3s. 6d. of clear money per week, or does not exceed 4s., and that after ninety-six hours of incessant labour." The petitioners attribute their destitute condition to the rapid increase of population, and the still more rapid increase of machinery in Glasgow,-causes over which the House had no control, and could not, therefore, be responsible for their effects, heavy and afflictive as they in this instance declared them to be, and it was very natural that the petitioners, in their wretchedness should presume that in the hands of this House rested the power to carry into operation measures of relief for the existing distress, and by efficient regulations, prepare means of happiness and subsistence to almost any amount of population." He sincerely wished that he could feel convinced that it was in the power of the House to afford the asked-for relief, unless it was by opening the vast markets of India and China to the enterprise of their employers. But undoubtedly these petitioners, and thousands of their fellow operatives, were enduring, both themselves and families, deep and heavy misery; and he most earnestly offered their well-drawn

66

Mr. Ross observed, that it would be very difficult to make out such a return. There were many electors non-residents, and they would not be included in the return.

petition to the just and compassionate | for Returns of the number of persons enconsideration of the House. He begged titled to vote for each borough in Ireland, to take the opportunity of saying, and he distinguishing the resident from the nonhad much satisfaction in doing so, which resident voters. would prevent him trespassing on the time of the House, in the long interesting debate that was to be continued that night, that, with the exception of the operative weavers (and that only made their case the harder), he had good reason to believe, -and he had taken much pains to ascertain the facts from the best sources,that the manufacturers of Glasgow and Paisley were in rather a better condition than last year; and that, small as profits were, still they had improved, and were considered, by those best qualified to judge as still showing a tendency to improve. Ordered to lie on the Table.

Mr. Benett did not see why it should be more difficult to make it for Ireland than it had been for England and Wales, for for which such a return was moved last year.

Mr. Hume said, a motion of his to that effect was carried last year.

Sir J. Newport said, he thought there could be no difficulty, for the non-resident freemen were included, as well as the repe-sidents, in the poll-books, and they were not liable to any sudden change.

Mr. Hume supported the prayer of the tion, though he did not see by what means that House could give the petitioners any relief, except by reduction of taxation. It was a singular anomaly, he observed, in so rich a country as this, that so many thousands of the poor labouring classes should have to work for so many hours in the day at wages of 3s. 6d. per week. He agreed with every part of the prayer of the petitioners, except where they objected to machinery. No doubt, they suffered from it, and he regretted it, but the introduction of machinery had been productive of great benefit to the country.

Mr. Brownlow presented a Petition from the Operative Weavers of Dublin, complaining of distress, and praying for means of employment. The petitioners thanked the House, the hon. Member observed, for the advantages of civil and religious liberty they enjoy, but they venture to complain of the unparalleled distress from not having a market for their commodities. They complained chiefly of the want of a home market, and they therefore prayed the House to encourage the erection of public works in Ireland. Government, they thought, might advance money without the risk of loss, which, judiciously laid out, would give employment to thousands. All they asked for was employment.

Petition referred to the Committee on Irish Poor.

Mr. Alderman Waithman expressed his surprise that any objection should be made to the Motion.

Motion agreed to.

BOROUGH OF CARLOW.] Mr. O'Con nell moved for a return of the number of persons entitled to vote for Members to serve for the Town of Carlow, distinguishing the resident from the non-resident. He founded this Motion on a letter written by the Clerk of the Peace of that town, stating that the borough was the property of Lord Charleville, and that he returned the Member who represented that place in Parliament. This was a subject which he felt the necessity of bringing under the consideration of the House, as a case materially affecting its privileges-a case in which it was openly asserted that a Peer returned a Member to serve in that House. wished, however, before making any motion on the subject, to have the regular return in the hands of the hon. Members. Motion agreed to.

He

GALWAY TOWN.] Mr. O'Connell presented a Petition signed by several Protestants and Catholics in the town of Galway, praying for the admission of Catholics as well as Protestants to the freedom of the Corporation of that town. The petiREFORM OF PARLIAMENT.] The tioners stated, the hon. Member observed, Marquis of Blandford, in presenting a that the right to vote for Members of ParPetition, praying for a Reform in Parlia-liament had been recognized, several times, ment, as necessary to restore that House to vest in the resident burgesses, and in to the confidence of the people, moved particular, that it was recognized by the

Mr. O'Connell observed, that the postponement of these trials had cost Government an expense of 3,000l., nor did he believe that the slightest blame could attach to the Crown counsel. He hoped, however, that his hon. friend, the Member for Mallow, would not suffer the matter to rest as it at present stood.

Mr. King said, that he, as Foreman of the Grand Jury, had forwarded the memorial on the day of the assize, accompanied by a letter, and he knew that both the letter and memorial were put into the post-office; and he did not know why a special commission had been granted, unless it was in consequence of that letter.

Irish Parliament, though it was barred by the enactments of the 4th of George 1st. Now, they said, in consequence of confining this right to one class of persons, a great many abuses had crept into the borough. They stated that, in 1819, one gentleman procured the freedom of the borough for 793 tenants of his, only one of whom was resident in the borough; the gentleman himself being a non-resident. They further stated, that large funds, in the possession of the Corporation, were not applied to the purposes for which they were intended. One man had held the office of mayor thirteen years, and another had been sheriff seven years, during a part of which he was non-resident. So bad was this system, that there were not resident magistrates sufficient to fulfil the duties of the magistracy, and the Government had been obliged to supply the deficiency. They added, that the rates of the land subject to the Corporation, were 17.13s.7d. per acre whilst on the adjoining land they were only 2s. and the petitioners prayed that the House would take these matters into its serious consideration, and pass a law to admit Catholics as well as Protestants to the freedom of the borough.

TRIALS AT CORK.] Mr. Jephson would take occasion to advert to certain official documents from Ireland, which he had formerly moved for, but, as it seemed, without effect. He alluded to the memorial of the Grand Jury of Cork to the Lord Lieutenant, relative to the postponement of trials in that county, together with the viceregal answer thereto. The return which was laid before the House, in compliance with his motion, consisted of a simple statement from Mr. Gregory, and dated from the Civil Office, at the Castle, in Dublin, that there was not the least trace of any such memorial having been received at the Castle. As he (Mr. Jephson) had stated that a memorial of that nature was transmitted, he found himself placed in rather a disagreeable situation. There could be no doubt that such a memorial was forwarded, and he wished to know from the noble Lord how it happened that a copy could not be laid before the House? Lord F. L. Gower supposed that some accident had befallen the memorial on its way to the Castle, but he had no means of elucidating the subject any further, having been absent at the time when it was alleged to have been presented. VOL. XXIII,

WOOL TRADE.] Mr. W. Burrell, in presenting a Petition from the owners and occupiers of land in Shipley and West Grinstead against the importation of Wool with a nominal duty, said, that it was necessary, in consequence of some remarks which had been made by Gentlemen on the Wool Trade, for him to describe, at some length, the contents of the Petition. The petitioners stated, then, that British wool had become nearly unsaleable, and that the admission of foreign wool into the home market was a serious injury to them. They were of opinion, that the real wealth of a country consisted in the quantity and value of its produce, and of the skill and industry of its inhabitants; that those branches of manufacture which combined the production of the raw material with its subsequent preparation, either for home consumption or for exportation, were the most profitable, and to be considered as the natural manufactures of a country; and it was, they affirmed, on this account that woollens had been, for so many generations, the staple manufacture of England. For all these reasons, the petitioners submitted to the House the propriety of encouraging, by protecting the home-grower of wool, the manufacture of woollens. If he were correctly informed, Austria, which sent a great quantity of wool to this country, would not, in return, take any of our manufactured cloths. And why, then, he would ask, should we sacrifice our home-growers of wool for the sake of admitting her raw materials into this country? There were other countries, he believed, which, like Austria, would allow us to have wool, but would take none of our manufactures in exchange. In France, a duty of thirty-three per cent was levied T

« AnteriorContinuar »