Current:

Leader (1850-1860), 3rd April 1852, Edition Town of 2, Page 313, Untitled Article

Page 313
Page 5
5 of 24

On this page

  • Text (2)

      Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

    • Untitled Article

      Untitled Article

    • Untitled Article

      Untitled Article

  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Untitled Article

      bestowed some satirical comments upon the " . Arcadian dialogue" between the Austrian Government and the presmt A dministration , worthy , he observed , of Virgil . Be-Kevinff he said , that we had now a Government which sympathized with Austrian prinbiplesj and that with so much mutual confidence there would be no danger to British travellers , he suggested to Mr . Milnes that as the discussion had sufficienuy accompUshed the object in view- — although the resolution contained . an assertion which no one could dent— -if th 6 Government would move the

      previous question , he should not go to ft division . •' This virtually settled the discussion * Mr . Bmlme Cochbane spoke , and managed to mis-state facts and malign persons riot defenders of despotism . Sir John Walsh , though with more tact , had done likewise . Mr . Vebnon Smith held that the Austrian " menace " had not been withdrawn ; an assertion indirectly contradicted by Mr . HenuBy , who , adopting the suggestion of Lord Palmerston , moved the " previous question , " which was agreed to .

      HOUSE OF IOEDS . On Monday the Earl of ELLENBOEOtrGH moved for a copy of the proclamation issued on the 21 st of January , 1852 , by Mr , Frere , the Commissioner in Scinde . In that proclamation it was declared that AH Mourad , who was an independent prince , and an ally of the British Government and who was in possession of considerable territories in the northern part of Scinde , had , by a commission appointed by the British Government , been found guilty of having forged a certain treaty by which he had obtained possession of certain districts instead of certain villages , which he claimed to be entitled to under a treaty called "the

      treaty of Nowiiahur 5 " and that , in . consequence of his having been thus found guilty , he had been deprived of all his "territories , —not merely of those territories which he had obtained fraudulently , but of all his territories , save those which he had inherited from bis father . Great as the prejudice must be against the disgraceful crime of forgery , he was sure that their lordships would not willingly see even the poorest person deprived of these three advantages when placed on his trial for any offence—first , a tribunal free from every suspicion of partiality ; next , evidence free jrom taint ; andJLastly ^ if guilt were proved , a punishment not incommensurate with the offence , and not

      inconsistent with the position of the accused person . Lord Ellenborough contended that not one of these conditions was observed in the case of Ali Mourad . The British Government in India had a dispute with him regarding certain lands , which he was accused of having obtained fraudulently . But we were not justified in dealing with him as a prince and a subject at once . We had a right to demand compensation from him , but not to proceed against him , as a prince , for forgery , and then to deprive him of all that constituted dominion . Ali Mourad had rendered great services to Sir Charles Napier in the campaigns in Scinde , of 1842

      and 1843 . On a subsequent occasion he had assisted Sir Charles Napier with a force of 5000 men . His fidelity at the time of the campaign of the Sutlej , in 1846 , had also entitled him to great consideration . Lord Ellenborough objected to the constitution of the commission of inquiry which had decided on Ali Mourad ' s guilt , which was nominated by the British Government , the plaintiff in the case . And he believed that all the witnesses , some of them men who had been dismissed nnd punished by Ali Mourad for various frauds , were unworthy of credit . And as the whole annual value of the lands said to have been unjustly

      withheld was 4000 ? ., while the estates confiscated by the British Government produced 100 , 000 £ . a-year , the punishment was evidently excessive , and the sentonoe ought to bo revised . And oven if it were just that these lands should bo confiscated , the Nawab of Ikhawul pore had a prior claim to them , which ought to be duly considered by the Government , as the Nawab had rendered us valuable services during our campaigns in Affghanistan , nnd at a later period in the Punjaub . Lord Bkottghton said , that if there really hnd boon ftny violation of equity in this case , ho and ho alone was responsible for it , as he had , when President of the Board of Control , authorized the transmission to , India of the despatch by which this prince was doprived

      —an ho thought justly— -of his ill-gotton possessions . ¦ Even in tho year 1847 , Sir Charles Napior had bocom « cognizant of the forgery by which Ali Mourad hnd appropriated a district belonging to the British Government ; nnd Mr . Pringlo , the resident ; having inado inquiries , by desire of Sir George CJork , thon Governor of Bombay , reported to tho Government that » o Imd no doubt of tho guilt of Ali Mourad ' . Tho fonunission , which had been appointed was composed of "ion of great experience , nnd nothing could bo , fairer than tho xnodo in which tho inquiry had bcon con-, ducted . The report of tho commission , nnd all tho documents appended to it , had boon transmitted to the Govornor-Goneral , and all tho various reports had aftorwarda been sent to the authorities at homo , and ho did

      not believe there was a difference of opinion in India * or even in England , as to the guilt of Ali Mourad . He thought , that in dealing with the acts , of great public functionaries , placed at a distance from home , they should be very kind to their virtues , and a little blind to their imperfections , and he hoped he had satisfied their lordships that there was no foundation for these charges and allegations . , - ¦< . , ¦ ¦¦¦ .. ' - . > The Earl of JDe&bt commented with some severity on the course taken . , by the Earl of Ellenborough , and expressed his satisfaction at Lord Broughton ' s

      vindication of the East India Company , whose proceedings had been characterized by equity and moderation . Only those lands had been taken from Ali Mourad which he had unlawfully obtained , and his patrimonial possessions had been left to him . On the part of the Government he had- no objection to give the papers moved for , but he thought that , in fairness ^ the report of the Commissioners should be included . After a few words from Earl Gbey , the papers moved for , with the addition suggested by the Earl , of Derby , were ordered .

      But two weeks ago , our readers will readily remember , Lord Derby pledged himself to dissolve Parliament as soon as possible , and convene a new one in the autumn . The proceedings of the House of Lords on Tuesday show that he has withdrawn his pledge , and that gratuitously . As will be seen , he made an oppor tunity . The Earl of Minto incidentally asked Lord Lyndhurst whether it was his intention to proceed with his

      bill for enabling each House of Parliament to take up in an ensuing session a measure which had been passed by one of them in the preceding session ? His inducements to ask this question were , that there was a general impression abroad that we might very shortly expect a dissolution of Parliament . It was also said , that as a very short and hurried session would follow the general election , many measures would be passed in one house which there would not be time-to consider in

      the other . He suggested that some of such measures might be proceeded with during the present session , as their lordships had at present a great deal of leisure in their house . The Earl of BebBT . — -Before my noble and learned friend answers this question , I beg to correct a misapprehension under which the noble earl opposite labours as to what fell from me some nights ago . Nothing has ever fallen from my lips which could lead any man to suppose that the present would be a session of unusually short duration . I never said anything that could justify such a conclusion . I say further , that the continuance of the session depends on causes over which I can have no control . As far as I can form an opinion , the next session ,

      so far from being a short and hurried session , will commence at an early period , and will be of no ordinary duration . The noble earl has done me the honour to allude still further to what he supposes me to have said . What I did say was this , that I thoug ht it advisable that the autumn should not pa ss over without Parliament coming to a decision on certain subjects deeply affecting the welfare and interests of the country . But Laid not say anything which could lead tho House ,, nor did I intend to lead tho House , to the impression that there would be an early dissolution in the spring , to be followed up by a short and hurr ied session in the summer . On the part of her Maiestv ' a Government there waa no such intontion . As to

      the object of the question now put by the noble earl opposite to my noble and learned friend , as to the expediency of passing a . bill to enable us to keep a measure hanging over from one session to another , I have only to say , that whatever may have been his intention or m ino as to enabling one House of Parliament to take up in a following session a measure passed by the other in a preceding session , I never contemplated a measure for enabling us to continue in one Parliament a bill commenced in another . The Earl of MiNto complained that ho had been misundorstood by the noblo oarl opposito , and explained what ho actually had said ; but in too low a tone of voice to enable us to report him .

      Tho Duke of Newcastle . —My lords , my understanding is , that the present explanation of the noble ¦ earl ( Derby ) is not in accordanco with that which I understood to fall from him on a former night , nor with the undorstanding which other noblo lords have of tho expressions which ho thon used , and which gained their appr obation , nor with the general interpretation of tho public . Tho noblo earl has stated with great correctness tho lattor part of tho answer which ho thon gavo mo ; but tho noblo oarl will not , I think , deny that ho al 8 O stated that ho did contemplate an early dissolution of Parliamont , and that ho did not think it right , considering tho tompor of tho proflont House of Commons , to persevere with any measures

      of legislation oxcept those winch weno ot instant urgency . Ho will not , I think , dojny that ho also Btatod that which , of course , produced a groat offoot , and rendered his oxplanation moro satisfactory—that ho would not p lodgo him , Holf to dissolve Parliament on any doiinito or particular day—that ho would not pledge himself tp dissolve in April , May , or Jurio—The Earl of PHBnY .- —I novor mentioned thoso months , Tho Duko of Newcastle . —I must thon appeal to tho recollection of your lordships—for my recollection on tho point is distinct . If tho noblo oarl says that ho modo such a statement without intending it , I am roady to admit it ; but . from my perfect reliance on my own recolleotion I must flay that tho noblo oarl has forgotten his ow »

      statement ; for I aver that he distinctly said that he did not pledge himself to the time of the dissolution , and that he wouM not say whether it was to take place in the month of April , May , or June . .,... The Earl of Deebt . — -The noble duke has evidently misunderstood what fell from me on a former occasion . I said that I would not pledge myself to specify the . day on which I would advise Her Majesty to dissolve Parliament , or the month in which a general election should take place . Isaid that I . thought that it was expedient for'the .

      public advantage that the autumn should not pass over without a new parliament having an opportunity of discussing Certain , questions of deep general interest ; and I added , almost in the saine words which I repeated to-day , that I thought it was expedient that those questions should be disposed of before the ordinary time of assembling Parliament for the session of 1853 . That statement I repeat again . Beyond that I have not bound myself , nor will I be induced , to go . Here the conversation dropped .

      An Aemed Mercantile Steam - Maeine . — The House agreed , on Tuesday , to a resolution moved , by Mr . Andeeson , worded as follows : —" That it is the opinion of this House that , in order the better to provide for the public safety , to economize the public resources , and to preserve peace , it is desirable that measures should be adopted with a view to render the commercial steam navy promptly available for the national defence incase of emergency . " Impost Duties on Wines .- —Mr . Anstey moved on Tuesday for a select committee to inquire into the causes of the decline in * the revenue derived from the import duties on wines . Mr . DiSEAEiii objected that the revenue had not declined , and consequently it would be absurd to inquire into the alleged decline . Mr . Anstey agreed to leave out the words objected to , and the committee was granted .

      The BAtior Division . —In addition to the legitimate Tories who , as a matter of course , voted against the ballot , on Tuesday , we find sixteen decided Whigs ; most conspicuous among whom , are Mr . Cayley , the Hon . W . F . Cowper , Mr . John Hatchell , Lord Alfred Hervey , Viscount Palmerston , Lord John Russell , and the new Whig-Conservative , Mr . Frederick Peel . Mr . Gladstone , and Mr . Goulbum , also voted in the majority ; ¦ while in the minority the only name one meets with which , affords any sufpr ise 7 is Sir Robert Peel . All the members for the metropolitan boroughs voted for the motion . Of the City members two , Sir James Duke , from choice , Baron Rothschild , from necessity , were absent ; two , Lord John Russell , and Mr . Masterman , voted against it 7 "Of the _ Middlesex members , Mr . Osborne was in his place , and voted ^ for , while Lord . Robert Grosverior was absent . Greenwich was compelled to vote against the ballot , Mr .

      Salomons being absent per force , and Admiral Stewart voting with Lord John Russell . Salford ( Mr . Brotherton ) was absent ; the West-Riding was for , in the person of Mr . Cobden , Mr . Beckett Denison being absent ; Sheffield was for , Mr . Roebuck having paired off , and Mr . Parker being absent ; Leeds was divided , Mr . Marshall for , Mr . Beckett against ; G-ateshead ( Mr , Hutt ) by mistake , got among the " noes j" Newcastle shirked the division , both members absent ; Bradford v < Jted for , in the person of Colonel Thompson , JVTr . Milligan contrived to be absent ; Bath , Birmingham , Derby , Glasgow , Leicester , Macclesfield , Manchester , Oxford , Preston , Rochdale , Southampton , South Shields and Wolverhampton , voted for ; both tho Liverpool members voted against . Of the Oldham members , Mr . fox voted for , Mr . Duncuft found it convenient to be away . Hull divided in like manner , Mr . Clay voting . Such aro some of the results of tho last division on tho

      ballot . Tho number who voted with Mr . Humo last wook , was by a mistake printed 84 instead of 89 . The Morninp Herald states , that on Thursday night Sir James Graham and Mr . Cobden wero observed in tho House of Commons " in close and earnest conference for a considerable time . " This is headed " mischief brewing , " by tho ministerial organ . Habwicii . —This maculato borough is without a

      representative . Sir do Xacy Evans , to removo tho anomaly of a virtual disfranchiscmont without good reasons , moved on Thursday for a commission to inquire into tho existence of br ibery in Harwich : but Government , and Whigs and Tories opposed tho motion . Sir do Lacy Evans waa obstinate , howovor , and on a division , thero wore—for tho motion , 95 ; against it , 137 . Seeing this , Mr . Thomas Duncombo logically concluded , that us Government had refused inquiry , tho writ ought to bo issued at once . Mr . Beigwt , however , and othors , contended for delay and a proper notice ^ Government supported him , and Mr . Duncombo withdrow his motion .

      Untitled Article

      ELECTION MATTERS . Me . George Henry Vumittart , of Binham Abbey , is tho first to commence the contest for the county of Berkshire . Ho has issued an address to the electors , declaring himself u Protectionist , a supporter of Lord Derby , " and a decided opponent of the selfish and lovolling doctrines of the Manchester school . " His great object h to secure the rejection of Mr . Philip Pusoy . ' •• ,

      Mr . Alexander Henry intends to retire from tho representation of South Lancashire , nnd thero is a probability that Mr . Alderman Watkins , a Manchester merchant , of liberal politics , will be brought forward as u froe-trado candidate . The report that Mr . William EntwiBlo would become a candidate for Manchester in denied . Tho prosent members , Mr . Bright and Mr . Milnor Gibson , will bo ro-olooted without opposition . Mr . J . B . Smith's friends aro very sanguine of his

      Untitled Article

      Mnmkmm V ; : . ^ ti ' S EAfrMy ; ¦ ,- ~ m = = = S ^ . . ¦" ...- ! :. „¦ ¦ ¦ .,-, ,- . '¦' . ¦ ' ' '' " ¦ ' ' ¦ " . ¦ ¦¦' : - : ' . - - ¦ ¦ "" » ' ¦ ' . ¦¦ ¦ ..... ¦¦ ... . ¦ - ¦ . ¦¦¦¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ' ¦ .: ¦ .. - ¦¦¦ . - ¦ ¦ -- - ' - : ¦ ¦ ¦ : ¦ ¦¦ ' .. •' . - '' .- ' ¦ ' ¦¦ ¦

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), April 3, 1852, page 313, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1929/page/5/