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IMP " - THE CAB STBIKE . ¦ j # t . Fitziroy ' s Bill gave occasion for an interesting colloquy in the House of Commons on Wednesdaythe day of * he strike . ; Sir B . Ingms : " Seeing the Honourable gentleman the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department in jjjg p lace , and being aware , in common with other honourable me mbers , of the fact , that in consequence of , or at least following , his' bill , there has . not been a single . cab to be found upon any stand in London this day—( laughter ) — and feeling that the bill to which I refer is the only one within my memory in which arbitrarily , and without
inquiry by a select committee , a rate of price has been affixed to a given scale of goods , and believing that this is contrary to all principles of political economy , and also believing that a committee of this House should hayo been appointed to consider the price to be paid for a given set of goods , I ask my honourable friend whether he is not at last prepared to adopt the suggestion repeatedly made to him during the progress of his bill through the House , and to consent to the appointment of a select committee to consider the state of the trade with which that bill dealsP "
Mr . Wai-poms : "Before the honourable gentleman answers the question of the honourable baronet ( Sir It . IngHs ) , I wish to put another question to him on the same subject . I understand that the great ground of complaint on the part of the proprietors of hackney carriages is the great hardship pressing upon them , inasmuch as they cannot charge return fares . I remember pointing this out to my honourable friend when the bill was before the House ; and the question I wish to add to that of the honourable baronet is , whether my honourable friend the Under Secretary for the Home Department will be prepared to amend the bill in this respect ?"
Mr . Fitzroy : —In reply to the questions -which hav e been put to me , I beg to state , in answer to the inquiry of the honourable baronet the member for Oxford University , that the principle of arbitrarily fixing the sum to be charged per mile for conveyance by hackney carriages is certainly not new to this bill . On various considerations of the different compensations made to the owners of cabs , in the shape of lower charges for licenses , and taking also into account the reduced cost of materials generally , and of provender for several years past , it certainly did appear to me , after the closest calculations , and the estimates laid before me by the representatives of the trade , that 6 d . per mile would be amply remunerative within certain limits of this metropolis . ( Hear , hear . ) With respect to that
estimate , I must say , that I have seen no reason whatever to change my opinion . ( Hear , hear . ) I have taken every opportunity toascertain the opinions of the drivers and proprietors of cabs with respect to the probability of this change working beneficially for their own interests and those of the public , _ and , with hardly an exception , they have told me , that within the crowded parts of the metropolis a charge of 6 d . a mile would be amply remunerative . ( Hear , hear . ) It is quite true , that the only tangible objection to the bill is that pointed out b y the right honourable gentleman ( Mr . Walpole ) ; and with respect to that portion of the bill I shall state to the House what has taken place . On Monday last I received a deputation of two persons from the body of cab proprietors , the one being the
secretary of the body , and the other a largo cab proprietor , with whom I had been in constant communication during the passing of this bill . They waited upon me to state their grievances ; and after I had asked them to be good enough to tell me what their grievances were , the only grievance they complained of was that which has been referred to by the right hoD . gentleman . I stated to them that I was aware that the license to use hackney carriages given by the Bill had certainly been abusedthat it has in many instances been worked to its greatest possible limit , and that persons have taken cabs to a great distance , quite six miles into the country , and then discharged them without the payment of any return fare . I stated ' that I would do everything in my power to find a
remedy , but at the samo time I told them that it would bo impossible to revert to the old principle of back faro , as that would inflict a hardship upon those persons who happen to live just outside the radius proscribed for the payment of back fare . ( Hear , hear . ) I told thorn that it would bo impossible for them to imagine that I could proposo to Parliament to return to the former system in this respect . They admitted themselves that this practico had always been a fruitful sourco of annoyance to themselves and the public , and had given rise to endless difiputos , and they expressed their doairo that some remedy should be found in another shape . I told them that I would endeavour , in the course of the present session , to introduce n
clauso into another bill on tho paper , to give them a certain increase of fure after being hirod for a certain time and beyond a certain radius , in order to afford them as speedy roliof as posuible . I have been in communication with my right hon . friend tho Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce some clause to this effect in a bill now on tho paper ; and failing that , I told him that I would bo prepared to introduco a special bill for tho pnrposo . It must bo obvious , ho wever , that I am placed in a worse position for affecting this arrangement by tho foolish stop which has boon taken by the cab proprietors this morning-. ( Hoar . ) I told the deputation who waited upon mo on Monday that I would introduce such a clause as I have now mentioned' and they
Haid they wero going to attend a meeting of tho trado that evening , when they would communicate my answer . I "hall be prepared to introduce that remedy , and to propone a clause providing , for instance , that if you hire a cub , and discharge it at a distance exceeding four miles from the place Where- it wan hired , arid without that radius , you shall give an extra sum for tho wholo hiring . I think it also desirable that , i change Hhould bo made in tho bill with respect to the distance which tho drivers shall bo required to go , and that they shall not be compollablo to go beyond five miles irom . tho General PoBt-Oflico , instead of six miles as provided by tho nen act . I am prepared to eubrait those two
alterations to the House , and with these arrangements I believe the trade ought to be , and will be , satisfied . All I can say is , that before the strike was contemplated I put these propositions before the deputation , and therefore I am sorry and annoyed at what has since taken place , because , as I have said , it places me in a worse position for obtaining a remedy for them . " Mr . B . Denison inquired whether the honourable gentlemau intended to put himself immediately in . communication with the owners of cabs , as it was desirable
that no time should be lost in putting an end to the inconvenience caused to the public . Mr . Fitzroy said he would be quite willing to put himself in communication with the cab proprietors , but he felt that he could not tell them anymore than he had now communicated to the Housed He did not know of any means by which he could meet the body , but he could communicate with the secretary , who was , however , already in possession of his views . The subject then dropped .
On Thursday , one clause was added to the new Cab Act . It allows the cabman sixpence ( for the whole hiring ) for each person above two . Lord D . Stuart having , last night , recalled attention to the case of the cabman sent to prison by Mr . Henry because he could not deposit the bail of 5 s ., Lord Palmebston reappeared in his character of reckless defender of all erring functionaries in the Home Administration , and vindicated Mr . Henry . Jamaica . ^—In the sitting , last night , Lord J . Russetf intimated that on Monday he would declare Government intentions with regard to Jamaica .
National Education . — -In the House of Lords last evening the Earl of Aberdeen , in reply to Lord Brougham , said it was with great regret he had to inform his noble and learned friend that it was utterly impossible to proceed this session with the Education Bill . Elections Bill . —Lord Brougham , in moving the second reading of this bill , the object of which was to provide that the writs of election should be sent direct to the sheriff , and to reduce the time at ; present required between the receipt of the writ and the close of the election , took the opportunity of urging upon the Government the
necessity of introducing in the next session some large measure of Parliamentary reform which would have the effect of improving the character of the constituent bodies of the country , and consequently of elevating the character of the representatives in Parliament . Some of the most important amendments in the electoral law had originated in the Lords , and he felt , therefore , that he was not out of place in pressing the matter on the attention of the Government in that House , though he was ready to admit that the power of their lordships in this respect was one which should be employed as sparingly as possible . The bill was then read a second time .
Entry ov Seamen Bill . —With some explanation from Sir James Graham , and some talk about corporal punishment , this bill passed through committee at a morning sitting , on Monday . Irish Law Keform . —Lord Beougham moved tho second reading of tho Courts of Common Law ( Ireland ) Bill , which , he said , had met with the general approval of the members of the bench and of the bar in Ireland . The Lord Chancellor concurred in tho opinion that this bill would be of immense benefit to Ireland . He also thought that it was the duty of the House to pass as many as possible of tho bills which wore founded on the recommendations of tho Common Law Commissioners , but there wero some points which could not bo properly matured unless he and tho judges had tho opportunity of considering them during tho long vacation . Tho bill was read a second time .
Public Business . —After Monday next , orders of the day will havo precedence of notices of motion on Tuesdays . Mr . Disraeli did not oppose this when moved by Lord John Hubsell ; but ho trusted that Government would give a day , should anything momontous happen in foreign affairs . " Count Out . "—On Tuesday evening , tho House was counted out just after six — thirty-eight Members only being prosent . Tho cause of this proceeding was Mr . Pellatt , who had corao down resolutely to movo a bill to abolish pauper removal !
Clitherob Elkction Committee . — Mr . Aspinall has been declared not duly elected , " illegal expenditure " having been proved .
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OUR STATESMEN AT THE CITY FEAST . The Lord Mayor nrndo a feust , on Saturday , and called thereto her Majesty ' s Ministers , and other men of rank and note . The French Ambassador and his wife , tho Duchess of Sutherland , and tho leading dignitaries of tho Hunk of England , wero also among tho company . Tho speeches inado had , on some poiutti , ti timely interest . Lord Aberdeen , who moclewtly di . seluiined liny special Miniatorinl ability for himself , ' made a brief reference to the question of tho day : — " 1 will say one word , and but a word , on a subject which now much engrosses public attention . I say that tho policy—the essential policy of her Majesty ' s Government—in a policy of peace ( loud and prolonged choors ) , and I . havo no doubt my distinguished friend whom I havo in my oye [ wo understood tho allusion to bo to tho French ambassador' ] will cordially ro-echo that sentiment . I do not think that tho question of poaco can be a matter of indifferonco to this great centro of industry and commerce , and I can assure you that no efforts on our part will bo wanting , consietont with tho honour and real intoreuta of this
country , to secure a continuance of that first of earthly blessings . " t ^ oud cheers . ) Count Walewski fully responded to these sentiments . He spoke warmly of " the cordiality between France and England" as " a happy result , which ought to be hailed with joy by all , for , above all things , it assures the peace of Europe for the future , and even at the present moment . ( Loud cheers . ) I hope that very shortly "facts will occur to sanction that assertion . " ( Applause . ) After the Lord Chancellor and Lord Granville had made some pleasing but common-place speeches , Lord John Russell spoke for the House of Commons . He referred to the affirmation and prosecution of the Free-trade policy as a signal mark of the wisdom of the House , and to the late regulation of taxation as considerate " and judicious : —
" There is , however , one observation which I mustmake with regard to the House of Commons , which I am sure will be felt in this place , and felt by those whom I am proud to call my constituents of the City of London ; and that is , that in revising the taxes—in searching whether there are any taxes that can be considered oppressive—in examining where relief can be granted—and in endeavouring to relieve the people at large from those duties which bore heavily upon articles of the first necessity—articles which , it is admitted on all sound principles , are not the
proper subjects of fiscal burdens— -we have so endeavoured to arrange the revenues of the country that the public credit shall be inviolably maintained—we have taken care , in the repeal and reduction of taxes , to provide by other arrangements of the revenue , that the public creditor shall still be duly paid , that the great services of the country shall receive full support , and that the public income shall be fully equal to all demands that may be made upon it . In doing this , I hold that we have performed a solemn duty . "
The next speech of interest was that by Lord Palmerston : — "As my present office places me more than that which I formerly held in connexion with my countrymen , it is the more a matter of gratification to me if I do in the smallest degree deserve the commendation which the Lord Mayor has been pleased to bestow upon me as the willing and hardworking horse . ( Laughter . ) That quality , however , is -likely to have little scope as far as the City of London is concerned , for there cannot be a body of men more willing or more capable of co-operating with her Majesty ' s Government than the magistrates of London . I have recently had a remarkable instance of this , in which
I may venture to say that the corporation of the City of London , acting in the true spirit of the Constitution , which leads to constant and progressive improvement , and carefully to build on the ancient and stable foundations , has concurred with her Majesty's Government in ^ the appointment of a commission , not to overturn the constitution of the city , but to inquire whether , in the lapse of time and the change of circumstances , anything may be required to be modified and improved . The readiness evinced by the City of London to agree to this commission has , I trust , been met in the same spirit by her Majesty's Government ; and the men who have been named on that commission will merit , I hope , tho confidence of the City of London , at the same time
that they will not disappoint the expectations that are entertained of their labours . ( Cheers . ) Perhaps , my Lord , in return for the honour you have conferred upon me , I may do that which is often done in similar cases—* namely , when an obligation is conferred , to take a liberty in return . ( Laughter . ) I am about to propose the health of a bod y of men who aro members of tho House of Commons . It may bo said , indeed , that a wholo contains every part , and that as we have alread y drunk to the House of Commons , so we have included every member of that House ; but , howover , I am about to ask you to make an exception to that logical sequence , and I ask you to select as tho subject of a separate toast the metropolitan members of tho House of Commons . ( Cheers . ) They aro none of thorn inferior to other members of Parliament in their
talents , in their assiduity , and in their personal character ; and there is one of them who has distinguished himself in an eminent degree , by his noble and generous advocacy of tho cause of tho oppressed foreigner—I speak of my noblo friend , Lord Dudley Stuart . ( Cheers . ) I own , my Lord , I am not altogether disinterested in proposing this toast , because I hope to obtain tho assistance of the metropolitan members in cai-rying out improvements , not on tho institutions of tho metropolis , but on tho metropolis itself . When that distinguished and gifted artist Canova camo to this country , ho was struck with admiration at tho conveniences of tho city , at tho breadth of its footways , tha comforts of tho houses , and the security for lite and property ; and ho said , with that hyperbole which ia peculiar to southern climes , if London wero only whitened ,
it would bo an earthly paradise . ( Cheers and laughter . ) So our great poet ( Popo ) , writing in tho last century , has told us ( speaking of the Thuines ) that its trunslucid wave Hhono like a broad mirror . That mirror liaa since been darkened ; and if it cants a reflection on anything , it is a reflection upon thoso who have suffered its watora to be so polluted . ( Groat laughter and cheering . ) I hope tho metropolitan members will aid mo in transforming tho Thames from ita present state of liquid mud , and of restoring its fair trunslucid wave . I am satisfied , if their aid is given us , that we shall render this city not only one of tho greatest commercial ^ but one of tho healthiest ami most agreeable residoncea of any civilized community . ( Cheorfl . ) I bog to proposo , ' Lord Dudley Stuart and tho Metropolitan Members . '" ( CheorH . )
Tho other toasts of tho evening wore disposed of with tho usual enthusiasm and tho usual amount ot complimentary responses .
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I ^ 1 ^ 30 , 1853 . ] THE LEADER , 725
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Leader (1850-1860), July 30, 1853, page 725, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1997/page/5/
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