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bill for giving new laws over charitable bequests , it lias rather provided for strengthening the priestly influence , by leaving- all testators at liberty to appoint the persons that should hold their property , and the pm * pose to which it should be devoted . The Liberals ask that all such bequests should be haaded over to the control of a public department , —the only means of placing a shield , between the spiritual conspiracy of the priesthood and the ignorant multitude . The people ia the towns § $ mpathize with the Liberals ; aad' when they were undergoing defeat in the Chambers , the people gave
their support in the form of rioting . The Government endeavoured to maintain its position by the use of the military in repression ; the tumults spread ; the rural populations supported the priests ; and the whole country , with its Chambers dissolved , is in a state of civil commotion . The position of the King is the most embarrassing that can be conceived . Pressed on the one side by Liberals with whom he must sympathize , and on the other by the vast majority of his subjects and the influence of the clergy , into whose hands the despotic powers , JFrance especially , have been playing for years , he will need all his sagacity to escape disaster .
While states are falling abroad , we look at home —at our own houses . The inquest upon the fallen houses in Tottenham Court-road has concluded as everybody knew it must ; the jury pointing out the dangerous state of the buildings before the proposed , repairs , the hazardous manner of carrying on the repairs , and the conflict between the official and local surveyors . There is , in fact , no effectual control over the abus es of the building trade , while the competition and exactions of the commercial
world stimulate the worst vices of the trade , and visit the over-cunning with theconsequences . It appears , however , that from this last case an effectual alarm has been given . The examination has been , extended to other parts . We hear of other surveyors appointed in order to ke ep a better watch ; other houses are placed under surveillance , and greater respect for the use of proper supports has been restored . Bat since large districts in that part of the -world labour under the suspicion of
instability ia the houses , there ought to be a good field for the new surveyors to show their vigilance . One incident shows the spurious character of our most modern architecture ; it beats even the fall of the houses in the district of the north of London . In ancient days they used to build their cathedrals so that in our own . age we have them still standing as firm as parts of the mountain . They have been building a cathedral near Plymouth , but it was so constructed that it had not the strength to stand even until it was concluded .
Mr . Coningham ' s motion for a select judicial committee on the allegations of Mr . TSbb . tola . cci's petition has been seconded and granted with an almost suspicious readiness . The defence will probably be based rather upon the rumours consequent upon , than upon the facts antecedent to , the petition . We are too sensible of the supremo Tintue of moderation to confound facts and
rumours , and , our readers will remember , we spoke oi ^ rumours , ' painful rumours' only . We shall , indeed , be too glad to find every breath of suspicion dissipated and that everything is for the best in tihe . best possiblo of Duohies . But we may be permitted to suggest that Mr . Bekxolaccinot Lords Gbawvxm , !] , Harkowbv , and the rest—is
the aggrieved party ; and that they wiU bo called upon to show cause why they dismissod a gentleman r ecommended by tho Chancellor 01 ? the Excjric-QUEit , and installed in his office by letters patent , ^ against whom no charge of inoapoeity or neglect of duty lias been brought . The onua yrobandi oloarly reata with tho defendants . g— r—i ' - f . - ¦ - — -. - ¦ . , — . „
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* , , ' Iianbss of Lord FrrzwART > iNon . —His Lordship , wo .. * ' ' "T&KQfcte fcear , la gradually sinking , owing to the inobi * . v ¦ . ,. ityjta of tf »> astomach to perform its functions . Hmpfawfrt 'ik ? * Ti O ^ > "V i'VaVi'ISmvw '" » . i . "
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Thursday , June 4 , t 7 i . The two Houses reassembled after their "Whitsuntide recess on Thursday ; LAW OF 1 UBEL . In the Upper House , Lord Cajwbeh . presented a petition from the proprietor- of the Durham County Advertiser , setting forth the aesnlt of the action brought against him by Mr . Davisen for libel , and praying that bon&Ji& reports of proceedings at public meetings-should be protected by law . His Lordship moved , that the petition shonld be referred to the committee appointed on the subject . —Agreed to .
SEA BATHING . The Marquis of "Westmeatii brought in a bill for the purpose of suppressing practices contrary to good morals which have taken place for several summers at Ramsgate and other watering places on the coast of Kent . The bill was read a first time .
SALE OF POISONS . Earl Granvtlle moved that the House go into committee on this bill , which provides that poison can only be sold , in the presence of witnesses known to the parties , to persons of full age ( thus guarding against the danger of children being employed by strangers to effect the purchase of deadly drugs ) , and on the production of a certificate . to be signed by a medical practitioner , clergyman , justice of the peace , or two resident householders . The measure also directs that the vendor shall make an
entry of the name and residence of the person to whom the poison -is sold , the quantity sold , and the date that the shape of the bottles shall be peculiar ; and that colourless poisons shall be tinted . —Lord Campbell , rejoiced that the Government had at length brought forward this measure , to which he would give his hearty assent . While Ministers were seeking to regulate the sale of physical poisons , however , he thought they ought to consider that there are other poisons , such as immoral publications , which debauch and destroy the mind . These publications are . greatly on the increase , and steps should be taken to prevent the circulation of them . — After a few brief observations from various noble Lords , the bill , at the suggestion of Lord Kkdesdale , was referred to a select committee .
DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL CAUSES BrLL . On the report of amendments to this bill , Lord Brougham declared that in the whole course of their legislation-no word had been so much misapplied as the word ' amendment' in reference to a portion of this measure . He complained that the bill invented a new species of divorce , which partook of the evils of both divorce and separation , and had not the advantage possessed by either . The divorce left the husband free , while the wife was not altogether free nor alogether unfettered , so that in many cases she might be driven either to starvation or prostitution . (_ Hear , hear . * )—Lords Redesdale and Donougiimore spoko in favour of the amendments , which were then agreed to .
ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS TO WITNESSES . On the report from the select committee being brought up , Lord Campbell moved , " That select committees in future shall examine witnesses without their having been previously sworn , except in cases in which it may be otherwise ordered by the House ; and that all committees on private bills shall examine witnesses on oath , except in cases in which it may be otherwise ordered by the House . "—The motion was agreed to . Their Lordships adjourned at half-past six .
ELECTION PETITIONS . In the House of Commons , the Speaker announced the receipt of a communication from Mr . Coppock , Stating that it was not intended to proceed with the petition against the election for Newcastle-under-Lyno , and a similar communication in tho case of the petition against the North Staffordshire election . —A communication from Mr . Richardson , stating that it was not his intention to defend hiB return for Liaburn , was read by the Clerk at the table .
THIS OATHS BILL . Sir Frederick Tumsiger gave notice that it was not hia intention to oppose the eecond reading of tho Oaths Bill , which stands for Monday , but that , in committeo , he should propose cortain words to preserve tho Chriutliin character of the substituted oath , whiuh would ruiao the question whether tho IIoubc ia prepared to admit persons who nro not Chriatians to a seat in that House . THIS MAltYLEBONK I'AUPKIt LUNATICS . In answer to some questions by Mr . Kinnaikd , Mr . BouvJinns said that he had directed an Inspector of tho metropolitan dietrlot to attend a mooting of tho
guardians of Marylobono , and consult with them as to tho best remedy for tho rooontstate of things -with rospoot to tho pauper lunatics . Tho guardians denied tho right of that gentleman to bo present ; and ho willidrow . The question ia now before tho Court of Queen ' s Bench , for tho decision of tho Judges . Somo papers , over and abovo those already presented to Parliament in connexion with this matter , will bo laid on tho table With ronpcct to tho present state of tho paupor lunatics of tho pariah , an inspector had reported that , as fur as the accommodation , of tho house would admit , every stop has boon taken to nmeHy the evil which formerly existed .
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CHURCH RATES . Sir John Trelawkey inquired whether the Govern ment intended to bring in a bill on the subject of dm ™* rates in the present session—Lord Palmerston reni ;^ that a bill was in preparation ; and he trusted to h able before long to submit it to the consideration of th House . —Sir John Trelavney said he was afraid und the circumstances , he should be obliged to brine forward his motion that night . —Sir John Pakingto n inoniS ? ¦ f chether 'before long' referred to the present or to th next session . ( I / ear , hear . )—Lord Palmekston " Th ! next session would be ' very long . ' ( Laughter . ) \ me , „ this session . "—Sir John Trelawney then withdrew hU motion . s
VOTING BY PAPERS . Lord Robert Cecil moved for a select committee to inquire into the expediency of collecting the votes at elections in counties and universities by means of votinc papers . By such a plan , the riotous proceedings which often take place at polling booths would be prevented and many might be induced to vote who now avoid the trouble and loss of time by not voting at all . The system had already prospered in parochial matters . He did not ask for legislation on the subject ; he only sought inquiry . —Mr . M'Cullagh opposed the motion . The plan was open to many abjections . Several gross irregularities had taken place in the different parochial unions at the elections of
guardians of the poor . Papers had been withheld from the rate-payers , or had been tampered with when delivered , arid the names of voters had been forged . —Lord Ebrington , in supporting the motion , said that the cases mentioned by Mr M'Cullagh only proved the inefficiency of the machinery employed . — Lord Stanley thought that voting by papers would afford facilities for bribery and personation . ; but he might , perhaps , have been inclined to try the plan in the elections for Universities , though not for counties . Sir FrrzROY Kelly argued that , with a more perfect machinery than that of parishes , the system proposed
would be of immense service . —Sir George Giiey conceived that the question was one which the House ought to decide for itself , and not delegate to a special committee . He must oppose the motion . —Mr . IIenry Berkeley remarked that hon . gentlemen opposite were like timorous bathers just dipping one foot into reform ; but they would have to plunge boldly , not into the puddle suggested by the noble lord , but into the wholesome , sea . — Lord John Manners hoped that in the present state of public business the noble lord would withdraw his motion . —Lord Robebx Cecil consented , hoping on some future occasion to introduce a bill on the subject .
TUB BOAJRD OF TRADE . Mr . Horsfall moved for a select committee to inquire into the origin , the past and present constitution , and the powers and duties , of the Board of Trade , with a view to its better adaptation to the requirements of the country . The duties were too multifarious and complicated , and the Board often exercised legal powera which it ought not to possess , and grasped at powers which it did not possess , thus interfering * with local self-government and instituting very inquisitorial proceedings , more especially with reference to shipping , railways , and public works . The statistical returns published under the authority of the Board—the corn averages , in particular—have been proved to be altomotion
gether untrustworthy . —Mr . Bass seconded tho , Mr . Labouchere submitted that no charge of magnitude had been substantiated against the Board of Trade . That department had fulfilled very important functions , and had aided in accomplishing the great changes in our commercial system by which the prosperity of the country had been vastly enhanced . Tho only foundation for tho present complaint consisted of local grievances and trifling controversies with the Board , chiefly urged by persons connected with trado in Liverpool . If those allegations , indeed , wore true ( which he denied ) , they only showed that tho Board was wrong in those particular cases , not that tho department should bo opposed in toto . Tho accusations
wore quite beside tho question . He could not agreo with an opinion expressed by Mr . Horsfall , that a peer and a lawyer ahould not bo placed at tho head of tno Bourd , but that the management should bo in tho liamia of commercial men . On . the contrary , he thought that , though the department should be accessible to tuo trwio of tho country , the Board should bo freo from any personal participation in trade . If there was to do an inquiry at ») 1 , it flhould be conducted by tlitt House itaolf . —Sir James Orakajw defended tue constitution of tho Board , speaking from his observation of its working during forty years . SijcccbsIvo lunt-AahburtoniMW
tionarles—including Huskisson and — » hibited tho most admirablo talont in tho « dmlnistrnw » of tho department ; and tho Board had dono mucUtowards tho ultimate triumph of froo tradoand other con meroial and economical reforms . Tho information cm looted by tho Board wns Invaluable 5 and for tnew ™ sons ho must strongly oppose tho motion . —flu * ^ remarked that tho attack on tho Board in noway 'i catod its constitution , but consisted moroly of a mow mlnuU complaints , many of which It w « s impossiuw answer without previous notice . All tlio ^ notions « ni tho Board exorcised wor « assigned to it by acts w llamont , and tho frequency with which now ( lulled v
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530 T H E JL E A jg _ g _ R . [ No . 376 i , Satukday ,
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IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT . ' . —* -= —
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Citation
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Leader (1850-1860), June 6, 1857, page 530, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2196/page/2/
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