On this page
- Departments (1)
-
Text (9)
-
?1ay3, 1851. THE NORTHERN STAR 7
-
11X0:130 TO INTENDING EMIJ3EA^RANTS TO A...
-
niMut or the Taxes ox Kxowiedob.—The Kra...
-
HORRORS OF EMIGRANT SHIPS. A return has,...
-
Tbk Pumas op Bokseo as» Sik J. Brooks's ...
-
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTECTIOlf...
-
Masbbr May is, we understand , the autho...
-
JSmam'al f arhammt
-
MONDAY, Arnn, 23. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—The ...
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.
-
-
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.
?1ay3, 1851. The Northern Star 7
? 1 ay 3 , 1851 . THE NORTHERN STAR 7
11x0:130 To Intending Emij3ea^Rants To A...
11 X 0 : 130 TO INTENDING EMIJ 3 EA ^ RANTS TO AUSTRALIA . aake tl ake tho following article ( the first of a i from from the People ' s Advocate , January 1 . 1 P ^ l published at Sydney , New South ' lh < ' ihe paper is conducted with great , ^ and liber ality of principle , and its Mts o ^ its on the important subject to which ¦ a-a area arc obviously far more veracious and ; ' of » of attention from intended emigrants , ilthe othe ovcrcoloured and mendacious desnns ms of emigration crimps in this
yy : —y - iiiues ^ imesTion of emigration and co ' omzatlonh one Ten Tery first importance , not only to Great 11 but ' l but to all her numerous colonies and depenii ; so 3 ; so important , indeed , that at the present : occt ' occupies almost universal ^ attention , and its tareclare discussed , not only within the walls of uriiamriiameniary bouses , but in crowded assemiiin pulin public institutions , in private circles , in the [ in ? of a ? of the tradesman , and the cottage of the
err . « r . Lvery man has ms plan , every writer sailed ailed upon to express his opinions . Hence , rive toe emigration schemes in endless varietyihe wtlie well-digested and long-considered plan of £ ge asge and the philosopher , to the wild specuUts and and ravings of the ephemeral and drivelling ss of s of yesterday . We have in full operation utionjtion schemes , professing to be founded upon sal . jal , religious , and philanthropicalprinciples ; LlLht-raht-rs confessedly arising out of the selfishness i i rich rich , aided by their jealousy and fear of the
: is 11 s not a little remarkable that though the < ers ers and supporters of all these different I les les for transporting the poor and tbe indus-II fr « from their native land , profess to bave the ssts ists of the poor at heart , and nerer fail to 1 dm dm tbat they are actuated only by a desire to iwe ure the condition of the working classes whom cancan persuade to emigrate , their exertions for : ; amtame laudable object in behalf of those who ; at lat home are very limited indeed . AU their 1 nes nes seem to have but one object in view , to i id ojd of what they are pleased to call" the surplus 1 laudation" of tbe mother country at all hazards . : ing ing from actual facts , it is pretty clear that SO as as large numbers of tbe labouring population
rea'reat Britain and Ireland can be induced to nth ! their native countries , the promoters of the i 5 fos for sending them away care very little what i memea of them so they can only get rid of them . i Sndind that all sympathy for the emigrants ends th their embarkation ; it does not follow them in ! momost remote degree to the new lands for which at are embarking , and in which their future home 11 hi be m ade ; once on board ship they are done 1 , ti , they are turned adrift and forgotten . In this ! iv , iivf for instance , what provision is made for the Tyrant when he arrives , lured as he bas been from Wfcome of his childhood and the friends of his youth tha . be most glowing descriptions and the niostun-\ de \ ded representations . VbVben the imigrant arrives here there is absolutely lurldos before him but a dreary and a cheerless
prosit , i . The ship on its arrival in the harbour is rcirdly tabooed ; the imigrant can bave no possible frorcoiirse w | th the people , for none are allowed ix board except those whowant "to live . " In fljnv cases imigrants and their families are hurried o to the distant interior , to wild and uncultivated :: o :: onK , without being allowed so much as to set irir feet on shore in the metropolis . Once in tbe mtatry . tbey are compelled to enter into the service jl ihe " first person who wishes to engage them , bei-tt-cthcy have neither the means of returning to didney or of obtaining a subsistence . This is , no , ulubt , a first-rate plan for reducing wages ; but we t , t , is it just , is it fair , is it honourable towards the liaisrants themselves ? Does it not fully bear out inr previous remark , that all sympathy for the emiataiit ends with his shipment at home , and in no > > ance does it fcllOW him to his new and distant
mine ? Wa previous occasions we have denounced the inlaw ments held out to tbe working classes of the miner country , to emigrate to these colonies , as EBUiless and wicked , and we have seen no reason to tonge onr opinion . Writers and speakers in this t fony and at home may write and talk of the ad-M-itages which Australia possesses as a field for Oration ; bnt under the present state of things Mfh " advantages" are merely ideal . We assert m-sl fearlessly tbat , with our present land system , •• id under the existing regime , Australia possesses no uivautages for the emigrant ; nor can it do so until lie system has been radically altered or the colonies ; mspoans the Australian group bave become
indeiaident and sovereign states . Let us take first tbe emigrant agricultural labsiirer . What advantage will he gain by emigrants to this colony ? His services are not very { ftatk in demand , because Kew South "Wales is not fct , whatever it may be hereafter , an agricultural pantry ; and if hs sets employment , the wages he receives are scarcely more than adequate for the m aintenance of himself and bis family . Indeed , if fce has a family it is doubtful whether he will get hnpl-iyment at all . LL et us look at tbe mechanic or tbe artisan . —What irenragement 15 'here for him ? Absolutely none bueren in a worse condition than tbe asriculfcral labourer , because tbe latter having been used
to fit-Id employments and a country life , can turn jfuLself to something ; but the ^ former having been Educated for a town life , and his subsistence depending upon a town population , is utterly at a loss what todo . Sydney , tie only town of any consequence in ibis colony , ia already overstocked with mechanics and artisans of every description ; and we know bf some at the present moment wording at their own lia'le in this city for a pcaud a week , whose wages ia the city of London , previous to their emigration , Sere for tbe same work thirty shillings a week . Men Bids circumstanced bave constquently most seriously injured themselves smd their families by emigr ating to Australia , and so , except under very peculiar circumstances , will any mechanic who for rears to come mav arrive ou these shores .
Then a * to men of smail capital , possessing from I ' oOO to £ 1 . 000 , what can tbey do in this colony ? Nothing , —but starve . If they have been used to trade , in S-dney there is no epeninff for them , the Sronnd is alrsady occupied . If they intend to gO lain agricultural pnrsur . s , there is no land for them io sit down upon , anywhere within a reasonable distance of a . market for their produce ; and if they to where land stay be obtained , it is a positive fact that it will cost more to bring the produce to market , ihsn it will realise when it has reached its
wsthution . The want of navigable rivers and the tb-enee of roads will for many years to come prefect agricultural operations from being not barely teisuiieratrve , but actually sufficient for the suslaiiatio . 'i of those who engage ia them . Should fee newly-srrived emigrant be desirous of entering into grazing speculations , his thousand pounds will 00 Tulle more ikon enable him to bay a few flocks of sherp , or herds of cttlle , which tbe nest summer , bom drought or some other peculiarity of climate , fcsy sweep away and leave Mm a penniless and tuiaed man .
S : » bus ; ss the system under which the Australian colonies , particularly New South "Wales , is now E"verced , continues in O' -eration , so long will they ti the very worst field for the enterprise of British Pmi » r . tnt 5 ; bit if these restrictions were removed , n wt > R-ere allowed to manage car own aflkirs iodep ?« di > .-, t of the control of Dbwning-sircet , a finer fidd far emigration than the Australian group jTijtnts would not be found in tbe whole of the Ibrjsh dominions . Until that day arrives , we would " ^ nisiHateuding emigrants , whether they be men f small capital , mechanics , or labourers ,-to shun tit se shores .
Nimut Or The Taxes Ox Kxowiedob.—The Kra...
niMut or the Taxes ox Kxowiedob . —The Kranngham Association for Promoting tbe Repeal ( f the Taxes on Enowledgc have prepared a memorial 10 tbe Chancellor of the Exchequer which bas alread y received upwards of 6 , 000 signatures , indn-iiag tie mayor , members of parliament , high 23 < 1 fow bailiffs , " and many of tbe clergy and mem-Wsof the town council . When completed , it is ' Jpccitd to have fifteen thousand genuine signages , and will be 700 feet long . loss of Two Lives at Liverpool—On Satur uiy i > i « ht , about ten o clock , a woman apparently abi'Di zVeatr-scren rears of asre . and very
respecti-ily dressed , committed suicide by throwing her-•* " into tbe river from tbe prcat landing stage ; *•* t ide at the lime was miming oat very strong *™ although every exertion was made to save her , : « e was carried , away , and her body has not been If f ^ covered . Tbe police had noticed tho woman JaUiii ; : up and down the stage for some time , and gfc took ihe opportunity to commit the act when r tere was no boat at the stage . A fatal accident J & 'aired at almost the same spot about half an ^ onrafjersranls- hytfa roc f crnr steamer running jwn a Juicer boatbslf ngiog to Traamere , m which L 'e two men , one of ivJmm , named John Williams , F « master , was drowned .
; Ei'iscmuL Coxsistsxct—Amongst the bishops £ w rrccEt - ' . signed the address to their clergy Jai'ist char . ges in the manner of performing' divine « rvice was the Bishop of Rochester . JCotwith-^ S ! i < nn » t > a 5 sret-ommtndationt <» the clcigy of the " t'Ceie of llochester , Bishop Murray has since ' ^ ed an order to tbe Dean and Chapter of ^• Chester dihedral directing them ( against their l wishes and determination ) to intone those jorts of the service which bad been previously read p tUit cathedral church ; and by way of giving 6 rtat « r importance to this visitorial order and If ^ ge , the bishop not only attended diwne service " the SimJay { .-iprji 20 ( jen which the intonation onwnenced , but , for tbe first time during bis epis-C 4 , ? aie , preached twice ona Sunday in biscatbedral
Horrors Of Emigrant Ships. A Return Has,...
HORRORS OF EMIGRANT SHIPS . A return has , aUer some delay , been laid before the -House of Commons , in compliance whh a motion of Mr . M'Cullag h , detailing the particulars of treatment tbe most revolting and disgusting endured by tbe passengerson board one of tbe emigrant ships that regularly pl y between the ports of Liverpool and New York . The return consists chiefly of a journal kentbv Mr . "Vere Poster during his voyage outwards from Liverpool to New York on board the emigrant ship Washington in November last . The writer , who is a young man of family and fortune , appears to have formed the self-denying resolution to go out as a steerage passenger in one of tbe ordinary vessels by which persons of the humbler classes are conveyed to America , for the purpose of ascertaining for himself the mode of their treatment and tbe nature of
the wants which others in like circumstances must be prepared to provide for or to endure . Mr . Foster states incidentally the fact tbat be bad previously assisted many individuals to emigrate in tbe usual way . His sympathies-doubtless became enlisted in their privations and adventures ; and probably with a view to understand more perfectly what others of like condition might require as outfit , and what means of precaution it would be necessary to take against ill-usage or neglect , be determined to make a winter voyage across the Atlantic .
The Washington , A . Page , master , is described as a fine vessel of 1 , 600 tons register , fitted 00 t specially for carrying the greatest number of persons who can be induced to pay a moderate charge for transpart across the ocean . She contains two decks sufficiently capacious and well ventilated ( 0 accommodate a large number of passengers , That nine hundred human beings , however ( besides tbe crew ) , ought not to have been suffered to embark together on such a voyage in the ship in question is obvious from tbe fact tbat , when huddled below , they found themselves obliged to sleep five and even six together in each berth . The scene at embarfca tion must have given tbe narrator a foretaste of . what awaited him and bis comrades . It mig ht serve for a description of the hurried deportation of a human cargo from one of the African barracoons :
There was no regularity or decency observed . Men and women were pulled in , any side or end foremost , like so many bundles . I was getting myself in as quickly and dexterously as I could , when I was laid hold of by the legs and pulled in , falling down headforemost on tbe deck , and the next man was pulled down upon the top of me . There are no police regulations ; the officers of the ship take the lead in the ill-treatment of the passengers . At tbe last moment , with passage tickets paid for ,
hearts sinking within the bravest breast , women weeping , and children stricken with terror and dismay , what paor man would dare to expostulate ? Or , if be did , Who would heed or barken to his remonstrances ? We talk much of our Christian civilisation ; but our aate-social system is one that bids multitudes yearly begone from amongst us for no fault of their own , aud we have not the humanity or decency 10 ensure to the exiles tbe semblance of a secure leavetaking , or their protection during their voyage from ill-treatment the most wanton and most
cruel . By tbe terms of the contract made between the shipping agents at Liverpool and the emigrants , a certain quantity of provisions was agreed to be given out weekly to each individual . These terms , bowever , were in hardly any one respect observed . In many instances , not more than half the quantity of meal and flour were doled out to the famished multitude which bad been bargained and paid for . And even Ihe supply of water , although no allegation of deficiency on board seems to bave been made , was so irregular as to wring from some of tbe more courageous reiterated remonstrances . But' such nsubordination was speedily and summarily quelled . Imprecations , menaces , and blows seem to bave been dealt out with no sparing band by two of the ship ' s mates , accompanied by terms of blasphemy and coarseness not to be repeated in onr columns .
On the fifth day after leaving Liverpool a respectful inquiry was addressed in writing to the captain by Mr . Foster and ten other pass augers , as to when the allowance of necessaries would be given out to those on board . In the postscript there are these words : — While writing the former part of this fetter at the request of my fellow-passengers , the first mate , Mr . Williams , knocked me dewn flat on the deck with a blow in the face I *
And the writer adds in his diary , that he had offered no sort of provocation whalever for this outrage , except the silent reproof , the occupation in which he was at the moment engaged , might have afforded to the person thus assailing him . On hearing the first few sentences of the letter , tbe captain broke forth into ayolley of intemperate and abusive expressions , designated the complainant as " pirate" and " a rascal ; " and threatened to put him in irons if he troubled him further in such matters !
The details of privation , filth , and disease , on such a voyage , in a ship so officered , and with SUCh a cargo of victims , may be too readily conceived Fever , does not seem . to have Visited them ; but from dysentery several perished . Their bodies were flung into the deep without religious ceremony of an ) kind ; and tbe survivors were given to understand , that for whateter medicine they might require , tbey must pay a certain private consideration to tbe surgeon , although this also was specifically enumerated amongst the items paid for at starting in the passage moncv .
On arriving at New York Mr . Foster was dissuaded from instituting legal proceedings against tbe proprietors of tbe Washington , or the officers of the vessel , on account of the time and expense which he must bave necessarily devoted to a prosecution of doubtful issue . His aim would seem to have moreover been rather to warn others than to resent the wrongs bshad personally endured . Hence the transmission of his journal to his relative , Lord Hobart , for tbe purpose of being brought under the
consideration of the . authorities at home . It is disgraceful on the part of the government that SO little attention has as yet been pa'd to the subject . Tbe return was moved for on the 19 th of February and was not ordered , to be printed until the 9 th of April , flow many years of unnoted suffering and injustice will be required at this rate to stimulate government into a sense of their responsibility to the voluntary exiles whose parting recollection it u our national interest and duty to tender , if possible , one of love , not of loathing !
Tbk Pumas Op Bokseo As» Sik J. Brooks's ...
Tbk Pumas op Bokseo as » Sik J . Brooks ' s Expemiios . —By a parliamentary return just issued , we find tbat the gross amount of bead-money granted for the destruction and capture of the Sakarran pirates , on the coast of Borneo , by Sir James Brooke ' s expedition , on tbe night of the 31 st of July , 18 i 9 , was £ 20 , 70 GwiameIy , at the rate of £ 20 per head on 50 Q persons captured or destroyed in piratical prahus , £ 10 , 000 ; and at the rate of £ 5 per head on 2 , 14 . 0 persons who were alive at the beginning of the attack thereof , bnt who were not taken © rallied , 10 , 700 ; abating for law charges , agency , per centege in aid of Greenwich out pensions , and incidental expenses , £ 2 , 11714 s . 9 d , ; the net amount for distribution is £ 1 S , 5 S 2 Ss . 3 d . It is added ! that" the above return is made as nearly as possible in conformity with the terms and presumed object of the precept ; but it is to be observed that ia the decree under the seal of tbe Admiralty Court
at Singapore , the persons for Whom the bounty IS granted , according to the act of the Gth George 1 V ., c . 49 , arc . not described as " natives of Borneo , " but as piractical persons . forming the crews of eighty-eight piractical prahus . " It is the " Free Trader , " Mr . Hime , who describes ; these we ! lkaown pirates and scourgers of the coasts of Borneo as " natives . " The number of persons for whom this head-money has been paid is 2 , 640 ; the force engaged was 246 under Captain Farquhar , of her Majesty ' s sloop Albatross ; her Majesty ' s brig Royalist , Lieut . Commander Everest , and the East India Company ' s steamer Nemesis ; hired for the occasion . Capt . Farquhar ' s share is £ 2 , 756 19 s . ; the share of bis second in command is only £ 735 , this distribution being made according to the old inequitable scale . The warrant officers get £ 165 each : able seamen , £ 38 15 s . ; second-class boys , £ 13 15 s . Sd . each . —Morning Herald .
Geoghaphicai . Discovert . —Capt . Guesdon , commanding the French whaler the Salamandre , just arrived at Havre , gives an account of the discovery of a cluster of islands which is not marked on anv of the charts . They lie in 172 deg . 56 min . west lonoitudc of the meridian of Paris , and 9 deg , ' 38 rain , south latitude . - ¦ ' Tbey are from twenty-five to thirty in number , three of them of some extent , and all covered with cocoa-nut trees . On the same day be discovered the He Clarence . Fatal Accident to the Dos . G . Eoeriok . — Mr E ^ crton was a midshipman on board her Majesty ' s ship Meander , 44 , Captain the Hon . PL Keppei . The . frigate was at California , receiving tr & 1 £ UTe for conveyance to Epgland . Mr . Egerton and .- » party of officers wenton a shooting excursion , when Mr . £ » erton ' s gun burst , and killed him on the snot . He was in his seventeenth year . i
National Association For The Protectiolf...
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTECTIOlf OF ISDUSTRY AND CAPITAL . On Tuesday the second anniversary meeting of this association was held in Drury Lane Theatre , which was crowded to excess in every corner long before the hour named for tbe commencement of the proceedings ( twelve o ' clock ) , Precisely at that time the Duke of Richmond toot the chair , and was lustily cheered . His grace was supported on the platform by the Earl of Cardi gan , Viscount C-unbermere , Earl of Glengall and party , Lord Berncrs , Viscount Strangford , the Earl of Erne , the Earl of Lisburne , Lord Sondes , Earl Talbot , Viscount Ingestro , Eirl Cadogan , Earl of Sheffield , E . irl of Malmesbury , Lord Do Lisle , Lord Ranelagb , Earl of Stradbroke , Lord Northwick , Lord Hastings , Mr . R . Spooner . M . P ., Colonel Sibthorp ,
M . P ., Lord John Manners , M . P ., the Marquis of Granbv , M . P ., Sir John Tyrol ) , M . P ., Mr . Kewdegate , M . P ., Mr . Freshfield , M . P ., Mr . A . Buncombe , M . P ., and a great number of other meuiUevs of Parliament . Tlie Guairm & n having acknowledged the complimentary manner in which he had been received by that assembly of representatives of the agricultural interests in every part of this great empire , said it would be useless for him co profess his attachment to the great cause ot protection ; because his feelings respecting free trade were known throughout tbe length and breadth of this , their fatherland . While he should deprecate anything like a war between classes , he would tell them tbat the tenant farmers of Encland , with their hardy
labourers at their backs , would care not for a contest with a hundred thousand cotton-spinnei'S , ( Tremendouscheering . ) He did not believe that such men could intimidate the agriculturists , because the respectable operatives even in the manufacturing districts agreed more with the Protectionists than with the Free Traders . ( Cheers . ) They had found out the fallacy of tbe " cheap loaf . " ( Cheers . ) Tbey had discovered that what vas to make them happy , prosperous , and contented was fair wages , and always to be employed . ( Loud cheers . ) The noble duke then called upon The Earl of Winchilsea and JSoiriNGHAM , who , on rising to move the first resolution , said be should bare shrunk from coming forward wero it not for a dread lest ho should be suspected of
lulsewarmness towards , the great principles of politic , just , - and equitable protection . ( Cheers . ) He firmly believed that it was upon those principles alone , or upon their abandonment , depended the earthly prosperity of the country , or its total destruction . ( Cheers . ) The resolution he had to propose was to the effect— ' -That tbe long-continued and still increasing distress of the agricultural interest ; the unmitigated difficulties of the colonial interest ; the deep depression of the shipping interest ; the diminished and continually declining profits of trade , snd of every branch of industrial pursuit ; the reduction of the wages of labour , and the diminution of employment in many parts of the United Kingdom ; the increase of crime , and the desertion of home and country by continually
augmenting bodies of the most industrious and valuable portions of the British population ; present indisputable evidence that derangements exist in the social system of the country , which aro sapping the foundations . of its prosperity , and , if not speedily remedied , must end in wide-Spread disaster , discontent , and ruin . " The resolution spoke for itself in such clear and distinct terms that no man could fail to understand it . It gave tbe lie direct to the friends of free trade , who had taunted tbe agriculturists with being an insulated interest . ( Loud cheers . ) If he were not persuaded that alt otlier interests were dependent upon tbat of tbe land , he would never have supported protection . ( Cheers . ) He stood there to declare , in the face of that meeting , and in tho face of the country , that
they would never cease from their demands until they had obtained them—( loud cheers , which lasted some minutes)—namely , protection to tbe British plough , protection to the British loom , and protection to the British soil . ( Renewed cheers . ) They would not allow foreign productions to be admitted into our markets unless those productions paid such a duty as should place them on an equal footing with our own . ( Cheers . ) If they did not insist oin that , he was prepared to maintain that they would give the foreigner a virtual monopoly of the markets of this country . ( Loud cheers . ) A dissolution could not be far off , and he called upon every man who had any electoral franchise to exercise it in a constitutional manner , and to return only those who would advocate their principles . ( Loud cries
of " We will . " ) The increase of crime proved that free trade was working the ruin of the country . By depriving many in the agricultural districts of employment , tbey had driven them into £ crime from actual want ; they were now suffering punishment for their crime—a punishment which , he thought , ought to have fallen on those who had placed them in this situation . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Bon , Q-C , who was greeted with loud cheers , said—Ireland bad . suffered more than any other part of the British dominions by free trade , and the people of England mi ght regard what was passing in Ireland as the programme of what would most assuredly befal England unless they reversed their policy . There could not be a better test of the state of the population than the progress of crime ,
Sow , in 1846 , tho first year of free trade , tho number of convictions in Ireland were 8 . G 39 ; in 1847 they were 15 , 233 . That was the first year of tho famine ; aud they might attribute the increase to that ; but in ISiS they amounted to 18 , 206 , and in 1849 to 21 , 202 ; and the cases of transportation had increased in tho following ratio : —In 2 S 15 they were 625 ; in 1846 , 087 ; in 1847 , 2 . 202 ; in 1848 ; 2 ,. 738-and in 1849 , 3 , 073 . Ho himself in Irish courts of justice had seen judges refuse to pass tho sentence of transportation upon convicted felons , because they said they had committed the crime in the hope of being sent to a penal colony , and he had seen the judges issue an order reducing tbe lowest diet that could sustain existence , the gaol diet , because it was proved to them
that crime was committed by prisoners to get to the gaol , in order to escape from the intolorable nuisances that free trade had brought on them . He was not able to give them the state of crime in England . It had not increased in the sanic rations in Ireland , but it bad increased ; and it bad increased because industry had not received its due reward . Some people told thorn that land had not gone out of cultivation in England . In 1846 there were a million of acres devoted to wbor . t cultivation ; in 1848 there were only half a million . Iu 1 S 49 attention was called to that circumstance , and the returns stated there had been an increase , but still not to tbe extent of two-thirds of what it was in 1846 ; but he knew tbat in one favourable locality in the south of Ireland the cultivation of
wheat had fallen off in two years one-half . Tbe land had not gone out of cultivation in England yet , because the English tenant farmers had capital , which the Irish farmers had not ; but , as soon as tbat capital was exhausted , the same misery would fall upon the farmers of England that had already fallen upon their brethren in Ireland . The object of the Free Traders was the extermination of the tenant farmers of-England . It was not a landlord ' s question . The tenant' farmers of England stood between tbe landlords and ruin . Ruin could not reach the landlords till the tenant farmers and tbo agricultural labourers were' both destroyed . Ko less than 230 , 000 uf small farmers bad left * Ireland . It was much easier to destroy a man with thirty acres than . a man with 500 , but the process tbat
had rained these 230 , 000 would in a very short time , if Free Trade were not reversed , reach tbo farmers of England too . The learned gentleman then referred to the subject of emigration , stating that in 18-15 only 70 , 000 person . * emigrated from the United Kingdom , but in 1849 the emigrants amounted to 299 , 498 , who had been driven out not by hope , but by despair . The national debt was a charge on every aero of bind in tbo country ; and if they lowered prices what they did was in point of fact to give him a larger mortgage . ( Dear , hear . ) Iu Ireland they were in the habit of complaining of absenteeism , hut free trade had doubled that absenteeism , because where one quarter would formerly suffice to pay the landlord , they
had no-. v to export two for that purpose , ( Hear , bear . ) Bnt bow had tbe prophecies of tbe free traders been fulfilled ? Tbey said it would be utterly impossible that France could ever be an exporting kingdom , whereas they had sent iu the last year 500 , 000 quarters of wheat , and two million cwts . of ground flour . ( Cheers . ) Then , with regard to other nations following the example of Great Britain ; the Zollverein and the United States still maintained exclusive duties . A little while since some preserved meats , which had been sent to California from Australia , had been charged forty per cent . ; and when an appeal had been made at Washington , 'the answer of the government was , that they could not interfere with any particular tariff . ( Hear . )
The CmiitsuK hero announced that a number of gentlemen who could not obtain admission had adjourned to * St . Martin ' s-hall , Long-acre , and he therefore deputed Lord Stanhope , Mr . G . F , Young , and Mr . Ball , to conduct it . Mr . Bali , before leaving , begged to suggest tbat when the Exhibition in Hyde-park should be over , they should a $ k the Queen and Prince Albert to grant the loan of it for one day , in order that tbey might fill it with a still nobler demonstration than the present . ( Cbcera . )
Mr . Butt resuming , alluded to the threats of a revolution which had been thrown out in case an attempt should be made to recur to protection . If the Free Traders should dare to put their threats into execution , tbey would giro them such a demonstration as the world had never seen . But the whole thing was ludicrous in the extreme . The aristocracy , gentry , yeomanry , and artisans of the country wero threatened by a member of the peace society , and by a very distinguished member of that most respectable but not particularly warlike body tbe Quakers . { Laughter . ) And these were the
National Association For The Protectiolf...
men who were threatening them with a servile war . Let them try to do it if they dared . ( Cheers ) But there was more than absurdity in tbe matter . He had said tbat this was an operative's question -. and he maintained that so long as there was a man in the country willing to work , and yet unable to get bread , no man bad a right to squander his means in supporting foreign manufacturers , ( Hear . ) One of the guides of the League , air . Porter , had stated that m 1847 a Saxon workman , toiling diligently from five in the morning till dusk , and often by tbe lamp , for six days in the week , and assisted by his wife , could only earn 2 s . 6 d , a week ; and the consequence had been that they were driving the manufacturers of Nottingham out of evevy market in the world . ( Hear , hoar . ) It was evident , then , that the wages in England must come down to that point ; and hence they would see tbat it was better for each country to protect its own ; because in a
world wide competition tho lowest wages received in any country became tbe measure for all the rest . ( Chews . ) The principle then of self-protection was the religion of politics ; and it could not bo set aside without impiety . ( Cheers . ) He confessed there was much to cause them anxious forebodings , and yet he could not forget tbat there was in England a salt of living relig ion preserving it from decay . ( Loud cheers . ) Ho could not look on that large meeting and feel that England was doomed ; but if she was not , it must be owing to her reversing her present policy . ( Cheers . ) He had seen symptoms of that ; for error was seldom long-lived— " Opinionam commenta delet dies , naturmjudkia eonfirmat . " ( Cheers . ) That day they had unfurled their banner which should never be again taken down until beneath it every British artizan enjoyed a full , a true , a just , and a fair protection . ( Loud aud long continued cheering . ) Mr . G . S . Dawsos , of Selby , Yorkshire , next addressed the meeting .
The resolution was then put , and carried unanimously . Mr . B .. P . Lo » o proposed the second resolution , which attributed the evils under which it alleged so many of the great interests of the state are now intensely suffering , to the admission of the produce of foreign nations into unrestricted competition with the produce of this highly taxed country . They were not there , ho said , to advocate class legislation , but to demand as a right thnt protection be extended to all British interests . He would counsel them not to seek for a direct reversal of present policy , but rather a modification of it . He trusted that there would be no violent explosion of Protectionist violence , but that they would rather display the magnanimity of moderation . He begged tO
move the resolution , which was loudly applauded . Mr . G . Dat was received with loud cheers . So long as the love of justice and truth lived on the earth , so long would protection find friends and supporters . ( Loud cheers . ) Lord Grey bad stated in the house that when free trade should be obtained the price of wheat would be what had been the average price for the last twelve years , namely ,, 55 ? . ( Groans . ) Mr . Hume had g iven a similar prophecy . Sir Wm . Molesworth said the landlords would have the pleasing satisfaction of raising their rents . ( Laughter . ) So bad Col . Thompson , the author of the Free Trade Catechism ; and the League newspaper , the authorised organ of the League . itself , fixed tbe price at oOs , ( Cheers . ) Then , again , Sir Robert Peel said that the importations would bo very trifling , and Mr , Bright —( groans )—had declared that no country could grow move than it wanted . ( Laughter . ) The' Leaque had stated that foreign
corn could not be imported at less than 48 s . ( Hear . ) He considered that they had a right to arraign those authorities for doing what msny it felon Had done before them , obtained the moasuroby false pretences . The very principle of free trade was to grind tho poor . He knew a Free-trader who was worth £ 30 , 000 , who said they had not carried out free trade as tbey ought , for he never meant to give more than 4 s . Cd . per week—he never meant to employ a married mall . ( Name . ) And be knew another who was employing persons eighteen years of ageat 4 d . a day . ( Kame . ); If any one called , on him bo would give the names , A corporate body , whom he would not name , bad tbe other day reduced the wages of their sluicekeepers forty per cent . Tbat was free trade . If it was continued he should be concerned for the morality Of tbe nation . Mr . Jokk Beia , of Kent , spoke in support of the resolution .
Mr . Ruin , who was introduced as a London baker , in supporting tbe resolution , said he did so under the firm conviction that this was not merely a class interest movement , nor a farmer ' s interest , but one in whicii the interests Of all , and above all , tho working men , might be looked to , and their grievances redressed . The resolution was then put and carried unanimously , as were all the otht r . i . - Mr . C . Worsusy , whom the chairman described as a Sussex man , moved the third resolution , to the effect that unless free trade bo abandoned , and equal protection be restored to British ' labour and production , the most deplorable consequences , both political and social , ending in ' national convulsion and bankruptcy , must ensue . Col . KiJttocn , in a very humorous speech , seconded the resolution , which was carried amidst loud cheers .
Lord Berneus , m proposing tbo next resolution , said he stood before them as an owner and occupier of land and an employer of labour , and as one who was participating in the suffering which owners and occupiers of land were enduring . He saw before him a banner on which was inscribed "the rights of . British subjects . ' ' , and oh another" More ofjustice ' and less of charity . " Tbey were prepared to support the rights of British subjects , to support the right of protection . But be should bo content to have inscribed on bis banner not the word " protection , " but"justice" to nil classes of the state . He asked them if . they would support him ? ( "Yes . " ) Let them then return to their homes nnd speak to their wives : and their children " of this
great gathering , and to speak of it . in tho streets and in the market places , and say tbat they bad seen the rourcseutatives of 775 , 000 farmers ' and graziers of the United Kingdom , who h , td declared that they would stand by Lord Stanley and Mr . Disraeli —( cheers)—and . that they would stand by justice to British industry . The " noble lord concluded by moviiifr a vote of thanks to the Duke of Richmond , Presfdent of the National Association . Sir Jamks J . R . Mackenzie seconded it . The motion passed .. with great cheering . The Duke of Richmond said ho should indeed feel himself unworthy of any position in this country if , in receiving so great a compliment from the great body of the farmers of England , whom he
now saw around him , he dii not feci tbe . deepest gratitude to them . lie asked them to look at the votes of their county members , and . to turn out every one of them who did not vote for Mr . Disraeli ' s motion . ( Cheers . ) Ho asked them , not to pledge tlioir members lo matters of detail , but to ask them this question—will you' support Lord Stanley ? If thoy said no , then do not have them . Were they to abandon tbo cause of protection because , forsooth , there might be some mobs formed in some parts of tho' country f ' That would be to say they were prepared not . to abide by the law which their legislators made , _ bnt by the will of a violent and infuriated mob . ' , / Cheers . ) He asked them if there were , any among them craven hearted
enough noi to do the duty which tbey owcd , to their sovereign and the country , from the basest'of all motives , ' personal cowardice , ? ' If . there were any base enough , they would have ' to-fight , the battle again for . other institutions , of . the country , because if a' mob prevented protection being restored , how did they know that a mob might not wish to remove t ! ie _ crown from ' , the , bead of our mostgracioussovereign ? ( Thi-ec'cliesrs . werohere given for the Queen . ) . That ' cheer , proved to him that tbe honest yeomanry of England , were , triic at heart , nnd that thoy concurred with him in the opinion that they ; the agricultural , interest , with the colonial and theshipnirig interest the larce mass
of the respectable part' of tbe ' country , were ready to lay down their lives to protect their sovereign , and not only fo mainfain ' thcif sovereign , but to maintain the institutions' of happy old England . ( Cheers . ) ThenobWdukc again assured tho meeting of the deep gi-atituto be felt to theni , and said be could not permit the meeting to separate , without giving their best and earnest thanks to the committee of tbe'National Association , and to Mr . G . F . Young , its chairman ! . ' A vote of thanks was then given a ' cobrdirigly , which was responded to by Mr . G . F / Young . ' The meeting then separate'dat a " quarter past five , having lasted five hours and a quarter . -
Tin : Dinser . —About 200 of " the gentlemen who had attended the above gathering , dined together , at the Freemason ' s Tavern . ' There were present—Mr . G . F . Youtig ( the chairman ); the Duke of Richmond , Earl Stanhope , the Ear ! of Winchilsea , Lord Berners , Sir F . Fowke , Colonel Sibthorp , M . P . , Captain Bennet , M . P ., Mr . " Brookor / M . P ., Captain Vyso , M . P ., H . Gi-eenej Esq ^ 'ColonelKiriloeh , Mr . Butt , Q . C ; , & c . Mr . Higgs officiated as toastmaster . The loyal and patriotic' toasts were duly honoured , and tbe company separated about halfpast ten o clock .
The Soppiemes tai . Meeting of persons ' who had been unable to obtain admission " at Drut'y-lane Theatre was held in -St . Martin ' s Hall , Long-Acre . Tbo chair was taken by Earl Sianbope , and the meeting was addressed by bis lordship ? Mr ' . ' G . F . Young , Captain"T yse , ' M . P ., Mr ! Bull , of Cambridge , Hev . Charles Day , ' and several farmers : Tbe resolutions were copies ' of those adopted at the principal meeting . ¦ " ' -
Masbbr May Is, We Understand , The Autho...
Masbbr May is , we understand , the author of the new tragedy which will shortly be-produced at the Theatre Royal ,-Drury-lane , and which has been spoken of in such great terras bv the press . The t itle of tbe tragedy is Riassi ; the Cavalier ,
Jsmam'al F Arhammt
JSmam ' al f arhammt
Monday, Arnn, 23. House Of Commons.—The ...
MONDAY , Arnn , 23 . HOUSE OF COMMONS . —The house re-assombled on Monday last after the recess . Lord J . RUSSELL intimated that it was not the intention of t ho government to adopt the amendments of the Keolesiastical Titles Bill of which notice bad been given by Mr . Walpolo . Property Tax BiLL .-On the order of the day for the second rendin-i of this bill , Mr . Spoonkk entreated the house to pause before it continued a tax whicii pressed most linjUStJ . yailU unfairly upon many of the great interests ot the country j which was not required by any peculiar emergency - which bad been originally proposed as
, a temporary tax , whereas , if tbe house assented to this bill , it would put its seal to the permanency of an impost , the vexation , frauds , and evasions attending which , as well as its inequality , the present Ministers , when in opposition , hud been foremost in proclaiming . ( Hear , hear . ) Ho showed how oppressively the tax fell upon the landed interest in comparison with the fundholdcr ; and be called upon tho house , if the bill should reach tbe committee , to remodel the tax so as to relieve tbe classes now unequally affected by it . ( Hear , bear . ) lie . however , moved that the second reading of the bill he deferred for six months .
Mr . Mraiz seconded this amendment , subscribing to nearly all that had fallen from Mr . Spooner . He urged tho unjust ukuuwv in whwh this tax operated upon tho tenant-farmers and the small manufacturers who were made to pay whether they had an income or not . He resisted the tax , moreover , first , because it was a breach of faith , and , secondly , because bo could soe no end to it . Mr . Fhesiifield should not oppose the second reading of tho bill , but he hoped that in tbe committee the extent of time for which the tax was to be continued , and modifications as to tbo subjects and the amount of the tax , would bo taken into serious consideration .
The Chancellor of the Exchequer said , the house had already determined to relinquish a given amount of revenue and to renew the income-tax ; but if the amendment were carried , not only must the reduction of the duties upon coffee and' timber and tho commutation of the window duty be abandoned , but it would be necessary to impose other taxes , since tho rejection of the bill would create a deficiency . Mr . M'Gregor supported the bill . Mr . Disraeli thought the objections made to the bill wero rather-for consideration in committee than upon the second reading of the bill , and lie therefore hoped that Mr . Spooner would not divide the house upon tbe question of the second reading . Mr . Spooser said he would not divide the house upon the amendment ; which was then negatived without a division , and tbe bill was read a second
time . Lord J . Russell gave notice tbat he would move that the house should meet at six o ' clock on Thursday next , instead oi at the usual hour . Tho Stamp Duties Assimilation Bill , the Exchequer Bills Bill , and tbo Indemnity Bill , were respectively read a third time and passed . After some other business , the bouse adjourned at a quarter to seven o ' clock ,
TUESDAY , April 20 . tfOTJSE OF COMMONS . —In reply to Mr . Spkaker , as to what steps had been taken to secure the persons of Birchmore , Wagget , and Heyward , against whom warrants bad been issued on a charge of misdemeanour , proved to havo been committed on tho occasion of the sitting of a parliamentary committee , to inquire into the validity of the St . Alban ' s oloction , The Sebgeant-at-Arms skated tbat during the adjournment of the house he had used all due diligence to execute the warrants of tbat house against the parties charged therein , but to no purpose .
The police authorities had just informed him that up to thnt moment they bad not been ablo to obtain the slig htest trace of the parties . Lord J . Russell said , tbat unless tbo parties were apprehended within a reasonable time , it would be necessary to address the crown that areward might be proclaimed . ( Hear , hear . ) He would , therefore , move . tbat tbo bouse resolve itself into a committee to consider the propriety of adopting an address to her Majesty that she might be pleased to order a proclamation , with a reward , for the discovery of Waggett , Heywavd , and Birchmore . ( Hear . ) to
Waier Supply . —Sir G . Gbby moved for leave bring a . bill for the better supply of Water to tho Mfitropolis ., He referred to tho large amount of information in possession of tbe house upon this subject , contained especially in the reports of the Board of Health , which showed , first , that some extensive change was necessary in order to insure an adequate supply of good , and wholesome water ; and sonondly , that competition could not be trusted to for that object . The first question , therefore , whether tbo existing system should be adhered to , or that some essential change should be made in it , admitted of an easy answer , - the second was , what substitute the government should propose aud Parliament adopt . The -Board of Health had
repommended , in tho first instance , that the existing sources of supply should be altogether abandoned , and that recourse should be had to deposits of rain water collected in gathering grounds near Bagshot . They had subsequently so far modified their recommendation as to propose , that instead of rain water spring water should be collected and brought . to London in pipes . This very change of opinion inculcated caution , and the government had laid the reports of tho Board of Health and all the evidence before three gentlomen eminent for their skill and ability , tbat ( hoy might report upon the chemical properties of tbe water and to what extent tho existing sources of supply should be retained or new sources be opened . . Tho
minuteness and labour of this inquiry had hitherto prevented thorn from making a- report , and in the meantime he had thought it better to lay before the house the outlines-of a scheme by which ' he proposed to substitute a new machinery for that of tho nine water , companies , each occupying a separate district . v .. Tho : Board of Health . bad recommended that instead : of a plurality-of managements , tlwve should be one combined-management , us the host means of ' securing . a . sufficient supply and service of . wateiv with a diminution of coat ; and this combination ,-they , suggested ; . might be effected by purchasing the slock of the existing companies at a liberal valuation , but they found it necessary to depart from another recommendation , to vest tho
managemenfcfof tbe water supply m representative bodies , and-proposed to place it under a government board of salaried officers . There were , therefore , three , general modes of effecting the objects in view —first , by the . existing companies ; second , by municipalities , on the representative principle ; third , by a salaried board , acting , under tho immediate control of the government and- indirectly responsible to parliament . The objnetions to the latter plan were formidable , and nothing but . necessity would induce the government to adopt ; it , If , indeed , they wero ' deallrig with this as a new question , irrespective , of private interests and tho habits of the people ' , he should certainly prefer the plan suggested by tho-Board-of Health ; but as an
extensive'systcm was alreaay in existence , and , as no representa ' tire machinery was to be'found , the principle , of tlie measure-he proposed Was-the consolidation of tho existing companies into one , by the ' purchase- of their respective stocks cither by valuation or by arbitration , with a consolidated capital , tbe consolidated body being charged with the whole supply of water to tho metropolis subject to the control of Government and . Parliament , Ho explained the functions , powers , nnd obligations with which , tho bill proposed-to endow this bod y , and observed that the . plan , would accomplish the ends of saving . expeiulilui'e , ^ increased efficiency in
management , government control under responsibility te Parliament , and reduction of rates to consumers , realising ; at the same'time , the . principle recommended by the Board of Health of a contract between the government and the company . Ho anticipated an obvious objectidn ; that the companies could not be comp ' iiHed to consent to this arrangement ,- but . ' thoy were entitled to the first offer , and they had met the communications of the government in a reasonable spirit , reserving their decision until they saw : the details of the bill , which lie pro : posed to refer to a select coihinitleej so that the companies woiihlhave ample opportunity to advance their claims . ( Hear , bear , )
Sir jT'J & hsmose gave various , explanations on behalf of the water companies who were favourably disposed towards the measure . ' - ' ¦ "•' ' " Mr . Cochrane considered that such a--bill would only strengthen the- 'existing- monopoly , continuing all its evils , ahd confirming its : power by Uniting the existingcompanios-intoone . ( Hear , ' hear . ) Mr . HuilE thought there would be no difficulty in adopting the principle of- competition b y ' allowing new companies to comein . .. Sir B . UALL , \ vas-of opinion that tbe amalgama * tion of-the existing companies , though it might save some expense , would make the combined company a very powerful One , whereas tbe object of the government should be to abolish' a monopoly , winch had existed too long . ( Hear , hear . ) : ' Lord Ebrjsoton-reviewed the subject ' of watersupply at some length , and condemned the schemeof-the government as defective in principle .-
SirW . Clay contended that-competition could not bo anplied to tbo principle of water supply . He admitted that tie-poor of the metropolis' were ill provided with water ; but this arosolrom ' no indisposition of the companies to supply it , or from aii y doSciency of the article , but because'the pr ( mriet 0 rs of small tenements refused to take means ^ of supply ing their occupants . ( Hear , hear . ) -He defended the water companies against tho charges' of extortion , waste , and extravagance , and expressed his perfect confidence in the fair dealing of tho govern , ment and . the house , which , by acting unjustly towards tbo companies , -would only iniure tho
Monday, Arnn, 23. House Of Commons.—The ...
country . ( Hear , hear . ) The question was entirely fov compromise , which would bo the cheapest , as well as tho fairest course . Mr . Mowatt objected to tbo scheme , that it contained no provision for a new source of supply instead of the present impure one , and that it made tlie supplier * of tho water responsible , not to the consumers , but to tbo government . Sir G . Gret , in his rep ] V f offered explanations upon various points , and , with reference to Mr . Mowatt s objection , stated that tbo bill gave power to the Secretary of State in respect to the sources of supply . Leave was then given to bring in the bill .
Mr . Swart then moved a resolution , that it is expedient to extend tho mitigation of the law with respect to capital punishment to tho colonics- , but a member having moved that the bouse be counted , and only thirty-eight members being present , an adjournment took place at seven o'clock . WEDNESDAY , Anul SO .
HOUSE OF COMMONS . —Lord J . Russem moved that the house , at its rising , should adjourn until six o ' clock this evening . SirR-. Ixolis said that if tbe adjournment waa not to be to the usual hour to-day , it would bo better to adjourn i . t once until Friday . He there , fore moved , as an amendment , tbat the bouse adjourn until Friday . After a abort conversation tbe house divided , and tho amendment of Sir It . Inglis was defeated by a majority of 52 to VI .
St . ALUs ' a ElKCTWS . —Lord J . Russell moved an address to the Crown praying that a proclamation might issue , offering rewards for the apprehension of tbo parties guilty of a broach of privilege in having declined to give evidence before tho St . Alban ' s election committee . After a very desultory conversation the address was agreed to , and the bouse resumed . In reply to a question from Mr . Hume , Mr . LABoucinmE said thoro was every wish to deal liberally with the exhibitors in the w . \ y o « giving them Ireo admission at the openin ? of tho
. exhibition , but it was felt impossible to do so owing to their number , which exceeded 15 , 000 . It was , however , tho intention of her Majesty to attend the Exhibition ou some one Saturday morning , on whicii occasion tiio exhibitors would be admitted free , and have tbe opportunity of explaining to her Majesty tbe particulars of tho articles they have exhibited . On the motion for going into committee on the Highway ( South Wales ) Bill , Sir 6 . Tyler moved as an amendment , tbat tho bill be committed that day six months .
After a short discussion , tbe amendment was negatived without a division , and the bill passed through committee . Highways ( South Wales ) Bill . —Upon tho order of tho day for going into committee upon the Highways ( South Wales ) Bill , Dr . Nichqu , moved an instruction to tbe committee to give power to extend tho provisions of the bill to England ; which , after some debate , ho withdrew . Sir . G . Tyler then moved that the bill be committed tbat day six months . The bill was supported by Lord Emlvn , who had introduced it . ' anxl also by Mr . 0 . Lewis , who was favourable to its principle , which was discussed by
Mr . Morris , Mr . J . Yivias , and Mr . Richards , and the amendment being negatived , the housed went iuto committee upon the bill , tho clauses of which wero agreed to with amendments . The Lodging Houses Bill was read a second time . FAnw Buildings Bill . —Mr . Cochrane , in moving tbo second reading of t ' ae Farm Buildings Bill , gave a brief explanation of its object , which was to authorise the charging of estates with loans for the repair and erection of farm buildings . Tho bill was opposed by Mr . Trklawsv Mr . Mulhsos , Mr . Hume , and Mr . W . Milks , but upon a division the second reading was careied by sixtysix against twenty-five . Sukdav Trading : Prevention Bill . —Petitions
against the bill were presented by Mr . Wakley and Mr . B . Wall . Mr . W . Williams , having presented several petitions iafavour of tho measure , moved that tllO hoUBG go into committee upon the bill . Mr . Akstet rose to oppose the motion . Ho considered that faith had been broken with him and others who had consented to the second reading of the bill , for it was then understood that it was to go before a Select Committee , who should have power to send for persons , papers , and . records , in order to furnish the opponents of the bill an opportunity of disproving , and tho supporters of proving , the preamble of it . He referred to the proceedings in committee , where an assurance was given that
witnesses should be sent for ; but afterwards tbat promise was not fulfilled . He bad , as a member of the committee , done his best to make it harmless ; but now ho could not recommend it to the adoption of the bouse . The second clause was "the consideration clause , " for which it would be adopted in that aud in another place . Tbo classes against whom this legislation was directed did not participate largely in the enjoyment of the franchise . Ifc was desired to extinguish trading for tllC benefit Of the working classes , and yet make it as little troublesome as possible to those who wished to hare such as enactment as this . Tbo lino was to be drawn between tbe small mechanic and those immediately above him . The small
tradesman was to bo placed at the mercy of the policeman , acting under parochial orders , whilst the larger tradesmen would not be touched at all . The prohibitions wero to be found in the first clause , the exceptions were to be found in the second clause . There was in the first clause an absolute prohibition of sale of all articles , and against a deli very after nine o ' clock . Why , ho asked , were not the souls of tlm milkwomen of as much account in tho estimation of the lion , member for Lambeth , as the souls of fishmongers ! ( Laughter . ) Why wore not milk and cream put amongst other articles ? He now cime to the most tyrannical , and ' therefore the most objectionable clause of the bill . It waa clause seven , giving a judicial power to policemen
to decide whether a penalty had been incurred , to seize on the whole capital of tbo hawker , and then , to add insult to injury , a power of appeal the next day to a magistrate . Tbe most perishable materials might bo seized under this clause , and they knew how little confidence tbe poorer classes had in the discretion of the police , or in the readiness of the magistrates to interfere in their , behalf . Now this clause passed in committee without a division . He referred to the evidence of Mr . Commissioner Mayne , on a similar clause in some of the local acts . He ( Mr . Mayne ) stated , he had ' iriVa « riably refused to permit the police under him to exercise this power .. One of his reasbns . fov refusing was , that it vrould excite a strong ; feeling atminsb
the police , and produce a riot . His evidence alone made out an unaswerable case against the bill . But then tliey had the evidence of the police themselves , that there was no necessity whatever for this legislation—their returns proved that Sunday trading was diminishing in every district of London . That was tho only evidence tbey bad on this subject ; and he left it to the house to say , whether it was in favour of or against the'bill . There was the proof oftha Jews trading—but then they bad the . Sabbath of their own , and several days on ' whicli every species of work was forbidden , making sixty-six days in the year . Ifow it was proposwl to add fifty-two more to the Jew ' s abstinencefromlaLour . This would bo a withdrawal of four calendar months
out of the twelve . -There . was a Protestant sect called " Sabbatarians , " who abstained from . labqur on Saturday , but laboured on tbe Sunday , which they did not feebconscientiously called upon to observe ; He thought thoy ought not to deal harshly by new legislation with siny class , however small . Why did not tho traders of Lambeth , for whose benefit this bill was proposed , themselves abstain from labour , and this they admitted in their petition to the . other house ? He asked thchon . ' inem- her for Lambeth , how did his' bill ' amend the oe ' - fectsoftbe ancient law . ? -The lion , member ' tor Lambntli said it was as much , bis ( Mr . . Anstey ' s ) bill as tho hon . member ' s ; then if it were perhaps the lion , member would have no objection to . bis
withdrawing tho billp in his name . ( Laughter ) . If so , ho promised the house they should ' . hear no more of this bill . . ( Laughter . ) Ho asked the hob . ' member on what he ' rested his case ? 'They had heard nothing from bim'that day to justify it . ¦ 'The . poorer classes had no representative in' this house , and it was , not becoming ! in , one holding the ' posi «' tion of the hon . member to ' harrass thdin with legis- ' lation of this description . He declared his intend tion to oppose tbebil ) at-every stage ; 'He- move ' dv that thebill go-info , committee that day six months . Mr . B . Wall seconded the amendment . If he badbeen allowed to call for evidence in committee , be c should have been able :, tor adduce many -most important frets , which were not then before the house ' He should have asked medical men , for instance if they wouldrccommendsuoh anieasure asthis-1 n V year like the year of the cholera- . If tbe > bi ! 2 wera ' passed intoalaw , ho , should prefer seeing it made ' cai
general u > wwa < . w m . ;• ae saw no - reason why one side of Croydon or Kingston should be lecisi Intedifor in a diffevent -manner from the atfcll Therefore , the . firstamendmeiit be sCldfmoS bSlSS / 'W ^ W ^» to'thometroi ^ nan districts . Thenext . ques ion he-should raisi would be tho most important of all . quest Ss H « W ^ H ^ W ^' difficult . fcr'SSE 5 £ » bS with Wienccs-and lie vVas sure there was none in the _ house- without a conscience—to adopt g « o restrictions contained in the Mi ; ( a laugb . j « ut ; thc measure .. might bo evaded .,: A poor fflan . might ; entei- .. a sh op . ' on'the Sunday . mornings purchase an article ,, and pay lor it on the following day . Ashe read ' . ' . the bill it would nllowj ' apotheca . nes , chemists ,. and'd . ru ggists-to exercise their profession iti cases of necessity . ' or , " charity ; , - whilst it would ; prohibit bthe-s . Tkus " tne .. » pot ! iecaries , chemists , . and dmggiirts would hare an opportunity ;
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), May 3, 1851, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_03051851/page/7/
-