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TO THE WORKING CLASSES.
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-My Fmends,—I am very happy to tell you,...
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE SOUTHERN STAE. Deik...
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THE ITALIAN WHITE SLATBS AXD THE BENEVOL...
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Eefeu, of the Taxes ox Kxowiedge.—A publ...
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Sib Jobs RcimxT, the new Master of the R...
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TOL. BI P.700. ¦ LflUDONi SATURDAY, APE ...
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imperial parliament.
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SATURDAY, March 29. HOUSE OF COMMONS. — ...
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ADDRESS OF THE METROPOLITAN TRADES DELEG...
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The Kmo of Prussia has presented the Emp...
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Transcript
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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.
To The Working Classes.
TO THE WORKING CLASSES .
-My Fmends,—I Am Very Happy To Tell You,...
-My Fmends , —I am very happy to tell you , that you are now represented in the present Conference bj the ' most discreet and Honest menj they are not fools , and do not propose , or even mention physical or brute force , oat very properly and . discreetly seek to unite
your mental power for the : purpose of aehieving all those rights to which yon are justly entitled . Youmust he aware , that from the commencement of this agitation down to the present moment I have , notwithstanding strong opposition , invariabl y denounced physical force , aa the last " shot fixed constitutes the vicfor t . tropbjy and the mental force , which keeps your order in : a state of subjection , . is based upon your own disunion .
My friends , as the Exhibition will shortly take place , and as it is irrefutably stated that the object of the foreigners is to create a revolution in this country , let me implore of you to place no confidence either in their courage or their object , as you may rely upon it , that if England was conquered by foreign nations , yen would be made abject slaves . And , notwithstanding my desire to establish liberty in this country , I would -face the foreigners landing here upon the -sea coast , and would rather they should ride or walk over my dead body , than lend my assistance to conquer this country . I tell you again , I do not blame Lord John Russell , or any minister , for the state of destitution that this country is in—but I blame yourselves .
' It has been stated in the Times and in the House of Commons , that it is the intention of the foreigners to create a revolution when the Exhibition takes place ; bat I trust that yoa , working men , who love yoru ? wives , your children , and your friends , will not onrj ^ not take part in such a revolution , but that yoa will oppose it at the risk of your lives . The great space which the proceedings of the Conference occupies in this week ' s Star renders it impossible for me to address you at any great length , but I trust that you will carefully read and deliberately reflect upon the advice I have given you . I remain , Your Faithful Friend and advocate , Feaegus O'Connoe .
To The Editor Of The Southern Stae. Deik...
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SOUTHERN STAE . Deik Sib , —It is stated by the enemies of iie . O'Connor , that at the time Infant Labour in Factories was before the House that , instead of giving bis vote in their favour , he put on bis bat and left the honse , or the Bill would hare been obtained for the childrens * protection . I shenld be obliged if yoa will inform me , in your notice to correspondents , the facts of the case . Tour ' s respectfully , Siiicxi , Tatlob , In repl y to the above , I shall g ive my friend the same statement which I have published before , and which he should have read .
When I was at Newcastle-upon-Tyne , and engaged to attend three other meetings after the one at Newcastle , I received a letter from EOBEBT Wilkixsok , of Halifax , telling me that the Bill was to be read a second time oh the following night ; and after I had attended the meeting at Newcastle , I started for London by the half-past ten o ' clock train , bat was not in time to oppose the second reading .
However , to convince my friends of my desire to relieve the operatives from their tyranny , I beg to inform them , that when the third reading was proposed , I opposed it , and found no man to second it ; and I do not know that the -working classes would find another Member to take the trouble that I did , to be in the House to oppose that Bill . Feakgtjs O'Connor .
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The Italian White Slatbs Axd The Benevol...
THE ITALIAN WHITE SLATBS AXD THE BENEVOLENT PUBLIC . . . i . " . ... .-. ¦> , - On Tuesday morning a deputation of Italian gentlemen , headed by Signer Luccioni , of Bay-street , CierkenweU , waited upon ilr . Stephen Pearson , of Lamb ' s Conduit-street , St . Andrew ' s , in reference to the forthcoming meeting on behalf of the suppression of the growing evil of the importation from all parts of Italy and Germany , of these wretched supplicants for English commiseration . — Signer A . Luccioni gave a most frightful picture of the system carried on , and mentioned various localities , in Laystall-street , Yine-street ,
Hat-ton-garden , Eyre-place , Saffron-hill , Field-lane , and the earronnd ' wg districts , where the most abominable exactions and cruelties were carried on by mennatives of Parma , in Italy—in constant communication-with the parents of the miserable youth of that yet more miserable district—poor boys bartered away for tbemostcoatemptiblesom of money , the Italian erimp $ being as cunning in their degree as the priest-ridden mothers and doubtful fathers of these wretched outcasts—the Romish , knaves and beggars of Protestant London . Signer Luccioni subsequentl y gave a succinct account of the manner in which these wretched slaves were kept by their masters , and instanced the case of a poor fellow , named Abncco , who had been entrapped from
the commune of Valazolia , in Parma . In the depth of his misery fever had fallen upon him , and he became the inmate of the Rojal Free Hospital , in the Cray ' s Inn-road , and on hU dismissal from that institution , weak and debilitated , he was ordered to go and beg for his existence b y his taskmaster , and failing in this , the police of London took him before a magistrate , and he was committed , ont of pore commiseration , for seven days to prison , as a street vagrant . The sentence was received with gratitude , and although expressed in vulgar patois , implied , " anything but the savage master . " The food supplied to these poor creatures was stated to be composed of a mixture of potatoes and rice , with a trifle of bacon , and upon feast-days
they were treated with a compound of indescribable stuff called " Memimarasha , " in which an abundance of meat , from the various establishments at Cow-cross , formed the principal ingredients . — Other speakers addressed the meeting , and the proceedings terminated . It may be added that the names of all these poor creatures , and their inhuman Keepers—or rather drivers—are readily available , and it is confidently hoped that this kidnapping system will be speedily ended . Communications have alread y been opened with Lord Palmerston , Sir George Grey , and Mr . Drummond , M . P ., and other influential gentlemen , and the meeting about to be called will doubtless have a beneficial effect .
Eefeu, Of The Taxes Ox Kxowiedge.—A Publ...
Eefeu , of the Taxes ox Kxowiedge . —A public meeting was held on Tuesday at the Institution , John-street , Tottenham-court-road , to advocate the repeal of the taxes on knowledge . Doctor tpps took the chair , and said that their object wa t ? mform government that they were desirous of having the taxes on knowledge removed as well as the taxes on bread . He stated that the Fenny Cydofmdia had cost a sum of £ 42 , 000 , and that the proprietor had derived no benefit from it , though £ ip % L P ^ l % to government a duty of * U > , tm . ehembtn ' g IftsceOany , which had contributed so greatly to the diffusion of knowledge , had to pay government a sum of £ 6 , 000 ont of £ 18 , 000 , which the work cost . Before discontinuing the work , they had received a communication from
America stating that they were to cease from sending their publications to the United States , because the duty on paper enabled the Americans to produce them cheaper ; and so they lost the sale of their work , not only in the United States but in the British colonies . In every stage of the manufacture of paper the manufacturer was hampered by the excise regulations , which were most tyrannical . They must have free trade in knowledge , by the removal of all taxes which prevented the circulation of knowledge . If these duties on knowledge were taken off , it would add greatly to the amount of labour and industry . The experiments made in making paper from straw were nut a stop to from
those laws which shackled the making of paper . — Mr . Richard Moore moved a resolution denouncing all taxes which impede the spread of knowledge as highl y obstructive to popular education and to the uUellectual and moral improvement of the people . The Whigs , he said , when in opposition called for the freedom of the press , but when in power did nothing to remove the shackles which bound it . — Mr . Alexander Campbell seconded the resolution . — Mr- Collet moved a censure on the conduct of the Board of Inland Bevenue in permitting a number of registered newspapers to stamp only a part of their edition , while denying that privilege to others . —Mr . Holyoake seconded the resolution , which was tarried unanimously . "
Sib Jobs Rcimxt, The New Master Of The R...
Sib Jobs RcimxT , the new Master of the Roll ? , and Sir Alexander Cockborn , the new Attorney-General , were on "Wednesday re-elected , without o pposition , for Davenport and * Southamptdnrespecwely . - ¦ ¦ -
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Imperial Parliament.
imperial parliament .
Saturday, March 29. House Of Commons. — ...
SATURDAY , March 29 . HOUSE OF COMMONS . — The Speaker took the chair at twelve o ' clock . Sir B . Dvsdas presented a petition from a place in Sntberlandshire , against Sunday labour in the Post-office . . SoppiiJ—The report of the Committee of supply was brought up and agreed to . Morisr Bat . —Mr . Fox Madxe brought up the Mutiny Bill , which was read a first time , and ordered to be read a second on Monday . The house then adjourned .
MONDAY , Mahch 31 . HOUSE OF LORDS . —Lord Ltnohurst commented upon the measure proposed by- the government for the reform of the Court of Chancery ; and submitted that the bill would have been more properly introduced in that bouse , where lawyers of so high experience were to be found . He behoved that the Prime'Minister himself was ashamed of his inefficient measure , and-therefore , selected the Commons for its debut . ¦ The whole profession viewed the bill with contempt . His lordship proceeded to condemn , in particular , the proposition of removing the ecclesiastical patronage from the Lord Chancellor to the Crown .
Lord Brougham concurred ; in some ^ of the censures pronounced ' upon the bill , but '' remonstrated against opening an incidental discussion before the measure was really before their lordships . Some conversation ensued between Earl Grey , Lord REDKSDAi . K , and the Lord Chancellor , after which the discussion was allowed to drop . : ; Their lordships adjourned at seven o ' clock . HOUSE OF COMMONS . —Mr . H . BEmmmr gave notice that be should , on an early day after Easter , move a resolution affirming the propriety of protecting voters by the ballot . Abut Estimates . —On the motion for resuming the Committee of Supply on the army estimates ,
Mr . Hume stated various details of charge which were still under consideration by the select committee on military expenditure , and remonstrated against the summary way in which the votes for these services were passed , before the committee had pronounced its decision , and while the country was still kept in nncertaiaty respecting the budget . Removed as an amendment , that no further supplies be granted until the financial statement was raade . The Chancellor of the Exchequer renewed the promise that the budget should be announced on Friday , and offered reasons why the army votes should not be delayed until then ; Mr . Williams and Mr . Shabmar Crawfoud supported the amendment . Mr . Mowatt and Mr . "Waklw added some censures of the ministerial
procrastination-A division was called , but not pressed , and the amendment being withdrawn the committee of supply was formed . On the first vote , for £ 8 , 521 , 070 , to defray the charge of the land forces , Mr . Home moved that for the present the vote be reduced to a sum of two millions , to be granted " on account . " ' .- '¦ - This amendment was opposed by Mr . Fox Maple , and followed up by a miscellaneous discussion principally turning upon the a'leged partiality and extravagance shown in the treatment of the Guards . The committee divided : — For Mr . Hnme ' s amendment .... 31 For the original proposition ...... 175—144
Mr . Williams moved a second amendment , reducing the amount of the vote by ; a sum of £ 81 , 152 . This amendment was discossed . and carried toa division , when it was negatived by a majority of 6 * 4 to 18—36 . The vote was then agreed to ; £ 159 , 923 for the Staff ; and £ 92 , 747 for the public departments , were successfully voted . The fifth vote , of £ 18 ^ 01 for the Ro yal Military College , called forth some complaints from Colonel Rbid , against the unnecessary tr oableand annoyance to which the officers were subjected , by the compulsion of passing an academical examination . The course of duty was the best education for the military officer . --- . - •• -.- -.- •¦ " ¦ - —•; Mr . Fox Maole cited the opinion of the Commander-in-Chief to support the new regulations , which were necessary to secure an amount of intelligence among the officers , which should give them a proper superiority over their men , who were themselves advancing so fast in education . After some discussion , the vote was agreed to .
£ 65 , 000 for defraving the charge of the volunteer
corps . Mr . Miles baring deprecated the parsimony of the vote ; proceeded to allude to an attack which had been made on the Somersetshire yeomanry by the hon . member for Bristol in a former session . Quoting from Hansard , befonnd that the hon . member had stated that during the Bristol riots , only ten of the yeomanry could be mastered , and that baring been marched into the town they were locked up for safety until the riots were . over . He ( Mr . Miles ) had received a communication from the colonel to the effect that these troops were mustered by order of tie magistrates and marched into the tOVTO . One troop—that of Captain Shute , which bad been more especially alluded to by the . hon . member—certainly mustered few men ; but they were actively engaged in guarding stores , and subsequently in clearing the streets during the riots . The whole regiment mustered at Bath , the head-quarters , and marched into Bristol on Monday evening .
Mr . H . Berkeley hoped that the honse would allow hira to say a few words after what bad fallen from the gallant general —( laughter)—be begged pardon , the gallant colonel . ( Continued laughter . ) He only hoped that , as the gallant Somerset had led the van in this attack , they would not ' be followed up by the " mournful and dangerous . " ( "Hear , ' - and laughter . ) If he was to be attacked seriatim by all the yeomanry colonels in the house , he might well exclaim , with old Hudibras , - ; . " Oh what dangers do environ The man who meddles with cold iron . " ( "Hear , " and a laugh . ) What he had endeavoured to show on the occasion alluded to by the honourable member was that the yeomanry as a military force was a perfect imposture , and that as a constabulary
they were no use whatever . ( Laughter . ) In doing so he took occasion to refer to the Bristol riots , not on' his own authority , but on that of the Bristol Gazette . That paper stated that the Somerset were called upon by the magistrates , but never came until Monday , the riots having begun on Saturday . They came , but in such small numbers that it was thought advisable to send them to the riding-house . ( Laughter . ) Captain Shute—not Shoot , hut . Shute —( loud laughter)—published a letter in the Bristol Gazette , stating that he concurred in opinion with the magistrates that his troop having assembled in such small numbers should be shut np . ( Continued laughter . ) The editor of the Bristol Gazette , by referring to his file in 1831 , found the letter of Captain Shute to the magistrates , in which he gave it as bis opinion that himself and his troop ou « ht
to be shut up in the riding-house . ( More laughter . ) He ( Mr . Berkeley ) held the captains letter in his hand , and he pledged bis honour that he was not overstating its contents . He had the greatest respect , not onlv for t ! se hon . member for Somersetshire—the gallant leader of the « e men—but aho for the gallant men themselves He had an opinion , however , that if they were taken off their horses , and stripped of their uniform , which made them wear the appearance of large hogs in armour —( roars of laugbter > -and that , if a smock-frock was put on them and a good stick in their hand , they would make excellent special constables . ( " Hear , hear , ' and continued laughter . ) But . as for yeomanry , it was all fudge . ( Roars of laughter . ) Theyhadnever distinguished themselves , and they never would . In fact , the most unfortunate events would always occur whenever they were called into action .
Mr . Miles said that the yeomanry at the time , of the Bristol riots had been called out by a magistrate ' s order , and that it was on the order of Alderman Daniels that they retired to the riding-house . Mr . Uvux expressed a hope that her Majesty ' s government would dispense with the vote altogether . He had been in hopes that after the strong argument used last year by the honourable member for Bristol ( Mr . Berkeley ) , tha vote would then be withdrawn . Mr . F . Maulk could not agree with the hon . member for Bristol , in the aspersions he had cast ou the yeomanry corps . ( Hear , hear . ) He could not believe that they were impostors . ( Hear , hear . ) He believed they were well drilled and disciplined , and able to perform any duty that was required of them . The fdice was not only a natural but a useful one , and it had done its duty without manifesting an ; over zeal .
Colonel ChattbRTon said that , having been an inspecting field officer of the yeomanry corps , and having performed the duty sixty-nine times , he flattered himself he was qualified to offer an opinion on this subject . He had found the corps in a high state of efficiency . ( Dear , bear . ) They were an admirable , a loyal , and a devoted body of men ; and the peace and tranquillity of England would hot have been preserved witfoutlhem . i Hear / hear . )' ' " ;
Saturday, March 29. House Of Commons. — ...
Mr . H . Berkeley said he would oppose the vote and divide on the question . ( Oh . ) ' ,.... . : The gallery " was cleared '" for a ; division , bui none took place . On our return we found ¦ . Mr . Edwards objecting ,, amid much laughter , ' to the officers of the yeomanry of England being compared to hogs in armour . He should like to know how the hon . member for Bristol would look if ; he we re arrayed in the yeomanry uniform of England I ( Continued laughter . ) His appearance would be very unlike that of an officer : and be ( Mr . Edwards ) hoped he should never ' see the . hon . gentleman enrolled amongst the corps . ( Hear , ) ; < ; The vote was then agreed to .
Ordnance Estimates . —Colonel Aksos then moved the first of a series of votes for the ordnance service . ! Prefacing with some remarks touching the distinction between wise economy and indiscriminate retreochme ' nVhe stated , that the gross ; total of the votes he intended to ask for presented but a trifling diminution of £ 22 , 520 on the amount required last year . "As compared with 1848 , however , the saving that Had been effected was not less than £ 580 , 000 . Passing in review ' th ' e ! various items , of expenditure upon the . personnel of the " ordnance force , barrack supplies , commissariat , officers , artillery , smalt
arms / buildings , surveys , && , Colonel -Anson ; , explained the alterations that were exhibited id the balance sheet of the present year . The charge for works and buildings presented "the only formidable increase—namely , £ 30 , 000 , arising from an ocfc * sional expenditure , amounting to £ 64 , 000 , for new , erections at different barrack establishments , more than half of which , ms counterbalanced by retrenchments accomplished elsewhere . Upon the noneffective services a trifling saving had also been realised ; arid the total result offered the reduction he had mentioned below the rates of last session .
The first vote , of 14 , 573 men for the ordnance military corps being put , ' ' . < ; Mr . Hums objected , not to the details of management , but to the system in general , - which had resulted in a rapid expansion of costs , and in a wasteful accumulation of unnecessary . stores . Inthe years 1834-8 the average ordnance expenditure was below one million , which swelled regularly afterw ards , until , in 1847 , it had risen to more than three millions ; and even now , after the stringent enforcement of economy , remained at £ 2 , 400 . 000 . As the only satisfactory change in this system the hon . member recommended the consolidation of the Ordnance Department with the War Office , and the placing of the whole under the responsible authority of the Commander-in-Chief . Mr . Williams added some remarks upon the extraordinary costs of certain corps belonging to the artillery service , but proposed noam ' ehdment , and the vote was passed .
1 he remaining votes were afterwards agreed to , and the house resumed . Mr . Booker moved for a tabular and classed return of the amounts levied under the several income tax schedules , declaringthat his request was prompted only b y ^ principle of justice , and was irrespective of the political faith professed by the occupants of the Treasury bench . He wished to ascertain the proportions contributed by real property and different descriptions of commercial and industrial incomes , and to discover how those incomes had fluctuated under the influence of our recent policy . The motion was seconded by Mr . Spoonbr , and supported , by Colonel Sibthobp ..
The Chancellor of the Exchequer could not consent to assist in furnishing the desired information , wishing to act in consistency with the principles that had always guided the house in respect to the income tax , ir ^ wfiich the most jealous precaution had been taken ' to avoid any inquisitorial researches , or any impertinent disclosures of private business . Mr . Hznlbv . complained that no relief was afforded to the landed interest from the burdens of the tax , even where rates and profits had disappeared . After a few words from Mr . Sfoohek , Mr . BOOKER withdrew his motion . The house adjourned at one o ' clock . : , : . " TUESDAY , April 1 . 7 ' ' .
HOUSE OF LORDS . —Loan Torbikgtox moved . ' . 'that a message be sent , to the House of Commons for a Copy of the report and evidence of the Select Committee oh Ceylon , " In making this motion he observed that he felt compelled to call their Lordships' attention to ' the subject inconsequence of the withdrawal of Mr . H . Bailie ' s notice of motion in the House of Commons , which left no . other means of meeting , without delay , the calumnies be had been exposed to . He asserted that his conduct in Ceylon had been in accordance with the views of the members of the civil . Government , and when measures of restriction became necessary , with those of the military authorities on the spot . When he first assumed the administration of Ceylon his attention was directed to the means of making the revenue equal to the expenditure , and the measures he adopted , both by improving the first arid reducingthe second , had been attended with success ,
and proved that he had the interests of the colony atheartr The proclamation of martial law when disturbances had occurred had been made a matter of charge against him , but when the treacherous habits of an Eastern population , as contrasted with those of an European , were duly considered , he felt persuaded that the necessity of taking strong and decisive measures to secure the tranquillity of the country would be admitted . He denied that the courts-martial were improperly conducted , and he asked , looking to the character of the officers employed , whether it was likely they would lend themselves to acts of cruelty and injustice . The ordinary civil power could not have preserved the peace of the country , and the Legislative Council in 1848 and 1 S 40 approved his conduct ; and he read addresses from European colonists and merchants at Ceylon expressing regret at his resignation .
Earl Grbt thought his noble friend had done right in calling the attention of the house to this subject , as he had been for two years and a half the mark of all kinds of calumny , and garbled -portions of the evidence taken before the Committee of the House of Commons had been published in Ceylon to bis prejudice . To say that no abuse might have taken place during the existence of martial law was more than any man could take upon himself to affirm . When in time of war and in periods of rebellion , when the ordinary administration of the law was necessarily arrested , and when it became necessary to restrain and curb the evil passions of
mankind , it was impossible to believe that abuses would not sometimes take place . The noble duke who sat at the table had bad experience of these things . To check those abuses the noble duke was compelled to adopt measures of very great severity , and to place the people under very great and wholesome rigour . In the same manner ,, when his noble friend adopted martial law in Ceylon , abuses might have taken place , but it was equally clear that whatever any persons might have done was done against the desire and against the will" of . his noble friend . He thought his noble friend had justified the course of conduct he had pursued . ( Hear . )
The Duke of Wbllikgiox said : The noble earl had referred to his ( the duke ' s ) conduct in respect to martial law ; and on this point he wished to Say a few words to their lordships . In the first place he had to state that he had no comment and no observation to make upon the general question before their lordships as introduced by the noble lord ( Lord Torrington ) . The view which he ( the Duke of Wellington ) had taken was , that it was as yet utterly impossible for their lordships' house to pronounce any opinion upon the case brought under consideration that evening by the noble lord . For their lordships had no single paper before them . They knew nothing about it . ( Laughter . ) That correspondence to which so much reference
in detail had been made was quite unknown to them . ( Continued laughter . ) He certainly bad not made himself master of the subject . He had only read that which came regularly before the public . As to the correspondence he declared that he had not a notion of what it referred to . And this being the fact , he thought the noble lord and the noble earl might as well have avoided any observations upon that correspondence until it nau regularly come into their hands . As to the r | » rR which had been made about him ( the Duke of Wellington ) he would say a word in exp lanation , ue contended that martial law was neither more nor less than the will of the general ; ( Hear , hear . ) in factmartial law meant no law at all . ( Uear , hear . )
, Therefore the general who declared martial law , and commanded that it should be carried into execution , was bound to lay down distinctly the rules and regulations according to which his will was to be carried oat . Now he had , in another country , carried on martial law ; that was to say that he had governed a large proportion of the population of a country by his own will . But then , what did he do ? He declared that the country should , oe governed according to its own national laws , and he carried into execution that . will . He governed the country strictly by the laws of the country ; and he governed it with such moderation ' , he must say , that political servants and judges who at first hadfledor ' had been' expelled ; afterwards Consented
Saturday, March 29. House Of Commons. — ...
« £# ™ *? h ' Section . . The judges sat in the courts ot la « r , conducting their judicial business ana aammistering the law under his direction . He therefore had never been ih the situation which the nobieearl had spoken of , and he protested most distinctly against beingrcalled : into comparison , in any . way . wh atever , with the noble lord ( Lord Tornn # on ) . opposite . ( Cheers and laughter ; the noble duke delivering the last sentence in an unusuaijy loud . tone of voice , and with immense emphasisof gesture . ) - ' " Their lordships then adjourned . " : ¦ •; HOUSE OF 'COMArOSS .-PoLiTiCAL Refugees W 'Lnqlano . '— Mr . ; S . Wohtlbt said that , seeing the right honourable baronet- the : Secretary , for the
to put the following question to him ,. of which he had given notio : —Whether his attention had been called to the . numher , character , and proceedings of certain persons , hot being subjects of . her Majesty , but at present resident in this country ; and claiming its hospitality and whether her Majesty ' s-government are prepared to take any measures for further seeuring-this country-from-any danger from the ; disturbance of its peace ,, or the , embarrassment of its relations : with friendly foreign powers , by' the abuse- . bf'tbaV-hospitality ? lie should not abuse tbc ui ^ ulgence of the house . by trespassing upon it at > nrlength 7 except in giving . a few facta that had
come to hh knowledge . A statement had been made elsewhere which he shouldnot run therisk of weakening , by any unnecessary observations ,, He had , however ,- incontrovertible evidence ; of : the existence of a widespread-conspiracy throughout Europe , of which a branch bad been established in this country under the name of the Committee of Central European Democracy . ¦• • Mr . GmsoN here rose to- order . His only object in rising-was only to avoid mischief from a statement ot facts-being made which could not be met by a counter statement ; - He-thought the right hon . gentleman ought to confine himself merely to' such facts aa would make his question comprehensible .
The Skbakbr said that any honourable gentleman had a right , in putting a-question , to state any facts coming within his knowledge , but he was not at liberty to use any argument whilst doing so . Mr . S . Worilet said he-did not think he had offended against any of the rules of order . He was merely informing the house that he was in possession of evidence to show that there was in existence in this metropolis a body of men , associated together under the title of the " Committee of the Central European Democracy . " Their object was to ' subvert the governments of central Europe , and they did not confine themselves to any particular government , but they recommended an indiscriminate submersion of existing forms of government ,
and extermination of- existing sovereigns . It was not so much'his purpose to draw the right honourable gentleman ' s attention- to this subject , with a view to improve our relations with foreign countries , which bethought were perfectly safe in the keeping of her Majesty ' s government ; but he wished-rather that every precaution should bo taken that might ensure the peaceand tranquillity of the country . He-thought it- would be . quite necessary that the right hon . baronet the Home Secretary should be armed with power to remove from this country any foreigners whom he believed dangerous to the continued peace of society . It was well known that since the recent French revolutions great numbers of foreigners had come over ,
and since then many other- revolutions had broken out , and still more foreigners had come over . God forbid that any- honourable member should object to extend hospitality to the unfortunate : victims of those tumultuous scenes , except by raising his objection-fairly and openly . It had come to his knowledge , and he had reason to believe that there was ample foundation for the truth of his information , that there at present existed in the midst . of our population a number of forei gn individuals , claiming the generous hospitality of the country , but whose real object here . ' was to make a demonstration -dangerous to public tranquillity . His conviction on-this point was the reason why he thought it right to raise that important subject for
the consideration ot the house . He should , therefore , wish to know from the right hon . baronet whetherhis attention had been called to it , and if so whether he had taken the necessary steps to repress the slightest attempt to disturb the public peace ? ( Hear ; hear . ) " Sir G . Grkt said that the question which the right hon . gentleman had put to him was one undoubtedly of the greatest importance , and he would answer the first part of tbequestion in the paper by stating that the subject to . which it referred was one to ' which the attention of her Majesty ' s government had long been directcd , and still continued to be . . ( Hear , hear . ) ' The question , as it stood in thepa- ; per , pointed to two distinct objects ; the one being
the maintenance of the internal peace and tranquillity of the country in the event—he , hoped an improbable event—of the peace and tranquillity of the country being invaded by the conduct of any foreign ' refugees resident in England ; and the other the ore vention of any embarrassments arising in our relations with foreign countries in consequence of the proceedings of any refugees resident in England .. Witkregard to the first point , having already stated that the event was , in his opinion , an improbable one > of our being unsettled by such proceedings , he had , however , to state that , looking at the number of refugees in London , at the known character ; of some of them , and at the probably large increase of foreigners in this country during
the ensuing season , measures had been taken and adoptedwithin the existing law , which he had not the slightest doubt would prove amply sufficient to repress any attempts made from any such quarter to disturb the peace of the community . ( Hear , hear . ) He believed that any such insane attempt would be immediately and effectually suppressed . ( Hear ,. hear . ) "With regard to the second branch of his right hon . friend ' s question , the prevention of embarrassments with our relations -with foreign friendly powers , in consequence , of such proceedings , he would take that opportunity of explaining his opinion , and he could not express it in too strong terms , that it was a gross abuse of that generous hospitality which had lonsr been the
distinction of this country , and which , he trusted ; would ever continue to be a part of our national character , to extend to foreign political refugees of every rank and shade of opinion—it would be a gross abuse , he said , of that hospitality , if any person so circumstanced , availing himself of that hospitality , and of the asylum which we readily gave him in the hour of need , should join with others in a conspiracy hostile to the public peace , and subversive of the laws and institutions ho was living under . ( Hear , hear . ) Farther as to the state of the law applicable to this subject , he might state , that besides the Foreign Enlistments Act , which was directed to a specific act , he believed that a conspiracy on the part of foreigners residing in this country , endeavouring to levy war against any foreign country at amity to this , was an offence against the common law , punishable by fine and imprisonment . He did not know that he need say
anything with respect to information that had come to them . The acts of these individuals were being observed , and the government fully recognised their duty to enforce the necessity of a strict obedience to the laws of the country under which they lived . ( Hear , hear . ) They would not hesitate , by legal and constitutional means , to put in force against opposition of this description the powers they possessed ; and they believed that the powers of the law , as it stood at present , were amply sufficient for tbo purpose . They would be prompt in instituting legal proceedings for penalties and imprisonment enforced by the law many instance where it had been violated . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . B . Cochrane wished to know whether the right hon . baronet was acquainted with the names of the principal refugees now in this country ? Was he aware that M . Mazzini was at this present moment in London 1
Sir G . Gret said he was aware of the fact , and of course was acquainted with the names of the principal foreign refugees now in England , and W 38 informed of the places where they lived . The subject-then dropped ; Col . Sibthobp ai oved for a return of the expenses attending the Enrolment of patents hi England , Ireland , and Scotland respectively . ' Mr . C . Lewis objected to the motion as supererogatory ; and pointed out to the gallant Colonel where he mi ght find all the details he required , contaujea in ' paper long since presented to parliamert . Col . Sibthobp persisted in demanding the return , and after some discussion the house divided upon the motion . .
Ayes ... 39 ^ oes ,.., .... . .... . ... 70-31 The report from the Corrmittee of Supply was brought . up . ' . ' ¦ •• ; The Mutiny Bill went through domrhittee . Iho Medical Charities ( Ireland ) Bill passed tbo second treading , oh the motion of Sir Wsi . SojiehviUB . _ " , ''¦' . . " . -,: , . ' .-., ' '' .. '; .-On the mbtionof Mr . £ Stuart , ' , tho Acts of Parliament Abbreviation'Acts'Repe ' al 'Bill- wasI'read a
Saturday, March 29. House Of Commons. — ...
second time , and " , the : committee thereon fixed for Thursday : ' hl 1 ;" . . "" •; - '' " " The house then adjourned at seven o ' clock , 1 7 . ; WEDNESDAY , ' Apr ' il 2 . , ' HOUSE OF cdMMbNS .-ycsterday , on the raotion . of Mr . Hamer , a now writ was ordered to issue for the ; borougbbf Coventry , vacant in consequence of Mr . Turner having accepted the office of , Vice-Chancellor : if >• •< ¦ The Compound Householder ' s Bill went throueh committee . . 6
Mr . Locke KiJro , ( . jn , moving the second reading of the Counties Franchise Bill , entered into a va " nety of statements , to ; show . the necessity that existed for such a measure as he had proposed . Ho regretted that her Majesty ' s ministers did not appear ? u ¦ of b supporters on the first reading , but he took it a 8 a good briien that both Lord John Bussell and Sir Jamfes Graham had admitted that the time was oome \ when the franchise should be extended .
Mr . Fox Maule en ' treatedbis hon . friend not to press the second , reading- of , the bill . His noblo S' ^ iivt . - ^ f - ot the government ( Lord John ltussell ) had declared'his intention of bringing forward a measure in the next session on the subject , and he would remind' the house that ameasure of reform , was . to be flarried ^ only by a union" of refortnerti ;* ' : ' v-.- ^ W-i'h » , l ij ^ :, ' / , > .: ry .- . - .-v ¦> Sir ., B ., Hall advised Mr King-. to : withdraw the bill , after the statemen t of the Secretary of War .., -, .- ' .. " . .- . -.
Sir De Licr Etans was of opinion they ought to rely on that statement , but if Mr . King persisted in taking a division he should support the " second reading , Mr . Briodx pressed for a division on the merits of the question . Nothing would give greater strength to a really , honest ministry , than a declaration of public . opinion on this question , and , he deprecated the practice of fettering the action of illuepenilent members .. ' They might as well go home and leave all the legislation and business of the country to the Cabinet . Colonel Sibthobp hoped the government would be beaten , but could not support the bill . He should therefore retire . The hon . and gallant member then withdrew , amidst loud . laughter and cheers from both sides of the house . :
Mr . Home had no confidence in the , promises of the Ministry , who now deprecated division in the Reform party , and called upon them to unite ; but whose piist policy had been the sole cause of breaking up the party . He urged the second reading to a division . Mr . Headlam and Mr . Rice expressed themselves in favour of the bill , but seeing the position of the government , they considered ; it their duty to vote against its second reading .. .. '„ . . . . Ml * . T . Dvjscombb had often had the honour of introducing to the house propositions for the ¦ reformof ' tbe Reform Bill ; and he generally . moved them in the shape . of resolutions to the effect , that the Reform Bill having disappointed the
expectations of the people , and not being accounted a final measure , ' the house should proceed to take the state of the representation into its consideration . ( Hear , hear . ) Now , they . must forgive him if on the present occasion he had , to a - certain degree , doubts as to the extent to which the government proposed to carry their intended Reform Bill . ( Hear , ) He had not received that consolation from the speech of the right hon . Secretary at War which other gentlemen seemed to have gbt , because he had not told them whether it was the magnitude or the inefficiency of the present measure that her Majesty ' s Ministers objected to . ( A laugh . ) He told them , certainly , that . it , was a very respectable class to whom the bill proposed to extend the
elective franchise ; but the way he showed respect for that class was by voting a direct negative to the measure by means of which ' that franchise was proposed to'be conferred upon them . ( A laugh . ) Then , if he had read aright the speech which-, the noble lord at the head of the government made on this measure , there was a very considerable discrepancy ' between the noble lord and the Secretary at War with regard to this class of voters . ( Hear . ) The noble lord said they would be a dependent class , and ought not to have the franchise , but the right hon . the Secretary at War said they were a class possessed of intelligence and , integrity , and entitled to the franchise ; and then they were told that the sj ; ate of public business was the only reason whv
government had not introduced a Reform Bill ot their own , ( Hear , hear . ) That was not the reason however , which the noble lord gave on a former occasion . The , noble lord stated , and it was satisfactory to the house and to his supporters , that her Majesty ' s Cabinet had had before them a bill for the reform of the representation , and that they had gone into interesting discussions upon the question . But the only consequence of those discussions was that , all of a sudden , it occurred to the ministers that the Reform Bill was not twenty years old —( a laugh)—that next year it
would be twenty years old , ana , tnen Tl'Ould be the time to consider the , matter and bring in a billand the noble lord accordingly promised , that if he was then in office he would bring in a bill to reform the Reform Bill . ' ( Hear , and laughter . ) But he ( Mr . Buncombe ) wanted to know how they were sure the noble lord would be in place that time next year ? ( Hear , hear . ) What then would become of these promises of a Reform Bill ? ( Hear ) hear . ) He recommended tho noble lord besides to tell them distinctly , what they were to depend upon , and whether he considered the bill before the house to be inefficient .. He should like to hear the noble
lord say , " Wait till next year , and I will show you a Reform Bill—do not trifle away your time with this measure ; that does not go half far enough . ( A laugh . ) - I will then show you such a measure of reform as will , at the next general election , be the cause of so great a majority in favour of free trade that gentlemen opposite , instead of complaining that they cannot get a fixed duty , on the food of the people , will consider themselves very fortunate if they get off without a bounty being laid on the importation of food . " ( Cheers jind laughter . ) If the noble lord would only state something like that ,
then he would join in asking the hon . member for East Surrey to withdraw his bill . ( Hear , hear . ) When he considered that it was so long a time since the noble lord had done anything in the way of reform , he could not help advising him to support this bill , ( which could not interfere with his own great measure ) , by way ot keeping his hand in . ( Hear , and laughter . ) It would be a good earnest to the people of the honesty of the noble lord ' s intentions ; and also of the sincerity of the promises made by the right hon . the Secretary at War . — ( Cheers . )
Mr . Clatrefused to embarrass the government , who stood pledged to bring in an enlarged measure on the subject next year . Alderman Sisnet supported the bill . Colonel Thompson feared to risk the stability of free trade by endangering the existence of the present administration . Mr . S . CnAwFORn promised his vote for the second reading . Mr , B . OSBORNE believed that the present measure would , under tho circumstances , be an
impediment in the way of reform . Mr . M'Cullaoh observed upon the inconsistency among tho liberal members , who intended to veto against the fundamental principle of their faith . Lord J , Russeil submitted that it was better to wait for a comprehensive measure until next session than snatch impatiently now at a partial one . He reiterated his pledge to bring forward a bill for extending the franchise at the very commencement of the session next year , but declined , from prudential reasons , to specify any details .
Mr . D / SRAEii denied that the Protectionists were anti-reformers . He was a decided opponent of finality , but objected also to nominal reforms , designed in reality to promote party interests , Mr . W . O . Stanlet opposed tho second reading . After a few words from Mr . L . Kino , who left the matter with the house , a division was called , when there appeared— . For the second reading ... ... 83 , Against ... ... ... . » 200-216 The Audit of Railway Accounts Bill was read a second time on the motion of Mr . Lockk . The Expenses of Prosecutions Bill was committed , pro forma , on the motion of Sir G . Grey . The reports on tho Mutiny Bills were brought up and agreed to . The house then adjourned . THURSDAY , Apbil 3 .
HOUSE OF LORDS . —The County Courts Extension Bill was passed through committee . Their lordships adjourned at a quarter to eight o ' clock . HOUSE OF COMMONS .-Mr . Hauiltos reported a resolution of the committee appointed to try the petition against the validity of the late election at Aylesbury , to the effect-that Frederick Ca ' - vert , Esq ., was not duly elected to serve in ' navliament ; for that borough , and , that he was , bv his tSin * ' - " - ^ - > s-knowledge , guilty of IsniA , —Mr . Axsibx premising , with various
Saturday, March 29. House Of Commons. — ...
arguments , that tho . time had arrived when tbo real feeling and wishes of our Indian fellow subjects should be ascertained respecting the system by which they were to be henceforth governed , moved an address to the crown praying for the appointment of a commission . to inquire upon the spot into theoperation and results of the laws now n fovce in our Indian empire . ; The motion was seconded by Mr . Humk . . _ Lord J .. Rusbbll pointed out the impossibility of discussing , on ' the moment so wide a question as that opened by , Mr . ' . Anstey . If'Jf'were thought desirable to have inquiries made into the administration _ of India , , the' government -would offer no opposition ; but'he submitted that-the proposal to send a commission fertbat country was a , together impolitic . He . believed tha t the-,. present administrators of Indian affairs were expciienced-ahd < ble men .
Admission oi ? Jews . —Lord J . Rus ' ssia moved for a cbininitteco Of the ffkoie liouaoV ' tp take into consideration the mddo of administering the oath of abjuiatioii to persons " professing the Jewish religion . ^ The noble lord i after glancing at the historical incidents connected with . the oath in its present form ,. observed . thatthe . quostion : really : was , whether religious , , opinion should s disqualify ; from political and civil employments . Ho concluded by moving ,. " That . the , house resolve itself into a committee of the whole house , to take into consideration the mode of administering the oath ot abjuration to persons professing the Jewish rcligierv ' Sir R ,. H . Ingus briefly stated the wun \ arguments , : which be stated he bad used for twenty years against this motion , and concluded by anorin >» , "That the house resolve itself into a . committee , for the object proposed that day six months . " . " r «¦
After some further discussion , th <; house divided . lor Lord John Russell ' s motion ... 1 GG For the amendment ... 98—68 Iii reply to Sir R . Inglis ; Lord J . RussEWiappointed this day week for the next stage of tho measure .. - .- ¦ j The committal of the . Designs Act Extension Bill was opposed by Mr . Arkwright , who . argued that the measure would confer an unfair advantage to tbe .-foroignev , „ . un ) ess ^ precautions were taken to secure reciprocity . " , ' : .-. ' '• ' Mr . LABbucHERE contended that tlio objections offered by the hon . member did not apply to the bill in its present shape . After a few words from Mr . Spookeb , . Col . SiBinoar denounced the favouritism shown by the ministry to foreigners , and anatbrnetised the Crystal Palace .
Some further discussion ensued , and the motion was withdrawn . Air . Mvsiz and Mr . Grooas concurred in thinking the bill ill-constructed ; After a legal explanation from Sir J . Romillv a division was called for , and the amendment negatived by 132 votes to 42-90 . Tho house then went into committee on tho bill , and the several clauses were passed , alter some opposition and a division .. The house then resumed , and adjourned at halfpast twelve . FRIDAY , Aran , 4 .
HOUSE OF LORDS .-The house sat for nn hour during which time sbmo petitions were laid on tho table , and returns ordered . Monday was fixed for the discussion of the amendment of Lord Brougham ' s County Court Extension Bill . HOUSE OF COMMONS .-Tho Committeo of Supply having been formed , . The Chancellor of the Exchequer detailed the new arrangements of his budget . The portion of the charge for lunatio asylums and tho abolition of tho duty oh grass seeds appeared to bo universally censured , and he should , therefore , give theni up . The coffee duty would be reduced to 4 d . per lb . ; the foreign timber duties be cut down to one . half the present amount . To the original proposition
respecting the window tax he admitted tho justness of the exception that it wanted uniformity . It was therefore his intention , to sweep away the whole tax , as calculated by the number of windows , and substitute a houso tax levied upon old and new houses of annual value above £ 20 , at a uniform rate of 9 d . in the jiound for dwelling houses , and 6 d . for buildings containing shops . This arrangement he justified by a copious production of arguments and facts , declaring that it would givo full scope for all sanitary improvements , and exempt about 500 , 000 houses , now paying window duty , altogether from taxation . If the change were
carried out , the present amount of duty , £ 1 , 860 , 000 , would be reduced to about £ 720 , 000 , which sum would bo contributed by 400 , 000 of the best houses , belonging to the classes most able to pay , whilo all other dwellings , 1 , 150 , 000 in number would be ' left unvisitotl by the tax-gatherer , Tho whole result of tho financial scheme was to strike of £ 1 , 490 , 000 from tho estimated , income of the year , leaving a permanent surplus of about £ 350 , 000 , and aa the reductions would not take immediate effect , placing some £ 900 , 000 to the credit side of the public account , at the end of the current y & av . Against this balance the Chancellor of the Exchequer hinted that the demands of the Kaffir war would have to be
reckoned . The Chancellor of the Exchequer concluded by urging some preliminary pleas m behalf of a renewal of the income tax . After considerable discussion , the vote before the committee , one of supply , was agreed to , and the house adjourned at a quarter past twelve o ' clock .
Address Of The Metropolitan Trades Deleg...
ADDRESS OF THE METROPOLITAN TRADES DELEGATES TO THE WORKING CLASSES OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND . 'Yfe warn the workmen that all who are not receiving Protection ore paying for it . ' —TttiKS , March , 1848 . FELLOW-CouNinruEK , — We , in common with other sections of the people , have assembled , and taken into our serious consideration the present state of the country , with a view to urge upon you to be prepared to take a part in the coming strug ' gle for the rights of industry . In a petition presented to the House ofCommons from the Metropolitan Trades' Delegates during the session of 18 iS , if was stated that there were then in London about two hundred thousand working-men , one-third of whom were employed , onethird but half-employed , and one-third totally
unemployed . In consequence of statements which have lately , been made in both Houses of Parliament , asserting that thefiondition of the workingclasses was never more comfortable , we have made inquiries into their present condition , and find that in the most numerous trades depending for employment on home consumption , the relative numbers employed and unemployed are about in the same proportion as formerly stated , the only difference being that the wages of those employed are much lower than they were threeyearaago . and therefore their present condition is more depressed . In some branches of trade a greater proportion is employed , but these aro exceptional cases ; for in every trade and profession , all over the kingdom ,
there is now a surplus of hands begging leave to toil , although hundreds of thousands have emigrated during the last three years to foreign lands , and transferred their genius , their labour , and their allegiance to foreign states , while hundreds of thousands more are ready to follow when they can find the means to be transported from their father-land , where they have been denied their right to labour , and the right to live , except by wearing the pauper ' s badge , and by tho sacrifice of the social affections " . Fellow Countrymen , as it is now admitted by all classes that labour is the source of wealth , it ev : » dently follows that the prosperity and independent of Great Britain and her Colonies will be bast promoted by employing and protecting the greatest
number of a healthy , industrious , intelligent , and moral population , that can be educated and comfortably maintained by their own industry ; therefore it should be the first and most important duty of , i wise government to adopt such measures as will best secure employment to the entire population , and for their labour an abundance of the necessaries and comforts of life . We , therefore , fearlessly assert that the unrestricted cheap labour policy which has been for a series of years encouraged by tho Leg islature of this kingdom , and greatly extended by the pr esent Parliament , is theoretically wrong , and under the existing constitution of society , practically injurious to the industrial classes , by compelling thorn to enter into stimulated , unregulated , and hopeless competition , at home and abroad , which is opposed to independence and happiness , dangerous to the country ,
and destructive to the general prosperity of the whole British people . While reiterating tho opinion which we formerly expressed against the present unfair system of reckless competition , called Free Trade , from which its advocates promised so much good , ' especially to the working-classes , but which has only proved " a mockery , a delusion , and a snare " wo will not now impute blame on account of the experiment ; nor do we desire to awaken in jour minds angry feelings or enmity against any class of legislators or politicians ; but we boldly call upon you to demand from any party that may hold the reins of office a Protectee Policy for Native Industry against unfair competition , so that you may be enabled to live by your labour , and give a rational , practical , wl useful education to your children , without which tho security and prosperity of the empire ar impossible .
Signed on behalf of tho Metropolitan Tr d s Delegates , Isaac Wilson , Chuirman . A . E . Dki . & vorcb , Bccreiisiy Committee Room , 81 , High Holborn .
The Kmo Of Prussia Has Presented The Emp...
The Kmo of Prussia has presented the Emperor of . Austria-with the gold ' chain of . the Order ot tbo Black Eagle . . ... ' , " . , The Dutch have coniriience'd a en sade against the- Malav pirates Of-tneJndian-Archipelago . ?
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 5, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_05041851/page/1/
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