On this page
- Departments (2)
-
Text (8)
-
HE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS
-
iSx ihu& Vbxzsds,—Once more we are calle...
-
. ¦;¦¦ " • ¦- '.'. ¦•-. ¦; . ¦• -'\. •" ...
-
AND MTIONAL JRiffi
-
VOL. X. NO. 45& LONDON, SATUEMY, jWjY is...
-
JEitipcrtal Sarlianrott.
-
HOUSE OP LORDS.— Monday, Jult 13. The Lo...
-
Kt. The , it ^the.. hu* **^?B , r#^^|r!!...
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.
He Imperial Chartists
HE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS
Isx Ihu& Vbxzsds,—Once More We Are Calle...
iSx ihu & _Vbxzsds , —Once more we are called npon to rally round the old standard and unsullied g < r . A most unnatural and anomalous coalition w been formed between the man who coerced _Irejjndand pledged themselves to resist Repeal to the _death , and the man "' who has pledged himself to Ir eland never again to place the question of Reneal in abeyance for the convenience of party , but Kho has , however , not only abandoned the _quesfysa , but has sought to qualify himself as a St accomp lice of the enemies of Ireland and of liberty ,
2 , r abusing the Chartists in Conciliation Hall . Be has attempted to renew the old bugaboo of physical force , in order to _rousea fresh and more vigorous _nobility ** _gainst the principles of Chartism . He _Itas , in short , handed himself , and those over whom be holds controul , bound neck and heels to the service of . the Whig party . And as if a combination of all tbat usurp was needed to hold all that ¦ _gre oppressed in subjection , we find a compact formed between all classes , all parties , and all shades « f the press for the ostensible purpose of supporting any form of _government that will resist progress and keep Chartism at bay .
I have now straggled with you for many years , and it is my pride and my boast , despite of tiie dying League newspaper , its fabricated correspondence , and a profligate press , to be able to declare in the face of open day and in the teeth of slanderers and revilers , that I have never in the whole course « f my life , known positively one _single instance of a Chartist leader receiving other than Chartist money for Chartist purposes . I have
heard the rumour , but the crime is only ascribed te those who have proved themselves to be bad and profligate men , and worse Chartists . Ton are not to expect complete , entire , and unsullied virtue among so large a mass as that constituting the Chartist body : while yon should feel proud in the fact that tbere is virtue enough in the masses , the millions , to scont _pnifligacy , when detected , from our ranks . "When was there an instance in this
world "before , of an individual and a party opposed hy the combination which we have been opposed by , not only maintaining onr ground , bat making head and marching onward , as yoa and I have done ? We have now arrived at an important crisis , at a crisis which , if properly nsed _* , may give to Chartism a strength that the most sanguine would scarcely dare to anticipate : and the purport of my present letter is to ask you whether , in spite of the leeches who sucked me all bnt dry , the vampires who lived
and grew fat npon my kindness , bnt would now sack my blood , —if , in spite of them , and all opposing elements , yon are """ prepared to go as far to regain your liberties , yonr rights and privileges ,-as I am prepared to go with yon . There is one fact which I wish yon to keep in mind—it is this , that I have spent many years of a healthy life and a large fortune in the ' advocacy of yonr cause , and that even yet I require neither aid nor compensation from yon , further than what I can derive from a steady adherence io yonr principles .
The Convention is now about to meet , when weighty and important matters will be submitted to its dehberation ! The prominent questions that wil be submitted to yon will be the mode hy which yon may insure for the present a more extensive representation of yonr principles in the House of Commons—the means by which we can insure the conviction that onr principles have progressed hy showing a larger augmentation of signatures to the next national petition , which should be ready for preaeniation to the next Parliament , and though last , not least , to strain every Jnerve for the restoration of Prost , Williams , and Jones .
I have no denbt that hy a vigorous effort we could secure the return of at least twelve Chartist members , and those _. Ued on hy Duncombe , wonld insure for our principles snch promulgation through the press as would convince the world that ire were not mere visionary physical force destructives . I wrote you many letters upon this subject in 3838 , minutely _descr ibing the machinery for working the plan ; but from that hour to thc present it has remained a dead letter , except when hastily and uselessly called into action npon ihe very eve of a contest . 1 could point out twenty places , for which , by common attention and industry , we might return such men as Joseph Sturge , TV . P . Roberts , Patrick O'Higgins , James Moir , Ernest Jones , and many more that I could mention , who have equal claims upon onr support .
Had we bnt one week ' s notice of the Elections that have recently taken place , we might have secured Nottingham , Halifax , and Plymouth ; or , what is tbe next best thing , we might have read the Whigs a wholesome lesson , by defeating three officials in these places . I do not say that we could succeed where there is only one seat vacant , bnt I do contend for it , that ofthe 653 seats , at a general election , we might very easily possess ourselves of twelve ; and once possessed of that number , our principles wonld have a mouthpiece in the House of Commons , which backed hr ihe pressure from without , wonld carry them triumphantly through the land . The very fact
of being prepared with Chartist Candidates , even where we do not mean to stand the contest , is of the utmost importance . Although I did not secure the representation of Nottingham , and although I do not mean to contest a seat to which I am undoubtedly entitled , yet I have the vanity to believe that my speech at the nomination was worth "many nights' debate to your cause . It was so valuable , that , with the exception of the Notting ham Review , not one of the Press gang dared to publish a line of it . That speech is very imperfectly given , even in the Northern Star—and , even if reported verbatim , the reader could form no estimate of the effect npon
those who heard it . In order that I may leave you a recent record of my _oj inions , it is my intention to pullish thej Speech , from memory , the Star , and the _Nottingltam Review , as extensively as p ossible ; as I do think it a pity that it should be lost . My reason for not claiming the seat is this , because I should not consider myself honourably elected if I gained my seat by trick or shuffle , by finesse or mistake . A great portion ofthe strength tbat I communicate to my party , is derived from tbe fact that I have never descended to meanness in the advocacy of tbeir cause , And I feel that , even if seated , under the circumstances , that I should be an incomplete and dishonourable representative .
Upon tbe first opportunity , however , as it appears to be the general wish of the Chartist party , I will endeavour lo secure tbe representation of some free and independent constituency ; and if I do go to Parliament once more , I must go under the solemn pledge that I will in no wise interfere with Mr . DoxcouBB , as onr leader , bnt will by all the means in my power aid him , strengthen him , and support him . in the battle of right against might . It would be im possible to convey to yon anything like an adequate idea of the progress that ChartismismaHngin _Hertfordshire , through the aid of the Land plan , and I feel more than ever convinced , tbat a locality in each county would convert every man in that county to the principles of the Land and the Charter . On
Saturday night , after I pay the week ' s expenses , I shall start for Manchester , there to be present at the Opening of the People's Hall . On Sunday , I Bhall place myself at the disposal of the Committee , with the single understanding that the arrangements may be so framed , that Imay be able to start by the night _» nail at 9 o'clock on Sunday night , in order to be Kady for workon Monday morning ; as I have to meet a Mr . Gat , a teetotal lecturer , in discussion » pon the Land plan on Monday night , at Rickmans--Worth ; so that you see the Land has not diverted me from the Charter , nor the Charter from the Land . To-morrow ( Friday ) lam going to visit two estates of about 320 acres , and I hope by next week to announce the fact , that we have purchased one or both .
On Friday last we were very sporting—we bid - £ 24 , 000 for a splendid domain of 530 acres , which however , was bongbt in at £ 28 , 000 . We bid that amount , because a large portion of the purchase money wonld be allowed to remain _onmortoawe . This is what tie World newspaper calls land jobbing ; but , however , the Editor might have also said , that it evinces no great inclination npon my part to _appropriate the funds to my own purposes , I should have published a very flattering account four finances last week , had it not been necessary to retain tbe funds in hand , to pay the deposit , had we been declared the purchasers , and the same Wason exists for _witholding the balance sheet this
Isx Ihu& Vbxzsds,—Once More We Are Calle...
week , as , in the event of ' making a purchase tomorrow , I shall be required to pay the deposit in cash . _'Perhaps , however , yoa may be pleased to learn , that , besides paying ] for Herringsgate , and besides the expenditure of about JElfOO up to the present time , we are still in possession of between £ 7000 and £ 8000 available at a moment ' s notice . Now you are to recollect that our society differs from all others in this respect , that we have no column for sundries , and that we hare not paid a shilling for puffing tbe concern . On Monday evening the 3 rd of August , the evening of the day on which the Conference m eets , I shall have much pleasure in accepting my Bradford friends
invitaf tion to tea , and if the gentlemen of Huddersfield have the slightest desire for a set to upon any other night ofthe same week , they have only to name it and ; Iamtheirman . Inshort , duringthe 8 ittingofthe Conference it is my desire to make myself as useful as possible , and then to devote the intervening week to preparing Paradise for the reception of those who shall join in the demonstration . And once more assuring you , my friends , that 1 am not going to surrender a Whig coalition to Tory despotism , or to sham Chartist whispering and slander , and announcing that I will give to the whole army of malcontents a field day , where tbey please , during the meeting ofthe Convention ,
I remain , lour faithful , your sincere and unpurchaseable friend , Feargus _O'Cokkob . P . S . The Executive and Mr . Ernest Jones will attend the Camp Meeting te be held near Rochdale , on Sunday , 2 nd August . "
. ¦;¦¦ " • ¦- '.'. ¦•-. ¦; . ¦• -'\. •" ...
. _¦;¦¦ " ¦ - ' . ' . ¦• -. ¦; . ¦• - '\ . •" _.- '¦ -SS _^ i _fi
And Mtional Jriffi
AND _MTIONAL _JRiffi
Vol. X. No. 45& London, Satuemy, Jwjy Is...
VOL . X . NO . 45 _& LONDON , SATUEMY , jWjY is , 1846 . mre ~ £ _^ _- «™««> - __^ - ' ¦ Five _ghllHiigti _fland Sixpence per Quarter
Jeitipcrtal Sarlianrott.
_JEitipcrtal _Sarlianrott .
House Op Lords.— Monday, Jult 13. The Lo...
HOUSE OP LORDS . — Monday , Jult 13 . The Lord Chancellor took his seat on the woolsack at five o'clock . Lord "Brougham retained his former seat on the Opposition benches , Lord Lyndhurst sat on his right , and the Earl of _Ellenborougb on his left . Lord Stanley was not in the house . The Duke of Wellington , who was in the house for onlya short time , took his seat on the woolsack by the side ef the Chancellor , and spoke from the bishops' bench . The Earl of Dalhousie spoke from the Opposition benches .
The Marquis of Laxsdowxe gave notice that on Thursday next , the report ofthe Bill for granting pensions to Lords _Harmsok and Gough being brought np , he will move that the Bill be restored to its original form . The Duke of Richmond intimated his intention to oppose thi- * course , and take the sense ofthe house on the subject . No business of importance was transacted , and the house adjourned at a quarter past six o ' clock , HOUSE OF COMMONS . —Mosdat , Jult 13 . The Spbakek took the chair shortly before four o ' clock _.
NEW MEMBERS . Tbe following members , who have accepted ofiice under the present government , took the oaths and their seats , upon their re-election : — Lord Jons Russell ( First Lord of the Treasury , ) for the City of London . Sir Geoeob Gbkt ( Home Secretary , ) for the borough of Devonport . Colonel Fox ( Surveyor of the Ordnance , ) for the Tower Hamlets . Sir J . C . Hobhocsk ( President ofthe Board of Controul , ) for the borough of Nottingham . Lord _Paineksiox ( Foreign Secretary , ) for the borough of Tiverton . Mr . Jervis ( Attorney-General , ) for the city of Chester . Mr . Labodchebe ( Secretary for Ireland , ) for the borough of Taunton .
Admh * alDosDAs ( oneofthe Lords ofthe Admiralty , for the borough of Greenwich . Mr . C . Wood ( Chancellor of the Exchequer , ) for the borough of Halifax-Lord Marcus Hm , ( Comptroller of the Household , ) for the borough of Evesham . Captain Bkrkelm ( one of the Lords ofthe Admiralty . ) forthe city of Gloucester .
POSITION OF PARTIES IN THE HOUSE . This being the first night of the new Ministry taking their seats in the bouse , they at once ranged themselves upon the treasury benche ? , the protectionists preserving their old position . Lord G . Bentinck , Mr . © 'Israeli , Sir _^ R . H . Inglis , and other leading members occupied their usual seats . Sir J . Graham arrived at half-past four , and , with other members ofthe late ministry , occupied the Opposition benches , which presented a very scanty attendance of members , as compared with the ministerial side of the house . The house , indeed , has seldom
presented such an anomalous appearance : Mr . Duncombe . Mr . Wakley , and Mr . Collett , the opponents of the late ministry , occupying seats on the same side of the house with the members of Sir R . Peel's administration ; and the protectionist party , on the other hand , being below the gangway , on the ministerial side . Many hon . gentlemen seemed in considerable doubt as to the focus they were to assign to themselves , and Col . Sibthorp , in particular , remained for some time , evidently between two opposite impulses . The hon . and gallant member for Lincoln at length deposited himself on the ministerial side of the house among the protectionists .
BATHS AND WASHHOUSES . On the motion of Sir G . Grey , this bill was committed pro forma , in order that several amendments might be inserted in it , as several alterations had been suggested .
MEASURES OF THE LATE GOVERNMENT . Public business commenced by Sir James Graham making some observations on three orders ofthe day , which stood for discussion that evening . The first was the Highways Bill , which stood for the second reading , and of which the principle had not been affirmed by the house . Looking at the period ofthe session , the length ef the bill , and the different opinions entertained respecting it , he thought lit better that he should withdraw it at once and allow it to become a dropped order . The second was the Poor Removal Bill , which had been read a second time and cbmmi tted pro forma . As it
was a measure of great importance , he did not think it expedient that he , as an individual member of tbe house , should take charge of it . He therefore proposed to postpone it till Thursday next , when Lord J . Russell would be able to state what course he would take with respect to it . The third was a measure which had come down from the House of Lords , and related to the enlargement ofthe powers given to tbe Enclosure _Commissioners respecting disputed boundaries . He wished to introduce some clauses into it . and he therefore hoped that the honse would allow it to pass it through the committee pro forma . The house would then have an opportunity of subsequently exercising its judgment upon it .
Aftera short conversation between Mr . V . Smith , Sir J . Graham and Sir G . Grey , the order of the day for the second reading ofthe Highways Bill was then postponed till this day six months .
POOR REMOVAL BILL . Sir J . Gkaham then moved , that the Poor Removal Bill be committed . Mr . T . DcxcoMBE reminded the house that when Sir R . Peel introduced the Customs' Bill and the Corn Importation Bill , he had given a pledge that the Highways Bill and this bill should proceed with tbem pari passu , and that they should both be conducted to a successful issue . On a former occasion , he bad said that the Poor Removal Bill , which was intended to give relief to the pauper in tbe locality
where his necessiiy arose , would be abandoned as soon us " the grand and comprehensive scheme of commercial policy" became law ; but such an idea was scouted almost as an insult by Sir R . _* Teel . Sir J . Graham had already thrown the Highways Bill ever somewhat unscrupulously ; and he ( Mr . T . Duncombe ) was afraid that Lord J . Russell would also throw tbis bill over on Thursday next , when be was to state his opinion upon it . What would the operative classes think of Parliament and of public men when they saw the pledges of both thus unceremoniously abandoned ?
Sir J . Graham defended the late Government , and himself as a member of it , from the charge of Mr . T- _Duncumbe _, that they bad been guilty ofa breach of faith to the operative classes . This bill had not been thrown over by the late Government , * on tbe contrary" tbe late Government had itself been thrown oyer by the house . If the late Government had now been m power , he should have had no difficulty in proceeding with tbis bill . Whatever might bei done mill that part of it which wai intended to establish union settlements , he was uot clear that
House Op Lords.— Monday, Jult 13. The Lo...
Lord J . Russell would throw over that part which gave relief in the locality at the moment _ofdestitution to the pauper . Bis own opinion was , that the clause establishing irremovability after a certain term of residence , unless It were accompanied by the establishment of union settlements , would be productive of great hardship , if not of great _injustice , in some districts . Be that , howeyer as it might , he should be sorry if this session should be allowed to close without passing into ; law the irremovability clause of this bill . ' _"' "
MINISTERIAL _INTENTIONS-BUSINESS OF THE SESSIONS , Lord J . Russell observed that after _wlnat had just passed , it would perhaps be convenient to the house if he now stated the intentions- of _flie "g overnment with respect to the Poor Removal Eill _; for that statement would , he trusted , remove the _sospicions entertained by Mr . "Duncombe . He believed that , if the late government had continued in power , Sir J . Graham would have gone on with bill rnot only as it was introduced originally into the house , bral also as it had been amended in the committee-, with the onion settlement clauses . Sir . J . Graham now proposed to leave the bill in the bands ofthe present Government ; and in consequenee of that proposition
he now informed the house , tbat the present Government was prepared , not only to proceed with it , bnt also to proceed with it before other measures . . He must , however , remind the house that , on _givinghis vote in favour of Mr . E . _Denisen ' s _msttxuitiott _. M the comraittec _^ he . had _declared that he Md great doubts as to the propriety of establishing union settlements- ___ On Thursday next . Sir G . Grey would move that this bill be committed , and would then , state whether the term af residence establishing irremovability should be three or five years . With regard to that part ofthe Bill which established union settlements , he proposed to strike it ont for the present , and to make inquiry hereafter into the propriety of establishing tbem . Mr . Borthwick had given notice
of a motion for the appointment ofa select committee to inquire into the administration of the Poor Law . Now , if Mr . Borthwick would defer that notice till the next _sesssion , he thought that it would be advantageous for tbe object which he had in view , and that an inquiry might also be instituted into the operation of the existing law of settlement . At present , he was of opinion that union settlements onght not to be established without further investigation , but , he trusted , that the rest of the bill—he meant that part of it which established irremovability and the right ofthe pauper to relief in his locality at the moment of destitution—would be passed in the course of tbe present session . Having
dismissed this subject , he proceeded to observe that _, as Ministers had only lately accepted office , and as some of them were even yet at a distance , in consequence of the necessity of their being _re-eleted , he did not think it advisable to state at present the measures which the government would either proceed with , or drop , or alter in some of their enactments . He promised to make a statement on that subject on Thursday next . On that day he would also .--state when he - would bring -forward the Sugar Duties . He belived that it would be necessary to introduce a bill continuing the existing duties for a short period , as fhe measures whicb he intended tointroduce might probably lead to consideraable discussion in that house . "
After a few words from Colonel Wood , Mr . Wakley , and Sir J . Pakinoion , tbe order of the day lor the committee on this bill was postponed till Thurs day next . * The Chancellor of the Exechequbr then moved the reading of the order of the day for the house resolving Itself into a Committee of Supply . On the question that the Speaker do now leave the chair , Lord Isgestre , in pursuance * ofhis notice , moved an address to her Majesty , praying that she would be graciously pleased to give directions for the investigation of Mr . Warner ' s inventions . A discussion followed in which Captain Fechell , Sir H . Douglas , Mr . Wakley , and Mr . Brotherton , took part .
The Chancellor ofthe Exchequer observed that , without pronouncing any opinion on the invention of Mr . Warner , the Government was prepared to appoint impartial officers , in whose experience they could confide , te investigate their merits . . He hoped that Lord Ingestre would be satisfied with tbis assurance , and would withdraw his motion . Lord Ingestre thanked the Chancellor of tbe Exchequer for the spirit in which he bad just announced tbe intention of the Government , and congratulated him upon the circumstance that the first act ofhis administration should be an act of justice . He then consented to have his amendant negatived . The amendment was negatived accordingly . Mr . W . Williams availed himself of theopportunity to call attention to the increased amount of the estimates now abont to be considered . When those
estimates were first introduced , the relations of this country and ofthe United States were of a threatening character , and therefore he had made no objection to them . The state of thingB was now altered , and therefore thc necessity for large estimates no longer existed . Though it was not his intention to offer any opposition to these estimates , he must still call public attention lo their increase in comparison with the estimates of former years . He wished Lord J . Russell particularly to remark how much the public expenditure bad increased since he last entered upon ofiice . In 1835 , when Lord Melbourne came into power , the public expenditure was £ 48 , 180 , 000-Now it was £ 55 , 500 , 000 , showing an increase of _£ 0 , 720 , 000 in the interval ; or , in consequence of a reduction in the expenditure of £ 600 , 000 a-year , occasioned by the reduction ofthe 3 _J per Cents ., a real increase of £ " 7 , 320 , 000 . He hoped that Government , as soon as it was at leisure , would institute a rigid
scrutiny into this _expenditure , and would effect a great reduction in its amount . The amount of this increase was greater than the amount ofthe Property Tax , and also than that ofthe Malt Tax . If that were so , then one or other of them might _beabolished . He then complained of the increased cost of collecting the revenue . Mr . Hums reminded Lord J . Russell that one of tbe first acts ofthe Government of Earl Grey was the appointment of a committee to revise tbe salaries of all the officers of state . The inquiry which that committee instituted would have been carried through all the departments , had it not been thought proper that the head of each department should undertake the inquiry , and make tbe necessary reductions in his own department . He recommended the present Government to undertake a similar revision , and to submit all the miscellaneous estimates , in another session , to the investigation of a committee of tbat House .
Dr . BorrRir <* G suggested tne adoption of a better system of public accounts . The gross revenue ouglut to be paid into the Exchequer , for , otherwise large sums of money must inevitably escape from the controul ofthe House . Lord J . Russell reminded Mr . Williams that the increase in tbe army , navy , and ordnance estimates ofthe present year was not entirely owing to the apprehension of a war with the United States . In reply to a question which he bad put to Sir R . Peel , Sir R . Peel had observed that , though the
_apprehension of such a war bad not been left out of the account , the increase of our colonies , and the demands ofthe public service on our naval and military forces were sufficient to account for that increase . In that statement he ( Lord J . Russell ) full y concurred . Mr . Hume had spoken of the increase of the miscellaneous estimates , and bad expressed a wish to have them referred in another session to a select committee . He was not prepared to say that it might not be advisable to have a committee on the miscellaneous estimates next session ; it was a proper subject for consideration .
Sir R . Inglis objected to this new mode of transferring the responsibility of framing the estimates from thc Executive Government to committees oi the House of Commons : Lord J . Russell did not propose tbat a committee should frame the estimates ; he only proposed to refer them , when framed by the government , to a select committee ; and that was no new practice . Mr . _Cabdwbu ., in justice to the late government , reminded tbe house tbat within the last twelve months , in the department of tbe Excise alone a reduction had been made in the expense of collection of £ 52 , 000 and that simply by the suspension of patronage . The house then resolved itself into committee , and the rest of the evening was consumed in the discussion of the miscellaneous estimates .
THE POOR LAW COMMISSIONERS . On the voto for £ 120 , 700 for expenses connected with the administration ofthe law relating to the poor . I Mr ; Hume said , he had upon principle supported the Poor Law ; but he had received information of what had appeared before the committee upstairs , wliich convinced him tbat tbe administration of tbis law had been very much misdirected . He thought the commissioners were wholly unfit for their situations ; and be was prepared to submit a motion to the house for their removal , and was only waiting for the evidence being laid upon the table . Hia oninion was founded upon faots , and therefore to vote a _' ny further sums of money to these commissioners he was very unwilling . It was trifling with the great interests of
House Op Lords.— Monday, Jult 13. The Lo...
the community to allow these commissioners longer to continue in office , and he suggested to the noble lord to defer a portion of this vote till a future period _, lie was unwilling to stop the allowances and expenses to medical officers , and other disbursements ; but he thought a sum might be taken on account , and that the remainder might be reserved till the evidence itaken upstairs were laid upon the table ofthe house . He submitted that they might pass a vote for £ 100 . 000 and he should move that the vote be reduced to tbat amount , taking tbat sum on account . Mr . Williams seconded the amendment . He concurred in the- observations „ f * , _j 3 how . friend , ' Such _evidence had been brought before the house-daring _ths-session as _s & owed the total incapacity of those at
the * head of the commission _. He was quite convinced that ! the country would not endure the present system , and he hoped ) the noble lord would consider ttae expediency of a complete change . _The'CHANCELxoB of the _Exchequer said tbat the greater part of the- expenses had- been _actually incurred , and the _houss-would not be precluded by this vote for a » further consideration of the Poor Law .. It was . _hardly possible , whatever evidence might be laid before the- house , that ,, at this late period ef the session , any . measure could be _introduced . ' Mr . Hums said they might withhold the pay of the commissioners : every day they continued in office he considered it was a great evil to the community .
. After a few words from Sin R . Ingws and Sir-Da _Lartr Evans v , Mr . . Wakley said that the hon . member fbr Montrose was about to divide the house upon _this-question . The house ought to show by its- vote its opinion not only of the commission itself , but of the conduct of the commissioners anil the manner in which they had exercised their functions . Was- there a more effectual mode of doing * this than- by withholding- the pay ofthe parties wbo had misconducted themselves ? It was in no spirit of ill feeling that be acted ; these gentlemen , he believed , were estimable and good men ; but the manner in which t & ey had conducted themselves towards the poor was most unfortunate , if not most cruel . He was not aware of tbis vote
coming before the house to-night , or he would bave brought the diet-table of Bromley , in Kent . What did the committee think was the amount of diet for au able-bodied man ? Why , the allowance of meat for a healthy , vigorous man was four ounces per week . An ablebodied man , who had committed no offence , was to subsist for seven days upon four ounces of animal food , thirteen ounces of bread a-day , and one ounce and a half of cheese . If this vote passed , he would bring down this diet-table to the house . lie had considered tbat the Andover Uniou exhibited a frightful picture ; but at Bromley he found things worse . A guardian 'had informed him that there were eighty-seven poor . inthe house , and that forty or forty-seven outof the eighty-seven were on the sick-list . Suoh an allowance was next
to starvation , and , medically speaking , he said that if a man were kept upon that diet for a year , it must ultimately be fatal to him ; and ' yet they were voting the commissioners £ 2 , 000 a-year each for thus treating tbe poor—torturing men in order to drive tbem from the house ! What did the aged and infirm receive ? Fifteen ounces of animal food perweek ; yet the ablebodied had only four ounces per week and thirteen ounces of bread per diem . Then he said the object ofthe _commissioners appeared to him to be the object originally designed , —to make the workhouse a place of misery and torture to the ablebodied man- ; and though the hon . member for Montrose and others expected that the effect of the measure would be toraise wages , the labouring population viewed tlie workhouse with such horror that they would endure any misery rather than resort to
it for relief . Ile had been informed that , in a parish in Dorsetshire , the men at the bay harvest struck for a rise of wages , and had what they asked , namely , 5 s . a-week . What had they before ? Why , only 3 s . 6 u \ a-week . This was at Prampton , in Dorsetshire . This statement had been made by a person resident thereto a member of that house . He was prohibited , by the forms of that house , from going into the facts stated before the Andover committee ; yet the house was legislating on the subject without that evidence . What was to be done ? To mark the sense of the house with respect to the Poor Law Commissioners . He believed in all the social relations of life they were excellent men ; but they were acting on a mistaken principle , and violating the rules of justice to the poor , when they said to the labourer that be should be tortured and driven from
place to place by scanty , and insufficient diet . From vear to year there had been promises of amendment , but none appeared . The tone and manner of the noble lord to-night , in speaking of this question , inspired him with a better hope . He trusted that the noble lord was not so wedded to the Poor Law Act that he would not be willing to have a committee upon the subject . It was quite clear that the commission was useless—that it was worse than useless , that it was a monstrous grievance engrafted oh the constitution , whicli ought to be removed . Not but that thc poor must have some means of appeal from the local authorities . It was quite clear that they could not be left to the management of the local
authorities . There must be some appeal ; but how it was to be constituted it was not for him to say ; but that a radical change was necessary , must be evident to every lion , gentleman who for the last five or six months had applied his mind to the subject . Therefore , he entreated the noble lord at the head of the Government to give his early attention to the subject . No subject moro urgently claimed the noble lord ' s attention than this . The noble lord was bound to consider what was the condition of the destitute poor under the present system . If they applied for relief , they were told to go to the workhouse ; and if they went into the workhouse , the result was what the house was but too well aware of . It was evident that if in the workhouse relief were
given at tbe rales he had mentioned , the pew maw would rather starve having his liberty , than starve in the workhouse . Therefore ' he remained out , determining to subsist , as he could , upon any pittance he might pick up , than enter the workhouse . That being known to the employers of labour , they offered wages according to the scale of the poor man's necessities , and the consequence was , tbat wages throughout England ranged from 3 s . to _Ws . or lis . a-week . But 12 s , a-weck was not sufficient for a man to support himself and bis wife and children
upon . It was quite evident that , as the poorhouse system was conducted , the poor would subsist on anything rather than go into tho workhouse . He ( Mr . Wakley ) thought the poor man ought to be placed in a situation , if not of comfort , at least of sufficiency , whilst he was on tbe look-out for employment . He entreated the hon . member for Montrose to go on with his motion and take a division , in order to show the Poor Law Commissioners the opinion oi" the house upon the way in which tliey had discharged their duties .
An interesting and lengthened conversation ensued , but Mr . Hume ultimately withdrew his motion , on the understanding that the question should be revived on another occasion . Not a word was said in behalf of the Poor Law Commissioners , even by Sir J . Graham , who was present . A conversation of not less interest then took place on the subject of medical relief between Mr . Wakley and Sir J . Graham . In the course of it , the former paid a high and well merited compliment to Mv . Westlake , who had been dismissed from his office of medical attendant to the Andover Union , and who was still exposed to the persecution ofthe board ot * guardians in that town , because he had ventured to advocate the cause of the poor in the workhouse ; and the latter vindicated the conduct of the Poor Law Commissioners towards that gentleman , and threw the obloquy of his dismissal entirely on the local guardians .
After various grants having been agreed to , the Ilouse resumed , and adjourned at a quarter to one o ' clock . HOUSE OF LORDS , Tuesday , July 14 . The Lohd _Chancellor took his seat on the woolsack at five o ' clock .
SALARY OF THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE . Lord Brougham wished to give a general notice of his intention to call the attention of Government to a very important circumstance arising out of the appointment of Sir Thomas Wilde to the office of Chief Justice of the Common Pleas . A _me , st improper and unconstitutional negociation had . taken place at tbe thne of the appointment of Lord Denman to the office of Lord Chief Justice of the Queen's "Bench between the Noble Lo _< rd and the Treasury , by which the Noble Lord consented to receive £ 8 , 000 a year instead £ 10 , ' d 00 , the sum _orieinallv wanted to Lord Tenterden _., by the Cth of
Geo . IV . That negociation , be contended , was most unconstitutional , and the Noble Lord had no right to take less than the £ 10 , 000 a year , payable quarterly , nor had the Treasury any right to interfere in the matter . The Act of Parliament made thc money payable to the individual , and in his opinion it was highly improper to bargain for judge-hips in this way . —( Hear , bear . ) lift trusted , therefore , that no such arrangement had been come to with the present Lord Chief _Justice of the Court of Common Pleas . He must add , ir , giving this notice , that he did not wish to impugn t . \ ie character or integrity of Lord Denman , than whf , m a purer or more upright judge had never sat _up- on the bench . —( Cheers . ) The Aot
House Op Lords.— Monday, Jult 13. The Lo...
says _* 10 , 000 , and the financial statement £ 8 , 000 . He only wished that the matter should be looked into , and if there was no other Act found that the evil should be remedied . Earl _Ghei reminded Lord _Bnocaniu that if he ; had disapproved of the arrangement made by Lord Denman , ho ought to have brought the matter before Parliament at the time when he held the office of Lard Chancellor . lord Brougham denied having known ofthe arrangement at the time it was made , and , in rather sharp-terms reproved Earl Gret for venturing any opinion on the subject . Lord _BuouoUAM added the information , tbat such arrangements could not stand in a- Court of Law , for the executors of tbe Lord Chief Justice of England could claim the £ 2 , 000 a year which ) he had given- up , Lord _Campsell confirmed this- opinion , and expressed _Simself decidedly adverse-to snch
_arrange-, _ments . ! The _LobD'Cbancellor announced that no arrange ment of the kind was in contemplation in reference ' to the new Sord- Chief Justice of the Common Pleas . The Coroners' ( Ireland ) Biil and tie Ropemakers ' j ISII were severally committed . I The _JuvenilcOffit-ndera' Bill was read a second _: time , pro formet , ; . aod the Marquis of Wbstmjnstbr _jthes announced that he would not proceed with it i further this _session . The Thames Embankment _B"" 3 was ,, on the motion of ¦""" recount CANtuNOy read a second time . _BQ-ISE OF _COMMONS—Tubsdat , Jo ** Mth . The Speaker took tlie Chair at a quarter More four o ' clock . NEW MEMBERS .
Mr . MusitBR Gibson ( _Wce-Presideat of the Board of Trade ) took the oatfrfraM his seat for tho borough of Manchester . Lord "Ebrington ( one ofthe Lords of the Treaauny ) j also- took the oaths and ? , his Beat fer the borough of Plymouth , ' " ¦ ' ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ _' •' ¦
NEW WRIT . Mr . _TupM-ixmoved tha _& anew writ lie issued fbr tbe election ofa Member for the county of Sutherland , in the room of Mr . "Dundas , who has- accepted tbe office of Her Majesty's- _Sblicitor-Generah ' .. ; CAPITAL PUNISHMENTS . Mr , _Ewart postponed bis- -notion on _capil-al punishments until the 28 th instant .
; THE SUGAR B'UTIES . Mr . H . Bailib begged to ask the noble- Lord _whether"he proposed on Thursday to state the precise nature of the measure he contemplated fbr the permanent settlement of the sugar duties . Tbe reason lie asked the questiun was this : —at this late period ofthe session many members were fearing town , and it was of great importance that the matter should be brought forward at as early a day as possible-. Lord J . Russbll . —What I said yesterday , and . I repeat it to-day , lest there should be any _roiaapprcy hension , was this , — -that on Thursday I will state the precise day upon which I will bring for ward the _question of the sugar duties . I will wing it forward at the earliest possible day ; but the bouse must be aware that some previous inquiries are necessary , and I cannot , therefore , fix the precise day now .
Mr . H . Bailie . —Then the noble lord will not on Thursday state the details of the measure ? Lord J . Ri * ssmj / .--No ; I will state on Thursday the day when I will do so . Mr . U . Bailib . —Then , I give notiee that I shall oppose the temporary bill until I know the details of the permanent measure . Lord J . Russell . —Before I ask for the temporary bill , I shall state the precise nature of tho measure ; but , as the details requiresome consideration , I shall propose the temporary bill at the same time when I state the details ofthe permanent measure . Sir W . James inquired whether the noble lord could name Friday ? Lord J . Russell . —I will state on Thursday the day 1 will bring tbe subject forward , but I cannot fix Friday .
POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT . Mr- T . Duncombe said , he understood that on Thursday the noble lord would state the measures he would proceed with this session , and those he intended to abandon . He wished to ask whether , on Thursday , the noble lord would state to the house the general principles by whicb his government would be guided , and the policy he intended to pursue ( a laugh ;) and , if not , on what day he intended to do so ? Lord J . Russell—I do not consider it necessary to make any statement of the principles upon which the government will be conducted . The principles will be those upon which I have always acted , and which I have always declared in tiiis house . Mr . Duncombe—Then 1 shall put a few questions respecting those principles .
THE DUTIES ON TOBACCO . Dr . Bowring rose to call the attention ofthe house to a return , No . 295 , moved for by Mr . Hume , and ordered to be printed on the 11 th of May last , exhibiting , in a reconl of nearly one hundred folio pages , the miseries and the crimes created by the enormous duties levied on tobacco . Tobacco seizures were more ill number than those upon any other exciseable article , and the augmentations of convictions within the last four years was nearly 250 per cent . The increase per annum in 1845 , as contrasted in 1842 waa in Kngland 102 percent * , in Ireland 252 percent ., and in Scotland 451 per cent . Tbe _stendv increase in convictions forbade the supposition tliat it arose from greater vigilance on the part ofthe revenue officers ;
there could be no doubt thatthe offence of smuggling tobacco had gone on increasing with thc number ot convictions , and the state of thing , bad as it was last year , would be worse this , and the present system would go on degrading , demoralising , and increasing the misery of the people . Ihe cost of prosecuting persons guilty of the offence oi' _snuggling tobacco was very heavy , and it all fell upon the public . The avera » e period ofimcrisonment was r . inety-ei » ht days , and within a short time 1 , 478 persons bad been imprisoned for the offence at a charge of upwards ot £ 50 , 000 , without reference to the cost of prosecution , or the charge of conveying them to gaol . It was high time that a tax entailing such enormous evils on the community should be repealed . ( Hear , hear ,
hear . ) A great number of persons convicted ot the offence were _sailui'B , who it was known were constantly engaged in defeating the revenue . They had evidence to show that there were smuggling schools in which persons were educated from infancy for the purpose of carrying on _smuggling . The great profits to be realized , induced the rich to enter into the speculation , and the poor engaged in it for the sake ol smaller gains . The machinery requisite to prevent smuggling coat the country between £ 600 , 000 and £ 700 , 000 . It was clear that this expense might be greatly diminished by lowering the duty to a reasonable amount . It was difficult to ascertain thc precise extent to which smuggling was carried on , but there was every reason to believe that the amount ol
_smiig- _'led goods equalled the amount ot goods that paid "" duty . It would appear that no less than 21 , 740 , 0001 _bs . of tobacco , unmanufactured and manufactured , had been smuggled into the country . Lately , more minute microscopical observations gavea greater power to the revenue officers of detectingadulterated tobacco , but the same power enabled the smuggler to evade the minutest search of the microscope . It was , beside , a most unsatisfactory mode ? of detection , and the revenue had , on more than _dneoccasion , 1 ' ouad themselves bound in honour to restore the goods which they bad seized . The only way of
putting an end to smuggling in tobacco was to lower the duty to such an amount that it would not offer such great inducements to the smuggler . A great proportion of the population was engaged in the demoralising practice of smuggling- He trusted the government would look seriously to the subject . _Mft HuMKsaid he had taken the greatest interest on this subject , and if the evil could be remedied the oountry would gain morally and in every other respect . The only objection was the diminution of revenue likely to arise , but it was worth while to make tbe _expoi'imout , aad ho hoped the _government would take it into their serious consideration . . '
Mr . SiAFFOBD O'Brien rose to address _tho house W An Hon . Member observed that there were not forty members present . . The house was countd , ind thirty-four members only being present , was adjourned at half-past six o ' clock . . HOUSE OF COMMONS—Wbdnksdat , Juw 15 .. The house met at a quarter before twelve o ' clock , when Mr . F . Maule took tho oaths and hia seat on his re-election for the borough of Perth . The Hon . W . _Cowim-r took the oaths and his soat for Hertford .
COUNTY OF SOMERSET SMALL DEBTS BILL . Mr . Dickenson wished to know whether it was tho intention of the government to go on with this bill , 'or whether , aB seemed to he the impression in some quarters , tbey would put it aside in order to introduce some general legislation on the subject . In order to ascertain that tact he would now move that the bill be read a second time . Sir G . Gret hoped the hon . member would not press his motion tor the second reading . This wm
House Op Lords.— Monday, Jult 13. The Lo...
one of some bills which US been stopped _bfiihehU gov ernment for the purpose of _introducing soma _§* _neral measure as to _Ibcar- ' _courtB : _? There wai no _aouot out that that government would support such a general bill if brought forward , and he hoped that nrL „? jest : y . * _^ e 8 ent gov ernment would even in tha _SSn & ii- " _iV the objections which bad existed andfi _^ _theadra „ _CBT _^ _^»« cbncurwnce as to _vJrnmentha P _JKi _3 w _« „ _knownthatthelatego _* vernment had prepared a bill onithe _si'M _^ t k r £ * i
_vTa nu _«»« nnaer the consideration bf tha Lord Chancellor ; but . _frto"tev _> d umSMtBi » _andiTora the fact ofthe noble _^ _knfgSnSSi having been m possession of the seals _oriW _^ W days , it was impossible to go through it with _thafc attention _neceBsary to so important » measure ; he hoped , nevertheless , that the government would to able to introduce that measure , with some modifications , even in the present session , but . if not _. _'ha hoped that they would be able to do so earl y in tho next . Under these circumstances he trusted that the hon . member would not press his motion . A conversation of some length , in which Mr . B . Escorr , Mr . H . _BiBKBiEr , Mr . _Achxam ) , Sir James Graham , and Mr . Estcourt took part , then ensued . It terminated in Mr . Dickinson ' s acceding to the request of Sir G . Gretand withdrawing the
—, bill . * ' .. " —o . PAUPER REMOVAL BILL . ' . Captain Pechell wished to know what were the intentions of Government with respect to the motion for the Pauper Removal Bill , which stood on the orders for to-morrow . It would be very satisfactory to know the course which the right hon . gentleman the Secretary of State wonld pursne . birG . GKersaid , the course he proposed to follow * was _this ,-to take up the bill as it stood , to pass it through tho eommittee pro- form & , and to ask the bouse to agree to the first eight clauses of the bill
. u i ,. C 0 * OTsted oi _^ ree parts ; the first merely altered the lawaa to the removal of paupers , the second related to the trial of-appeals ,-and the latter part ot the bill , which had been added since the insfcruetions moved ; by tbe hen . member for Malton , and _^ adopted by the house ; related to union settlements-. He proposed to omit the latter part ofthe bill , and merely te ask tbe house to- assent to that part which related to the _removability of paupers . he hoped the course he ' proposed would render unnecessary _theamendments contemplated ! by hon . members ..
Sir _D-. L . Evans- intended to move the substitution of three years'for five-years ' residence . The Rating of Tenements Bill was withdrawn . _l _" ne Timer says with reference to the speeches of the new Secretary for _cfte-Home Department .. ' " We have not entire confidence- in the verbal _accuracv of what is here attributed- to-the right hon-. boronet ; and , without the most distant intention of commiting any irregularity , still leas of offering peraonaldisrespect , we may , perhaps-, be permitted to mention the great difficulty experienced in accurately reporting Sir G . Grey ,, partly _owma-to the- rapidity ofhis utterance and the lowne _^ s ofhis voice ,, but chiefly to hia habit of turning _from'the Speaker ' s ebair , which renders- him ,, especially when returning brief , and
abruptanswers . to _qmestions , almost inaudible by those behind the chair . In the discharge of their duty to the public , the _reporters-are-aosious-that nooa _. _woi-d which , falls from a speaker occupying so high a position as the right , hon ,. baronet [ should be loBt _* : bufc where extraordinary obstacle ** - are interposed and the alternative forced upon them is between suppression and misrepresentation , their anxiety is not merely fruitless , but is- apttodefeat its own object . From personal experience we ean verify this statement . Sir J , Graham when he choose" could Be _indisfcinbr enough , but there was a chance of guessing * at his meaning , with . Sir G . Grey there is not even that chance left , and occupying the important posihe does , it will be a perfect nuisance if' he does not adopt a less rapid and more distinct mode of expressing himself . ];
COMMONS _ENCLOSURE . BILL . On the motion of Sir J . _Gbabah . the House-r » solved itself into a committee p *& fonmcX- upon t Commons Enclosure Bill . Tbe report was ordered to be considered Friday .
CHARITABLE TRUSTS RIM .. __ Mr . Hu » b moved the second reading of the Cha ritable Trusts Bill . As serious objections had been taken to this measure , he thought he should best fulfil the object in view by merely retaining those clauses which secured the accountability of those who had charge of public money . It was the duty of this house , after the expense which had been incurred in inquiries , to have some accounts available that would show how the revenues of each trust had been expended . It was not his intention
to include the Bible Society , and other- religious trusts or charitits where the _foundi-rs were alive , but those only where the individuals were dead . The principle of the bill was to secure the a _^ coutability of persons intrusted with public- _monies . Sir G . Gret should not offer any opposition to the second reading of this bill ; but the house must not suppose that this was a substitute fer another bill , which had been thrown out in the other house , or for a more general purpose . After a few " words from Mr . Brotbbrion and Mr . T . _Egertox ,
Mr . _Bernal warned Mr . Hume of the difficulties which he would have to encounter in carrying this measure and recommended him to withdraw it , and to leave the whole subject in tbe hands of Government . Mr . Stafford O'Brikn concurred in the advice given by the last speaker to Mr . Hume , and protested against the principle tbat the Uou 9 e of Commons hud a right to interfere with every charitable body . He moved that the bill be read a second time that day six months . Mr . Bock seconded the amendment . ' Mr . T . _Egerton tendered bis thanks to Mr . Hume for the introduction of this bill , nnd hoped thatthe house , with the knowledge of the abusesin the management of our charities , would read ita second time .
Mr . _SroosER contended that a measure of sucb importance as tho present eould not rceeive adequate consideration at this advanced period of the session . SirDB Lacy Evass-supported the bill asa preliminary stop to clear the way for some more comprehensive measure .. Mr . Estcowrt considered this measure to be one of so grave a- character as to require- the Government lo take it into itsowa hands . The present bill appeared to him to be very crude , and not likely to effect the objects for which it was intended ,. He recommended Mr . Ilumeto withdraw it for the present , and to- introduce it next session in a modified form .
Sir J . Ghaham explained the cireumstanees under which he had assented to allow Mr . Hume to read this bill a first time . Ee alto gave a brief exposition ofthe provisions of Lord-Lyndhurst ' s bill ; on this subject , and expressed his regret that it had been defeated in the other Ilouse of Parliament . He considered the object of the present bill to be yery desirable , and insisted that the- general rule of accountability ought ; to he enforced . Aftor some observations from Mr . _NawDiieaWi * and Mr . % EGKRTON _. and a short reply from Mr . _Hi'jtB , which led to a declaration from Lord G . _Sombbsbi that lie would vote for the second reading ofthe bill , although lie thought that great alterations must be made in it in committee , the house divided , when the second reading was carried by . a majority of . 42 ovar 12 _voicss . Tho other orders _wfiue then disposed of , and the bouse _adjouimed .
HOUSE OF LORDS . _—TnunsDAT , Jul * 16 . In the Mouse of Lords the Marquis of Lansdow . vb _iiuoved that Uie Annuity Bills , ot' Lord , _Ilardinj-e and Lord Gough be restored to " " the stage in whicb they originally stoodi After , some discussion the motion was casried by a majority of 4 T against IS , and the report brought up and agreed to . HOUSE OF COMMONS—Tuursdat _, Juu 16 . MINISTERIAL POLICY . Lord John Russell , on moving the order of the day , stated that on Monday next he would explain , in eommittee , the plan which the Government _propped with respect to the sugar duties * . but he would advise the postponement of the consideration of the plan until the Friday following . __ On Monday ho would likewise propose a short Bill to continue ihe present duties for a month longer , or until Parliament shall otherwise provide . The noble lord nhi n
stated that be proposed to go on wkIi that portion ot the Poor Removal Bill which would secure to residents ofa certain period the right of _immovability . The "Drainage Bill he hoped would be _carried this session . The Ejectment ( Ireland ) Bill he would go on with , making sonie alterations in its _provisions .. Also the Leases ( Ireland ) Bill . The Tenaats' Compensation Bill bad a complicated machinery , but tlie Government would give it their bost _attention . The-Small "Debts' Bill lie hoped to be able io pass this session , after having made some alterations in it . The Religious Opinions' Bill also he trusted would be carried this session . "With respect to _measui-es to be introduced , the Governmnent would bring ; in a preparatory measures if necessary , _toproviddSir the improvement of" waste lands in Ireland ; but ' eertainly they would propose some plan coun _^ ted with this important subject next .
year Mr . Evelyn Dknisoh thought it rigVA to inform his Noblo Friend that thero was « ine g _* eat" defect in his Administration—the wnnt ot * an _adequate representation iii it of the landed _intsri great towns were amply reprisentcd i'i also , moro porliaps than it deserved it ; but he looked in vain for any _torepvesentthe land , which having very rude shock , more _partieularly _persons in tho Government to _» and wishes ; This delect would P civhiK the Government that _otkKwiso-bhouid _ttibni -it . -, ' ¦ ¦ _rC 0 ntinMdtotiiiMiahth
Kt. The , It ^The.. Hu* **^?B , R#^^|R!!...
_Kt . The _, it _^ the .. hu _* _**^? B , r # _^^| r !!? : poii _^ u _^ f _^' Y _^ J" % ] _E _$ | _5 _* _™^ t ? . _^™ Sl * ttM _Wffia » TCBt S _^ tt « ffi conhdetiee _t _onicn .. > j * j 9 ; _* ; . W $ ' _MZ Pag € J . _^ -J _^ _f _Wt . me b _"" » . » l , \ _$ tmms Mr . A deuce % E _& h _£ j _* £ e 4 fa , ® _£ - Wt W % w _? r _* _- ; ' W . _vi " _-ft . V > V / - ¦ _*? * -i W
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), July 18, 1846, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_18071846/page/1/
-