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W———8—BB—PB—BgBMBWW IMPERIAL P^RLISJJML.XT. HOUSE OF LORDS—THURSDAY, MAY 30. Earl STRANGFORD inquired if the Noble Earl at IRe head of the Admiralty had received official information of an alleged collision between the Medea English steamer and a French sloop, off Bermuda ? The Earl of MINTO said he had; the collision entirely accidental. Earl STRANGFOKD expressed himself satis- fied, although he could not help observing: that these collisions, as they were called, happened now much more frequently than formerly- (A laugh.) Petitions in favour of an uniform rate of postage were presented by Lord Segrave. and other Peers. Several Petitions were also presented against the government system of Education. A Ionic discussion took place relative to the con- duct of Col. Prince, in Canada. HOUSE OF COMMONS —THURSDAY, MAY 30. Mr WALLACE presented 61 petitions in favour of an unHormpenny postage. The SPEAKEll requested Members who had petitions on the same subject to bring them up. At this montent the House presented a most singular scene: almost every member in the house—between 200 and 300-stitnititaneotisly ros-e and proceeded to the table with bundles of petitions, amidst great JaiiKhtei". Mr SHEPPARp presented petitions against the government plan of education. The SPEAKgll again requested that Members having petitions on this subject would bring them up; and a vast number of Members rose and were proceeding- to the table, when Sir E. KNATCHBULL objected to petitions, on this important subject, being presented in a body and amidst so much confusion. The Members then resumed their seats, and were called upon in regular order from the chair, as follows :-Lord Stanley, Sir R. Peel, Mr Christopher, Mr Baines, Sir C. Burrell, Sir R. Inglis, and a great number of Mem- bers on both sides of the house; the majority of the petitions were from congregations of Wesleyan Methodists. The petitions were received by the House with loud cheers. Out of the great number presented there was not one in favour of the govern- ment plan. The presentation of petitions on this subject, occupied the House upwards of half an hour. Lord ASHLEY gave notice, that on Tuesday next he should move that the House be called over on Friday fortnight, when the Noble Lord (the Home Secretary) brought forward the subject of education. (Hear, hear). Lord J. RUSSELL—I will second that motion. (Hear.) Lord J. RUSSELL moved that, for the remainder of the session orders of the day take precedence of motions on Thursdays. It was understood that the motion was agreed to. Mr LABOUCHERE moved, according to notice, for leave to bring in that Bill for the settlement o f the Jamaica question which the Government had now prepared as a substitute for their lately aban- doned measure. That abandonment, he said, had not been the result of any change of opinion. He wished the former measure could have been carried with such a strength as would have enforced a due regard to it; but it would have had little effect, even if passed, had it been passed with the sanction of only a very small majority. The present bill is founded on the principle of calling the assembly together again, and giving them what had been called a locus pcenifentitB. He had not much faith in the success of the experiment, but Government intended to give the Assembly a fair trial. There were several snbjects which the Assembly itself had presented as urgent; such as those of vagrancy, of the relation between master and servant, an,1 of unauthorised occupation of land (commonly called squatting), as also the state of the militia, and the qualification of electors. On these subjects Govern- ment had already successfully transmitted orders in council to the colonies governed not by local legislatnres but by the King in Council, and to those regulations the Assembly of Jamaica would be referred and called upon to legislate, not indeed according to their letter, but in conformity with their spirit. Sir R. PEEL said, he should not only offer no opposition to the Bill in the present stage, but abstain from saying anything which might go to prejudge the subject of it. Entirely reserving himself as to the merits of the Bill, he concurred in the general principle that the wisest course was to presume that the Assemblyintended tojdo its duty; and he would say that its duty, as well as its in- terest, would be to legislate in such a spirit as should leave no doubt of its desire to do full justice to the negro. The Right Hon. Mover had depre- cated party feeling, which it was always specious and plausible to do. Certainly, it would be unfair to oppose a Government for the sole purpose of em- barrassing it on a mere colonial question, especially with reference to the altered state of the negroes. But if, bonafide, he and his friends considered the alleged grounds insufficient to justify the suspen- sion of a Constitution, surely they had as much right asthe Government tochoose their own course and, when it was once chosen, party tactics would necessarily attach, and the fullest procurable at. tendance would be mustered on both sides. And the Mover must recollect, that the division against the Bill had included not only the Conservative phalanx, but likewise tenof his own friends. (Tijis bit produced a great effect on the House, and much cheering on both sides.) The Noble Lord, con- tinued Sir R. Peel (alluding to an ironical cheer from Lord Howick), is. of course, entitled to give a sneer and an answer for his own friends, though not for mine; and we will take it, therefore, if he will have it so, that his 10 friends do act on party views, while our 320 do not. Where these charges of party are made, the whole question turns on the sincerity of the proceeding and, as I was sincere, I resolved that my opposition should be a real and not merely nominal one. Lord J. RUSSELL then attempted, but failed in his attempt, to prove the Conservatives incon- sistent in having opposed the last Jamaica Bill, when they supported the Goverument measure with respect to Canada.—A short discussion fol- lowed, and leave was given to bring in the Bill. Mr CRESSWELL moved for certain papers re- lating to the complaint contained in a petition from the merchants of Liverpool, that they had been charged, for some years, with higher duties than the law justified, on woollen goods exported to America. After some ineffectual sneers by Mr Poullett Thomson,, the papers were ordered, Honourable Members of all parties having agreed in the ne- cessity for inquiry. Mr GIBSON obtained leave to bring in a Bill "to prevent persons in England and Wales from losing their votes at an election by removal after the preceding registration." On the motion of Mr Serjeant TALFOUHD. the Custody of Infants Bill was read a second time, and ordered for committal on the 12th of June. "###I',#j HOUSE OF LORDS-FRIDAY, MAY 31. The Bristol and Gloucester Railway Bill, on the motion of the Marquess of Salisbury, was read a seeond time, by a majority of 11. The Earl of WINCHELSEA then rose, and in a manly straightforward address, required of Lord Melbourne an explanation of the principles on which the Cabinet had been reconstructed, and an exposition of the measures to which the country may now look forward. Lord MELBOURN E perfectly admitted the ex- istence of the difficulties by which his Government was surrounded. It was possible that the causes which occasioned those difficulties and the late change of Government might still be undiminished sure he was they would not be diminished by any abandonment of principle on his part, or that the Government would be conducted on any other principles than those upon which he understood it was originally framed and conducted throughout. Those principles unquestionably were principles of progress and reformation; he had always been for adopting every measure which, in his opinion, would tend to promote the good and advantage of the country; but he never had been, and he certainly was not now, for purchasing or obtaining support, either by bringing forward or advocating measures contrary to hisopinions and conscience. It appeared to him, not an inattentive observer of public affairs, that something of a new feature had of late pre- sented itself; he knew not whether it was a more or less dangerous symptom, that while in former times such designs were always glossed over with something of pretended measures of reformation and amendment, in the present day there had been at all public meetings, and on the part of persons of no small influence and power, an open profession of intentions of plunder, of violence, and of blood. He knew not whether this was more or less a dan- gerous symptom he trusted it was a less dangerous symptom of the times, because if it were a more dangerous symptom, they must suppose the country to be so infected to the core that it would be impos- sible to hope for its salvation by any measures that could now be adopted. His Lordship concluded with the following somewhat whimsical declara- tion:—He did not know what was the best Ministry in itself considered; but this he did know, that unquestionably the worst Ministry was that which did not possess suffioieat of the confidence of Parliament and the country to carry those 1 measures which they thought necessary for the well being of the Stale; and he trusted, for the benefit of the country, if there was a deficiency in I that respect, the wisdom and prudence of Parliament and the good sense of the country would supply the defect." Lord BROUGHAM then addressed the House at considerable length and with much energy. [This stinging diatribe against the conduot of Ministers and their friends will be found in another part of our paper."] The Duke of WELLINGTON concluded a few brief observations by offering to Lord Me'bourne an assurance that, notwithstanding all that had oc- curred, if his Lordship would honefily and sincerely do his duty, Parliament and the country would not be found to fail him. The Marquis of NORMANBY concluded the evening's conversation by emphatically declaring that "on the day when the resignation of the Government took place he bad had a conversation with his Noble Friend behind him (Viscount Met- bourue) on the subject of the ladies of her Majesty's bedchamber. None of them (the Ministers) had ever doubted the power of her Majesty to retain them; but he stated that it was very possible his connexion with the late Government might place Lady Normanby in a very different position from that which others occupied; and that it might, therefore, be proper that she should cease to hold her office in the Queen's household. He had heard nothing whatever of the difiieulty iu w hich he new Government was placed with reference to this point till subsequently, when he went at night to his Noble Friend's residence, and the moment he re- turned home he communicated to him and to Lady Normanby his desire that she should resign. That resignation took place the first thing the next morning." The subject then dropped, and their Lordships adjourned. #1_ HOUSE OF COMMONS-FRIDAY, MAY 31. On the motion of Mr HAWES, a select committee was appointed on the London Police Bill. In answer to a question from Mr Warburton, Lord J. RUSSELL said, that it was the intention of her Majesty's Government to propose a resolution in favour of an uniform penny rate of postage. In so stating he thought it right to add, that the plan, so statirig he thought it i-i, to be inconforroi-ty with the report of the committee, and most likely to be beneficial, would take some months for preparation, and all that Government therefore could at present propose would be a reso- lution of the House pledging Itself to the adoption of that plan, and to make good any deficiency in the revenue that might occur. It was a great experi- ment, but he thought that from its adoption there would arise the advantage of great convenience to the middle and lower classes of society. Sir R. INGLIS presented a petition from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, which the House was aware was one of the most ancient societies in this country, praying the House not to consent to the 14th clause of this Bill. The ATfORNEY-GENERA L called the atten- tion of the House to a decision of the Court of Queen's Bench, given that day in the case of Stockdale v. Hansard." The Judge of thn t Court had, he said, unanimously decided that the action might be maintained against the printer and all the officers of the House (except the Speaker) for pub- lications issued by the House. He moved the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the proceedings and to report to the House. A discussion of some length ensued, in which considerable difference of opinion was expressed- many of the legal Members obviously tending to an approval of the judgment delivered by Lord Denman. The Committee was ultimately appointed. Lord J. RUSSELL, in reply to an Hon. Member, said it was his intention to bring in a Bill for the purpose of continuing the powers of the Poor Law Commissioners for another year, and another Bill for the collection of Poor-rates under the direction of the Board of Guardians. Also one for the col- lection of county rates; and one for continuing and extending the jurisdiction of Magistrates in Petty Sessions. The Noble Lord next moved the second reading of the County Courts Bill, and after some discussion the motion was carried, and the Bill read a second time. The Prisons Bill passed through Committee, a division having taken place on the 14th clause, allowing Sectarian Ministers of any denomination, as well as Roman Catholic Priests, to attend upon prisoners. The clause was carried by 136 votes to 81. The Bill was ordered for further consideration on Friday next. The Prisons (Scotland) Bill went into Committee. —The Deanery of Exeter Bill went through Com- mittee and was ordered to be reprinted. In answer to a question by Sir George Sinclair, Mr FOX MAULE said the Canada question would be brought forward on Monday, till which day the House adjourned. "I< HOUSE OF LORDS—MONDAY, JUNE, 3. Lord BROUGHAM made a complaint against the Observer newspaper, for falsely describing his speech on Friday. The Beer Act Repeal Bill was read a second time, and referred to a Select Committee. Lord BROUGHAM, on moving the second reading of this Bill, gave a most appaiiiig description of the scences of depravity constantly occurring in most of the beer-shops. HOUSE OF COMMONS—MONDAY, JUNE 3. Lord JOHN RUSSELL explained the course which the Government propose to pursue with re- gard to the Canadas. After considering what other courses might have been taken, why it would have been impracticable and injudicious to leave Lower Canada under her present form of government, and why it would have been inconvenient, regard being had to geopraphical distance, that the three lower provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward's Island, should be joined in one federal union with the two Canadas, his Lordship acquainted the House that Ministers had resolved on a union between the two Canadas only; of which the basis was to be a representative government, the representation forming one interposed assem- bly, and its proportions being regulated, not solely by population, which might give too great a force to the now thickly peopled districts of Lower (that is French) Canada, but by a mixed ratio of population and territory, so as to give some advantages to Upper Canada, whose broad lands are not vet occupied by their complement of inhabitants. And, in this scheme of representation, he was not dis- posed to admit the principle that the Executive Government must give way whenever it happened to lack the support of the representative body. Lord John concluded his speech with two general resolutions-one, that in the opinion of the House it would be expedient to establish a- legislative union between the two Canadas, on the basis of a tree and representative constitution, in such manner as might best conduce to the prosperity and Contentment of the colonists—the other, that the powers given by last year's bill to the Governor and Special Council shall continue, with such alterations as circumstances may have rendered necessary, till the year 1842. And to these reso- lutions he said he should not ask for the immediate assent of the House (!), but would leave them for consideration till Monday next.. Mr HUME was favourable to an union of the Provinces, but objected to the suspension of all legis. lation to 1842. Mr GOULBURN said a few words; and, The SPEAKER stated the question to be whether the debate should stand adjourned to Monday; upon which Sir R. PEEL said, that until the speech of Lord John he had supposed it the intention of Ministers to propose either on the bi1!iIS of nnion, or on some other general principle, a legislative measure for the zoveriimetit of the Caitadas. It now appeared that Ministers abandon the intent ofactual legislation by the Imperial Parliament, alld yet expect the House to agree that the Assembly of the colonists shall not meet till 1842. How could he give so distant a pledge? How anticipate what might happen mean- while ? His experience was unfavourable to b- stract pledges, even for an immediately ensuing session; how much more for a period so distant as 1842? By not legislating now, the Government did not relieve itself from its responsibility, but, in reality, iocreaRed its own rlifficulties. What had now been proposed was no more than had been pro- posed so lontf ago all I S22-that was the abstract principle; this proposal of to-night was but the same abstraction, not one step advanced. He had the greatest doubt (though he would still reserve his right to change his judgment after further time for reflection) whether it could be right for a Parliament, abstaining from legislation, to give any such ab- stract pledge. He would act on the principle he had originally professed. He would not, for party purposes, allow a colony to be 111 rebellion; he would not make such a question a party one; but he would not be deterred by the mere dread of having party purposes imputed to him from taking that course which in his conscience he should think the interests of the colony and the empire to demand. M r C. BULLER insisted on the importance of having the executive government responsible to the representative body. He did not, however, care much, practically, about the present resolution j for BStTOTWni ■■■!» w I'll tin II HI II H III! I n -i he was satisfied that, praciiciilly, the representatives of the two united colonies would compel that respon- sibility. But he looked with great alarm at the pro- posed delay at more summers of doubt, and more winters of outrage—more rumours of plots and in- vasions—more burnings and devastations. The mere removal of uncertainly would have been some thing any plan. though in itself imperfect, would have been preferred to uncertainty thus protracted. Mr 0 CONNELL said a few words, in which he found fault with Mr Bullet's liue ofargti-iieiit; but, whi'e he seemed to support Miuisters, incidentally impeached their plan by a sneer at the failure of a Icghilative nnioll nearer home. Lord JOHN RUSSELL excused his delay, on the ground that to convene an united assembly in (he present feeling of Lower Canada would but renew and increase excitement. Sir R PEEL explained; and the the discussion was adjourned to Monday next. The Metropolis Police Bill and the Metropolis Police Courts Bill were read a second time aud ordered to be committed on Mouday next, aud the Summary Jurisdiction Bill was read a second time, ;dld ordered to be committed on Friday. The Borough Courts Bill went through committee. Mr Rice stated, in answer to a question from Colonel Sibthorp, that it was his intention some day next week to agree to a resolution, reducing the duties now paid on the postage of letters, and affix- ing to all letters sent by post the invariable sum of one penny alone; provided the House would at the same time affiirin the principle- that any deficiency which might take place in the revenue in consequence of that alteration should be made good hereafter by the House. In moving the resolution he would lay before the House an account of the income and ex- penditure of the country. He could not make that statement, sooner, as he had only just received an account of our expenditure in Upper and Lower Canada. ""#1.# HOUSE OF LORDS—TUESDAY, JUNE 4. The Royal assent was given by commission to several bills. The Exchequer Pleas ill went through a oom- mittee. In answer to Lord Lyndhurst, Lord NORMANBY had no objection to lay on the table of the house the resolutions of the House of Assembly and legislative Council ofupper Canada respecting the union of the provinces. The LORD CHANCELLOR then moved the se- cond reading of the Church Discipline Bi!l. A long and important discussion followed, in which the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of Exeter, London, and Gloucester, and Lord Wynford, took part. The bill ultimately read a second time, and committed. ,# HOUSE OF COMMONS—TUEBBAY, JUNE 4. The report on the Cheltenham Improvement Act was received after a division, by a majority of two. The Northern and Eastern Railway Bills (1 and 2) were read a third time and passed. Mr GURNEY appeared at the bar and presented reports of the proceedings and judgment in the case of Stockdale v. Hansard," which (ou the motion of the Attorney-General) were ordered to be printed. Mr D. W. HARVEY gave notice, that en the lAth instant., he should move for leave to briftf in a Bill for the better administration of public cbaritiea. MrSLANEY gave notice, that on the 18th inst. he should move for leave to bring in a Bill to esta- blish public walks in the vicinity of large towns. Sir S. CANNING gave notice, that to-morrow he should put a question to the Government respecting the slate of Buenos Ayres. Sir H. FLEETWOOD then brought forward his motion respecting the extension of the elective fran- chise for counties. Sir H. FLEETWOOD afterwards moved for leave to intoduce a Bill to limit the time of taking the poll at elections of coroners to one day. The motion was opposed, on the ground that the proposed Bill did not go far enough, but leave was given with- out a division. Mr WAKLEY moved that there be laid before the House copies of any correspondence with, or from, the Poor Law Commissioners respecting the erec- tion of an union workhouse at Dunnow, in Essex. The HOII. Member, at the suggestion of several of his friends, said he would poslpulle his statement on the subject until the papers for which he moved should be before the House. Lord ASHLEY haviug moved that the House be called over on Friday, the 14th inst., (the day ap- pointed for discussing the government plau of edu: cation), Lord J. RUSSELL alleged that his plan had been misunderstood and misrepresented, but avowed that he found it impracticable to carry it. It would,there- fore, be abandoned If we clearly understand the report, it seems that a vote for £ 30,000 is still to be asked, and that Lord John Russell is to lay on the table some papers explanatory of the grounds of the proposed vote. General JOHNSON moved for several returns, which were ordered, on the subject of the Poor Laws. After disposing of some orders of the day, the House adjourned.

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