House of Commons Journal Volume 85: 9 March 1830

Martis, 9 die Martii; Anno 11 Georgii IV ti Regis, 1830.

PRAYERS.

Petitions in favour of Dundee Harbour Bill.

A PETITION of the Fraternity of Masters and Seamen in Dundee, incorporated by Royal Charter;- and, of the Guildry Incorporation of Dundee,-were presented, and read; taking notice of the Bill for more effectually maintaining, improving and extending the Harbour of Dundee, in the County of Forfar; and praying, That the same may pass into a law.

And the said Petitions were ordered to lie upon the Table.

Fructuozo's Nat. Bill, read.

An ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for naturalizing John Anthony Fructuozo, was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time.

Horsham and Guildford Road Bill, passed.

An ingrossed Bill for more effectually repairing and improving the Road from Horsham to the Road leading to Guildford, at Alford Crossways, with two Branches therefrom, and for making and maintaining a new Branch of Road to communicate therewith, all in the Counties of Sussex and Surrey, was read the third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass.

Ordered, That Mr. Burrell do carry the Bill to the Lords, and desire their concurrence.

Petition against St. Giles Vestry Bill.

A Petition of William Mathew Thisselton of Great Russell-street Bloomsbury, was presented, and read; taking notice of the Bill for the better Regulation of the Affairs of the joint Parishes of Saint Giles-in-the-Fields and Saint George Bloomsbury, in the County of Middlesex, and of the separate Parishes of Saint Giles-in-theFields and Saint George Bloomsbury, in the same County, and praying, That he may be heard by himself, his counsel or agents against certain parts thereof.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee on the Bill; and that the Petitioner be heard by himself, his counsel or agent upon his Petition, if he think fit.

Ordered, That counsel be admitted to be heard in favour of the Bill, against the said Petition.

Shoreham Bridge Bill, committed.

A Bill for more effectually repairing and improving the Road from Brighton to Shoreham, for building a Bridge over the River Adur at New Shoreham, and for making a Road to Lancing, and a Branch Road thereupon, all in the County of Sussex, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Henry Howard, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Lambeth Bridge Bill, committed.

A Bill for building a Bridge across the River Thames, from or near the Horseferry Road, in the Parish of Saint John-the-Evangelist, in the County of Middlesex, to the opposite Shore, at or near to Church-street and Fore-street, in the Parish of Saint Mary Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, and for making convenient Roads thereto, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Charles Pallmer, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Redcross Road Bill, committed.

A Bill for maintaining the Road from Haverhill, in the County of Suffolk, to Redcross, in the Parish of Great Shelford, in the County of Cambridge, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Charles Pallmer, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Catterick Bridge and Durham Road Bill, committed

A Bill for maintaining the Road from Catterick Bridge, in the County of York, by the Towns of Yarm and Stockton, and through the Town of Sedgefield, to the City of Durham, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Charles Pallmer, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Stonehouse Mill Bridge Bill, committed.

A Bill for erecting and maintaining a Bridge over Stonehouse Mill Pool, at or near Stonehouse Mills, in the County of Devon, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Bastard, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Wigan Branch Railway Bill, committed.

A Bill for making and maintaining a Railway from the Borough of Wigan to the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, in the Borough of Newton, in the County Palatine of Lancaster, and collateral Branches to communicate therewith, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Stanley, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Beverley Road Bill, committed.

A Bill for more effectually repairing and otherwise improving the Road from Beverley, by Molescroft, to Kendell House, and from Molescroft to Bainton Balk, in the County of York, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. John Stewart, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Ashbourne and Sudbury Roads Bill, committed.

A Bill for repairing, altering and improving the Roads from Ashbourne to Sudbury, and from Sudbury to Yoxall Bridge, and from Hatton Moor to Tutbury, and from Uttoxeter to or near the Village of Draycott-in-the-Clay, and from Hadley Plain, on the late Forest or Chase of Needwood, to Callingwood Plain, on the same late Forest or Chase, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Littleton, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Petition against Shoreham Bridge Bill.

A Petition of the Mayor, Burgesses and Inhabitants of the borough of Arundel, in the county of Sussex, was presented, and read; taking notice of the Bill for more effectually repairing and improving the Road from Brighton to Shoreham, for building a Bridge over the River Adur at New Shoreham, and for making a Road to Lancing, and a Branch Road thereupon, all in the County of Sussex; and praying, That they may be heard by themselves, their counsel or agents against certain parts thereof.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee on the Bill; and that the Petitioners be heard by themselves, their counsel or agents upon their Petition, if they think fit.

Ordered, That counsel be admitted to be heard in favour of the Bill, against the said Petition.

Liverpool Docks Bill, committed.

A Bill for extending and amending the several Acts relating to the Docks and Harbour of Liverpool, was read a second time; and committed to General Gascoyne, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Brechfâ Road Bill, committed.

A Bill for more effectually amending, improving and maintaining the Road leading from Nantgaredig to the Town of Carmarthen, and from Brechfâ to Llansawel, in the County of Carmarthen, was read a second time; and committed to Mr. Rice Trevor, &c.: And they are to meet this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Petition for continuing Bounties on Herring Fishery.

A Petition of Magistrates and other Individuals interested in the curing of Herrings, in the town of Cromarty, was presented, and read; praying, That a Bounty of 2s. per barrel be continued on all Herrings cured according to the regulations of the Fishery Board.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Petitions for repeal of Malt Duties.

A Petition of Owners and Occupiers of land, and other Persons interested in the growth of barley, within the hundreds of Thingoe, Thedwastre and Blackbourn, in the liberty of Bury Saint Edmund's, and in the hundred of Lackford, in the county of Suffolk,-were presented, and read; setting forth, That the labourers and the occupiers and owners of land in this country are suffering under great and increasing difficulties, and the Petitioners see too much reason to apprehend that a large proportion of the yeomen and farmers must be utterly ruined, if measures be not adopted by the House for their immediate relief; and praying, That the House will be pleased to repeal entirely the existing Duties upon Malt.

And the said Petitions were ordered to lie upon the Table; and to be printed.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Edward Syng Cooper have leave of absence for a month, to attend the Assizes.

Ordered, That Mr. Hutchinson (of Tipperary) have leave of absence for a month, on account of illness in his family.

Ordered, That Mr. Maule have leave of absence for a month, on account of ill health.

Ordered, That Mr. Cholmeley have leave of absence for a month, on account of ill health.

Ordered, That Mr. Crompton have leave of absence for a month, on account of the illness of a near relation.

Ordered, That Lord Viscount Duncannon have leave of absence for a month, on account of illness in his family.

Ordered, That Mr. Owen have leave of absence for a month, on urgent private business.

Ordered, That Mr. Owen Williams have leave of absence for a month, on account of ill health.

Ordered, That Mr. Doherty have leave of absence for a month, to go the Circuit.

Ordered, That Mr. Miles have leave of absence for a month, on urgent private business.

Petitions against Change in the Welsh Judicature.

A Petition of Freeholders of the county of Carmarthen, at a county meeting assembled;-of Householders and Inhabitants of the county of the borough of Carmarthen;- of the Mayor, Burgesses and Commonalty of the county of the borough of Carmarthen;-and, of the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs and principal Burgesses of the borough of Kidwelly, in the county of Carmarthen, and of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the same town and borough,-were presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have heard with surprise and alarm the Report of His Majesty's Commissioners appointed to inquire into the practice and proceedings of the Superior Courts of Law relative to the jurisdiction so long established within the Principality of Wales, and the changes in the same, recommended by the said Commissioners; that the Petitioners, fully sensible of many advantages arising from the peculiar jurisdiction of Wales, and the few inconveniences resulting therefrom, humbly pray, That the same may not be abolished, as such abolition cannot be carried into effect without creating a great increase of expense in law proceedings, a delay of justice and great inconvenience, and, at all events, the substitution of an untried system in the Principality, in lieu of one well known, beneficial, and adapted to the wants and wishes of the people at large; that such change is not called for by the people in general, and particularly by such classes as are more immediately interested in a cheap and expeditious administration of justice, namely, merchants, shopkeepers, publicans, farmers, drovers, graziers, and tradesmen in general; the Petitioners conclude with reminding the House, that in no part of His Majesty's dominions has there been, or is there at present, more peace, tranquillity and prosperity existing, than in the Principality, which has gradually attained to, increased, and still looks to increasing happiness under the present system of jurisdiction, and which system, if modified and improved, instead of being abolished, may probably arrive at as much perfection as is attainable by most human institutions.

A Petition of Freeholders of the county of Cardigan, was also presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are of opinion that the system of judicature established in the Principality of Wales in the reign of King Henry the Eighth, although in some respects defective, is capable of improvement (without abolition), particularly in the appointment of the Judges, and possesses certain advantages, the loss of which would be felt as a serious inconvenience by the inhabitants at large; that they are also of opinion, that the constitution of the Courts of Great Sessions in itself requires no alteration; the greatest inconvenience in the administration of the laws within them arising from the principle on which the Judges are originally selected, and from there being no retiring pensions when age and infirmity have rendered their mental and physical powers unequal to the discharge of their duties; that an improvement in these respects is desirable, and, they submit, easily attainable without having recourse to the violent remedy of abolition; that the Petitioners feel satisfied if the proposed abolition takes place, evils will attach to that county, far exceeding any possible advantages that may be supposed to arise from the presence of English Judges; in lieu of a cheap and expeditious mode of obtaining justice, a circuitous and expensive one will be substituted, the social intercourse of the county destroyed, a serious check will be given to the march of improvement and the progressive assimilation to English manners and habits which the periodical visits of the Judges in their respective county towns have tended greatly to promote; and praying the House not to sanction any change in the constitution of the Courts of Great Sessions, which, according to the proposed plan, will deprive the Petitioners of the advantages they now enjoy, by the transferring of their Courts of Justice from their own to neighbouring counties.

A Petition of the Mayor, Burgesses and Inhabitants at large of the town and county of Haverfordwest, was also presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have heard with much alarm of a proposal made by the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the practice and proceedings of the Courts of Law to abolish the Welsh Judicature, and to hold the Assizes for Pembrokeshire and the town and county of Haverfordwest at Carmarthen; that the Petitioners and their ancestors have for centuries spoken the English language, and that they would consider it a most serious evil to have their causes tried before a Jury of the county of Carmarthen, by whom the language of the witnesses would be but imperfectly understood; that the Petitioners have hitherto had justice administered to them within the limits of their own town, and that it would put them to ruinous expense and inconvenience, if they were obliged to travel upwards of thirty miles to a Court of Law, thereby, whether as suitors, witnesses or jurors, unavoidably neglecting their own affairs during an absence from home; that such absence might be of considerable duration, because the Petitioners know that in causes originating in Welsh districts, the intervention of an interpreter necessarily produces great delay, and that at the last Great Sessions, three weeks were scarcely sufficient for the dispatch of the business of the three counties forming the Carmarthen circuit, notwithstanding the great exertions of the learned Judge, who frequently sat in court till ten o'clock at night; that the Petitioners are protected by Act of Parliament against frivolous and vexations actions brought against them in the courts at Westminster, which protection, being connected with the Welsh Judicature, must be lost if the latter be abolished; that many of the Petitioners, who are able to maintain their rights if their causes are tried in their own county as heretofore, are quite unable to sustain the expense of conveying their witnesses to Carmarthen, and supporting them there during the assizes, and must therefore, if the change take place, submit to the oppression of their more wealthy neighbours, sooner than resist in a just cause; that the Petitioners have always been a peaceable and loyal people, ever since the privilges of the English law have been extended to them, under the very system which is now sought to be destroyed, and the Petitioners hope this is a reason why one of the most important and valued advantages incident to that system, that of having the law administered to them at home, and at a reasonable expense, should not be taken from them; the Petitioners therefore humbly pray the House not to allow them to be disturbed in the possession of their ancient rights and privileges, nor to sanction the removal of the assizes from the town and county of Haverfordwest to Carmarthen, which would in effect deprive many of the Petitioners of the benefit and protection of the law.

A Petition of the Gentry, Clergy, Freeholders and Inhabitants of the county of Pembroke, was also presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have learned with consternation that the Commissioners appointed by His Majesty to inquire into the practice and proceedings of the Courts of Common Law have recommended a consolidation of the counties of Pembroke and Carmarthen, and that the assizes for Pembrokeshire and for the town and county of Haverfordwest should hereafter be holden at Carmarthen; that such an alteration would be attended with the most inconvenient, expensive, prejudicial and grievous consequences to the inhabitants of the county of Pembroke, and that they have in vain sought in the Report of the Commissioners any adequate compensation for a change so pernicious; that they view with alarm any attempt to subvert a system of judicature which has for centuries promoted the best interests of the inhabitants of the Principality, by bringing the administration of the law to them at their own houses, with convenience, cheapness and celerity, and though, like every other human institution, it may have defects, they trust that its imperfections may be remedied, and deprecate its abolition; the Petitioners therefore pray the House to refuse to entertain any proposition for depriving the county of Pembroke of its ancient privileges, particularly the incalculable benefit of having justice administered at home, and that the House will not permit so intolerable a burthen to be imposed upon them as that of being sent as jurors, witnesses and suitors to a distant town in another county; and they further pray, That the House will not shut out from the protection of the law a large portion of the inhabitants of Pembrokeshire, whose means are quite inadequate to enable them to seek justice at Carmarthen.

And the said Petitions were ordered to lie upon the Table; and that the two last be printed.

Petition respecting the Iron Trade.

A Petition of several Inhabitants of the town of Merthyr Tydvil, in the county of Glamorgan, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners lament the necessity of calling the attention of the House to the distressed state of the county, and to the ruinous depression of commerce and trade in general; the most alarming distress pervades the iron manufacturing districts of this country; there are thousands of families in that place (being a populous iron manufacturing town) who are the very picture of distress and famine; and, as the depression of trade, and the impoverished circumstances of the people, proceed from the heavy burthen of taxation, the Petitioners humbly pray that the taxes may be reduced, and that the middle and lower classes of people may be effectually relieved from their grievous oppression and misery, oppression which they have been patiently labouring under for the last four years, under the hopes that the times would improve, but, instead of improving, or the least appearance of melioration, the Petitioners have been gradually sinking deeper and deeper in distress and misery, until at last the greatest part of the population are now resigning themselves to hopelessness and despair; the Petitioners lastly and most sincerely pray, That some measures may be suggested, and acted upon by the House, as well for the general relief of the people as for the preservation of the constitutional privileges of the aristocracy.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Petition respecting Sub ways.

A Petition of John Williams of Cornhill, in the city of London, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner is the inventor of a method for preventing the opening of the streets, roads and public ways, by the construction of Sub-ways to receive the pipes for Water and Gas, in which they may be placed, and by which they will be accessible for stopping the leakage of Water and Gas, and also for turning off those fluids from bad tenants, and all other purposes for which the paving in the streets is now and ever has been taken up, without so disturbing and taking up the paving; that access to the sewers may also be obtained by his Sub-ways for alterations and repairs, without disturbing the paving; that generally the paving in the streets will always remain permanent wheresoever these Sub-ways are built, and thereby the rates ultimately reduced; that Sub-ways will afford an opportunity for competition in Water and Gas, both as regards quality and value, which will effect important advantages to the public; and praying the House, That a Clause or Clauses may be introduced into each and all Bills now coming before them for the sanction of the House, to empower the taking up and disturbing the paving in the streets, to oblige and make it imperative on all such bodies of persons so obtaining an Act of Parliament for such purposes, to build and construct Sub-ways in such streets and places for the reception of pipes, and giving access to the sewers without disturbing the paving in future.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Petition for Amendment of Parish Vestries Act (Ireland.)

A Petition of Edward Hincks, Doctor in Divinity, Rector of the parish of Killyleagh, in Ireland, was presented, and read; complaining of abuses which prevail in the execution of the Acts for regulating Vestries in Ireland; and praying, That the House will be pleased to take the same into their consideration, and to pass a Bill for altering and amending the present Law respecting Vestries in Ireland, and to enact therein, that in place of holding separate vestries, consisting of the Protestant parishioners only, for making assessments for the repairs of churches, and for things necessary for the due celebration of divine worship therein, it may be lawful for the Chairman to lay before the vestry of the parishioners at large, an estimate of the sum which will, in his opinion, be required for such purposes; and, in case they shall refuse to assess such sum, that it may be lawful to submit it to a committee consisting exclusively of members of the Established Church who are in the habit of attending divine worship in the church, or in some chapel of ease within the parish; that an assessment made by such committee for such purposes. may be as valid as if it had been made by the vestry itself; that the purposes for which assessments may be made by vestries, be defined; and that adequate provision be made for preventing vestries, or committees of vestries, exceeding their powers; that effectual remedies be provided for preventing churchwardens from expending the money assessed on the parish for other purposes than those for which it is assessed, and that their accounts be not passed by the vestry, as at present, but by auditors, who shall be sworn to disallow unlawful items of expenditure; that the system of penalties contained in the present Act be done away with, and a more effectual system adopted, and that no penalty be incurred by an inadvertent omission; that the salaries payable to parish clerks be defined by law, with reference to the extent of the parish and the duty to be done, and that a larger salary than four or five pounds a year be allowed in all cases where evening service is performed on Sundays; or that such other relief may be granted in the premises as to the House may seem meet.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Account of Cotton Yarn, ordered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, an Account of Cotton Yarn and Cotton Twist exported from Great Britain, in each year, from 1826 to 1829; distinguishing the Countries to which exported, the official and declared value of the quantity shipped to each County, and the rate per pound at which the official value is estimated.

Return of 4½ per Cent. Duties, ordered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, a Return, showing the gross proceeds of the produce, paying Four and Half per cent. Duty, sent from the Islands of Barbadoes, Antigua, Montserrat, Saint Christopher, Nevis, and Tortola; dividing them under the several heads of Duty, Freight, Commercial Charges, Commission and Net Proceeds, for the last ten years respectively; also, the quantities, up to the latest date to which the same can be made up, of Sugar, in hundred weights, imported in each of the last ten years from each of these Islands, and a List of the Appropriation there of during the last year to which the same can be made up.

Address respecting Commissions of Inquiry.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that He will be graciously pleased to give directions, that there be laid before this House, an Account of the Expenses incurred, and of Reports presented, by the several Commissions of Inquiry, during the year 1829.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that He will be graciously pleased to give directions, that there be laid before this House, a Return of the Names of each of the Commissioners employed in 1829, the Salary and Allowance each received, and a Statement of the probable time each Commissioner will continue.

Ordered, That the said Addresses be presented to His Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council.

Petition for regulating Trade of Retail Brewers.

A Petition of the Licensed Victuallers of Birmingham, and its neighbourhood, was presented, and read; praying the House, That all persons applying hereafter to take out a License to establish a Retail Brewery, shall be restricted from opening one at a less distance than two hundred yards of any Licensed Victualler, or such other distance as to the House shall seem meet; and further, that all Retail Brewers shall henceforth be subject, like the Petitioners, to the magisterial control and inspection of the officers of the police.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Select Committee on the Sale of Beer.

Petition respecting Labourers Wages.

A Petition of Magistrates, Shopkeepers, Manufacturers, Mechanics and Workmen of the town and neighbourhood of Stourbridge, in the county of Worcester, was presented, and read; setting forth, That there exists in that populous and manufacturing town and neighbourhood, to a very alarming extent, a most unjust and iniquitous practice of paying the wages of the workmen and others employed therein in goods or provisions by way of truck, instead of money; the Petitioners are aware there is a law now in force (in particular cases) against the above pernicious practice, but that the same is evaded and ineffectual; and praying, That the House will be pleased to make the law general, increase the penalty, and adopt such other measures for the more effectual suppression and abolition thereof as to them shall seem meet.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Petition for repeal of Clause in Vagrant Act.

A Petition of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace of the county of Northampton, and the Grand Jury of the said county, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the county of Northampton is subject to a burthensome and partial charge by the operation of the Vagrant Laws, by which Magistrates in any part of England are empowered to pass vagrants to Ireland and Scotland, as well as Jersey and Guernsey, at the expense of the counties through which the roads may lie; that this expense has been rapidly increasing for some years, is already very burthensome, and promises to become much more so; that the number of Irish vagrants passed through the county of Northampton to Ireland in the year ending Easter 1825, was 797, and the cost of conveying them only 23 miles, into the county of Warwick, was 259l. 6d. ; that the number has progressively increased since that time, and in the last year, ending at Easter 1829, amounted to 1,651, and the charge to the county was 537l. 14s. 6d. having more than doubled in number in the course of five years; the Petitioners calculate that the expense of conveying these 1,651 vagrants through all the counties on the road to Holyhead, amounted to upwards of 6,000£.; that the number of vagrants passed from the North of England to Jersey and Guernsey is subject to the like observations, and, though the expense is not at present equally burthensome, its rapid increase gives reason for serious apprehensions that it may become so; the number in the year ending Easter 1825 was only 10, and the expense 11l. 4s. whereas in 1829 the number had increased to 132, and the expense to 105l. 4s. being an increase of more than 13 times in number, and nearly 10 times in expense, in the short space of five years; that the whole charge upon the county of Northampton, for the year 1829, for the passage of these vagrants, was 642£. 18s. 6d. which has advanced, in the first three quarters of the present year, to 694l. 14s. a disbursement from which the inhabitants of the county derive no benefit whatever; that there are the best grounds for believing, that the abuses and impositions which were a chief cause of the repeal of the general English Vagrant Act, prevail at least to the same extent with respect to these cases, which were excepted from that repeal; the same persons are known to be passed frequently by the same road, more especially between the metropolis and Ireland; it is indeed become almost a trade by which men subsist; when landed in Ireland, instead of proceeding to their homes, they return by the first conveyance to England, and find their way again to London, where they well know that they will be subject to very little investigation in obtaining a fresh pass, thus procuring a comfortable subsistence in idleness for a large portion of their time at the public expense; and, with respect to the Jersey and Guernsey vagrants, the numbers alone are sufficient proof that great imposition is practised, either by the means above detailed, or by persons with the like views falsely swearing that they are connected with those islands, for it is impossible to believe that 132 persons born in those islands (besides others passed by other routes) can have fallen into distress, and become vagrants in the northern counties, in the space of one year; that the counties through which these vagrants are passed, though subject to the expense, have no check or control whatever over these proceedings, it being by law imperative upon the Magistrates in these counties to receive and forward all such persons as shall be brought to them by the proper authorities, while it is to be remembered, that the magistrates, who originally grant the passes, being only anxious to remove the burden of maintaining such persons from their own districts, have no interest whatever in protecting the intermediate counties from imposition; and the Petitioners beg further to represent, that the experience which has been had for some years; of the benefit arising from the repeal of the general power of passing vagrants in England, unaccompanied, as far as they know, by any material inconvenience, justifies the belief, that the like advantages would follow from the repeal of these excepted cases; that the practice of passing vagrants to Ireland in particular, holds out a great, direct, and most impolitic premium to the influx of the Irish peasantry, so much and so justly complained of, and though it may seem to afford present relief to the metropolis and other places similarly circumstanced, does in truth afford an invitation so powerful to migrate to England, as must in the end add to the burthen even in those places; the Petitioners therefore pray the House for a repeal of these excepted clauses, and that Irish and other vagrants may be put upon the same footing with those from distant parts of England, who now are left to the ordinary operation of the Laws of Settlement; in case, however, the present interest or accommodation of the metropolis should be thought to require a continuance of this power of transferring so large a population every year to Ireland, the Petitioners humbly represent, that the burthen of so doing ought not to be cast partially upon the counties that happen to lie in the road of conveyance; that the measure being designed for the relief of London and other large towns, the expense should be sustained by those places from whence they are removed; or, if it be considered an object of public policy, that it should be made a charge upon the public revenue.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

Returns ordered. Civil and Military Establishments.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, a Return of all Persons in the Civil and Military Establishments in Great Britain and Ireland who hold two or more Commissions, Offices, Pensions, Half or Retired Pay or Allowances of any kind from the Public; stating the Names, the Date of Appointment to such Office or Commission, and the Date of Grant of each such Pension, Half or Retired Pay or Allowance, and the amount received by each in the year 1829.

Offices in Reversion.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, a Return of all Offices, Pensions, Fees and Allowances of any kind held in Reversion; stating the amount for the last year, the Names of the Persons by whom such are at present enjoyed, and the Names of the Persons to whom such Reversion is granted; also, under what Patent, Grant or Authority the same was given, and the Date of such Grant.

Motion respecting Fermanagh Assizes, withdrawn.

A Motion was made, and the Question was proposed, That there be laid before this House, a Copy of the Memorial addressed by Mr. J. Maguire to his Grace the Duke of Northumberland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, on the subject of certain Prosecutions for Murder to be tried at the Assizes of the County of Fermanagh: And the said Motion was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.

Petitions complaining of Agricultural Distress.

A Petition of Inhabitants of Sherburn, in the west riding of the county of York;-of New Alresford Hants; -and, of Owners, Occupiers of land and Tradesmen of Wethersfield, in the county of Essex,-were presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are most anxious to press upon the attention of the House the declining and wretched condition of the people, more especially that portion of them whose subsistence is derived from the cultivation of the soil; and praying the House, as the legally constituted guardians of the public interest, to take their case into serious consideration, and in their wisdom to adopt such measures as may be calculated to remove or alleviate the pressure of their burdens, which are become almost insupportable.

And the said Petitions were ordered to lie upon the Table; and, except the first, to be printed.

Return respecting Civil Departments, ordered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, a Return of the Names and Offices of all Persons now employed in the respective Civil Departments of the United Kingdom whose Salary and Emoluments exceed £250 per annum; showing the Salary and Emoluments of each of those Offices in 1815 and 1829 respectively, the grounds on which the Salary or Emoluments of any Office shall have been increased since 1815, giving the Date of the increase, and stating whether it was made on the Superannuation of the Person holding the office previously; the grounds on which any Office shall have been created since 1815, and the countervailing Saving (if any) effected by it; the total amount of Salaries and Emoluments of all such Offices in 1815 and 1829; and, in the Return from each of the Revenue Departments, the net amount of Revenue collected by that Department, and the Rate per cent. at which the said Revenue has been collected in each of those years.

Address respecting South American States.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that He will be graciously pleased to give directions, that there be laid before this House, an Account of the items of the Expenditure, including charges for Conveyance out and home, as well as Outfit (if any) in the Diplomatic and Consular Establishments in the new States of America; showing also the time of Residence of the several Public Servants to whom Salaries have been paid since 1st January 1825.

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council.

Petitions against renewal of East India Charter.

A Petition of Proprietors of ironworks and collieries in the mineral district of the counties of Stafford and Worcester;-and, of Merchants, Ship-owners, Traders and others, Inhabitants of His Majesty's Colony of the Cape of Good Hope,-were presented, and read; praying, That on the expiration of its Charter, the exclusive commercial privileges now enjoyed by the East India Company by virtue thereof may not be renewed, but that the Petitioners may be relieved from the heavy burthen imposed on them by its monopoly; and that they may be permitted fairly to avail themselves of the advantages of profitably engaging in the Eastern Trade, or otherwise that the trade with China be put upon the same footing as that with any other place to the eastward of the Cape.

And the said Petitions were ordered to be referred to the Select Committee on East India Company's Affairs.

Petition for abolishing Slavery.

A Petition of Inhabitants of Hanley and Shelton, Staffordshire, was presented, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are deeply impressed with sorrow at witnessing the very slow progress that is made in the amelioration of the condition of the Slaves in the British Colonies; and praying, That the House will take their case into its earliest and most serious consideration, and that they will not permit any motives of mere expediency to turn them from imparting the justice required at their hands, by bringing about their freedom in the most wise, speedy and effectual manner.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table.

Sheriffs (Ireland) Bill, presented. No. 124.

Lord Francis Leveson Gower presented a Bill for the better Regulation of the Office of Sheriffs of Counties in Ireland: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time upon Monday the 29th day of this instant March.

Ordered, That the Bill be printed.

Ardglass Harbour Bill, presented. No. 125

Lord Francis Leveson Gower presented a Bill to enable the Commissioners of the Harbour of Ardglass, in the County of Down, to make Contracts for Works, and to borrow Money for the Improvement of the said Harbour: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time upon Thursday next.

Ordered, That the Bill be printed.

Account to be printed. No. 126

Ordered, That the Account relative to Lead and Lead Ore, which was presented to the House upon Wednesday last, be printed.

Address respecting Ecclesiastical Courts.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that He will be graciously pleased to give directions, that there be laid before this House, a Copy of the Commission issued for inquiring into the state of the Ecclesiastical Courts in England and Wales.

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty, by such Members of this House as are of His Majesty's most honourable Privy Council.

Report Supply.

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the Order of the day for receiving the Report from the Committee of the whole House, to whom it was referred to consider further of the Supply granted to His Majesty, be now read;

An Amendment was proposed to be made to the Question, by leaving out from the word "That" to the end of the Question, in order to add the words "it is the "opinion of this House, that, as certain regulations are in force by which Half-Pay Officers of the Navy, Army, Ordnance or Marines, are prevented from receiving the whole or part of their Half Pay during the period they may enjoy the emoluments of any Civil Office, it is expedient and just that the same Regulations shall extend to all Officers of the Army, Navy, Ordnance or Marines, in the receipt of Full Pay or of Profit from Naval or Military Allowances, or from emoluments from Naval or Military Appointments," instead thereof.

And the Question being proposed, That the words proposed to be left out, stand part of the Question;

The said proposed Amendment was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.

Then the main Question being put;

Ordered, That the Order of the day, for receiving the Report from the Committee of the whole House, to whom it was referred to consider further of the Supply granted to His Majesty, be now read; and the same being read;

Sir Alexander Grant accordingly reported from the said Committee the Resolutions which they had directed him to report to the House; and the same were read, and agreed to by the House; and are as followeth;

British Museum.

1. Resolved, That the sum of Sixteen thousand one hundred and forty-three pounds, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the estimated Expenditure of the British Museum, for the year ending at Christmas 1830, and that the said sum be issued and paid without any fee or other deduction whatsoever.

General Officers.

2. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and twenty-six thousand pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the Pay of General Officers in His Majesty's Forces, not being Colonels of Regiments, for the year 1830.

Garrisons.

3. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Thirty-six thousand six hundred and sixty-nine pounds seven shillings and eight-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of His Majesty's Garrisons, at home and abroad, for the year 1830.

Retired Allowances.

4. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and four thousand pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Full Pay for reduced, retired and unattached Officers of His Majesty's Forces, for the year 1830.

Half Pay.

5. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Seven hundred and twenty thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine pounds twelve shillings and ten-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Half Pay and Military Allowances to reduced and retired Officers of His Majesty's Land Forces, for the year 1830.

6. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Ninety-four thousand and nine hundred pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Half Pay and Reduced Allowances to Officers of disbanded Foreign Corps, of Pensions to wounded Foreign Officers, and of Allowances to the Widows and Children of deceased Foreign Officers, for the year 1830.

In-Pensioners of Chelsea and Kilmainham Hospitals.

7. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Forty-seven thousand six hundred and eighty-six pounds one shilling and one penny, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the In-Pensioners of Chelsea Hospital, and of the Royal Hospital near Kilmainham, for the year 1830.

Out-Pensioners of Chelsea Hospital.

8. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding One million two hundred and forty-one thousand six hundred and one pounds seventeen shillings and eight-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Out-Pensioners of Chelsea Hospital, for the year 1830.

Royal Military Asylum.

9. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Twenty thousand nine hundred and eighty-six pounds thirteen shillings and three-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the Royal Military Asylum, for the year 1830.

Pensions to Widows.

10. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and forty-five thousand two hundred and sixty-seven pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Pensions to be paid to the Widows of Officers of His Majesty's Land Forces, for the year 1830.

Compassionate List.

11. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and eighty-five thousand and thirty-six pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Allowances on the Compassionate List, of Allowances as of His Majesty's Royal Bounty and of Pensions to Officers for Wounds, for the year 1830.

Superannuations.

12. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Fifty-four thousand two hundred and four pounds eighteen shillings and one penny, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Allowances, Compensations and Emoluments, in the nature of Superannuation or Retired Allowances, to Persons formerly belonging to the several Public Departments in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the year 1830.

Exchequer Fees.

13. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Thirty-two thousand pounds, be granted to His Majesty for defraying the charge of Exchequer Fees in Great Britain, upon Issues to be made for Army Services in 1830.

Postponed Resolutions of Supply, agreed to.

Ordered, That the Order of the day, for taking into further consideration the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh of the Resolutions, which upon Friday last were reported from the Committee of the whole House, to whom it was referred to consider further of the Supply granted to His Majesty, be now read; and the same being read: -The House proceeded to take the said Resolutions into further consideration; and the Third, Fourth and Fifth Resolutions of the Committee were read again, and agreed to by the House; and are as followeth;

3. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and nine thousand three hundred and forty-seven pounds eleven shillings and four-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of General Staff Officers, and Officers of the Hospitals, serving with His Majesty's Forces in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and on Foreign Stations (excepting India), for the year 1830.

4. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding One hundred and six thousand five hundred and thirty pounds fifteen shillings and three-pence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the Allowances to the Principal Officers of the several Public Departments in Great Britain and Ireland, their Deputies, Clerks, and contingent Expenses, for the year 1830.

5. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Fourteen thousand four hundred and twenty pounds, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Medicines and Surgical Materials for His Majesty's Land Forces, and of certain Hospital Contingencies, for the year 1830.

The Sixth Resolution of the said Committee was read again; and is as followeth;

6. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That a sum, not exceeding Sixty thousand six hundred and twelve pounds eight shillings and one penny, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of Volunteer Corps in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for the year 1830.

An Amendment was proposed to be made thereunto, by leaving out the words "Sixty thousand six hundred and "twelve pounds eight shillings and one penny," and inserting the words "Thirty thousand three hundred and "six pounds four shillings and one halfpenny," instead thereof.

And the Question being put, That the words proposed to be left out, stand part of the Question;

So it was resolved in the Affirmative.

Then the main Question being put;

Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution.

The Seventh Resolution was read again, and agreed to by the House; and is as followeth;

7. Resolved, That a sum, not exceeding Seven thousand six hundred and fifty-six pounds nineteen shillings and sixpence, be granted to His Majesty, for defraying the charge of the Royal Military College, for the year 1830.

Committee on High Sheriffs Expenses, appointed.

Ordered, That a Select Committee be appointed to take into consideration the expense attending on the office of High Sheriff, with a view to regulate and reduce the same:-And a Committee was appointed of Mr. Fyshe Palmer, Sir Thomas Gooch, Sir William Rowley, Mr. Charles Dundas, Mr. Robert Palmer, Lord Francis Osborne, Lord Viscount Althorp, Sir Thomas Acland, Sir James Graham, Mr. Robert Gordon, Mr. Portman, Mr. Pendarves, Mr. George Bankes, Mr. Greene, Mr. Edward Clive, Mr. Monck, Marquis of Chandos, Sir Thomas Fremantle, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Williams Wynn, Mr. Frankland Lewis, Lord Viscount Clive: And they are to meet Tomorrow, in the Speaker's Chamber; and have Power to send for persons papers and records.

Ordered, That Five be the Quorum of the Committee.

Motion respecting State of the Poor, withdrawn.

A Motion was made, and the Question was proposed, That this House do resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider the state of the Poor of the United Kingdom;

And the House having continued to sit till after twelve of the clock on Wednesday morning;

Mercurii, 10 die Martii, 1830:

The said Motion was, with leave of the House, withdrawn.

Administration of Justice Bill, ordered.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill for the more effectual Administration of Justice in England, and in the Principality of Wales: And that Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Solicitor General and Mr. Secretary Peel do prepare, and bring it in.

Usury Laws Amendment Bill, ordered.

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Laws relating to Usury: And that Mr. Poulett Thomson and Lord Viscount Althorp do prepare, and bring it in.

Game Bill, committed.

A Bill to consolidate and amend the Laws in England relative to Game, and to authorize the Sale of Game, was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for Wednesday the 17th day of this instant March.

Marine Mutiny Bill, committed.

A Bill for the Regulation of His Majesty's Royal Marine Forces while on Shore, was, according to Order, read a second time; and committed to a Committee of the whole House, for this day.

Dramatic Writings Bill, reported and re-committed.

Mr. Croker reported from the Committee of the whole House, on the Bill to alter and extend the Provisions of 54 Geo. 3, c. 156, with respect to Dramatic Writings, the Amendments which they had made to the Bill; and the Report was brought up, and read.

And the House being informed that other Amendments are necessary to be made to the Bill:-The Bill was recommitted to a Committee of the whole House for this day.

Exchequer Bills (£.12,000,000) Bill, passed.

The ingrossed Bill for raising a certain Sum by Exchequer Bills, for the Service of the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty, was, according to Order, read the third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass: And that the title be, An Act for raising the Sum of Twelve Millions by Exchequer Bills, for the Service of the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty.

Ordered, That Sir Alexander Grant do carry the Bill to the Lords, and desire their concurrence.

Transfer of Aids Bill, passed.

The ingrossed Bill for appropriating certain Sums to the Service of the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty, was, according to Order, read the third time.

Resolved, That the Bill do pass.

Ordered, That Sir Alexander Grant do carry the Bill to the Lords, and desire their concurrence.

Committee on Mutiny Bill.

The House, according to Order, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, upon the Bill for punishing Mutiny and Desertion, and for the better Payment of the Army and their Quarters; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair; and Mr. Croker reported from the Committee, That they had gone through the Bill, and made several Amendments thereunto.

Ordered, That the Report be received this day.

Report from Committee on Standing Orders.

Mr. Spring Rice reported from the Select Committee, to whom shall be referred all Reports from Committees on Petitions for Private Bills, in which it shall be stated that any of the Standing Orders of this House have not been complied with; and that such Committee do report their opinion thereupon from time to the House; and to whom several Reports, stating that the Standing Orders have not been complied with, were referred; That they had made a further progress in the matters to them, referred and had come to a Resolution, which they had directed him to report to the House; and the same was read, and agreed to by the House; and is as followeth;

Resolved, That in the case of the Baal's Bridge Petition, the Parties be permitted to proceed with their Bill.

Baal's (Limerick) Bridge Bill, ordered:

The House was moved, That the Report which was this day made from the Select Committee on Standing Orders relative to Private Bills, might be read; and the same being read;

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill for the Improvement of the Shannon Navigation from the City of Limerick to Killaloe, by rebuilding the Bridge called Baal's Bridge, in the said City: And that Mr. Spring Rice and Mr. Maurice FitzGerald do prepare, and bring it in: And that leave be given to present the Bill on or before Friday next.

Pensions, &c. Duties Bill, presented.

Mr. Dawson presented a Bill for continuing to His Majesty, for one year, certain Duties on Personal Estates, Offices and Pensions in England, for the Service of the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time this day.

Estimates, presented: Civil Contingencies. No. 127.

Mr. Dawson presented to the House, by His Majesty's Command,-An Account of the Sum expended under the head of Civil Contingencies in the year 1829; and an Estimate of the amount required to defray the expense thereof in 1830.

Army Extraordinaries. No. 128.

An Account of the Extraordinary Expenses of the Army, incurred and paid from 25th December 1828, to 24th December 1829, both inclusive; and an Estimate of the amount required to be granted for the year 1830.

Commissariat. No. 129.

Estimate of the Sums required for the Supply of Bread, Meat and Forage, Coals, Candles and Straw, for the Troops in Great Britain and Ireland, and for Coals, Candles, &c. for the Troops at certain Stations; also, for the Pay of the Commissariat Department, for the year 1830.

Abstracts respecting Commissariat. No. 130.

Abstracts of the Accounts of the several Commissaries upon the Stations therein mentioned, for the year ended 25th December 1828.

Ordered, That the said Estimates and Abstracts do lie upon the Table; and be printed.

And then the House, having continued to sit till three of the clock on Wednesday morning, adjourned till this day.