House of Lords Journal Volume 62: 29 March 1830

Die Lunæ, 29 Martii 1830.

DOMINI tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Maxwell & Co. v. Stevenson & Co.

The Answer of Thomas Stevenson and Company, Merchants in Leith, to the Petition and Appeal of Messieurs Maxwell and Company, Corn Factors in Leith, was this Day brought in.

Houston & Griffiths v. Hughes et al.

As was also, The Answer of Henry Alwright Hughes, Charles Dowding and Anna Maria Smith, to the Petition and Appeal of Elizabeth Houston and Charlotte Griffiths.

And also, The Answer of Thomas Lesingham to the Petition of Elizabeth Houston and Charlotte Griffiths.

Dillon v. Sir W. Parker.

Counsel (according to Order) were called in to be heard in the Cause wherein John Joseph Dillon Esquire is Appellant, and Sir William Parker Baronet is Respondent:

And the Appellant appearing on his own Behalf;

He was heard, in Part, to state and argue his Case.

The Appellant and the Counsel for the Respondent were directed to withdraw.

Ordered, That the further Hearing of the said Cause be put off to Friday next.

Denchfield et al. v. Strong.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause wherein John Denchfield, and others, are Appellants, and The Reverend Philip Strong Clerk is Respondent, which stands appointed for this Day, be put off to Friday next.

James & Spencer v. Price & Gott.

Ordered, That the Hearing of the Cause wherein Thomas James and James Spencer are Appellants, and James Price and William Augustus Gott are Respondents, which stands appointed for this Day, be put off to Friday next.

Public Offices & Accountants, Papers respecting, delivered.

The House being informed, "That Mr. Charles Crafer, from the Treasury, attended;"

He was called in; and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to the Directions of several Acts of Parliament,

"An Account of every Increase and Diminution which has taken place within the Year 1829 in the Number of Persons employed in all Public Offices or Departments, or in the Salaries, Emoluments, Allowances and Expences which may have taken place, or been paid, granted, received or incurred for and in respect to all Officers and Persons belonging to, or employed in or by, or in the Service of all Public Offices or Departments; specifying the Amount and Nature thereof, and distinguishing in such Account every Increase and Diminution in the Amount of all Allowances or Compensations granted or allowed as Retired Allowances or Superannuations to any Person or Persons having held any Office, Place or Employment in any such Public Office or Department, or having been employed in any Manner in any Public Services under any such Office or Department; and also specifying in every such Account the Grounds upon which every such Increase or Diminution in the Establishment of any such Public Office or Department, or of any such Salary, Emolument, Allowance, or Compensation or Superannuation as aforesaid, shall have been made, granted or allowed:"

And also, "Return of the Arrears and Balances due from Public Accountants on the 5th Day of January 1830, so far as relates to Accounts audited and prepared for Declaration by the Commissioners for auditing the Public Accounts."

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk;

Ordered, That the said Papers do lie on the Table.

Revenue of The-East India Co. Papers respecting, delivered, & referred to East India Com ee.

The House being informed, "That Mr. Plowden, from the India Board, attended;"

He was called in; and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to an Order of the 25th Day of this instant March,

"Extract of a Revenue Letter from the Bengal Government to the Court of Directors, dated 29th June 1826, respecting the Permission granted to Europeans to hold Lands on Lease for the Cultivation of Coffee:"

Also, "Minute of Mr. Trower, Member of the Board of Revenue at Calcutta, dated 25th March 1823:"

Also, "Resolution of Government of Bengal, passed 7th May 1824:"

Also, "Extract of Revenue Letter from the Court of Directors to the Government of Bengal, dated 10th September 1828, in reply to the Letter from Bengal of 29th June 1826:"

And also, "Extract Letter from the Court of Directors to the Government of Bengal, dated 8th July 1829, directing that Government to adhere to the Terms of their Resolution of 7th May 1824."

And then he withdrew.

And the Titles thereof being read by the Clerk;

Ordered, That the said Papers do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Papers be printed.

Ordered, That the said Papers be referred to the Select Committee appointed to enquire into the present State of the Affairs of The East India Company, and into the Trade between Great Britain, the East Indies and China.

Oak purchased for the Navy, Account of, delivered.

The House being informed, "That Mr Woolsey, from the Navy Office, attended;"

He was called in; and delivered at the Bar, pursuant to an Order of the 26th Day of February last,

"A Return of the Number of Loads of British Oak Timber purchased for the Use of His Majesty's Navy in each Year, since the Year 1809; specifying the Price and the Duration of each Contract for British Oak Timber which has been entered into by the Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy."

And then he withdrew.

And the Title thereof being read by the Clerk;

Ordered, That the said Return do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Return be printed.

Wheat & Flour, Papers respecting, Ordered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, "The Weekly Return of British Wheat from the Inspectors of Warrington, Preston, Lancaster and Wigan, as transmitted pursuant to the Act 9th Geo. 4th, C. 60, from July 5th 1828 to January 5th 1830:"

Also, "An Account of the Quantity of Foreign and Colonial Wheat remaining under Bond in Warehouse on 5th January 1828; of the Quantity entered for Home Consumption between the 5th January 1828 and the 5th January 1830; the Quantity re-exported in the same Period; and the Quantity remaining in Bond in Warehouse on 5th January 1830:"

And also, "The Quantity of Flour imported from the Isle of Man into the Port of Liverpool in the Year ending the 5th January 1829; and the same Return for the Year ending the 5th January 1830."

East India Co's Trade, Orders for certain Accounts respecting, discharged, & other Orders made.

It was moved, "That the Orders made on the 25th Day of this instant March, "That there be laid before this House, "A Statement of the Company's Establishment of Supra Cargoes, &c. at Canton, specifying the Rank of each, their respective Salaries, and all other Charges of the Establishment at Canton; likewise the Commission paid to each on the European or Chinese Sales of Goods, or both, from the Years 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies received from the several Presidencies and Settlements in India at the Factory at Canton; distinguishing the Presidencies, and specifying the particular Supplies under each Head and for each Year, from the Year 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies from the Factory at Canton to the several Presidencies and Settlements in India; distinguishing the Presidencies, and specifying the particular Supplies, under each Head and for each Year, from 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies received from the Island of St. Helena at the Factory at Canton, specifying the particular Supplies under each Head and for each Year, from the Year 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies from the Factory at Canton to the Island of St. Helena, specifying the particular Supplies under each Head and for each Year, from 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies from England to the Factory of Canton, in each Year, from the Year 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of the Cargoes (and of what consisting) consigned from the Factory at Canton to England; likewise the Amount of all Payments for which England is debited, in each Year, from the Year 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Court of Directors by the Supercargoes of Canton, in each Year, from the Year 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive, in Tales, converted into Sterling Money at the Rate of 6s. 8d. per Tale, contrasted with the Amount of the Payment of the said Bills actually made in Sterling Money:" Also, "An Account of Goods exported by the Court of Directors from England to Canton, in the Years 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive; specifying the Quantities of each, their Invoice Value, and a Statement of the Gain or Loss on the Sales of the Company's Exports, in each Year:" Also, "An Account of the Losses sustained by The East India Company in the China Trade in each Year, from the Year 1809-10 to the Year 1828-29, inclusive, by Perils of the Sea, Capture, Damage or Waste of Goods, short Deliveries, or other Causes:" Also, "An Account of all Sums paid for Freight, Demurrage, &c. on Ships employed by The East India Company in the China Trade, in each Year, from 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account of the Charges incurred by The East India Company on their Shipping at Canton, including the Measurement of Ships, &c. in each Year, from 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive:" Also, "An Account of Losses sustained by The East India Company from Perils of the Sea, Damage of Ships or Cargoes, from bad Debts, &c. in each Year, from 1809-10 to 1828-29:" And also, "An Account of the actual Cost of all the Company's Buildings in China, up to the latest Date; also, a Statement of the Sums annually expended in Repairs, Rent, Taxes, or otherwise, from the Year 1809-10 to 1828-29, inclusive," be now read."

The same were accordingly read by the Clerk.

Ordered, That the said Orders be discharged.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House,

"A Statement of the Company's Establishment of Supra Cargoes, &c. at Canton, specifying the Rank of each, their respective Salaries, and all other Charges of the Establishment at Canton; likewise the Commission paid to each on the European or Chinese Sales of Goods, or both, from the Years 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies received from the several Presidencies and Settlements in India at the Factory at Canton; distinguishing the Presidencies, and specifying the particular Supplies under each Head and for each Year, from the Year 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies from the Factory at Canton to the several Presidencies and Settlements in India; distinguishing the Presidencies, and specifying the particular Supplies under each Head and for each Year, from 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies received from the Island of St. Helena at the Factory at Canton, specifying the particular Supplies under each Head and for each Year, from the Year 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies from the Factory at Canton, to the Island of St. Helena, specifying the particular Supplies under each Head and for each Year, from 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Supplies from England to the Factory of Canton, in each Year, from the Year 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of the Cargoes (and of what consisting) consigned from the Factory at Canton to England, likewise the Amount of all Payments for which England is debited, in each Year, from the Year 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account shewing the Amount of all Bills of Exchange drawn upon the Court of Directors by the Supercargoes of Canton, in each Year, from the Year 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive, in Tales, converted into Sterling Money at the Rate of 6s. 8d. per Tale, contrasted with the Amount of the Payment of the said Bills actually made in Sterling Money:"

Also, "An Account of Goods exported by the Court of Directors from England to Canton, in the Years 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive; specifying the Quantities of each, their Invoice Value, and a Statement of the Gain or Loss on the Sales of the Company's Exports in each Year:"

Also, "An Account of the Losses sustained by The East India Company in the China Trade in each Year, from the Year 1822-23 to the Year 1828-29, inclusive, by Perils of the Sea, Capture, Damage or Waste of Goods, short Deliveries, or other Causes:"

Also, "An Account of all Sums paid for Freight, Demurrage, &c. on Ships employed by The East India Company in the China Trade, in each Year, from 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account of the Charges incurred by The East India Company on their Shipping at Canton, including the Measurement of Ships, &c., in each Year, from 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

Also, "An Account of Losses sustained by The East India Company from Perils of the Sea, Damage of Ships or Cargoes, from bad Debts, &c. in each Year, from 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive:"

And also, "An Account of the actual Cost of all the Company's Buildings in China, up to the latest Date; also, a Statement of the Sums annually expended in Repairs, Rent, Taxes, or otherwise, from the Year 1822-23 to 1828-29, inclusive."

Distress of the Country, Petitions respecting, & for Repeal of the Malt Duty: (Cromarty:)

Upon reading the Petition of the Freeholders, Heritors, Commissioners of Supply, Justices of the Peace and other Inhabitants of the County of Cromarty in North Britain, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships "to institute such Enquiry as may ascertain the real Cause of the present Distress, and apply such Remedies as may alleviate the Sufferings of the Country in its Agricultural and Commercial Interests, as to their Wisdom shall seem proper; and that their Lordships will repeal or even reduce the Duties on Malt and Beer."

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Freebridge Lynn:

Upon reading the Petition of the Owners and Occupiers of Land and other Inhabitants within the Hundred of Freebridge Lynn, in the County of Norfolk, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships to take the present depressed State of the Community generally, and of the Agriculturists in particular, into Consideration; and that the whole Duty on Malt may be repealed, and the Manufacture of it permitted to all without Restriction:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Mitford:

Upon reading the Petition of the Farmers and other Inhabitants of the Hundred of Mitford, in the County of Norfolk, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships, "That immediate Relief from the Distress under which they labour may be extended to them, by the Remission of a Portion of the present high Taxation; and that their Lordships will, in the present Session of Parliament, repeal all the Duties imposed upon the Article of Malt:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Tunstead & Happing.

Upon reading the Petition of the several Persons whose Names are thereunto subscribed, being Owners or Occupiers of Land and Inhabitants within the Hundreds of Tunstead and Happing, in the County of Norfolk; praying, That their Lordships will be pleased to take their State of Distress into Consideration, and to grant them such Relief as a Total Repeal of the Duties on Malt will afford them:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Poor Laws, Petitions from Wiltshire to extend, to Ireland.

Upon reading the Petition of the Proprietors and Occupiers of Land in the County of Wilts, whose Names are thereunto subscribed:

Also, Upon reading the Petition of the Proprietors and Occupiers of Land in the County of Wilts, whose Names are thereunto subscribed:

And also, Upon reading the Petition of the Proprietors and Occupiers of Land in the County of Wilts, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; severally praying, "That their Lordships will see the Expediency of extending to Ireland the same System of Poor Laws which exists in England, and thus place the Agriculturists of both Kingdoms on an equal Footing with respect to the Public Burthens, so as to enable them to compete fairly in the common Market:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petitions do lie on the Table.

E. of Strathmore v. Dundas et. al.

The House being informed, "That James Dundas, and others, Respondents to the Appeal of Thomas Bowes Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorn, had not put in their Answer to the said Appeal, though duly served with the Order of this House for that Purpose:

And thereupon an Affidavit of James Hamilton of the City of Edinburgh, Clerk to the Signet, of the due Service of the said Order being read:

Ordered, That the said Respondents do put in their Answer to the said Appeal peremptorily in a Week.

Hicks & Williams v. Morant, Respondent's Petition for Time for his Case, referred to Appeal Com ee.

Upon reading the Petition of John Morant Esquire, Respondent in a Cause depending in this House, to which Robert Hicks and Richard Williams are Appellants; praying, "That their Lordships will be pleased to grant to the Petitioner Ten Days further Time to lay his printed Case on the Table of this House:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Causes in which Prints of the Appellants and Respondents Cases, now depending in this House in Matters of Appeals and Writs of Error, have not been delivered, pursuant to the Standing Orders of this House.

Balmer v. Hogarths:

Upon reading the Petition and Appeal of Thomas Balmer, Tenant in Hilton, Berwickshire; complaining of an Interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary in Scotland, of the 24th Day of June 1829, in so far as it reduces the Conditions of Lease beyond the Declaration contained in the first Article thereof, that the Rent should be Five hundred and thirty-two Pounds annually instead of Thirty-two Shillings per Arable Acre, and also in so far as it assoilzies the Defenders from the Declaratory Conclusions of the Libel; and also of Two Interlocutors of the Lords of Session there, of the Second Division, dated respectively the 11th Day of March 1830; and praying, "That the same may be reversed, varied, altered or amended, in so far as complained of, or that the Appellant may have such Relief in the Premises, as to this House, in their Lordships great Wisdom, should seem meet; and that John Hogarth Esquire, James Hogarth and George Hogarth, Writer to the Signet, may be required to answer the said Appeal:"

It is Ordered, That the said John Hogarth, James Hogarth, and George Hogarth may have a Copy of the said Appeal, and do put in their Answer or respective Answers thereunto, in Writing, on or before Monday the 26th Day of April next; and Service of this Order upon the said Respondents, or upon any one of their known Agents in the Court of Session in Scotland, shall be deemed good Service.

Macqueen to enter into a Recog ce on it.

The House being moved, "That John Macqueen of Little George Street, Westminster, Gentleman, may be permitted to enter into a Recognizance for Thomas Balmer, on account of his Appeal depending in this House, he being in the Country:"

It is Ordered, That the said John Macqueen may enter into a Recognizance for the said Appellant, as desired.

Macdougall v. Purrier, Respondent's Petition to lodge his Case, referred to Appeal Com ee.

Upon reading the Petition of John Vincent Purrier, Respondent in a Cause depending in this House, to which Alexander Macdougall is Appellant; praying their Lordships, "That Leave may be granted him to lodge his printed Case with the proper Officer of their Lordships House, as if the Time limited for that Purpose had not expired:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Causes in which Prints of the Appellants and Respondents Cases, now depending in this House in Matters of Appeals and Writs of Error, have not been delivered, pursuant to the Standing Orders of this House.

Sir W. Campbell's et al. Petition to change Reference to the Judges.

Upon reading the Peition of Sir William Purves Hume Campbell of Marchmont, Baronet, and the Heirs of Entail of the Estate of Marchmont; praying, "That their Lordships will be pleased to order that their Petition for a Private Bill, presented to the House on the 19th Day of this instant March, may be referred to Lord Craigie, in the Place and Stead of Lord Balgray, the said Lord Balgray having stated that he will be necessarily absent from Edinburgh at the Time at which the Judges must meet upon the said Estate Bill:"

It is Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be, and is hereby referred to Lord Craigie in Scotland, and Lord Corehouse in Scotland, who are forthwith to summon all Parties before them who may be concerned in the Bill, and after hearing all the Parties, and perusing the Bill, are to report to the House the State of the Case, with their Opinion thereupon, under their Hands, and are to sign the said Bill.

Standing Order No. 210 amended.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into Consideration the Standing Order No.210, relative to referring certain Bills to a Select Committee, in order to its being amended; and for the Lords to be summoned;

The said Standing Order was read by the Clerk.

It was moved, "That the following Amendments be made to the said Standing Order:

"L. 5. After ("Harbour") insert ("Wharf, Stairs, or Landing Place,")

"L. 6. After ("District") insert ("or for therein erecting or improving any Market Place or Market House,")

The same were agreed to.

Ordered, That the said Standing Order, thus amended, be printed and published.

Brunswick Square, &c. (Brighton) Improvement Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for paving, lighting, watching, cleansing and otherwise improving Brunswick Square and Brunswick Terrace, and certain Streets and other Public Places upon certain Grounds late Part of a Farm called the Wick Farm, in the Parish of Hove, in the County of Sussex."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H.C. that the Lords have agreed to it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Wing field and Mr. Farrer;

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bill, without any Amendment.

Marriages Validating Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to render valid Marriages solemnized in certain Churches and Chapels."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H.C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers;

To carry down the said Bill, and desire their Concurrence thereto.

St. Katharine's Docks Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to amend and alter Two several Acts passed in the Sixth and Tenth Years of the Reign of His present Majesty, for making and constructing certain Wet Docks, Warehouses, and other Works in the Parish of Saint Botolph without Aldgate, and in the Parish or Precinct of Saint Katharine, near the Tower of London, in the County of Middlesex; and for enlarging and extending the Powers and Provisions of the said Acts."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Swansea Gas Light Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for better lighting with Gas the Town of Swansea, in the County of Glamorgan."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Ardwick Green & Wilmslow Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for more effectually repairing and improving the Road from Chorlton Row, near Manchester, in the County Palatine of Lancaster, to the Bridge at the Corn Mills at Wilmslow, in the County Palatine of Chester."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Sheffield & Wakefield Road Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for repairing the Road from Wakefield to Sheffield, in the County of York."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was resolved in the Affirmative.

Messages to H.C. that the Lords have agreed to the 4 preceding Bills.

And Messages were, severally, sent to the House of Commons, by the former Messengers;

To acquaint them, That the Lords have agreed to the said Bills, without any Amendment.

Accounts Ordered: Silk:

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, "An Account of the Quantities of Raw Silk and Waste or Floss Silk, and of Thrown Silk, on which Duty has been paid for Home Consumption, during the last Ten Years; specifying the Rates of Duty in each Year, and the Date of any Alteration which may have been made during the Period:"

Also, "An Account of the Quantities or Value (as the Case may be) of all Silk Manufactures on which Duty has been paid for Home Consumption, in each Year, from 1826 inclusive; distinguishing those from the East Indies and China from those imported from European Ports:"

Also, "An Account of the Quantities of Thrown Silk, and of Raw and Wash Silk, upon which the Duties have been paid in each of the Three last Years ending on the 5th of April respectively, up to the 5th of April 1830; distinguishing each Quarter:"

Goat, &c. Skins:

Also, "An Account of the Number of Goat Skins, and Kid and Lamb Skins, (distinguishing them,) on which Duty has been paid for Home Consumption during each of the last Ten Years; specifying, in regard to each Article, the Rate of Duty in each Year, and the Date of any Alteration which may have been made during the Period:"

Navigation:

Also, "A Comparative Statement of the Ships of all Nations which passed through the Sound to and from the Baltic during the Year 1829:"

Also, "An Account of the Number and Tonnage of British Ships which entered Inwards and cleared Outwards in the United Kingdom, in each of the Five Years ended 5th January 1826, and in each of the Five Years ended 5th January 1830; exhibiting the Averages of the Two Periods:"

Also, "A like Account of Foreign Ships:"

China Ware, &c.

And also, "An Account of the Quantities or Value (as the Case may be) of the following Articles on which Duty has been paid for Home Consumption during each of the last Ten Years; specifying, in regard to each Article, the Rate of Duty in each Year, and the Date of any Alteration which may have been made during the Period; viz ^t;

"China Ware.

"Earthen Ware.

"Cordage.

"Cotton Manufactures of India.

"Other Cotton Manufactures.

"Glass Manufactures.

"Iron in Bars.

"Lead and Lead Ore.

"Leather Gloves (distinguishing the different Sorts.)

"Paper.

"Paper Hangings.

"Toys.

"Turnery.

"Woollen Manufactures.

"Linen.

"Pewter Manufactures.

"Steel Manufactures.

"Watches and Clocks.

"Wire, Brass, Copper and Iron."

East Retford Witnesses Indemnity Bill presented.

The Marquis of Salisbury presented to the House a Bill, intituled, "An Act to indemnify Witnesses who may give Evidence, before the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, on a Bill to prevent Bribery and Corruption in the Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the Borough of East Retford."

The said Bill was read the First Time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be printed.

East Retford Election Bill, Witnesses to attend.

Ordered, That Thomas Bigsby, Stephen Hemsworth, Henry Saville Foljambe Esquire, Jonathan Marr, Charles Hodgson, Samuel Buxton, George Palfreyman, Richard Undy, Samuel Hindley, Thomas Appleby, William Baker, William Jackson, Richard Hannam, Henry Pickup, Jonathan Fox, Harriet Thornton, William Grant, Edward Cromwell Brown, Jonathan Banks, William Hodson, William Clarke, Thomas Warrick, William Leadbeater and William Newton, do attend this House on Monday the 26th of April next, in order to their being examined as Witnesses upon the Second Reading of the Bill, intituled, "An Act to prevent Bribery and Corruption in the Election of Burgesses to serve in Parliament for the Borough of East Retford."

Criminal Laws, Petition from Wellingborough for Revision of.

Upon reading the Petition of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Wellingborough, in the County of Northampton, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships "for such Revision and Amelioration of the Criminal Laws of the Realm as may best unite the Interests of Humanity with those of Justice:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

East India, &c. Trade, Petitions for opening, referred to East India Com ee:

(Cutlers of Hallamshire:)

Upon reading the Petition of The Master, Wardens, Searchers, Assistants and Commonalty of the Corporation of Cutlers in Hallamshire, (in which District is situate Sheffield,) in the County of York, under their Common Seal; praying, "That their Lordships will adopt such Measures as may lead to the Admission of British Subjects to free Settlement, under the Protection of British Laws, in such of the Eastern Countries as are subject to Our most gracious Sovereign, and generally to an equal Participation in Commerce between the British Empire and the Eastern World, on the Expiration of the Charter of The East India Company:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Select Committee appointed to enquire into the present State of the Affairs of The East India Company, and into the Trade between Great Britain, the East Indies and China.

Mayor, &c. of Gloucester:

Upon reading the Petition of The Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs and Common Council of the City of Gloucester, in Common Council assembled, under their Common Seal; praying their Lordships, "That at the earliest practicable Period the Trade to the Interior of India and to China may be thrown open, the Monopoly in Tea cease, the Right to proceed to and settle in India be materially enlarged, and the Power of Banishment without Trial and Conviction for some known Offence be put an End to; and further, that Enquiry may be instituted into the present Condition of the Countries now subject to the British Crown within the Limits of The East India Company's Charter, in order that such Measures may be adopted as shall most speedily develope the Native Resources of those Regions, and most effectually promote the permanent Welfare of their Inhabitants:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the lastmentioned Committee.

Chamber of Commerce, Dublin:

Upon reading the Petition of The Chamber of Commerce of Dublin, praying, "That their Lordships will consider the Subject of the Charter of The East India Company with a view to the speedy and effectual Removal of every injurious Restriction imposed thereby on the Trade between Great Britain and the East Indies and China:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the lastmentioned Committee.

Haslingden:

Upon reading the Petition of the Inhabitants of Haslingden, in the County of Lancaster, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships, "That the Advantages which will arise from an unrestricted Commercial Intercourse between this Country and the East Indies may be kept in view by their Lordships in coming to a Decision on the great National Question of The East India Company's Charter:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the lastmentioned Committee.

Pollokshaws:

Upon reading the Petition of the Magistrates, Councillors and Burgesses of the Burgh of Pollokshaws, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships, "That at the earliest Period allowed by Law such Measures may be adopted as shall secure to all His Majesty's Subjects in the United Kingdom a Free Trade to all the Countries situated to the Eastward of the Cape of Good Hope, and the Liberty of proceeding to and residing in those Countries, under such Regulations as to their Lordships may seem proper and consistent with the good Government, Tranquillity and Safety of the British Possessions in the East Indies:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the lastmentioned Committee.

Baker Incorporation, Perth.

Upon reading the Petition of The Baker Incorporation of Perth, praying their Lordships "to remove the Restrictions with which the Commerce of this Country with India is at present fettered, and to thrown open the Trade to China under such Regulations as to their Lordships may seem proper:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the lastmentioned Committee.

Labourers Wages, Petitions respecting: (Wellington:)

Upon reading the Petition of the Tradesmen, Shopkeepers and others, trading and dealing in the Town and Neighbourhood of Wellington, in the County of Salop, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships "to put a Stop to a System which has lately sprung up, commonly called "The Truck System," and which consists in compelling the Workmen to take a certain Quantity of Goods, furnished by the Masters, at exorbitant Prices, and deducting the Amount thereof out of the Men's Wages; thereby contriving to evade the Laws now in force respecting the Payment of Wages in such Cases:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Newport:

Upon reading the Petition of the Shopkeepers, Traders and Inhabitants of the Town and Neighbourhood of Newport, in the County of Salop, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships "to devise and enact such Laws as shall be effectual to prevent the Truck System being carried on, to the great Injury of the Public at large, and more particularly of the Shopkeepers and Traders, and the labouring Workmen and Poor:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Coalbrookdale:

Upon reading the Petition of the Retail Tradesmen and Shopkeepers residing in the Mining District of Coalbrookdale and its Vicinity, in the County of Shropshire, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying, "That their Lordships will be pleased to take into their serious Consideration the Laws now in existence for regulating the Payment of the Wages of Workmen, with a view to the Adoption of such Measures for preventing the further Evasion of such Laws, and the Extension of the Practice whereby Workmen are compelled to accept the Whole or a Part of their Wages in Goods supplied by their Employers, or to expend the same exclusively in Shops virtually kept by them, the Introduction whereof into this Country would prove absolutely ruinous to the Petitioners, as to their Lordships shall seem meet:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Mining District of Shropshire:

Upon reading the Petition of the Workmen employed in the Mining District of Shropshire, whose Names are thereunto subscribed, praying, "That their Lordships will take their Case into Consideration, and in their Wisdom adopt such Measures as will relieve those Districts, now suffering under the System of paying Wages in Truck, and which may avert from the Petitioners so grievous a Calamity:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Kingswinford.

Upon reading the Petition of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Kingswinford, in the County of Stafford, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying, "That their Lordships will adopt such Means to compel the due Payment of Wages in Money only, and otherwise relieve the existing Evils, in such Manner as may be thought most expedient:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Dorchester Road Bill.

The Earl of Shaftesbury reported from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repairing the Road from Wool Bridge to the Borough of Dorchester, in the County of Dorset," was committed; That they had considered the said Bill, and examined the Allegations thereof, which were found to be true; and that the Committee had gone through the Bill, and directed him to report the same to the House, without any Amendment."

Gainsburgh & East Retford Road Bill.

The Earl of Shaftesbury made the like Report from the Lords Committees, to whom the Bill, intituled, "An Act for more effectually repairing and improving the Road from the West End of Gainsburgh Bridge to East Retford and to Gringley-on-the-Hill, in the County of Nottingham," was committed.

Christian Natives, India, Petition from Calcutta for Revision of Laws affecting, referred to East India Com ee.

Upon reading the Petition of the Christian Inhabitants of Calcutta, and the Provinces comprised within the Presidency of Fort William, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships, "That to The East India Company the Petitioners Rights and Interests may no longer be committed, without Appeal; and that in any new Charter which the Legislature may grant, a Clause may be inserted, expressly prohibiting, in all its Parts, that System of Exclusion directed against the Petitioners, which has hitherto formed a distinguishing Feature in the Policy of the Company's Government: That the Petitioners may be delivered from that State of Neglect and Abandonment in which they have hitherto been allowed to remain, beyond the Pale of Civil Law, ignominiously driven from all Community of Rights and Privileges with any of the Denominations of the Society in which they reside; to admit them to the Fellowship of their Fathers; to rescue them from Subjection to Institutions the most degrading and despotic; and to treat them as Subjects of the British Crown, to which alone they recognize their Allegiance to be due, and to which they desire to bind themselves and their Posterity by the indissoluble Ties of Justice and of Gratitude:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Select Committee appointed to enquire into the present State of the Affairs of The East India Company, and into the Trade between Great Britain, the East Indies and China.

Muskett's Divorce Bill.

The Earl of Shaftesbury (according to Order) reported the Amendments made by the Committee of the Whole House to the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Joseph Salisbury Muskett Esquire with Mary Muskett his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes."

Which Amendments, being read Twice by the Clerk, were agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said Bill, with the Amendments, be ingrossed.

Com ee on the Coal Trade, R.B. Dean to attend.

Ordered, That Richard Betenson Dean Esquire do attend this House on Wednesday next, to be sworn, in order to his being examined as a Witness before the Select Committee appointed to take into Consideration the State of the Coal Trade in the United Kingdom, together with the Duties of all Descriptions and Charges affecting the same, as well in the Port of London as in the several other Ports of the United Kingdom.

Presbyterian Marriages, Petition of A. H. Rowan & General Cockburn respecting.

Upon reading the Petition of Archibald Hamilton Rowan of Killyleagh Castle, County of Down, and General George Cockburn of Shangannagh, County of Dublin, both Members of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland; praying "That their Lordships, whose liberal Feelings have been so recently manifested towards the Dissenting Body in England, by the Repeal of the Test Act, to enact some compulsory Clauses to define more accurately the Power of Ministers of the Presbyterian Persuasion in respect to the Solemnization and Registration of Marriages:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Hindoo Widows, Petition of Members of Dearden Gate Chapel, Haslingden, against the Practice of burning, &c.

Upon reading the Petition of the Members of the Church and Congregation assembling for Divine Worship in Dearden Gate Chapel, Haslingden, in the County of Lancaster, and other Inhabitants of that Town and Neighbourhood, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships, "That such Measures may be adopted as will effectually put a Stop to the burning of Widows, the Destruction of Infants by their Parents, and the Perpetration of Murder in every other Form throughout His Majesty's Asiatic Possessions;" and further praying their Lordships, "That, in such Measures as may be deemed advisable to regulate the future Intercourse of British Subjects with India and China, nothing may be done which shall in any Degree restrain the Efforts of Christian Enterprize in conveying the Knowledge of Christianity to the Natives of China, and that every possible Facility may be granted to its peaceable Spread in every Part of the British Dominions in India:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Distress of the Country, Petition of P. J. Mac Kenna respecting.

Upon reading the Petition of Patrick James Mac Kenna, praying their Lordships "to be examined before a Committee, in order that his Views of remedying the Penury and Distress which many Classes of his Fellow Subjects are now suffering may be fairly offered to the Consideration of this House:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Fish Bounties, Petition from Robinhoodsbay for Continuance of.

Upon reading the Petition of the Fishermen and Fish Curers of Robinhoodsbay, in the Parish of Fylingdales, near Whitby, in Yorkshire, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying, "That their Lordships will be pleased to take their Case into their most serious Consideration, and grant a Continuance of the Bounty upon the taking and curing of Fish, which is wholly to cease and determine on the 5th Day of April 1830:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Cultivation of Cotton & Tobacco in the East Indies, Correspondence respecting, Ordered.

Ordered, That there be laid before this House, "Copies of any Correspondence which has passed between the Committee of Privy Council for Trade, the Commissioners for the Affairs of India, and the Court of Directors of The East India Company, and of any Letters which have been addressed by the said Court of Directors, in the Public Department, to their Governments in India, since the 26th of July 1828, relative to the Cultivation of Cotton and Tobacco in the East Indies."

Distress of the Country, Petition from Birmingham respecting, & for Reform.

Upon reading the Petition of the Merchants, Manufacturers, Tradesmen, Mechanics, Artizans and other Inhabitants of the Town of Birmingham, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying, "That their Lordships will forthwith proceed to devise some Means of relieving the Distresses which, in the Opinion of the Petitioners, their Lordships own Measures have occasioned; that they will reduce the Taxes of the Government in the same Degree as they have raised the Value of the Money in which they are collected; and that they will proceed without Delay to adopt such Measures as will facilitate and effect a thorough Reform in the Representation of the People in the Commons House of Parliament;" and further praying, "That their Lordships will vote no further Supplies until some Steps are taken to redress the Grievances of the People, and to better their forlorn Condition; and, more especially, that their Lordships will promptly repeal all the Taxes and Duties upon Malt and Beer, thereby instantly relieving in some Degree the Distresses of the Working Classes, the due and just Reward of whose Industry it is more incumbent on the Legislature to preserve than any other Interest in the Community:"

It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table.

Corn Laws, Motion respecting, Negatived.

The Order of the Day being read for the Lords to be summoned;

It was moved to resolve, "That all Regulations, Prohibitions, and Duties which prevent the Admission of Corn, and encrease the Price of that first Necessary of Life, are impolitic and unjust;-a Regulation of the Trade in Corn for the pretended Benefit of the Public is a most impolitic Interference of Government in the Management of the most important of all Trades, which Government is wholly incompetent to direct, and which it never can attempt even to regulate without the greatest Detriment to the Public Interests -an absolute Prohibition subjects the Consumer to the most pernicious and the most odious of all Monopolies -a Duty levied upon Corn for the Purpose of raising a Revenue is the worst of all possible Taxes, being in Effect not less destructive than a Curse of Sterility inflicted on the Soil: That Great Britain, by the abundant Supply of Coals, by the Advantages of Machinery, by the Accumulation of Capital, and by superior Skill and Industry, possesses the rare and inestimable Advantage of being able to make the Labour of her People more efficient and more valuable than that of any Nation in the World; more efficient, because when that Labour is applied in directing the Powers of Steam and of Machinery, it produces more Goods than the same Quantity of Labour can produce elsewhere, and it is more valuable, because that Produce will exchange for the Produce of more Labour in any other Country; and in this Manner it highly contributes to the Encrease of Public Wealth and Individual Enjoyment: That it is therefore the true Policy of England to encourage the full Development of her most productive Industry, to avail herself of all her great natural and acquired Advantages, and not to preclude the Country from the fullest Enjoyment of these Benefits, by prohibiting, under heavy Duties, (unless when at a Famine Price,) the Admission of Corn from Foreign Countries, where Labour applied to more fertile Soils can supply that Article of first Necessity at a far cheaper Rate than British Labour when applied to the least fertile Soil under Cultivation in this Kingdom can produce: That since the Enactment of the Corn Laws in 1815, the whole of that long Period (a Period also of uninterrupted Peace) has been marked by an unusually low Rate of Profits in all Trades, by an inadequate Reward of Labour, by the frequent Recurrence of Distress in the Manufacturing Districts, and by the heavy Pressure of Poor Rates in the Agricultural Counties; a State of Things the most opposite to the encreasing Wealth and Comforts which so eminently distinguished the Ten prosperous Years succeeding the Peace of 1782, when Foreign Wheat was without any Interruption admitted at a nominal Duty of Sixpence the Quarter: That great and flourishing Manufactures, by the superior Reward of Labour which they are able to afford, tend more materially to improve the Condition of all the Labouring Classes, by the constant Demand for the encreasing Population of their own and of the Agricultural Districts; they provide also the best Market for every Description of Agricultural Produce; they furnish the most ample and the most profitable Employment for the new Accumulations of Capital; they afford the Means of promoting, to an indefinite Extent, the general Prosperity and Wealth of the Country, or if there be any Limit, that Limit is only determined by the Returns of Raw Produce which the great Market of the World is enabled to supply: That the Impediments which have been interposed by Law to the Admission of Foreign Corn have impaired and in some Degree destroyed the Advantages which Nature and Industry had bestowed upon us; they have checked the Demand for our Produce; they have greatly repressed the Rate of all Profits, because the Rate of Profits in every Country must be regulated by the Return of that Portion of the National Capital which is employed in the Cultivation of the least fertile Soil; they have prevented our Labourers from receiving their just Reward, by confining them nearly to the Home Market, when a cheaper Supply could be procured elsewhere; they have rendered unavailing the Advantage which must otherwise have infallibly attended the Improvements of Machinery and the superior Facilities of Manufacture; they have checked the Prosperity of the Country; impoverished all the productive Classes; and, by the most perverse Policy, compelled our natural Customers to become our Competitors, our Rivals, and almost our Enemies."

Which being objected to;

After Debate,

The Question was put thereupon?

It was resolved in the Negative.

Shakerley's Divorce Bill.

It was moved, "That the Order made on the 23d Day of this instant March, "That the Bill, intituled, "An Act to dissolve the Marriage of Charles Peter Shakerley Esquire, of the Parish of Egham, in the County of Surrey, with Laure Angelique Rosalbe Shakerley his now Wife, and to enable him to marry again; and for other Purposes therein mentioned;" be read a Second Time on Wednesday the 31st Day of this instant March; and that the Lords be summoned," be now read."

The same was accordingly read by the Clerk.

Ordered, That the said Order be discharged.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second Time on Friday next; and that the Lords be summoned.

Indemnity Bill.

Hodie 2^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act to indemnify such Persons in the United Kingdom as have omitted to qualify themselves for Offices and Employments, and for extending the Time limited for those Purposes respectively until the Twenty-fifth Day of March One thousand eight hundred and thirty-one; to permit such Persons in Great Britain as have omitted to make and file Affidavits of the Execution of Indentures of Clerks to Attornies and Solicitors to make and file the same on or before the First Day of Hilary Term One thousand eight hundred and thirty-one; and to allow Persons to make and file such Affidavits, although the Persons whom they served shall have neglected to take out their Annual Certificates."

Ordered, That the said Bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill To-morrow.

County Palatine of Durham Bill.

The House (according to Order) was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for extending certain Provisions of an Act of the Eighth Year of Queen Anne, for the better Security of Rents, and to prevent Frauds committed by Tenants regarding Executions, to certain Process in use within the County Palatine of Durham and Sadberge."

After some Time, the House was resumed:

And The Earl of Shaftesbury reported from the Committee, "That they had gone through the Bill, and made some Amendments thereto, which he was ready to report, when the House will please to receive the same."

Ordered, That the said Report be received To-morrow.

Contempt in Equity Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for altering and amending the Law regarding Commitments by Courts of Equity for Contempts, and the taking Bills pro Confesso;"

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Lunatics Property Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for consolidating and amending the Laws relating to Property belonging to Infants, Femes-Covert, Idiots, Lunatics and Persons of unsound Mind;"

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Property in Infants Bill.

The Order of the Day being read for the House to be put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for amending the Laws respecting Conveyances and Transfers of Estates and Funds vested in Trustees and Mortgagees, and for enabling Courts of Equity to give Effect to their Decrees and Orders in certain Cases;"

Ordered, That the House be put into a Committee upon the said Bill on Monday next.

Criminal Offenders, Statements respecting, Ordered.

Ordered, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, to request that His Majesty will be graciously pleased to order that there be laid before this House, "Summary Statements of the Number of Persons charged with Criminal Offences who were committed to the different Gaols in England and Wales, for Trial at the Assizes and Sessions held for the several Counties, Cities, Towns and Liberties therein, during the last Seven Years; distinguishing the Number in each Year, and shewing the Nature of the Crimes respectively of which they were convicted, acquitted, and with which those were charged against whom no Bills were found, and who were not prosecuted; also the Sentences of those convicted, and the Number executed who received Sentence of Death."

Ordered, That the said Address be presented to His Majesty by the Lords with White Staves.

Adjourn.

Dominus Cancellarius declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Martis, tricesimum diem instantis Martii, horâ decimâ Auroræ, Dominis sic decernentibus.