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<&Q\Qn\& atta ^rsmgn.
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taenai fiartumttm*
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""" BELGIUM . rne violent and uDJustlfiable , if not illegal expal-. t . of pr Marx from the Belgian terntory . hss Srenri « e toserere strictures on the goYernment , f&h in the Chamber of Representatives and the Eypn council of Brussels . The Mosiieub Bklgb . 3 this day , attempts to explain _ s _ y the facts , bat S iy make 3 matters worse , inasmuch as it acknow-Wees that when that gentleman and his lady ( who * a tbe sister of th « governor of Pomerania ^ were Jl jtight before the procureur iu rot , that functionary declared that no offence had been committed of _ Tiicb be could take cognisance ; and , moreover , the
hat $ instruction , the next day ordered them to bs Sf at liberty immediately . Notwithstanding all rtja , th e government ordered both to be expelled in rtjjinost summary and arbitrary manner [ from the country , * ? al'bongh the Mosirans is totally silent on itftt r abject , the order was obeyed to the letter . Jpiie Mositsur acknowledges , too , that Madame Mars , who is a highly intellectual , accomplished voiing lady , was detained all night in the cemmon j ; that she was at first placed in the reom set Inart for all the disorderly female characters arrested luring the night , and that subsequently she was brong ttinto a room where she had for her comoanion during the night a woman who was ar-Ljted for an assault . I may add , from an authentic ejnrce , that . botbDr Marx and his wife were grossly United by the asenU of the authorities . They were coBTejed to the Belgian frontiers , and driven out of tie kingdom under the paltry pretence that their nssBorts were not regular .
Ghent . —Some disturbances took place on tne I 3 tn at Ghent . A crow ! attacked the convent of the T « iiit 3 ; tie police interfered , and obliged the populace to d ' isperse . But next morning the erowd apreared a ^ ain on the Grand Place , and a vertiou disa « ed to Vronebiennes , a . neighbouring locality , here the Jesuits have also a content . A strong detachment of cuirassiers has left Ghent in pursuit of ^ i ^ Lrnp —4 . numerous meeting has taken place « r * Wkto « ti at the Society de Guillau _ Tell , and -KSid to petition tfcfi Government for _ con . X « H ? redaction of the expenses of the Belgian ^*™ S , the army , and all the great corps dipl ^ m"Verrice . Some spoke in favour of Sms oS ^ - H last nesti ° __ £ _ S undecided . A . petition for securing the / Sfer Objects of tbe meeting was agreed to .
PRUSSIA . THE PEI 6 HTEHED KIXGS . __ o- rsUUHED L 1 BKSTY Or THE PM 53 BT THB EI 5 G —psoixST OP THE STATES G . HDSGABT 10 THE IHPEEOK OP AESTEIA . . Beeux . —The King has granted unlimited liberty of the press rhronghonfc his dominions . Instructions Jo the provisional governments were forwarded yesterday ; and the royal decree on this important subject wiU be made public so soon as it shall be kuowa that the instructions have reached their desfiaation .
AUSTRIA . Viessa , March 6 . —The arrival of the mail from Bongary * his morning has cawed great ^ excitement D _ uei _ coSfee-house was crowded to excess , and a gentleman was at once placed on one of the billiard tables for the purpose of reading aloud the Pbesbueg Gazette , which had jnst been received . Events in Hungary have taken a seriou 3 tnrn , bo much bo , that the Archduke Stephen has arrived here to ask for new instructions , suited to the extraerdinary and unexpected circumstances . An address has bsen forwarded by the States of Hungary to the Emperor , of so unusual a character that the sensation it has created cannot be matter of Eurprise . It demaads the strict maintenance of the ancient Hungarian Constitution , and the appointment of a separate ministry , tbe members of which Shall be responsible to the people of Hungary .
The nfws of tbe recent eTen ts in Paris , 6 ays a letter from _ resbui ^ , of the 2 nd , haTe canted the greatest excitement s « d consternation here . ' Austrian bant notes are everywhere refused . The savings banks as
To elucidate thiB last sentence it must be remembered that it has ever been tbe policy of Austria to s * nd Hungarian troops to Italy , and Italian troops te Hungary , to keep down the people . If , however , < me are to credit the last accounts from Lombardy , in many instances the Hungarians have shown a readiness to fraternise with the Italians . The following letter , dated the 3 rd instant , will suffice to show that the present movement in Hungary is one of a cost serious nature , and likely greatly to complicate the embarrassments of Austria ;—
FsseBusa , March 3 . —U > wpf etations have been fulfilled . We are now only one step from a revolution . The secret sittiag of the Chambers yesterday did not break ap till a late hour " at night . Ih tbe public sitting of to-day Ludwig Kossuth rose and proposed that a depntatiem should be sent forthwith to Tienaa , to the Sing , demanding the immediate establishment of a responsible Hungarian ministry , consisting exclusivel y of Hungarians , entirely distinct from Austrian government , as also the immediate absliuon of the onerons taxes , and a total rtform in the laws of the ^ country carried out under the auspices of the Diet .
This motion of the Opposition leader was unani . taously adopted . The seene in the chamber is described as being of a most extraordinary nature . Kossutb spoke tor an hour and a half without interruption , except from the boisterous applause of his hearers . He launched into a violent attack , not only against the Austrian government , bat against the Court in general . An address was immediately drawn up to be presented to the Emperor . This movement in Hungary is one of serious import at the present moment , and will in all probability be followed by a similar movement in Bohemia . The Ob'esvatkcb Belge contains a letter from Vienna , which state 3 that the King of Prussia arrived there on the 5 th . He came , says the letter , for tbe pnrpuse ef coming to some arrangement with Austria on the attitude which Germany should asstuns relative to France .
GERMA - TY . Bohemia . — We learn from Prague , under date of the Sifc instant , that some disturbances had occurred there , which molted in an address from the City Council to the Emperor , making the same demands as have lately been preferred to most of the German Sovereigns . Stctigaebt . —Manifestations of discontent had been made at Stuttsardt , on the 7 th of this month , in consequence of the nomination of a new Cabinet , IB which M . de Lendens was to bold the appointment of Minister of the Interior . Tranquillity bad , however been restored by a promise from the King that he would make some alteration in his intended arrangements . Hisse Cassil . —The people of Hesse Cassel still eoEtince dissatisfied , notwithstanding the concession of their demands by the Elector .
Saxost . —The King has proclaimed freedom of the pres 3 and the abolition of the censorship . TbiB fact was made known at Leipzig on the Sth , to the great joy of the public and the journals of that town . There is no doubt that when the chambers meet all the reforms demanded by the people will be granted . WiiMAK , —The liberty of the press has been proclaimed . Augsburg . —There had been disturbances at Aursburg . Tbe peasantry ( Bauem ) were in commotien in the districts araund Nurnberg on the 9 th . On that day a deputation , 300 strong , entered the town to represent their grievances to the local authorities . This class has , more than any other in Bavaria , suffered from the petty tyranny of the subordinate magistracy . Wirtehbekq . —Serious disturbances have broken OUt on the fron tiers of Baden and Wirtemberg .
Beeslau . —Tie municipal authorities have re-EaWed to forward a deputation to Berlin , in order to ehtain an audience of the King and viva voce ( mundlich ) to express the wishes of the people . The head burgomaster is appointed the head of the deputation . The garrison in liagdeburs baa been nearly doubled , and tbe inhabitants have the option either of haTing the additional soldiers billeted on them , or of paying s certain sum to be dispensed from such ' angel Visits . Addresses oontinue to pour in from all the towns . The rtfr&in of all of them is ' no alliance with Russia . '
Gaelsbcbk —© n the 10 th inst . tro bills were laid feefrae the Chambers at Carlsruhe , for the purpose of abolishing all feudal rights , and one for indemnifying the parties concerned . " The peasantry hats broken out in insurrection in the vicinity of Wertheim , and in various parU of Hesse Darmstadt . Troops have been marched from Manbeim to the disturbed districts . In Hanaa . affairs have taken a serious turn . thanks to the obstinacy of the Elector of Hesse-Oas « eJ . The inhabitants are in open insurrection . Oh the Bight of tbe 10 th iDst . the gatesof the town , which is celebrated for its numerous goldsmiths' sheps , were barricaded , after the troopB had either voluntarily withdrawn , or bad been expelled .
Hihsurg —This town is in a state of grestfermen tation . The Senate has voted freedom of the press but the concession comes too late , and formidable demonstrations are being made to compel much greater concessions . Meanwhile business is at a stand still , and confidence is superseded by gloom , anxiety , and dread . The movement continues in every state , great tnd null , in German y , and when tho lndividua demands of eacb , will bave been granted , they wi t ] Weed j qfco ene ' eommoa demand—a German rav-
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BAVARIA . The King has redeemed the word of Prinoe Chariea of Bavaria by the following proclamation : — BOIAIi TB 0 CI . 4 KATIOH . I bave determined to convoke the States of sij kingdom around me , ea the 16 th of the preBent month . The withes of my peeple always feund an echo in my
heart . Projects of law will be immediately brought under tho consideration of the assembly of the states : amongst others : — The constitutional responsibility of ministers . Entire liberty of the press . Electoral reform . Trial by jury . Provisions for decayed servants of the State . " Emancipation of the Jews . I shall also ordain the immediate draft of a new code Of laws - , that the army do immediately take tbe oatb of allegiance to tbe constitution ; and from tbismement censorship is abolished . Baxaria will recognise in these decrees the unchanged Opinions of tbe bouse of 'Wittelobach .
A great moment has arrived for the development ef States . Meat serious is tbe position of Germany . Hy whole life is a proof that my thoaghta and acts haTe been for the weal of ihe Qetm&n < saa « e . The great Bim of my ndeavonr shall be to strengthen the unity of Germany by salutary measures , to ensuro a due represen tation of the German nation at the Diet , and to tbat end to effect a speedy reTision of tbe present constitution of the Diet in proportion to the just expectations of Germany . Bavaria ' s king prides himself od being a Germee . Bavaria ! your confidence is honoured and will not be
Abused ! Rally round the throne . United to your sovereign , represented by your constitutional organs , let us consider what is best for the welfare of our conntry . Everything for my people . Everything for Germany . LsDwra . HiXiHiwAN , Crown Prinea . IiBiTf otB , Prince of Bavaria . Adalbbit , Prince of BaTttrift . Kabi , Prince of Bavaria , And eountersigned by Priuce Wallerstein , and all tho ministers . B
Munich , March Sth , 18 * 8 . MtjsicH .-rLouL Moktes . —This lady has again been playing one of her bold tricks . She caffle unexpectedly to Munich , on the evening of the 9 tn . The news spread like wildfire , and various were the stories afloat as to the time and manner of her arrival . The truth soon became known however , — Lola had been for a moment at Munich , dressed in man ' s ciotbef , bat had been arrested bj tho gensdarmerie by order of the king , and carried away from the town .
POLAND . Intelligence from Poland states , that the Russian forces are constantly receiving fresh accessions , and now amounted to 60 , 000 men . Prince Paskewitch is expected daily from St Petersburgb .
UNITED STATES . The news is of a satisfactory and important nature , inasmuch as it informs us that & treaty of peace with Mexico , which the Mexican Congress would ratify , had been received at Washington , and it was conjectured that it -would prove satisfactory to the American government .- It is reported that Santa Anna had given his adhesion to the treaty . The Honourable John Qainoy AdamB was seized with paralysis in the House of Representatives on Monday last , and carried out insensible—the House adjourning instantly—and on Wednesday evening , 23 rd ult ., he died in the 81 st year of hia age ; haviBg retained full possession of his faculties up to the moment of the last fatal attack . Mr Adams was born in 1787 .
MEXICO . General Lane reaehed Mexico from Orezabs , on the 10 th instant . It is said that both the state and capital of Oajaca , whither Santa Anna sought an asylum wben so hotly pursued by General Lane , bad refused any aid to the fugitive ex-President . Lua Vega had been pardoned by General Scott . The American Stab of the 11 th ult ., published ia the city of Mexico , contains the official announcement that the treaty of peace was ratified on the part of the Mexican Congress by receiving the signature of Signor Rossa , Minister of Foreign Affairaen the 10 th ult ., which date it bears . A meeting of the deputies and senators who were in toe city was held , bnt oDly twenty-four were present , and & majority of them in favour of peace and the treaty .
The Mexican papers confirm the articles of the treaty in the matter of the cession of all of New Mexico , Texas , and Upper California , on their part , and the payment of fifteen millions bonus and five millions for our citzens' claims against Mexico by the United States . Venezuela . —There bave been some terrible scenes enacted at Cairacas , The Venezuelan Congress met on the 24 th ult ., was overwhelmed by tbe populace , set on , it is said , by the President , and several ot tbe members massacred . It was expected that a revolution would immediately break ont throughout the Republic .
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Bbightok . — A general meeting of Chartists and Land members was held on Tuesday , March 7 th . Ittr Thomas Harvey in the chair . Mr John Fage moved , and Mr Mitehell seconded : — 'That the sum of three shillings be sent te the Executive Committee of the . National Charter Association as their monthly quota ; ' which was unanimously carried . The subject of joining the Fraternal Democrats of London having been introduced on a former occasion , Mr Simcock rose to renew the discussion of the same , which he did in an able and pithy address , and wa 3 followed by Messrs Flower , Giles , Page , and othere , who very ably proved to the meeting the necessity for the fraternisation of nations , and a perfect understanding of their relative position ? . Mr Page
having read that , announced that Messrs Harney , M'Grath , and Ernest Jones , had been appointed delegates to Paris to congratulate the sovereign people of France on their late glorious triumphs Tbe meeting seemed to be delighted at the step onr London friends had taken , aDd expressed their desire for an annual congress of natioug . The following persons then handed in their annual subscriptions , with a desire to join tho Lopdon Fraternal Democratic Association - . —George Giles , William Flower , George Sinscock , Henry Hother , Henry Bourne , Thomas Harvey , John Page , Thomas Purser , Jame 3 Williams , « nd Henry Mitchell , and no doHbt many others will join on our next meeting night . A vote of thanks having been given to the chairmanthe meeting dissolved .
, Kilbabchas . —The French Republic . -- A large public meeting was held on Wednesday evening , the 11 th inst ., in the Chartist Church , to congratulate tbe people of France on their eloriou 3 and triumphan 6 achievetBeflfc of the retention , and the establishment of a Republic . And to hail with feelings of delight , the recognition of the rights of labour by the provisional government . Mr Robert Caldwell in the chair . Tbe manifesto from M . de Lamartine to the French diplomatists was read , amid great applause . The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to : —Moved by John Wilkie , and seconded by A * . Houston , and supported by each with energetic , power / a } , and soul-stirring addresses : — 'That we , the inhabitants of Kilbarchan , in public meeting
assembled , most cordially congratulate the French people on the triumphaDt achievement of the revolution , rejoice with them in the overthrow of a despotic and tyrannical government—and hail with feelings of delight , sympathy , and ol hope , tbe advent of the emancipation of the human mipdi by the liberty of thought—emancipation of the individual soul by freedom of inquiry and belief—suppression of ill privileges—equality of the right ' s of man—the national family without primogeniture among its children—the sovereignty of each citizen guaranteed by the elective franchise — representation ene and universal—tbe people king—truth and justice reign-5 np—politics , on abstaining from conquest and founded on peace—religion of humanity—fraternity
of nations—coming of mankind to the age of reason power strong in justice—government raised to the dionity of virtue—auch ia the philosophy which must give sense and Soul to all institutions . " Moved by Robert Craig , and seconded by James Andrew , and supported by both , by well-digested , convincing , and argumentative reasoning : — ' That ifsach principles , as those embodied in the former resolution , were adopted by the governments , SBCh scenes of misery and destitution , as are suffered at the present time in our own country , by the useful toilinp millions , would entirely and for ever be unknown . We , therefore , bail with delight , the recognition by the provisional government of France , of the rights of labour , and an attempt on their part to organise it on the and
basis of eternal justice . ' Moved , by John Davie . seconded by William Speir - ' That a report of this meeting be sent for insertion , to tbe Nobthebh Stab , Edinburgh Expeess , Renpbewshiee Post and Reformer newspapers , and that a copy of the Nobiherk STAB be forwarded to one of the members oi the provisional government of France . * It was then proposed by James M'Kenney : — 'That tbismeeting Bhow its love of liberty , by gir ' mg three hearty cbeera for the Republic of France , and thB Charter of Britain . ' W hieh was responded to with heartfelt acclsmstions . When , after voting thanks to the chairman for his able and efficient services , the meeting dissolved , which was most enthusiastic , . and argues well for the future , „ . m at b
Cheltenham —At a meeting held Berry Tem . perance Hotel , Mr Perry in thechair . it was resolved that thO following persons be appointed as the Gene , ral Conncil for this locality , for conducting the bw ness ef the Chartist Association . —namely , Messrs Ford Stafford , Perry , Frames , Bragger ; Mr Gleniaster , sub-secretary ; Mr Sh « er , sub-treasurer ; and it was further decided tbat the members and friends of ' the Association should meet for deliberation , at Berry ' s Temperance Hotel , on Tuesday evening next ; at eight o ' clock . The reception give 3 to tbe Chartist deputation by the French proYuional government wm read to the Chartists assembled , and met with the most unequivocal applause , lhree Ep ! were given for the French Republic , and three Cheers for the Charter and tbe Land followed , and the meeting separated .
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MONDAY , MAaCHl 3 . ' HOUSE OF LORDS . —The Earl of LuoAH drew the sttentien of the house to tbe existing mofle of rating lessors in Ireland , which led to a brief csnveraation , in which the Earl of St Germans , lord Stanley , the Marquis of Laasdowne , and others , took a part . Tbe houBB adjourned at half-past seves . HOUSE OF COMMONS . —Expulsion o p Engikh W 0 BSK 0 M . E pboh FEiHCE . —Mr Staffobd asked tbo Secretory of State for tbe Home Department if he had received any further information with reference to the workmen who had been expelled from Prance ?
Sir Q . Gret had received information from the Mayoi of Portsmouth that tbe workpeople who bad arrived there were in a very destitute condition , and that a communication bad been transmitted to tbe autborjtiel at Rouen , with reference to the unpaid wages , clothing , end other property which they had left behind , in order that information might be transmitted through the Forelgn-offiea to Ph « b , with a . view of obtaining compensa . tion to tbe injured parties from the provisional government . A considerable number of workpeople were still expected to arrire at Portatnoath from Havre , and be might also state tbat he had a letter from tbo Lord Major of London , informing bim tbat a number of p « f-Bons in s destitute state bad arrived from France in tbe city of London . The Late Distubances . —Mr Gladstone wished to know whether it was true that the conl-whippera ef the Tfeamej had applied to tbe government to be enrolled as special constables .
Mr Laboucskbe bad great satisfaction iu stating tbat 2 , 509 ceal . wbippers bad unanimously volunteered their ssrrices to protect the pablic peace . Sir O . Gbet » aid tbe recent base attempts at disturbances , had elicited both in London and the large towns of England and Scotland the most resolute determinetion on the part of the great body of inhabitants to give their aid in suppressing them . Manchester offered 10 , 000 special constables , Glasgow 20 , 000 , and Liverpool was alto prepared , if necesiary , with a Bimilar force . IHCOHE Tax—Mr MacGbeoob Tesumed tbe adjourned debate upon the iucome tax , in doing which he defended himself from the attack made upon him on Friday evening bj Mr Disraeli , and intimated tbat bis objections to continuing the tax { or a firflheP period of thTGG years , rested on tno grounds—tbe inequality and unpopularity of the , tax , and tbe impossibility of its answering , un . der existing circumstances , the purpose of the Exchequer
Mr Alderman Sidne y intimated Bis intention ol Toting for Mr Hume ' s amendment , satisfied as be was that wero parfect economy objemd in the manage , mtnt of our finances , tbe iucome tax would not be necessary for a lenger period than one year . Tbe tax was unequal , and its inequality justly gave rise to opposition to it amougBt tbo middle classes of society . Mr Sanders , Mr Back , MrE . B . Bocbe , and Mr Mowatt supported Mr Hume ' s amendment , tbat tbe tax be renewed far one year instead of three . Mr Headline , MrKice , Mr Lennard , Lord Drumlanrig , Mr Henley , and Mr Hudson , 6 poke in faroHr of the original resolution .
Mr Jackson said he considered the question one of such vital importance to the well-being of the conntry , to its onward progress , peace , and tranquillity , a » to justify any member in expressing his opinions by volet as well as by vote . He was anxious to explain why , being an advocate of direct taxation , and a supporter of the present govrrnmeat , lie was prepared that night to give bis vote in favour of the amendment . First , as to tbe government . He had entered tbe bpuse anxious , as a Liberal , to give her Majesty ' s aeVriBers bis snpport ; bat so bad had been their financial policy , tbat he wa ' almost ashamed to be numbered one of their adherents . Tbey were not merely standing still , they were showing a disposition to retrogade . What was tbe budget thej had before them ? The government scarcely appeared tokaow whether to levy a direct tax or to revert to tb >
old system ofjhe country . They had failed in malcinp OUtanycaBofprimposiDgtbe tax in its present unequal form . They bad tailed in making sdj bold proper ) of their ewn . Like the preceding government , this administration appeared too aristocratic and exclusive in its character—it drew its opinions from a clique—it bad no share in the sympathies , as it did not meet tne wants , the wishes , and tbe dt sires of tbe people . Why did they shrink from proposing sn extension of tbe probate and legacy duty ! They imposed thousands of pounds of taxation on moveable property , whilst on landed property they did aot impose a farthing . ( Ob , ob . ) Who denied it t ( Cheers . ) They had brought the country to s financial crisis , and wby not come down , a Liberal and raiddle . cls . ss government as tbty professed themselves , and propose some such measure as tbat be referred to ?
There were , mereover , thousands of tbe public mosey locked up in tbe shape of crown lands and forest lands Why did they not raise funds to meet the exigency of the time from tbat source ? These different measures would bave supplied every deficiency , and would have shown the people tbat tho goTernuieut were desirous to tak < into consideration the requirements of the country The trade and commerce of tbe nation were in a state of paralysis—there was no doubt about it . ( Ironical cheers and a laugh . ) Oh ! ho laughed at the idea of members opposite , tbat these circumstances were attributable to free trade . If they bad bad an earthquake lau year , members opposite would probably have attributed it to free trade ; ( Cheers . ) But he returned to the government . He owned tbat he felt himself so sore ot their financial policy , tbat bo was entirely ashamed of them . They did notattempt—they were perfectly unablt —to justify tbe expenditure of the couBtry . They < Mr . not even promise to retrench for the future . They held
out no hope that at any time they would do so . On the contrary , they absolutely asked for an segmentation . If they bad merely asked for the same expenditure as before he should not have complained . They bad , no doubt , been greatly pressed out of doors ; they bad probably been driven to do many th ' mgs which were unnecessary . He made every allowance for them on that account . But was not a great part ef the present excessive expenditure « ning to tbeir negligence and supiaeness f Lt : t them look at tbe expenditure of the Caffre war ; What other ministers would - hava come down to that bouse vtith euch an item charged in tbe budget , like sn item for whitewashing tbe Treasury t ( A laugh , } So greaty was he disgusted with tbelr want of boldness , tbat be cared little what became of them . Having no invention of tbeir oirn , wby did they not go Jo the member for Tamworth for a plan ; or follow the example of tht Dutch i n 1624 , and send out an advertisement offering a reward for a new tax which should net press upon the country ? ( Cheers . )
Mr Cobdeh observed that , although there wtis no ene in tbe house to whom tho temptation might be greater than to himself to Bpeak on the tut yet of free trade , be would refrain on that occasion from deviating into a dis cuBslon irrelevant to the question before tbe bouse , and he would tell them , once for all , tbat however frequent ]) gentlemen opposite might repeat their ' purpose less railings' against free trade , be would not enter into the merits' Of that 8 J » tem until their pwposees railings were put into a tangible form by having them embodiid in come measure for the re-establishment of the oppo site system . He wooid warn them , tbat , for the sake of trads , and of the people of tbis country , it would be necessary for them to extend our commercial transactions , by inviting into this country the products of foreign countries , which could only be done by still further reductions ef indirect taxation . Tea , SBid tbe Son , member , you will find it necessary , ia order to encouraeefree trade , to make up your mind *
ta a constant diminution of the burdens of thr country , of which it [ is justly said tbat there h no other nation in which bo much is paid in indirect taxation upon articles of geBeral and universal con e amp tion . Wby , we are now talking of five millions and a half of income tax , whilst tbe customs duties amount to no less then twenty millions an-d upwardh annually . I hare taken an opportunity of raakinjf an estimate of what the working classes pay in indirect taX 9 tiOD . We aro talking now of 7 d . in tbe pound in come tax ; let us see what is the amount of the poor man ' s income tax . ( Hear , hear . ) For every 20 s , which the working man pays for tea , he pays 10 s . duly . ( H < ar , hear , ) For every 20 s . spent in sugar , he pays 6 s . duty . For every 20 s . spent in coffte , 8 s . doty , J ? or 20 s . worth of soap , 5 s . duty , Fur every 208 , worth of beer , 4 s . dnty . For 20 s . worth-of tebacco , 10 s . duty . For 20 s worth of spirits , 14 s . duty , ( Hear , hear . ) Kow when it is borne In mind that the working classes take
by far the larger proportion of these articles as article of necessity and comfort , it will be apparent that thesi taxes upon them are enormous . We are talking of 7 d . in the pound ; bat they pay on somu of the articles they consume 14 s . or 16 s . ia the pound . When a man of thousands a yew spends his income , a great proportion of it foes in furaitHre , " carriage ? , horses , pictnrep , ami other articles , on whiea little or no duties are payabl e but when trade is bad In Lancashire and Yorkshire , then it is tbat the Chancellor of tbe Exchequer comes down here with complaints that his custems duties ar falling off , by reason of the Bon . consnmption of thespoor men ' i luxuries , ( Cheers . ) Then , I ssy both on the icoro of trade to find employment for your p . oplt and on the score of justice towards the people , yon mac ' make up your minds either largely to diminish your expendiiare , or to persist In a sjstera of dlreot taxation , to counterbalance the repeal of the indirect duties . 1 want , thereforeto make the income tux a jnst tax , «¦
, order to make it a permanent tax . ( Hear , hear . ) To enable them to do tbis , it would be essential that they should sot CHdauger direct taxation . It was became he wished to maintain and perpetuate direct taxation tbat be supported the amendment . He wished to makt thtf income tax a jast tar , tbat ha might make it a permanent tax . The only question before tbem was , could they make the Income tax a just tax ! TO snonr tbat icould be made eo , the honourable gentleman adverted to some of tho grosser and more obvious inequalities in . volved in the tar , as at present constituted , It being unjust , bad the government manifested any disposition to remedy its Injustiee ! None whatever . Let tbem now appoint a committee to inquire into the whole subject , and it would not be long ere a plan was de vised whereby tbe income tax would be adjusted upon a satisfactory basis . He deBied that the success ef the amendment would , in tba slighest degree , endanger the public credit . Tbere would be no defalcation in the revenue
bttween tbis and February . Parliament would tnen reassemble , and continue , even in ita present abape , the income tax still loaeer If necessary . In hifl judgment , i t would not be necessary to do so , as long before that time the government would nave contrived a mode of
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making the tax more acceptable to all classes . There would be no defalcation eo far as the manufacturing classes could prevent it . They would wear tbeir laBtJcoatu before the public creditor Bbould suffer . But it waa now nfRh time to apply tne pruning knife to the expenditure , Referring to France , Mr Cobden said , something has been said by almost every speaker who dosii es to main , tain this tax in its present objectionablo form , about ? be events which bare recently occurred in » neighbouring country . I , however , draw a different conclusion from tboso events from tbat which lias hem drawn from them and reBted upon by hon , gentlemen who have re . ferred to them as an argument against this motion , I see in those events reasons why the government ef this country should not depend upon a numerical majority of the house— ( hear , hear )—but why they should endeavour to ascertain tha real sentiments of the country . ( Cheers . ) Wo bad a division the other day on the motion of the hon . member for Cockermouth . There was a majority of 175 against him ; but look at the division
list and say if public opinion out of doors was not witb the minority . ( Hear , hear . ) So it will be to-night if the minority are with the motion of my bon . friend the member for Montroae . Bo not depend upon jour whippers-in ; and tmppose that , having obtained a majority , you have done all tbat is necoBsary . Take warning from what has happened elsewhere . You are spending large sums in fortification and armament bat the Hanger is net from without—It is from within . ( Hear , hear . ) You need not fear the people will resort to violence . We thall have no tumult here , as they hare had in a neighbouring country . There is no necessity for it . There is no cause for tumult in tbis country . Here we have those right 3 and privileges of meeting and discussion , the absence of which occasioned the revolution in Prance . The danger here ib from this house not acting In accordance with public opinion out of doors —( bear , hear)—and refusing to legislate on those principles of justice and fair dealin g to the community , which alone can secure the institutions ef this or any other country . ( Hear , hear . )
Lord J . Bussslx , observed that he had beard tbe most opposite ond the strangest reasons urged for the support of the faroondment , which embodied no principle , but which was a mere amendment for the purposes of embarrassment . But for Mr Hume ' s straightforward conduct , be- wouia characterise his amendment as a very uncandid centrivance . The noble lord then briefly ad . verted to tbe arguments used by several honourable gentlemen ngainst the proposition of tbe government , aftt-T which he observed that tbe question in itself was exceedingly simple . When the tax was first imposed , nnd when it was renewed , it was quite true tbat it wno only taken for temporary periods ; but no promise was ever given tbat its renewal would not be again demanded under any circumstances whatever ; and what were tbe circumstances which now rendered it necessary to ask
for its continuance ? They were , in bis opinion , such aB to indnce parliament to censent to the renewal of the tax for the period for which it had been granted on former aeeasiong . A 9 to the inequalities of tho tnx , whilst there were some which might fee revised , there were others , of a still more grievous character , to whlih tho attempt to adjust the tBX on any oiber basis would give rise . The circumstances of the times were such as pro . eluded all reduction . We ( said his lordship ) , proposod tbe estimates at a time when everything appeared tranquil , but even then I said that I little believed in the pswer of political prophecy . Looking to paBt times we shall find that neUber the masterly understanding of Mr Pitt , nor the accurate and ingenious mind of Jfr For , nor tbe philosophical observation of Mr Burke , enabled any one of those gentlemen to foresee what would be the
issue of tee extraordinary events which passed before their eyes from 1790 to 1792 . Such being the caso , 1 would not at any time attempt to prophesy what might be tne political events of any one year , and least of all at the present moment . ( Loud cries of ' Hear . ') Sis weeks ago thore were persons who said tbat France was so constituted , and her property was eo divided , that noroe time or other it would form itself into a republic . Other political observers said that upon the demise of the king some great change would take place in the monarchy , But no man living expected that thai monarchy Which teemed so firm should so soon vanish and disappear like mist , leaving not even a remnant behind . ( Hear , hear . ) In theBe eventalbope that we are able to see a confirmed peace , but no man can pretend to say what time may bring about , and I , for one , will cot consent to
reduce the estimates of tbe army and navy in the preBent state of affitira . ( Cheers , ) I say again , in order that I may not be misrepresented , as I think that I have already bten , that I make that declaration with every possible wish to see tbe peace ef Europe and of the world preserved , and that I see nothing immediately before us calculated to endanger tbat peace . But I think it is tbo Bart of wise and prudent men while everything is in uncertainty not to effect security , and -while there is darkness around us not to pretend that we are walking in the broad dny . ( Cheers . ) For these reasons , therefore , I can neither agree to the proposition of the noble lord to take the income tax for one year only in order to have a permanent tax upon corn and raw cotton , ner to that of the hon . member for Montrose , tbat we may prepare the way for a great reduction in our naval and military forces .
Allnsinn had been made to the colonies in the former ttsges of tbe debate . As to them , he hoped honourable erntlemen would not baatily make up tbeir minds . He had always regarded the colonies as part of the strength of tbe empire . If that were so , be wonld not willingly , trom any notions of economy and retrenchment , consent to rojuc » that strength . If it was tbo wish of England to descend in tbe scale of nations , she could abridge ner colonial dependencies , bui he would not be tbe instruments of her degradation . ( tie « rs . ) As to the revision of taxation , thcro wero undoubtedly faults in our fiscal system , which he would be happy to co-operate In removing ; but he could not undertake in any set time , far less ia the course of the year , to do anything very material in the way of reduction . Lord John , in eonclu . sion , thus adverted to bis great home . 'difficulty *
Ireland , We bave lately had another evil to contend against in tbe same part of tbe kingdom , against tbe practice of assassination , against tbose murderous conspiracies which were raging through the country , overbearing all law and ordtr . That evil hBs beta met partly by a law of a mild character , and partly by the vigorous administration Of tbe Lord-Lieutenant . ( Loud cheers . ) I believe that under that administration judges and juries bave admirably performed tbeir duty , and that there haB been no failure either in obtaining evidence against or the conviction of the miscreants who have been guilty uf thoae horrible acts , So far the government have been sueeessfal in meeting tbat great eril , One honourable trentltman has said to-night , and bat almost given it us his reason for voting for the proposition of the honourable member for Montrose , that the Lord-Lieutenant of
Ireland was gagg ing the psople , and not allowing to them the free expression of opinion . ( Loud laughter . ) I should bave thought that if any one had looked at the Irish newspapers iately , be must have Been tbat so far from gagging the people , so far from preventing tbs free i-xpmsioa of tbe public voice , tbat Itelieve treason was never , so openly professed , or with such audacity , as at the present moment . ( Loud cries of' Hear , hear . ' ) But , sir if it Bball p lease this house net to agree with the honourable member for Montrose tc . night ; if power is to remain in our bands ; if my right hon . friend the secretary for the Home Department and tbe Lord-Lieutenant are st ill to' wield the powers of tbe law iu Ireland ; I trim tbat we shall be able to meet these expressions ef sedition —( loud cheers)—this determination to join any
enemy , whoovor be may bo , that may be opposed to the sovereign of this country , ( Continued cheers , ) I trust that we shall be able to put dowa this conspiracy , and to maintain for the welfare of ths peoplo of Ireland that supremacy of law and order , without which tbejr cannot hope to improve in industry , in civilisation , in morals , or in religion . ( Loud cheers , ) Such at IeaBt will bo onr attempt . Wo are not instnsible to the ciffioultiea of the situation in which we stand , nor unaware of the perils which may surround us on every side ; bnt if we Mave the confidence of tbis house we may hope to meet sn dtosurmounttheni . ( Cheers , ) If not honoured with that confidence we can only hope that the administra' i » n of nffairs may be placed in ether bands , better calculated to carry on those affairs for tho welfare and prosperity of her Majesty and her people .
Mr Wjelet rose and attempted to address tha house , but the incessant cries of ' divide' prevented his obtaining a bearing . At last tho bon . member was understood to move that the chairman should leport progress . The Chancexxob of the Ezoueq 0 ee entreated the hnuee to give tbe bon , member a hearing , as great publie inconvenience might rtsult'if the division were postponed beyond tbat evening . Mr Wakcet resumed—He trusted that ail no member for a metropolitan borough had as yet spoken on the question tbo bouse would not refuse him its attention
for a few moments . The noble lord at tbe head of the . . ' oversment bad intimated to the house in dlstinot terms that if tho motion of the hon , member for Mont rosu were carried the government wonld resign . He ( Mr Wakley ) had always looked upon such intimations is most unconstitutional . ( Oh , ob , ) Tbe noble lord Hnbw very well tbst there wero many hon . members of hat home to whom it would not bo very convenient to meet their constituents at the present moment , and therefore he mado oure of tbeir rotes it hie threat should be believed . ( Sear , hear . ) If ho disagreed with the noble lord now . the noble lord must not blame
him , seeing that be bad been convinced by the noble lord ' s arguments in 1842 and 1845 . ( Hear , hear . ) The hon , member having quoted some passages from Hon -arrt , proceeded to say , tbat although he opposed the go . vfrnment on the question of the income tux , he did not Isapprove of their Irish policy , They certainly were not gaggipg the Irish people . All he asked was , tbat the same license should be extended to the people of thi ' country . The noble lord had received immense cheering from the opposite side e ( the houSo ; but thenofelo lord ' s government would not stand long if be acted bo as to please the Tory , or as be ( Mr Wakley ) called it , tbe rt-allydestructive party . ( 'Oh , ' from the opposition . )
The noble lord might depend upon it they were , onlj laughing at him . ( Hear , hear . ) One of the ablest amongst them had called the government & weak govern racnt — a bad government—one which had committed the most extraordinary mistakes in monetary matters , and had , in erersthing elae , shown tbe greatest incapa city . But if tbat hon . gentleman were anxious to se > the government do their duty ho should g iro them » Bhort term , not three years , over which to idle away their time . The iacome tax had not new the recommendation it had in the right hon . baronet ' s timo ; it was no substitute for taxes removed , or burdens taken oS the people . Bat at present that houso was not
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taking a ri b'ht course with regard to the maSBSfl . An impression prevailed oat of doors that they wero indifferent to tbe sufferings of tbo wozh ' wg piople . ( Ob , oh . ) Did they tax themselves * in the same proportion as they taxed the working people ! ( Hoar , hear . ) Look at the tax on beer . Wh , v it was non . senae to talk of free traieina country where tbe far . mer was not allowed to manufacture his own malt under a duty of 8 s . in every 20 s . Ee believed that were it cot for the duty tne working man could get his beer for threehsl / peoco a quart . ( Hear , bear . ) The noble lord should help the working people , who bad helped him in former struggles . All he asked for them was justice , but that he bilieved they would not get until they were more fully represented in that bouse , ( Henr , ! aear , and cries of 'Question . ' ) He thought that this
Income tax should not be conceded for three years until itB objectionable provisions were modified . Tha treat , ment which a late member of that house , Mr Fulden , ot Oldfaam , hadreotivod from the income tax commiasioDerfl was well known , ( Hs firm wos assessed as for profits amounting to £ 12 , 000 per atmum , but theugb on oatb Mr Fielden hnd sworn that for three yearB they bad not realised any profit , the goods WOrO Bfiztd Stld BOlu ft ) r the dnty , and he bad never beau enabkd te obtain from the parties who had made the seizure any aceount of the sum the sale bad realised . If such bad been the treatment which a member of that house cxperienceo , what nmst be that shown towards men in humbler cirenmstances ? ( Loud cries of'Divide . ' ) Net a single member of the government bad assigned any reason wby tbe tax should be continued losger than one year ; and he contended that the government , observing the course of
events , ought to take the expenditure of the country into their consideration . The salaries of all the officers of Btnte ought to be reduced , and be invited tbe noble lord nt tho bead of the government to take as an example a neighbouring nation—one of the first countries 1 b Europe—which wan about to send an ambassador here with a stipend of £ 400 per annum . ( Renewed cries of ¦ Di vide , ' and conBiderublo interruption . ) He ( Mr \ faklc ;) had n © doubt that he was interrupted by some of the jurenile branches of the aristoeracy , who were only just out of their leading strings , and yet by somo strange means had obtained soats , and bad the power of making asinine noises in tbat bouie . ( Laughter , and oriosof'Oh ! ' ) He would not trtspasa further , a « he should have many future opportunities of speaking somo truths ngtviuBt a tax which waa most unequal and unjust in its operation , and which tbe people were resolved should not be sustained .
Mr Mdntz said he had listenod with great -attention to the speech of Lord J . Ru 8 ( il in tbe hopes tbat be would give him aomo excuse for voting with tbe government on the present occasion ; but he was hound to say that tho noble lord bad not furnished biisn with tbe slightest reason tbat it wos nbsolutely necessary tbat it should be imposed for the term of three years . The noble lord had said , if it waft not granted , be and the government would go out . As far as be ( Mr Muntz ) was concerned , they might go out ( a laugh )( with all reepect for the noble lord and tbe right bon . baronet tbe member for Tamvrorth , he thought tbere were other men besides thorn who could conduct tbe affairs of this country . It would bo a lamentable thing to think otherwise .
Col . Sibthoep , amidst lond cries of 'divide , ' expressed Mb determination to Bupport the motion of the hon . member for Montrose ( Mr Hume ) , and on a future ecca-Bipn in favour of the proposition intended to be made , that Ireland should take lier share in the burden ot tbe iacome tax . Mr Q . TireupaoN addressed tbe home amidst ( he loudest manifestations of impatience and cries for a division . The bon . member , on behalf of bit constituents , protested ngainst the continuance of tbe income tax , and still more against its continuance In its present unjust ond unequal form . It would increase the discostent and dissatisfaction which already existed out of doors . Ho should vote with the hon . member for Montrose , and be trusted that the division wouia show that a large body of the members of that bouse sympathised with the views and wishes of tbe peoplo . ( Loud cries of 'Divide . ' )
Mr C . Pkahsok arose amidst lond cries of divide . ' He represented a constituency of 4 , 800 persons , sod if tho bouse would listen to bim quietly for four minutes and eight-tenths he undertook to finish by tbat time , ( Hear , hear . ) The subject was nearly exhausted . They bad wandered from Dan to Beereheba , and bad exhausted all the topics . ( Laughter . ) He had presented a pgtitlon against the income tBx signed by a more numereuB and respectable assemblage than bad ever yet been collected at tho Horns tavern . ( Laughter . ) The peti . tioners expressed their opinion that the income tax was unnecessary , unjust , oppressive , and iniquitous , and on tliose grounds they had requested bim tooppese it , He would do so in every stage of its progress . He would only support the motion of tbe hon . member for Moetrose , because he considered that the infliction of the tax for one year was better than three . The committee then divided , wben tbe numbers
were—Fer tbe original motion ... 363 For tbe amendment ... „ . 1 S 8 Majerity 225 The House adjourned at a quarter to one o ' clock . TUESDAY , Mabch H . HOtJSE OP LORDS . —Tbe Audit of Railway Accounts Bill paseed through committee , and the Passengers Bill was read a second time . Lord Stanley intimating tbat an ; objeotions he bad to the details be should otfor when the bill wafl committed , HOUSE OF COMUGNS . —ilr J . S . Wobtlet , from the Harwich Election Committee , reported tbat John Attwoort , Esq ., had not been duly elected , and that bribery by bis agents had been proved at tbe said election , Anew writ was Bubsiquently moved , but after some discussion as to the unconstitutional practices which had prevailed at Harwich , the motion was withdrawn .
Window Breaking dubino ths late Riots . —Sir W . Clat wished to put a question to the Attorney-General . During the rioting which toek place last week some of thu persons present at thoee disturbances infitctei considerable injury on property in many partB of the metropolis . A great number of shop windows were broken , and thuse beiag mostly of plate glass a very large pecu . oiary damngo resulted . Ho wished to know whether tbe parties suffering this damage bad any claim for compensation ) on the country , cosnty , « r anjr other party , and if so , by what process . ( Hear . ) The AironnEi-QEHERAL : Ia consequence ^! the courtesy of my hon . frlond in giving me notice of his intention to put tbis question , I am enabled to answer it , and to say , from tbe examination I have made , what ia the Btate of the ltvw in tbe case . The house is aware that ,
previous to the comparatively recent act introduced by tho right hon . baronet the member for Tamworth ( Sir R . Peel ) , a remedy was given for damageB of tbis kind against the hundred under various statutes ; but by the 7 & 8 G . i . o . 27 , tho statute of Winton , the Riot Act , tbe Black Act , and the other statutes relating to remedii'S against thehundred were repealed , and other provisions were introduced by tbe act 7 & 8 Reo . IT , cap . 31 . The first section of this statute givea a remedy against the hundred where the bouse , shop , or other building 18 feloniously demolished , palled down , or destroyed wholly or in part : but to come within the definition of tbat section tbe offence must be complete , according to the act 7 and 8 Qeo . IV ., eap . 80 . which raakeu it a felony wantonly and ; with force to demolish or begin to demolish tbe buildings therein specified . But in the case which my son , friend puts there is no actual demolishing nor anything to satisfy
the words , 'begin to demolish . ' And where the injury is Only partial tbe hundred would not be liable unless the act was done under circumstances which would satisfy a jury that tho demolition would have been complote if tbe riottrs had . not been intertupted , Upon this subjeet there are many declsious . One OV two will illustrate the position , Iu a case where rioters broke the windows and shutters of a house to compel tfce proprietor to illuminate , that was held not to be within tb « act ; ' Reid v . Clark , 7 Term Reports , p . 49 . ' So also in another , where tho mob voluntarily retired after doing Bimilar mischief . Lord EUenborough directed tbe jury to find for the defendants : 'L , King v . Chambers ( 4 Campbell , 307 . ) ' In eacn case tho inteBtion of the rioters U a question for the jury , and in no case is tbo hundred liable unless tbe demolition is complete , or tho intention to demolish satisfactorily established . ( Hear . )
PobttoaIi , Pbubsia , Fbamce , ab » England . —Lord Palhebstom stated ( in reply to Mr Hume , ) that there was no objection to furnish a return ef tho expense , attendant upon our late interposition in Lisbon ; and ( in reply to Mr Hindley , ) that the Prusaian government had Informed her Majesty ' s government that it was determined to pursue tho same course of policy—namely , -not to interfere 5 n the internal affairs of France- ( hoar , hear ) and to abstain from saying or doing anjtluiig which might be construed into a desire to interfere . ( Cheers , ) Pdnisbment op Death . —Mr Ewaet rose to move for leave to bring in a bill for the total repeal ef tue punishment of death . The conviction of the inexpediency of that punishmint now had seized the public mind more strongly than ever , and the time had at length arrivi d When tho government and the legislature of the country were expected te abolish a practice which was revoltiBjr In itself , and whose consequences , ho contended , had
anything but a moral effect . Tho hon . gentleman re . firred to the scene which lately took place at on executloaat Clonmel , where tbe culprit was launched int «< eternity amidst the execrations of tho people , directed not against the crimicaJ , but ogaiast the executioner and the system . Surely such scenea as that were not likely to produce any moral effect upon tho public mind The hoa . gentleman then read several extracts from th < report of the committee appointed la ? t Bosslon ob the motion of Lord Brougham , showiDg that the chaplain ot Reading Raol , Mr Phillips , tha criminal lawjer , the judge t f the City Court , a stipendary magistrate in Liver , pool , Mr Justice Coleridge , Mr Justice Perrin , and Chief Baron Richards , of the Irish bench , and others whosi opinions were entitled to similar weight , were in favour of abolishing the punishment of death , and believed tbat public executions tended to degrade nnd demoralise rather than elevate the moral condition of the peopl . Hs also referred to the successful abolition ef the
punishment in Russia , in Tuscany , in the ducby of Baden , id Rome , and lastly he referred to th » act of « he present provisional government of Prance , in abolishing capital punishment for political effV-neee , and provisionally abolishing it for all other of ? nces . Ho hoped tne houBt nould consent to the introduction of the bill . MrLxNNABD having seconded tho motion * Sir a . Obey said ke should take the aame course he
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I paraued last year , of opposing the latroduotion of the J bill , bscauae they were as competent now to form aa opinion on tho subject as if the bill were introduced . Had the hon . gentleman proposed to limit the numbes of offsnOBB for which oapital punishment remained ha WOUld not Object to tbe Introduction of hU Mil , but on the hon . gentleman proposed the tataj abolition of tha punishment for all offences , no matter how great their UJBgnitudo , he ( Sir Q . Grey ) did not see that any objeot could be attained by bis sanction for the bill < o . be laffi oa tho table . He objected to the hon . gentleman ' s principle , He believed that tne punishment ot death for t&s greatest crimes—b e meant wilful and deliberate murder —was requisite fer the protection of society , and o £ human life . The bon . gentleman advocated th »
sacredness of human life ; but could he guarantee that if capital punishments ceased murders would net increases Because , otherwise , that sacredneBB weuld bo violates to a greater degree . The punishment of death wag now Wrtuallj limited to cases ef mnrder . In some cases sentence ef death was recorded witaeat any intention o ! carrying it into effect , and it might be advisable to mak » the law consistent with the practice in that respect . But tbat was not the question . The question now was , Bbould they abolish the punishment , of death in every case ? He thought they ooght not , and referred to the readiness with wbicb juries invariably convicted ia clearly proved icases of deliberate murder to show that there was no reluctance on the part of juries to zetaia . that punishment aB a protection to society . The inflo .
encs of a public execution upon those who witnessed it was not a criterion ; for , generally speaking , those who viewed as a pastimo the dying struggles of the malefactor could not be more affected by tbe sight than by . tbd knowledge that such a punishment attached to tbo ebm » mission of certain crimes . He found that the commit * menta for attempts to murder for tlio five years ending 1831 , which were tho five years preceding the abolition of capital punishment , were 450 ; in the five years following they were GG 8 ; in the next five years , 937 : aofl . in tho five subsequent years , 3889 ; while ior rape tbej had increased from 252 for tbe first period , to 597 for ths last period of five yoars , showing plainly tbat the aboli . tion ef capital punishment for these erimes bad caused their increase , With respect to the crime ef arson ia dwelling honses and en board shi p , the capital punishment bad been abolished in 1837 , and after that there had been a temporary diminution ia tbe Ecmber of tboss offences ;< 8 but in the five years ending in 1846 , tbo nran .
ber had Increased to 581 as compared with 212 , tho nunt « ber before abolition . In like manner with respect tu forgery , the number of committals for the five years ending 1831 bad been 312 for the five years ending 1833 , 359 . In 1837 capital punishment for this offence bad been abolished , and for the first four years ending 1641 , after abolition , the committals bad been 561 , and for th . 9 five-years ending 1846 , the number was 731 . With w . pard to burglary , capital punishment was abolished is 1837 , except in oases ot violence to the inmates , and tba number of committals for burglary , for tho five years ending 1836 ( that waB before abolition ) had been 1 , 069 ; while for tbo five yearB ending 1846 , tbe number bad ia . creased to 2 , 701 . As to murder , for which capital -pn « nishmeat had been retained , be was happy to say ihesa had not beeu a corresponding increase , for the returns , on the contrary , showed that tbe commitments for murder for the five years ending 1836 had been 655 , whSo for the five years ending 1846 they had been 611 . -
Mr B . Osbosnb thought great merit waa due to iho hon . member for Dumfries for tbe gveftt pains and flbU Jity he had devoted to the subject ; for though be ( Mr £ , Osborne ) was not prepared fully to ogree to the whole tiS tbe scheme proposed , still he thought it wonld be rigfci to admit the bill , and in a future stage to coutido whether tbe criminal law , in its execution , might not 1 ) 9 made more humane than it bow was . Above all things , he thought it most durable to got rid of the disguntmg exhibitions and public ext cations , which , bo far from deterring others from the commission of crime , onlff rendered the people who witnessed them more callous and hardened . If capital punishment could notboabo * lished , be tb ought it might be carried into execattea within the precinctsof the prison , before proper officers On the whole , he Bhould vote for tbe introductisn of thB
bill . Mr AldermaB Sidney thought the time had arrive ! when the matter might be fairl y tested . When Berving the office of sheriffof London ho had witnessed tbe pain * fal and demoralising cceneo which public executions lisfl presented , and it waB his firm conviction that they wbts productive of crime to a fearful extent . Tha goreraof of Newgate ( Mr Cope , ) had that day informed biia that , during the fifteen years be bad been goyercor , erery criminal executed during tbat time bad admitted to hira that they bad been presont as spectators at previous executions-. all , with one solitary exception . On all the grounds stated , be should vote for tbe motley , believing tbat if an experiment of abolition were mode , even for a limited period , mucb good wonld result .
Mr ItoHiLt ? remarked , that it was quite clear thattbs object of all partieB was the protection of human life . IS appeared to bim that the crime of wilful and deliberate murder stood on very different grounds from any other offence , and if death was not the punishment it muBtof necessity increase . Because an offender now commitiei a burglary , with violence to the inmates , he was liaWots a punishment equal to imprisonment for life with basfi labour , and if tbat punishment onlj was allotted to Enniw der , be would have the inducement te commit tba * crime aB tbe means of preventing his detection by lbs evidence of his victims . On these grounds he was ntd prepared to go witb tbe hon . member for Dumfries . Hs
conld not forbear a remark on the disgraceful irhibltiOUS which took place at executions . ( Hear , hear . ) It WflS desirable tbat executions should not take place in public —tbe knowledge that conviction wonld bo followed by death was Rufncient—the public exhibition Itself pro « duced a most demoralising effect . If , on sentence being pronounced tfce criminal were taken back to prisoa , nerer more to appear in public , tbat would have a much , better effect ; and if , iuBtead oi tolling a bell as at executions , at present , notice was given of what was golcg on tbat would be all that waa necessary . Sufficient so * curity might easily be provided for making publio tba fact that the criminal bad expiated bis guilt witb his life , ( Hear , hear . )
Lord Ncqent said , be had listened with great otten * tion to the speech of the right hon . the Home Secretary * and be thought be bad taken an imperfect view cf As statistical argument of the bon , mover . Prom the Po * tien Ian ol the Romans down to the code of &a& 9 Leopold , Bnd in more recent times , it bad been ahowa that crimes of violence bad increased or decreased pr ©« i . ottionally with the increase or decrease of Tioleut pufi » { shmenta . With one exception , in our oivn country the crimes for which tbe punishment of death bad besa abolished bad decreased . That exemption was crimisfil assaults on females ; and tbe fact of ita being an excep » tion arose from there being more prosecutions and convictions since the capital punishment was done away ; previously to that time the usual course being to ladiot
only for tbe common nssoult . The Bame remark alss applied to the crime of cuttiBg or wounding with intessS te kill . If there had been an increase in tbis crime , it was a proof that capital punishment did not deter from its commission . ( Hear , hear . ) It was desirable thai the Jaw , while stern in its justice , should be mild in its practice , inflicting aB little punishment od the offtn&ff as was . consistent with its object . At tho aame tiras those who administered the law ought strictly to adhere to it ; but , under tbe present system , bow often did tbo mercy of the judge interfere to arrest the bloody htvndioS the law ! A stronger proof could net be advanced than something was wrong in the law Itself , The horror tbet attached to the instrument bj which the last penalty tS the law Tias enforced—the hangman—araee from tha
fact that public humanity was outraged . ( Hear , jwfey draw the cap over the criminal ' s face if there was not something of which to be ashamed ! ( Hear , hear . ) Ths supporters of this motion eould not be accused of sympathy witb crime ; tbeir object was to prevent an undue sympathy witb the murderer . The moment a criminal appeared on the scaffold bis crime was bfilf forgotten . Their object was to remove all false sympathy , and mnko tbe law certain and severe . ( Hear . ) Recently ho had heard of a penny theatro being established in thircity of York , where the entertainment consisted ia hanging the effigy of a recent culprit , the real executioner officiating inpropria petiana . ( 'Hoar , ' and laughter . ) But the weightiest and most awfui consideration en ths question
waa this—that an irrevocable punishment was incompR . tible with tbe notion of a fallible tribunal , ( Hear , bearj Tbis was no fanciful speculation : it bad been proved tbat , for a long series of years , one innocent person had been hanged every three years . Sir F . Kelly , ia 1841 , had placed the average much hlghrr ; he bad showed that is fifty years forty-one persoBS bad been executed whose innocenne bad since been clearly e ^ abliahed . ( Hoar . ) Mr Baron Parke related an instance of five inuoctnt persons being saved by a mere accident . ( Hear , hear . ) Thecaseof Micnaol Howard , of Limerici ^ was one of tboso who had escaped aa unjust punish * ment by mere accident . A great cry of innocent blood rose up against tbe existing law . ( Hear , hear . )
Sir R . Inane said tbe right of man to inflict capttas punishment , might be deduced from his ministerial office in reference to the law of God . It was asserted that tbe Gbriatian dispensatioa had mitigated the Levl tfcal law , which said , * Whoso sheds man'f blood , by man shall his blood be shed . ' He denied tbat tbe law of tbe Old Testament bad been abrogated . There was no mention In the Word of God of then formation < £ society being the reason for tbe infliction of punishment He would be no party therefore to any law wbioh wonlfi ocprlve the law of God of tbe sanction of the legislator ^ or rather he would not be a party to any law which was Inconsistent with the Word of 6 e > 6 ,
Mr Hche said that crimes changed w » h changes of manners and characters . The hon . gentleman whoh » 4 jO 8 t spoken relied cbiefljr on tho Word of God , but be ( Mr Home ) denied that any text of Scripture couMbo quoted giving authority to one man to take away the life of another . ' I will have mercy and not Mcrlflcp , wtTO tbe words ef God himself . He also said , 'TnoaAatt not kill , ' a command which be believed hM tothetakiugoflifoasa pamsbrcent as well « £ <> «« crime of murder . He hud never seen an •»»**» * g once , and then twenty persons were hanged together , fe * Crimea which had been [«*«*•»»* m , H ^^ < tftttite hook as puBlsbable by death . ( Hear . ) H 0 M « Sed tS in « U countries where life was held oh ^ by The public authority it was held cheap by the pwpte . ( Henr ) Wherevrr executions were frequent , « Ctte 6 » assassination and murder became matters of oourw . Mr Wood was in favour of the retention of capita ? puniflhments in cases of murder .
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Untitled Article
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 18, 1848, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1462/page/7/
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