willingly listen to the suggestions of their attorneys in the country, who fear that the establishment of a registry will prove injurious to their business.

Sir Andrew Agnew having failed in his attempts to make the English pious by act of Parliament, has resolved to make the attempt on the Scotch, and has, after considerable opposition, obtained leave to bring in a bill to secure the better observance of the Sabbath in Scotland. It was read a first time on the 1st of July,

An animated debate took place on the 28th June, on a motion made by Colonel Torrens, to postpone the consideration of the Bank Charter till next session. Sir Henry Parnell, Mr. M. Attwood, and Mr. Richards, contended, that the provision for making bank notes a legal tender, would depreciate the currency, and they expressed themselves decidedly in favour of delay. Lord Althorp opposed the motion, on the ground that the House would not be in a better situation to consider the question next session than at present, and that bad consequences might arise from delay, after the promulgation of the Government plan. The motion was of course lost; for in the House of Commons opposition by the Ministry has hitherto been uniformly followed by defeat.

The great evils attending Political Unions has been a favourite topic of declamation; and in order to put them down, Mr. Finch, the representative of the Marquis of Exeter, for Stamford, moved a resolution, that such unions were illegal, and that Ministers would be fully justified in putting the law in force for their suppression. Lord Althorp denied that, as at present constituted, political unions were illegal; and the motion being treated with ridicule, was thrown out by a majority of seventy-one; there only having been ten Members who voted for it. It is gratifying to find that the abominable practice of military flogging is at length to be greatly restricted. On Mr. Buckingham rising to bring forward a motion on the subject, Mr. Ellice stated, that the subject had been under the consideration of Government, and that it had been resolved to restrict corporal punishment, as nearly as possible, to the cases included in the motion of Mr. Hume.

In the Committee on the Scotch Royal Burghs Bill, a very important and beneficial amendment was very nearly carried. Sir J. Hay moved, that the qualification should be reduced from L.10 to L.5. This reduction is absolutely necessary in the smaller burghs, otherwise the constituency will, in many instances, be more limited than at present; but the amendment being opposed by the Lord Advocate, it was lost, the numbers being 54 to 53. The bill was read a third time and passed, on the 8th July, along with two other bills relating to Scotch burghs.

The Ministry sustained a defeat on the 5th July, on the Factory Bill. On the motion, that the House resolve itself into a committee on this bill, Lord Althorp objected to the discussion of its provisions before the whole House, and moved that the bill be referred to a select committee. His Lordship said, that the bill, in its present

state would operate injuriously on our manufactures. He proposed it as an instruction to the committee, that children under fourteen should not be allowed to work more than eight hours, that provision should be made for the education of the children, and that a system of inspection should be established to ensure the execution of the measure. Lord Ashley vehemently opposed the motion, which he stated would not satisfy the country, but create positive and intolerable disgust. On the division, there appeared a majority of 23 against the motion; 141 voting for it, and 163 against it. This is the first time that Ministers have been defeated in the Commons during the present Parliament; and this assertion of independence has tended, in some slight degree, to raise the character of the House, which has hitherto distinguished itself by its servility. In the committee on the bill, the amendment, that children under fourteen should be allowed to work only eight hours, was carried by a large majority.

The imperfect accommodation furnished by the present House of Commons, has been a subject of complaint for nearly a century. There is convenient room only for about one-half of the Members. A com mittee was appointed, in the early part of the session, to consider the subject, and it was unanimous as to the necessity of build ing a new House. It was recommended that the new House should be built due east of the present, and that the present House might be used as a lobby, or appendage, which would be highly useful for the despatch of public business. The expense was estimated at L.35,090. Mr. Hume moved that this sum should be voted to his Majesty for the erection of a new House; but the motion being opposed, both by Whigs and Tories, by Lord Althorp, as well as by Sir Robert Peel, for what reason cannot be discovered from the debate, was thrown out on the division by 154 to 70.

Mr. Buckingham's motion for the reduction of the national debt, by converting it into an annuity fund, terminable in a hundred years, was of course rejected, as it was admitted that it would increase the annual burdens of the country for some years, by at least five millions. As far as we understand the plan, it would be nearly half a century before any benefit could be felt from Mr. Buckingham's plan; and however beneficial it might prove to posterity, no advantage would accrue from it to the present gener. ation. So much opposition has everywhere been raised up against the Scotch Bankruptey Bill, and its provisions have been found of so absurd and impracticable a nature, that the Lord Advocate has been forced to withdraw it. The Edinburgh Annuity Bill, not having given satisfaction to any of the parties interested, has also been withdrawn, as well as Mr. Kennedy's bills relative to Scotch entails.

In order to remove the apprehensions which have been entertained, that a scarcity of gold might arise in the country, from payment in gold only being obtainable in London for notes of five pounds and up. wards, Lord'Althorp proposed, in the committee on the Bank Charter, an amendment, that would enable persons presenting

a five pound note for payment at a country bank to get five sovereigns for it. It appeared, however, from his Lordship's answer to a remark from Sir Robert Peel, that it was not intended that a person who brought two five pound notes should receive ten sovereigns. Lord Althorp seemed much puzzled to explain how this ridiculous alteration could be brought to operate in practice, and how the bankers could be protected against a demand for more than one L.5 note from each person; but he relied on the Ministerial majority, and solved all difficulties by a vote. In the course of the discussion on the Bank Charter, many Members expressed their opinion, that a most improvident bargain had been made with the Bank. Sir Henry Parnell, in particular, stated, that instead of paying the Bank for managing the interest of the national debt, it should pay for the privilege it enjoys, and manage the debt for nothing.

The Irish Church Reform Bill met with considerable opposition on the third reading. An unsuccessful attempt was made by Mr. Shiel to repair the injury which had been sustained by the alteration on the 147 th clause, by inserting a clause, declar ing, that the revenues of the Church of Ireland are under the control of the Legislature, and applicable to such purposes as will be most beneficial to the interests of religion and of the community at large. Mr. O'Connell also unsuccessfully endeavoured to exempt the Bishop of Derry from the diminution of his income, as well as the other Irish Bishops; but as the former had accepted the bishopric, under the express understanding that its revenues should be subject to reduction, there was no ground for the plea set up in his favour. On the motion that the bill do pass, Colonel Evans, Mr. Hume, and Mr. O'Connell expressed their intention of voting against the bill on account of the alteration made on the 147th clause. On the division there appeared for the bill, 374, against it, 94-majority for Ministers, 180. In consequence of the defeat of Ministers in the House of Lords, on the Local Courts' Bill, the progress of the Imprisonment for Debt Bill has been retarded. The judges, under the Local Courts' Bill, were to have carried some of the provisions of the other bill into effect; but lt is expected that the duties proposed to have been performed by these judges, may be discharged by the commissioners of bankrupts. The East India Company's Charter Bill has made considerable progress in the committee. Several amendments were moved, but they were all negatived. Mr. Hume proposed, that instead of the charter enduring to 22d April, 1854, it should be limited to ten years; but his amendment was lost by a majority of 76 to 27.

The subject of the atrocities of the Emperor of Russia in Poland was brought forward by M. Cutlar Fergusson, in a speech which received the eulogies of all parties in the House. He detailed at considerable length, the heart-rending scenes which are continually taking place in that devoted country, and moved, that an hum. ble address be presented to his Majesty, praying his Majesty not to recognise the present political state and condition of Po

land, the same having been brought about in violation of the Treaty of Vienna, to which Great Britain was a party. Ministers, in opposing the motion, explained, that a difference of opinion existed as to the right which Russsia posse ssed to Poland. Great Britain and France maintain, that that right rest solely on the Treaty of ViIenna, while Russia, Prussia, and Austria contend, that whatever claims to a constitution or otherwise Poland might have had in virtue of that Treaty, were forfeited by the revolt of the Poles, and that Russia now holds Poland solely by the right of conquest. In such circumstances Ministers alleged, that if the address were carried, it must, in all probabllity, lead to a general war; and they strongly urged Mr. Fergusson to withdraw his motion, and trust to the effect of the unanimous expression of the moral feeling of the House against the atrocities of the Emperor. Mr. Fergusson, however, pressed his motion to a division, when it was lost by a majority of 177 to 95. motion by Mr. H. L. Bulwer, for production of papers concerning the Russian interference with Turkey, Lord Palmerston stated, that when the last advices left Turkey, the Russian army had made no decisive movement, but that he had no doubt that at the time he was speaking the Russians had evacuated Turkey. He farther stated, that our Government would resist any attempt on the part of Russia to dis member Turkey, and that the Sultan had applied to this country for assistance against the Egyptians, but his request had been refused.

On a

In consequence of the verdicts which were pronounced by the Coroner's Inquest on the body of Cully, and by the jury on the trial of Fursey for stabbing the policeman at Coldbathfields, Ministers have found it impossible to resist the demand for a Parliamentary investigation.

The precarious situation of Ministry is not without its effect on the House. There is now no attempt by any party to defend sinecures; and in spite of the opposition of Ministers, a motion of Mr. Ruthven's, to the effect," that in justice to the people who pay taxes, all sinecure places throughout the British Empire should be abolished," was carried. Mr. Sinclair's motion for the abolition of patronage was opposed by the Lord Advocate and Mr. Abercromby on the ground that the matter would be brought before the General Assembly, and a resolution recommending some alteration would probably be agreed to next year. There was no chance of carrying any bill through Parliament this session, and Mr. Sinclair having obtained his object by the discussion, he withdrew his motion, which could not at any rate be entertained, as it infringed upon the privileges of the Crown, and the consent of his Majesty had not been obtained.

HOUSE OF LORDS.-The Conservative Peers assembled in great force on the 17th June, for the purpose of throwing out, as was believed, the Local Courts' Bill; but they do not seem to have come to a proper understanding on the matter; for although the bill was vigorously opposed by Lord Lyndhurst, it was allowed to go into Com.

mittee without a division. Although there was a considerable degree of opposition in the Committee, no division against Ministers took place. The Tories reserved their strength for the third reading, when the bill was thrown out by a majority of 12 proxies, the Peers present at the debate being 81 on each side. Ministers held 41 proxies, their opponents 53. It is unnecessary to go into any examination of the grounds on which Lord Lyndhurst and the other Tory Lords founded their opposition, for it was all but admitted by them in the course of the proceedings on the bill, that they would throw it out, simply because it was a Cabinet measure. The defeat of the Ministry excited very little sensation. They have lost the confidence of the country, and nobody cares what becomes of them. It is lamentable, however, to see the business of the country interrupted, and the most beneficial measures rejected, solely by a struggle for power between two factions, both of which are hated and despised by the great majority of the nation. A Minis

try must be formed which will be agreeable to the people, and receive their support. The Tory Lords would not dare to reject the measures of such a Ministry, for the mere purpose of showing their superiority in numbers in the Upper House.

The resolutions for the abolition of Colonial Slavery, which some time ago passed the Commons, have also been agreed to by the Lords. The Duke of Wellington spoke against the resolutions at great length, and stated that he looked upon the measure as a whole with a greater want of confidence than any which had ever been brought before Parliament. Notwithstanding the badness of the measure, however, the only amendment the Duke had to propose was to strike out the words "on liberal and comprehensive principles," which had been added to the education clause, on the sug gestion of Mr Buxton, but the amendment was negatived without a division. Political Unions are the great terror of the Conservatives. They are well aware that it was by their means chiefly that the Reform Bill was carried, and they are aware that as long as they continue organised, it is in vain for a Tory Ministry to expect to remain for any length of time in power. Mr Littleton, the Irish Secretary, admitted in Parliament that in his opinion the tranquillity of the country, in May 1831, and October 1832, had been preserved by these Unions. The Tories are therefore most anxious they should be put down; but Earl Grey, in answer to a question from the Earl of Winchelsea, stated that it did not appear to him necessary to introduce any new law for their suppression.

The resolutions for the renewal of the East India Company's Charter were brought forward by Lord Lansdowne, in a speech of great length. Lord Ellenborough and the Duke of Wellington objected to several parts of the proposed measure, but the reso lutions were ultimately agreed to without a division.

The House of Lords lost no time in showing their hostility to the Irish Church Reform Bill. As soon as it was brought up from the Commons, the Duke of Bucking

ham, on the ground that it infringed on the King's prerogative, objected to the want of a direct message from his Majesty, main taining that it was not enough that Earl Grey, as one of his Majesty's responsible advisers, was prepared to give the royal assent. The same evening the old objection was started, that the King's assent to the measure would be restrained by the Coronation Oath. The Duke of Wellington, on a subsequent occasion, recurred to this objection, and stated that he could draw no distinction between the legislative and executive authority of the King, but thought an oath as binding in the one capacity as the other. He was compelled immediately afterwards, however, to admit, that he had recommended to the King to give his con. sent in his executive capacity to the Catho lic Relief Bill, so that his Grace seems to have been formerly well aware of the distinction he professes now to be unable to comprehend. The debate on the second reading of the bill occupied three days, and was carried by a majority of 59, 157 being for the second reading, and 98 against it.

Notwithstanding the defeat on the Local Courts' Bill, Lord Brougham has introduc. ed into the House bills for regulating the English Ecclesiastical Courts, the Insolvent Court, and the Chancery Regulation Bill has been proceeding in Committee. His Lordship has also introduced a bill for esta blishing in Chancery a Court of Appeal, to consist of the Lord Chancellor, the Chief Baron, the Master of the Rolls, and another Judge.

ENGLAND.

Actions of damages for libel have been rather abundant of late; and as a libel, in the present state of our law, can hardly be described, we proceed to lay a few specimens before our readers. Mr. Hunt has obtained a verdict in the Court of Exchequer, with 40s, damages, against the proprietors of the Liverpool Journal, for a libel upon him, published during the general election, in the following terms:-" Mr Hunt, seeing Counsellor Segrave in the mob, pointed him out, saying, There is a black sheep.' The mob feil upon him and killed him. Mr Hunt had his nose cut off. The Coroner's Inquest returned a verdict of murder against him, and he is now in custody." The Globe copied this paragraph, remarking that they doubted not it was a hoax; and a similar verdict was pronounced against the proprietors of that paper, Both verdicts carry costs.

Mr. Cobbett obtained a verdict, with L.100 damages, against the publisher of the Times, for copying from the Leeds Intelligencer the following paragraph:"It is hinted that as Cobbett is an uncertificated bankrupt, he cannot sit in the House of Commons." The statement was false.

The Duke of Beaufort was, however, less fortunate in his action against the Spectator, a special jury having returned a verdict of not guilty. The alleged libel was contained in the following sentences:-"Who forgets the late Duke of Beaufort's will, which may be seen at Doctors' Commons on payment of a shilling, and which charges the estates of the present Duke with annuities to his

WEST KENT POLITICAL UNIONS.-On 13th July, the Unions of West Kent met near Wrotham Heath, to the number of about 6000; the Rev. Dr. Wade in the chair. A declaration of the objects of the Union,objects in what every lover of his country must join, was moved by Major Wayth, received with the most enthusiastic cheering, and unanimously adopted. Mr. Hodges, and Mr. Reder, M. P.'s, connected with the district, attended, and underwent a catechising, which will do them the more good, that they and their constituents parted in good humour. We are much gratified with the proceedings of this meeting. The right hand of fellowship to our brethren of West Kent! For the particulars we refer to that stout champion of popular rights,-The Kent Herald.

SCOTLAND.

ANNUITY TAX-Since the middle of the 17th century, a compulsory assessment of six per cent. of the rent has been levied on the occupiers of houses in the city of Edinburgh, for payment of the stipends of the city clergy. This tax produces about L.8,000 per annum. Of late years, however, the inhabitants have resisted the payment of this tax, insisting that the rents of the church seats, which yield upwards of L.7,000 a-year, and which have been ab sorbed in the general revenue of the city, should, as in the other Scotch towns, be applied in payment of the stipends. The Magistrates, in consequence of the resist ance, levied distresses on the goods of the defaulters; but as it was found impossible to find purchasers for the distrained goods, on account of the general odium existing against the tax, they were forced to desist. They have now had recourse to personal execution-a mode of recovering the tax never before attempted-but which has been found by the Court of Session to be legal; and on the 17th July, a gentleman of the name of Wilson was arrested, and carried to jail. He was accompanied by a large body of the most respectable citizens, and among others by the gentlemen who acted as Chairman and Deputy-Chairman of the Committee which conducted the election of the present Members for the city. On account of the very weak state of Mr. Wilson's health, the sum for which he was imprisoned was immediately paid, and he was in consequence liberated. We record this occurrence, as it will in all probability lead to important consequences. An intention is already very generally expressed of refusing to take seats in the city churches, until their rents are applied in a more appropriate manner than to relieve the embarrassments in the city finances, occasioned by an extravagant self-elected magistracy. It has been resolved to present Mr. Wilson with a piece of plate for his

conduct on this occasion.

IRELAND.

The trial of Mr. Barrett, the proprietor of the Pilot newspaper, for the publication of Mr. O'Connell's first letter to the people of Ireland, came on on the 20th June; but it has been postponed to the November term, on account of a sufficient number of special jurymen not having attended. It is somewhat inconsistent, surely, for them to con

fer the distinction of a silk gown on the author, at the same time that a prosecution is going on against the proprietor of a newspaper for printing his letter. Why against Mr. O'Conneil, if there is ground does not Government institute proceedings for complaint? He will not, we are satisfied, disown the authorship.

COERCION BILL.-An official order has been received in Kilkenny, directing that all persons in custody under this bill be set precursor to a suspension of the operation at liberty. We hope that this order is the of this obnoxious bill, which places the sister Island beyond the pale of the Con

stitution.

MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS.-The Com. mission of Inquiry into the Municipal Corporations is to consist of twelve gentlemen of the Irish bar. Their inquiry is to extend not only to the municipal jurisdiction, but will embrace the whole subject of the revenues of the corporate bodies, the sources from whence derived, and the mode of their application.

TITHES.-The attempt to use the Coercion Bill in the collection of tithes has received a check by the conviction of Sergeant Shaw of the County of Kilkenny Police, of assault, trespass, and false imprisonment, and of using the Coercion Bill as subsidiary to the collection of tithes. Mr. Harvey, the Mayor of Wexford, was on the 11th July committed to jail for non-payment of tithes. He was sitting in the court when appre hended, and was attended to jail by a large body of the inhabitants.

TWELFTH OF JULY.-In consequence of the recommendation of the Orange Grand Lodge, there were fewer processions than usual this year. At Cootehill, in the county of Cavan, however, a serious riot took place, in consequence of one of these processions, and several persons lost their lives.

THE CONTINENT.

If we except the recent events in Por tugal, nothing has occurred on the Continent of Europe deserving of particular attention. Everywhere much discontent seems to prevail on the part of the people against their rulers; and [these discon tents are only kept down by powerful armies and a vigilant police. How long the struggle between the despots and their oppressed subjects will continue, it is diffi cult to say; but it is far from improbable that ere long an explosion may break out which may hurl the most firmly seated of the tyrants from their thrones. In Italy, in Prussia, and in Germany, numerous ar rests have taken place of men suspected of entertaining liberal opinions, for the rulers of these countries are desirous of controlling not only men's acts, but even the.r thoughts.

FRANCE.

It appears, from a statement of Marshal Soult, that the French Government has

no

intent on of relinquishing Algiers, and that no arrangement has been come under to any foreign country to that effect. The Government do not intend to colonize the settlement on its own responsi bility; but it will favour colonization as much as possible. The King of France