NUMBER of Ships laden with Foreign Corn entered Inwards at the Ports of the United Kingdom, in the Year ended 5th January, 1842. NUMBER of Newspapers to which Stamps were issued, and the Number of Stamps issued, during the Years ending 31st March, 1840, 1841, and 1842. Year ending 31 March, Year ending 31 March, Year ending 31 March, 1840. 1841. 1842. NUMBER OF ADVERTISEMENTS and Amount of Duty for the Years ending 10th October, 1840, and 1841. NUMBER of LETTERS delivered in the UNITED KINGDOM in One Week of each Month, from June 1841, to April 1842; also for One Week in 1839, before the establishment of the uniform rates of postage. Weeks ending London, Total Total Total United Kingdom. 764,938 229,292 258,747 1,252,977 179,931 153,065 1,583,973 1,911,452 540,099 506,911 2,958,462 396,374 418,300 3,773,136 2,001,546 522,290 437,471 2,961,307 383,549 401,152 3,746,003 1,994,305 531,773 384,506 2,910,584 377,141 410,224 3,697,949 1,999,372 532,075 378,244 2,909,691 389,696 396,233 3,695,620 2,041,335 551,711 404,271 2,997,317 404,689 407,118 3,809, 124 2,029,370 564,481 435,602 3,029,453 403,421 413,248 3,846,122 2,062,129 554,990 458,459 3,075,578 425,681 437,496 3,938,755 2,165,323 567,636 481,206 3,214,165 421,273 423,245 4,058,633 2,385,607 581,571 522,634 3,489,812 486,909 471,763 4,448,484 2,100,176 560,433 448,195 3,108,801 403,714 451,768 3,964,236 2,061,679 579,332 455,279 3,096,290 428,782 404,441 3,929,513 Week of the Valentines. NUMBER and Amount of POST OFFICE MONEY ORDERS Issued and Paid in ENGLAND and WALES during the under-mentioned Quarters, the Quarter ending 5th January, 1842, being estimated, distinguishing London.* Number. Amount Number. A mount. Number. Amount. Number Amount. The gross revenue of the Post-office (England and Wales) for the mouth ending 5th January, 1840 (4d. rate), was 103,6231., and for the month ending 5th January, 1842 (ld. rate), 100,3837 The sums paid by the Post-office for the conveyance of the mails by railways in Great Britain was 12,3807. in 1838, 52,2307. in 1839, 51,8017. in 1840, and 94,8187. in 1841. * On the 20th November, 1840, the commission on money-orders not exceeding 21. was reduced from 6d. to 3d.; for sums exceeding 24., and not exceeding 57., from 1s. 6d. to Ed. XII.-CHRONICLE OF THE SESSION OF PARLIAMENT. [5 and 6 Victoria, 1842.] Feb. THE opening of the session by Her Majesty in person was marked by the 3. presence of the King of Prussia, who had visited this country in order personally to undertake the office of sponsor at the Christening of the Prince of Wales. The speech from the throne commenced by an acknowledgment of gratitude on account of the birth of a prince, and of the satisfaction which Her Majesty derived from the presence of her " good brother and ally," the King of Prussia. After the customary assurance of the friendly disposition of foreign powers, Her Majesty announced that she had concluded a treaty with Austria, France, Prussia, and Russia, "for the more effectual suppression of the Slave Trade;" and also a treaty with the same Powers and with the Sultan, having for its object "the security of the Turkish empire and the maintenance of the general tranquillity." Her Majesty then stated that the restoration of friendly intercourse with Persia had been followed by a commercial treaty with that country, and that negotiations had already been commenced with several other Powers, which, she trusted, "by leading to conventions founded on the just principle of mutual advantage, may extend the trade and commerce of the country." Her Majesty regretted that she was unable to announce the re-establishment of peaceful relations with China, but she hoped that our differences would be brought "to an early termination, and our commercial relations with that country placed on a satisfactory basis." Her Majesty then adverted to the domestic affairs of the country. Alluding, first, to the fact that" for several years past the annual income has been inadequate to bear the public charges," she recommended the consideration of the best means of averting the evil of a continued deficiency of this nature. Her Majesty also recommended to the consideration of Parliament "the state of the laws which affect the import of corn, and of other articles the produce of foreign countries;" she announced that measures would be submitted for the improvement of the ecclesiastical courts and of the bankruptcy laws; and suggested that it was desirable to consider the state of the law relative to the registration of parliamentary electors. The Speech concluded with an expression of regret at the "continued distress in the manufacturing districts," and alluded to the "exemplary patience and fortitude" with which the people had borne their "sufferings and privations." Her Majesty hoped that the deliberations of Parliament would be directed by a comprehensive regard for the interests and welfare of all classes," and in their result tend to improve the national resources and to encourage the industry and promote the happiness of my people." (LORDS.) The address was moved by the Marquis of Abercorn and seconded by the Earl of Dalhousie. Lord Melbourne concurred both in the Speech and in the Address; and both Lord Brougham and Earl Fitzwilliam felt much gratified at the intimation of a revision of the corn laws, and that, too, by a ministry which was raised to office by the agricultural interest. The latter noble Lord having made some remarks on the announced secession of the Duke of Buckingham from the cabinet, his Grace said that he was compelled to retire, because, as an honest man, he could not concur in the proposed alteration of the corn laws. The Address was agreed to. (COMMONS.) Before the Earl of March rose to move the Address, Sir Robert Peel gave notice that on Wednesday in the ensuing week he should move for a committee of the whole House on the corn laws. The Earl of March said he preferred seeing this question undertaken by those who were now in office rather than by a party, some of whom were for a fixed duty of 8s. and some for the removal of all protection. Mr. Beckett, who seconded the Address, bore testimony to the severe distress in the manufacturing districts, which, within the last six months, had become fearfully and extensively aggravated. Lord John Russell said that it was a satisfaction to him to find that the measures recommended by the present government were of a nature similar to those which the late administration brought under the consideration of Parliament; but as to new taxation, he thought it would be more proper to try a modification of our commercial system, and await its effects upon the Exchequer. The Address was agreed to without a division. Feb. 4. (COMMONS.) Lord Stanley introduced two important practical measures, one in the shape of an amended Passengers' Act for the security and protection of poor emigrants, and the other having for its object the enforcement of the system of disposing of waste lands in the colonics under the sanction of the legislature instead of at the discretion of the executive. Feb. 7. (COMMONS.) Mr. Wallace moved that the resolution of the House which prevents the discussion of petitions on their presentation should be rescinded; and after a debate, in which Sir R. Peel remarked that the public feeling was, that there was too much talk in the House already, the motion was rejected by 237 to 50. Feb. 8. (COMMONS.) Mr. Gladstone brought in a bill for the better regulation of railways; and Lord Stanley one respecting the West India dioceses; after which the House resolved itself into committee to consider the acts relating to customs' duties in the West Indies and North American colo K ? nies, Mr. Gladstone stating that the measure he had to introduce was substantially the same as that which had last year been proposed by Mr. Labouchere. Feb. (COMMONS.) Sir Robert Peel explained his proposed measure respecting the modification of the corn laws in a long and elaborate speech, which was listened to in entire silence by the members on his own side of the House. He abided by the sliding scale for regulating the duty; but instead of the sudden alterations which took place on the existing scale from 10s. to 6s. 8d., 2s. 8d., and Is., he proposed two stationary points, after which the duty would only fall by one shilling at each increase of a shilling in the average price. He expressed his belief that agricultural industry would repose on a firmer basis with prices between 54s. and 58s. the quarter, than when it was disturbed by violent fluctuations, though he disclaimed the idea that the legislature could guarantee any price of corn whatever. Another material part of the proposed modification was the addition of 156 towns to the list of 150 in which the average prices of corn were already taken. Mr. Cobden denounced the plan of the government as an insult to a suffering people. Feb. 11. (COMMONS.) Lord John Russell stated the exact terms of the motion which he intended to oppose to Sir Robert Peel's corn-law proposition; and Mr. Christopher gave notice that he should move a different scale of duties from that brought forward by the government. In reply to a question by Mr. Hawes, Sir J. Graham said that he was endeavouring to frame a measure on the subject of medical reform. Mr. Monckton Milnes drew attention to the committal of certain persons for not attending church on Sunday, and read a letter from a magistrate explaining that the men were so punished for general misconduct, though nominally for the particular offence. Sir J. Graham admitted the grievance, but, on the part of government, could not state what should be the remedy. Mr. Gods.n brought in a bill for the protection of copyright in designs. Feb. 14. (COMMONS.) In reply to a question by Mr. Hutt, Sir R. Peel stated that a commissioner had arrived in this country with powers for settling the Stade dues. On going into committee on the corn laws, Lord John Russell moved a resolution to the effect that the House was not prepared to adopt the government scheme, as it was likely to be attended by evils similar to those which attended the former law. Mr. B. Ferrand made a long speech against the manufacturers and the Anti-corn league. (LORDS.) Lord Brougham alluded to the case of the negroes who had taken an American vessel to Nassau, and contended that none of them could be detained, as the common municipal law did not allow of their being surrendered, even if treaties existed which empowered the executive to give them up. The Earl of Aberdeen stated that the question had excited the serious attention of the government, and after consulting legal authorities, they came to the conclusion that these negroes could neither be brought to trial for mutiny nor murder, nor given up to the American government; and accordingly orders had been sent out for their release. Lord Denman delivered his opinion on the law of the case, in which Lords Campbell and Cottenham and the Lord Chancellor concurred, and Lord Brougham stated that he was authorised by Lords Wynford and Abinger to express their assent to the same opinion. Feb. 15. (COMMONS.) The corn-law debate was resumed by Sir W. Clay, who, with Mr. Childers, Mr. Williams, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Labouchere, spoke against the government measure, and Captains Hamilton and Rous, Mr. Ormsby Gore, Sir E. Knatchbull, and Sir J. Graham in its favour. Mr. Ormsby Gore having assumed that the increase of price produced by the protective duty was 5s. 9d. the quarter, showed that this was only ltd. per head per week; on which Mr. Ward remarked that, even according to this statement, the increase of price was equivalent to a tax of 5,000,000l. a-year on the entire population. Sir E. Knatchbull said he would uot have concurred in Sir R. Peel's plan if he had not believed that it furnished just and full protection to the landed interests, and security to them for their station in the community. Mr. Labouchere attacked this part of Sir E. Knatchbull's speech, and argued that the first object should be to arrange the matter on such a basis as would be for the interest, not merely of the landowners, but of the great majority of the people, consisting of the working and middle classes. Feb. *6. (COMMONS.) The debate on the corn law was resumed. The speakers were very numerous. Lord Worsley explained why he could not vote for Lord John Russell's motion, as he did not attribute those evils to the sliding scale with which it had been charged. Sir R. Peel, in reply, believed on the whole that his measure was most consistent with the general interest of the country. It avoided disturbance of capital embarked in agriculture, and encouraged manufacturing and commercial industry. The debate was closed by Lord Palmerston, who contended for the advantages of a moderate fixed duty, though Sir R. Peel had almost convinced him that an 8s. duty was too high; but he admitted that the proposed change was a mitigation of the old law. On a division the numbers were, for Lord John Russell's amendment 226, against it 349; majority 123. Feb. 17.1 (LORDS.) Lord Clancarty, in moving for a variety of papers connected with the operation of the poor law in Ireland, complained that the Commissioners had allowed larger salaries to Roman Catholic and Presbyterian ministers than to those of the Established Church; but the Duke of Wel lington, in moving the previous question, said that it was but reasonable that religious officers should be paid in some proportion to the amount of their services. Lords Normanby, Brougham, and Wharncliffe concurred with the Duke. The Bishop of Exeter thought that the motion deserved more support. Feb. 18. Feb. 21. (COMMONS.) Mr. Villiers brought forward his motion for the abolition of all duties payable upon the importation of foreign corn. A long debate took place, and the question was adjourned. (LORDS.) The Earl of Aberdeen informed the House that France had not ratified the treaty of the Five Powers for the more effectual abolition of the slave trade. Lord Cottenham introduced three bills for the establishment of local courts. (COMMONS.) The debate on Mr. Villiers's motion was resumed by Mr. Hardy. Colonel Fox and Captain Villiers Layard, being friendly to a gradual removal of all protection, could not vote for Mr. Villiers's motion, but would not oppose it. Mr. H. Lindsay suggested an amendment in the government plan, by which the importation of American corn might be facilitated. Mr. Smythe looked upon Sir R. Peel's plan as the first instalment of a wiser and more thoughtful policy. Mr. Macaulay agreed in the principle of Mr Villiers's motion, but objected to immediate repeal, though he would not vote against the motion. Mr. Wortley said that the corn laws had become of less importance in the eyes of the people than other questions, such as the regulation of factory labour. Mr. Mitchell preferred a fixed duty, but would support the government scale. Mr. C. Buller could not vote for an immediate repeal of all corn duties, and would prefer a fixed duty equivalent to the fixed burdens on land. Mr. Monckton Milnes praised the practical character of the government measure, and was glad to see its tendency towards free trade. Mr. Wakley observed that the country had not forgotten that the Whigs proposed to increase the revenue by lessening the burdens of the people, and feared that Sir R. Peel was about to lose the opportunity of rescuing the country from the misery under which it was suffering. Mr. Muntz spoke in support of the motion; after which the House adjourned. Feb. 22. (COMMONS.) The discussion on Mr. Villiers's motion was continued. Mr. Sharman Crawford gave it his unqualified support. Mr. Wykeham Martin, in opposing the motion, drew attention to the unequal rates paid by a fundholder and a landowner of 500l. a-year. Mr. Villiers explained that the word "now" in the motion was not intended to preclude the landed interest from proving their alleged peculiar burdens. Mr. Powell wished to see the question settled by a compromise. Mr. John M. O'Connell supported the motion, and observed that if, according to Sir R. Peel, the corn laws did no harm, why alter them? Sir F. Burdett averred that the government measure was perfectly satisfactory. Mr. P. M. Stewart entered into an elaborate statement respecting the alleged peculiar bur dens on land, which he showed amounted to 1,200,000/., while there existed special exemptions to the amount of 2,500,000l. Mr. Wodehouse argued for the necessity of maintaining independence of foreign supply, and pointed out that, although corn had been imported from France during a time of war, yet, in 1801, the King of Prussia had laid high duties on exportation. Dr. Bowring showed that the restrictive tariffs of many parts of the continent depended on our corn laws. Mr. Benett asserted that the wages of agricultural labour had always risen and fallen with the price of corn. Mr. Milner Gibson was rejoiced at the general admission, with one exception (Sir E. Knatchbull), that the corn laws could only be sustained upon the ground of the general good. He alluded to their effect in limiting the powers of exchange, by preventing the manufacturers receiving the staple products of foreign countries. The debate was again adjourned. Feb. 23. (COMMONS.) The corn law debate having been resumed, Mr. Hawes observed that not one of the ministers had answered Mr. Villiers's speech. Sir R. Peel rose towards the close of the evening, and, having touched upon a variety of topics brought under notice during the debates, alluded to the benefits likely to result from his measure. Agriculture, he said, would be exempt from sudden inundations of corn, and the Bank of England from sudden drains of bullion. With respect to the difficulty of procuring American wheat, he mentioned a case in which orders had been despatched to New York and Stettin, and that from the former place arrived first. He denied having ever said that cheap food was not an advantage, and hoped the House would put a decided negative on Mr. Villiers' motion. The debate was again adjourned. Feb. 24. (LORDS.) The Bishop of Exeter presented a petition praying for inquiry into the case of two paupers who had died in the Crediton Union workhouse, and impugning the conduct of the Poor Law Commissioners. Lord Wharncliffe said that the petitioner, who seemed actuated by a love of notoriety, rejected the opportunity of investigation in a court of law on a technical objection. (COMMONS.) The speakers on the resumed debate this evening were very numerous. Mr. Cobden asked whether Sir R. Peel, while he framed a scale to give the landowners 568. the quarter, was prepared with a law to keep up the wages of the hard-working classes? Mr. B. Ferrand made an attack on the manufacturers and mill-owners. Mr. Villiers closed the debate. He alluded to the speech of Mr. Ferrand, and observed |