The Times from London, Greater London, England • Page 6

THE TIMES, FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1871. PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE. HOUSE OF LORDS, Tuowdat, Jvlt 27. Their lordship met at 5 o'clock. Stanford' Estate Bill end tb Alliance and Dublia Ooa tumen' Gu BUI were read thirl time ud passed, PROVISION FOR PRINCE ARTHUR.

The LORD CHANCELLOR communicated to the House the following Message from Her Majesty i Mner Majesty, being desirous of miking competent provision for the honourable tupport and maintenance of her bird son, rrinc Arthur William Patrick Albert, on LU jomtng of age, relies upon the attachment of the House of Lords to concur in the adoption of such measures as may be suitable for the end to bo attained." Earl 6 RANTILLE pare notice that he should more to sorrow that the Message taken into consideration. THE PROPOSED VOTE OF CENSURE. Lord CAIRNS wished to pre notice that tomorrow, bo fore the Order of the Day were proceeded with, he proposed to put a question to the noble earl opposite with regard to the, course of publio business in this House, with especial reference to the measures expected to come op; from the Home of Commons, lie would take the same opportunity of. tiring a notice on behalf of his noble friend the Duke of Richmond, who was unable to be pre sent. His noble friend, as their lordships would, had siren notice of an amendment which he intended to accompany the second readinj of the.

Army. Regulation Bill, and to be appended to the words connected with the second reading. It was understood that lo some quarter doubt bad been expressed as to the.regularity of that form of motion. (M Hear, hear," from Earl Granville.) Now, hU noble friend did not at all admit that form to be contrary to the rule of the House or altogether without precedent. Nothing, bowerer, could be more undesirable or farther from his wish, than to hare a discussion upon a gran question of constitutional importance prefaced.by any controversy upon a point of order.

'With a view, therefore, of obtaining a result pwisely the same without raisins any difficulty as to the form of proceeding, his noble, friend Intended, on the motion that the Bill be now read a second time," to propose the omission of all the; words after that la order to insert the following "This House, before assenting to the aeeoad reading of this BiU, desires to express iU opinion that the interposi tiaa of the Executive during the progress of a measure submitted to Parliament by Her Majesty, in order to attain br the exercise of the prerogative, and without the aid of Parliament, the principal object included in. (that measure, Is calculated to depreciate and neutralixe the independent action of the Legislature, and, is strongly to be condemned. The House would observe that this motion did not propose to Interfere with the second reading. It, la fact, invited Government to propose the second reading, possibly at once, or, Earl GRANVILLE was extremely glad ihti the change announced by the noble and learned lord was to be made. He was quite certain that the form of motion originally proposed by the noble duke would hare created a precedent of most inconvenient and objectionable character.

Lord CHELMSFORD repeated his question whether the Gorerament would announce what amendments they proposed to introduce into the Bill in Committee. Earl RANVILLE replied that, since the intimation made by him that the Gorerament would not oppose alterations of a certain character if they were more agreeable to the House, and if the opposite side I thought it desirable to make circumstances, of the case bad considerably altered, a rote of censure: hiring been giren notice of to precede the second reading. Still, there was nothing he said on Thursday from which he desired to withdraw. If any alterations were proposed coming within the compass of what he then stated. Her Majesty's Gorern seat would offer no serious opposition to them.

Viscount EVERSLEY rejoiced at the change which had been announced by the noble and learned lord, baring been approhensira that tho inoonrenient precedent was about to be established of adding a rider to the second, reading, He, of course, could not speak with any authority as to their lordship practice, but he could speak with some as to the rules of the House of Commons. He had often known an attempt to add to the particular 'question words String reasons for the but this had in his long experience been always resisted. (Hear, Lord REDESDALE did not object to the noble and learned lord siring private notice of his intention to put a question before the Orders of the Day were called on, bat he objected to such a question being placed on the Paper a taking precedence of the Orders ef the Day. If such a thing were allowed, any motion might be giren notice of as claiming similar precedence. Lord CAIRNS was sorry to differ from hi noble friend on a question of order, of which he was so much better a judge than himself, but one of the pririlegea of tbe'House was that of asking questions before the Orders of tbe Day wen read.

This, was largely exercised before the adoption the Standing Order a to notice, applicable to cases In It intended to make a statement i or raise a dis cussion. Ia other eases the practice of the House remained a it did before. Lord REDESDALE had no objection to the question being put before a quarter.past 5, or to prirate notice of it being giren, bat he objected to a question to! be put before the Orders of the Day appearing on the rotes; "The Marquis of SALBBURi understood the noble lord to object simply to the notice being printed, and aot to its heinr riven under the rose. (A. Laugh.) Their lordship would be deprived of one of the main adrantages of tbeir paucity of business if they were from putting tjaesrions before the Order of the Day, a privilege largely exercised in tbe House of Commons.

Earl GRANVILLE agreed with the noble lord (Redes, dale), though be did not think the matter had any practical Importance. Tbe Standing Order required 'notice to be giren in the Orders of the Day of any question to be pre faced by a statement or likely to lead to a discussion, and, presuming that the noble and leaned lord intended to make a statement, there was no reason why this particular notice should not be in the same position as the question about to be proposed by the noble earl (Carnarvon), which stood at the bottom of the orders. Lord CAIRNS certainly intended to make some observa tioos as to the course of public business, and he did not wish to postpone this till 8 or 9 o'clock, when most of their lordships might hare left the House. In the erect of any difficulty as to form, be should more the edjournfaent of the House in order to enable him to make these remarks. Lord REDESDALE still 'objected to a question being placed on the paper before the orders, and saw no reason to apprehend that it might otherwise be" delayed i till 8 or 0 o'clock.

The Duka of ARGYLL remarked that there could be no objection to a short question being put before tbe orders of the day. but the business of the House would be retarded by one being so put which with the answer would eenpy some time. The matter then dropped. PRIVATE CHAPELS BILL, ThiiBHl was reported at amended in committee. PETROLEUM BILL.

This Bill haring been read a third time, The Earl of MORLB proposed an amendment reducing tbe standard from 85 deg. Fahrenheit to 80. This, he ex. plained, was consistent with safety, aa the test would be niade to a closed vessel, whereas it was at present made in an open vessel and was rery variable. Lord CAIRNS, opposed the amendment, which was strongly objected to by the Metropolitan Board of Works.

The Earl of HORLEY.ln deference to the noble' and learned lord's objection and in consideration of the late atage of the BOL withdrew tbe amendmeat. The B21 then passed, METROPOLITAN TRAMWAYS PROVISIONAL ORDERS SUSPENSION BILL. Sari COWPER mored the second reading of BUI, tbe object of which was to put the promoters of these orders in tbe same position as those of the Bills which had been suspended by the House of Common till next Session, The Bffl was read a second time. The Commons' Amendment to the Juries (Ireland) Bill vers agreed to with a verbal amendment East India (Bishops' Leave of Absence) Bill passed through Committee. The Charitable Donations and Bequests (Ireland) BUI and the Sewage Utilization Supplemental Bill were reported.

The IBecttoa Commissioner Expense Bill and the Church BaHding Acta Amendment BUI wen read a third Use and passed. APPREHENDED APPROACH OF CHOLERA. The Earl of CARNARVON lesired, as the Session, he beped, was approaching a close, and as then was a considerable pi ess or of public bu tin ess, to put a question on a matter which concerned the Urea and 'the health of the people of this country. It had been stated that the cholera, which had repeatedly rislted us. was raging In some Baropeaa Russia, and was steadily moving la a westerly iincttou.

It appeared, from a statement of the Registrar General, chat It bad broken out In a to wn in Poland, was ex leading, and eight be expected to reach Germany within two or thru weeks: at the outside. He was not aware whether this was a fresh importation of cholera from Persia, or whether, a was to be hoped, it. was a renewal of a pestilence which existed in that part of Bfp few or fin yean fo, aid bad. showed signs of oeasiosal eaJstesee. The Gorernment bad probably made lasalriea of tho Prussian and other German Court on tMt saint.

He had no treat opinion of the ioterrention of aw riMMtmit ia mittm of fcMs kind, but some action Was, if net wholly, ret partially ptcrtiptlble A Commission sat last winUr er tbe yar before en water supply, and cholera had generally been found to fellow the Hne of great rivers, wbfther or not because the wwWr carried the iolecUoa he woald not say, but water tup ply had certainly an important bearing, and demanded the Potest attentioa. He feared It was too much to expect any WW t. tka Ainil Ults.Tear as tO this Or aa to the incisures recommesded by the Sanitary Comstia aion, for ratable time had been auswea to go pt, via vae OmswhI eauM aeanselr BOW. br dint Of tt Utmost tsww, aeUer any aatisfsetery remit He trusted, howrrtr, hkae maU widi the local authorities. Ia the gelations nteeestrr on saeh occasions, and ieata ooaWag vmin whieh ewsM bteder tbe entrance of the rbs taee or whisk, to ease of He eatraaoe, could drcumscribe its 'JM 6 be? Veen to deal with nMtiltr hm tni lte ti Tirerent it.

under the influence of panic rather than of well considered measare. wished to know, therefore, what steps the Government had takes, or intended to take, berore sne cuno oi ocmm. The Earl of KIMBERLET, replying in tne aesenqe oi the Marquis of Ripoo. was glad the noble earl had put the question, because the existing alarm seemed to bun un founded, to this extent at. least, tnas toe preTaicawi choleraiu Russia and the border of Poland was by bo means a new fact, It had existed in Russia for two years, and erer since but August io St.

Petersburg, where tbere had ben a recent incrp in the number of eases, which, howerer, if his informatioa wu correct, wen lower than the number some months azo. The only fact of an alarming nature was thatcholera ha'd appeared in Una, which was, of course, nearer to us than St. Petersburg. He understood it had been there since last April, and. ahoi in the western prorincts of Russia.

He did not mean to say that then was no necessity for taking co nizance of the existence of. cholera or no ground for fearing that itj might extend to the rest of Europe, but ao sew facts had arisen within a recent period, and the diiease haring existed two year in that part of Europe and nearly a rear io'St. Petersburg, then was at. all erenU nason tehope that it might hot exteed beyond iU present limits. 2o in tellissnce had reached the Uorenment of any case haring occurred in Germany.

Our npresentatires in the German Empire had been directed to make special inquiries, and to. report whether any case had occurred in Ger maoy.aad whether the Oerernments wen takiegaoy special precautions. He agreed'with the noble earl that it was far better to adopt precadtions when not under the iaflusnce of panic, though it was usually only then that earthing was done by local authorities te abate nuisances and take the precautions within our power. Tbe power of the central Gorerament to enfom considerable precautions rery small. All that could bo dose was to warn the local authorities, who had been constantly urged to take precau been furnished with full informationas to their The Priry Council would keep their attention fixed to the subject, and would do all.

in their (power to induce the local authorities to remore nuisances, as on tbeir actire exertions so much depended. The waUr supply was, no doubt, an important; matter, ior in the opinion of many competent persons it was the water that the seeds of eholera were diffused. This theory might, indeed, tarn out erroneous, but it was at present by far the most plausible, being supported by facts of great weisht, so thst erery reasonable person must be anxious for the purity of the water tnpply and its protection from aay infusion of matter. A measun was now passing through the other House for bringing under one authority the sanitary powers now divided anion the Home Office. tnePriry Council, and the Poor Law Board.

He belierod that when these power wereuthus concentrated and the attention of a single authority giren entirely to the subject, useful reforms in tbe law and in the carrying out of sanitary improrements would bederised. The Earl of SHAFTESBURY hoped the attention of the Gorernment would continue to bo directed to the1 matteraod that the local authorities would attend to the flushinz of the sewers and other precautions. alarm, whether it prored well founde.1 ornot, should be a lesson to us as to the ureeney of two important, steps. An ample report had been made on the water supply, and had long lain on the table of the House without action, being taken upon it Now; a healthy water supply would be the greatest possible benefit to the whole community. He had no doubt cholera was imbibed through foul water, but whether this was the case or not a thousand other diseases certainly wen, and this largely accounted for the lamentable state of health of large numbers of the people, in some Sarts of the metropolis.

Another question was the coosoli ation of sanitary powers. Sir Charles Adderleyhad introduced into the other House a consolidation Bill of 460 clauses. It certainly could not pass this year, but the earliest attention of the Gorernment should be directed to these social and domestic questions, which had far greater effect on" tho morals, the health, the happiness, and the general tranquillity of the people than political measure. (Hear, bear.) With a wise attention on the part of the Gorerament to their social condition, the English people would be among the most easily goreraed peoples on the ace of the earth. (Hear.) Their lordships adjourned at a quarter before 6 o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, Thubsdat, Jclt 27. The Lords' amendments to the following Bills were con M.r.! anrl mmmi to The Ennis and West Clan Rail way Bill, the Great Western Railway Bill, and the Llrer pool improremens ana aier out. PETITIONS. Petitions praying for a repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts of 186(5 and 1863 wen presented, by Sir H. Storks, from Ripon by Mr.

Laird, from Birkenhead and by Major WaLsUE, from Moffat. Petitions were also presented, by Mr. P. A. Tatloe, from Newark on Trent, for reform of the House of Lord by Mr.

Pcex, from Reigate, in farour of tbe Local Fund of Municipal Corporations, Bill by Mr. T. from Belfast, against the Bill to amend the law of Municipal Corporation in Inland; by Mr. A. SzTMOCR, from the East Knoyle Farmers' Club and Chamber of Agriculture, prayiuz for the esUblishment of separata for the sale and slaughter of foreign fat cattle at all licensed ports, and for a quarantine for foreign store animals by air ROCXDZLX.

Palsies, from tho Metropolitan and Pro riacial Law Association, and from the Incorporated Law Society of Lirerpool, in farour of the establishment of the proposed Law Unirersity also from Richmond, in farour pf the Municipal Corporations (Borough Fund) BUl by Mr. W. H. Smith, from Bt. Mary le Strand, against the abolition of by Colonel Wiiso.f PAttex, from the Temperance League of Lancaster, in farour of the Bill for suspension of licences: and from Poor Law Guardians of Lancaster, in farour of the Vaccination BUI, with the exception of the 11th section by Mr.

CAMPBELL, from the incorporated trades of the burgh of Stirling, against the Endowed Hospitals (Scotland) Bill; by Mr. AIACKIXTOSH, fmm rhvmut anddnmisis of Inrernesa. azainst the Bill to amend the Pharmacy Act of 18C8; and by Mr. rom the Presbyteryof Arbroath, and from members and Kirk Session of the conerezation of Irrine Church, against the Edu cation (Scotland) BilL THE ENCAMPMENT IN BERKSHIRE. Colonel ANSON care notice that on Monday he would ask the Secretary of 8tate for War whether there was any truth in the report, of the intended abandonment of the military operations i in Berkshire in consequence of the expense and difficulty of the transport of the supplies required for such a length of time, and, if so, whether the respon I i iL tTT AD at sibility lor" sucn a result awacnea to iae; wlocc, uo Horse Guards, the Control Department, or to the officers of the Army.

ADMINISTRATION OF TUJS tf r. RLTjOR. for Mr. G. GBEGOKY.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether any Bills had been prepared for the better administration oi tne law, ana; so, wneiner ne would lay them on the table of the House before the end of the present Session. Mr, GLADSTONE replied that some measures for tbe improrement of the law had been prepared, but he did not know whether the question referred to measures generally fnr tha ImDrorement of the law. or to measures for reor nnixinr the Courts of Justice with a riew to the fusion of f.t i i law and equity ana lor aeauag wiw sue question ci auprvma inrisdietion. With resDect to the latter subjects BUI had been prepared but the state of publio business asade it dear that no time would be arailable to make progress with them at present, and therefore the Gorernment did not propose to lay tnem on tne taoie aunng sou oesuoa. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ACTS.

In reply tollr. A. HtEBtRT, Mr. GLADSTONE sUted that distinct noUce would be giren when that part of Vote 9 of the Army Estimates which prorided for the expenses of the polios in carrying 1 5 TV 1 t.A out tne pronatona oi tne uoniagioui aucuca acu uugut be discussed. Sir J.

ELTiiixaTOSK and Mr. Bautes postponed their questions relaure to tne tnreaienea unemiutuoa ot uia mAenta ot the Roral Commission of inquiry into the operation of these Acts until Monday, in consequence of the absence, through indisposition, of the Seen A A tary lor tne nome isepanmcn. BRITISH ARTISANS AND RUSSIAN DOCKYARDS In reply to Mr. Raikxs, who referred to reports that British artisans recently dismissed from the; Royal dock yards in this country wen now employed in building ships in Russian dockyards, Lord ENFIELD said, Information na been received from St. Petersburg that the.

Minuter oi aianne states that no English workman has demanded employment in the Russian Uorenment aocxraras uunng sue wireii jw, PLEURO PNEUMONIA. In reply to Colonel Giuriif, Ur PORSTER said that he had received no in formation that animals imported into this country from Holland, and passed by tbe inspectors, baa on sererai occa inn. ahnrtlr afterwards shown srmDtonts of pleuro pnett' monia. Complaints had been made that in two or instances such was the case but on instituting inquiries It wia found that then was no eround for the 'complaints made. If the hon.

and gallant gentleman knew of any special case, and would bring it under his notice, he should be glad to inquire into it. Pleuro pneu monia existed in Holland, as it did in this country, and it had not been thonsht rizht to frerent the importa tion of animals from Holland on account of a disease et titlnr there which disease also existed in this country. He did not think it right to make the quaraatine longer than at present The quarantine of 12 hours wu the minimum, aad it was a Quarantine of 12 hours in daylight, and the in Dec tors had power to detain animals longer on the ground of suspicion. He might mention that there was reason to believe that the introduction of store cattle had been pf rery considerable advantage to the farming interest (hear, near), as tbe introduction of fat cattle bad likewise been of beaent to tbe. consumers.

IRISH BILLS. In renlr to Sir F. HzTOATK, The SOLICITOR OENERAL for IRELAND said he was happy to inform the hon. baronet that it was not cis inten tlon to introduce any more Irish Bills this year. (Hear.) AtmRST OV? TIRITISH SUBJECTS AT ETAMPES.

Captain TALBOT asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Prussian military authorities bad offered any, apology or expression of regret, and if oin what terms, in reply to a remonstrance made in writing by Major Oeoeral Walker, O.B., Her Majesty's Military Com tha Kmnmf nt nrma.iiT. with retard to tha arrest and imprisonment at Etampes, in Franca, ia Deoem Horier, Second Military Commissioner with the, German UmiU lltn nnAmr thV nratsetlan of Foreini Offipa passports and P. ussian safe conducts; and whether ha would iaynpon the table all the correspondence with the Prussian antltBrttiM on this Lord EN FIELD said, Captain Keith Fraser and wo; ynsjleh gesUeoisn, newspaper cwmpondeat. wan retted at. Etampes by the Prussian commandant on the evening of the 14th December, wen detained in tbeir rooms at the hotel till about 5 on the morning of the lCth, when they werer sent their own carriage, under escort, to Versailles, wherv on the application of Major General Walker, they were at once released.

Captain Horier happened to bo passing through Etampes on the day the affair occurred on his way to the head quarters of Prince Frederick Charles, and' was in company with these gentlemen at the time of their arrest. He also was detained in the hotel, but was released in the evening. General Walker on, the 10th of December requested a full inquiry into the affair, and on the 3d of January, the Quartermaster in Chief at Versailles informed him that the arrest of Captain Fraser and his companions had been owing to the fact that the commandant at Etampes had received an urgent. communication from Orleans denouncing them as spies, and that the detention of Captain Horier had arisen from a mistake of orders by a sentry, for which all the soldiers concerned in it had been reprimanded. The Quartermaster expressed' his regret at the whole occurrence, adding a caution to Englishmen not to travel within the lines "of the Army unless they should be accompanied some one belonging to the Prussian forces.

Captain Horier bad, before re ceipt of this expressed bis readiness to let tbe matter drop. I am not 'prepared to lay the paper connected with thi case upon the table. SUPERSESSION OF COLONELS. Colonel ANSON asked the Secretary of State for War when he intended to bring in the Bill alluded to in the correspondence laid upon the table of the House on tbe subject of the supersession of colonels in the Royal Army. Mr.

CARDWELIi According to the interpretation put by Lord Cranworth's Commission upon the Acts of lSHi and 1800 and to the report of Lord Cairns' Commission of 1870, there is no power to give effect to the report' of the Select Committee of last Session without the interposition of the Legislature. The intention of the Bill is to afford the opportunity of dealing with that report with a qualification agreed to br the India Office. That Bill has been prepared, and I shall be ready to introduce it when a suitable occasion offers. landlord and tenant (ireland) act Amendment bill. In reply to Mr.

Dowxisg, The SOLICITOR GENERAL for IRELAND said that the Landlord and Tenant (Ireland) Act Amendment Bill was not Government measure, but be would take charge of it in'tbe hope of passing it this Session, THE REPORTS OF DRS. GORDON AND WYATT. Dr. BREWER asked the Secretary of State for War if he would lay upon the table of the House so much of the reports of Drs. Gordon and Wyatt in relation to their recent sojourn ia Paris and iu connexion with tbe.

French Army would, throw light upon the character and treatment of wounds received during the late war and siege, and any successful or defectire system of hygiene which the reports might contain, for the guidance' or caution of the military or civil medical and surgical profession. Mr. CARD WELL. I hare already stated that these reports an made by medical ocerswho visit foreign armies, and an received in a rery friendly spirit they an.report of no value unless they are minutely critical, and are, of course, of a oonfideatial nature. I have not yet seen these reports in type, and am not prepared to engage that I will publish any portions of them.

THE CHOLERA. Mr. HARDY asked the Viee President of the Council whether he had any information as to the approach of cholera, and whether be considered that there wen now existing sufficient powers in the central and local governments of the country to protect the population from its ravages. Mr. W.

E. FORSTER said, As I only saw the question in tbe business paper this morning, I shall not be able to answer it so fully as I otherwise might. The latest informs, tion Iharereceired on the Subject is to the effect that cholera has for the last two years been in Russia, and since August of last year in St Petersburg. Since April of this year it ha been in Wilna and other western places recently, it has Increased in St. Petersburg, but not nearly so much there as some months azo.

and the disease is said to hare some diffusion in the western provinces of Russia. We need not assume that this bodes any immediate danger to. this coun trr. We hare ho knowledge of any cases in Ger mur. but I hare requested the Foreign.

Office that special inquiry oh this point may be made at Berlin, and' that if eholera is or arises in Germany, re turns about it may bo systematically forwarded to us. While thus there is no reason for immediate alarm, or for any particular action of central authority, then is ample reason that local authorities should exert themselves in the removal of nuisances, and should watch with extreme care brer the sources of water supply within their (Hear, hear.) Water companies should be mindful that the ereatest disasters produced by cholera iu this country hare been due to their distribution oi sewage tamtea water (hear. hear), and erery can should be used by them, in good time, to prevent the recurrence of any such mischief. Their customen, too, should watch them (Hear, hear.) Authorities and water companies, acting as adnsed, heed not be afraid of wasting their trouble (hear, hear) whether cholera comes or does not come, they will be pre venting other diseases. (Hear, hear.) The danger of eholera is one against which the central Gorernment can do scarcely anything not because the law gives insufficient tnrisdiction, but because, from the nature or tbe esse.

ererrthing depends on local action, itiear, near.) ine Medical Department has giren to local authorities tq systematic memoranda, and is constantly in rarious ways giving anew, the best information which it can afford in aid of the local exercise of sanitary powers. near, near.) Mr. HARDY explained. The right hon. gentleman had not been in the House when he gave his notice, but he had requested One of bis friends to inform him of the fact.

EPPING FOREST. In reply te Sir a Dilke, Mr. AYRTON stated that the names of the Commit doners would be put in the Bill, when an opportunity would be giren tor considering tne proposea constitution ot the Commission. Sir DILKE gare notice that he should more to sub stitute the name of tbe hon. ana memoer ior soutn wark for that of Mr.

Watllngton. Sir H. SEL WIN IB BETSON gare notice that he would mote to substitute the nameo: Sir. Marsh tor that or. sir.

Barclay. CUSTOMS CONFERENCE AT BERLIN. Mr. MACFIE asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Her Maiestr's Gorernment had been inrited to send a representative to a Customs Conference which was to be held next month at Berlin, haring for its object to arrire at au improved system of classifying goods in tariffs and the simplification of Custom House business, and whether it was their intention to send a representative to that Conference. Mr.

CHICHESTER FORTESCUE said that no Invitation had been received by Her Majesty's Gorernment to send a representative to the Conference, and the Board of Trade had noinformationthat such a Conference was about to be held. He'had made inquiries at the Foreign Office, and as far as the Government knew, judging from the information received from Berlin, they had no roasoo to believe that any such Conference was proposed by the German Government. THE CAPE PARLIAMENT. Sir ADDERLEY asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies to inform the House of the nature of the Constitutional Reform Act just passed by the Cape Parliament, and whether it made the Executive Ministry completely responsible to the Legislature of that colony. Mr.

KNATCHBULL HUGESSEN. No constitutional Reform A et had been passed by the Cape Parliament according to our latest information. What; had occurred was this the House of Assembly had agreed to resolutions in farour of responsible government, founded' upon which a Ttill ViMin introduced, bat had not vet been passed. The main obfect of that Bill was to render Ministers responsible to the oyenaoung mem vj uecicnwuu wi their seats therein: At present they are allowed to sit, but net as elected members, and not to rote. REORGANIZATION OF THE" CUSTOMS.

Mr. SAMTJDA asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the reorganization of the Customs Department would bo completed, and whether it was intended to extend the system of annual increments to the officers of the Gauging Department in London if not, whether he would inform the House on what grounds this branch of th Ciril Service for tbe collection of the revenue should be excluded from the benefit of the general enstom in Government department. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER. The question of the iianixation of the out door department of the Customs now before the Board orTressnry. The gauging is part of the out door department, and it is impossible to answer the question of the hon.

gentleman until the whole investigation is completed. INFANTRY EQUIPMENT. Sir J. GRAY asked the Secretary of State for War if he bad considered whether advantage might not be taken of tbe approaching autumn encampment and manoeuvres of troop to test the plan of infantry equipment with the newly adopted valise system proposed by Lieutenant Colonel Carter, which could be done without any cost, as 50 sets' of the proposed equipment wert ti present ia the military.stores. Sir H.

STORKS. After a series of trials and experiments, extending over some years, the new valise equipment has been adopted for, the 'Army. The reports of It an most favourable in every respect, and it is liked by the troops. On the other hand, the knapsack proposed by Lieutenant Colonel Carter has been fully and fairly tried, and ha not been found satisfactory, and the Field Marshal Oommand ing in Chicf recommends that no further trial of it bo made. CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN TURKEY, Sir J.

GRAY asked' the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could inform the House whether the Sultan's Governnsnt had recently taken steps In favour of civil and religion liberty, end whether any advance bad been made in securing that Christian evidence should be ad xdttid in courts of justice on a footing equal to that of testimony giren by Mahomedaas. Lord BNFIELD. A11 aeoointi from Twk agm confirmation of the progress made" in that eountrr by the Sultan's Government towards toleration, and much his been done ef late years towards raising the position of the Christian population in Turkey. TE Imperial ordinances promulgated by the Porte within the last few years have granted to its subjects, irrespective of religious distinctions, privileges and immunities hitherto accorded to its Mussulman subjects alone equality as regards the levying of the taxes, tbe just administration of the laws, and the right of admission into tbe public service of the Empire but up to the present time it is only in mixed causes that Christian testimony is on an equal footing with that of Mahomedans. I may add that receatly a Christian has been nominated to'a seat, at the Council of Ministers at Constantinople.

ill.MS la reply to Mr. LlDDttT, Mr. WINTERBQTHAM said be bad communicated with his right hon. friend with reference to this Bill, and considering the expression of opinion 'which had been given as to the appointment of the committee, and being luader tbe impression that it wonld not materially shorten the labours of the House, he did not intend to proceed with the nomination of the committee. (Hear, hear.) ELECTIONS (PARLIAMENTARY AMD MUNICIPAL) BILL.

Mr. W. E. FORSTER. It may be convenient lo the House that I should take this opportunity of answering a question which was asked not to night but on Tuesday last, and which I promised I would answer this evening as to what clauses the Gorernment, on reconsideration, propose to omit from the Parliamentary and Municipal Elections BilL We ban been very cirefal in 'going over the clauses and considering what, with due regard to the object we wish to accomplish in the BilL.

can safely be omitted. I feel sure that the House would not desire. notwithstanding the length of our discussions, that should strike out of the Bill any clauses which in our opinion are necessary in oruer tnat tne vul, wnen it actually becomes law, should be properly carried out. When we brought.the Bui forward four con templatedfirst, an alteration in the mode of nominations secondly, an alteration in the mode of taking votes, which, of course, waaaprovuioa of the Bui, and gave it the general name of the Ballot Bill thirdly, the amendment of the Corrupt Practices Act and fourthly, the new provisions for charging the rates with the legal expenses of elections, iteration, and that the House should then resolve itself With regard to the first object an alteration in the mode of nominations the Committee have already dealt with it, or almost entirely so. With regard to'the second provision for taking the rote by Ballot we have had several meeting of the Committee upon it, and we have arrived a poiatat which the principal provisions have been assented to by tbe Committee.

We are now on the supplementary provisions with reference to elections byBaltot but; judging from the amendments on the paper and from what has happened. we hare no reason to suppose that any long discussion will arise on the other questions as to taking votes by Ballot. Nevertheless, we hare gone through these clauses to see whether any of them coma oe sareiy omiuea, ana we hare come to the conclusion that we can only recommend the omission of one. thouzh that is an important clause. That is the 30th clause, which is one of the penalty clauses, and provides penalties against voters wbo no not loiiow tne directions riven in regard te voting secretly.

We'haneooie to the conclusion that as the Committee assented to the 19th sub section as it then stood the 18th as it now stands of the 3d clause, which declares a rote roH and not to be counted unless that provision be complied we hope that win no a sufficient penalty.and that Ballot may be enacted without any other penalty. That is the only omission we propose to make witn regard to tne uaiios clauses; tie toencomeso the two other objects, and, first, the amendment of the Corrupt Practises Act. Tbe clauses relating to this subject. an from to 23 inclusive. Clauses sa, 2J, ana z.

aiiaoaa amendments of that Act, an clause which seem necessary to us, because w' introduce the system of Ballot eb as to guard against personation. I need not repeat it has often been stated to the Committee that we do not think persona' tion will be increased by Ballot; but, taking precautions against it, we think it right to adhere to those three clauses. We then come to the 23th and 20th clauses. Clause 25 pro rides for bringing before a magistrate an'r person arrested for personation. We propose to omit it, because tbat provision is in principle secured by the; present law.

We then come to a rery important clause, which is entire! new matter in the BilL It is an amendment of the Parliamentary Election Act passed by the right hon. gentleman the member for Buck in 1863. Tbe Gorernment are still of opinion it would be a good amendment of tbe Act. It is a clause relating to tbe expenses of candidates, and if we bad unlimited time our disposal if we were at the beginning of the Session instead of the end I should not hesitate to ask you to enter upon it but under present circumstances 1 think we mar ssfelr postpone it first on account of the pressure of time, and secondly because of the facts I shall snortiy detail to tne committee, xne xariiameuiary Elections Act passed in 1SJ68 was passed only for three year. thi year we shall hare 'to make' provision for its continuance and.

instead of matin pro vision for another three years, we propose to continue it merely for one year, with the full understanding that next year it shall be brought before the House, not merely as a continuing, but as a subject of and we think that new, matter of amendment would be best 'treated at that time. This applies not merely to clause .28, but to rery many of the new clauses put on. the' notice paper relating to canrassers, There is another 'amendment of the Corrupt Practices Act which wo must treat in the same way if there is any difference of opinion or likelihood of any long diseussion on it that is a clause to prevent election; com. mittees being held in (Hear, hear.) So far as we can learn, there is an almost unanimous feeling in its farour. and I do hot propose to omit that.

(Hear, hear.) We then come to the fourth point' which I alluded to namely, charging the legal expenses en the rates. It is true thst im new matter, but it is verv imnortant matter, and in the opinion of manv members in the House, and many electors outside, it is a question very desirable to settle at the same time when settling the question whether we do or do not take the 'vote by Ballot i and the Government beinz of opinion that it is a most im portant provision, and one we should be very glad if the House would adopt as brought forward although there is pressure of time we do not think we can advise the House not to take it into consideration this Session. It is first ststed in the 18th clause. All the clauses from the 18th to the 21t relate to that questloo; and therefore must be considered as affected by it. But at the same time, as.it is new matter, it is desirable that we should deal with all the other clauses first which 'relate to the Ballot, and to guard against personation.

Therefore, supposing, a I have good reason for hoping, that we may to night reach the 1MH clause, I should propose to take the 22d, 23d, an I 24th clauses before we take that 'clause. jOd tbe clauses after 23 I can hardly expect there would be much discussion, for they are almost formal clauses, being provisions that would be generally agreed to. The only other point on which 1 hare to make any statement relates to a nw subject which has been brought before us during the discussion in Com mi tee, and that is in regard to polling places. We had not introduced originally any provision as to polling places because we naturalir did not want to add to tbe Bill prow sionS which we did not think exactly belonged to the sub ject. But in accordance with a wish which seems to pre vail on both sides, although first expressed on the opposite benches, I hare put on the notiee paper clauses with regard to DollinT Dlaces in Enzland.

and the Solicitor General has done tbe same with regard to Ireland. We propose to go on with these clauses; at the samttime, wishing to be perfectly fair to the House, I should state that we propose to go on with them and press them on the Committee, believing them' to be important, but, under the circumstances of tbe Session, if bey were likely to lead to aay long discussion that is, if they were not in nnncinle accepted we should doubt whether it was ad visable to proceed with them this year, more especially as they would naturalir, if not settled this year, come under the provisions of a Registration. Bill for counties, which I conceive cannot be postponed beyond next year. That would be the proper piase for out quite agree witn the hon. members who hare taken an interest in this matter tbat it is advisable to settle the question now if it can be settled.

I hare only, therefore, to state that shall ia the course of the evening put on tho paper a notice for the omission of clauses 25 and 2li, and clause 30, and the postponement of clause 13 to 21 or, if we come to them tonight, I shall move their "postponement till after we hare got through the other clauses. (Hear, hear.) Mr. L1DDELL said there was an elasticity about the proposition of the right hon. gentlemaa whieh oould not fail to attract attention. The Government, it appeared, only meant to pass those clause which they could pass, and to leare out all they could not pass.

He hoped tney would reconsider the matter, and not postpone the clause ia which he took special interest. PROVISION FOR PRINCE ARfHUR. Mr, Gladstone brought up a Message from the Crown, which the SPEAKER read, as under Victoria Regies. Her Majesty, being desirous of making competent provision for the honourable support and maintenance of her third ton. Prince Arthur, on his eomisg of age, relies on the attachment of the House of Peers to concur" (Sensation.) Mr.

GLADSTONE. Sir, a mistake has been committed, but I apprehend it is not one that vitiate the Message in anyway. (Renewed sensation.) I appeal to the Chair. I give notiee that I shall move that the Message be taken into consideration on Monday next, (Cries of "What The Message of Her Majesty. (Cries of Read, read If the error which has been committed makes it difficult to proceed on this Message, I will take care that it shall be corrected.

(Cries of Withdraw, withdraw.) AN ATJTUMN SITTING. Mr. OSBORNE wished to put a question with regard to the course of business. The other night it was indicated, and he thought approved by the, Treasury Bench, that we should hare an autumn sitting. Before he went on the Continent' (laughter) he wished to know whether the Government had entirely abandoned the idea of an autumn Session.

Mr. GLADSTONE, said that, mhw the question was raised by tbe hon. member for Bedford (Mr. Whitbreadl. be said it would be necessary to ascertain tbe general feeling of the Home, sod also that it would be requisite to ascertain the general feeling 6f the House of Lords, but the present week so far hid been aa nnfarourable one for doing these things.

In the course of a few'days probably on Monday next he should be able to gin an answer to his hon. friend. Mr. DISRAELL I should like to know distinctly what was done with respect to the Royal Message. Mr.

GLADSTONE. There was aa error of the pen Mr. DISRAELL Is that a venial error Mr. GLADSTONE. As I mderttand, it was aoteon aidsrod desirable to proceed upon that Message it would be more ormal to bring up another Message, which can be the following day it was stated in a.Ieading article In the; done at another period of this evening.

well known organ of puhEc opinion that the valae of th' Sr.a.f Til J. A pieage tans given couiu naraiy oo jitoku. aer, near. If the Government desired to keep their word they must im their best to insert these clauses in the BilL Mr. NEWDEGATE said it would promote the conve nience of the.

House if the Prime Minister would state mh rwra nnt nf thn S3 on the Darter he intended to'pro eeed with that night, because it was impossible that be proceeded with. Mr. GLADSTONE said he bad never before known such a put, and he eould'not answer it unless the hon. member could tell him how much rime each Order would occupy. It was'intended to proceed regularly.

In reply to Sir G. Jcfurxsoy, Mr. GLADSTONE said the practice was to take the. prin cipal Order of the erening. and to prosecute it as Ioeg as it wu convenient to the Committee to do so.

Mr. HERMON said before the Speaker left the chair he should like to ask tho Vice President of the Coancil (Mr. W. E.Forster) whether he adhered to clauses IS, and 20 of the Ballot Rill a part and parcel of the ililL, and whether in the event of his not betas able to carry teem ne vonM look on the Bill itaelf as lost. Noi no.) It was necessary to know this, because these clauses aSected the constituencies.

We tberelore asted wnetner tney were stui to be regarded as a vital part of the Bill. Mr. W. EL FORSTER said be had stated as clearly as be could that the Gorerament adhered to these clause, and would press them upon tbe acceptance of the Suppose the Committee rejected, them, which he hoped would not be the. case, the Gorernment.

much as tney would reeret. the omission of them, would not on that ac count drop the BiU. (Cheers.) Mr. NEWDEGATE said that at midnight bo should more an adjournment with the view of ascertaining what measures it was intended to proceed with. bear.) MESSAGE FROM THE CROWN.

Mr. GLADSTONE, whose appearance at the bar with a document in his hand was, followed by an ironical cheer, brought up a Message from the Crown which was read by the clerk at the table as follows Her Maiestrl desirous of making a competent provision for the honourable support and maintenance of her third aon, Prince Arthur, on his coming of age, recommend the consideration thereof, to her faithful Commons, and reKes on their attachment to adopt such measures as may be suitable for the Mr. GLADSTONE gave notice that on Monday next he would more that tho Messare should be taken into con into Comaaittee of Supply for the purpose. ELECTIONS (PARLIAMENTARY AXD" MUNICIPAL) BILL. The House havinz again' resolved Itself into committee on this Bill, Mr.

DISRAELI rose and said, After the I will say, remarkable statement which we hare heard, made under eireumstanees whieh did not allow any member to make any remarks at the moment without breaking through the general order of our which Twist al ways to observe, I am under the necessity now, bir, of mo rio that you report progress, in order to makb some in quiry of the right hon; gentleman, and some natural comment on statement he offered. My impression is that, so far as the Bill is concerned, there is nothing substantial in'tbe statement. What the right hon. gentleman proposes to rire ud is reallv of little importance, and probably would not, under any circumstances, greatly engross pur but, at the same time, there is an apparent semblance of reducing the matters which would be submitted to the Committee, but with that I will not call it a pre tence (laughter) semblance the right bon. gentleman has taken the opportunity of making contingent arrangement which in the transaction of our business amoun to an in inrinn interference with the rizhtt of members.

There is an appearance of surrendering some provisions, ot uu Bill but. so far aa I can form an opinion upon the remarks ot theruht hon. gentleman, no time will substantially, and really be gained; what he has said be allowed to pass without comment, the Committee may hnd. Itself in an mhamisinr oosition. With respect to rolling places, I ron.t einreaa the oDioion entertained on this side of the House, and I believe also on the other, that there was a distinct understanding tbat clauses securing increase in t'h.

nnmker of them should be included in the BilL and the Government had substantially said they were to be a part of the Bill upon which we might rely as much as upon the 3d clause. Therefore; if there is any attempt to pass a measure of this kind without any inerease in the numoer of polling places in fact, without thejprovisions placed on the paper by the right hon. gentleman himself on the.part of the Government there would be an absolute breach of faith; and considering what time the Bill will occupy in committee there ought to be a clear understanding that the House expects that tbe provision submitted by the Gorerament ahaU be.brouc.ht forward and supported by all their and that they sbalL under any circumstances, form part of this measure if it be passed. There is another point on which the remarks of the right hon. gentleman were unsatisfactory.

He intimated a mode of proceeding with an important measure which is most unusual, it not un precedenteu, ana wmca mu wrauuiCT i sanction, and that is ihe postponement of rery important clause which, whaterer may be our opinion respecting them, are clauses in which gentlemen are deeply interested, atd the postponement of them at the will of the Minister who has charge of the Bill. The 18th clause, which relates to the payment of the expenses of Parliamentary elections, has occupied much of our thoocht and attention, and the opinion of the Committee ought to be taken upon this clause in its fair position in the BilL If unexpected delays occur in the discussion of other clauses, it ought not to be in the power of the Gorerament to postpone' that clause to a period of the Session when the attendance will be smaller than it is now, and when; then will not be a fair opportunity of obtaining the opinion of the Committee upon it. If tho Gorernment chose to incur the responsibility, in my opinion unwiielr.and indiscreetly, Tiimnino 1 mniim of this noveltv and importance' at this period of the year, to tho delay of necessary publio business, both sides of the House have a right to expect that important prorisions shall be brought forward, under i 1 .1 circumstances wmcn wui iniure i tuuiwci.uuu and a satisfactory verdict and the privilege ought not to rrArA la a Minister of shufBincr important clauses. n1 but brinrinir them forward when they cannot be fairly discussed. If the right hon.

gentleman observed his solemn engagement with respect to polling places, it does not appear to me there is a fair prospect of gaining at this period of the Session, and with the sail arrears of indispensable and urgent public business before us, tbe time necessary for tbe discussion of the clauses, and which, from (ft. MKT n.tion of the other cbieflr carried on by hon. members opposite, it seemed to be the desire of the Government in some lorm to secure. Mr. W.

E. FORSTER, I am sorry the right hon. gentli man considers the statement I made unsatisfactory I don't know whether it would have been more satisfactory to him If I had proposed what would ban been a substantial alteration in the BiU. The BUI is one the Government have much at heart and they never supposed they would be expected to make in it such substantial alterations as wonld U. ahieet.

The riiht hon. eentleman savs tbe ehnre I croDOse are a pretence or a semblance wonld have been better satisfied if they had made the Bill a pretence as far as its purpose is concerned but that was not the intention of the Gorerament. I am rather surprised to hear it said that the postponement of a clause is unprecedented, for surely tbe right hon. gen. tleman can recollect that in the conduct of his Reform Bill important clauses were postponed to suit the general convenience.

I can only repeat the statement I have made, that the Gorernment adhere to their Intention to put these clauses before the Committee; but the right bon. gentleman is strai ning the statement preriously made if he suppose that we mean to consider these clauses as essential to the Bill aa is. for instance, the third elause.whieh relates to the Ballot. We assented to the wish expressed by hon. centlemen opposite, whieh seemed to be ropported by the House generally, that we should anticipate a Registration Bill bv inserting in this clauses to increase the number of polling places.

We hnrJ th Committee will accent them, but we cannot let the 'rizht bon. eentleman suppose that we eoniider them aa off the same vital importance as are the Ballot clauses of the BilL Mr. COLLINS said it would be a greet convenience to hon. members if a time could be fixed for discussing the clauses proposing to charge the expenses of election on tbe rates, which clauses practically constituted a new measure and really formed no part of the Ballot BiU. Sir G.

JENKINSON said tbe postponement of these Mr. GLADSTONE assured the Committee there wu na intention in the part of the Government to withdraw from' tbe pledge they had given. The clauses had been placed on the paper, and would be proposed by his right boo. friend, who had merely said he thought it might eondare to the convenience ot the House and to the shortening of the dia. cuasione'if the consideration of those clauses was postponed, to another time.

It was, in fact, simply ex major amtdi that bis right hon. friend proposed to postpone their coo si. deration. He was unable to accept the statement of tha right hon. gentleman the member for Buckinghamshire that the Government were bound to make these clauses asssen tial to the Bill as the third clause.

That would be tantamount to saying that if those particular clauses were not' passed the Government wen bound to drop the BilL (Hear, bear.) There was not the least foundation for such a state, mens. The proper time fqr the right hon. gentleman to make his complaints was when the clauses came Under dis. cushion if be thought the Government: were not acting sp to the spirit of their pledge. (Hear, hear.) Mr.

A. SEYMOUR hoped the right hon. gentleman would reconsider the postponement of the 18th would throw the expenses of elections upon the remarked that several hon. members on hit side of the House who disapproved the clause had paired off with hon. gentlemen who were favourable to it Under these eireumstanees, he thought it would be better tbat the clause) should Ije con.

sidered in its proper place. Sir H. SELWIN IBBETSON did not entertain tha slightest doubt that' the right hon. gentleman opposite; would fulfil the pledges he had given, but. he must urge hia hot.

to postpone the 13th clause in the way that had beet suggested. That clause raised a question which wu seriously viewed by a very Iarje number of members, and it was highly desirable, therefore, that it should be fixed fee a certain day, when the Committee might fnlly and fairly discuss its merits. (Hear, hear.) Mr. BAGWELL stated that at a large meeting of IruS members held some time ago it was unanimously agreca that unless there wen a great multiplication of polling places iu Ireland it would be impossible to carry out thi Bill there, and that an enormous number of electors would be practically disfranchised. Mr.

LID DELL said he had never supposed the Govern ment had any intentiontd retire from their promise, or ts shirk the consideration of the clauses: but if. as he be." Committee wen wisely bent on largely increatiaf tae numoer oi potiing piacea, vnis wouia 00 aa tatuwaw reason for not postponing clause 13. because tho nsaltiplica. tion of polling places must iaereasa tha expenses ofeieo tions. Mr.

W. E. FORSTER remarked he had niade ha proposal because in the innocence of his heart he thought it would tend to promote the convenience of the Committee. If in the course of to day and to morrow they dealt witfar all the other cUaca.of tho Bill and ke did not despair ef thia he had no objection; with the approbation of the Com mittee, to take the clauses relating to polling place next Monday. Lord J.

MANNERS pointed vat that the right boo. ge. tlemao had not assigned a single reason ia support of hit statement that tho convenience of the Hoose would be pro moted by the adoption of his proposaL The object in riew would not be attained by the course recommended by the, right hon. gentleman, because it was obvious that all tht new clauses would ban to be considered after the post poned clause. The business of Prlimentgeejlly wa placed in a most unsatisfactory position in consequence of the course pursued by the Government, and it was moftcun.

fortunate that up to the present moment the House had no! been informed when it was likely that the Army and Navy Estimates would be brought forward for discussion. (Hear, hear.) He hoped an early day wonld be now fixed for tht consideration of the Army Estimate. Mr. COLLINS trusted that eireurrutancee would permit the Committee to consider on Menday next clauses relating to adlitional polling places. The motion for reporting progress was then withdrawn.

The consideration of clauso 9 was resumed. Mr.LC. ENTIN CK said that when the committee last separated they had been discussing an amendment originally proposed to clause 3 by his hoc friend the member for West Norfolk, but which was subsequently referred to clause 9. The effect of that amendment was to provide that, no voter should bo eo titled to vote at any poUiog place ex cent that situated in the parish or ward in which be resided, the abject of the amendment being; first to reduce tht chances of personation, and secondly to cause a list to bt prepared to con fine rotors to particular districts. He howerer; that the latter part of the object which his hon.

friend had in riew Would be met by tho adoption of aa amendment which he now begsed leave to more vit, insert after "allotted" the words no voter shall vote at any polling place except that of the parish or ward within which the qualification in respect of which he claims to vof i situate." Mr. W. E. FORSTER could not assent to the amendment either in its original or its present form, because it would interfere with the right a county voter. at present, possessed to vote where he resided, although his quitifica.

tion might be elsewhere. Tha proposal left the law as it stood in boroughs, but in counties it would operate in manner most inconvenient to many of the electors. Sir G. JENKINs'ON hoped the right boo. gentleman would accept the amendment with the addition of th words or where he resides." Mr.

W. E. FORSTER said this would merely have tha effect ot leaving the law as it now stood. Mr. R.

HOPE lUDDorted the amendment on the eround that it was in the highest degree desirable to check which was likely to be greatly increased by this BilL Mr. C. BENTINCK. asked the right hon. gentleman whe ther he was willing to leave it in the power of the return log omcer to compel electors to vote aipnaoeticai oraer, and to send them, perhaps, three or four miles from bom tovote The amendment was negatived without a division.

Mr. RAIKES mored an amendment to the effect that before anrlectfoa the returning officer should, with tha overseers, go through the list of voters and mark those, wbOut they knew to be dead or absent, and that in case any one claimed to vote for such personate should be required to take an oath. He thought it likely that special agents on both sides would have lists of such electors as were dead or gone abroad, and that for all such persons rote would be polled before 9 o'clock. There would be no challenge from an agent because he would not know for whom tho vote would be given no remedy was provided by tho BiU for striking off such votes, while the penalties on personation were not likely to be enforced. To show tire extent to which personation was likely to be practised, ha mentioned that a lady had boarted of having riren.63otea for Mrs.

Anderson at the London School Board election. Ia the course of her canvass she had ascertained that seven spinster or widow householders would be absent on tha polling day, and for' each of them she had given nine votes. Mr. W.E. FORSTER did not think that persona tioa would increase, but agreed tEat every step should be taken to prevent it.

He suggested that the amendment should bo withdrawn on hi promising to inquire as to whether the substance of it could be embodied in the clause. If he coqld not adopt it he would give the hon. member an opportunity of bringing up the subject on a new clause. Sir a JENKINSON hoped that all duplicate votes, would also be marked off the list. Mr.

H. BRAND thought there would be. great confusion caused by permitting any tampering with tho lists as settled by the Revising Barristers. Mr. W.

E. FORSTER believed then wonld be no "Urn peTing." He anderstood that only a mark wonld be made against such aames. Mr. BIRLEY expected personation to bo carried on to an incredible extent in large boronghs under "thia new system, for it would be easy to ascertain, by mean of the Post Office, the names of such electors as could cot be found. It was desirable that the register should be corrected tfprto tha day ot polling, and the substance of tha amend meet ought to be accepted.

Tbe amendmeat was withdrawn. Mr. W. FORSTER mored to omit sub section 5, which he thought unnecessary after the amendment of tht ban. member for Huddersfiebi.

Mr. GOLDNEY thought tho sub section ought to be amended, but not omitted. Ke movyt amendments to the' 1 effect that it should not be necessary for returning officers to seal up the Ballot boie accordifig to the form provided in the case of presiding officer at polling places. After some conversation these amendments wen agreed to. In subsection of clause 9 various amendments were in, trodnced at the instance of Sir H.

Selwin W. E.Forster,andMr.Goidoey,baving for their object todenna 1 .1 L. clauses constitute a manner in which the number of vote given for each many parts of which they would govern. If it weredeaded ly. 11M tJ.V m.to.fr thm tw exnenaes should be borne a heretofore by candidate.

he should waive many of his objection to other parts of the BUL He hoped that if the clause were postponed they would be postponed to a definite date. Mr. W. E. FORSTER said they were now at clause 9, and could not postpone clause 13 until they reached it.

Mr. SCLATER BOOTH said it was a most unusual and inconvenient course, and oa to which he hoped the House would not assent, for a Minister, with tbe object of making better term for himself, to postpone br anticipation the consideration of clauses ia order tbat others might be proceeded with. He deprecated the tone of lerity with which the right bon. gentleman had spoken of the clauses relating to polling place, for if anything could reconcile the; Opposition to the passing of the Bill it would bo the multiplication of polling places, without which, in their judgment, the Bill would absolutely disfranchise a large number of voters. Mr.

BERESFORD HOPE held that there would be a breach of faith if these clauses wen not embodied in the RUL He must recommend the Government in their own interest, with a view to make as much speed a possiblcin the pro great ot the measure, and to avoid what ciuldvu'y fail to be an acrimonious carry out at one the plecge which had been give a. Sir M. BEACH protested in the strongest manner against the withdrawal of tbe Gorernment from the pledge whieh barfT been distinctly given to himself. Nothing, indeed, could be more definite and distinct than the pledge giren by the Gorernment to place clauses on the paper with reference to polling places, which they had faithfully done, and also to insert those clause in tha BilL Since the right hon. geotlemaa made hi statement he had referred to Tie Timet of the day after tha discussion oh polliag plaeee.

(Cries of "Chair.) The CHAIRMAN said the member could not quota reports In The Tunes. Sir M. BEACH said, if that were tha ease would read an authentic record ef what occurred. Hear, bear. and laughter.) His right hon.

friend the member for Buckinghamshire stated on his behalf that he was quite willing to withdraw his amendment on the dear understanding that the Gorernment should deal with the subj ct io tLe present BUL The Prima Minuter stated that elo would be proposed to carry out the object in view, and so troo was tha improssion that tbe matter was absoiaW settled that oa candidate should be ascertained, and the' custody ol tha Ballot papers which wen nut counted provided lor from day today ia case of adjournment. In subsection 7 of the clause, which restrained a Returning Officer from voting, except ia case of an equality of votes, when ha was to give a castiaf rote, Mr. J. LOWTHER proposed an amendment, the effect of which was to take away from the) Returning Officer this' power of giving a casting rote, and to render the restriction upon his voting absolute. The law, he said, differed upon this point in the three kingdoms at present, la.

Scotland the Returning Offiwr was prohibited from giving a rota at all; in England his giving a vote waa discretionary, but ia the event of a double election was bound to return both candidates while in Ireland the Returning "Officer might first vote a an elector, and in case of a subsequent equality of votes he was bound to give a second and casting rote for one of other of the candidate. A Returning placed a ho was in a position ol great responsibility, ought, in his opinion, to be free from ail suspicion of party feeling; and in English counties, at all events, ha believed that Returning Officers, at a rule, abstained from taking any part in tha election over whkk thev presided. The els ton case was one in which tht return was annulled because the mayor, who was a bigoted partisan, baring already voted once, claimed the right of ririog a casting rote for the candidate of his choice. Tha Committee, of whieh tha present Chancellor of tha Exchequer was chairman, naolred. in that case, that a gross breach ot privilege bad bei committed, and tha right hon.

gentleman biraaelf suhroquently broughit forward and ear ried a resolution flaring it to be the duty of mayors to make a double' return wherever an equal number of vote bad been recorded. The amendment which ha now proposed was in accordance with that resolution, and in conformity likewise with the salutary provisions of tha law ia Scotland. Mr. J. GOLDS MID concurred in thinklas; lie Uwcezht to be uniform ia thajhree countries, and sail that 10 13 be bad introduced a Bill for tha purpose of maktne; it sa, which was received with appro vaL and only failed because of the lateness of the Session.

Ke believed, however, that a law which, by depriving mayor tLa power of voting at alt. would in many case render deWe returns imperative, waa a law whiib it wou'd not be prudent to adopt. It would compel frssh election in snaky places when these no!.