UNIVERSAL REGRET THROUGHOUT THE BRITISH EMPIRE AT THE DEATH OF
THE PRINCE CONSORT-Effect of this sentiment on political events and
party operations. The Session is opened, on the 6th of February, by
Commission-The Lord Chancellor delivers the Royal Speech-Debates
on the Address to the Throne-Allusions to the recent national affliction
are made in almost all the speeches in both Houses-The Address is
moved in the House of Lords by Lord Dufferin, who pays an eloquent
tribute to Prince Albert's memory, and is seconded by the Earl of Shel-
burne The Earl of Derby pronounces a brilliant eulogium on the illus-
trious deceased, and enters at some length on the American contest and
the Trent affair, approving the policy of neutrality avowed by our Go-
vernment-He refers also to the affairs of Mexico and of Morocco, and to
the Revised Code of Education-Earl Granville, on behalf of the Govern-
ment, acknowledges the candour and fairness of Lord Derby's remarks—
He announces an early day for the discussion of the Revised Code, and
responds to the panegyric on the Prince Consort-Earl Russell concurs in
the general expressions upon the latter subject, and enters at some length
upon American affairs. After a few words from Lord Kingsdown, the
Address is agreed to nem. con.-In the House of Commons the Address is
moved by Mr. Portman and seconded by Mr. Western Wood-The loss of
the Prince Consort, the Trent affair and American war, and the Revised
Code of Education form the chief topics of remark-Speech of Mr. Dis-
raeli-Declaration of Lord Palmerston in regard to our policy towards
the United States-Mr. Maguire introduces the topic of distress in-
Ireland-Sir Robert Peel, Secretary for Ireland, controverts his state-
ment, and an animated discussion ensues-The Address is agreed to
without a division. PROCEDURE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS-Mr. White
proposes a resolution in favour of a more methodical regulation of public
business in the House-Sir George Grey, Mr. Walpole, Mr. Disraeli, Sir
George Lewis, and Lord Palmerston take part in the discussion, which
terminates without result. NATIONAL EDUCATION. THE REVISED CODE.
In the House of Lords, Earl Granville, on the 13th of February, makes a
full statement of the grounds on which the recent Minutes had been
founded-His speech-Remarks of the Earl of Derby-Further discussion
of the subject deferred-On the same day, Mr. Lowe gives a similar ex-
planation of the New Code in the House of Commons, and vindicates the
measures of the Committee of Council-Speeches of Mr. Disraeli, Sir
John Pakington, and other Members-The Bishop of Oxford, on the 4th
of March, makes a severe assault upon the Revised Code in the House of
Lords-He is answered by Earl Granville-Remarks of the Duke of
Marlborough, the Earl of Derby, the Duke of Argyll, and other Peers-
A few days later, Lord Lyttleton moves a series of resolutions, inculpa-
tory of the new system-Earl Granville vindicates the course taken by
the Government-Lord St. Leonards also censures the Amended Minutes
in some respects-Remarks of the Bishop of London and of Earl Gran-
ville
NATIONAL EDUCATION.-The Revised Code.-Mr. Walpole lays on the Table
of the House of Commons a series of Resolutions upon the Government
Minutes-A prolonged Debate takes place upon the subject, on the 24th
of May-Speeches of Mr. Walpole, Sir George Grey, Mr. Stanhope, Mr.
Buxton, Lord R. Cecil, Mr. W. Forster, Mr. Puller, Mr. Leathan, Mr.
Whiteside, Mr. Bernal Osborne, Mr. Adderley, Mr. Baines, Sir J. Pa-
kington, Mr. Lowe, and other Members-The House goes into Committee
on the Resolutions-The Government determine to modify the Revised
Code-Earl Granville in the House of Lords, and Mr. Lowe in the House
of Commons, state, previously to the Easter Recess, the concessions pro-
posed-Further Debates in the House of Commons, on the Amended Code:
Mr. Walpole expresses his satisfaction with the concessions offered-Re-
marks of Mr. Henley, Sir J. Pakington, Lord R. Cecil, and Mr. Lowe-
Mr. Walpole withdraws his Resolutions-Mr. Walter moves an Amend-
ment against making the grants of money conditional on the Employ-
ment of Certificated Teachers-Mr. Lowe opposes the Motion on behalf of
the Government, and it is rejected by 163 to 156-Further Amendments
are proposed by Mr. Baines and Mr. Bruce, but without success. CHURCH
RATES-Sir John Trelawny again introduces his Bill for the Abolition of
Church Rates-On the Second Reading of the Bill, Mr. Sotheron Est-
court moves an amendment against immediate abolition-Sir George
Lewis, Mr. R. Mills, and Mr. Bright speak in favour of the Bill, and Mr.
Macdonogh, Sir John Pakington, and Mr. Disraeli oppose it-On a
division, the Bill is lost by a majority of one-Mr. S. Estcourt after-
wards proposes Resolutions for making other provisions in lieu of Church
Rates After a discussion, in which Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Heygate, Mr.
Disraeli, and Sir George Grey take part, Mr. Estcourt's Resolutions are
withdrawn-Mr. Newdegate introduces a Bill for commuting Church
Rates to a Rent Charge on land, payable by the owner-After some
debate, Mr. Newdegate withdraws his Bill. Relief of Clergy of the Church
of England desiring to secede therefrom-Mr. E. P. Bouverie brings in a
Bill to relieve seceding clergymen from penalties-the Bill is read a
second time and referred to a Select Committee-Sir L. Palk opposes the
third reading, when the Bill is lost by a majority of 98 to 88. Act of
Uniformity Lord Ebury introduces two Bills in the House of Lords, to
relax the terms of Subscriptions to the Articles, and to allow greater
freedom in the Celebration of Divine Service-The Bishops of London and
Oxford object to Lord Ebury's propositions-The Earl of Shaftesbury and
Earl Russell recommend the postponement of the measures, which are
accordingly withdrawn. Marriages of Affinity-Mr. Monckton Milnes
again introduces a Bill to Legalize Marriage with a Deceased Wife's
Sister-It is opposed by Mr. Lygon, Lord R. Cecil, Mr. Walpole, Mr.
Buxton and Mr. Kinnaird, and supported by Mr. Collier, Sir George Grey,
Mr. Headlam and other Members-The second reading is carried by 144
to 133-The committal of the Bill is opposed by Mr. Hunt and Mr.
Monsell, and after a short debate the Bill is lost by 148 to 116. MAY-
NOOTH COLLEGE ENDOWMENT-Mr. Whalley opposes the Grant-Sir
Robert Peel, Secretary for Ireland, defends it, and the Motion is nega-
tived by 193 to 111. NATIONAL EDUCATION IN IRELAND-The O'Connor
Don enters upon the subject of Public Education in that country, and
states objections to the institution of the Queen's College-He is answered
by Sir Robert Peel-Observations of Mr. Maguire, Mr. Whiteside, Mr.
Monsell, Mr. Hennessy and other Members
THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA-Policy of the British Government respecting
It-Cases in which the interests of this country were affected-Debates in
Parliament on International Law and Neutral Rights - Detention of
British Subjects in the States by the Federal Authorities-Inquiry made
on this subject in the House of Lords by Lord Carnarvon, and answer of
Earl Russell-Remarks of the Earls of Derby and Malmesbury, and other
Peers. Sinking of the Stone Fleet in the Harbour of Charleston Questions
addressed to Ministers in both Houses on this subject, and their answers
--Remarks of Mr. Bright on the conduct of our Government in the Trent
affair-Lord Palmerston justifies their measure. Blockade of the Southern
Ports-Mr. Gregory brings forward a Motion in the House of Commons
on this subject-Speeches of Mr. Bentinck, Mr. W. Forster, Sir J. Fer-
gusson, Mr. Milnes, Mr. Lindsay, Lord R. Cecil, and the Solicitor-General
-The Motion is negatived-The subject mooted in the House of Lords
by Lord Campbell-Speech of Earl Russell in answer-Important dis-
cussion on the Motion of Mr. Horsfall on the Law applicable to Neutral
Commerce in Time of War-Speeches of the Attorney-General, Sir G.
Lewis, Mr. Thomas Baring, Mr. Lindsay, the Lord Advocate, Sir S.
Northcote, Lord H. Vane, Mr. Massey, Mr. Bright, the Solicitor-General,
Mr. Walpole, Lord Palmerston, and Mr. Disraeli; Mr. Horsfall withdraws
his Motion. Violent Proclamation of the Federal General Butler at New
Orleans-Protestations are made in both Houses against this Document
-It is emphatically condemned by Lord Palmerston-The Question of
Mediation by England between the contending parties in America is dis-
cussed in the House of Commons on the Motion of Mr. Lindsay-His
Speech-Speeches of Mr. Taylor, Lord A. Tempest, Mr. W. Forster, Mr.
Whiteside, Mr. Gregory, Mr. S. Fitzgerald, and Lord Palmerston-No re-
sult follows from the Motion. Supply of Cotton for English Manufac-
tures-Mr. J. B. Smith calls attention to the means of increasing the
supply from India-Speeches of Mr. Smollett, Mr. Turner, Sir C. Wood,
Mr. Bazley, Mr. Finley, and other Members. Distress in the Cotton
Manufacturing Districts-Prospects of severe suffering to the operatives
in Lancashire, from the suspension of work, owing to the want of Cotton
-Discussions in both Houses on the subject-The Government resolve
to extend the powers given by the Poor Laws for raising funds by rates
in aid Mr. Villiers brings in a Bill for this purpose, proposing to extend
the rating in certain cases over adjoining Unions-The measure under-
goes much discussion-It is proposed that borrowing powers on the security of the rates should be given under specified conditions-Debates
on this question-The Government at first object, but afterwards yield to
the evident opinion of the House of Commons in favour of Loans-The
Bil is amended accordingly-It passes through the House of Lords on
the 4th of August, after a debate in which Earl Russell, Lord Malmes-
bury, the Duke of Newcastle, Lord Kingsdown, Lord Egerton, and Lord
Overstone take part, and becomes law.
the state of the Revenue and Expenditure, and the results of past Re-
missions of Taxation-Proposes to modify the Wine Duties, and to com-
mute the Hop Duty for a Licence on Brewing-A short discussion takes
place on this occasion, but on a subsequent day Mr. Disraeli enters fully
upon the subject of Finance, and impugns the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer's policy as unsound and fallacious-Mr. Gladstone justifies the
measures proposed by him, and retorts on Mr. Disraeli-Sir Stafford
Northcote enters upon an elaborate criticism of the Budget, and expresses
dissatisfaction at the financial position-Discussion on the proposed
Licence Duties on Brewing-Mr. Bass, Sir John Trollope, and other
Members object to the scheme-The Chancellor of the Exchequer aban-
dons the Duty on private Brewing-A general Debate on the Financial
Policy of the Government takes place on the Second Reading of the
Inland Revenue Bill-Sir Stafford Northcote again dissects the financial
arrangements of the Government, and intimates distrust of their calcula-
tions-The Chancellor of the Exchequer enters fully upon a defence of
his measures-Mr. Disraeli attacks both the financial and the foreign
policy of the Government, which is vindicated with much spirit by
Lord Palmerston-On the Third Reading of the Inland Revenue Bill,
Mr. Disraeli again inveighs against the unsoundness of Mr. Gladstone's
Financial Policy-He is answered by Lord Palmerston-Remarks of Mr.
Lindsay, Sir H. Willoughby, and other Members-The Bill embodying
the several provisions of the Budget passes the House of Commons-It
meets with considerable hostility in the House of Lords-Earl Granville
moves the Second Reading on the 30th of May-It is supported by the
Dukes of Newcastle and Argyle, and by Earl Russell, and opposed by
the Earl of Carnarvon, Earl Grey, Lord Overstone, and the Earl of Derby
-The Bill is passed and becomes law-Incidental Discussions on Finance.
The Income Tax-Mr. Hubbard moves a Resolution affirming the injus-
tice of applying the same rate of Taxation to Incomes derived from fixed
property and those of precarious tenure-Mr. Crawford seconds the
motion-The Chancellor of the Exchequer opposes Mr. Hubbard's scheme
as incongruous and impracticable-The motion is negatived by 99 to 62.
Reduction of Public Expenditure-Mr. Stansfeld gives notice of a motion
affirming the feasibility of retrenchment without impairing the efficacy of
the public service-Several Members give notice of amendments on this
motion-Proposed amendments of Mr. Walpole and Lord Palmerston-
On the day fixed for the motion Lord Palmerston, treating the question
raised by Mr. Walpole as one of confidence in Ministers, calls on the
other Members to waive their amendments-An irregular discussion
ensues-Mr. Stansfeld addresses the House and moves his Resolution,
which is seconded by Mr. Baxter-Lord Palmerston moves his Amend-
ment, expressing approval of retrenchments already made and a hope of
further diminution-Speeches of Mr. Disraeli, Mr. Horsman, Mr. Cobden,
and other Members-On a division Mr. Stansfeld's Resolution is negatived
by 367 to 65-Mr. Walpole then, disclaiming any intention of hostility
to the Government, abandons his Amendment-Sarcastic observations are
made thereon by Mr. B. Osborne and Mr. Disraeli, who recommends the
House to pass Lord Palmerston's Amendment, which is accordingly
adopted without opposition
[70
agreed to-Purchase of Commissions in the Army-Sir De Lacy Evans
moves a Resolution for giving effect to the Report of the Royal Commis-
sion-Sir G. C. Lewis opposes the Motion-Speeches of General Peel, Lord
Stanley and Lord Palmerston-The Resolution is negatived by 247 to 62.
The Naval Estimates are moved by Lord Clarence Paget-Much discussion
takes place with reference to the construction of iron-cased vessels and
on the relative strength of our Navy and that of France-Mr. Lindsay
and Mr. Baxter contend that the growth of the French Navy in strength
and numbers has been over-stated by the Government-Lord Clarence
Paget justities his own representations on this subject, and enters at
length into a statement of the operations in our Dockyards, and the plans
of the Government for increasing our naval strength-Further debates
on Naval Armaments-Impression produced in this country by the L
engagement in America between the Merrimac and the Monitor-The
question of Fortifications of the Coast is discussed in connection with
that of iron-sheathed vessels-Important Debate in the House of Lords,
and statement of the Duke of Somerset, as to the condition of the Navy
and intentions of the Government-The relative efficiency of Iron and
Wooden Ships of war is again discussed in the same House, with reference
to the action between the American vessels-Speeches of Earl de Grey,
the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Ellenborough, the Duke of Somerset, and
other Peers-The same subject is mooted in the House of Commons by
Sir Frederick Smith-Remarks of Mr. Laird, Mr. Gregory, Sir J. Hay,
Capt. Jervis, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Bright, Sir G. C. Lewis, and Lord Clarence
Paget. FORTIFICATION OF THE DOCKYARDS AND ARSENALS-Sir G. C.
Lewis proposes, on the part of the Government, a Resolution authorizing
a grant of 1,200,000l. for these works-His speech-Mr. Bernal Osborne
opposes the proposition, objecting to the scheme, as ineffectual and extra-
vagant-He moves an Amendment, to give effect to his views-Speeches
of Sir F. Smith, Mr. H. A. Bruce, Mr. Vivian, Sir J. Northcote, Mr. Ben-
tinck, Sir M. Peto, Mr. Monsell, Lord Palmerston, and Mr. Disraeli—Mr.
Osborne's Amendment is withdrawn-On a further stage of the Bill, the
opposition is renewed by Mr. Lindsay, who renews the controversy as to
the relative strength of the French Navy-He is answered by Lord Cla-
rence Paget-Mr. Cobden impugns the policy of Lord Palmerston, whom
he charges with over-stating the preparations of France-Reply of Lord
Palmerston-Mr. Lindsay's Resolution is withdrawn-Mr. B. Osborne
again moves the reduction of the proposed vote for the Fortifications-
Speeches of Mr. H. A. Bruce, Captain Jervis, Sir F. Smith, Sir G. C. Lewis,
Lord Palmerston, Mr. Cobden, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer
After some further debate, Mr. Osborne's Amendment is negatived by
110 to 62-Further Amendments are moved upon the Bill, but the pro-
positions of the Government, with slight modifications, are carried-The
Second Reading of the Bill is moved by Lord de Grey in the House of
Lords on the 25th of July-Speeches of the Earl of Ellenborough, the
Duke of Somerset, Duke of Cambridge, Earls Grey and Malmesbury, and
Earl Russell-The Bill is passed .
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