money to pay the French refugees-those self, had seen some of the remnants of these tribes in Canada, and certainly they had a most degrading appearance. who had come over to England in consequence of the revocation of the edict of Nantes--and he asked the question if any of them could be alive now, or that they had been filling up the lists from time to time. He was afraid a little of this had been going on in this case. MR. BRIGHT said, the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not tell them exactly how this bargain was made-whether it was the mere statement of a Minister to the House when the House was grumbling. And he had not told them when the rent of the Protestant burial ground was to cease. That could not die. He had no doubt that if the Government were to make an inquiry into the matter, they might get rid of many of these payments. The Canadian Government was as free as this Government, and nothing was more scandalous than that we should pay this money, and nothing more degrading to them than that they should receive it. MR. AGLIONBY said, there was one payment, 3,0627., to the Foreign Missionaries of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Nova Scotia. He wished for some explanation upon that. The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER said, he was afraid as to the Protestant burial ground it would not cease, but it was no large sum. The missionaries of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel were in point of fact appointed to districts, and the payments would cease on the death of the individuals. MR. BRIGHT wished to know, if the Government here received annually an exact account of these parties and their names, and did they take care that a son of the same name did not succeed to his father's stipend? Vote agreed to. SUPPLY-INDIAN DEPARTMENT, CANADA. (4.) 14,1027. Indian Department, Canada. MR. HUME said, fourteen years ago, Lord Glenelg advocated the discontinuance of this vote; and it was proved then before the Committee that the presents to the Indians caused much drunkenness and immorality. If the House would support him, he would divide against this vote. MR. COBDEN said, he remembered the late Mr. Charles Buller spoke on this subject more than once. He was in Canada, and saw the evil effects of it. He, him MR. MACGREGOR did not think it would be advisable to reject this vote to-night, because the purchases were already made which this vote was intended to cover. But he should oppose the vote next year, if it appeared in the estimates. He believed that these presents of calico, &c., were often purchased at one-tenth of what they cost. MR. HAWES believed that many of the annuities to the Indians contained in this vote were devoted by them to the establishment of schools. The Governor General of Canada thought it inexpedient to discontinue this vote at present, and he therefore hoped the House would not reject it. MR. BRIGHT said, that there were 2,6001. of the vote paid in salaries, which was a most extravagant amount on account of management, and showed that something was in the background of which they were not informed. There were ordinary contingencies amounting to 1,2007., which made very nearly 30 per cent of the whole vote. Then there were items for officers' widows, for provisions and gunpowder. The answer which had been given by the Government was of a very unsatisfactory nature; and unless the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave a promise that this vote should not appear in the estimates next year, he would advise his hon. Friend to divide the House. MR. AGLIONBY said, that although it had been stated that the sums were devoted to schools, that did not appear on the face of the vote, for it was put down under the head of "Presents to Indians." The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, that a portion of this vote was paid in annuities, and a portion in presents. No doubt a great deal might be said against this vote; but the House ought not to expect him to give a promise that it should not be taken next year. These presents were distributed to certain semibarbarous tribes as compensation for retiring from the hunting grounds from which their subsistence was derived. What he would undertake to say was, that he would communicate with the Governor General of Canada, and urge the discontinuance of the vote; or, if that were not possible, its limitation within the narrowest limits, consistently with a due regard to the preservation of public faith with these tribes. A Colonies. large portion of the superintendence of this | Lieutenant Governors, in the West India MR. BRIGHT hoped that the right hon. Gentleman would also communicate with the Governor General to get the Canadian Parliament to pay the grant to the native tribes, seeing that Canada possessed the hunting grounds for which this compensation was paid. SIR E. BUXTON hoped that if the native Indians were not to be paid in the manner orriginally agreed upon, they would be paid in some other form. Vote agreed to. SUPPLY-BAHAMA ISLANDS. (5.) 2901. Bahama Islands. COLONEL SIBTHORP wished to know why this vote was only 2901., when in the next page there was 1,2001. for the salary of the Governor ? The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER said, that the vote of 1,2001. was included in the vote for the Governors of the West India Islands. MR. BRIGHT wished to know whether the person who appeared as Bishop of Montreal, with 1,000l. a year, was the same person who appeared as the archdeacon of Quebec, with 5007.; and whether the person who was archdeacon of Quebec was the same individual who appeared as rector of Quebec, with 400l. a year? If 1,9001. of the public money was thus paid to one and the same person in Canada, it was important that the House should know it, in order that it might put a stop to an expenditure of so gross a character. He also wished to know if the rector of Christ Church and St. Matthew's was the same person? MR. HAWES said, that the rector of Christ Church and St. Matthew's was one and the same person; but these payments would cease with the death of the party. With regard to the other case, he was not in a position to state the exact facts. The late Bishop of Montreal received 3,000l.; and having become old, he appointed a coadjutor, to whom he paid 1,0001. The present bishop held that appointment now, and with it he held the other two mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, making his salary altogether 1,9007. Vote agreed to. MR. HUME asked that this vote should The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHE- MR. BRIGHT thought the Government circuit. SIR E. BUXTON did not think it would be wise to reduce the salaries of the governors. Vote agreed to. SUPPLY-STIPENDIARY JUSTICES WEST INDIA COLONIES. (7.) 41,1501. Stipendiary Justices West India Colonies. MR. HUME could not understand why this vote was continued. MR. HAWES thought his hon. Friend must be aware that the vote had been annually agreed to since the Emacipation Act. Under those valuable officers the administration of the law was now on a satisfactory footing, and the removal of those stipendiary magistrates would be considered a loss by the colonists, for they were becoming more necessary with the increase of emigration. MR. HUME said, they had been appointed at the time of emancipation to see justice done during the apprenticeship; but there was no reason why they should be longer continued. MR. COBDEN asked if it was meant that they should continue in perpetuity? MR. HAWES was understood to reply in the negative. MR. BRIGHT asked the number of stipendiary magistrates in each colony. He understood there were eighteen in Jamaica, only three in Barbadoes, and but one in Antigua. Perhaps the number might properly be diminished in some of the colonies. The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHE(6.) 18,0281. Salaries of Governors and QUER said, it was perfectly true the SUPPLY-SALARIES, WEST INDIA COLONIES. magistrates had been appointed with a view to the apprenticeship, and their numbers had since been diminished; but when immigration began to take place, it was thought proper to prevent the number of justices from being further diminished, as it had been after the termination of the apprenticeship. This accounted for the different numbers in the different colonies. MR. HENLEY wished to know how many of these magistrates there were, and the salary of each? MR. HAWES said, their number was 86; they had each a salary of 3001, a year, and 150l. a year for travelling expenses. They were not appointed for any specified time. The same qualification was required as for justices of the peace in this country. SIR E. BUXTON thought it desirable that they should be continued; they had been of the greatest use since the extinction of slavery. Vote agreed to. next. The House adjourned at a quarter after One o'clock till Monday next. ―mmmmm HOUSE OF LORDS, 2a Vestries and Vestry Clerks.. Royal Assent.-Pirates (Head Money) Repeal Committee. He had undertaken that no unnecessary delay should take place, and he had then said, that if he saw any tendency in any quarter to interpose delay at so late a period of the Session, with a view to defeat the measure, and not to improve it, he should at once move that the Chairman report progress, and bring the Bill again before their Lordships. He rejoiced, however, to say that he had been more than able to redeem that pledge, and it was with great satisfaction he now reported the Bill to the House after only one sitting of the Select Committee. The Committee had sat three hours to-day, and they had discussed every part of the measure which presented any doubt or difficulty. In fact, if they had discussed it for three weeks, they could not have given it a more efficient consideration. He had to tender his thanks to his noble Friends who had served with him on the Select Committee, and he must also thank a learned gentleman, Mr. Herbert Koe, a Queen's Counsel, and judge of one of these local courts, who had attended the Committee and given them the valuable assistance of his experience. No difficulties remained except on one point, which before proceeding further with, he should mention to his noble and learned Friends (Lord Lyndhurst and the Earl of Cottenham), and his noble and learned Friend the pre MINUTES.] PUBLIC BILLS. 1a Incorporation of Boroughs Confirmation (No. 2); Court of Ex-sent Lord Chancellor. But amongst the chequer (Ireland). Amendments, he had to direct the attention of their Lordships to one which had been suggested by a noble Friend opposite, to give certain powers to these local courts, not of dealing with charities generally, but of filling up vacancies among trustees, and thus in the case of small charities, prevent the necessity of an application to the Court of Chancery. Perhaps it would be better to take the next stage of the Bill on Thursday instead of to-morrow, which would afford time to consider the Amendment. He looked upon this as one of the most useful measures that had ever been brought COUNTY COURTS EXTENSION BILL. before Parliament; and its adoption quite LORD BROUGHAM said, that as Chair- consoled him for the loss of a Bill of the man of the Select Committee on this Bill, same description which he brought forward he had great satisfaction in redeeming the in 1833, and which had only been thrown pledge which he had given the last time out by a majority of one. This subject had the House met, as to the course which always excited the deepest interest among he had suggested, and which had been American lawyers, many of whom were very adopted, of referring the important Bill eminent men, and for whom he entertained relating to the County Courts, certainly the most sincere respect. Some of these one of the most important Bills which learned persons had invited him to visit could come before them, to a Select America; and when he visited that coun try, as he intended to do, it would give him | day would have been preparing to sail for great satisfaction to take with him this Donaghadee. The sailors then would have Bill, as a proof of the success of our legis- been on and about the piers. They might lative labours, and of the progress which have seen her, no doubt, and hailed her in we were making in the amendment of our time. The smoke also from the mail paclaw-the law being substantially the same ket funnel would have been observed in England and America. To show that he on the Orion's deck, and at once notified did not intend to abdicate, even for a season, to the captain or mate of the vessel that his judicial functions, he should mention that it was coming too near the piers. It is he had come to the final resolution of post- certain, however, a large amount of life poning his departure until late in the ensu- would have been saved by there being iming spring. If Parliament met at an early mediately a greater number of boats ready, period, which he hoped it would, he ex- and sailors and men at hand to jump into pected they would be able to get rid of the them at the instant-thus a large amount arrear of appeals before their Lordships of life would have been saved. Fisherby next Easter. He did not wish to men's small boats could do little in picking throw any additional labour on his noble up persons from the wreck. This is not, and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor, I fear, the first instance of destruction of who had the arrears of his own court to life which the miserable economy of Her get rid of. He must press upon him not Majesty's Government will have to put on to exhaust his valuable health by over-record for knocking up and annihilating exertion, for he knew his determination the convenient and admirable passage bework hard, and if he did not take his tween Donaghadee and Portpatrick, for a (Lord Brougham's) warning, he might find paltry saving of 4,000l. or 5,000l., which that the arrears would be more than he is all that was required for one good steam could overcome. He would merely add, vessel on the station. I have already prethat any assistance he could give to his dicted to the noble Marquess at the head noble and learned Friend, in respect to of the Post Office he will surely have aceithe judicial business of the House, was en-dents in the heavy fogs in the winter in tirely at his service. But he hoped his noble Friend would forego the intention of sitting into the long vacation, for the reason he had adverted to. Bill reported, with amendments. PACKET STATION BETWEEN PORT PATRICK AND DONAGHADEE. The MARQUESS of LONDONDERRY said, that, seeing his noble Friend the Postmaster General in his place, he wished to move for a return of the expenses of the conveyance of the mails between Greenock and Belfast; also of the transmission of the mails by Portpatrick and Donaghadee; also for a copy of the contract entered into or about to be entered into for the present year by the steam company. My object (said the noble Marquess) in moving for the correspondence as to the loss of the Orion, with the Admiralty, on a former evening, and which the Government declined to afford me, as legal proceedings were to be instituted with regard to it, was to show that, from information that had reached me, it was more than probable, if Portpatrick had not been abandoned as a packet station, the unfortunate event would not have occurred. It appears that the hour at which the Orion struck was just about the time the mail packet of the the Clyde, and delays with the vessels in the long passage; and I have to complain of the partial and somewhat apparently unfaithful return the noble Marquess has laid on the table as to the comparisons of the advantages of the two disputed harbours. From my certain information I assert there was one day in which no mast passed, in consequence of the Greenock packet having run foul of a vessel. Now, as this does not appear on the face of the return, I have a right to challenge it as a false return from the Post Office. It was, I believe, in the month of February. Now, I beg to state another very strong fact. The north of Ireland, the district where Portpatrick is, should not be lost sight of. Then the return shows that on the Portpatrick route the mail left Glasgow at 4.30 P.M., and took 163 hours to Belfast. Now that mail, which left Glasgow at 4.30 P.M., did not reach Portpatrick by the mail cars till 3.30 A.M. next morning, consuming just 11 hours from Glasgow to the port, which ought to have been done in 84 or 9 hours. It is, however, quite clear, to contrast the old route with bad land conveyance, and bad, old-fashioned, with fast steamers on the new line, twelve hours' passage on an average of years will be the fastest that can be made from Glasgow to Belfast. And yet, while that route affords a little more accommodation to those towns, it deprives the West of Ireland, the West of Scotland, and the North of England of their former accommodation. If the land conveyance to Portpatrick were improved, and a good steamer placed on the old station, eleven hours' passage from Glasgow to Belfast would always be maintained, giving equal postal advantages to those places, the old accommodation to other places, and securing to the people of Great Britain and Ireland the advantage of one hour and twenty minutes' sea passage between the two countries, With these convictions, and under these circumstances, understanding that a new contract is about to be entered into by the Government with the steam-packet company, I have thought it a duty to that part of the country suffering grievously from the late change, in making these observations, to move for the contract, to warn the Government before they enter into it to weigh well the costs and expenditure of the steam-packet company this last year to secure their object, and to be quite sure when they have done so that they do not exhibit in a short time entire failure, and that, ultimately, the Government will deeply deplore their abandonment of the station. The return shows that in the Portpatrick route the mail left Glasgow at 4.30 P.M., and took sixteen hours and a half to Belfast. Now, that mail which left Glasgow at 4.30 P.M. did not reach Portpatrick by the mail car till 3.30 A.M. next morning, consuming just eleven hours from Glasgow to the port, which used to be done, and ought to be done, in eight hours and a half. The MARQUESS of CLANRICARDE said, he had no objection, on the part of the Post Office, to the production of the contract referred to by the noble Marquess. There had not been any complaints made, he believed, as to the working of the service between Greenock and Belfast. If the new line had been established by the Admiralty, the Post Office could not have made much use of it. The EARL of EGLINTON expressed his approbation of the old route by Portpatrick in preference to the present one. Motion agreed to. FACTORIES BILL. House in Committee according to Order. EARL GRANVILLE said, that if the Bill were a new measure introduced into the Legislature, having for its object novel arrangements in factories, and compulsory regulations of factory labour, it would have been necessary for him to go at considerable length into a discussion of the great question, how far it was possible to promote the moral and physical advantages of the factory operatives by any legislative enactment. Upon that subject he entertained a strong opinion; but, considering the particular object of the Bill, he did not deem it necessary to give expression to that opinion on this occasion, its object being to obviate what the Government considered to be certain impediments which had arisen in the way of the due operation of the spirit of the existing law. Their Lordships would remember that, by an Act passed in 1833, certain provisions were made for regulating the hours of labour of young persons and women in factories. Considerable modifications of that Act were introduced by the Act of the 7th and 8th of Victoria, c. 15 (1844), and it was the 26th section of that Act to which the present measure had reference. In 1847 another Act was passed, making no difference in the provisions of the Act of 1844, with the exception of altering the number of hours from 12 to 10, during which the labour of persons under the age of 18, and of females, should be restricted. Clause 26 of the Act of 1844, provided that the hours of the work of children and young persons in every factory should be reckoned from the time when any child or young person should first begin to work in the morning in such factory. Although it was not originally intended to do so, yet this proviso was found practically to lead to what was called a system of "relays" and " shifts." The system of relays and shifts was consequently introduced. On looking at the clause of the Act of 1844, and also at the Act of 1847, it was found by the millowners that the law was not stringent enough to prevent either the systen of relays or of shifts. Now, the difference between relays and shifts was this: in the case of relays a fresh set of persons was employed, whereas, in the case of shifts the same persons were employed a certain number of hours, their labour was then suspended for a few hours, and they were then employed again during the same day. Thus it appeared that as the factory day began at half-past 5 o'clock in the morning, and ended at half-past 8 o'clock at night, these persons, though not actually at work more than ten hours, might be really waiting about and occupied in the |