Not Guilty, At a quarter to 7 next morning the House divided, when the numbers were for the motion, 178; against it, 324; majority against the motion, 146,

Feb. 8-The presentation of a petition from Birmingham, complaining of the distresses which at present oppress the manufacturers of that town and neighbourhood, gave rise to a warm debate upon the general state of trade and agriculture through, out the country, which, whether its objects or probable consequences are regarded, must be considered by far the most important and interesting discussion that has taken place since the opening of the Session.

As the most promising remedy for the general embarrassment which all sides of the House had repeatedly acknowledged, Mr Littleton suggested a commutation of some of the more oppressive taxes for an impost upon property, (not income,) which should impartially affect land and funded property. In the course of the discussion, the necessity of adhering to the decision come to with respect to the resumption of cash payments, and of maintaining the public faith to the national creditor, was strongly enforced on both sides of the House.

Feb. 9.After some conversation on several petitions, the House resolved itself into a committee of Ways and Means, in which the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed a vote of L. 5,000,000 of the aids of last year towards the supply of the present year, with several other resolutions. In reply to some observations of Mr Creevey, the Right Honourable Gentleman observed, that the reduction of the military expenditure, mentioned in the speech from the throne, might have been taken as a pledge of an intention on the part of government to effect further retrenchment. A saving of a large sum per annum had been made in the expence of collecting the public revenue, and he hoped, though he could not be certain of the exact sum, that a reduction of at least one million would take place in the whole expenditure.

Feb. 12. An interesting discussion took place on the Grampound disfranchisement bill. The name of Leeds not having been expressed in the original draught, Lord John Russell, previous to the House resolving itself into the committee, moved that it should be an instruction to the committee that the name of Leeds be inserted. To this Mr D. Gilbert proposed an amend ment, that the franchise of which Grampound was to be deprived should be extended to the adjoining hundreds, amendment was opposed by Mr J. W. Ward, Mr C. Wynne, Mr Littleton, &c. Mr Ward, in the course of his argument, laid down, with admirable truth and preci

The

sion, what seems to us the just doctrine upon the great question of reform. “When the reformers point out to me the irregularities of the constitutional building,” said the Honourable Gentleman, "I will not at all trust to my own powers to pull it down for the purpose of rebuilding it, but when I am obliged to alter it, I will do it according to a form, which promises to my judgment strength and convenience." Mr Gilbert's amendment was finally rejected without a division. In the committee a division took place upon a proposition of Mr Beaumont, that the privilege forfeited by Grampound should be conferred upon the West Riding of Yorkshire. The amendment was, however, rejected by a majority of 136 to 66, in favour of Lord J. Russell's motion, which bestows the franchise upon Leeds.

Feb. 13. Mr John Smith introduced a motion for restoring the Queen's name to the Liturgy. He chiefly dwelt upon the inexpediency of this step, as the means of satisfying and tranquillizing the public mind. The motion was seconded by Mr Tennyson. None of the leading opposition members took any part in the debate; Mr Wilberforce, however, supported the motion upon the ground, that in the present state of the public feeling, the concession is demanded as a peace-offering. He denied that the House would, by conceding the motion, pronounce any opinion upon the Queen's innocence, and enforced this opinion by the popular argument with which every one is so familiar " If the Queen is guilty, she stands the more in need of our prayers." Mr C. Wynne and several others opposed the motion; amongst the rest, Sir Thomas Ackland, who maintained that the House, if it granted what was asked for in the present case, could not refuse to follow up its mediation for the Liturgy by a similiar interference to procure for her Majesty a Royal Palace, a partici. pation in the ceremony of the coronation, and such an increase to her income as would maintain the proper magnificence of a royal court; and, lastly, that in their private capacity, they would be bound to introduce to her presence the female branches of their families. The motion was ultimately rejected, on a division, by a majority of 120--the numbers being 298.

the absence of the Lord Advocate, leave was granted to bring in the Bill.

When the Grampound disfranchisement bill was brought up from the committee, Mr Maxwell gave notice, that should the principle of the bill be adopted, he would, on the first occasion of a similar kind that should occur, put in a claim to have the right of representation transferred to the city of Glasgow.

Feb. 15.-Lord A. Hamilton moved for a copy of the order in Council directed to the General Assembly of Scotland, relative to the exclusion of her Majesty's name from the Liturgy, and also for the copy of a letter relating to the arrest of the reverend Mr Gillespie, for praying for her Majesty. The noble Lord rested the strength of his case chiefly upon the illegality of such an interference by the Crown in the internal concerns of the Church of Scotland. The motion was seconded by Lord Glenorchy, and supported by Sir James Mackintosh. It was opposed by the Lord Advocate, who maintained that the Government had often exercised the power complained of, and cited several cases, to show that clergymen had been punished for omitting the name of the King in their prayers. Lord Castlereagh reprobated the practice of bringing individual cases before the House, when the Courts of law were open for their redress, and considered the motion as nothing more than an attempt to keep alive the agitation of the country. In this opinion the House seemed to concur, for on a division the question was negatived by a majority of 110 to 35.

Feb. 16.-The Scotch jury amendment bill was, on the motion of Mr Kennedy, read a first time. The Lord Advocate gave notice of his intention to oppose the bill in its different stages.

Feb. 20.-A warm discussion took place upon the question for printing a Petition presented by Mr Denman, from Nottingham, complaining of the conduct of Ministers generally, and particularly as regarded the non-inquiry into the unfortunate transactions of the 16th of August, at Manchester. The Petition' was couched in strong language, and Mr Wynn opposed its being printed, on the ground that several passages in it reflected on the Courts of Justice of the country, and on the House of Commons. On a division, the question for printing the Petition was negatived, the numbers being -for printing it, 68-against it, 134. Mr Creevey subsequently moved, that the conduct of the High Sheriff of Chester, at the late Meeting of that County, should be referred to a Select Committee. The motion, after some discussion, was negatived upon a division, by 122 to 65. Mr Goulburn obtained leave to bring in a Bill to abolish the African Company, and

to vest the possession of their forts in his Majesty.

Feb. 21.-Sir R. Ferguson announced that the late majorities in favour of Ministers, had determined him in a resolution to abandon his promised motion for an inquiry into the conduct of the Milan Commission. Sir J. Mackintosh and Mr Bennett declaring their full concurrence in the prudence of this determination, the notice was formally withdrawn.

Sir J. Mackintosh then drew the attention of the House to the conduct pursued by his Majesty's Ministers towards the New Government of Naples in a speech of extraordinary length, occasionally adorned with great eloquence; Lord Castlereagh defended the line taken by ministers. His Lordship was followed by Sir Robert Wilson, by Mr Wilberforce, who defended ministers, Messrs Stuart Wortley, Tierney, Brougham, &c.; and at one o'clock the House divided, when Sir J. Mackintosh's motion was rejected by a majority of 194 to 125. In the discussion of this subject, however, there seemed to be but one sentiment in the House regarding the conduct of the Allied Sovereigns in their projected attack upon the Neapolitans. All agreed in reprobating the principle upon which they propose to interfere in the domestic affairs of Naples, as alike at variance with every established maxim either of law or policy, and tending utterly to subvert the rights of independent states.

Feb. 23.-A warm and animated debate took place upon a Petition from Davison, the individual who, it will be recollected, was fined by Mr Justice Best, who presided at his trial, whilst making his defence, for contempt of Court. The Petition complained of the conduct of the Learned Judge, and asked redress of the House. The Petition was supported by Mr Hobhouse and Mr Creevey, the latter of whom accused Mr Justice Best of being an intemperate and political Judge.-These assertions called down upon him the severe comments of Mr Serjeant Onslow and the Solicitor-General. The conduct of the Learned Judge was defended by the Solici tor and Attorney-General, Mr Lockhart, and Mr Scarlett.-After some observations from Lord Castlereagh, Mr J, P. Grant, and other members, the House divided, and decided against receiving the Petition by a majority of 64 to 37.

Feb. 28. Mr Plunket brought forward the great Question of Catholic Emancipation, in the form of a motion for a Committee of the whole House, to take into consideration the laws by which Catholics are at present disqualified, with a view to their modification or repeal. Mr Plunket went over, at length, all the arguments which have been so frequently, though unsuccessfully, advanced to induce the Legis.

lature to receive the millions, forming the Catholic population of the Empire, to a full participation in the benefits of the Constitution. To these he added a persuasive, equally cogent and honourable, arising out of the circumstances of the timesthe uncomplaining and inflexible loyalty with which the Catholics of Ireland bore the pressure of the general distress, which in its operation upon that kingdom had produced a degree of suffering without example in modern history. The Honoura

ble and Learned Gentleman spoke with the utmost respect of the prejudices of those who, from a sincere, though mistaken, zeal for Civil Liberty and the Established Church, had opposed the concessions sought by the Catholics; and successfully argued to show, that by the measure which he proposed, the basis of national independence would be extended, and therefore rendered more secure, and the Protestant Church strengthened by the accession of the whole Catholic population, who would thus become interested in its support. Mr Plunket's speech was received throughout with reiterated and enthusiastic cheering from all sides of the House. Mr Dennis Browne seconded the motion, and Sir J. Mackintosh, Mr C. Grant, Secretary for Ireland, and Lord Castlereagh, followed Mr Plunket in the same line of argument. The only speaker who offered any considerable opposition was Mr Peel: the Right Honoura ble Gentleman denied that the Catholics would receive the boon with satisfaction in any shape, in which the Legislature could concede it, or in which the Honourable Mover (Mr Plunket) would advise that it should be given. He fully coincided in all that had been said of the merits of the Catholics of the present day, and if the legislature had a security that they would always continue such as they are at present, he thought their prayer should be granted; but he reminded the House that they were called upon to legislate not for the present day and Catholics alone, but for posterity, and upon a principle which would apply to all sects. He added, that nothing could be contrived more likely to revive the spirit of party animosity and religious bigotry, now happily almost extinct in Ireland, than a measure which would expose the country to the frequent recurrence of election contests, in which Catholic and Protestant candidates would stand

opposed to each other. At half-past two

o'clock the House divided, when the numbers were, for the motion 227, against it 221, majority 6.

March 2.-The House resolved itself into a committee upon the claims of the Catholics. Mr Plunket moved certain resolutions which were adopted without a division, and the following members were

appointed to bring in a bill formed upon them:-Mr Plunket, Lord Castlereagh, Sir John Newport, Sir H. Parnell, Messrs Grant, Tierney, Wilberforce, C. W. Wynne, and Dr Phillimore. A call of the House was fixed for Friday next, on a the motion of Sir G. Hill. The Grampound disfranchisement bill was then read in committee; after some discussion, and two divisions, the electors' qualification for Leeds was fixed at the possession of a house of L. 20 a year actual rent. This, it is calculated, would afford a body of nearly 2000 voters. The duration of the election was limited to five days.

March 5.-Mr Stuart Wortley called the attention of the House to the Grampound disfranchisement bill. That measure has been, it appears, abandoned by Lord John Russell, on the ground that the high rate at which the title to a vote for Leeds has been fixed by the Committee, destroys all the beneficial qualities of the proposed transfer. Mr Stuart Wortley, who proposed this high rate, has in consequence undertaken to prosecute the measure through its future stages; and this night proposed some formal amendments, which were adopted without any serious opposition.

Instead of the elector being required to rent a house at the annual value of L. 20, he must be a householder paying scot and lot, and renting a tenement, whether of five, ten, or fifteen pounds, which, with land occupied by him, shall amount to the yearly value of L. 20. It will only be where he has no land, that the yearly rent of his house must amount to that sum; and of houses of this description there are 1690 in Leeds.-In the course of the debate, Mr Hobhouse made an angry reply to an observation which had fallen from Mr Baring, descriptive of the proper qualification for a Candidate for Westminster. The Honourable Member argued at great length to shew, that it is no less possible to talk unadvisedly in the House of Commons, than at the hustings at Covent Garden.

Mr Curwen then brought forward a motion, introductory of a measure for imposing a direct tax upon the transfer of stock. The Honourable Gentleman's proposition was resisted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as leading to a gross violation of the public faith, and was rejected by the House without a division.

Dr Lushington brought forward his motion, for the dismissal of Mr Ellis from the office of a Master in Chancery in Ireland, in consequence of that Gentleman having been elected to represent the City of Dublin. Mr Ellis defended the right of the Irish Metropolis to select for its Representative any Gentleman not disqualified by law, in a speech of considerable ability.

He then gave an explanation of the duties of his office, which he showed to be perfectly compatible with those of a Member of Parliament; and then withdrew, according to the usual practice in such Mr Peel defended Mr Ellis's elec

cases.

tion and Lord Castlereagh professed to give an explanation of his opinion upon this subject last Session, as not impeaching the election of Mr Ellis. On a division, Dr Lushington's motion was nega tived by a majority of 110 to 52.

FEBRUARY.

Fires. On Tuesday morning the 29th ult., the Caxton Printing Office, situate on Copperas Hill, Liverpool, belonging to Messrs Fisher, was discovered to be on fire; and shortly after the whole of the immense pile of building presented one sheet of flame. Very little of the immense stock on these extensive premises was saved. The conflagration was too rapid to allow time or opportunity for saving any considerable part of it. Copperplates to a considerable amount, however, were saved, as well as some of the account books, bills of parcels, &c. Some paper was saved, but in so damaged a state as to be unfit for use. All the types and presses are destroyed.

It is supposed the calamity was caused by the snuff of a candle being carelessly thrown on the floor. The establishment thus unfortunately destroyed was the most extensive periodical publication ware. house in the United Kingdom. The stock and premises were insured for L. 36,000. By the calamity, nearly 100 individuals are deprived of the means of gaining a livelihood by their industry.

On the night of the 2d instant, a distressing fire took place at Whitehousemill, near Ormiston, East Lothian, by which four cottages were burnt, and the inhabitants deprived of nearly every thing they possessed. The calamity originated in a way that cannot be too much guarded against, viz. by a cinder falling on the back of a cat, which occasioned the animal to run under the bed, (their usual refuge in such cases,) where a quantity of lint had been deposited, which immediately took fire, and the opening of the door, in order to alarm and obtain the assistance of the neighbours, and the wind being high, caused the flames to spread with such rapidity, that we understand the unfortunate inmates were unable to save a single article of their well furnished cottage. The roof being of thatch the fire communicated to the adjoining cottages, which were also soon reduced to ashes.

12.-Libel.-Sir Francis Burdett. On Thursday the 8th instant, Mr Justice Bailey passed the sentence of the Court of King's Bench upon Sir Francis Burdett,

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for libel, contained in his letter upon the Manchester disturbances. The Baronet has been committed to the custody of the Marshal of the Marshalsea of the King's Bench for three months, and ordered to pay a fine of L. 2000. On arriving at the King's Bench prison in St James's, he was conducted to the chambers over the lobby, the same which were occupied by Lord Cochrane. There are a sitting-room and a bed-room, both conveniently and comfortably furnished. A dinner was provided for the Honourable Baronet, at the public kitchen of the prison, to which he and half a dozen of his friends sat down at six o'clock. The Honourable Baronet, when desirous of taking exercise, is not under the necessity of entering that part of the prison devoted to the debtors, but has the privilege of walking up and down the court-yard in front of the principal entrance, which is surrounded by a wall, and which extends over a considerable space. He is of course upon his parole of honour not to go beyond the gates for the admission of strangers.

Female Courage. On Saturday the 10th curt. a young woman from the parish of Galston, who had been at Kilmarnock, was on her way home suddenly attacked by a fellow, who, jumping from behind a hedge, without speaking a word, struck her on the head with a stick. Having long hair put up under her straw bonnet, and the stroke falling on the hinder part of her head, it did not prevent her from running off as fast as possible, but finding herself closely pursued, and looking behind her, she saw he was very near, with the stick in one hand, and an open knife in the other. She lifted a large stone, and struck him so hard on the breast with it that he immediately fell. While stooping for the stone she received a severe blow on the shoulder. When he fell she took his stick and knife, and seeing two men coming over the hedge, one of whom said “ dn her, he's down," she again ran off.

The

two which came last over the hedge fired two shots at her, and she saw one of the bullets hop on the road. None of the shots hurt her, but on examining her clothes, two bullet holes were found near

the tail of her pelisse, and some little holes, which appeared to have been made with small shot. Her head and shoulder are much swelled, but she was able to walk home, bringing the stick and knife which belonged to the villain with her. This happened between two and three o'clock afternoon, and about half way on the road between Kilmarnock and Crookedholm.

Fire. Yesterday morning, between ten and eleven o'clock, an alarming fire broke out in the still-house at Sunbury distillery, near Edinburgh. The whole was so in stantly in flame, that the roof fell in almost immediately. This part of the manufactory being fortunately separate from the rest, the fire was got under without spreading farther. An unfortunate accident occurred upon this occasion. Some people had stationed themselves on a very slight scaffolding, which, after some time, gave way, and six individuals were precipitated to the ground, from a considerable height falling in a cluster upon each other on a very rough piece of ground, four of them were severely hurt. The premises belong to Messrs J. Haig and Son, and are fully, insured in the Sun Fire Office.

Forgery. This day came on before the High Court of Justiciary, at Edinburgh, the trial of Francis Adams, accused of falsehood and forgery, by forging receipts and other documents on Gen. Sir Robert Abercrombie, G. C. B. to the extent of 46,000 Spanish dollars, which he alleged Sir Robert had received from him in America in the year 1778. The prisoner pleaded guilty to uttering and using the documents libelled, knowing them to be forged, and was sentenced to seven years' trans. portation. He is a poor looking old man, and stated that he was seventy years of age.

15.-The King.-Last week the King visited both the theatres in London, and was warmly received by the crowded audiences assembled to see his majesty and his royal brothers. This is the first time that the King has attended at any of the national theatres since he has come to the throne-or even, if we recollect aright, since he has been regent of these kingdoms. The reception which he met with, from a people who, though prompt in their ire, are as hearty in their kindness, may probably induce his majesty, in imitation of his excellent father, to exhibit himself more frequently to his people. A more glowing display of loyal feeling was never exhibited, even in the happiest days of British loyalty. The burst of enthusiasm was wild, electric, and universal; and the effect, both upon the actors in this noble scene, and the illustrious person at whose feet their loving homage was laid, is described to have been such as at once elevated, softened, and gladdened the heart.

VOL. VIII.

His majesty is described to have been ob. viously and deeply affected.

Election of Magistrates of Edinburgh.— At the ordinary meeting of the Town Council of Edinburgh, yesterday, a committee appointed at last meeting to consider a proposal which had been given in, and to arrange matters with a committee named by the aggregate committees, &c. in order to lead to a compromise of the law process that has been carrying on for the last three years by Mr Lawrie and others against the Magistrates, gave in their report, unanimously recommending to the council to give eleven hundred pounds to the complainer, &c. in name of expences, to stop all farther law proceedings in all the cases now pending; which offer, it was stated, had been agreed to by the committee on the part of Mr Lawrie, &c. After some observations from the Lord Provost, Mr Treasurer Smith, Bailie Dunlop, and Deacons Fenwick and Cox, the report of the committee was unanimously agreed to.

The thanks of the council were unanimously voted to the Lord Provost and the committee, for the trouble they had taken to bring this long pending case to an amicable termination.

19-Fatal Affray with Smugglers. On Thursday evening the 15th instant, three excisemen belonging to the Nairn district fell in with two smugglers, a father and a son, near the Milton of Kilravock. As the smugglers refused to surrender the illicit spirits in the cart, a scuffle ensued, and in consequence of injuries then received, the old man died soon after he had reached his home.

Robbery, and Singular Restoration of Property. Some time past a singular occurrence took place at the Stock Exchange, of a countryman selling out stock to the amount of L. 4200, of all which sum he had not proceeded far before his pocket was picked. Immediately a reward of L. 200 was offered for the restoration of the notes, but to no effect; but the Bow Street officers ascertained that the notes were sold for L. 300. A negotiation took place; the holders required L. 1200 to restore the L. 4200, which the loser would not agree to; at length the purchaser of the above notes offered them to the owner for L. 500, which accordingly was agreed to, and a meeting took place last Saturday morning, in Brixton Fields, between the purchaser and owner of the bank notes. The pur

chaser held in his hand the identical small red pocket-book containing the four one thousand pound notes, with the odd hundreds, and the owner of the notes held in his hand a five hundred pound note.After some trifling conversation, a mutual exchange took place, agreeable to both parties. When the owner of the property had got safe possession of it, he drew a