reduced, leaving only twenty millions un. redeemed. If he had this year brought forward no plan, he begged not to be understood as having none in contempla tion. He was uncertain what he might do next year; but at any rate, when the Sinking Fund had attained eight millions, it would be time for him or his successor to propose some final arrangement.

The Sinking Fund Bill then passed through a Committee.

HOUSE OF LORDS, June 30.

The Earl of Liverpool signified to the House, that he had to communicate an Act of Grace on the part of the Prince Regent. That was a Bill to reverse the attainder of Edward Fox Fitzgerald, commonly called Lord Edward Fitzgerald *. Without adverting to the circumstance of the original proceeding, he should only call the attention of the House to the preamble to the Bill, in which it was stated, that the late Lord Edward Fitzgerald had never been tried, and that the attainder by the Parliament of Ireland had taken place several months after his decease. Whatever might be the merits of the original transaction, he stood there as the advocate of innocent and unoffeuding individuals, a son and a daughter of the deceased; the former of whom had distinguished himself in arms in the service of bis country.

The Duke of Wellington bore testimony to the merits of the individual alluded to, whom he had the honour to command.

Lord Holland begged to express his gratitude and satisfaction at the Act of Grace, both for public and private reasons. With his private reasons he should not trouble that august assembly, and his public reasons were already on record. The proceeding was both handsome and just. No difference of political opinion could diminish his early friendship with the Noble Earl at the head of his Majesty's Councils. He could assure that Noble Lord, that he could have proposed nothing to the House more congenial to his feelings, and for which he thanked him both as a public and a private man. The Act of Grace emanating from the Prince Regent, was an act worthy of a magnanimous and a generous heart. (The Noble Lord was evidently deeply affected.)

The Bill was read the first time.

In the Commons, the same day, Bills were read the first time, for raising 16,000,000l. by Exchequer Bills, for the service of Great Britain, and 2,000,000%. for the service of Ireland, for the year -1819.

Mr. Abercromby prosented a petition from the Crown debtors confined in Lau

See vol. LXVIII. pp. 435. 540,

caster Castle, praying that the House would cause some relief to be extended towards them. He stated, that some of the petitioners, whose debts did not exceed 2001. had been confined for eight or nine years, and must remain in prison for a longer period, unless some legislative assistance were given them.

In answer to a question from Mr. Denman, Mr. Vansittart said, that the office of Clerk of the Pells in Ireland was not to be abolished, but to be regulated.

Mr. Wrottesley moved an Address to the Prince Regent, praying him to advance a sum not exceeding 20,000l. for the purpose of erecting a suitable building for transaction of business in Bankruptcy, and assuring him that the House would make good the same.

Mr. Alderman Wood seconded the motion; which was carried without a division.

Mr. W. Hallet was called to the bar, and received the following reprimand by Mr. Speaker :

"Mr. Hallett,

"The offence for which you stand committed to the custody of the Serjeant at Arms, is of the most grave and serious description, insulting to the dignity and authority of this House, and an endea vour, as far as in you lay, to impede the course of public justice.-You allege in your petition, in mitigation of your misconduct, that you were not served with the order for attendance; this statement is doubtless correct, but you were reported by a Committee of this House, appointed to try the Camelford Election Petition, as having willingly absconded with a view to avoid the service of such order. -Be not therefore misled yourself, and think not to mislead the House, by so vain and futile a distinction ;-it is no extenuation of your misconduct, and no reparation to public justice, that you did not aggravate your offence by open disobedience. I will only add, that this is an attempt that never can succeed in attaining the object at which it aims ;-the only result in which it can terminate, as it has terminated in your case, is in the disgrace and punishment of the individual who is hardy enough to venture upon it.-In consideration however of the peculiar circumstances of this case, the present state of your ill health, your solemn promises of future amendment, and, above all, the pledge you have given, that you will be found ready at any time when called upon, and with a deliberate determination to give full, and fair, and unreserved testimony, when examined-under all these considerations, the House has determined to forbear any further punishment, and to release you from your present confinement. In obedience; therefore, to the Commands of this House, I reprimand you, and have to inform you, that you

are

are now discharged upon payment of your fees."

In

On the third reading of the Scotch Churches Bill, Mr. Maxwell observed upon the clause which made 2004, the minimum of compensation to the clergyman. those countries, he remarked, where the provision for the clergy was most ample, the morals of the lower orders were most degraded. Looking even to Catholic countries, it would be found that in the Tyrol and other Alpine regions, where the livings were very poor, morals were in a very pure state; while at Rome and in Naples they were at an ebb infinitely lower. He moved therefore, as an amendment, that after the words "not less than 2001." there be inserted the words, "nor more than 4007."

Mr. Primrose seconded the amendment. Mr. Vansittart opposed it, observing, that those who were acquainted with Scotland would scarcely be apprehensive of the clergy being too well paid. The amendment was negatived by 47 to 18, and the Bill was passed.

July 1.

Mr. Bankes, after some remarks on the general excess of expenditure in public works, moved the three following Resolutions, which were agreed to:-1. That whenever a great public work was to be undertaken, the Surveyor General should invite a competition of architects to furnish designs and plans. 2. That the work should be undertaken by contract, under public advertisement, care being taken to have the superintendence of a competent architect to regulate the various operations. 3. That a fixed and moderate compensation be allowed to such architect for his superintendence, the usual mode of a per centage being ill calculated to produce a controul over the expenditure.

Lord Morpeth presented a petition from Mr. Bedingfield, Inspector of Seamen's Wills, setting forth the particulars of the insults shewn to his Majesty, by a mob, on the 31st Oct. 1795, on his way to the House of Lords, and stating, that when the guards were dismissed, on his Majesty's return to St. James's, and his Majesty was returning in his private carriage to Buckingham-house, an attempt was made by several persons to approach the carriage, and tear him from out of it, which, but for the petitioner's conduct on that occasion*, who threw himself between the carriage and the mob, they would (in the opinion of a Mr. Lambert, who was present at the time) have effected. The petition went on to observe, that this was the opinion also of a Mr. Gifford (the author of a periodical work), who was likewise present, and who said, "Thus, to the * See vol. LXV. p. 965.

intrepidity of this loyal gentleman may be attributed the preservation of the King." For this service the petitioner had never received any reward, nor did he now venture to express any wish upon that head, leaving the case entirely in the hands of the House. Lord Morpeth stated, that the King had at the next levee after the affair alluded to, mentioned his great obligation to Mr. Bedingfield.

The Marquis of Tavistock presented a petition from 1800 of the most respectable inhabitants of Liverpool, complaining that they were not admitted to the elective franchise, and praying that they might be allowed to participate in the election of their own representatives. The Marquis, whilst an enemy to those wild and visionary reformers, who started projects of impossible execution, and reforms of destructive extent, was yet anxious for a reform, radical but moderate; radical, in remedying abuses, and moderate in the remedies applied.

Sir F. Burdett then addressed the House on the subject of Reform. The Hon. Baronet quoted Blackstone to shew the principle of representation in this country, which was, that in "a free state every man who is a free agent ought to be in some measure his own governor;" and that the true reason of a qualification as to property was "to exclude such persons as are in so mean a situation, that they are esteemed to have no will of their own. Now it was perfectly notorious, that the greater part of the House were returned by such voters. (Hear.) By persons whose names were kept off the poor-books, for the sake of enabling them to give their votes. Those also who were returned by the influence of Peers, were in violation of the Constitution, and the standing orders, admitted to be good members. He then quoted a passage from Chief Justice Fortescue, in the time of Henry VII. in which, contrasting the effects of the free government of England with those of French despotism, he says, "And therefore cometh it to pass that the men of this country are rich, having abundance of gold and silver, and every thing necessary for man's delight. They drink no water, unless it may be for the purposes of devotion, or being upon a pilgrimage; abundance of silk and golden stuffs have they also," and so on. (a laugh. was afraid that if a comparison were to be drawn between the two countries in their present state, as regarded the condition of the people, the result of the comparison formerly made by the Chancellor Fortescue would be reversed. The people, in claiming the elective franchise with regard to Members of that House, were demanding only a small portion of their hereditary privileges, for antiently they elected all magistrates, from sheriffs down

He

wards.

wards. They now satisfied themselves with asking to be allowed to elect those who had the privilege of taking from them the fruits of their hard-earned labour; they claimed the right of electing those who were to take from their means of subsistence, who were to have power over their very bodies even! The borough system of representation robbed the Crown of its rights, as well as the people of theirs. The antient property of the Crown had been taken from it, and it was now placed in the odious light of a great pensioner on the public. Such a condition of things was wholly inconsistent with the plan of Government established by our ancestors, and in his opinion quite adverse to the real interests of the country. The present system had produced an expenditure which the country could not much longer support. Many years ago, Mr. Pitt had declared a reform in the representation to be absolutely necessary; he had said, in the present state of the representation no honest man could conduct public affairs, and in fact no honest man could be Minister. He predicted, that without a reform the country would be plunged into new wars, undertaken, like the American war, for the purpose of extinguishing liberty in whatever quarter of the world it should appear.

He foresaw the accumu

lation of fresh debts and difficulties, and unfortunately lived to verify and illustrate his own predictions. The Hon. Baronet then adverted to the enormous expence of our standing army, the fees and taxes in law proceedings amounting nearly to a denial of justice, and to other grievances resulting from the present system of government, and concluded with moving a Resolution, that the House should early in the next Session take into consideration the state of the Representation.

Mr. G. Lamb was pleased that the Hon. Baronet had concluded with a motion tending to comprehend all those whose views were friendly to reform.. His own wishes were to see, in the first place, the elective franchise removed from boroughs whose corruptions had been exposed, and from others of limited extent, to large and populous towns; and in the next place to shorten the duration of Parliaments.

He

did not, however, anticipate from these measures the removal of all the evils under which the country now laboured, but he believed the effect of such a reform would be to give the people what, in his opinion (and he was sorry to say it) they did not at present possess-reliance on their rulers.

Mr. Grenfell would never consent to go into a Committee until some specific plan were laid down. He should, therefore, move that the other orders of the day be ⚫ now read.

In the sequel of the debate the original motion was supported by Mr. R. H. Gurney, Sir R. Wilson, Aldermen Wood and Waithman, Mr. Williams, Mr. P. Moore, Mr. C. Hutchinson, and Mr. Bing; and the amendment was supported by Mr. Wilmot, Mr. Martin (of Galway), and Lord John Russell.

On a division, the amendment was carried by 153 to 58.

July 2.

Mr. Alderman Wood moved for leave to bring in a Bill to enable the Duke of Kent to dispose of his property at Castlebar, by way of lottery, for the payment of his ereditors. The motion was supported by Mr. Hume, Mr. Grenfell, and Mr. Forbes ; and opposed by Mr. Canning, Lord Castlereagh, and Lord Lowther. It was then withdrawn.

HOUSE OF LORDS, July 5.

The Marquis of Lansdown opposed the Poor Rates Misapplication Bill, and moved to postpone the second reading of it for three months.

The motion, after some observations from Lords Liverpool, Harrowby, and Darnley, was agreed to.

In a Committee on the Insolvent Debtors' Bill, several amendments proposed by Lord Redesdale and others were carried.

Lord Auckland observed, that the amendments just made were not likely to be agreed to in the other House.

The Lord Chancellor said that, in this case, a Bill might be brought in, to continue the Act about to expire until three months after the meeting of next Session of Parliament.

In the Commons, the same day, the examination of witnesses relative to the Grampound election was resumed in a Committee of the whole House.

The Chairman having reported proceedings, Lord John Russell moved the two following Resolutions: "1. That so notorious a system of corruption had prevailed in the borough of Grampound, as to call for the serious animadversion of the House. 2. That the House pledged itself to take this subject into consideration early in the next Session." The Noble Lord further gave notice, that as the precedent of extending the elective franchise to the freeholders of the adjacent hundreds was not likely to cure the evil of bribery, he should propose to transfer the right of representation in this case to some populous seat of trade and manufactures now altogether unrepresented. The Resolutions were then agreed to.

EFFECT

The very interesting Report of the Missionary Society lately pub lished, has induced us to make a few extracts relative to Calcutta, Madras, and Travancore, which will, we are confident, be read with satisfaction. We venerate, with the highest acknowledgments, their liberal efforts in the promotion of that great cause, which in conjunction with the exertions of our Established Church, are making rapid progress to overcome every past prejudice to the universal dominion of Christianity. A. H.

At CALCUTTA a School Society has been established by voluntary contribution there, the design of which is to improve existing schools, and to establish and support any further schools and seminaries which may be requisite, with a view to a more general diffusion of useful knowledge among the inhabitants of India of every description, especially within the provinces subject to the Presidency of Fortwilliam. The Missionaries presented 1000 sicca rupees as an encouragement to its progress, which they regard as one of those important measures, under Providence, destined to prepare the natives of Hindoostan for the reception of the Gospel.

Messrs. Townley and Keith, in addition to their familiar conversations with the natives, daily set out every Sabbath under cover, and on a table they lay the Gospels in the Bengalee, Hindoostanee, and Persian languages: they then read aloud from some of them to a number of the natives, who enter into conversation with them, which affords them an opportunity of exposing errors and of distributing the New Testament, the Gospels separately, and religious tracts-many of the latter are of their own composition, admirably adapted to gratify curiosity, and to enlighten the mind as to the error of Hindooism, and the truth of Christianity. These are read with great avidity, and a great demand is made for them: and the Pundits and Surkars are instrumental in their circulation. A printing-office has since been established there: Bengalee types were in preparation at Calcutta ; and an English printer of good character has been lately sent out, furnished with a press and fount of English types. An Union Chapel was about to be erected there for public worship, for which a considerable sum had already been subscribed. Very zealous and active services in all these points have been rendered by Messrs. Mackintosh, Fulton, and Co. of

Calcutta, Agents to the Society of Missions in Bengal.

At MADRAS the distribution of the Scriptures has been so successful that a large number of copies having been sent to a camp 100 miles distant from Bellary, the whole were sold in less than an hour, "Never," says Mr. Reeves in his letter, "has there been such a hungering for the bread of life among the English soldiery, since the commencement of British authority in India. The Bible is become the inmate of the kuapsack, and is to be found under the soldier's pillow." What, however, is still more pleasing, some of the good men in the camp had shewn a strong desire to promote the distribution of the Scriptures among the surrounding heathen, and for this purpose had actually commenced a subscription which amounted to upwards of 71.

Translations into Hindoostanee and Persian are conducting with great progress: and the attendance at the Chapels on the Lord's day and at the Lectures during the week, &c. is numerous and punctually observed.

The beneficial effects of the Mission to this place are very apparent: when Mr. Hands first arrived at Bellary in 1810, scarcely a family could be found among those born in the country who were able to read, or willing to learn. Their leisure time was nearly all consumed in dancing, visiting, &c. Now, many of these persons have become decided Christians, ornaments of the Church, and blessings to Society. The vacant countenance is illumined with intelligence; a thirst for knowledge is excited; they apply for books and entreat fresh supplies from England. Among those who subscribe for them liberally, are two Africans and one Hindoo, who pour out their praises to God for sending Christian Missionaries to Bellary.

At Bengalore a religious society, composed chiefly of soldiers, was found some time since, and is affectionately united together in bonds of Christian fellowship. The British territory Northward and Westward of Bellary, had lately been widely extended, including a large track of country, where the Canada language is spoken; a circumstance which adds much to the importance of Bellary and other places in that part of India, as a Missionary station. At South Travancore-Mr. Mead having studied the Tamul language, imparted Christian instruction to the natives-some portion of his time was occupied by a civil appointment of Judge which he had received from Rannæ the Queen of Travancore. The discharge of the duties connected with this office, seems to have con ferred upon the natives many substantial benefits,

benefits, and had apparently not only excited in their minds strong sentiments of grateful esteem for him, but made an impression throughout the country highly favourable to the success of Missionary labours: - Travancore comprehends ten distinct stations or villages, most of which now have Churches, Schools, and increasing Congregations! The house occupied by these Teachers was formerly that of the Resident, and was given to the Mission by the Queen. It is situated at Nagracoil, about four miles from Malaudy, another heathen village in a healthy and central situation, close to the Southern extremity of the Ghauts, and surrounded by scenery of singular sublimity and grandeur! Several hundreds of the natives had renounced all connection with heathenism, of whom considerable numbers were anxiously desiring to receive Christian instruction. They cast their penates or household gods out of doors; and on their public profession of Christianity, each of them voluntarily presented a note of hand declarative at once of his renunciation of idolatry, and of his determination to serve the living and true God. The British Resident, Col. Munro, still continues to extend his favourable attentions to this mission; and the Rajah of Cochin placed in his hands 5000 rupees for the benefit of the Christians at Travancore, which were immediately appropriated to this purpose; a former large donation by the Queen having been appropriated to the Syrian Christians in the North.

Mr. Kam performed a voyage to the Islands of Cebbes, Sangir, &c. where he met with a very cordial reception from the Chiefs and people, who in general shewed a desire to possess the Scriptures, and to receive religious instruction. At the Island of Chiauw he was much gratified by discovering the King to be a very pious man. He was able to read the Dutch Bible, and had some acquaintance with the Arabic, and employed a portion of every day in the study of the Scriptures. He obliged Mr. Kam to explain to him certain passages; and whatever Mr. K. said, with which he was previously unacquainted, he immediately noted down in a writing book, provided by him for this express purpose. Mr. Kam preached on several occasions during his journey, baptised a number of persons, whom he considered to be fit subjects of that ordinance, and also married several persons at their own request, among whom was the king of Tabookang, in the island

*Nagracoil literally means The Serpent Church, from there being a Church dedicated to the express worship of the Old Serpent, the Devil.

of Sangir, brother to the pious King of Chiauw. He found the schools established by the Dutch in a very neglected state, and some of them entirely destitute of schoolmasters. In the course of his different tours in the Moluccas, he discovered the existence of between 35 and 40,000 natives who professed Christianity, and he had not completed his investigations, all needing instruction, and anxiously desirous of receiving it.

Two missionaries were sent to Java last year.

There are comparatively few of the missions which do not afford pleasing evidence of progressive advancement, either in the attainment of the native languages, or in the translation or publication of the Scriptures, or in the actual communication of Christian knowledge,-or in the plans for a more extensive diffusion of it-or in improved civilization and manners—or in respect to examples of decided piety and virtue.

That nearly 100 millions of immortal Beings should be found under the dominions of the small kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Islands of the West, situate at so great a distance from the extensive territory of that dominion, is one of the most remarkable political phenomena recorded in the annals of history. The bare statement of this fact is calculated to excite in a reflecting mind a sentiment approaching to conviction, that an arrangement so extraordinary is connected with very important consequences to the human race. When, too, we consider the general character, resources, and influence, of the kingdom which has been permitted to acquire this dominion, whether in relation to its religion, manners, commerce, civil polity, or laws, we cannot fail to be still more deeply impressed with the over-ruling Providence of that all-wise and powerful Being "who maketh even the wrath of man, and the conflicts of princes, to praise him, and who out of temporary evil, educeth permanent good." But the motives which arise out of these general considerations receive much additional strength from a survey of the actual state of things in reference to those great objects which India at this time presents to our attention.

From the history of Protestant Missions in India, particularly during the last few years, it is evident that a spirit of Inquiry has pervaded no inconsiderable portion of its inhabitants-that the most obstinate and inveterate prejudices are dissolvingthat the craft of the Brahminical system is beginning to be detected, and its terrors to be despised, even by the Hindoos themselves-that some of the latter have exerted their talents in order, to expose it to public contempt--that the Chains of Caste,