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IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

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———PfB—j—F ""II ITTMWW HfflT IglBIBWW—■ IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. In the HOUSE OF LORDS, July 17, Lord Lamington called attention to the Euphrates Valley Railway scheme, and Urged the Government seriously to consider it, not only on account of the commercial advantages it would confer by •pening up communication with the towns along its route, But more particularly as furnishing an alternative route to India on the recurrence of troubles in Egypt. The Earl of Kimberley replied that the result of a careful Inquiry into the question had been to show that the line would not be constrncted unless a guarantee for £10,000,000 was given by the British Government. They were not in a position to give such a guarantee, and he feared, therefore, feat the matter would have to remain for some time to come hi Its present state. The Earl of Derby suggested that as the Government were determined that the traffic through the Suez Canal should not be interrupted it was more important to widen and deepen the canal than to construct a railway in the valley of the Euphrates. The Earl of Carnarvon pointed out that the proposed railway would necessitate at least two trans-shipments, while local difficulties might at any time expose the traffic to Interruption. Eventually a motion for papeis were agreed to. The Earl of Kimberley stated, in reply to Lord Harris; that it was true that French troops had landed at Hanoi, in Annam. There was, however, no reason to apprehend that the interests of British trade in that quarter would be affected. The other Orders of the Day having been disposed of, their lordships adjourned at ten minutes past six o'clock. THE EGYPTIAN CRISIS. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS, many questions, as usual. were asked as to the state 0 laffairs in Egypt, n.nd, in answer to Mr. W. H. Smith and Mr. Bryce, the Secretary of the Ad. miralty stated that everything was reported quiet from the Canal and that the Government had taken such steps as they thought necessary for the protection of the navigation, of which they had given notice to the other Powers. In answer to Mr. Cowen and Mr. Bourke, Sir C. Diske said that no written reply had yet been returned by the Porte to the Identical Note presented by the Powers, nor eould he say whell it would be forthcoming, though it had been pressed for. In answer to Mr. Torrens, Sir C. Duke said the Foreign Office had heard that the European Courts at Alexandria are safe and under the protection of a European guard. In answer to a question from Baron de Worms as to the effict of the self-det:yhg Prof-oeo!, Mr. Gladstone said that the instructions for the bombardment were founded on the principle of self-defence, but he believed that any measures necessary to prevent the consequences of the bombardment Would have been justifiable under the Protocol. But it was not natural to expect that one of the probable conse- quences would be the evacuation of the town by the army Inoccupation of it after pillaging and firing it. Preparations |p cope with that army would not have been permissible under ■tie Protocol. In answer to Mr. Bourke, Mr. Gladstone said the Govern- ment regarded the Proctocol as being in full force. POST-CARDS. Mr. R. Paget a-ked the Postmaster-General whether, in Ylew of the fact that the existing Post-office regulation with regard to postage payable on a card with a halfpenny stamp affixed made it necessary that the contents of the card should be read in the Post-office in order to determine whether they were or were not of the nature of a letter and, further, that it was practically impossible for postmasters to decide the point if the communication be written in a foreign language or in cypher, he would reconsider the subject and allow cards with a halfpenny stamp affixed to pass though the Post-office without extra charge irrespective of the matter they might contain. Mr. Fawcett, in reply, said: As I stated on a previous occasion when a question on this subject was put to me by the hon. member, the chief reason why it has been thought necessary that post-cards with an embossed stamp should alone be used was that for purposes of sorting it was desir- able that cards should be of a certain size and substance, and that inconvenience would arise if the sorters bad to Judge of these matters. I am glad, however, to say that I think I now see my way to get over the difficulty by allow- lng cards with a distinctive mails: upon them, to be sont as post cards if a halfpenny stamp is aflixed for postage. Mr. R. Paget thanked the right hon. gentleman for the j concession: but as he considered the change to which he had alluded a very desirable one, he should call attention to the matter on going into Committee of Supply. MR. BRIGHT'S RESIGNATION. The Speaker called upon the Clerk to read the Order of the Day, but there were loud calls of Bright" from both sides Of the House, and the right hon gentleman slowly rose from his seat below the gangway, amid cheers. Mr. Bright, who spoke in a very low tone, said I should be content not to offer any observations to the House on this, to me, new and peculiar occasion, but I Suppose that hon. gentlemen are wishful to know, perhaps, more than they do know about the reasons why I am not low in my accustomed seat upon the Treasury Bench. But, to tell the truth, I have no explanation to make there seems nothing to explain, and I have nothing to defend. The simple fact is that I could not agree with my late colleagues in the Government in their policy with regard to the Egyptian Question. It has bsen siid-some Public writers have said it, and some have said it in con- versation—Why have I not sooner left the Government— (hear, hear)—why have I postponed it to this time from last Tuesday or Wednesday? I may answer that by saying that my profound regard for my right hon. friend at the head of the Government—(cheer?)—and my regard also for those who now sit with him, have induced me to remain With them until the very last moment, when I found it no longer possible to retain my office in the Cabinet. The fact is that there was a disagreement to a large extent founded onprillciple and now I may say that if I had re- gained in office it must have been under these circum- stances-either that I muBt have submitted silently to Olany measures which I myself altogether condemned, or I ttust have remained in office in constant conflict with JQy colleagues. (Hear, hear.) Therefore, it was better for them and better tor in.the House, I am sure, will unani- mously agree to that—that I should have asked my right hon. friend to permit me to retire and to place my resigna- tion in the hands of the Queen. (Hear, hear.) The House -n e .1, "Stows—many member?, at any rate, who have had an oppor- tunity 0 £ observing any of the facts of my political life know -that for forty years at least I have endeavoured to teach countrymen an opinion and doctrine which I hold- 5?ffiely, that the moral law is intended not only for in- dividual life, but for the life and practice of States in •heir dealings with one another. (Cheers.) I think that in the present case there has been a manifest vio- lation both of international law and of the moral law (hear, hear)- and, therefore, it is impossible for me to give support to it. I cannot repudiate what I have preached and taught during the period of a rather long political life. (Cheers ) I cannot turn my back upon myself and deny all I have taught to many thousands of others during the lorty years that I have been permitted at public meetings and in this House to address my countrymen. (Cheers.) Only one ward more. I asked tnj calm judgment and my Johscience what was the part I ought to take. They pointed *loUt to me, as I think with an unerring finger, and I am 'Ideaveuring to follow it. (Cheers.) Colonel Makins rose amid loud cries of Gladstone," 44d l'he Speaker, interposing, said,—If the hon. gentleman ttoposesto put a question with respect to a Bill or a motion e is entitled to do so. Cslonel Makins said he proposed to put a question to the ?8ht hon. gentleman with respect to the statement he had made. (Cries of No, no.") v-Mr. Gladstone, who was received with cheers, said It is the indulgence of the House that I rise to say a single y°rd which my own feelings tell me, and I think the of others will tell them, it would be culpable to Postpone. This is not the occasion for arguing the point difference which has unhappily arisen between my "Rllt hon friend and those who were Mid still desire to 5? his colleagues. (Cheers.) But I venture to assure him I agree with him in thinking that the moral law is n? applicable to the conduct of nations as of individuals hear), and that the difference between us, most Painful to him and most painful to us, is a difference as to j,6. Particular application in this particular case of the rfvine law. Agreeing with him in the principle, we disagree S the application. (Hear, hear.) It is to us, as it is to Vrttv,' aa occasion of the profouridest pain. But he carries jj'1'1 him the unbroken esteem, and upon every other ques- be»i ^le lmbroken confidence, of his colleagues, and their jJ°8t and warmest wishes that health and happiness may now him in the independent position which he has "turned. (Cheers.) ARREARS OF RENT (IRELAND) BILL. ■The House went into Committee on the Arrears Bill. Oil Clause 5, which allows the Land Commission to dele jjjle its powers, Mr. Gibson moved an amendment securing !r appeal in all cases. This was opposed by the Solicitor- for Ireland, and on a division it was negatived by 1435 to 140. wA" amendment by Mr. Brodrick, excluding the Sub-Com- r~*sioner3 from all share in administering the Act, led to an jjhtnated conversation, and in the end the amendment was by 176 to 90. Gibson proposed that the members of the Sub-Com- rjfision administering jurisdiction under the Act shall take Jr.oath of office but after a long discussion the Committee e)ected the proposal by 126 to 34. kfcA Nation was afterwads moved by Sir M. -Hicks-Beach ff»? Bo person shall be employed in any county with which BlV8 connected by professional practice, property, or re- Sjjwace. The Solicitor-General for Ireland objected to such limitation on the discretion of the Land Com- such linii,r aSIan. he amendment was negatived by 157 to 77, and Clause 5 then agreed to. Onuses 6 7 and 8 were agreed to without discussion and *L £ Iause' 9 Mr. Stanhope moved to omit the words ^akes the Consolidated Fund babls if the Church Plus is insufficient for the purposes of the Act. Gladstone, in resisting it, sdd he had never attempted PiU or to conceal the exceptional character of the Ud?/?Sal> looking to the excessive charges for police, &c imposed on the country annually by the condition of Ireland, this expenuiture of half-a- s,0n once for all would be an economy. twf Northcote and Mr. Hubbard supported the amend- ^173 aild after some discussion it was negatived by 343 *cUr,1Ses 9 to 11 inclusive were agreed to, and the Committee th ed" e House adjourned at a quarter to two o'clock. S°TJSE OF LORDS, July 18th, the Bjl.'s of Exchange read a second time, and several other measures were a Se- *»<} Stdmouth called attention to the state of the Navy, i*1 view of fcbe construction of harbour llowj the French coast, advised that similar works entered upon by tins country. Bfe&sr!T.ir''nSiOrd, replying to Lord Midleton, said the 'ov6r„,f bad iigreed to alt the recomendations of the Irish SOtt i ,?nt *ith reference to the Irish constabulary, and a "%od» V10 uive effect to these recomendations would be hiimt wUllout delay. ips art,-J8r f!' having been advanced a stage their lord- jouraea at ten minutes past six o'clock. 0F CoMKfl^, Hie first two or three hours of mui- -r;j ..octip).? by private business. The Belfast Harbour Bill was opposed, but the order for taking it into comidfration was carried on a division by 193 to 26, and there was also a long discussion on the Dover Har- bour Bill, the second reading of which was ultimately agreed to without a division. THE LETTElt, CARRIERS. Mr. Summers asked the Postmaster-General whether he was now in a position to state what decision had been ar- rived at with reference to the memorials of the letter-car- riers. Mr. Fawcett said in reply: I am glad to be able to state, in reply to the question of my hon. friend, that a decision has now been arrived at on the subject of letter-carriers' wages. (Hear, hear.) Without trouoling the House with details, I may state generally that the effect of that decision will be as regards the majority of the letter- carriers employed in London, to raise their scale at the maximum by 2s. a week, and to substitute an annual in- crement for a triennial one. In the country the scales will be reduced from 27 in number to seven, and these are in every case higher than those which they supersede. The system of good conduct stripes, canying with them a special allowance of Is., 2s., and 3a. a week will be ex- tended to the country, and in this matter the country and the suburbs of London will be placed on the same footing as London proper is now. (Hear, hear.) In the case of the auxiliaries in London, whose time is only partially u, occupied by their official duties, their pay for the early morning delivery will be raised from lOd. to Is. a morniujr, and after they have served five years as auxiliaries, it is my intention, provided they fulfil the conditions prescribed by the Civil Service Commissioners and are considered eligible in other respects, to promote them to the establish- ment as opportunity offers. (Hear, hear.) The revision will also effect the wages of lobby-porters, porters, stampers, and labourers, whose work, so far as regards hours of em pioyment, is determined by that of the letter-carriers. (Hear, hear.) THE GOVERNMENT POLICY IN EGYPT. Mr. M'Coan asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Porte had accepted the invitation of the Conference to send troops to E^ypt as mandatory of Europe and, if not, whether Her Majesty's Government had defi- nitely arranged with any, and which of the Powers to co- operate with the British forces in any further military operations in that country. Sir C. Dilke replied: The Porte has not. yet replied to the invitation of the conference. The matter referred to in the latter portion of the 11011. member's question has of course, received the attention of her Majesty' Government and of the Powers, but I am unable to make any statement upon the subject. Sir H. Wolff asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he could now state what skps were taken by Sir Beauchamp Seymour on the 11th of June to protect British life and property at Alexandria and whether Her Majesty's Government have approved his proceedings in not carrying out the instructions addressed to him on the 15th of May directing him to laud forces, if required, to support the Khedive and protect British interests and Europeans." Mr. Campbell-Bannerman said The hon. member in his question imputes to Sir Beauchamp Seymour a failure iu duty in not carrying out the instructions he had received. Her Majesty's Government have entirely approved of the conduct of Sir B. Seymour on the 11th of June in everypar- ticular (hear, hear), and if the hon. member wishes to call in question the conduct either of the Admiral or of the Government I would submit to the House that it ought to be done by direct motion, and not by such questions he has now put. (near, hear.) Sir H. Wo iff thereupon moved the adjournment of the House, and said he learned from other quarters that the Admiral did not land troops to protect British subjects on that occasion simply because he was forbidden to do so by the Government.—The hon. member spoke-at some length and concluded by saying he wished to ask the Government to tell them what position they were in. Were they driftiv g into war ? Were troops being made ready in order to go to Egypt ? Were they on the verge of war without the vote or the approbation of that House? (Cheers ) He did not think it fair that during week after week and month after month in- formation should be withheld until they found themselves launched into hostilities incurring great expense. The country was in great anxiety, and really did not know what the chance of to-morrow were. They might find themselves embarked in a war, perhaps not only with Egypt, but also with some other Power who had not considered the bom- bardment of Alexandria legitimate. Mr. Gladstone did not admit that Admiral Seymour had failed to carry out his instructions, which were not absolute, but conditional. He did not land the force at his command because he did not think it necessary or expedient, and his judgment had been approved by the Government, who had made themselves responsible for his action. Sir S. Northcote thought the question a legitimate one, and that it was natural Sir B. Wolff should have made observations upon the want of fulness in the answer he had received. Mr. Gorst, continuing the discussion, remarked that the bombardment of Alexandria had horrified the civilised world, and the Government had studiously taken away from the House the power of discussing it. The discussion was continued with much animation, the last speaker being Mr. Ashmead-Bartlett, and as he ad- dressed the House until ten minutes to seven o'clock the motion for adjournment and all the remaining questions on the paper dropped On the House reassembling at Nine o'clock it resumed in Committee the consideration of the Arrears of Rent (.re- land) Bill, the remaining Clauses of which were agreed to. Mr. Gladstone then moved his promised new Clause, em- powering the Land Commission, upon a joint application by the landlord and tenant of any holding not exceeding fifty pounds a year, to made advances, by way of loan, repayable by a half-yearly rent-charge in thirty-five years. The Clause was read a second time. MR. BRADLAUGH. Mr. Labouchere moved that Mr. Bradlaugii be a member of the committee appointed to consider the Agricultural Tenants' Compensation Bills (IN 03. 1 and 2.) Sir M. Hicks-Beach pointed out that the motion was an opposed motion, and therefore could not come on after half- past twelve. The Speaker ruled that the motion was in order. Mr. Labouchere said that the House knew that although Mr. Bradlaugh had not taken the oath, he was perfectly entitled to serve upon any committee of the House. That was established by the precedent of Mr, Jekyll and Alderman Salomans, Mr. Bradlaugh had not been put upon any com- mittee yet, and he thought the present was an excellent occasion for his doing so. The Radical element was very poorly represented on the committee as at present consti- tuted, which was composed of 13 Conservatives and 11 or 12 Whigs-he might say agricultural Brahmins (Iaughter)-in whom Radicals would have little confidence. Mr. Nc-wdegate said the hon. member for Northampton seemed to have taken Mr. Bradlaugh for better or for worse. (Laughter.) He did not think he was in any way qualified to be a member of the committee on agriculture, a subject with which he was quite unacquainted. Mr. Anderson asked whether Mr. Bradlaugh would incur any penalties by voting in committee. The Attorney-General said that in the ease of Baron Rothschild in 1858, it was decided that he could sis in a committee without being liable to any penalty. After some remarks from Lord Elcho, Mr. Whitbread, Mr. S. Hill, and Mr. Torrens, the House divided. The numbers were For the motion 35 Against 120 Majority -85 After some further business had been disposed of, the House adjourned at a quarter to two o'clock. In the HOUSE OF COMMONS, July 19, in reply to Mr. Gourley, Mr. Campbell-Bannerman stated that on one occa- sion an Italian man-of-war had acted as a convoy through the Suez Canal, but only on one occasion. He was sorry he was not prepared to give a detailed account of the steps the Government had taken, or were ready to take, for the protec- tion of vessels; but he asked the House to be satisfied with the assurance that nothing was being neglected that was necessary for that purpose. THE ARREARS BILL. The House again went into committee on this Bill. Mr. Biggar moved a new clause giving power to the Land Commissioners to make orders regarding arrears of rent pending the decision of applications for the fixing of a fair rent. The Attorney-General opposed the amendment on the ground that the Arrears Bill was not intended as an amend- ing Act to the Land Act. After some discussion, the clause was rejected, on a division, by 116 against 37. Sir George Campbell moved as a new clause that after the tenant has obtained release from arrears by the opera- tion of this Act, such release shall be a bar to any proceed- ing by any other creditor of the tenant to recover, by sale of the tenure, any debt or debts owing by the tenant of the date of the last gale day of the tenancy in the year 1881. Several hon. members having taken part in the debate the amendment was negatived without a division. On the Question that the Bill be reported to the House a division was challenged, when the numbers were-For, 182; against 38. THE CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ACTS REPEAL BILL. The next Order was the Contagious Diseases Acts Repeal Bill, and after the Speaker had disposed of a preliminary objection taken on the ground that the Bill had not been printed, he was called on by Mr. Callan to exclude strangers. On this point a division was taken, and the House declined by 173 to 36 to clear the galleries. With regard to the Ladies' Gallery, the Speaker said he had closed that over which he had control, and directed the messengers at the other to acquaint the ladies who pre- sented themselves of the nature of the business. Mr. Stansfeld moved the second reading of the Bill. He stated that the principle of these Acts was abhorrent to his notion of justice and morality, and it would be impossible for him, so long as he remained in the House, or so long as he lived, to refrain from fulnlling what he considered the duty incumbent on him of opposing these Acts. Mr. Childers moved the previous question. In 1879 a strong committee was appointed to consider this question that committee had now closed its evidence, and its chair- man had iu course of preparation the report, which in all probability would be diseussed and settled within the next few weeks. Till that evidence was before the House he deprecated coming to any decision on the subject. Sir S. Northcote considered the course proposed by the Government was the right one. After some remarks from Mr. O'Shaughnessy, the previous question was agreed to without a division. SUNDAY CLOSING. Mr Stevenson moved the second reading of the Sale of Intoxication Liquors on Sunday Bill. Mr. Wharton moved its rejection. Sir J. W. Pease believed the country generally was in favour of the Bill; Sir II. Selwin-Ibbetson had long been of opinion that public-houses might be closed on Sunday for all but sales off the premises; but he was not prepared to sanction this Bill on the chance of getting it altered to his view in com- mittee. Mr. C. P. Phipps also opposed the Bill. Mr. Ewart was in favour of the Bill, and believed the ma- jority of Conservatives in the country were in favour of Sunday closing. Mr. Gibson regretted the absence of any expression of opinion on the Bill from the Government. Mr. J. G. Talbot objected that the Bill proposed more than its supporters intended. He, therefore, moved the ad- journment of the debate in the absence of any expression of opinion on the part of the Government. Mr. H. G. Talbot, Colonel Makins, a.nd Mr. Callan con- tinued the debate till 5.45, when it was suspended. The House adjourned at six o'clock.

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