236 
THE GARDENERS’ 
CHRONICLE. 
[APRIL 8, 
———S——————— 
were already, they would never get through without neglecting 
their more legitimate avocations.—The ‘TORNEY-GENERAL 
contended that the courts of law were the fitting judges of a 
f law, which he would refer to their consideration, not 
with the slightest intention of diminishing the authority of the 
House of Commons, but for the more effectual settlement of dis- 
puted legalities. —After some remarks from Lord Jon RusseLu 
and Mr. Harpy, Mr. C. Butier appealed to actual experience in 
proof of the great inconvenience of referring any political matter 
to the decision of the judges—decisions would always be inter- 
preted according to political bias. tead of parting with their 
power, let them rather ame. i 
ocedure.—The 
nd their election committees, and 
LiCITOR-GENERAL 
its judgment by the revisi 
mons. Questions connected with tl 
constantly referred by political parties to the Court of Qi 
Bench, and nobody thought of impugning the impartiality of the 
judges.—Sir G. Gruy, considering that some appellate jurisdic- 
tion was necessary, was disposed to view the one proposed as 
the best.—The committee then divided, affirming the clause by 
164 to 51.—The rest of the evening was occupied with discussing 
destroy our influence with the better classes ; and adduced com- 
parative statistical statements to show the injury done to legi- 
i mmerce. remarkable tables showed that, as the 
importations of opium increased, that of cotton goods fell, and 
vice versd. A parallel case occurred in Ireland, where the peo- 
ple, when dissuaded from the use of intoxicating liquors, spent 
their money in the purchase of meat, bread, and clothing, and 
were in all respects a happier and a better population. But 
though the commercial aspect of the question was important, 
the moral bearings of the case were much more so. The delete- 
rious effects of the drug on the minds and bodies of the Chinese 
were testified to by various witnesses. ndia its influence 
was equally pernicious; it was conyerting the inhabitants of 
Assam into a treacherous, cowardly, and cruel ‘people, whose 
characteristics, as appeared from old accounts, were those of 
manly, active, and intelligent race. The monopoly of the culti- 
vation of opium in i Pp! ‘ive ini ini jon, ani 
generally obnoxious to the ryots, who would prefer the cultiva- 
jon of other articles. It had been said that the poppy was only 
cultivated on waste lands; such was not the fact, as its growth 
required rich and fertile soil. An individual who had resided 
seven years in China had furnished him with the details of his 
experience: and he asserted that the opium-clippers were fur- 
nished with arms from the Government arsenals, and were re- 
garded by the Chinese as being practically vessels of war engaged 
in our service. The East India Company did not, however, 
stand alone as the supporters of the vile traffic, for a committee 
of the House of Commons had declared its opinion that it was 
not expedient to disturb the trade, as an equal amount of reve- 
nue could not be so conveniently raised from_any other source. 
r. Macaulay, on a late occasion, had declared that anything 
which tended to degrade Christianity was treason against the 
civilization of the human race. is trafiic did prejudice the 
Chinese against Christianity, whose first inquiry of the mis- 
sionaries was why their countrymen brought them this obnoxious 
drug? Even so jate as last Wednesday, the Baptist Missionary 
Society had come to the conclusion of not sending a missionary 
to China, but of transmitting the sacred Scriptures through the 
medium of the American missionaries, because the ing 
sostrong against the British, on account of the opium trafic. 
Persons conversant with the details of the trade, said that the 
mere abolition ofthe monopoly would at once abate nine-tenths 
of the evil; and its practicability was affirmed by official persons, 
who had given their opinion that the prohibition of the growth 
of the opium in British India would strike at the root of the evil, 
It was alleged that the Chinese were not sincere in their efforts 
against the opium trade. But that was a matter we had nothing 
to do with: if the Chinese Emperor, instead of prohibiting the 
importation of opium, were to lay an ad valorem duty on it, he 
might realise a million sterling in duty. as he did not do 
this, we were not warranted in charging the Chinese Govern- 
ment with insincerity. 1 le Lord after adducing the 
names of our most eminent medical men, who have given their 
& 
2 
wrong could never be politically right. 8 
people of China, as well as of this country—for the interests of 
commerce and morals, he hoped the House would interfere and 
stop the opium trade.—Mr. Bincuam Barine said that the evils 
growth of the poppy were 
drug out of their market. The 
beneficial to India, for it confined the growth of the poppy to 
particular districts, in which opium was not consumed. He did 
not mean to contend that the revenue should be maintained in 
opposition to every moral consideration ; but the only effectual 
way to puta stop to smuggling, was to induce the Emperor of 
China to legalise the trade, and there was no reason to suppose 
that the despatches now on their route to this country would 
not contain a notification of it. He concluded by moving the 
previous question.—Sir G. SraunTon observed, by way of preli- 
minary, that the owncrs of the confiscated opium in China were 
entitled to full and fair compensation. A fallacious analogy had 
heen drawn between the consumption of spirits and opium, and 
e travelled through the great empire 
of China from one end to the other; and from his official station, 
had had much intercourse with the people, and had found less 
annoyance from its police than he has frequently experienced on 
the continent of Europe. The Chinese were a shrewd people, 
and were sensitive to the i +; ofa jal i 
with this country. But unfortunately we were unpopular with 
them, especially at Canton, where the fecling against us hal 
risen to hatred; and this was not mitigated by the smuggling of 
pium ; strong was the feeling amongst the better 
classes, that it was believed that the Emperor could not hold his 
throne for a month if he were to legalise the traffic. 
anxious that the opium trade should be discountenanced by this 
country before it involved us in another war; andhe encouraged 
Lord Ashley to persevere in his efforts by the example of Mr. 
Wilberforce.—Lord Joceyn said that the scenes which he had 
himself witnessed fully bore out the picture of the physical and 
moral evils of the traffic which had been exhibited by Lord 
Ashley; and if he believed that the motion would tend to put 
a trade derogatory to this country he would support it. 
But he considered that the monopoly of the growth of opium 
kept its production in check, though he admitted that for selfish 
ed him to condemn the opium trade. True, we had triumphed 
over the Chinese ; but, because we were strong, we should not 
despise them.—Mr. Hoce asked what substitute could be pro- 
posed in place of the present strict monopoly of the cultivation 
of the poppy? Would they inflict on India a body of Excise 
officers, the most obnoxious to the natives that can be conceived? 
Not only did the monopoly act as an effective check, but its evils 
were grossly exaggerated. The prohibition of the trade by the 
Chinese had made it an objectionable traffic; and if we entered 
into any stipulation on the subject, our Government would be 
held by the Chinese responsible for any infraction of their fiscal 
laws, extending over the care of an extensive coast, abounding 
with harbours. The only legitimate way of putting down the 
contraband traffic, with its accompanying evils, would be b: 
legalising the trade, which he expected that early intelligence 
would have communicated.—Sir E. Coresrooxr contended that 
we could not hold any middle course —we must either legalise or 
prohibit the trade,—Mr. Lrypsay opposed the motion at some 
length; after which the adjournment of the debate was moved, 
but on a division was resisted by 118 to 26, 
Some further debate took place on the necessity and expedi- 
ency of an adjournment, but the debate was ultimately resumed. 
5 and Sir R. H. Ineiis warmly supported Lord 
Ashiey’s resolution, and declared that no precarious revenue, 
like that derived from this traffic, could justify its continuance. 
—Sir R. Pxxx intimated that our Plenipotentiary in China was 
authorized to negotiate on the subject of this trade, and that a 
negotiation was at this moment going on. The fate of this ne- 
gotiation might be risked by any hasty resolution of the Houses 
deprecating altogether the growth of opium in India. He asked 
Lord Ashley, as being the safest course, to allow the Government 
to give the subject that cautious deliberation which it deserved. 
He said he did not recommend the House to reject the motion, 
nor to neglect the subject of it; but he only asked them, in the 
existing state of our relations with the Celestial Empire, toleaye 
the question in the hands of the Executive.—After a few words 
from Mr, AcLanp, Lord Ashley withdrew his resolution, on the 
understanding that it would interfere with pending negotiations. 
—Lord Lincon obtained leave to bring in a bill to empower the 
Commissioners of Woods and Forests to appropriate for building 
purposes the areas of Thatched-House-court, and to widen and 
improve Little St. James’s-street.—Lord STANLEY obtained 
leave to bring in a bill to authorize the Legislatures of the Aus- 
Wednesday .— After the presentation of petitions, the Sudbury 
Witnesses’ Indemnity Bill was read a third time and passed. No 
other business was transacted. mong the petitions was one 
from certain electors of Cambridge against the return of 
Mr. Fitzroy Kelly, as Member for that borough. 
Thursday.—Mr. C. ButnzR moved an address to the Queen, 
accumulation of both capital and labour within a restricted field 
of employment. Unless some field for the additional capital and 
labour which yearly increased, were provided, the distress would 
go on yearly accumulating. It was with the view of remedying 
the competition of capital against capital, and of labour against 
labour, that he proposed an extensive system of colonization. 
He did not propose it as a panacea, but as a remedy that ought 
tried, either in j ion with, or i of, 
others. He proposed colonization as subsidiary to free trade, and 
obtaining the same object. He did not 
bring forward any specific plan for carrying out his views, be- 
cause what he proposed was not an alteration of the existing 
system, but an extension of its principle. 
was, to follow up the system begun in 
1832, and which had been consolidated by the emigration com- 
mission; and that they should investigate every point of the 
subject, and adopt that course which appeared to them to be the 
best.—The motion was seconded by Lord AsHiry.—Mr. 8. Craw- 
¥ORD moved, as an amendment, that the resources de! from 
the Jands, manufactures, and commerce of the United Kingdom, 
if fully brought into action, are adequate to afford the means 
of giving employment and supplying food to the whole population. 
Mr. Gauty Knicur supported Mr. C. Buller’s motion. It was, 
he said, their duty to leave nothing undone which might appear 
in any way calculated to alleviate the evils under which the 
country suffered.—Lord Sranury, concurring in the general 
principles laid down in his speech by Mr. C, Buller, could not go 
with him in the proposition with which he had concluded his 
speech, for a larger an e extensive system of emigration, 
under the guidance of Government, than that which now is, an 
for some time has been in operation. otion was unneces- 
sary, because a very enlarged system of emigration, under the 
intend was already in operation ; 
and it was i leulated to lead p it 
on the part of the public the fulfilment of which would be found 
e impracticable. The noble Lord then entered into a state- 
ment of the progress of emigration, and the means adopted by 
the Government of late years in promoting and assisting it—a 
statement containing information which cannot possibly be con- 
densed. In Canada, such were the arrangements made by the 
agents appointed by the Government, that from the moment of 
a 
her than by having 
counted for the diminution of the sales by the bursting of a spe- 
culation bubble, similar to what had taken place in the land 
sales of the United States, by which fictitious capital had been 
employed in extensive jobbing. 
of the actual condition of the colony, Lord Sran1ey conclude 
by declaring that, ashe could not concur in the amendment 
moved by Mr. S. Crawford, he should vote against it; and then, 
as he believed the system of remedy proposed by Mr. C. Buller 
was already practically in operation, he should move the pre- 
vious question on the original motion. 
Lord Howick and Sir R. Inanis thought the motion opened a 
fair subject for inquiry.—Mr. Humx and Lord F, Egerton con- 
curred in their approbation of Mr, C. Buller’s ability in bringing 
the motion forward.—Lord J. Russev1 joined in the compli- 
ment, but without a more specific plan he could not join in 
pressing the motion on the adoption of the House, He recom- 
mended Lord Stanley to diffuse information on tl 
throughout the country, and trusted he would not rest satisfied 
with what had been done; meantime he thought it best that it 
should be left in the hands of the Executive Government. Though 
believing that there was much distress still existing in the coun- 
try, he drew encouragement from the revival in the manufac- 
turing districts, and was satisfied that we should get over our 
difficulties.—Sir Howarp Doveras and Mr, S. Wortiey next 
addressed the House; after which Mr. C. Butixr spoke shortly 
in reply, and the motion as well as the amendment were with- 
wn. 
Friday.—On the House going into committee of supply, Mr, 
Saw protested against the vote for the national system of edu- 
cation in Ireland. Lord Exror defended it, and Sir R. Penn 
contended that the system was producing the happiest effects 
in promoting kindly and tolerating feelings. A long discussion 
ensued, after which the vote was agreed to. A division took place 
on the vote for Maynooth, which was affirmed by 120 to 40, On 
the vote for the British Museum, Sir R. Pez adduced the great 
increase in the number of visitors, as a proof of the manner in 
which it was estimated by the public. A desultory discussion en- 
sued, during which Sir R, Pen expressed his hope that West- 
minster Abbey would soon be opened to the public. The vote 
was then agreed to, with several others of minor interest, 
CITY. 
Money Market, Friday.—Consols closed at 96% to 
, for Time and Money ; New Three-and-half per Cents., 
1022 to $; Bank Stock, 184}; Three per Cents., Red., 
963 to+ 3 Three-and-half per Cents., Red., 101% to $5 
India Bonds, 76 prem. ; Exchequer Bills, 68 to 70 prem. 
Metropolis and tts Wicinity. 
Dinner at the Mansion House-—On Wednesday the 
Lord Mayor entertained her Majesty’s Ministers and a 
distinguished party at the Mansion House. Those pre- 
sent were Sir Robert and Lady Peel, the Lord Chancellor 
and Lady Lyndhurst, the Speaker of the House of Com- 
mons, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, the Duke of 
Buckingham, the Earl of Ripon, the Earl of Liverpool, 
the Earl and Countess Delawarr, and about 150 other 
guests. After the usual toasts, Sir R. Peel proposed the 
health of the Lady Mayoress, the Lord Chancellor, and 
that of the Lord Mayor. The speeches were confined 
chiefly to the usual complimentary subjects, and few of 
them presented matter for extract, excepting that of Mr. 
Everett, the United States’ Minister. He said that one 
of the most important duties which he had to perform, 
was to cherish by every means in his power a good under- 
standing and kind feelings between England and America. 
Eighteen months ago the prospect seemed a dark and 
anxious one, and he had looked forward with no very 
agreeable feelings to what might be the issue. For the 
change which had taken place, they owed much to the con- 
ciliatory policy of her Majesty’s Government in taking an 
important step towards the adjustment of matters in dis- 
cussion between the two countries; and he was desirous 
on this occasion to say, that, although his feelings were 
naturally strong in favour of the American claims in the 
late dispute, it seemed to him that the adjustment brought 
about by Lord Ashburton was equally honourable and ad- 
vantageous to either country. He thanked them for the 
kind feeling which they had manifested towards himself 
and his country, and could assure them that he believed 
the most important part of his duty was to do all he could 
for the preservation of a good understanding between the 
two countries of Great Britain and America. 
Altempted Assassination in St. Paul’s.—An attempt at 
ination was itted, on Saturday afternoon, be~ 
tween three and four o’clock, during the performance of 
afternoon service, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, by a young lad 
residing at Bayswater, called Augustus Sintzenich, The 
prisoner, it appears, was in the area of the choir, about 
two yards from the Rev. Mr. Haden, one of the minor 
canons, who was officiating for the Bishop of Llandaff, 
and was observed by Mr. Hardy, one of the congregation, 
who saw the prisoner draw from his breast what he at 
first mistook for a book, but upon the light shining upoD 
the barrel, he perceived that it was a pistol, and imme 
diately gave the alarm to the congregation, as he was 
some distance from the prisoner, and could not get at him- 
The prisoner was seized i diately, and a by d 
Mr. Howton, succeeded in getting the pistol from his 
hand, after some resistance. The moment,which the ace 
cused chose for carrying out his purpose was immediately 
upon the conclusion of the prayer for the Queen, Some 
doubt exists whether the pistol was snapped ; Mr. Hardy 
who first observed the prisoner, states that he saw thé 
spark, and Mr. Howton, who seized him, states that he 
snapped the. trigger, but it missed fire. On examining 
the pistol, it was found to contain powder and five shots» 
but no wadding whatever. ‘The prisoner was then cov” 
ducted to the dean’s audit-room_ or vestry, and a brief 
statement was there made by the witnesses. When he 
was first seized the prisoner trembled very much, and 1 
marked, “You need not hold me so tight, for I hav® 
nothing more about me, and am not going to run away- 
After the Bishop of Llandaff had satisfied himself of the 
truth of the charge, the prisoner was conveyed to the 
station-house in Black-h rt, Fleet-street, wher 
he wrote a letter to his brother, which leaves no doubt e 
his intention to fire, as he distinctly states, ‘I took a 
into my head to have a pop at the clergyman at St. Paul | 
On Monday, the prisoner was examined before the Lor’ 
Mayor, when his counsel said he could prove his insanity 
and suggested the propriety of the Lord M ayor’s direr 
ing that he should be taken care of, under a late statute 
of the Queen. The Lord Mayor said he considered tb? 
