great had been their efforts at improvement, the Commissioners had not as yet been able to produce any very great result; and therefore they were still in the position of having an immense number of benefices which were quite inadequate for the support of their incumbents, and the difficulty of finding incumbents had been increased by the very reforms which had been introduced. He must say that the plan of the noble and learned Lord seemed to be the best plan of the kind which had yet fallen into his hands. The plan which had been proposed by the Commission, over which he believed Lord Harrowby pre wished to have effected. There had been (fund had been raised. Another duty of continued complaints against the right rev. the Ecclesiastical Commissioners was to Bench for not having themselves under-increase the value of the property of the taken and carried the ecclesiastical altera- Church by altering its tenure. Now, tions which were much required; but when he looked at the Report of the he was convinced that the right rev. Ecclesiastical Commissioners, he saw that, Bench had exercised a wise discretion in notwithstanding all their labours, all they not putting themselves forward as cham- had been able to add to the property of pions of this or that particular scheme of the Church was not more than £1,200,000; amendment, unless they were satisfied that and if that sum were divided among 7,000 they would receive some strong support benefices, it would only produce, on an from those, both in that and the other average, an increase of £8 a year at the House of Parliament, who were in a most. Taking, therefore, into consideraposition to enable them to carry their tion the great number of new poor benemeasures to a successful issue. The pro-fices created by the Commission, their posal of the noble and learned Lord Lordships would see, that whatever was the had this recommendation, that it was situation of affairs in 1835, and however of a thoroughly practical nature. The noble and learned Lord complained yesterday, with great force, of the difficulty which existed in securing the services of properly-educated persons for the ministry throughout the country; and he naturally pointed to the existence of so many small benefices as one of the causes of this difficulty. Now, it so happened that the Church, in reference to this matter, notwithstanding the important changes which had been introduced in the course of the last twenty years into our ecclesiastical system, was perhaps in a worse case than at the beginning of those reforms. Under the old state of things these small bene-sided, was, by the sale of benefices, to fices were held in plurality, and therefore create a general fund, out of which 600 it was possible to make a living out of new churches might be built in the country. them; but now, by wise legislation, the Now, that would have been a desirable system of pluralities had come to an end, result; but the great objection was to and this very improvement had caused the multiplication of very poor benefices, fresh difficulties. Some of their Lordships which would entail serious evils. The nomight, perhaps, remember what the numble and learned Lord, however, had conber of small benefices throughout the fined his attention to one point-that of incountry was. The only Return which he creasing the value of a certain number of had been able to obtain was printed in the existing poor livings, and putting our 1835, at the beginning of the great changes existing system into a good state so far as to which he had referred; and from that his means went. In his opinion, the plan Return it appeared that there were 297 of the noble and learned Lord might be benefices under £50 per annum, 1,629 be- well applied to all benefices held in public tween £50 and £100, 1,602 between £100 patronage; and when they were about to and £150, and there were nearly 7,000 assent to the principle of the Bill, it was benefices (in all) below £300 a year. The not unimportant that they should rememchanges which had been since introduced ber that that principle would apply to a had established a machinery for raising great many other cases besides that of the the income of these small benefices; and small benefices in the patronage of the it was only due to those who had the Lord Chancellor. It was extremely immanagement of the affairs of the Commis- portant that all public patrons-such sion to take this opportunity of saying, for example as the Deans and Chapters that they had spared no means to accom- and other public bodies, to say nothing plish the result they had in view. One of the Bishops-if not able adequately part of their work was to suppress sine- to discharge the trust imposed upon cures, and from that source a considerable them, should be able to dispose of that But he had only seen the Bill that day, and had had no opportunity of reading it, before being thus called upon to express an opinion upon its principle. If it was important that the Bill should be read a second time to-night instead of on the first night after the recess, he would put no obstacle in the way, as long as it was understood that he reserved to himself the right to criticise its provisions when it came from the Select Committee. trust in order to improve the livings. I diate assent to it. THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK said, their Lordships could hardly overrate the difficulty which the Bill was intended to remove. It was no reproach to any former Lord Chancellor to say that he had not well discharged the duties which the church patronage attached to the office imposed upon him, for they were duties which it was almost impossible for him to discharge well. The number of small benefices in his gift was 720, and it was estimated that on the average, in addition to other arduous duties, the Lord Chancellor had to find and place a fit clergyman in a parish once in every ten days. He was sure that every Member of the episcopal bench would find it difficult to appoint a fit revising barrister once in every ten days. This measure was a step in the right direction, for it was a step towards the better endowment of that most valuable and respectable class the working clergy; and it would remove a burden which the Lord Chancellor must severely feel. Some of the details of the Bill would require consideration-in particular, the estimated value of the presentations was much too high-and he recommended the Select Committee to whom it would be referred to see whether it would not be desirable to revise the scale altogether, and to bring the amounts down to the bare market price of the livings. The great reason for his addressing their Lordships was to express his thanks to the Lord Chancellor for having endeavoured to solve this problem, and he believed that the noble and learned Lord had insured the gratitude of every clergyman, who recognised in this attempt at legislation the effort of a friendly hand. LORD CRANWORTH said, that if the principle of the Bill was merely the sale of small livings, and the application of the purchase money to their augmentation, he had no hesitation in expressing his imme THE LORD CHANCELLOR said, that if he had anticipated any discussion, he should hardly have thought it fair to have brought forward the second reading of the Bill so soon after its introduction. He had not himself been perfectly satisfied as to the details of the plan at the time he submitted it to their Lordships; and he had now listened very attentively to the criticisms of those details by the right rev. Prelates; and he hoped to see a great many more in the public prints. All that their Lordships were now asked to do was to consent to the principle that the presentation to certain livings should be sold, and the purchase money applied in the best possible manner for the augmentation of small benefices. With regard to the market value estimated in the Bill, an eminent actuary whom he had consulted on the subject, though at first he expressed an opinion that the value taken was too high, after two days' consideration came to the conclusion that the terms were so advantageous that there could be no difficulty in obtaining the price calculated upon, and, indeed, that a higher estimate might have been prudently taken. Having derived confidence from that, he had adhered to his tables, merely, however, intending to submit them as a matter for their Lordships' discretion. He asked their Lordships to assent to the general principle of the Bill, the great object of which was to enable the advowsons of livings now in the hand of the Lord Chancellor to be transferred into the hands of the landed proprietors, who would be likely to take an interest in them. If the Bill was allowed to be read a second time, he would give notice of the names of the Peers who would form the Select Committee, and they could be nominated after Easter. His great object was to bring these advowsons into the hands of the landed proprietors, and he had consequently fixed the price at what might be considered a fancy price. He should now ask their Lordships to give their consent to the second reading of the Bill; and if they acceded to his proposition, he should move that the measure be referred to a Select Committee. He would ask their Lordships to commit themselves to nothing but to the expediency of the general principle of the measure. THE STALEYBRIDGE RIOTSTHE MANSION HOUSE COMMITTEE. QUESTION. COLONEL WILSON PATTEN said, he wished to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department a Question in connection with the state of the manufac Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accord-turing districts. The House was about to ingly and referred to a Select Committee. And on Tuesday, April 14, the Lords following were named of the Committee : THE CLOONE LOAN FUND. ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE AND RETURNS. THE EARL OF LEITRIM rose to move an Address to Her Majesty for Copies of Correspondence and numerous Returns relating to the Cloone Charitable Loan Fund Society. EARL GRANVILLE said, that without expressing an opinion whether the production of the Returns was desirable or not, he would ask the noble Earl to postpone his Motion until an opportunity was afforded for communicating with the Irish Government on the subject, and of learning whether they entertained any objection to the correspondence being presented to Parliament. THE EARL OF LEITRIM consented. separate for the Easter holidays, and he thought it advisable that they should know from the right hon. Gentleman what he believed, from official information, to be the state of the cotton-manufacturing districts at the present moment. Several rumours had appeared in the papers, and statements had been made regarding disturbances in one or two places. He thought therefore that it was advisable they should have some assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that he was not alarmed by those statements, and that those districts were not likely to be seriously disturbed during the recess. SIR GEORGE GREY: If my hon. Friend had asked this Question last night, I should have been able to answer him with greater confidence than I can now, from the reports I have received, that the disgraceful disturbances which took place at Staleybridge had been completely suppressed, and that there was no apprehension of their being revived. I am sorry to say, however, that yesterday evening and this morning I received several letters from persons in a position to be correctly informed, expressing apprehensions that, owing to what they conceive to be the extremely injudicious conduct of the Mansion House Committee in sending a grant of £500 to Staleybridge on the first application made, under the circumstances at that time existing at Staley bridge, and without the slightest communication with the Central Committee at Manchester, there may be renewed attempts at disturbance. I do not feel alarmed in consequence of these letters, for I believe the measures that have been taken by the civil and military authorities-and much will depend upon the firmness of the civil authorities-will be sufficient effectually to suppress any attempt at a renewal of those outrages. MR. ALDERMAN CUBITT: I hope I may be allowed to say a word or two in vindication of the Mansion House Committee MR. SPEAKER said, that the hon. Member was out of order, there being no Question before the House. There would be an opportunity for him to speak on the Motion for the adjournment of the House. MR. ALDERMAN CUBITT: I will, to put myself in order, move the adjournment of the House. Some few days ago, the Mansion House Committee received an application from three clergymen at Staley bridge, who had superintendence of adult schools, informing us that, in consequence of the sudden change in the administration of relief made by the Staleybridge Committee, they were sadly apprehensive that there would be disturbances, and they applied to us in some way or other to mediate with the Committee, so as to induce them to go back to the former system. Communication was had with the Staleybridge Committee, and we got letters from them, setting forth the reasons which induced them to adopt the change. Then came another letter, from the Incumbent of St. John's, Staleybridge, which I will read "St. Paul's Parsonage, Staley bridge, "March 21. "Sir,-On behalf of the Rev. Messrs. Floyd and Bell, as well as myself, I beg to inform you, that the results we stated in our last as to be feared, if the respectful memorial we forwarded from the working men did not attain its object, have taken place. Every prudent person here was convinced, that if, in addition to other causes of complaint, the plan of giving tickets instead of money was rashly carried out, very unhappy consequences might be expected. "The men unanimously refused the tickets. In the evening, we regret to say a crowd of lads and girls committed acts of violence, and the military were called out. The conduct of the men, we feel bound to state, was most excellent, though under circumstances of the most trying kind. Very few men took any part in the tumult. "All this day the men have passed in quiet hope of some relief, but the Relief Committee have offered no compromise. Thus many hundreds of respectable, well-conducted men are left without food for to-day or to-morrow. This is a most sad fact, and full of danger. Extreme want will drive the most patient men to violence. We, therefore, again appeal for these sufferers to the Mansion House Committee, to which the working people have all along looked as a friend and protector. We beg of it to interpose before worse results take place. "We have under our care schools containing respectively 115, 180, and 360 men. These have all behaved in a most proper manner, taking no part in the violence committed. But they all refuse the tickets. They are left destitute of relief. Many of them have not had a meal to-day. They have promised to assemble in their schools on Monday morning. We have promised to write for them to your Committee to beg most earnestly that some speedy succours may be extended to them. Extreme suffering will be endured, if this their cry for help to you be refused; and it is fearful to think of the results which may follow between a starving people and the dragoons. Feeling deeply, we earnestly entreat your Committee, which has done so much good, to hasten to reach a helping hand to these poor and patient and law-abiding sufferers. We have asked them to wait patiently your reply. We beg of you to make a special grant to these and the other adult schools, for men in the things to be settled, and for the unwise proceedtown, for a week or two, so as to give time for ings which have been taken, to be reversed. An early and favourable answer may be in time tc prevent tumult, and will certainly save many from undeserved and great suffering. Trusting the serious nature of the case will excuse our ur gency, I remain yours, respectfully, "W. WORTH HOARE, "Incumbent of St. Paul's, Staley bridge. "And for the Rev. T. Floyd, and W. Bell, Incumbents of Castle Hall and St. John's." That was on the 21st. On the 23rd a telegram was sent stating that the Mansion House Committee would be willing to receive any deputation they might be willing to send up. We then received the following letter:: "St. Paul's Parsonage, Staleybridge, 66 March 23. Sir,-Your welcome telegram arrived as Messrs. Floyd, Bell, and myself were speaking with men from many of the schools in the town. It gave them and us unspeakable relief, bringing tears to many eyes and Thank God!' from their lips. The hope given that your Committee will help them in this fearful crisis will gladden many a foodless home to-night. We verily believe you have not a moment too soon saved this town from bloodshed. Hitherto the rioters have been rough boys and girls. The men have been most praiseworthy in their conduct, and most surprisingly patient, when the fact is recollected that many most respectable and aged men have had to come without breakfast to school this morning, and have left their families in the same state at home. Some have come to ask leave to pawn clothing we had given them, to which, of course, we could but consent in the emergency. The amount necessary to pay all over sixteen at schools in the town for two weeks would be (as near as we can say), at 38. per week, £532 48. As the attendance varies, and as two schools are shut up this week, we cannot speak precisely. Last week, it appears, the attendance was 1,744, and, as yet, the men have received nothing for that week. If your Committee could grant for the week ending last Friday, and that ending next Friday, time will be given to have these evils rectified, if possible. As the clergy and ministers of religion are not on the Staleybridge Relief Committee, we cannot answer for them, but we feel sure they would not distribute the money, as it is they who are madly forcing the tickets. I send a memorandum sent to every school to-day which seems conclusive on this point. The men who were present begged that the money might be sent to us three, and we will pay it to the various superintendents of schools and transmit vouchers to you at once. The Rev. Thomas Floyd goes to town by to-night's express, and hopes to wait on your Committee at their meeting to-morrow, and answer any particulars you may desire to ascertain. By making this grant you will have given a fresh occasion for gratitude to the people here, taken a load of suffering off them, and prevented the spread of angry feeling which must have lasted for long years to come, and probably prevented bloodshed-for dragoons parading the streets crowded with starving people can hardly be without great danger. Many thanks for your prompt attention to the cry of these sufferers.-Yours obediently, "W. WORTH HOARE." We received the clergyman at the Mansion House, and deliberated on the subject for a couple of hours. The ultimate decision was not to send money down to the people, or to anybody but to the Relief Committee. We wrote and sent a letter to the Committee stating how much the Mansion House Committee deplored these unhappy occurrences, and suggesting that they should return to the system which they had hitherto carried on for a week or so, until they should have time to make such modifications as might seem desirable. We accompanied that letter with a cheque for £500 for the Committee to use as they might think fit. I have here in my hand a letter which I received this morning, and which will, I think, soothe the minds of hon. Gentlemen. It is from the Treasurer of the Relief Committee, to whom the £500 were sent. He says Under these circumstances we thought we might mediate, and we wrote a conciliatory letter-a copy of which I have not now with me- -suggesting that for the moment the local Committee should return to their original system, until they found whether they could apply modifications to the proposed change. We thought, that if we sent down a denial without any cheque for money, we should only have increased the violence of the agitation which prevailed; while, on the other hand, we felt very sensitively with regard to the position of those gentlemen in the locality who were devoting their best energies to the conduct of a great work. Then it was suggested that in sending a mediatory letter we had also better send the £500, not to go in addition to the relief, but to be applied in money. COLONEL WILSON PATTEN said, that no one in the House would be more unwilling than himself to deny the merit of what had been done by the hon. Member for Andover (Mr. Cubitt). He believed there was only one feeling in Lancashire in respect of the hon. Gentleman. The hon. Member was the first to suggest a subscription for the relief of the distress in the manufacturing districts; and whatStaleybridge Relief Fund, March 25. ever their opinions might be on other "Sir, I am duly in receipt of your letter of points, he (Colonel Wilson Patten) would the 24th inst., enclosing cheque for £500, in venture to say there was not an indiwhich your Committee recommend that it be vidual in Lancashire who was not influapplied in the distribution of relief in money, instead of by ticket on shopkeepers as proposed enced by a feeling of gratitude to the hon. by this Committee. My letters of the 23rd and Gentleman. But he was obliged to ac24th inst. would explain to you the reasons why company this with the expression of his this Committee proposed to adopt the ticket sys- deep regret at the conduct of the Comtem; but as so much opposition has been brought mittee at the Mansion House, over which against it, I beg to say that the Committee have reconsidered the matter, and it is expected that the hon. Gentleman presided. There was the question will be amicably and satisfactorily in Lancashire a body of gentlemen who settled at a meeting to be held on Saturday next, had devoted themselves for the last eight when delegates representing the various schools will be appointed to confer with them on the sub-months, at the sacrifice of every other conject. You are already aware that for the past sideration, to relieve the distressed manuand present weeks the men have agreed to accept facturing districts. If the House could payment by ticket, in which case this Committee know the sacrifices which had been made propose to hold the cheque in hand, so that such by merchants and gentlemen in every class modifications in the system of the distribution of of society to attain that object, he was sure, relief may be introduced as may be deemed necessary and judicious. that even though little errors might have "I am, Sir, your obedient servant, been committed, the greatest consideration "JAMES KIRK. would be shown. One of the most em"J. Gibbs, Esq., Mansion House, London." barrassing circunistances which the CenNow, I hope the House will feel that we tral Relief Committee had had to meet at the Mansion House were placed in a was the state of the district about Staleyvery distressing position. On the one hand, bridge, Ashton, and Dukinfield. After we were told riots were at the moment mature consideration, and entirely in the going on, and that bloodshed might be ex-interests of the working classes, they repected; on the other hand, we felt that to solved to make certain alterations in the interfere with the action of the Committee mode of relief. This, it appeared, had was what we ought on no account to do. given dissatisfaction to some of the opera |