THE TRADE QUESTION
During this session important steps were taken towards a more unrestricted system of trade. One important measure consisted in a repeal of what were still left of the protecting duties between Ireland and Great Britain. Enactments were also passed tending to withdraw British silk manufacturers from the protection of laws which prohibited the importation of foreign silks. The plan adopted for this was to lower the import duties on raw and thrown silk; to repeal all bounties on the exportation of this article of manufacture; and to substitute a duty of thirty per cent, on foreign silks, instead of prohibiting their importation. This scheme met with the opposition of partial interests, but it was carried by a large majority. Among other important measures of relaxation passed this year was the immediate removal of all unequal restrictions on the import and export trade of wool, with a gradual approach to the same system in the linen manufactures. All these measures greatly tended to increase the trade and commerce of England, and to benefit the community at large. The British silk trade is increased two-fold since their enactment, although utter ruin was predicted by the silk manufacturers, and the articles manufactured, though lower in price, vie in beauty with the silks produced by and Indian looms.
ALIEN BILL, ETC.
The alien bill was renewed this session. It was vehemently opposed by Mr. Hobhouse and Sir James Mackintosh; and from their opposition, the act, though carried, henceforward operated with less stringency than before. Much discussion arose on the subject of the abuses in the church of Ireland, but it led to no legislative enactment. Much attention was also given to the state of Ireland; a committee of inquiry being appointed in both houses. But nothing effectual was done to improve the condition of that country. The close of this year, indeed, saw the establishment of a political engine of extraordinary power in the Catholic Association. Mr. O’Connell, a barrister of eminence, soon became the acknowledged leader of the disaffected party, and encouraged them to effect by union and agitation what had been denied to petition. This association subsequently extended its correspondence, and appointed agents for every Roman Catholic parish in the kingdom, and then levied a large revenue under the denomination of Catholic rent, for the support of the demagogues who were at its head. This “rent” continues to be collected to this day, and Mr. O’Connell and his party divide it among them, promising great things in return, but failing to perform their promises from utter, inability. Ireland, therefore, is still hood-winked by interested agitators: stop the “rent,” and then they would be silent. Their patriotism depends upon the amount they receive from their miserable, poor, and suffering countrymen.
DISCUSSIONS ON THE REVOLT IN DEMARARA, ETC.
During this session Mr. Brougham called the attention of the commons to the circumstances of a revolt in Demarara. The negroes of that island had been led to believe that their freedom had been granted by parliament, and was withheld by the colonial assemblies. This delusion caused an insurrection; and a missionary, named Smith, was tried by martial law, on a charge of exciting the negroes to revolt, and was condemned to death. His case was sent to England for the consideration of the privy-council; but he died in prison before the pardon extended to him could arrive. Mr. Brougham moved that the court-martial held on him was illegal, and the sentence unjust; and it was with great difficulty that ministers could procure a small majority to acquit his judges. This discussion, however, led to beneficial results. Government formed plans for abolishing the habitual use of the lash; for regulating the punishment of refractory slaves; for preventing the separate sale of husband, wife, and children; for protecting the property of slaves, admitting their evidence, and facilitating their manumission; and for providing them religious instruction, and a regular ecclesiastical establishment, with two bishops at its head; one presiding over Jamaica, and the other over the Leeward Islands, These were the principal measures of parliament during the present session.