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In consequence of the absence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, through indisposition, Mr Huskisson undertook to move the resolutions in the Committee of Ways and Means. The Right Hon. Gentleman confined himself, in the first place, to simply moving for the Committee; when Mr Hume rose to move, as an amendment, that the duties on sugar should be reduced to twenty shillings per hundred weight. Mr Ba ring said that the proposed reduction could have no beneficial result. The abatement would be too inconsiderable to benefit the consumer, or to benefit the grower by an increased consumption. He thought that a permission to distil spirits from sugar, when the ports should be open for foreign barley, would be much more advantageous to the West Indian interest.

Mr Huskisson opposed the motion at great length. He showed, from accounts and calculations, that the consumption of sugar was fourfold greater in England than it was in France, and that therefore little in the way of a rapid increase of consumption could be expected from the reduction of the duty, consequently that little benefit could arise from it to the grower; and with respect to the WestIndia interest, he also showed from the public accounts, that the demand for sugar, which had a few years ago fallen far short of the supply, was now steadily gaining upon it. He professed to have no objection to the permission to distil from sugar. A very long and desultory debate followed, in which Mr C. R. Ellis, Mr Ellice, Mr Bennet (Wilts,) Mr Calcraft, Mr F. Lewis, and Mr Bright, were the principal speakers. In the end, Mr Hume withdrew his motion, confessedly because he saw that the Committee would not entertain it.

Mr Huskisson then proceeded to move the resolutions relative to the Silk-Trade, which he introduced by an able and highly elaborate speech. He commenced with a repetition of all the usual arguments in favour of the utmost free dom of commerce, and then proceeded to draw an analogy as to what the British Silk-Trade might be, from what the British Cotton-Trade had become. The

exports of manufactured Cotton had, he said, multiplied since 1780 in the prodigious ratio of forty to one, though this might be called an exotic manufacture, while the export of Woollen our native manufacture, had, in the same period, increased only one-third. He disclaimed any impatience to put in practice the doctrines of political economy which he entertained; but he explained that the present condition of the world offered opportunities to secure the Silk-Trade which might never return. The ques tion of time, he said, had given him much uneasiness, as every period upon which he could fix must affect injuriously one interest or another; he had, however, finally come to the determination, that, as respected the reduction of the import duties on raw silk, the earliest period would be the best, and he should therefore propose, that that measure should come into operation upon the 25th instant, instead of the 5th of July, as at first intended by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The removal of the prohibitory duties upon foreign manufactured silks might, he thought, be advantageously postponed; and he should therefore fix, for the removal of those duties, the 5th of July 1826. (The annunciation of this postponement was received with loud cheers in the House; and with a very extraordinary expression of satisfaction and gratitude by the silk-weavers in the gallery, passages, and streets-a clapping of hands, which lasted several minutes.) The Right Hon. Gentleman then entered into an explanation of the mode in which he proposed to meet the case of persons holding large quantities of silk, for which they had paid the du ties. Mr Baring opposed the whole plan, as likely to ruin the working silk-wea. vers, and to frighten the master manu. facturers to withdraw their capital from a trade in which they would have to contend with the greater skill, more perfect machinery, and lower rate of wages, of their French rivals. Mr Wallace supported the measure, as did some other members; and Mr Davenport, Mr El lice, Mr Alderman Heygate, and several others, opposed it. The resolution was agreed to without a division.

MARCH.

BRITISH CHRONICLE.

13.-HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY. -Yesterday the Court met for the trial of Peter Steven, accused of theft, falsehood, fraud, wilful imposition, and forgery. The prisoner had been clerk or shopman to Mr Alexander Guthrie, bookseller, in Waterloo Place; and the charges against him, which were contained in two indictments, were, that he had, between May 1820 and August 1823, abstracted from Mr G.'s desk a number of retired drafts, or orders for payments of 'money, drawn on the British Linen Company's Bank in the course of the years 1817, 1818, and 1819; and that he had falsified or altered the dates of these documents, and passing them for new drafts or orders, obtained money for them. The sums alleged to have been obtained, in this manner, amounted to £.546. The first indictment being read, which contained seven charges of the above description, Steven pleaded Guilty of uttering six of these falsified documents, knowing them to be such; and also guilty of knowing them to have been abstracted from Mr Guthrie's desk. The Jury found him guilty in terms of his own confession; and he was sentenced to 14 years transportation beyond seas.

Yeomanry Cavalry. It having been deemed of importance that the Yeomanry Cavalry Officers of Scotland should dine together annually, as a means of keeping up an intimacy, to which English Yeomanry Officers were entitled to be present, above one hundred noblemen and gentlemen dined together yesterday in the Royal Hotel; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. G. Baird in the chair, supported by Lord Abercromby and Sir T. Bradford. Sir Alexander Don and Mr Murray of Polmaise, croupiers. Conformably to previous regulation, the company wore the uniforms of their respective corps, which had a brilliant effect. The festive scene was of the most animated description, and was farther enlivened by a military band. The dinner and wines gave the utmost satisfaction, and did the highest credit to Mr Ross. Among the company were-The Earl of Leven and Melville -Lord Robert Ker-Sir John Hope of Craighall—Sir William Elliot-Sir M. S. Stewart-Sir Samuel Stirling-Sir A. M. Mackenzie-Colonel Teesdale Colonel Straton-Colonel Thackery-General Balfour of Balbirnie-Mr Belches, Invermay -Mr Anstruther Thomson of Charlton

Mr Graham Stirling of Airth-Colonel Maclean of Ardgour-Colonel Moubray of Cockairnie-Sir W. M. Napier-Major Hamilton Dundas-Mr Home Rigg of Morton-Mr White Melville-Mr Dundas of Arniston-Mr W. Gibson CraigMr Gordon of Culvenan-Mr Gillon of Walhouse-Mr Gillespie of Montquhannie, &c.

27.-Monument to Mr Pitt in Edinburgh.-This day the Pitt Club of Scotland came to the resolution of setting a side £.3000 of their funds towards erecting an appropriate monument to the memory of Mr Pitt. It is to be hoped that nothing inferior to that which has been consecrated to his friend Lord Melville will be offered to him.

Suicide of Sir R. G. Collier,-We la. ment to have to mention the death of that gallant officer, Sir G. R. Collier, who cut his throat on Tuesday the 23d instant, while in a state of derangement, caused by some aspersions on his naval character in James's History of the late Naval War, for allowing the American frigate Constitution to get away from him on a certain occasion during a fog. At the Coroner's inquest, several naval officers of the highest rank bore testimony to the undoubted bravery of the deceased, and how his feelings were hurt by the attack in question. Rear-Admiral Sir E. Hamilton said, he had known the deceased for thirty-five years as a most exemplary officer on all occasions. Such a charge as that may as well be placed against the immortal Nelson, or any other exalted character in the navy, (a sensation of ap. plause in the room, which was crowded with officers.) Admiral King said the deceased was a man of very sensitive feeling and mind; he had wounds in every part of the body, which he had received in the service. Lieut. Col. S. G. Higgins, aid-de-camp to the Duke of Gloucester, evidently much affected, even to tears, said, that it was the opinion of the navy, that the country had lost the services of a most gallant and meritorious officer; and his opinion was, that a braver officer never existed. The Jury unanimously returned a verdict, that the deceased put a period to his existence in a state of temporary derangement.

New Entrance to Edinburgh from the West.-A plan is now before the public, for opening a new and improved access to the High Street from the west, and every one must at once see the necessity

and advantage of such improvement. The present entrance from the west into the High Street, the heart of the city, climbs up a steep ascent, through a dark, winding, and narrow street, which is almost impervious to carriages, and on which account the whole intercourse is carried on by different and circuitous routes. According to the plan now before the public, it is proposed that a com. munication shall branch off from the Fountain-Bridge Road, at the Main Point, from whence taking a circular sweep, and turning nearly eastward, it shall run along between the Castle and Wester Portsburgh and the Grassmarket; and passing along the south declivity of the hill, shall open a passage through the buildings and garden ground at the back of the Castle Hill, and join the HighStreet at the site of the old weigh-house. It is proposed to erect a magnificent bridge at the crossing of the West Church Road. The great advantages of such a communication are obvious. It would rise by a very slight ascent, not exceeding 1 foot in 32. It would interfere with no buildings or streets of great value, while it would greatly raise the value of the adjacent ground, which is at present little else than a receptacle for filth. It is estimated that the gain would nearly repay the cost of this improvement, which, considering the ground over which it would pass, and the rocky scenery of the Castle in its vicinity, would afford oppor tunities for effect and picturesque beauty that would not be neglected. The old

proposal of continuing a street from BankStreet to the south, by throwing a bridge over the Cowgate in that line, has also been revived; and both these projects have the complete approbation of the Lord Provost and Town Council.

We understand it is finally arranged that a new bridge is to be erected over the Water of Leith, at the foot of Pitt-Street, that the inconvenient angle leading to the present bridge may be avoided. The new bridge is to consist of one arch of 70 feet span, and afford a road way of 40 feet.

Sale of Estates in Fife.—In a former number we stated, that, in consequence of the rise in the funds, the demand for landed property had considerably increas ed, and that, particularly in this county, sales to a great extent, and at advanta geous prices, had recently been made. So far as we have been able to ascertain, the following are the sales which have been effected during the last six weeks alone. Balgonie, £.104,000; Earlshall, £.68,000; Todhall, £.31,200; Cruivie, £.25,250; Edens Head, £19,500; half of Airdrit, £.16,500; Inchrye, £.15,000; Luthrie, £.13,050; Plains, £.7000; Ceres Mill, £.2200.-Generally, and we believe correctly 'speaking, thirty years purchase of the estimated annual value of the land has been given; and, upon the whole, we understand the purchasers are satisfied with their bargains. The demand, notwithstanding these investments, still continues, and it is highly probable that all the property for sale in Fife will soon be out of the market.-Fife Herald.

APRIL..

British Revenue.-Abstract of the Net Produce of the Revenue of Great Britain in the Years and Quarters ended 5th April 1823, and 5th April 1824, showing the Increase or Decrease on each head thereof:

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a very necessary improvement, considering the prodigious number of stone carts and other vehicles constantly passing; and preparations to that effect are already in progress.

8.-Execution.-Yesterday morning, Charles M-Ewan was executed at the usual place, head of Libberton's Wynd, for the murder of a woman, said to be his wife, in the Firmouth, parish of Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, in October last. Though tried under several aliases, his real name, as stated above, was Charles M'Ewan. He was a native of Ireland, born near Armagh, 36 years of age, bred a coppersmith, and had not been in Ire land for six months these twenty years. His His height was five feet 10 inches. mother, with a sister, at present reside in Leith. Since his sentence, he had attended to and been directed in his devo. tions by the clergymen of his own persuasion who visited him, and was latterly as resigned and prepared to meet death as is possible for any man in

such a situation to be. The prisoner acknowledged the justice of his sentence, and that no doubt remained upon his mind as to his having committed the deed for which he was to suffer, though he could recollect none of the circum. stances, nor by what weapon it was ef fected, from the state of intoxication in which he was at the time-neither could he conceive the motive that instigated him to commit the crime. To shew how sincere was his repentance, of his own accord he determined to undertake some penance, however severe; he therefore, about ten days ago, stripped off his shoes and stockings, and for the whole night, until the next forenoon, he walked on the stone floor of his cell, until his feet had become much swoln. He was prevailed upon by the clergyman, who then visited him, to resume his dress. He farther refused, after his removal from the jail, even a glass of wine, which ho considered as an indulgence that he ought not to allow himself.

APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, &c.

I. CIVIL.

The honour of Knighthood conferred on the following Gentlemen:-Charles Wetherell, his Majesty's Solicitor-General; Capt. George Augus tus Westphall, R. N.; Peter Laurie, Esq. one of the Sheriffs of London; and James Williams, Esq. of the Gothic, Kentish Town.

II. ECCLESIASTICAL.

March 30.-The King has been pleased to present the Rev. James Paterson to the Church and Parish of Gordon, in the presbytery of Lauder and county of Berwick, vacant by the translation of the Rev. David William Gordon to the Church and parish of Earlstoun.

-The King has also been pleased to present the Rev. David William Gordon to the Church and Parish of Earlstoun, in the presbytery of Lauder and county of Berwick, vacant by the death of the Rev. William Shiels, late minister there.

31.-The Rev. William Campbell was ordained and admitted Minister of the Parish of Cou!, vacant by the death of the Rev. A. Brown.

April 9.-His Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint Mr John Thomson, preacher of the Gospel, Assistant and Successor to his father, the Rev. Andrew Thomson, Minister of Balmerino. -The Rev. Robert M'Nair, formerly Minister of Ballintra, was inducted as Minister of the first charge of the Abbey Parish of Paisley.

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Surg. Weld, from h. p. 67 F. Surg.

vice Dunn, h. p.

18 March

26.-The United Secession Church of Airdrie

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gave a harmonious call to Mr George Sommerville to be their Pastor.

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Capt. Hon. C. T. Monckton, from Cape
Corps, Capt. vice Gill, h. p. 27 F. do.
Ensign Grier, from h. p. R. W. I. R.
Ens. vice Spencer, 73 F. 15 April
Montgomerie, Lieut. vice Shaw,
11 March
Hadwin, Lieut. by purch. vice
Crawford, ret.

dead

E. Roderick, Ens.

18 do.

11 do.

W. T. P. Shortt, Ens. by purch. 18 dc.

15.-The Presbytery of Linlithgow met at Whitburn, and ordained the Rev. Graham Mitchell, A. M. Minister of that Church and Parish.

19.-His Grace the Duke of Portland has presented the Rev. George Smythe to the second charge of the Laigh Church of Kilmarnock, which had become vacant by the translation of Mr Stirling to the Church of Galston.

Capt. Hon. G. Anson, from 14 Dr.
Maj. by purch. vice Lieut. Col. Hend,

ret.

1 April

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F. K. Bouverie, Ens.

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Singleton, Capt. by purch. vice

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Ensign Drew, from 46 F. Lieut. vice Paton, 44 F.

12 Oct. 1823. Woodward, Lieut. by purch. vice Torriano, ret. 4 April 1824. Lord Elphinstone, from 99 F. Ens. do. Lieut, Wigley, from 20 F. Lieut. vice Reynolds, h. p. 12 F. 8 do. Connor, Capt. by purch. vice 15 April do. Spencer, from 27 F. Ens. 14 do. C. C. Coote, Ens. 15 do. Lieut. Forbes, Capt. by purch. vice Bt. Major Macleod, ret.

Pike, ret.

Ensign Stuart, Lieut.

do.

Ensign Hamilton, Lieut.

do.

Surg. Shortt, from h. p. Surg. vice Peacocke, 3 Dr. Gds. 25 March

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Serj. Maj. Stubbs, Quart. Mast. vice Hall, dead 8 Sept. 1823.

Lieut. Kenney, Adj. vice Naylor, res. Adj. only

J. Moffatt, Ens.

26 June

Ensign M Nabb, Lieut. vice Clarke dead 25 March 1824., do. Ensign Coward, Adj. vice White, res. Adj. only 8 April

Dep. Assist. Com. Gen. Lukin, from

h. p. Paymast.

do.

Capt. Colthurst, from h. p. late Kelso Reg. Capt. vice Innes, canc.

25 March Lieut. M'Intosh, from b. p. 88 F. Adj. and Lieut. do. Staff Serj. Dodd, Quart. Mast. do. Assist. Surg. Austin, from h. p. 64 F.

Assist. Surg. 1 April Lieut. Wolfe, from 59 F. Lieut. vice Drummond, cane. 25 March

Stevens, from h. p. 60 F. Adj. and Lieut. (repaying the diff. he received on exch. to h. p.)

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Bt. Col. Quentin, from 10 Dr. rec. diff. between full pay Cav. and Inf. only, with Lieut. Col Wyndham, h. p. 19 Dr.

Bt. Lieut. Col. Smyth, from 18 F. do. with Major Carmichael, h. p. 94 F.

Major Johnstone, from 14 F. with Major Gardiner, h. p. 60 F.

Bt. Major Hinde, from 65 F. with Brevet Col
Viscount Forbes, h. p. Meuron's Reg.
Capt. Reed, from 12 Dr. with Capt. Graham,
31 F.

Conroy, from 16 F. with Capt. Williams,
69 F.
Marshall, from 65 F. with Capt. Knight,
h. p.

Richardson, from 75 F. with Capt. Bruce,

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41 F.

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