n-laws;
stated that measures would be submitted for the amendment of the law
of bankruptcy; and expressed regret at the continued distress in the
manufacturing districts.

In the house of commons, on the 4th of February, Sir Robert Peel gave
notice that he would, on the 9th, move that the liouse resolve itself
into a committee of the whole house, to take into consideration the laws
which affect the importation of corn. The address was agreed to _nem.
con_.

DEBATE ON THE CORN-LAWS--PROPOSITION OF MINISTERS ON THE SUBJECT.

On the 9th of February, the day on which Sir Robert Peel had announced
he would develop the ministerial plan for the alteration of the
corn-laws, extraordinary interest was exhibited both in and out of the
house of commons. Every avenue of the house was thronged at an early
hour by persons eager to obtain admission; and when the doors were
opened every seat in the strangers' gallery was instantly occupied. A
number of the anti-corn-law delegates attempted to station themselves in
the lobby; but being prevented by the police they stationed themselves
outside the house, where they saluted the members as they passed with
the cries of "No sliding-scale!" "Total repeal!" "Fixed duty!" &c.
Shortly after five o'clock Sir Robert Peel moved: "That this house
resolve itself into a committee, to consider the trade in corn." He then
requested that the clerk of the house should read that portion of her
majesty's speech which related to that subject. This being done, he
observed that it was difficult to discuss this subject without making
statements or admissions which would be seized upon by his opponents:
but that he trusted to the reason, moderation, and judgment of
parliament. The right honourable baronet then proceeded to state that
he would not excite a hope that his measure would tend immediately to
mitigate the existing commercial distress, and to enumerate the causes
which had given rise to that distress. He then adverted to the various
opinions obtained in the country as to a change of the corn-laws. Some
opposed, he said, all change; others demanded immediate and instant
repeal; and others required some modification. His own opinion was,
that a total repeal of the corn-laws would aggravate the manufacturing
distress; the prosperity of the two classes being identical. There were
advantages in a fixed duty which did not apply to a variable duty; but
the objection to the principle of imposing any d