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Prince Regent as to the King; 4th, For the better prevention and punishment of persons attempting to seduce the military from their duty and allegiance. The last two he would propose to make perpetual; the first two only temporary, perhaps to the close of the present session or the commencement of the next. He concluded with moving for leave to bring in a bill for the more effectually preventing of seditious meetings.
The debate was long and animated; and on a division the numbers were, ayes 190; noes 14; majority 176. The bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Wednesday.
Lord Castlereagh then presented a bill to extend to the person of the Prince Regent the statute of 36 George III. for the better preservation of his Majesty's person; and a bill to extend the 37th of his Majesty, for rendering more penal the seduction of the soldiery. They were both read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Wednesday.
LORDS OF THE ADMIRALTY.
Feb. 25.—A very long debate ensued on a motion of Sir M. W. Ridley, the purport of which was to diminish the number of the Lords of the Admiralty, which was lost on a division; there being for the original motion 152; for the previous question moved, by Lord Castlereagh, 208; majority 86.
THE HABEAS CORPUS SUSPENSION BILL.
Feb. 26.—On the first reading of this bill being moved by Lord Castlereah, it was warmly opposed by Mr Bennet and other members. On a division the numbers were, ayes 273; noes 98; majority 175. In the course of the debate, the Lord Advoate of Scotland said, that he was informed that a secret conspiracy was organized in Glasgow, which had communications with societies in England. That conspiracy was held together by means of a secret oath, which he read to the House :
"In the presence of Almighty God, I A. B. do voluntarily swear, that I will persevere in my endeavouring to form a brotherhood of affection amongst Britons of every description who are considered worthy of confidence; and that I will persevere in my endeavours to obtain for all the people of Great Britain and Ireland, not disqualified by crimes or insanity, the elective franchise at the age of twenty-one, with free and equal representation, and annual parliaments; and that I will support the same to the utmost of my power, either by moral or physical strength, as the case may require. (Loud cries of Hear.) And I do further swear, that neither hopes, fears, rewards, or punishments, shall induce me to inform or give evidence against any member or members, collectively or individually, for any act or expression done or made, or to be done or made, in or out, in this or similar societies, under the punishment of death, to be inflicted on me by any member or members of such society. So help me God, and keep me stedfast!" (Hear, from all sides of the House).
Feb. 28.—On the motion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the bill was read a third time and passed. Ayes 265; noes 103; majority 162. Another division took place on a motion of Mr Ponsonby, that the act should expire on the 29th May, instead of 1st July. Against the motion 239: for it 97: majority 142.
(To be continued.)
BRITISH CHRONICLE.
JANUARY.
The Prince Regent has been pleased to grant out of the funds at the disposal of his Majesty, £1000, in aid of the subscription for relief of the labouring classes within the city of Edinburgh and suburbs.
A useful discovery.—A machine has been constructed under the immediate auspices of the Lord Mayor of London, calculated to render the most essential services. Its object is to act in case of the overturning of carts, waggons, &c. heavily laden, when by its use an immediate remedy is produced, and danger obviated, in cases where horses become entangled, and their lives endangered. The application of the machine has been already proved to be instantaneous in its effects. The experiment was made at the brewhouss of Calvert & Company a few days since, with a dray, on which were placed three butts of beer. The expense does not exceed 30s. From a conviction of its great utility, the Lord Mayor has caused one to be placed in the care of each of the watchhouse-keepers in the six principal districts of the city, viz. Giltspur Street, Fleet Market, Mansion House, London Bridge, Bishopsgate, and Aldgate.
2.—A flat, yet lively contradiction.—[To the proprietor of the Dublin Evening Post.] "Sir,—Having seen an account of my death in your paper, I request you will contradict it.
Richd Kyffin."