wished to state to the House, the propositions which would be made by Government relative to the present state of the country in certain districts. It was the intention, then, of the Government to lay on the Table of that House immediately an additional estimate, to allow of an increase of our infantry regiments from 739 to 800 men. This estimate would provide for an increase of the numerical force of our army to the extent of about 5,000 men. The sum which would be required for the maintenance of this additional force up to April next would not exceed 75,000l. The constant call for military aid from various parts of the country, especially from the north of England, and the impossibility, at all events the extreme danger, of diminishing our military force in the colonies, especially in Canada, made it, in the opinion of Government, a duty incumbent on them to ask for this additional force before Parliament separated. He had also to state, that he had received a representation from the mayor of Birmingham, addressed particularly to him (Lord J. Russell), but of a public nature, and stating that in the opinion of all the magistrates of Birmingham there was nothing which would conduce so much to the permanent peace of that town as the establishment of a local police force. The communication further stated, that in the present state of things, owing to the circumstances which had occurred with respect to the corporation, and to the disturbed state of the town, they did not think that they could proceed to the levy of a rate so immediately as would be necessary to carry this object into effect. He therefore proposed to move a resolution which would enable him to bring in a bill to provide that the Treasury might have power to advance a sum not exceeding 10,000l. for the establishment of a police force in Birmingham, such sum to be repaid by a rate to be levied on that town. It was likewise his intention on Wednesday next to ask leave to bring in a bill to enable county magistrates to establish a constabulary force in counties, or districts of counties, for the better promotion of the peace and tranquillity of such counties and districts. Magistrates had at present the power of swearing in special constables, when any apprehension was entertained of a breach of the peace. They had not, however, the means of defraying the expenses of any such increased force; and the bill would provide these means. He bad thought it convenient to announce these intentions on the part of the Government to the House; and when the bills were before them he would explain himself more at large.
Lord John Russell