House Of Commons
Monday, August 28, 1857.
MINUTE.] NEW WRIT FOR TAVISTOCK— v. The Hon. George Henry Charles Byng, Manor of Northstead.
Decimal Coinage—Question
said, he would beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Replies to Lord Overstone's Questions upon the Decimal Coinage, which have been some time in print, are not delivered to this House?
said, that the Replies to Lord Overstone's Questions upon the Decimal Coinage were being received by the Commissioners appointed to inquire into that subject, and that as soon as the Commissioners reported thereon to the Government they would be laid upon the Table.
Indian Telegraph—Question
said, he would beg to ask the noble Viscount the First Lord of the Treasury what arrangements had been entered into by the Government for establishing a telegraphic communication with India viâ the Euphrates or the Isthmus of Suez and the Red Sea?
A communication by the Euphrates was undertaken by a private Company with certain contingent engagements, on the part of the Government and the East India Company; but we have heard within the last few days that the Turkish Government has not given permission to lay that line down. That decision may hereafter be reversed, but so it stands at present. With regard to the line by the Isthmus of Suez and down the Red Sea, and so across to Kurrachee, there, is a private Company, I believe, that contemplates such an arrangement, and as far as it may be in the power of the Government, without the assistance of Parliament to aid them to make use of that line, we shall be glad to give them all the assistance in our power.
European Sufferers In India
Observations
said, he must appeal to the noble Lord at the head of the Government to direct that immediate assistance should be rendered to the widows and orphans of those who had perished in the Bengal mutiny. He would suggest to the noble Lord the propriety of placing means at their disposal to enable them to return to England. That could easily be done by placing the return transports at their disposal.
said, he cordially thanked the hon. and gallant Member for his suggestion, which was a really humane one. He was anxious that something should be done, but until the Government obtained more detailed accounts from the Governor General of the condition and wants of those on whose behalf the appeal was made, he did not know how they could act.
said, he could assure the House that the Court of Directors of the East India Company had sent out instructions to give all the assistance possible, not only to the civil and military servants of the Company, but all classes in distress.
Prorogation Of The Parliament
Message to attend the LORDS COMMISSIONERS.
The House went, and the ROYAL ASSENT was given to the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Bill. And afterwards a Speech of the LORDS COMMISSIONERS was delivered to both Houses by the LORD CHANCELLOR.
Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
After which,
said:
"MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,
"By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Friday, the 6th day of November next, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Friday, the 6th day of November next."