April 30, 1841.

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Evils of Reduced Establishments.

It was stated that the British were expelled from Canton on the 5th of May.  I, however, infer from what took place, that the British were obliged to retire at the end of March.  Looking to the events of the present year, they appear to me to be exceedingly unsatisfactory.  And to what, I would ask, is this owing?  It appears to me that this state of things is to be attributed to improper advice.  The interests of the country in various parts of the world, have not been properly protected.  If there is not a general war, we are placed in a situation that tends to it; and this arises from our having reduced our establishments far below what they ought to be, even in a time of peace.  This was the true cause of the present state of things in China, and of delay and consequent misfortune elsewhere; and I much fear that circumstances will occur to cause still further regret at the course that has been adopted with respect to our establishments.  I told ministers so at the time they were making those reductions in 1837.  I stated to them then that they were not taking such care of our establishments as would enable them, in the event of war, to contend with success against our enemies.  The reduction of our establishments has been pursued in different parts of the world, where we are engaged at present, and now we see the consequence.

April 29, 1841.

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Poor Law Commissioners must be made to do their duty.

I voted for the Irish poor law bill, and proposed amendments, which, I believe, induced your lordships to pass the bill.  I am sure that those amendments had the effect of inducing others to approve of that bill, who would not have done so if those amendments had not been introduced.  I did all this on the faith and assurance, not only of the house and the government, but of those gentlemen themselves, that it would be carried into execution in Ireland, with the same strictness and fairness as it was in this country.  In this expectation I have been altogether disappointed, and for this reason I am determined, when I get the other papers, to read every line of them, and probe the matter to the bottom, in order to see where the mischief lies.  But recollect there is not only this case, but several other cases before your lordships, in every one of which there is corruption.  We cannot stop here with the resolutions of my noble friend.  The Clonmel case is a very gross case.  The noble lord opposite has told us that the office can be but of little importance, as the salary is only 10l. to 30l. a-year; but see what power the office gives.  In this very case let your lordships see what happened next day, when the brother-in-law of this individual was appointed valuator, a situation which puts the property of every man, in some degree, in his power.  We must go