which prevented the improvement of the accommodation for the sick was the limitation which applied to the Poor Law Board, as to the amount of money which they could compel the guardians to expend. It was well known to their Lordships that until last year the Poor Law Board could not compel a Board of Guardians in any parish to carry out any altera. tions, the cost of which would be more than £50. It was thus obviously impos that any great alterations should take place. Another consideration which pressed upon the Poor Law Board was this. Until a late period the Poor Law Board were advised by competent medical authorities that a space of 500 cubic feet was sufficient for each sick person. Doubts, however, had been thrown upon the correctness of that belief, and in order to solve them, a Committee was appointed to inquire into the matter. That Committee, at the head of which was Sir Thomas Watson, the distinguished President of the College of Physicians, was composed of physicians and surgeons and other gentlemen whose studies and duties had familiarized them with the subject. The Committee reported that not less than 850 cubic feet on an average ought to be al lowed to each sick inmate, and in certain offensive cases not less than 1,200; but that in chronic infirm cases, in wards occupied by day as well as by night, 500 cubic feet would be enough; and 300 cubic feet for healthy classes of children. It had been determined, therefore, by the Poor Law Board that 850 cubic feet was the minimum which the guardians would secondly, to assimilate the powers and duties of guardians in certain parishes under local Acts to those of guardians acting under the general law; and thirdly, to provide for the equalization of certain charges over the whole metropolis; and for other purposes relating to the relief of the poor within the metropolis. The evils which the Bill was intended to remedy might be classed under two heads-first, the inadequate, inefficient, and ill-managed accommodation for the sick in the metro-sible for the Poor Law Board to provide politan workhouses; and secondly, the want in many of those work houses of a sufficient and well-trained staff of nurses. That the accommodation for the sick in workhouses should be exceedingly bad was hardly to be wondered at when they recollected that at the first introduction of the Poor Law Amendment Act it was hardly at all contemplated that the sick and infirm should be received within the walls of the workhouses, which were mainly intended as places for able-bodied paupers. But as years passed on the law was so administered that the workhouses became, to a great extent, hospitals for the sick and infirm. A paper which he held in his hand showed that in 1865 no less than 25 per cent of the inmates of all the metropolitan workhouses were sick and infirm, and that this was considerably above the average throughout the country; and when they considered the great number of cases of this kind which were continually received into the metropolitan workhouses, it was easy to understand how the amount of accommodation was inadequate. From the Return with which the Poor Law Board had been supplied, it appeared that whereas indoor relief in England and be authorized to provide for the sick. But Wales amounted to only 14 per cent upon all cases, in the metropolis it rose as high as 27 per cent. He was happy to be able to acknowledge that in many cases within the metropolis well-considered, judicious, and philanthropic provision had been made by Boards of Guardians for the accommodation of the sick and infirm, and had thus met to some degree the want of sufficient hospital accommodation. But that was not the case throughout. There were many cases in which it would be impossible to provide proper accommodation for want of space, and he feared he must say there were a few in which when motives had been scrutinized the guardians did not show an inclination to provide a remedy for wants which in other districts had been more liberally supplied. Another cause in addition to these general grounds for this measure, there were some special and individual cases which had strongly impressed the Poor Law Board with the necessity of amending the present system. He referred to the cases of Timothy Daley, who died in the Holborn Workhouse on the 23rd of December, 1864, and that of Richard Gibson, who died in the workhouse of St. Giles and St. George. In consequence of the complaints which had been made with respect to these cases, inquiries were held by Poor Law Inspectors, and the result proved not only the allegations of personal neglect in these particular cases, but that also the sick wards in these hospitals were insufficient and ill-arranged; and inquiries that subsequently took place into the management of the Paddington Workhouse showed in that case also that the staff of nurses was insufficient, and the provision for the sick and the medical arrangements generally unsatisfactory. In speaking of the investigations carried on by paid officers of the Poor Law Board, he would not be doing his duty if he passed over without acknowledgment the services rendered by professional and scientific gentlemen connected with The Lancet, who, at the cost of much valuable time and money, visited the workhouses of the metropolis, and supplied the Poor Law Board from time to time with most material facts in reference to their condition. The result of the information thus collected was the appoint ment of Mr. Farnall and Dr. Smith to make a special investigation into the state of the wards in the workhouses, and their Report, though differing in other respects, agreed in this--that the wards were overcrowded, and that the general arrangements for the sick were very unsatisfactory. Shortly after his right hon. Friend (Mr. Gathorne Hardy) came into office, two other Inspectors were appointed to make inquiry, not merely into the state of the sick wards, but into the general accommodation in the metropolitan workhouses. These gentlemen were instructed to take as the basis of their judgment the opinion given with respect to the amount of cubic feet. Having made a careful inquiry, the Inspectors came to this conclusion that in twenty-four unions and parishes the existing workhouses were such that by partial re-construction they might be made adequate to the necessities of the case; but with respect to the remaining fifteen, the greater number of them were not capable of being made suitable to the purposes for which they were required. Sufficient proof had therefore been brought forward to show that the Poor Law Board had ample grounds for adopting some com prehensive measures for the improvement of the workhouse infirmaries. With regard to the provision of an efficient and proper nursing staff, the evidence was not less strong. The subject had often engaged the attention of the Poor Law Board, and had been pressed by their Inspectors on the Poor Law Guardians, to whom a circular had been issued and re-issued. It would be improper on such an occasion to omit reference to the improved feeling on the subject which had resulted from the admiration the country must feel for the exertions of that excellent and gifted woman, Miss Nightingale, whose name would always be received with that respect which was due to her Christian activity and selfdevotion. Contemporaneously with her labours, the ill-arrangement of the sick wards of the workhouses, and the want of a proper nursing staff, had pressed themselves on the Poor Law Board as matters requiring attention; and the available remedies seemed to be additional buildings, increase of staff, and greater means of classification. The first consideration that presented itself to the Poor Law Board, on reviewing the question, was that there were no fewer than thirty-nine different areas of taxation within the metropolis, fifteen of these being unions under Boards of Guardiaus, and fourteen parishes under the general law; while no less than ten were governed by guardians elected in different ways by vestrymen. The obvious conclusion that pressed itself on the Board was that it was absolutely necessary to create new and larger districts in order to carry out the remedies that were proposed. Having thus adverted to the evils which it was sought to remedy, and the reasons of the Poor Law Board for introducing the measure, he would proceed to call attention to some of the provisions of the Bill. Three Committees which had inquired into the subject had stated in their Reports that the extension of the power of the Poor Law Board over local guardians was necessary. The Bill therefore gave power to the Poor Law Board to provide asylums for the reception and relief of the sick, insane, or infirm poor; to combine unions or parishes, or unions and parishes into districts, to constitute bodies of managers partly elected and partly nominated, with powers to erect new buildings, purchase lands, and borrow money. It was further provided that the appointment and duties of the officers were to be determined by the managers; but their salaries were to be determined by the Board. Auditors were to be appointed, and might be removed at the pleasure of the Board. In the provision for the application of the asylums, the words were very general, and included fever, small pox, and lunatics. There was also a provision for the establishment of dispensaries to afford outdoor medical relief, with a committee of management and the necessary officers. The medicines were to be provided by the Board of Guardians, in order to secure that they should be of the best description. The next clause to which he would call attention was that very important one which provided for the estab- | show itself in the ready assistance which lishment of a general metropolitan fund, the Poor Law Board hoped to receive from to which all unions and parishes were to the guardians in carrying out the provisions. contribute, and out of which would be of this measure. In the full confidence made the disbursements required by the that the Bill would be beneficial, alike to purposes of this Act. The question of the poor and to the ratepayers, he now the equalization of all the metropolitan moved that it be read a second time. rates had for years been under consideration both in and out of the House. The equalization of metropolitan rates involved grave and serious considerations; but, stopping short of that, there remained a middle course, which he thought the Poor Law Board had properly decided to adopt namely, to take certain charges, and make them payable equally over the whole of the metropolis. The charges proposed to be thrown on this common fund were-first, the maintenance of lunatics in the asylums, and licensed houses for the insane poor; secondly, the maintenance of the patients in the asylums for patients suffering from fever or small pox; thirdly, for the medicine and attendance supplied for the relief of the poor; fourthly, salaries of all officers employed in the relief of the poor and the management of schools, asylums, and dispensaries; fifthly, for compensation in cases arising under this Act; sixthly, for payment of fees for registration of births and deaths; seventhly, the payment of fees for vaccination; eighthly, the maintenance of pauper children in district or licensed schools; and lastly, for relief of destitute persons under peculiar circumstances. He trusted that when the measure passed into law the effect would be to extend to pauper children an education which would fit them for the duties of their after life. He had thus endeavoured to explain what appeared to him to be the material provisions of this Bill, which came up to their Lordships with the almost unanimous approval of the other House. The measure had been generally approved by his right hon. Friend the late President of the Poor Law Board, and he believed it had commended itself to most of those who were aware of the evils which it sought to remove. He was anxious to say that the Bill was brought forward in no spirit of distrust or jealousy of the local authorities. It was intended to extend the authority of the Poor Law Board no further than was absolutely necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the Bill. That harmonious co-operation between the central authority and the local Boards of Guardians, which he was happy to say had hitherto prevailed, would, he trusted, continue to prevail, and would Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a." (The Earl of Devon.) THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY said, that as he had had charge in that House of the Bill relating to the houseless poor in the metropolis, and as he had always taken a great interest in the subject of the Poor Laws, he might perhaps be allowed to say a few words in reference to this measure. Speaking of it generally, he must say that he viewed it with unqualified satisfaction. He believed it would lead to the introduction of a much better management of the metropolitan poor than had heretofore existed; he thought, also, that the Bill reflected great credit on the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Poor Law Department. His noble Friend (the Earl of Devon), in moving the second reading of the Bill, had fully explained its provisions; but he was astonished to hear the remark that the Bill was not framed in consequence of any distrust of the local Boards. It seemed to him, on the contrary, that this Bill was based entirely and properly so based, on that distrust of the Boards of Guardians which experience had shown to be too well founded. local guardians of the metropolis having disregarded the rules and orders of the Poor Law Board, that Board had very properly brought in a measure to remove the management of the metropolitan poor, to a certain extent, from the local authorities. He therefore thought the Bill was prepared in distrust of the local guardians who had been found wanting. For himself, he regretted that the Bill did not go somewhat further in this directionalthough he did not say that it might not be prudent not to make a greater change on the present occasion. He would suggest, however, whether it might not be well worthy of consideration whether they ought not to remove altogether from the guardians the management of the sick poor, and to establish for the sick poor separate infirmaries or hospitals where they might be placed under the management of persons specially qualified for the purpose. Notwithstanding what had been said by his noble Friend, a striking proof of the existence of distrust The of the local authorities was to be found in the very valuable provisions of the Bill under which the Poor Law Board was cnabled to appoint a certain number of ex officio guardians. That provision would enable the Poor Law Board to appoint persons to control the management of the guardians in cases where that management was not satisfactory. He feared, however, it might turn out that notwithstanding the provision for appointing ex officio guardians the poor might not be sufficiently cared for. Another provision of the Bill was one that he regarded as of great importance-that by which the expenses of certain classes of the poor are thrown on the whole metropolis instead of the separate parishes. This extended further the principle introduced into the law by the late President of the Poor Law Board in the Houseless Poor local management, he thought Parliament had done wisely in saying that a central body should have the necessary power to compel the local authorities to carry out its rules and regulations. He trusted that the powers conferred by this measure would be sufficiently extensive, and in conclusion stated that he cordially supported tho second reading of the Bill. Motion agreed to: Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Friday next. TRAFFIC REGULATION (METROPOLIS) REPORT. Amendments reported (according to Order.) that the effect of Clause 9 (Prohibition of THE EARL OF DENBIGH remarked Carriage of Advertisements) would be to throw out of employment about 700 persons who were now earning an honest livelihood by carrying advertisement boards about the street. He admitted that these been called-might, in some instances, be a board men or "sandwiches" as they had great nuisance, and therefore they ought to be placed under proper control; at the same time, he thought it would be unjust to deprive these men of their means of subsistence. He therefore moved an Amendment to the 9th clause to the effect that no picture, print, board, placard, or that no picture, print, board, placard, or notice should be carried or distributed in Act. It no doubt infringed the old maxim of each parish meeting its own expenditure. But looking at the peculiar position of the metropolis, at the great wealth accumulated in some districts of it, and at the enormous aggregation of poverty in others, those expenses which were not likely to lead to any abuse ought to be borne by the common fund of the whole metropolis. At the same time, he was glad that the Bill did not carry this principle further, for it would be dangerous to enact that the whole expenses of the poor of this great metropolis should be borne out of a common fund. If that system were adopted the management must necessarily become lax, while the expenses would be greatly augmented. He saw in this Bill another feature which afforded him great pleasure, aud that was that Parliament had no longer that extreme jealousy of the Poor Law Board which it had so often evinced. one time-more than once, he might saythe Poor Law Board had been looked on with such jealousy that it was difficult for them to carry any Bill through Parliament prolonging their existence. He was glad to see that by this Bill the powers of the Board were to be increased. He thought such an increase absolutely necessary for the proper management of the poor. The Poor Law Board which had always discharged its duties with diligence and care, whatever Ministry had been in office, should have the power of enforcing compliance with its orders. Unfortunately, at present they could only do so by manda-thought the clause was better as it stood. At mus in the Court of Queen's Bench, which was not a very easy or agreeable proceed. ing. Much as he valued the principle of the streets except in such form and manner as might be approved by the Commissioner of Police. Amendment moved, after ("Notice") to insert ("except in such Form and Manner as may be approved of by the Commissioner of Police.")-(The Earl of Denbigh.) THE EARL OF BELMORE said, he was willing to accept the Amendment suggested by the noble Earl; but if they were inserted, he should move the insertion of other words also, which would prevent the distribution in the streets of papers or posters relating to medical subjects. LORD STANLEY OF ALDERLEY On Question? their Lordships divided:Contents 24; Not-Contents 16: Majority 8. Amendment agreed to. CONTENTS. Romney, E. Selkirk, E. Chelmsford, L. (L. Huntingdon, E. Chancellor.) Buckingham and Chan- Shrewsbury, E. who has charge of the measure (Lord Redesdale) that he would not be unwilling to content himself with the second reading at that time, postponing its further progress to a period when, as we were informed was probable, a measure of a more complete and comprehensive description would be brought under our notice. As, however, the noble Lord has desired that we now should proceed Colville of Culross, L. with the Bill, I trust your Lordships Tankerville, E. Wilton, E. dos, D. Exeter, M. Hardinge, V. Amherst, E. Belmore, E. Bradford, E. Cadogan, E. Chesterfield, E. Denbigh, E. [Teller.] Gainsborough, E. Harrowby, E. [Teller.] Hawarden, V. Cairns, L. Lyttelton, L. Skelmersdale, L. Wharncliffe, L. EARL GRANVILLE observed, that their Lordships were placed in a rather curious position. He heard other noble Lords had come down prepared to support the measure; but in the division just taken the Government had divided against a clause in their own Bill. THE EARL OF BELMORE moved an Amendment prohibiting the exhibition of prints, &c., or the distribution of pamphlets and posters relating to medical subjects in the streets. EARL DE GREY AND RIPON suggested that it should be postponed till the third reading. THE EARL OF BELMORE agreed to postpone the Amendment. Further Amendments made; Bill to be read 3 on Monday next; and to be printed as amended. (No. 52.) RAILWAY TRAFFIC PROTECTION BILL. (No. 43.)-(The Lord Redesdale.) Order of the Day for the House to be put into a Committee, read. Moved, "That the House do resolve itself into a Committee on the said Bill.' (The Lord Redesdale.) LORD CAIRNS: My Lords, when this Bill was before the House on a former occasion, I understood from the noble Lord will allow me to do what otherwise would not be necessary, to express the very great alarm which I feel at legislation which, as far as I remember, is entirely unprecedented. If this Bill proposed to deal with nothing more than debts contracted by railway companies at a future time, and did nothing more than prevent creditors from issuing executions upon railway property in respect of claims of that description, I should have nothing more to say than this-that it appeared to me a grave and difficult question whether we should allow great mercantile companies to contract debts without incurring the usual responsibility of being subjected, as regards their property, to executions at law. But that is not the nature of the Bill now before your Lordships, by any means. This Bill deals with debts which are already contracted. It takes up the case of creditors who have lent their money or supplied goods to railway companies, and who now are entitled to recover judgment and issue execution against the railway companies; and it absolutely prevents them from issuing execution upon any judgment which they may obtain. That is the operation of the Bill, which at present is limited to the 1st August next. I have always understood that in your Lordships' House one of the most sacred principles was that legislation, as affecting contracts already entered into, should not be retrospective. But this is not the only evil. On looking closely into this measure, I find that, not only does it affect the rights of creditors which already exist, but it raises an invidious distinction between one class of creditors and another. the rights which they possess, and to anoIt takes away from one class of creditors ther it preserves those rights intact. If your Lordships will refer to the Bill that you are asked to assent to, you will find that from the operation of the measure are entirely saved those executions that may be levied for the recovery of local rates. And not only so, but from the wording of |