"and become ineffectual; his maj. re"commends to the house of commons to " consider of such measures as may be necessary for securing the said annuities 66 upon the consolidated fund, and his "maj. cannot forbear taking this occa "sion to express his desire, that his sittart, resolved itself into a committee of "the several revenues composing the the whole house, to consider of allowing a "said aggregate fund were transferred to bounty on the exportation of oil of vitriol," the consolidated fund of G. Britain, in which it was resolved that a bounty for securing the said annuities, by rea of 5s. 6d. per cwt. should be allowed" son whereof the provision so recomon all oil of vitriol made in Great Bri"mended by his maj. and carried into tain, and exported to foreign parts. The" effect by act of parliament, has failed report was ordered to be received to-morrow. Mr. Vansittart moved, that the house do resolve itself into a committee of the whole house to consider of the supply granted to his majesty; in which it was resolved, that a sum not exceeding 1,000,0001. be granted to his majesty to enable him to pay the same to the East India com pany, for money laid out by them in the public service. Also a sum not exceeding 3,000,000l. towards defraying the expences of the extraordinaries of the army for the year 1806. Also 600,0001. for the extraordinaries of the army in Ireland Also 55071. 18s. Sd. for the purchase of ordnance lands, for the better security of the docks, ships, and stores at Chatham. The house was resumed, and the report ordered to be received to-morrow.-On the motion of sir J. Sinclair, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, to consider of the report of the committee on Scotch forfeited estates, in which various sums arising from the said forfeited estates were voted in aid of different specific purposes; such as completing the buildings for the court of Exchequer, promoting the fisheries, and the agricultural interests of the Highlands and for the support and repairs of roads and bridges in Scotland. The report was ordered to be received to-morrow. [KING'S MESSAGE RELATING TO THE ROYAL FAMILY.] Lord Henry Petty acquainted the house, that he had a message from his majesty to this house, signed by his majesty; and he presented the same to the house; and it was read by the Speaker, and is as followeth, viz. 66 George R. His Majesty having, by "his message of the 8th day of April, "1778, recommended to his faithful commons to make competent provision for "the honourable support and maintenance of the younger branches of the Royal Family, and in consequence thereof, an act having passed, charging certain annuities, for such purpose, upon the aggregate fund of Great Britain; but no provision having after. wards been made in the act, by which faithful conmons will take into con. "sideration the propriety of such in "crease of the said allowances, as the "change of circumstances that has since "taken place shall appear to have ren"dered just and reasonable; and that "they will make such further provision, "in consequence thereof, as the nature "of the case shall be found to require.”— The message was referred to the commit tee of supplies. [AUDITOR'S BILL.] Lord Henry Petty moved the order of the day for the second reading of the Auditor's bill. Mr. T. Jones wished, as considerable doubts had gone abroad on the subject, to ask the noble lord whether they were to understand that any considerable portion of the 450 millious, he had stated on a former occasion as the amount of unaudited accounts, was recoverable to the public? Lord Henry Petty was surprised, after all the discussions that had taken place on the subject, and all the explanations that had been given, that any doubt could be entertained on this subject. He meant as he had stated, that public accounts to that amount were still unaudited, and of course unaccounted for, that is, that the accounts had not been regularly investigated, or finally audited. Mr. Rose stated, that he did not expect the second reading to have been pressed this night, the bill having only come into the hands of the members within the last two or three hours. Lord H. Petty said, he had no wish to press the bill, but thought the debate on the principle might as well take place, on the question for the Speaker's leaving, the chair. To this Mr. Rose assented. Hehad, however,seri ous objections to the principle of the bill [ASSESSED TAXES ALLOWANCE BILL.] Lord Henry Petty moved the further consideration of the report of this bill, which he thought calculated to raise the surmises to which an hon. gent. (Mr. Jones) had just alluded. He maintained that nine Mr. Huskisson wished the noble lord tenths of the 450 millions mentioned by the noble lord as unaudited had actually been to be more explicit in his explanation of When he proposed an inaudited before they came to be considered this measure. by the Commissioners of Accounts, by crease of the property tax, the noble lord whom it had formerly been resolved, that thought that no allowance should be made it was an unnecessary waste of the public in it for the number of children, and now money, to audit the accounts of the it was impossible to discover, whether he Navy, Army, Bank, Ordnance, Customs, proposed this abatement in consideration &c. which were actually audited, and ef- of the pressure of the property tax, the fectually audited, previous to their com- assessed taxes, or the taxes generally. One ing before them. If these were laid out thing was certain, that this would make of the computation he contended that not a very great diminution, to the extent of 2 or 300,000l. in the produce of the ten millions would remain of accounts unThe audited, and if the noble lord at the head revenue upon the permanent taxes. of the Treasury Board, or the noble lord assessments afforded no criterion of 4 opposite, had been aware of this circum- man's income, and the bill should properstance, he was convinced the house wouldly state the principle on which it proceednever have been troubled with the presented. The surplus of the consolidated fund was a security against any defalcations: but by this exemption, it would be considerably diminished. The noble lord found himself under the necessity of adding 1,200,0001. to the permanent taxes; and, by this measure, he would increase the charge upon them, without having made any further provision for it. should cease, the noble lord might be induced to repeal the property tax, and this deduction would operate on that part of the consolidated fund, upon which there were permanent charges. He stated his intention to propose a clause for remedying this inconvenience. bill. The Attorney General could not allow the noble lord's statement to have been so much misunderstood by the public, as to be interpreted into an assurance, that the vast sum unaccounted for was a recoverable balance yet applicable to the public service. It was certainly a public evil calling for an immediate and decisive remedy, that the accounts to so large an amount should remain above 20 years unexamined, as was the case with those of the Paymaster of the Forces. Nothing could be a greater temptation to abuse. Mr. Huskisson said the paymaster was merely bound to return a list of those to whom he issued the sums drawn by him from the Exchequer; and those persons were bound to account for what was issued to them. That had been done with ve ry few exceptions. Mr T. Jones hoped the bill would make effectual provision for a speedy audit. He would propose a clause to that effect in a future stage. - Mr. Windham could not conceive how a delay of 20 years could have occurred in the audit of the paymaster's accounts, if the sub-accountants had accounted regularly. Mr. Rose, in explanation stated, that th paymaster was to give in a certified list of those to whom he issued the money: the Commissioners of Audit were then to call on the persons named in this list. The bill was then read a second time. If the war Lord H. Petty remarked, that when he proposed the additional property tax, the gentlemen on the other side seemed to wish the exemptions to be continued as be fore; but he thought it objectionable, as well upon general principles, as in its application to the execution of that tax. This mode also was not entirely consistent with what he conceived to be the general principles of taxation; but he adopted it, as being less objectionable in practice than the other. He held it to be the most blameabie and mischievous of all delusiwhich ons, to hold out exemptions, could not be realized, on account of the difficulties and impediments that might be thrown in their way, which could not He had no objec. happen in this case. tion to explain, that the principle of this allowance arose out of the general pressure of taxation upon the people of this country, and he did not wish to limit it as to time, but to let it remain, while that pressure continued. It was true, that some inequalities would necessarily exist in it; but if it were made general, it would lead to that delusion, which he was desirous of avoiding. As to the di. minution it would occasion, that would be made up by the surplus upon other taxes, and the consolidated fund would be secured by giving it a credit in the war taxes. Mr. Huskisson still objected to the diverting of any part of the permanent taxes, for the purpose of relief from the pressure of the temporary taxes. He concluded by moving a clause, by which it was provided that a sum equal to the amount of the exemption should be paid into the consolidated fund out of the property tax-Lord H. Petty agreed to this amendment, and the bill was ordered to be read a third time the next day. e [VACCINE INOCULATION.] Lord Henry Petty rose, and addressed the house as follows:-I rise, sir, in pursuance of the notice I gave to the house a few days o, to call your attention to a subjectɔi neral importance. It is indeed a swoject which is totally unconnected with all party principles. It however, concerns the welfare, health, and existence of a large portion of his majesty's subjects, and, therefore, is well deserving of the consideration and support of parliament. I mean, sir, that very remarkable discovery, and the practice which has followed it, of inoculation of the cow-pox, commonly called Vaccine Inoculation, as a substitute for the loathsome small pox, an evil which has spread a dreadful desolation throughout the whole world. In submitting this subject to your notice, I shall not enter minutely into an investigation, or inquiry, as to the gradual progress which the practice of this inoculation has made among the several nations of Europe. I shall briefly mention it to be the discovery of an eminent and most celebrated physician, who for 30 years has devoted his whole mind and attention to promote its salutary effects amongst mankind. The knowledge of this important subject first commenced in the year 1777: so early did it strike Dr. Jenner, a name which has become well known amongst all the nations in Europe, and indeed throughout the whole world. That gentleman, by devoting the whole of his time, attention, and labours, to this subject, has, by a slow and gradual progress, brought the practice of his valu. able discovery into very great reputation. It was, however, in the year 1796, when he first thought of extending its benefits by inoculation. To that illustrious character, therefore, we are entitled to ascribe our being likely to get rid of the small pox, one of the most dangerous calamities that mankind has ever been afflicted with.In the year 1798, Dr. Jenner having ascertained its advantages by sufficient experiments, it was extended, and soon af. ter submitted to the consideration of this house, and under its sanction, and chiefly owing to its patronage, it was established throughout England. In the year 1799, this discovery gained its way over the whole continent of America, and even amongst the Indians, it has been practised with a degree of success fully answering the most sanguine expectations of him who at first suggested it. In 1800 it was adopted upon the continent; and, under the auspices of our commander in chief, it extended to the shores of the Mediterranean. Afterwards from its favourable reception in the kingdom of Naples, and most of the Italian states, it gradual. ly made its progress northwards. Russia, Prussia, and Denmark it was eagerly embraced; but I could wish to call the attention of the house in a particular manner to the suc cess which it has met with in the domi minions of the House of Austria. In the year preceding its introduction into Vienna, the average amount of deaths, occasioned by the small pox, was 835, but in 1799 the vaccine inoculation was introduced, and in 1802 the number of deaths arising from that fatal malady was reduced to 61. In 1803 it was further reduced to 27, and in 1804 the actual number who died of the small pox amount. ed to two persons only, and these were arrivals from the country. Upon a fair calculation, therefore, it may reasonably be computed that the whole annual sav. ing of the lives of persons from that dis. order, amounts on an average to 833 in one capital, by the beneficial practice of vacine inoculation. After having stated this fact, which makes the deepest im. tion to propose any compulsory measures, being well convinced that whatever may be our view of any subject of scence, this house ought to pause very long indeed, before they prescribe any law to individuals upon matters which relate to their own health, and even on which the very existence of their children may depend. These, indeed, are topics upon which private individuals in society are to be allowed to be the most competent to compulsory measures, I feel that it is at least a duty incumbent upon me in the situation in which I stand at this time, to submit a motion to this house, to which, if they agree, their procedure will tend to enlighten the public, by informing them in a formal and regular manner, of what appears to us to be the truth. It will give to this valuable dis overy the advantage of having all the weight of promulgation which the high character and popularity of parliament is capable of. With that view, I shall think it proper to submit a plan by which this house shall become possessed of a mass of evidence as to the real merits of this discovery; which will prove highly satisfactory both to ourselves and to the public at large. This measure I propose to effect by the house voting an address to his majesty, praying that his royal college of physi pression upon my mind, I think I have submitted one of the strongest motives which have induced me to adopt some measure to promote its progress in our own country. While the inhabitants of all Europe and America are at this moment reaping the beneficial consequences of such a wonderful discovery; while in the East Indies alone, there have been upwards of 800,000 persons inoculated in the space of a single year; and whilst in the empire of China, too, its introduc-judges; but, if I am not to have recourse tion has become general, and it has been regularly successful in its effects in every part of the globe; I am sorry, extremely hurt, however, to observe, that in this country alone, in which the discovery had originated, the salutary practice of vaccine inoculation has been of late years undergoing a retrograde movement. What has been the real cause of this melancholy circumstance? Objections certainly have been started, and the promulgation of them in the manner in which they have been circulated throughout the kingdom, has no doubt had the effect of arresting very considerably the progress of vaccination, and of spreading abroad the dread ful consequences of the original malady, thereby increasing the number of its victims. I observe, in the city of London, in the year 1802, the average number of deaths for six years, was 1811, but the effects of the vaccine inoculation, at first,cians shall be requested to enquire into went considerably to reduce that number, and in 1804 it was only 629, being about one-third of the average number of individuals who had perished by the small pox, for six years preceding the introduction of vaccination. But, in consequence of the numerous prejudices which have been excited, and the opinions that have been circulated adverse to vaccination, the original practice of inoculating for the small pox has been gradually making progress, and the number of deaths which have happened during the last year has amounted to no less than 1680, which is bringing back nearly that average degree of depopulation which had been ex-species of disorder. perienced previous to the introduction of them that the bad effects which have been the vaccine discovery. Under these alarm- ascribed to vaccination have been dreading circumstances, sir, I found, that in fully exaggerated; and that the tempor every point of view, this measure claims ary duration of its benefits, in a few cases, the most serious attention of the legis- have been owing to some kind of mis. lature, and, therefore, I am now about to management. If such shall be the result submit some mode of procedure concern. of the proposed inquiry, I have no hesitaing it. I have not the smallest inclination in saying that it ought afterwards to VOL. VII. the progress of vaccine inoculation, and to assign the causes of its success having been retarded throughout the united kingdoms, in order that their report may be made to this house of parliament, and that we may take the most proper means of publishing it to the inhabitants at large. If the result of such proposed inquiry turn out (as I am strongly disposed to think it will) a corroboration of the bene ficial effects which other nations seem con. vinced are derived from vaccine inocula tion, it will satisfy the people of this country of the many ev is which arise from the rapid progress of the other fatal 3 L It will prove to be for this house to consider whether or | It may be right, that I should, on an not any reward has been bestowed upon occasion like the present, submit to your the original discoverer of vaccine inocula- notice a few of the most striking circum. tion, which is in any degree adequate to stances which have occurred to me as to its real importance, and as such consistent the effects of the original mode of inoeswith the general character and liberalitylation for the small pox. In the first of this country. This, however, is a sub-place, in many cases, where the disorder ject for after consideration; but in the mean time the house will agree with me as to the propriety of collecting-opinions relative to the general effects of this mode of inoculation, and to show to the world that if there be any truth as to its benefits, we shall not be the first to reject them; but 'that, on the contrary, we shall use every means to encourage its progress, and this in a manner consistent with the dignity and character of our nation.The noble ford concluded with moving, 66 that an humble address be presented to his majesty, to request that his majesty will be graciously pleased to direct his College of Physicians to enquire into the state of vaccine inoculation in the united kingdom, and to report their opinion and observations upon that practice, the eridence which has been adduced in its support, and the canses which have hither-somuch, as that the one makes a speedy to retarded its general adoption; and that his majesty will be graciously pleased to direct that the said report, when made, may be laid before this house. Dr. Matthews. It is with much satisfaction, sir, that I rise to second the motion which the noble lord has just now made, and to take this opportunity of stating my own sentiments upon this invaluable discovery. From the time of its first publication to the world I have paid it the utmost attention, and have carefully watched its progress. I must confess that, at first, although I was perfectly disposed to admit the veracity of the celebrated discoverer himself, yet I received the accounts of its success with a certain degree of caution. I then thought that it might be attended with considerable hazard to society were we to give up practising a mode, the good effects of which had been already fully experienced, in order to adopt one which might be uncertain, precarious, and dangerous in its consequences. Under these impressions,sir, I attended with assiduity to the progress of this new practice as it advanced, and the result has been, that my mind has now received the fullest conviction of the vast superiority of the vaccine inoculation over that of the small pox inoculation. takes a bad turn, not only will deformities arise upon the human countenance, but death itself, in its most awful form often ensues. In the second place, however beneficial this original mode of prevention may be to individuals, it is well known that it forms a magazine of the most dreadful evils, and that contagion, with all its baneful effects, usually follows. A reference to the bills of mortality will prove this assertion, and show to demonstration, that the number of deaths have been greatly increased since the first discovery of the small pox inoculation. In the third place, my great objection to con veying the variolous matter into the human constitution is, that it has been the means of introducing scrophula, which is a more dangerous and pernicions disorder than even the natural small pox itself; in and the other, a slow progress towards, death. The numerous cases which have come under my own observation, since the introduction of the vaccine inoculation, have effectually persuaded me of its advantageous effects, notwithstanding the variety of opinions it has excited, and the several instances which have been adduced to demonstrate its failure. These instances, sir, I have found upon minute investigation, have been exceedingly equivocal, and in several cases the experiment has turned out not to have been properly performed. Where a few in stances have been produced to prove that the small pox had ensued even after vaccine inoculation, they by no means tend to convince me of the inefficacy of the discovery; for even similar cases are known to have occurred in the other species of inoculation. None of the in stances, which have hitherto been brought forward by those who professed themselves to be enemies to this valuable and important discovery have had the smallest effect in creating doubts in my mind as to its ultimate success. I have no hesitation, therefore, in saying at this moment that I am fully convinced, the result of further experience will correspond completely with my most sanguine expectations. |