miuutes will be at all mis-spent upon this occasion, although there is to be an ulte. rior discussion. I cannot help thinking with the honourable gentleman who spoke last, that if there were also to be a reference to the College of Surgeons as well as to the College of Physicians, considerable advantage would be derived, for this plain and obvious reason, that surgeons more than physicians,have had occasion to practise the vaccine inoculation, and to enter into the merits of the arguments which have been raised concerning it. With respect to the reasons which have prevented the propagation of this measure for saving the lives of the people in this country, as it has done in others, I must admit that my learned friend (Dr. Matthews) has hit upon the very sentiments I wished to have expressed. I do not believe that any effectual plan has been adopted in order to prevent mistakes in the performance of the operation. I really am of opinion, that a great part of those prejudices which have arisen, proceeded entirely from the circumstances of its having been conducted by the hands of persons who from carelessness or ignorance have communi. cated to their patients a false and spurious species of this disorder. This is indeed a cause which we must all lament; and I think that it affords an additional reason for referring the subject to the investigation of surgeons as well as physicians. I must confess, sir, that I rose chiefly to express my extreme satisfaction, that this most important and interesting subject has been brought forward from the respectable quarter from which it has proceeded. The high and respectable character which the noble lord possesses in his majesty's government is a circumstance alone sufficient to do away those prejudices which are at present excited; and to obviate the objections which have been maliciously raised against this valuable discovery. I do, I affirm, most sincerely rejoice that the matter has been thus taken up, for at all events I am convinced that if the plan proposed by the noble lord be adopted by the house, the ends in view will be completely answered, and the country will soon reap infinite advantage, by a saving of the lives of thousands of its inhabitants.

years in the town of Lucknow, where there is reckoned a greater population than in any other part of the East Indies. The vaccine inoculation was there first introduced by men of science, although it afterwards came to be known, and practised by people in the profession of phy. sic two centuries behind us in the knowledge of medicine. In that town, sir, the number of lives, which were annually lost by the dreadful ravages of the small pox, was reckoned to amount to between 670 and 800, annually, but since the introduc tion of this discovery, there were not above 75 persons who annually died of that disease during the last 3 years I resided in that place. The people in that part of the world, so far from thinking it requisite that men of science should alone practise it, were convinced that it was only ne. cessary to be performed by slight intelligence in order to be effectual. There is one other circumstance which I think worthy of remark; which is that in Scotland prejudice is certainly much stronger against the practice of vaccination than in England, and particularly in the most northern parts of it,ì, for that reason, I am inclined to suggest to the noble lord the propriety of joining the college of Physicians at Edinburgh in the proposed investigation.

Lord Henry Petty.-Sir, I certainly experience a very great degree of satisfaction in finding the house so unanimous as to the general object in view from the motion which I have thought it incumbent upon me to submit to your consideration, and I think that nothing but the lateness of the session should prevent us from coming to some conclusion upon this important subject. Those hon. gentlemen, who have spoken upon this occasion, have distinctly and accurately stated the object I had in view, to consist in combining all the weight of scientific knowledge that could possibly be obtained. This end, I think, may be fully accomplished by the inquiry being instituted by that learned and scientific body, recognized by the government of this country, under the name of the Royal College of Physicians, and by an ulterior reference of their sentiments to this house through the medium of our committee. I cannot Mr. Paull.-Sir, I beg leave to make a however, agree with an hon. gent. few observations upon the subject now un- | opposite (Mr. Bankes) who has given der discussion. I happened to live many it as his opinion, that this

enquiry

will not be one that involves a ques-London, being called on by the unanimous tion of science but merely a matter of vote of this house, will be looked up to by fact. Could that hon. gent. really suppose the public with that liberality and those it possible that any committee of this favourable sentiments which are due to. house can investigate the question in such them, and that the College of Physicians a manner as to ascertain what is a crite- both in Scotland and in Ireland, wilk rion with respect to the age of the matter correspond with it, and also the College to be infused, and how to distinguish the of Surgeons will communicate to that spurious from the genuine pustule! I do learned body every information in their firmly believe, sir, that one of the great power. Thus will the opinions of all the causes from which its failure has arisen learned and scientific men in the three has been the adoption of late matter, and united kingdoms be combined, and toge introducing it into the human system in- ther with the learning and discernment of stead of that particular description of the committee, be comprised in the Report matter recommended by the learned dis- to be submitted to this house. We shall coverer himself. I must differ somewhat, then, availing ourselves of such an accutoo, from another hon. gent. opposite mulated weight of information and evi(Mr. Wiberforce), when he suggests the dence, lay the whole matter before the mode of leaving the whole inquiry to a public, in order to remove their prejudices committee of the house; must it not occur or confirm their doubts. Such, sir, is to every one, that the best method to as- the mode which appears to me to be the certain with precision its evil or its bene- most eligible on this occasion; and I ficial consequences, will be to institute trust the house will have no hesitation in the inquiry by means of medical men, as agreeing unanimously with the motion none but such men can rightly judge of which I have this day submitted to them. these matters. Could a committee of Before concluding, I cannot help taking this house, unassisted by professional notice of one other particular, which has gentlemen, be capable of properly ascer- been touched upon in the course of this taining the degree of credit which ought discussion. It related to the remuneration to be attached to the various reports which had been already granted by parwhich have been most industriously cir. liament to Dr. Jenner, to whom the world culated abroad, in the various publica- owes this invaluable discovery. As tions which have lately appeared? Or is there will certainly be some ulterior proit to be imagined, that a committee of this ceedings upon this business, it will then house can determine the reality of the become matter of future consideration, assertion in some of these pamphlets, that whether or not the reward, formerly the vaccine matter is apt to produce the conferred upon that learned gentleman, worst affections in the human frame? No, was sufficient, or inadequate, for those it is not in the power of any set of indivi- great services which he has rendered to duals, however learned and experienced mankind, and the great expence he has they may be in other matters, to resolve put himself to in bringing, this subject with accuracy, such medical questions clearly to light. If the report shall without the assistance of professional men. be favourable towards the successful prac I cannot, therefore, entertain a doubt tice of this discovery, as I have no doubt that there are parts of this investigation it will be, I shall think it my duty to which may be exceedingly proper for a contend on a future day, that the remu. committee, and other parts only for a neration granted to Dr. Jenner is much medical body. Now, sir, with respect more inadequate than it ought to beto annexing the College of Surgeous to On this point, however, there will be this inquiry: I hope the house will do ample room for discussion, it being a case me the justice to think that I have before which touches the pecuniary concerns considered that point. It was suggested of the country, when it will be the duty to me previously to my coming down to of every member to state what occurs to the house, but it occurred to me, that the him upon such a subject, so those who inquiry ought rather to proceed from seem to imagine that the remuneration alone centre. I have no doubt, sir, but ready conferred is sufficiently ample in that the Royal College of Physicians in every point of view, will have an opportu VOL. VII. 3 M

[KING'S MESSAGE RESPECTING THE ROYAL FAMILY.] His majesty's message of yesterday respecting a more effectual provision for the younger branches of the royal family, was then taken into consi-jesty would not have made this appeal to deration; the order and message having been duly read,

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Thursday, July 3.

Mr.

[MINUTES.] The speaker informed the house that George Davis, esq. the petiti. oner against the late return for the county of Wexford, had not entered into recognizance, according to law, to prosecute his petition, and consequently the order for taking the said petition into consideration on Thursday the tenth inst. fell to the ground. Vansittart brought in a bill for continuing the importation of coals by the Paddington canal; which was read a first time. Mr. Robson withdrew his notice of a motion relative to certain transactions in the barrack department in the Isle of Wight, which stood for to-morrow, with a declaration that he would bring it forward as soon as the necessary papers should be in

Taxes relief bill was read a third time, and passed.-On the motion of Mr. Vansittart, leave was given to bring in a bill to enable the lords of the treasury to issue exchequer bills on the aids of the year 1805, according to the resolutions of the house to that effect.--On the motion of Mr. Vansittart, leave was given to bring in a bill for the more effectual performance of Quarantine in Great Britain.

he was convinced their lordships would feel no sort of surprise at such an application being now made, but be surprised at its not having been made before; that their lordships would shew, not only no reluctance, but an anxious desire, not only out of their personal affection for his majesty, and his royal family, but on the broad constitutional grounds he had stated, cheerfully to concur in the measures to be proposed for enabling his majesty to act as desired. As to any detailed consideration of the steps to be adopted, it would regularly come before their lordships when the bill to be brought in for the purpose should come up from the other house of parliament. In the mean time, he was confident of their lordships cordial assent to the address he should now have the honour to propose. His lordship then moved an ad-the hands of the members.-The Assessed dress to his majesty on the occasion of his message, assuring his majesty that their lordships were desirous of availing themselves of every opportunity of shewing their attachment to his royal person and family, and that they would cheerfully concur in the objects of his majesty's most gracious message. On the question being put, the address was voted nem. dis. [VACCINE INOCULATION.] The Earl of Suffolk took occasion to make a few-A person from the commissioners of Miremarks on the above subject. He expressed his happiness at what had taken place with respect to it in the other house of parliament, which he trusted would tend finally to do away (and to which effect he [KING'S MESSAGE RESPECTING LORD was ambitious of contributing his mite) RODNEY'S ANNUITY.] Lord Henry those ill-founded impressions, which ob- Petty acquainted the house, that he had a tained against that useful and salutary message from his majesty to this house, practice, originating in certain scurrilous and he presented the same to the house; pamphlets, and the assertions of interest- and it was read by Mr. Speaker, as foled individuals. The practice was grown loweth, viz. "G. R. Application having into extensive use upon the continent. "been made to his majesty, that the With repect to Spain, (which was not "pension which was granted by his majes mentioned in the other house), particular-"ty of 1000l. per annum, on the ravely, he had the authority of a nobleman of "nues of Ireland, to the late lord Rodney high rank in this country (the marquis of for his life, to commence from the demise Bute) to state, that the vaccine inoculation" of his father George Brydges, lord Rodwas highly esteemed there, and encouraged "ney,in consideration of the eminent serby the government, so far, that in all the vices which had been performed by his royal ordonnances relative to that sub-" said father to his majesty and the public, ject, its worthy author was styled the "should be continued to George now lord immortal Jenner! He had nothing now" Rodney, grandson of the said George to propose but was so fully impressed with "Brydges, lord Rodney, during his life, the importance of the topic, that he could" his majesty, being favourably disposed to not avoid thus troubling their lord-" the said request, recommends it to his ships. "faithful commons to take such measures

litary Inquiry, presented a copy of the memorial of John Pritchard, to these.com. missionersr, relative to certain transactions in the barrack department.

to the system of ballot bearing unequally on the rich and the poor, he maintained that this was precisely on the same footing with the other advantages which were de

as may be necessary for enabling his ma"jesty to make such grant, in such form as may, under the present circumstanS6 ces, be most effectual. G. R." Resolved, that this house will, to-morrow, re-rived from wealth. The rich, in this as solve itself into a committee of the whole house, to take the said message into consideration.

in other cases, procured others to do that for them, which the poor were compelled to do for themselves.

Mr. Windham observed, that he intend

[KING'S MESSAGE RESPECTING A VOTE OF CREDIT.] Lord Henry Petty ac-ed to propose a clause, by way of rider, quainted the house, that he had a message from his majesty to this house, and he presented the same to the house; and it was read by Mr. Speaker, as foll weth. viz.

which would do away the objections of the hon.baronet. While the militia was on the whole above that establishment which had been thought sufficient, there were some G. R. His Majesty, relying on the regiments considerably below it; and this "experienced zeal and affection of his clause would leave it in the power of the "faithful commons, and considering that crown to raise such reduced regiments up to "it may be of the utmost importance to their complement, whenever it might seem "provide for such emergencies as may arise, proper. This measure would keep alive ❝is desirous that this house will enable him the idea of ballot; and as to the question ❝to take all such measures as may be neces- of bounty, since it was not proposed, at sary to disappoint or defeat any enter- present, to have recourse to it, he would "prizes or designs of his enemies, and as leave it open for future discussion.-The "the exigencies of affairs may require.bill was then read a third time, and Mr. W. “G.R.” Ordered, that the said message be referred to the consideration of the committee of the whole house, to whom it is referred to consider further of the supply granted to his majesty.

[MILITIA BALLOT SUSPENSION BILL.] Mr. Windham moved the order of the day for the 3d reading of this bil.

brought up a clause, enabling his majesty, if he shall think fit, to direct the ballot to take place, for supplying vacancies in regiments reduced below their establishment. This clause was then made part of the bill, by way of rider, and the bill was passed.

[TRAINING BILL.] The report of the committee on the Training bill was then brought up; and on the question being put, that the report be now read,

Sir W, Elford rose,to make a few observations on that part of the bill, which suspended the ballot for the militia. The ballot was already suspended as to those Sir Henry Mildmay said, that he regiments that were above their establish- thought the country had reason to comment; but the suspension ought not, in his plain that ministers had delayed bringing opinion, to be extended to those which this measure forward till so late a period were below their establishment. This dimi- of the session, when it was now impossible nution of their numbers had been the effect to ascertain the real sense of parliament on of volunteering into the line. As to the plan the subject. It was certainly desirable, of substituting a bounty, instead of the bal- considering the wild notions which have lot, he thought it subversive of the principles been lately introduced into the construc on which the militia service was founded, tion of the regular army, and that it was namely, the prerogative of the king to intended to suspend the laws which relate call out a part of the people in defence of to the militia, that an efficient force should the country. From this it followed, of somewhere be created on which the councourse, that the service was in its nature try might rely in case of any unexpected compulsory, and that a ballot must be emergence: but disapproving of the prin. employed to prevent arbitrary restrictions ciples on which this bill was founded, and to particular classes. Ballot had accord- the provisions it contained, he did not ingly been hitherto successfully employ-consider it as that best calculated for such ed for this purpose. He then contended, a purpose. It very much resembled the that compulsory service in the navy would plan brought forward at the commencebe rendered more irksome and invidious, ment of the war, in many respects, though by doing away the ballot for the militia. As it essentially differed from it both in the