§ Sir George Stauntonsaid, in bringing forward a question of 378 this nature, he laboured under the disadvantage of his Resolutions having been so long before Parliament, without his having had an opportunity of stating the grounds upon which they rested. He considered, however, that he was doing far better by bringing them forward at the present time, whilst the question was as yet sub judice between the East-Indian Directors and the Government, than if he brought them forward when the Government plan was finally arranged. The importance of the subject was evident by the fact that the private trade to China was fast increasing. There were now residing at Canton 142 British residents, and the private trade amounted to 25,000,000 dollars in the year, while that of the company was only 12,000,000 dollars. Last year there were thirty-seven vessels lying at one time at Linton, a small island on the coast, engaged in carrying on unmolested a contraband trade. That was a state of things not contemplated in 1813, and showed, that it was no longer a question whether the company should continue to have the monopoly of the trade. He felt satisfied, therefore, that a revision of our commercial arrangements with that country ought to take place. It could not be expected, that these conflicting parties would long live in harmony, nor could it be expected that either of them should be able to inspire the local authorities in China with respect, unless some higher power—some public representative were sent there to control both parties.—The hon. Member proceeded to read extracts from several documents, and to comment upon them in support of this view; when, on the motion of Mr. Sheriff Humphery, the House was counted, and forty Members not being present, the House adjourned.