MR. COLLETTsaid, that seeing the noble Earl at the head of the Woods and Forests in his place, he wished to put a question to him in respect to Trafalgar-square, and certainly he could not but consider that the state of Trafalgar-square and the Nelson Monument, reflected rather on the office with which the noble Earl was connected. He understood that two or three years since a foreign despot—["Order!"] had been allowed to contribute a sum of 500l. towards the completion of the Nelson Monument; he understood that this foreign despot—[Cries of "Order,"]—well, then, this foreign hero — had been allowed to contribute 500l. towards what ought to be a national or public testimonial to the great Nelson. The question he wished to put to the noble Lord, was, whether, seeing the completion of this monument had been so long delayed, it was the intention of Her Majesty's Government to complete it—and if so, when that desired consummation would be achieved?
The EARL of LINCOLNThe House would recollect that the monument was originally intended to be raised and completed at the expense of a number of individuals, who subscribed their money for that purpose. The funds raised subsequently proving to be utterly inadequate for the purposes intended, the monument remained unfinished, and about a year and a half ago Her Majesty's Government undertook to complete the work; and the hon. Gentleman would recollect that in the Session before last a Supplementary Vote was proposed and granted for this purpose, and contracts had been entered into for the completion of the design with Messrs. Cubitt; but the material being of granite, there had been a difficulty in finishing the work in the required time. With regard to the intended works of art on the base of the pillar, he had, with the consent of his right hon. Friend, placed the matter in the hands of several eminent artists for their consideration. He could only assure the hon. Gentleman, that since the Government had taken up the matter, there had been no time lost.