Star. — London, England, 1809-04-18 00:00:00

••••• 'l'o PRINTERS. ‘VANTED, two Compositors, and one Pressman, for the CHELTENHAM CHRONICLE.—AppIy any 611.. before Thursday, t we:ye o'clock, to Mr. Rurr, Black Lioo, Water-Laic, Fleet-street. GOTTEN B RGH MAI L. Extract of a Letter from on board the Flora trans port lying in Winga Sound, dated April 9 His Majesty's ship Ranger returned here last night from the Skaw, where the Danish gun-boats came out, and gave her battle; she had one man killed, and was much cut up ; her fore-sail was cut to pieces, and also a great part of her running rig ging, and would most undoubtedly have been taken, if the calm had continued. We muster strong in Winga Sound ; there are five sail of the line, Centaur, Sir S. Hood ; Stately, Admiral Bertie ; Ardent, Captain Honeyman ; Bellerophon and Ma jestic ; two sloops, one gun-brig, and a cutter. The Officers of the Ranger report, that they have received orders to proceed and take possession of the Danish island of Anholt." GOTTENBL'RGH, APRIL 5. A letter has been received here to-day from Gene ral Armfeldt, desiring that the greatest respect and attention might be paid to the British subjects in the town. A similar order has been received by the Commandant, desiring every protection might be af forded to the English ships in the river, as it was the wish of the existing Government to continue in friend ship with England. APRIL 7.—General Armfeldt arrived here this af ternoon to take his new command he was received by the troops (3000 in number) with repeated hazzas. The Stockholm Part arrived at noon this day. By a private letter we are informed, that M. D'Alopeus, the Russian Envoy to Stockholm, to settle the terms of the armistice, had only stopt 48 hours, and that he was instructed to listen to no terms of peace,unless the Ports of Sweden were shut against England, APRIL 1 o.—The Messenger Parsons arrived here, in a gun-brig, from England, on the Bth instant, late in the evening,and proceeded to Stockholm early the fol lowing morning. This day arrived five mails, also a Swedish Courier with dispatches from England; and theMessen_ger Mares,for whom much anxiety was felt, arrived at the same time. An Officer was sent this morning from General Armfeldt to Sir S. Hood, with assurances that it was the intention of the exist ing Government to continue its friendship with Eng ing, and to request he would permit the vessels which bad lately come from England to proceed to Gotten burgh. The result of this interview has not trans pired. The Admiral has detained the convoy lately arrived from England, and it is believed it is his in tention to order them back without unloading their cargoes. PRIVATE LETTERS—STOCKHOLM, MARCH 29. A more timely Revolution could not have taken place than the one we have witnessed in this country The Russians were prepared to make their attack at three points, viz. Aland, Umea, and Torneo, all at once. At Torneo they drove back the Swedes ; Umea they took possession of; and the fate of Aland you have already heard. The terms which the Russians will impose on this country, must, of course, be the more severe, which we shall probably soon learn. In the meanwhile, the armistice is extended to the divisions at Umea and Torneo. Two more couriers set off this day to Paris. APRIL 2.—The ci-devant Russian Minister to this Court (M. Alopeus), arrived here the night before last. He is to leave Stockholm again in two days t o rejoin his Master, who is said to be still at Abo.— The object of his mission appears to have been rs rrly to arrange the terms of the armistice. We have to day official intelligence that the Russian s w h o h a d taken possession of Umea have returned across the Auarken to Vasa. They have als o re ti re d f rom land, leaving only a garrison on the island ; but with all these pacific overtures from Russia to Swe den, not a symptom has been shewn of returning har mony between Russia and England. On the con trary, Romanzoff is returned to St. Petersburgh, and placed in full possession of all his former power, and., pursues his old system of hostility to Great Britain. M. Alopeus declined seeing or meeting the English Minister here ; which if there had been the least wish to commence any friendly negociation between the two countries, would have afforded an admirable op-I portunity. _ _ _ - APRIL 4.—M. Alopeus leaves Stockholm to-night, on his return to join the Emperor at Abo or St. Pe. tersburgh. There is not the most distant prospect of t an accommodation between Russia and England. HAMBURG?! PAPERS. VIENNA, MARCH 15.—The military preparations continue without interruption, and more troops arc constantly sent to the frontiers. Field Marshal Lieu tenant Von Giulay has obtained the command of the troops near Laybach. The militia of Lower Au stria now amounts to eighteen battalions, and that cf Upper Austria to 22 battalions, but more are to be organized. We are assured that the Emperor, as well as all the Grand Dukes, will take the field. On the frontiers of West Gallicia some single divisions of French troops arc observed. Hameuncn, MARCH 21.--A few days ago the Marshal of the Empire, the Prince of Ponte Corvo, left this city for Dresden, in Saxony, where he will, it is said, have the command of an army against Austria. BANKS OF TOE Ei.ui, MARCO 24.—The prepara tions for war both on the part of Austria and of France, as well as her allies, continue with unabated . vigour. The Vienna Court Gazette is now inter osoepted by the French Post-offices, and such news as ~appears in the Gun - est:m(lu:: and other German Pa pers have trot been inserted without the express and special permission of the Ficnch functionaries.—ln the D7lchies of Holstein and Schleswick the enrolling of seamen continues, and the officers say, that the Danish seamen are to go to Flushing and to several! Dutch ports to be employed in same important expe ditions against England.— Respecting the political system that Russia will adopt in the crisis that is about to be decided between Austria and France, t h er e are no fui titer particulars of importance. To- - morrow the first celumn of an army of 7000 men is' expected to pass through Franckfort on the way to letters from Wirtemburgh we le arn Wirtsborgb. — BY that the roads are crowded with troops, particularly Trench jMPERIdL pdfIaMMENT. • 4..;•• ••HOUSE OF LORDS, APRIL 17. Sir Samuel 3tomilly was heard in the cause, the Parish of St. Giegery against the Minor Cumin of 84. Paul's, in . behalf of the Appellants, and the further proceedings were postponed till Wednesday. The Portsmouth and Dover Works Bill passed through a Com mittee, and was reported without any amendment. The Malta Prize Register Bill, the Innkeepers Allowance Bill, and several Private Bills, were brought up from the House of Commons and read a first time, The Irish Provisions Bill, the Irish Sugar Bill, the Naval Offi cers' Widows' Pension Bill, and the Eighteen-penny Duty Bill, were read a tuird time and passed. SPAIN. The Earl of LIVERPOOL, in order to explain the date affixed to the additional article of the Treaty of Alliance between this Country and Spain, moved for two letters of Admiral Apodaca to Mr. Canning, the one dated the 9th, and the other the 21st of March.—Ordered to be laid on the table. Lord GREY remarked, that several communication.' from the Junta of Gallicia to this country had been alluded to, but not pro duced. He gave notice that he intended to move for their pro duction to-morrow. The Earl of LIVER POOL was not conscious of the non-pro duction of the papers in question. Those that had been laid on the table were so numerous that it had not been possible for him as yet to ascertain whether any were wanting. He thanked the Noble Lord for delaying his motion, as it would afford him time examine those papers. Lord GREY then moved, that returns should be laid before the House of the loss of nen occasioned by fatigue and disease sustained by the British Army since its return from Spain, and al so of the men who had been discharged since the same period. The Earl of LIVERPOOL, had no objection to giving returns of the men discharged. But he did not think it fair to require accounts of the deaths that had occurred among the troops re turned from Spein, on the ground that they had been occasioned by the late campaign, because it would be impossible to ascertain those that really sprang from that cause, and those that had been produced by the present unwholesome season, and the contagious disorders that had raged not only among the soldiers from Spain, but among those who had never left Englai Lord ERSKINE thought that the Noble Secretary of State had no right to resist the production of such returns as were now required, as such information had been ordered to be granted by the House, in compliance with a motion, which he (Lord Erskine) had made. This order bad not been obeyed, as the returns laid before the House Titre insufficient. His Lordship then requested the order should be read. It stated that exact accounts of all the men sent out, and all those not disabled. and just landed on their return from Spain, as well as those who-were incapacitated from further service, be produced. 'I he Earl of LIVERPOOL thought the order had been obeyed to the utmost. He thought the Noble Lord who made the mo tion, would obtain the information which he wanted, by merely voting tor an account of the number and situation of the British army returned from Spain, at the present moment. Lord GREY gave his sanction to this alteration of the motion, which was agreed to. AMERICA. Lord SELKIRK made tuo motions for the proluctien of the correspondence that lad taken place between the British acid American Government on the conduct of Officers, subserosend) to the encounter of the Leopard and Chesapeak ; both of which were negatived without a division, on the kart of LIVIA!. POOL'S observing, that .In the present delicate situation of bosh countries, and whilst negociations were pending, he thought it im proper to enter on this subject. He then moved, that the licute be sammoned on Friday se nnight, when he intended to move for information relative to the conduct of America. THANKS TO Tug ARMY AND NAVY. The Earl of LIVERPOOL moved the Thanks of the House to the Ofbcers and Men who had reduced the Island of Marti nique. _ Lord GRENVILLE did not oppose the Vote of Thanks. It wan merited by the Naval and Land Commanders, Officers, and Men. kie wished only rot to bethought to approve the policy, or rather impolicy, of which Government bad been guilty, in ad ding another sugar island to those which we already possessed, and the produce of which could find no market. Did Ministers think they had sent a sufficient force to Spain;when they boasted that this Wt at-Indian I.:xi:edition had not diminished our dispo sable force ? The Earl of LIVERPOOL vindicated the conquest of Marti nique, on account of the strength and position of the island Had he viewed it merely in a commercial light, he would have probably entertained the same opinion as the Noble Lord. The Vote of Thanks to the Generals, Naval Commander, Officers, and Men, then passed/L./7. dire.—Adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS. The Savoy tridi;e Bill iNdS read a seccod time and ordered to be committed. *1 he Scotch Creditors Bill and Scotch Records Bill were seve rally read a third time anti passed. Mr. POI4SONBY gave notice of a motion on the Spanish Pa pers for the 28th instant. Mr. YORKE gave notice of a motion on the sulject of the Correspondence between Sir H. Dalrymple and the i3ishop of Oporto, for the purp: s, of putting in a proper point of view the conduct of Sir H. Dalrymple while in Portugal. Mr. R SHAW moved that the accounts relative to the Paving of !he City of Dultim be printed.--Ordered. A Message from the Lords stated that their Lordships had agreed to the Pensions Duty Bill, the Officers' Widows Pensions Bill, the Spirit Drawback Bounties Bill, and several other Bills. Lord A. HAMILTON postpcined his motion relative to Lord Castlereagh, founded on the Report of the Fast India Offices Committee, from Thursday next till to-morrow se'nnight. Lord CASTLEREAGH had no objection to the arrangement proposed by the Noble Lord, it being understood that the business should he brought forward on the day for which he had now fixed it. Mr. CROAKER brought up the Trish Recognizance Bill,which WAS read a first time, and ordercd to be read a second time to morrow. MINUTES OF EVIDENCE ON T7IE LATE INQUIRY. Lord FOLKSTONE rose according to his notice, to make his promised motion relative to the Minutes of Evidence upon the late Inquiry. He was not disposed to trouble the House at any length upon the subject, as he could not possibly anticipate any op position to a motion to which there could not be any objection. All must recollect, that on the late In quiry, evidence of corrupt practicts to a very great extent had been given ; but the House could not as certain, frcm evidence relating to another definite object, to what lengths such corruption had gone.— On one occasion that evidence was so precise, that a Committee had been in consequence appointed, va rious discoveries made, and mal-practices developed.. From the tenor of many other testimonies, it was plainly apparent that .various places under Govern ment had been disposed of by persons in town. This the House could not possibly suffer to proceed with out taking some steps for the punishment of the guilty, and aplying a remedy to the acknowledged abuses. Many facts had come out also, by which it was plain that much impropriety had Frei/ailed re specting the sale of commissions in the army—that Officers had been appointed through the agency of Army Brokers, and that the established regulations of the Army had beeu infringed upon. To establish this assertion, Le need only remind the House of the facts which had been developed respecting French's Levy, and the inferences to be derived therefrom.-- It appeared, that at the time this levy was on foot, many other Ipvies were also going forward, and that this levy was distinguished from the rest by the at tention which had been paid to it ; and yet in this levy the utmost corruption had prevailed. 'Was not this then a sufficient ground for the interposition of the House, with respect to the othd levies, which, being less watched, were not of course more pure— (Hear, hear ! )—When he had given his do!ice ? these / r 1 • ciremistailces had made sprat impression on his mind, and various discoveries had since been added to strengthen that impression: Such a 'Mass of evi dence had come before the Eakt India Committee, that no person could be at a loss to ascertain the truth—and that truth was, that abuses to an enor mous extent had taken place. This the House would I not, he was confident, be forward to dispute ; and • upon the acknowledgment of this as a basis, his mo tion rested • for if in what had been inquired into abuses ha d been discovered, suspicion must attach to what had remained concealed—(Hear, hear!) — He would now trespass no longer on the House, but reserve himself for any objections which might he made against the motion which he would submit, and which was as follows : " That a Committee should be appointed to inquire into the existence of corrupt practices in the State, as to the purchase and sale of commissions, and as to the issuing of letters of service— and that such Committee shouhlseport the result of their pro ceedings to the House." The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, the Noble Lord having collected some appa rent abuses from the late investigation, wished to institute a general inquiry, in order to ascertain where guilt existed, and on whom punishment.fhould. be inflicted. From what he had collected from the Noble Lord's speech, he understood he stated, that pet sons appointing themselves brokers of commissions had disposed of promotions in the army in a corrupt manner, unknown to those whose influence had pro cured them, as in the case of Mr. Thellusson, who had stated that he had no knowledge whatever of the existence of such abuses as he had been supposed to participate in. Thus many instances might pro bably be brought before the House of persons having gained money by corrupt practices, through the inte rest of persons who were wholly unconscious of their being made accessary to such abuses. But if the persons could be found on whom punishment might with justice be inflicted, he did not think it would be proper to set on foot an inquiry into the abuses. which might have existed during the last half cen tury, to keep the public mind in a ferment. Many were not aware how inexpedient it might be to raise such a ferment. He would have them consider if it was proper to give a Committee such unlimited power, without having a specific object in view. He did not conceive that any new delinquency could be brought before them after all their researches, which they were at present unable to provide against. When the provisions contained in the bill which he had brought into the House became known, he trus ted they would see an industrious attempt to remedy the evils which had been proved to exist. When it was printed, Gentlemen could see how far its provi sions did extend, arid judge how far these provisions ought to he extended. He opposed the motion from the convict . on that nothing new could be brought to light, for which they we-e not at present competent to make a provision. Were such a C , ,mmittee ap pointed, he believed it would be thQ first ever insti tuted on general surmise, to seek for muses when unconnected with any particular indiVidual. On these grounds he opposed the motion, and on these grounds he trusted the House would not grant it their support. Lord A. HAMILTON supported the ;notion.— The Right Hon. Gentleman, who had just sat down had spoken of the impropriety and danger of keeping the public mind in a ferment. For his part, he could not think the suppression of inquiry by any means cal culated to allay that ferment, but on the contrart he was of opinion that nothing could be more likely to heighten it. Lord FOLKSTONE said, what had fallen from the last speaker, rendered it unnecessary for him to reply to tome parts of the speech of the Right Hon. Gentleman opposite. One of the grounds on which he opposed this motion was, that he had introduced a Bill which he thought sufficiently provided against every abuse that might exist. Ignorant as the ouse was of the provisions contained in that Bill, he thought it a strange kind of argument against the pre sent motion, and could not feel himself' satisfied with it. The Right Hon. Gentleman was of opinion they would find no new culprit. But he would ask the He use, if, after what had recently transpired, they would feel greatly surprised should new instances of con'uption be discovered, if they could think such a thing impossible ? The Hon. Gentleman had much surprized him by endeavouring to show there might be an impropriety in seeking for abuses ; now he did think, that if any one subject had greater claim to the attention of the House than another, it was the subject of such inquiries. If the Right Hon. Gen tlemen were of opinion the researches of a Committee like that he proposed would be wholly unsuccessful in their efforts to discover abuses, he would be the first to support the motion. The last sraker had put it well to him : ‘` It he thought the suppression of inquiry calculated to allay the torment excited in the public mind ?" It was necessary shat such an inquiry should be made, that such corrupt practices should be punished if they could be proved, and if they could not be discovered, that his Majesty's Ministers should be set right in the eyes of the nation, that the people might have confidence i n th e i ntegr i ty o f their tilers. Lord H. PETTY thought no objection (night to be made to an inquiry merely because a sufficient pro vision against abuses was supposed to have been al ready made. In Order effectually to remedy evils, it was proper to learn to what extent they might exist. He differed, therefore, most decidedly from the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He ss however, could not give the Noble Lord's motion his support without doing considerable violence to his feelings. He had not the slightest id ea o f t h e Noble Lord's motion when he came down to the House. He expected it would have been one he should have felt himself bound to support, as he understood ft to be his intention to proceed against those whose corrupt practices had been disclosed in the course of the late investigation. He would submit it to the Noble Lord himself; if any advantage could h e expected to result from the fro ceedings of such a Committee that would not be ob tained if the allegations were specifically made to the House itself ? }..yery such allegation he should feel himself bound to support, as he was by no means for checking inquiry. From the only precedents he could recollect for such a procedure (the one at the end of the reign of Qneen Ann; the other at the close of Sir Robert - Walpole's Administration he was not aware that any peculiar advantages had been derived. He thought it best to confine the inquiry to a speci fic object ; the House could then avail itself of the in power it possessed, which qgght not to lie delegated to a Committee, and else be so well exercised. Mr. WHITBREAD though len from the Chancellor of the ' peared as if general inquiry w: the part of his Majesty's Id Honourable Gentleman had ni the existence of abuses—that Whatever might be thought generally believed out of door were set on foot, many abuses have hitherto escaped exposure. riourable Gentleman had said might be discovered, he wou7 tion, on the ground of its bl was not the time to search for existed in times past, but to in future. It had been justly effectual remedy for the evil, to what extent it had existed. in which Poleman and Keyloo ed, was first mentioned, the v.' at. The Right Honourable joined in the laugh. But it proved that they had carried tires for years, and no proceei ted against them. Might nni some one whose name it mig; them to know ?. They procui Church, the Army, and the possessed the means of gaininl had long been known, that pi be purchased ; their advertises the public prints. Could tl Cientleman think to stifle the of by shutting the door again, nion, it might be dangerous u quiry, because the motion wa! think twenty-one Members of found worthy to have such as has been proposed by the mented that he could not say ago, that he did not believe si now was of opinion that ab' abuses as had not yet been di of former Committees, or till exertions, were not to be argi Committee in the present in. place the necessity of choosing that Committe. , in a luminous these reasons he supported tin actions of those who might / tions were black or white, t made, that if black they migl obloquy ; that if white they proper admiration. Mr. TIERNEY stated to motion of the Noble Lord sr: norant of its nature. Had,he before what object it was e' should have said that he w Lord, putting the Duke aside matter as had come out in thi ceedings to be in..a.stigated. at thus finding the Hous:, w Lice, called upon to take of steps that ever had been take( were heated; and in pi oporti it became, he had almost sa. of proceeding with a motion . the whole of the administrat;( of corruption. He though: have certain cases in his eye don, he did him the justice case. But why did he rot come forward openly Kith his some persons were pleased tot corrupt, such a motion ought forward. He-had been in p• there ready to answer to any that might be brought againsl how far back it might be in cm inquiry. He hoped the NON GOD'S sake. He gave him Crel heart ; he believed him imp: abuses existed to a very tire; not censure his conduct, but ' persevere. it had been &tit within were corrupt ; should sent motion it would be admi assertion, and saying s. So verted to the Committee apps alledged abuses in the East-i not see what the House had might as well, on the oath of Bank, appoint a Committee And what had transpired bel Nothing of importance had stance, whic:i it would ill becl on at that time. The mode? don to the Board of Admiral. in the state, in fine to every was saying, you are all b; Committee up stairs to try farther from his heart than al the Noble Lord—he did just when he produced his :illegal him as far as lay in his pow( ailing to lay before a Commi one appointed. 12 the event be would certainly be cnnsi: and in that case he would be he had no object to which 1 direct their attention. (A /dui ment of respect and esteem could not think of condemnit tens in tote without evidence, Mr. BRAND rose to give .grounds upon which he foul dissent from the motion of th fered from him merely as ti The motion was so worded, ii a nature, that nothing like it history of Parliament. He thought it more satisfactory Noble Lord had in contempt: the House before they appoint they might be aware of the n be made to the Committee. were stated, he thought the mi and he felt it his duty, how pose it. Mr. LETHBRIDGE obi to the !louse prepared to voi motion, under the impression specific charges agaiitst parti • which could no tii,~-~ at had pal- lgwhafnrtmwished e E xchequer, s Ministers. , it 'ssas rsi d tbn a T at], w lef a sH s ucri)lu o asen e , gn is would be fund re. But tte Right Ho. id, that if fresh abas e ; ild still oppose th. m o . being improper ; as t h is T abuses that might prevent their rece:ri tei y said, that to furni s h it was essential to k:10„ , When the trans-action xits, who were conc,rn.. ~hole had hem late.h,d Gentleman it had been incontestiLb 1 on their nefarious peaC !dings had been iestie e )t they be connected ;lit be very important ured promotions in tht e State ; in short, the, ng general patronage. rt aromotinns were there wments hed appeared ir. the Right If air urable ferment 1w had . poke;: nst inquiry t In I.is (pi- to stifle the prope:.ed as too genera'.. :e did A . that House rniehi a power vested ir is Noble Lord. 1 - !•2 y as he could s, :ne we( such abuses existed. 1 buses did exist, and sece Ireamt of. The cendee he consequences et t!wir ;tied against appointiee a istance, though it might ig proper persons to ftern LIS point of vieve F u he motion ; whether the t he affected by its emit- the inquiry might to be ;lit be expesed to merited • might be regarded the House that till th its put he was wholly e been asked half an hour expected to embrace, he mderstood that the Noble le, wished such collateral he course of the late pro. He felt much surprised vithout any previens no- me of the must important en by them. The people Lion as they were heated aid, mere awful to think which went to inquire if :on did not appear guilty ht the Noble Lord must when he made this mt.)- : to believe that to be the t name tlitm ? why not s charges? Surely Itecatice ire Preach them all as being t oat to have been brought eower hims. 4, and stood y charge of erettpiacticcs st him, He did not levee ;intern platio* toeetend the ble Lord would pause for edit for the integrity pressed with an idea di e eat degree, and he ceeid t he hoped he would net id out of doors th it ail ,1 they accede to the pre- mining the truth of that we aue." He then at:- minted to inquire into tie India Company. He d:.! d to do with them ; they 4 - a clerk or two from tl,e to regulate theif iefore this Committee ? come out but in one in- comehim to speak I:irgely !n went to impute corrup. thy, to every department office of patronage. It lad alike, and Lee a you all." Nothitv was any thing disrespectful to stifle to his motives, and films, 1;c wou:d suppoit .•er. If he had not some- rittee he would not wish it of one being tOrmo, idcred as a leading mar.. be ludicrously situated it he might with propriety ugh.) With every senti- tor the Noble. Lord, lie ing his Majesty's Minis- e a brief statement of the Ind himself compelled to he Noble Lord. He dif- to the mode of inquiry. its generality was of such it was to be found in the agreed with thtse whir) that the cases .‘ Inch the lation should be stated to nted the Committee. that nature of the retetence to Qs a v notionn nrirtisycPotaebc6c c reluctantly, to objectionable, waver iserved, that he had come ote for the Noble Lord's a that he speant to allcv: 'Ocular h e