Star. — London, England, 1819-01-22 00:00:00

~~ ~ , i 1 , 0 r .01) and management, these improvements mightbe made ' to a much greater extent. The aggregate state of t* Consolidated Fund was much talked of; but still its, actual surplus did not exceed between 2 and £300,000.1 Its proceeds were eaten out by the arrears of pre-i ceding. years ; but these were points, he knew, which lie over for future discussion by their Lordships.— The Expenditure of the last year exceeded the Re venue, in point of fact, nearly 14 millions; and, if such a state of defalcation continued, the whole of the Sinking Fund must be affected by it. in the present year, such was the state of that part of our concerns, that not more than four millions of the Sinking Fund could be applied to the reduction of that enormous load of debt which oppressed the country. He said this with no view of creating de spondency, but with the view of stimulating Mini sters seriously to apply to the subject ; to inquire deeply into it again and again, and see what farther reductions in the National expenditure were practi cable. He would now advert to a topic of ,peculiar and urgent importance, on which it was incumbent on Ministers to afford some distinct information to Parliament, and set themselves sedulously to obviate a . great and alarming evil. He meant the state of circulation in the country, which naturally involved the long continued restriction of the Bank with re spect to cash payments. And on this head he had to ask of his Majesty's Government, for the informa tion of the House and of the country, what were their intentions on that important concern—what principle was to regulate their conduct ; and, in fact, what the system really was to be? He was aware of the comprehensive nature of these questions ; but they must well be aware of the necessity of distinct information upon the subject, and in their resolving upon the measures necessary to be adopted he must deprecate the injurious delays which were snifered to prevail in former Sessions. Something should be done to counteract that destructive system through which the metallic currency of the country was caused to disappear ; and it may be regarded as mat ter of equal astonishment and regret, that all other countries, even those least able to command it, should have More extensive metallic currencies than Great Britain. 'There was another topic to which he would at present call their Lordships attention, viz. the actual relations between this country and the United States of America. It was with satisfaction be learned the agreement to a Treaty which he hoped was likely to lead all things to the most amicable termination ; at the same time it was impossible not to feel there was a certain transaction which he should be glad to hear avowed, had not the sanction of the American Government—namely, that in which the lives of two individuals vvete sacriF.ced. With IV.. WeCt to what was said of the state of affairs, and the satisfactory termination of hostilities in India, he certainly concurred, as the event concluded equally to the honour of British Councils and of his Majesty's Arms in that important part of our Empire. Sub ject to these observations, he certainly agreed in the motion for the Address. The Earl of LIVERPOOL, in answer to some points urged by the Noble Marquis, stated, that the Address had been as camiously framed as possible, o, as to obviate all difference of opinion upon an occasion, and under circumstances, in which he held is- most desirable that all difference of opinion' should be avoided. The illustrious and most justly regretted Personage whose loss was deplored in it, had, in the course of a reign not much short of 60 years, called, by her example and uniform conduct, for expressions from Parliament and the country, what were not to be considered as mere words, or even mere personal feelings—but for expressions of heartfelt regret at the deep and serious loss, which not only her •illustrious relatives, but the country, and in the present stare of society, the whole civilized world, suffered by her lamented dcmise—(llear, hear.) Adverting to the subsequent topics of the Noble Marquis's speech, the Minister observed, • it was impossible in the present state of information before the House, fairly to enter upon any thing like regular or satisfactory discussion. They would, of course, be matter of distinct, regular, and serious consideration on future opportunities. The evacua tion of France by the Allied troops was evidently a matter of important congratulation, equally honour able to those Powers wino resolved on it, and, he trusted, advantageous to France herself, and the ge neral interests of Europe. France was placed by it in a state of advantage which she could not claim under previous stipulation for two years to come ; the measure was deemed consistent not o!!ly with a generous, but with a wise and liberal policy. The Allied Powers evinced by it their wish to effect that for France and the general advantage at a much ear lier period than at one time was deemed advisable ; and of this measure the moral as well as the political consequences were liberally considered. As to what ever detailed considerations might necessarily connect themselves with the measure, there would be regu lar opportunities hereafter to discuss them ; and their conduct evinced to the world there never was a pe riod as which the Allied Sovereigns were more anxi ous to perpetuate the general peace and cordial trail quaky which happily prevailed. With respect to the important question put by the Noble Marquis, re specting the more completely effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, he would say, that his Majesty's Government were disposed to take every proper op portunity to give every practicable extension to what had already taken place in that view, and parti cularly they were desirous of establishing a well regulated right of search. The next point touched upon was what regarded the Finances of the Country. With respect to this, he must advance, that every ef fort was made to create a surplus revenue, so as to operate a material reduction of the national expendi ture upon secure and solid foundations, and at the same time - to give the country relief from the pres sure of taxation as far as was practicable. Since the return of peace, no less than the very unprecedented sum of seventeen millions of taxes were either remit ted or suffered to expire. At the same time, every possible improvement was effected in the revenue, and safe or practicable reduction in the expenditure. At the Moment, he did not feel justified in saying more. With respect to the currency, he was fully aware of the great importance of the subject; it was the general custom, Noble Lords would recolleo_ , to leave that topic to the wisdom and discretion of Par 'lament, and to make no direct reference to it in the Royal Speech. For himself, his anxiety was well known to return to that state of things in which pa per was easily convertible intro coin; big in a state of war it wits itispiactiiable ; and since that a variety of cfifficultiOs,' frequently arising out Of temporary csr- ZumstanCes, previntzd any regular or effectual ar rangement for the purpose. Fru conduct on former Sessions, even on the third day of the last, proved that he wis desirous of calling the attention of Par liament in sufficient time to the subject; but, he re peated,. circumstances had frequently occurred to render it impossible for the Bank to resume cash payments, without involving consequences almost ruinous in their werations and effects; and he had no difficulty, then, in saying, that it might be neces sary, if not expedient, to continue the restriction be yond the sth of July, but for as short a period as possible. But upon a comprehensive view, notwith standing the difficulties of the subject, he did not in the least despair, upon due inquiry and considera tion, of a satisfactory and beneficial result being ob , tained. The only remaining point upon which he had now to observe, was the transaction alluded to, which took place in America, relating to two indivi- 1 duals (Arbuthnot and Ambrister). • Deprecating any detailed discussion, in the present state of their in formation upon the topic, he could, however, say, that the transaction did not appear to be authorized by the Government of the United States, and even took place without its knowledge. At present, he should not farther occupy their Lordships' time. The Earl of LAUDERDALE said, he did not feel that extreme satisfaction at the Speech and the Ad dress now proposed, as had been expressed by the Noble Lords.opposite. He rejoiced as much as any one in the improvement of the revenue ; but he attri, bitted that improvement to the industry and exertions of the People—(Hear, hear.) But no exertions had been made on the part of the Government to new model or ameliorate the system of taxation, as had been done on the termination of all former wars. Why had not the war taxes, which the People had been taught, by those who bad imposed them, would be removed on the return of peace ?—wh y have they not been .uhntitted to the consideration and revision of Parliament? Ministers have preferred taking these matters into their more especial protection, and the more constitutional course of Parliamentary in vestigation has been postponed to their convenience. (Hear, hear.) Ile remarked on general principles of political economy, that the commerce of this coun try could not improve, if that of other countries was prohibited ; and he thought the time had now arrived when we should reduce the taxes we have imposed upon the importation of foreign productions. Ile approved of the principle of the American Conven tion ; and observed, that no negotiator, however skil ful, could conclude a commoicial treaty, by which he could secure all the advantages to his country and yield *none in return. The Noble Earl then took a review of the metallic currency of the country, and crave it as his opinion, that as long as the present Mint regulations were suffered to exist, so long would Ministers rind it impossible to revert with safety to A metallic currency. The question being put, the Address was voted nem. dic. and ordered to be presented by the Lords, with white staves, to the Prince Regent. WINDSOR ESTABLICIIMENT. The Earl of LIVERPOOL now rose, when the noose was growing thin .—" My Lords," said the Noble Earl, " I conc::ive I owe it to your Lordships to state, before this !hope adjourns, that on Monday next I shall feel it my duty to rail the attention of the House to that portion of the Speech of the Lords Com missioners relating to the care of his Majesty's person, and the Establi , hmeat in connexion with that import;:nt cM:rge." The Noble Earl then moved, that the Lords be summoned for Monday next.—Ordered. CHAIRMAN Or THE comburrm. After some handsome compliments to him, the Earl of List:s toot nett moved, that the Earl of Shafte.hury :lonia be re-ap pointed as Chairman of their Lordships' Committees. The LORD CHANCELLOR bore his testimony re the AIL lity and impartiali.y with which the Noble Earl Shaftesbury had discharged his high office ; and said he had•o:ily to regret that the present motion should lint have been submitted iv a fuller House, wh,cli, he was satisfied, would have unanimously con curred, not mere!). in the motion, but also in their thanks. The Motion was then put, and carried nem. CTai. The Earl of iIIArrEsBURY returned thanks. The Earl of Livrsroot. obtained leave to bring In a Bill fur the better regulation of Select Vestries. Adjourned, at half-past seven o'clock, till Monday. HOT - SF. OF COMMONS. Mam• new Meint:ers, took the mual (Natlß and their sears. The General Orders at the commencement of a Sew Parlia ment were afterwards read and rece:ved. The PAU ricpc sting Clandestine Outlawry w•as read pre prom a first ..:nd stror..: tirr.e. I. ) ;lrt'cularl.ls %rue appnir.tcd for tbc .using of certain Corn especi..lly that concerning the PriviLges of the House. The S9LAKER, on his return from the House of Lords, whither the Right Honourable Gentleman and the House of Commons had been summoned by a Message through the medium of tke Black Rod, intimated from the Chair, that he and such Members as were present at the time, had repaire.! to the House of Peers, where they witnessed the Opening of the New Parliament by Commision, and heard the Royal Speech. of v Inch, to prevent mistakes, he had procured a copy. Mr. Speaker then read it distinctly to the llonsc.—( For which see our Report lf the pro ceetelings in the Lords) Mr. BROWNLOW rose. He said that he should present himself to their notice on this occasion for the purpose of moving the Address of Thanks. He commenced by saying, that he should stand before the House under circumstances of peculiar diffidence and embarrassment, did he not most sanguinely hope, that however inadequate his efforts might prove to engage the attention of the House, the same unanimous sentiments may be found to pervade his Majesty's Commons—(Hear, hear)—tho s e of p r id e and satisfaction in their country's calm and peaceful joy, and of their becoming duty and attachment to that presiding wisdom and Royal Authority, from whence had proceeded the gracious Speech they had now heard delivered to them by the Lords Commis sioners—so expressive of his Royal Highness's pater nal regard for the welfare and happiness of his people. With regard to the melancholy events with which the Speech had commenced, there can be but one opinion—for who that is an admirer of the virtues and excellencies of human nature, but must sympa thize in the continued indisposition of our revered Monarch ?—(Hear, hear)—While, at the same time, Mr. Brownlow trusted the House would not be merelr guided by form, irresistibly worked on by feelings of affectionate regret, ito condole with his Royal Highness on the severe loss he has sustained the death of her late Majessy. Surily if weight can attach to the descending influence of Royalty on the 'Morals and, happiness of Society, in the Queen whose /Ms we deplore has disappeared an invaluable exam lie of strict and unerring decorum ! In love and slintbal honour, joined to her Royal Consort for a long course of years, his joy and solace, and the faithful guardian of his person ; promoting the inte rests of strict morality and religion, and, in the true spirit of a Christian, possessed of an active but se cret principle of benevolence, that always led her to the alleviation of sorrow, denying to misery nothing but her uame—(Hear, hear). —It is, however, grati fying for them to consider, and may it engage to his Royal Highness, in a still increased degree, the hearts and affections of all his subjects ' that the close of a life so honourably passed, was soothed by his most anxious and unremitting attention ;—(Hear, hear)—and this strict observance of filial duty must, in another sense, be most satisfactory to Parliament, as it affords the best pledge that every measure suit able to the dignity and consequence of the object, and consistent with economy, will be adopted, for the care and maintenance of the person of his Royal Highness's Father—l s ( fear, hear).—Turning away from. these distressing events, abundant sources of congratulation may be found, both in our Foreign Connexions, as lately confirmed abroad, and the in ternal prosperity of our own country. And, first, with regard to the Congress whose deliberations have led to the evacuation of the French territory. If that' august Assembly had taken place for the purposes of individual interest or ambition, or for any other 'end than the promotion of the general peace, he would have predicted to such a confederacy—dis union and discomfiture. Bnt what has been the ob ject of this happy concord of nations, at which his Majesty's Ministers bore so distinguished a part, may be seen by the Papers ordered to be laid before the House. The most striking result of this mighty as semblage has been, a serious investigation of the policy of the measure—to take the earliest opportu• nity of restoring to a great and powerful people that weight is the scale of nations, of which they had, fur their own and for the general safety of Europe, been for some time deptived; and which sad necessity, as the consequence of revolutionary excess, had sub verted the obnoxious piinciples, by so happily re placing on the Throne one of the natural race of their Kings. Thus France, by the most honourable and scrupulous adherence to her engagements, and by the success that has hitherto attended the efforts of his most Christian Majesty towards the consolida tion of his Government, has rendered precautionary measures no longer necessary on the part of the Al lied Powers. France therefore now rests once more on its own means for support. To our -own shores have been given back our distinguished heroes!— (Hear, hear)—equally moderate and dignified in the trying hour of fortune, as irresistible in dan— (Hear, hear, hear)—lt was not for him (Mr. Brown low) to attempt to enter into the various political ar rangements of these Conferences; but so strongly did they display all the characteristics of peace, and 'so fully did they evince the spirit of the Allied Powers to establish and preserve such relations among themselves, as might tend to the harmony of the ci vilized world, and so far advance the march of Na tional Liberty, as cannot but greatly gratify his Royal Highness, that the result of his measures in this quar ter of the globe, will meet with the cordial appro. , bation of his Majesty's faithful Commons--(Hear)-- Mr. Brownlow then called ti.eir attention to the suc cess of Majesty's Arms in the East Indies. To all, who took into their consideration the wealth and im portance of our undisturbed possessions in the East— to al! who consider the great intricacy and compre hensive nature of its affairs—it must be a source of peculiar congratulation to be assured, that our ope rations in that quarter of the globe have been as de cisive as they were well matured and quickly exe cuted. The total suppression of the Pindarties, and of the restless intrigues of their perfidious supporters, the Mahratta Powers, are the happy results of one short campaign. But such events we may always anticipate, with justice warring on our side. To the character of the British troops employed, and to the good conduct and wise administration of the able ; governor-General, the most unequivocal testimony has been borne, at the close, and on the arena, of the campaign ; although at the date of the document to which he alluded there might have existed some pro tracted contest, subsequent intelligence announces the total cessation of those hostilities that had been forced on us by constant predatory attacks on our adjacent dominions. And under this auspicious ad ministration of affairs, Bajce Row, of a restless and intriguing spirit, disturbing the general tranquillity, has paid the penalty of his unprovoked aggressions, and is the prisoner of war of his Royal Highness's Governor in India. From East to West a kind Pao- VIDENCE seems to favour the efforts of his Majesty's Ministers for the good and prosperity of these realms. The result of . his Royal Highness's negociating with the United States, is equally favourable with the success of his Army. By previous Treaty, the Com mercial Convention between this Country and the United States would expire in the course of a few months ; but there was considerable pleasure in as certaining, that the same arrangements which had already proved so beneficial to the wealth and in dustry of this country had been renewed; and that those regulations are viewed with the greatest satis faction, and promise permanent duration ; for we have acted on this liberal policy, that, ht contribu ting to the union and prosperity of America, we but increase our own commerce, and open new re sources of wealth to the tradin and manufacturing interests of this kingdom—(Hear, hear, hear.)—But there was no occasion to wander so far and so long from home in search of the flattering picture of na tional prosperity ; for he believed every man who now honoured him with his attention would allow, that never was the measure of joy more full, nor peace better confirmed, than that now experienced through every part of the United Kingdoms. There never was a period at which all branches of the dif ferent manufactures of the country were more uni versally employed, or received a fuller or more com fortable remuneration for their labour. A revived and enterprising spirit exists in all our sea-port towns, and national credit never stood higher than under the care of those to whom the present charge is entrusted. He was far from pressing the dange rous principle, that a country's resources must in crease indefinitely in proportion to the demands made on its exertions ; for the greatest affluence may be drained, and the firmest. patience exhausted; but it is sorely the purest source of congratulation ta int _ af. ter an unexampled contest of 23 years duration, an d 0 al % the more trying crisis of a state of pace, Kh c 4 the greater part of the people were forced to seek fa new employment, the most gratifying an d unanr.ve: able proof of the elasticity and resources of the co:m , try should be given by the increase of the revenue i 1 ,all id most important branches—Wear, hea s ,t e ,.; - This great and financial prosperity was, home;,;l naturally to be anticipated, as the consequenc e d that system of economy and retrenchment so titled, established, and steadily pursued, after our extensi ve career of glory, on the reduction of the Army a Navy, and the other war establishments of the co wl , try, in every respect as extensively as was consia ett with domestic security, or the military occupat ioa of our colonies—(Hear, hear.)--Mr. Brownlow stated, that he had now attempted to give an outing of the political bearings and state of the country.... Tire picture stood thus :—Abroad, we have an un exampled concord of nations, bound together by 6 e most- holy ties of alliance ; by their duties towards GOD and the people whom they governat born e , peace, affluence, and prosperity t—and, above ail other blessings, minds and dispositions cal cu l ate d to enjoy them—(Hear, heor.)--Such is the happy coo t . try, which by the elective trust, lately restored tt, the nation, and exercised on us, comes under oar charge. May we jealously watch over the la ws the land—may we honestly and impartially supper every part of the Constitution, and apply o urie k e , in harmony and union to amplify and perpetuate tie blessings we enjoy !—(Hear, hear.}—Navin,, now trespassed a long time on the patience of the House hear)—he proceeded humirly to otter for the consideration of the House the Ad hiss tf Thanks, which was merely an echo of the Speech. Mr. WM. PEEL—In seconding the Address, which has been proposed with so mach ability bt the Honourable Nlembcr who has just sat down, I cannot hut feel how absolutely necessary it is for me to pat in my claim to the indulgence of the Hoe*, and c%pi csc a hope that its liberality will beextendcd to one who stands so much in need of it. Many cf the obtet vaticcs it was my intention to make, hay. ing very naturally been anticipat el by tre able Mover of the Address, I frar I run an ad;'.• tional risk of wearying the patience of the House by descanting on subjects which have already been no ticed so much at large. I am, however, somewhat sustained by a belief that the Address I propose to second, is not of a nature calculated to call forth .opposition or objection, but that it will experience the cordial support and sincere approbation of every Member in the House ; for, as thew can exist but one opinion as to the propriety of offering our con. dolence to the Prince Ilei.;ent on those larcenta;..le circumstances enticed in the Speech from the Throne, so there can exist but one wish as to the enararnity with which that offering should be conve)ed to nu Royal Highness. The afflicted state of his Maesty becomes every successive year a subject of adtia. tional and still deeper regret ; as r.lle continuance of that affliction must have diminished in the minds of the most sanguine the hopes they had entertained as to the probability of his Majesty's recovery. Ano ther cause of the deepest National grief pre'sents it self in the lamented death of the Queen ; and wit nessing, as we do, a disposition on the part of every class of society to sympathize with the Prince Re gent on the nxisf.neune which he attti •the country have sustained in the loss of that Royal Personage, whose life was exercised in the discharge of evry public and private duty, the ileprc”.entatives of the people will of course be anxious to seize the very .first opportunity of expressing their sense of the general misfortune, and their. desire .to participate in the general sorrow. It would he idle and presumptu ous in me to dwell upon the many excellencies which adorned the character of her late Majesty—inas much as these excellencies are so universally ac knowledged ; and I am perfectly sensible of my own incompetency to do them justice, were I to make the attempt. It having become necessary that some new arrangements should be speedily adopted, with re spect to the custody of his Majesty's sacred person, such arrangements hare been recommended to our consideration in the Speech from the Throne. Fu ture opportunities will be afforded for a discussion of them. We are now merely asked to pledge ourselves to the consideration of the subject. It is a pleasing reflection that so many other topics would afford us occasion to mingle our congratulations with our expressions of condolence—Wear, hear). Whatever difference of opinion may have existed. as to the means by which events have been accompa nied, or as to the events which have lately occurred to affect the circumstances of other countries, yet all must in candour admit that the prosperous state and future prospects of the country form the most ample grounds for exultation ; for, whether we compare ourselves to other States, or, according to the fairer criterion, compare our situation at the present day with the situation of the country at other periods of our history, the result of that comparison must be in every respect highly satisfactory. If we look, for in stance, to the commencement of the last Parliament, the country had to contend with the greatest diffi culties. We saw ourselves engaged in an ardsous and eventful struggle, waiting with unspeakable anxiety every arrival the thrttre of war ; and, though every arrival brought with it the tidings of success, yet were those tidings accompanied by others which could not fail to produce much private misery throughout the nation, and much anxiety as to the future contingencies of war. During the course of that Parliament, this country had to undergo seven privations, resulting from the inclemencies of the season. At a very late period of that Parliament, 2 spirit of outrage and disaffection manifested itself in the country, which I am willing to attribute rather to the pressure of the times, than to any general dis position on the part of the people to undervalue the blessings of the Constitution under which they lire, We have now to boast of peace abroad and tr.liquil• lity at home. We see our revenue increasing, and those branches of commerce which had suffered during the war, reviving and flourishing, under the !free intercourse which peace athirds. flow grarai ing to reflect, that after passing the severe contest, through which we have so triumphantly passed, no• thing has occurred to tarnish a single laurel we have gained, or to bring discredit on our fair character!-- Let us here not refuse to do justice to that illustrious Individual, to whom this country still. owes so great a debt of gratitude, to him Illto for all leis acilucv;* wets, ri lt on a conga • , nest. count* , our gr comm" .t ; to a brouP „ ever ~m a nde Yet not , se if fa wr y, bi „ ! 1 t e boice e secuter • km • ntioth 1 gr a " 1 st 2 , e d pow ?W • nation sctualit: stAtia • te its • • tiers ass ip. not A s , but J es , • the Gen bare pl „gp ye; • crested d disort -It pleas .turbed ns, gra( ne Agit .e 3 17101 opin is to be rms. • orne se •ft om seein • 'on; to ::of on I:ng to uliar nst rate • the irapr • cied in • !he pr ordei ercome Eumpo • t'•e sal the S 2 tice is c cre right • ertaki the es punis to t sion. set" • .e tet JUT pt t the such [dries take • • s, au( • ' be o those • Name divide • our c ornotii the pe • cons 1 the ; ve ver beet ;ham that •iesce, peach • 'than ture Mr. ldress • t with to whi r reasi nded :• tch Id Roy ▪ on of self fact, rich • ify ich conk, ich r mitts t: • ,ter force -re de a this hat p • • ye I A • tic • • ; 'nue, ina Duce • ba ignc . • ttibn are • , re be s , spit •Ictri . • ~, J ~; ;i I I .~