Star. — London, England, 1828-02-19 00:00:00

17" . •••••••• two Members of the same Cabinet, differ on a pint of inch great public interest, could agree in any mea sure upon the subject. ,Hekriquliot but think that the Right Hon. Gentleman, by the late change, had suffered some lbss kiigiosecoacijutors who had uniformly support. ed the pokey of Ave Wide. As regardecriheir foreign pco )icy, he could not admit that any thing had been gained. They were told indeed that the Treaty of the 6th July was to be maintained : but he could not greatly praise the tone in which allusion had been made in the Speech from the Throne to the events which flowed "from that Treaty. It differed greatly from the cordial manner in ' which the subjeat had been touched in the Speech of his Majesty the Ying of France. He had heard it ask ed, what is the nature of Mr. Canning's foreig n policy . but-the best answer to That question was, the profound regret with which all the foreigners with whom he had conversed had learnt the event of his decease. It would be well to store that his foreign policy would be still continued. For himself, he never had any personal orl party acquaintance with that Right Hon. Gentleman ;, but now be could say_ with safety that his party was scattered to the winds--(Cries of Hear, hear!)—his friends were now the friends of others, and any' further praise of him could only lead to discord there (Pointing to the Ministerial Benches).—lt was his earnest desire not to give any unnecessary pain—he hoped he had not done so —if he unfortunately had, there was no man who could fed more sorry for it. He might have been Mistaken ; but he had the good fortune to say, that he was not aware of his ever baying lost a friend or made an enemy in the course of his political life. He again expressed his hope that he had given no personal offence, and concluded by thanking the House for the attention with which they had heard thim—(Hear, hear). Mr. HUSKLSSON said, that whatever motives in fluenced the Noble Lord in his address to the House, he begged to return him his thanks for affording him (Mr. H.) an opportunity for explanation. He feltfor some time that such a call would be made upon him; indeed, im mediately upon his arrival from Liverpool, he under. stood such an intention existed in souse quarter or other, though hecould not exactly tell where. That period had now arrived, and he rejoiced at the opportunity of ex plaining hisconduct, both in consideration of the break ing op of the late Mitais:ry, and the formation of the pre sent Administration. He owned, that he now rose to address theflouse under greater difficulty and anxiety than he had done before; while at tiresome time he was ready to admit, that a great importance attached itself to the question before them—that again involving the public character of a public man in the service of the Crown and of the Country. On such an occasion as the present he entreated the indulgence of the House; and, judging from his former experience, when such matters were under consideration, he was sure it would not-be withheld from him. When the object of inquirY related to public men, placed as he peen. liarly • was, importance attached to his public con dectiLand, on that ground, rather than upon any other of ' , personal nature, he claimed their indulgence, and that they would exercise their judgment apart from any party considerations, or those other differences which so often arise from circumstances to which he now should make no further allusion. Before he pro ceeded to answer the different questions put to him by the Noble Lord, he begged leave to state, that since his return from Liverpool, he had had no communication with any of his Colleagues upon the subject of his speech at the election there, and this he stated without any reserve or qualification whatsoever. For what he had done, he and he alone was to be held responsible. He abstained from making any communication to his Colleagues, in order that it should not be said there was any casting of parts between them, or that they had, arranged what each Was to say, and to what extent he was to go. This he had studiously avoided, and be cr'u'd appeal to his Noble and Right Hon. Friends for the veracity of his statement—(Hear, heat !) He did not mean to enter into any transaction, unless from the period when the name of the Noble Lord opposite (Lord Althorpe) was first introduced as connected with this inquiry. It appeared, that en meeting his Noble Friend (Lord Goderict) they wets talking casually on a vari:ty of subjects, when he mesa:need to him that the Right Hon. the Master of the Mint had suggested to him, bow desirable it would be to ask Lord Althorpe whether he would be disposed to take the Chair of the Finance Committee; adding, that his ability, his skill, his character, and industry would render him highly fitted fur such a situation. Lord Gode rich ie reply, said, he would be glad to avail him. selfLf the talents of the Noble Lord ; but he at the same time wis! ed the matter should be considered by such. Members of the Government as had seats in the House of Commons. His (Mr. Huskisson's) opinion, was not then asked by Lord Gode.ich—but he (Mr. H.) observed to his Noble Friend, that the nomination of Lord Al thorpe would be very desirable, arid for the same con• siderations as were urged by Lai Right Hon. Friend (Mr. Tietney). Thisconversation as quite accidental— and forme.: no part of any plan wt ich bad before been in agitation among-t the Minivers—as such. Some days alter chi., and he beksved after a Cabinet Dinner, just as they were retiling, he was asked by his Bright Hon. F. iend (Mr. Tierney) if he had• borne in mind the nature of his c , nver,ation with Lord Goderich, when he (Mr. H.) remarked that be merely stated how us.ful it would he to secure the services of Lord Althorpe in the Committee. Such a conversation might, he thought, fairly pass between men aho were colleagues, and had the saute good purpose to serve, without any thing more being made of it than it obviously sues ed. This occurrei on the 19th INovember.— In a few days after, Lord Goderich stated to him that the venerable and respectable father of the Noble Lord bad been sounded in the affair, through the agency of the Master of the Mint, who told the Noble L•ird, as he was bound to do, all that had occurred in the course of the conversation. Here he should add, that in the next conversation upon the subject, Lord Goderich asked if the Chancellor of the Exchequer was informed of *hat had passed? to which be (Mr. Huskisson) replied that he did not know—that he was not requested to make any .communication upon the subject. Lord Goderich then said it was an oversight not to have done so; and the result of the conversation was, that he, (Mr. H.) said he would see the Chang nor of the Lx. chequer and inform him e f what had passed. He, in conse quence, wrote to him from his office, requiring an in terview—they met accordingly, and he (Mr. H.) told Tits light Hon. Friend all that had passed upon the , subject. When this communication was so made, his Right Hon. Friend appeared to take the same view of the matter that he did himself. It so happened, that at the very same time the. Master of the Mint acci dentally called upon him, when he stated what passed between him and the Chancellor of the Exchequer,- The Master of the Mint then observed that he ca me cspressly to talk upon that subject. as he was going to Brighten the next morning for a few days. The two Right Honourable Gentlemen had entered into the subject at some length; they each prepared a list of the persons supposed to be most fitted to become Members of the Committee —and the business repel the 29th, a Cabinet Council was summoned to delibe - don was on the 28th December, and on the next day, ' thought, on all hands, to b e cons i derabl y -advanced be fore tee: left the Colonial Office. On the .29th of the rate upon questions of the greatest importance. In the same mon * t he Right lion. the Chancellor of the Ex- morning of that day, he went to Lord Goderich before Chequer wrote to . him (Mr. Haskissop),' stating that he the Cabinet commenced their sitting, when he told him had reason to take a different view of the formation of distinctly that he no longer considered himself in his the Finance Committee , or rather as to the mode in Majeste's service , and that h is inten t i on was immediately which the Chair was to be filled. He said that some - to tender his resi g nation. In fact he had th en written how or other , Lord Althorpe's nomination was handed the letter which was to acccompaoy it; but that in about the town, as well as that of others, reported a s order to prevent any idle Terns or surmises, he would being placed on the Committee. He (Mr. Huskisson) attend the Counci l, but not take an y p art whatever in heard that with considerable regret, and the mere so, their deliberations. To this Lord Goderich replied, as °thee matters were divulged which formed no part that if he (Mr. Huskisson) was determined to retire, of any previous conversation. What then was he to there was an end of Lord Goderich's Administration. do? Mr. Tierney was gone to Brighton, and he said He also suggested to him. that he (Mr. Huskisson) to his Right Hon. Friend that no further discussion on should make known His intention to the Noble Earl at .tile subject should take place, except in the Cabinet. the head of the Foreign Department—and that he inn He (Mr. Huskisson) immediately wrote to Brighton, mediately did. He told him exactly what he stated to and sent a copy of his letter to the Chancellor of the Lord Goderich, and the Noble Earl seemed to be sure 'Exchequer. This would thew the spirit which actuated ,prised at the.determination. It so happened that on him (Mr. Huskisson) throughout the transaction; and the same day the Marquis of Lansdown arrived from °rube 2J December he received Mr. Tierney's answer, Bowood to attend the Council, intending to return ip which his Right Hon. Friend fully admitted-the in. there alter it was over, but at his (Mr. fluskisson's) mtpediency of discussing those matters except between reanest, he consented to delay his departure for a few themselves. But, during all these conversations, of days. He also communicated what had occurred to that discussions, or call them what they might, nothing was Noble Lord, who observed that if he (Mr. Huskisson) officially communicated to Lnrd Althorpe—all that was carried his intention into effect, it would in fact amount Understood was, that if his Lordabip were so applied to a dissolution of the Administration. A circumstance to, he would accede to the proposal. His answer under however had occurred at that time which delayed his, certain arrangements was to the effect that he would carrying his intentions into effect—he alluded to the accede to the proposition ; but beyond that there was arrival of the Infant of Portugal in this country. He did not a single word. On the very day of the receipt of not then send his letter to the King ; and it was repre sented to him, that as the step he had taken would pro- Mr. Tiereev's letttr, he (Mr. Huskisson) put it into the hands of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who returned duce the dissolution of the Ministry — that the resignat io n it to me without making a single remar k. That was of the Chancellor of the Exchequer might probably lead the whole of the cot respondence abaut which so much to the same effect. However , he (Mr. Huskissoe) yielded had been said elsewhere; and he owned his own im. and on the Ist of January he wrote to. Lord Goderich' pression then was, and he would state it without mean. to ask him if the Chancellor of the Eichequer perse ing the slightest offence to his Noble Friend, that the veted in his intention of tesigning,,and that he (Mr. matter altogether was of the most trifling and unim. Huskisson) would take no further steps, that he would portant nature—(Cries of Heir, hear). He merely do nothing, until the result was communicated to him. thought that the Chancellor of the Exchequer bad some The letter of the 26th December, he should observe, slight feeling about the matter which would alter or said nothing of the cause of the expected dissolution, abate; for he (Mr. Huskisson) knew perfectly well that and he (Mr. Huskisson) knew nothing further about the oversight was merely accidental, and that even if the matter till about the Bth ef January, when Lord the nomination did not take place, no one was officially Yoder ich waited on his Majesty ; and looking at the committed on the subject,' In fact, so very unimpottant difficulties which then pressed upon him and the enure did he (Mr. Huskisson). consider the matter, that he did try ; looking.at the general state of affairs—in the East not communicate it to his Noble Friend (L• rd Gode' —in Spain—in Portugal—at the state of our finances rich). This then brought the narrative down to the 2J at home, and other domestic questions—looking at the December, and from that period until the 26th of the vatious embarras sme n ts which surrounded his Noble same nionth,he never beard one word more upon the sob- le tend at the hteed of the Government he (Lord G.) ject—(Hear). Whether anything else passed elsewhere, only perfoimed his dusty in stating fully, fairly, and °r between other persons, either in the Cabinet or out, honestly, to his Sovereign, the real state of perplexity he did not .know ; but he must nevertheless admit that Into which his Government had, from so many circum in the course of that interval mane circumstances had stances, been thrown. That was his (Mr. Huskisson's) occurred .to weaken and to shake the existence of the decided opinion; but whether his Noble Friend, at the Administration. .With respect to those circumstances same time, suggested any new arrangements to his they were so notorious, that it would not be necessary Majesty, he (Mr. Huskisson) of course knew nothing. to restate them. So far he had stated what he could The result. however, was now known, and on the 10th without committing any breach of confidence, but there January, two days after the Marquis of Lansdown re were other matters which he felt he could not divulge, turned to town. On this part of the case some most because they had come to him in a manner, which it unworthy imputatir ns had been cast upon his (Mr. H: s) would be a gross breach of confidence to disclose.— character—imputations which every one who knew him However, the impression which they made in his mind would believe he did not deserve. In all his commu was, that still greater difficulties had beset the Adminis- nications with the Noble 'Marquis he had acted fairly aration. The causes which led him to come to this con. and honestly, and reciprocated the good feeling whicb elusion, he could not now explain ; but up to and on the that Noble Lord had always shewn to him: On the 10th 23d of December, he was firmly resolve! to meet the of January he (Mr. H.) had received no communica difficulties of the approaching Ses ion_(Hear, hear.) ton from the Noble Duke who was charged with the The next day he left town for a few days, having pre. appointment of a new Administration; but the Mar viously expressed his determination of going out alto• quis of Lansdown asked him, if he had sent in his re gether, rather than sink from the struggle, he went on signation ? To this be replied, thatle had not, as there a visit to his Noble Fr iend (Lord Palmerston) ; and, on was a question of teiignatiou about others, and then the 26th of Dec. he received a letter from Lord Gode. asked the Marquis of Lansdown if any communication rich, to the effect of which he had already stated. When had been made to him P He (Mr. Huskisson) then kneW this communication from the Chancellor of the Erche- nothing of the intentions of the Noble Duke, and he only quer was received by him, namely, the tender of his begged of the Noble Marquis if he received any COMIDD• resignaticn,if the nomination of Lot d Althorpe as Chair. nication of consequence, to give it due and proper man were persevered in—he stated it to his Noble consideration before he would determine. The Noble Friend, having been privileged by Lord Goderich to do Marquis upon that, stated the grounds on which even if so. Oa that occasion he (Mr. Huskisson) fully stated any communication were made to him, he could not his views and feelings on that subject, as well as the connect himself with the Administration of the Noble immense difficulties which, under such circumstances, Duke, and alluded to the state of Ireland, and partictr he should have in conducting the business of the larly to the Catholic Question, about which his opinions House of Commons. if 'all his Colleagues were not need not now for the first time be stated. He(Mr. Rus in strict union and accordance, he felt that onerous kisson) in answer to those observations said, that such work could not be accomplished, and he was necessa- grounds could not keep him from accepting office, end rily placed in a situation which left him no alternative. that was all which occurred on that occasion. It was said, He discussed the matter at some length, and deter. and most onjuetly said, that he (Mr. Huskisson) hid mined, as far as he was concerned, not to place the in- communicated to the Duke of Wellington all that trait,. terests of the Crown and of the public in jeopardy, by plied between him (Mr. II.) and the Noble Narcotise continuing in a situation which he could not. under with a view to bias the Noble Duke either in favour of such conflicting circumstance, adequately fill. He made or against the Noble Marquis—but a more false accu• full communication of his views and feelings to Lord cation never yet was made against any man in a public Goderich—he told him that be despaired of being able or a private situation of life—nothing could be farther to accomplish the object which they had both so mach from his intent, nothingc•uld be more unfounded'in fact. at heatt. On the 27th December he returned to town, From the very moment lie heard the statements and and on the,2Bth, he was really sorry to be so minute, opinions of the Noble Marquis, Ire felt that his lips were but the peculiarity of the case would, he hoped, excuse sealed. and even the mention of his dame was after that him; and OD the 28th, the day after, he opened his mind most studiously avoided. Ili could appeal to his N.s. fully and candidly to Lord Goderich. He stated, that ble Friend (Lord Carlisle) for the truth of his assertion, in his view the question between the Chancellor of the and also whether he (Mr. Huskisson) did not, on the Exchequer and himself as to the appointment of Lord 13th January, state confidentially to him all that had i Akborpe was one of very to ifling importance, and that passed between him and the Noble Marquis on the oc with all the respect he bore for the talents, the skill, and cation he had justed alluded to. He trusted the House the industry of his Noble Friend, that there were many would excuse his going so much into detail—(Loud other Hon. Members who could fill the situation quite cries of Hear, hear,)—and he hoped he might be allowed as well as the Noble Lord; adding at the same time, to say, that when he was charged with consulting, and that as no official notification had been sent to him, and even plotting and canvassing, with all his colleagues but as all that had passed was merely in conversation, a the Chancellor of the Exchequer ; when he said such a communication to that effect would have the desired charge was made against him, to could distinctly say that result upon the mind of the Chancellor of the Excises he never bad any other conversation or communication quer. Lord Goderich appeared to be of the same than what took place between himself, Lord Goderich, opinion, and farther, at that period, he (Mr.. Huskisson) and Mr. Tierney, and to which lie had already called the could not go. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and attention of the House—(Hear. heat): So far, then, he Mr. Tierney had, a month before, gone the length. thought he had succeeded in chewing that to the very of preparing lists of persons for the Committee--• list hour he used every exertion to keep the elements et they had nearly agreed as to the names—and all which the Administration was composed together. He considered, as he bad before stated, that the business appealed to all his colleagues if any thing was leffun had been considerably advanced. Then again he done by him to keep it (soot dissolution? He had now. shewed Mr. Tierney% letter from Brighton to the travelled over that, part of the subject which embraced Right Honourable Gentleman, who made not the many of the questions as .to she late Administration slightest remark upon it, and so matters continued till which were put by the Noble Lord; and he now came ; the 26th of December, when Lord tioderich communi• to the more important part,as the Noble Lord properly, cited to him the tendered resignation of the Chancellor described it, an explanation of what he was supposed to of the Exchequer. He (Mr. H.) had throughout the have said to his constituents at Liverpool. He owned whole of the transaction used every effort to reconcile he did not expect to hear the Noble Lord speak of any triaing . differences which the nomination of Lord "gratuitous explanations," although the phrase was Althorpe had occasioned ; he explained the cause of the used in another place. oversight in speaking to that Noble Lord before the Lord NORMANDY (across the table) expressed his Chancellor of the Exchequer was formally made ac- dissent. - quaintesl with the conversation which pissed, for it was Mr. HUSKISSON said, he keew that was treated nothing snore, and having done all lie could, he felt with a sneer in another place; but still he could not help that in Attempting to do more he would injure his retaining so much of what others might be pleased to character, he would damage his reputation as a call an " obsolete prejudice," as that of giving an ex. r public imam. He conceded what he could; to have planation of his public conduct to his constituents i when conceded more on his part, would be utterly impossible; he was asking a renewal of confidence at their hands. • fact, lead lie alone so, he would hAve been a l os t man— Such explanations might be called an e obsolete pre. .in the sphere of his utility would be almost entirely dimi• judice;" but it was a pi actice well known to the British sighed.; and, under such circumstances —upon an im- Constitution, and one to which he would still adhere. pliant question--or, he would rather say , u p on a q ue s . It was the right of his constituents to demand an ez• tion not of vital even tance—he did say that he thought planation of • his public conduct—and it was his too rrisschbad !pen made of it by his Right Honoorable bounden duty to give it fully, fairly, and honestly Friend iheChancellor of the Exchequer. Thicconiersa- to thim— e (Loud cheering) -He had been sometimes , called a 44 d'angerons innovator; but he might -safely say, that such as the doctrine was, he wits determined to follow it—since all the high quality. and Station, and• of his Graee the Duke of Wellingt"n could not be sufficiebt to guarantee his constituents' choice of hint as their representative, if he had not given them the explanation which they required—(Cheers). Having stumbled on this unfortunate word is graranty," he would now say that he had used it more titan once, and even after all he had since heard about it, he• should pultlicly use it again. He MOO say he could sot tell how it had happened that the use of that nnfortansteei; word caused so much malevolence Wed calumny to be heaped upon him as had been done in_ the coarse of the last ten days; neither could he assign any cause for the many misconceptions which had been circulated during the same period in and about this metropolis. He could not understand for a moisten* 'how persons could imagine when he spoke of a guaranty,• that it most be set down as a regular contract or bar: gain had been entered into between him and the Duke‘ of Wellington; or that covenants had been set forth' with all legal technicality in their different coitretsis tions, as if forsooth he had been dealing with an advert sary, and not with one upon whom he was on the most friendly terms, and with whom he was to act for the' benefit of the public? He could asstre the House there was no such bargaia r —no such contract—there was no sacrifice on any side, he made none, the Noble Duke made none. What ! was it to be believed that the Duke of Wellington with that nice sense of homier which belonged to him, would have deliberately communi cated with five or six different Gentlemen who also had honour to support and chatacters to maintain, for the purpose of insulting them—even_ if they could be base enough to eudure it ? He 'Wed, on the part of the Duke of Wellington, as well as on the part of the Honourable Friends with whom he was con nected, that no such proposal was stated, or was contemplated. What! could it be believed that he would go to Liverpool, and there make a statement, which would be contradicted almost as soon as it was uttered? Why he must be insane—he must have lost all self respect, all regard for truth—all intellect and sense, if he could for a moment do so. He retracted nothing of what he really did say about '• guaranty r but he hoped he would be allowed to state, not what WAS stated forhim, but what he said himself to his con- stituents. He would not he answerable for what was teported—however ably and skilfully and impartially, by a person in the din and confusion of a popular elec. tion—for the first time, perhaps, he ever attended an election, and without that accommoiation to take his notes which is elsewhere to be met. lie had not himself read the reports alluded to, but what he stated was, that before he consented to form a part of the ficew Administration, he sought for explanations as to the principles and measures which were - to bb acted upon, and that, having received an understanding which ap. peared perfectly satisfactory to him, he did consider it as the best guaranty which could be offered—that sound principles and useful measures would be followed up. And what right had he to doubt that important fact, when the Noble Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Grant, and Mr. Lamb, were all to continue in the same offices which they held in the previous Administration? What better or safer guaranty could he expect, or could he have, in point of tact ?—This was the guaranty of which he had spoken—this was the guaranty he had received; and the explanations of the Duke of Wellington were as satisfactory to others of his col leagues as they were to himself. He stated particularly that the foreign and domestic policy which was heietor fore pursued would not be abandoned, and he remem bered particularly having asked, in order to strew that no filth change was contemplated, whether the Noble Earl who signed the Treaty of the 6:h of July world remain in office to undo it now, and thereby destroy his character? Indeed so strongly did he put it, thak.he put it to those captious querists who were likely to ad. dress him, that suppose he (Mr. H.) was so base as to sacrifice his own character and honour, whether the other individuals whom he had named would all enter into a conspiracy to destroy their characters also?— (Hear, hear.)—lt must have been obvious to his friends at Liverpool, who were accustomed to dent in bonds, and contracts, and bargains, all regularly stamped and sealed, that in speaking of guaranty, be did not use the term-legally or technically, but as it was used in corn. mon parlance. He stated that he was not called upon to make any sacrifice, neither was any other individual for he was assui ed that good and sound priciples would still guide the Government, and useful measures would be followed up. This was the guaranty of which and of vi hat only he had spoken. Even after he saw 'the list of the new Ministry in a Morning Paper, he still waited to see, if the Objects for which he and his colleagues had associated themselves with the new Ad ' ministration would be carried into effect. Here he was sorry to be obliged to introduce the name of his Right lion. Friend the present Secretary of State for the flbme Department; but he begged to ask him, if from an fatly period of their communication, he had trot expressed a wish for the continuance in office of Lord Dudley, Mr. Grant, and Mr. Lamb ? Hes, hoa ever, made no stipulation upon the subject, neither did he make any communication to his Noble and Honourable Friends. He left it to the Duke of Wellington to make proposals to them or not, as he th-ught proper ; he did make them—but not with any concert or knowledge upon his (Mr. Huskisson's) part. They each received proposals, and when they were knoan, they and he joined together, in order to ascertain if they all understood the circumstances of their connexion in the same light. In order to prevent any doubt upon this subject, they so licited an interview with the Duke of Wellington; and the result of that was, their peefect satisfaction that sound principles and useful measures, both in oar foreign and domestic relations, would be followed up. In what other manner, lie asked, could Gentlemen deal with one another ?--( Hear, hear.) He again rei eated, that what he had said at Liverpool was entirely misconceived. and he begged the particular attention of the Huesca° a letter he held in his hand, which he had that morn ' ing received by post from Liverpool. He was so far glad that his explanation was deferred to this day, because otherwise they must take what he said upon his ,own assertion, whereas he now h a d the testimony of a witness who could not be doubted, and freer a Gentleman whom he never saw but on the frostings at Liverpool. lie felt grateful to him for the consi deration, that merely out of a sense of justice nod a regard for truth, that the Rev. Gentleman (Mr. Shep herd) had sent him this letter; and every one who knew him would bear testimony to the fact, that a lose of justice only could have induced him to come forward on the present occasion, and the more so, as he believed the Rev. Gentleman was not on the late occasion one of his supporters. If, as he {Mr. Huskisson) said before. he had not received this letter, the House most have trusted to his assertion in contradiction to imperfect 'and unsatisfactory reports of his speech. In a word. he bad received this testimony from that quartet, of all ,others, where he would have lea* thought .1 appl ywig for it. The hum was dated th.l6th Febznary, 1,828, - act lect tont h ay nna .-- cipl C•tft repo irthic ktic any vrot nisi StfU We l had bap AIM orsli NC IMI 41 el I T I