Star. — London, England, 1830-03-24 00:00:00

• ~~1 arguments used by noble lords in discussing this question led to that eseelosion. it might be maintained by some, Ni the other band, thin it would have been proper to have acquie sced at once in what might be called the UtIRMOIOIII decision of the Portuguese peo ple. •and that he sho.,id have been at once teethed and recognised as the sovereign of the country. However that might be, the course pursued was one of strict neutrality. Having adopted that caorse, nil that he claimed was that it should be observed, because, of all the systems that could be adopted. the only one which was perfectly indetersihk was that which should lay down a principle of neastrolttv. and then give it an application suited to our own comeerdeare or iodination. Whatever system might be laid down, let it he honestly and consistently persevered in. This was the swum which had been pursued he his majesty's government. Haw. lag thus declared to their lovdsbips the situation in which this country stood with reference to Portugal. as one of strict neutrality, he should now proceed to give a short recapitulation of the circum stances of this transaction. Their lordshipe would recollect that atter the defeat of the troops at Oporto—not, indeed, their defeat, Ow was not a proper term, but after the flight of the troops at Oporto. and after their taking refuge in Spain, then, fee the first tin.e, the good offices of this country were called out into action. for, through the interference of the British minister, their stay in Spain was prolonged and facilities were afforded for their embarkation, re which the Spanish government was not in itself disposed. It would be recollected, also, that application was made to this country that we should send mavens to bring the Portuguese to this country ; to which application the answer returned, and the only answer that could be returned, was, that it was impossible to accede to the re quest. That we could not render ourselves responsible by bringing a foreign force into this country, but promises were made that if they came. they should be hospitably received ; accommodation should be provided for there. and they should be furnished with means to exist during their stay. They arrived accordingly about the end of August, and here, he must say, was the first and only error which had been committed throughout the transaction. We ought, perham to have positively insisted on the dispersion of these troops, for t he y were a foreign body of troops, and, as such, were undoubtedly unauthorised by the law of the land, and we ought to have insisted on their dis persion. But in the deplorable condition in which three poor people were, and with the promise of a speedy departure for Brasil, it Wan surely no great stretch of humanity to allow them to remain during their continuance in the situation which was most convenient to them. They, however, declined to avail themselves of the accom modation offer ed; them for their temporary residence at Portsmouth and Plymouth. They refused to establish themselves in the man ner for them at Plymouth. and they formed what was call a depot, where they were organized and paid in a military manner. They were disciplined and officered, and In every respect and circumstance kept up the qualities of a body of troops. Indeed their character as such was not denied. About the middle of Oc tober, the Marquis of Barbscena addressed a letter to his noble friend, stating his intention to despatch a detachment of these " troops," for so he styled them, to the Azores, to defend Terceira against the adherents of Don Miguel Here he should beg to say a word in explanation of the situation of Terceira. The whole of the Asores had submitted to Don Miguel. There was no war in the Azores. The island of Terceira alone was doubtful. When Don Miguel was proclaimed king, the people of Terceira fol lowed the example of the rest of the Portuguese dominions, and acknowledged him as King. The garrison shortly afterwards revolted, imprisoned the Governor, and disarmed the inhabitants; and a Go vernment was established in opposition to that of Don Miguel. At the period when the application which he had mentioned was made to his Noble Friend. the parties in Terceira were thus divided The garrison of the fortress had declared either in favour of Don Pedro or the Queen Donna Maria—he could not under take to say positively which—whilst the inhabitants of the Wand were universally in favour of Don Miguel. Such was the state of the island at that time; such it had remained ever since; and such, he believed, it was at this moment. In that state of things at Terceira he owe sure their lordships would see that it was the duty of his noble friend, without hesitation, to declare, in the first instance, that we never could know, and could not recognise the existence of a body of foreign troops in this country; and that, if there were such a body, they must instantly disperse; but that they could not be allowed to go in a hostile character to any part of the Portuguesedominions; and, consequently, that they could not be permitted to approach Terceira in that way. This decision was acquiescol in, anti he believed about the end of November an intima. tion was m ade to the troops that it was necessary they should disperse; that accommodation was made to receive them in such a manner as should be convenient in the neighbouring towns, and they were given to understand that their union at Plymouth was inconsistent with the principles of neutrality upon which we were bound to act. This decision was much protested against, and after a variety of correspondence they declared that they would go direct to Brazil; but afterwards changing that determination it was finally found that, by having recourse to false cleats:nom that it might be impossible to ascertain where they going, they sailed for Teraina. Now he must any that the stay of these troops at Plymouth, where they remained embodied fur five months, was a manifest breach of the neutral character which we were bound to maintain. The last time that this subject was discussed he had directed the attention of their lordships to a pas sage in the works of a writer of eminence as proving that any power receiving troops retreating from an enemy, and giving them refuge for the purpose of recruiting their strength, and at their leisure renewing the attack, was a violations of neutrality. So far was that a case in point, that the passage which he referred to perfectly described the situation of these troops. That it strictly related to the passage of troops through neutral dominions was true ; but if they did not . pass directly through they ought to be dispersed. The transaction in question was manifestly a breach it neutrality. Don Miguel would, according to the law of nations, have had a right to insist upon the dispersion of those troops ; and more than that, if they did not comply he would have had a right, had be been able, to have followed them to the port of Plymouth, and there destroyed them. The law of nations would have justified him in such a cause. It was no answer to these arguments to hold up Don Miguel as a monster and a usurper, or to say that by his usurpation of the throne of the lawful sove reign, he had placed himself in a condition not to be treated accord ing to the principles of neutrality. There might be reasons for not declaring a system of neutrality; but they could not justify a de. parture from that system when laid down. It was not the province of Parliament now to look at the justice or injustice of the war that was carried on. It was clear that the expedition of the P ortuguese from this country was of a hostile character. The Noble Lord said that these Krone went to a territory in possession of the Queen, and therefore that there was no hostile character belonging to them, and that we ought not to have followed them. Now, in the first place, be (Lord Aberdeen) contended that it made no dif ference whether the expedition proceeded for the purpose of attack or of defence. It was equally hostile in its character in either ease, and equally at variance with the laws of neutrality. It must be obvious that a seasonable supply of troops for a besieged fortress, had as important an effect upon the conduct of a war as a hostile attack ; and it did not in the least signify in whose possession the particular spot was. He looked upon it exactly in the same light as if it had been the city of Oporto. Terceira formed equally a part of the dominions of Portugal, the integrity of which we woo bound to maintain. If the city of Oporto had declared in favour of Don Miguel, and if we had permitted the de parture of a detachment of troops to oppose his pretensions in that place, the effect, as regarded the - law of nations and our neutrality would be the same. But as to the island of Terceira being in the possession of one party or the other, that was a point which must admit of great doubt ; much contrariety of sentiment was entertained, and the parties were so equally te le/aced se to render it a matter of great difficulty to decide on which side the preponderance lay. As to the troops having departed without arms, that did not, in his judgment, at all alter the cha. Teeter of the expedition. Owing to the fraud committed by the ilra. Whin agent, arms. as the government knew, were recently conveyed to the island of Terceira. It was therefore of no importance, as re garded the character of the expedition, that it had sailed without arms. But the knowledge that anus had been provided, undoubtedly led to the suspicion, that, although the troops professed to be going to the Brae% It was, in fact, their intention to go to some pot of the dominions of Portugal ; and long before they sailed—long be. fore they left Plymouth, their chiefs were informed that such a suspicion was entertained, and that the troops would not be per mitted to land at 'remelts ; therefore, all that was said about pursuing these unarmed and helpless persons across the see was not the fact. They had been previously apprised that a detach. went of British troops was placed at Terceira for the purpose of preventing their landing, in violation of the law of neutrality. Now, it could not be doubted that this government had a perfect right to disperse those troops, and to prevent their leaving our ports fa a hostile character for any part of the dominions of Portugal; sad that it was in consequence of a fraud that they were enabled to sail for Terceira; and the question was, whether they were to be permitted to met in consummation of that fraud ? (Hear, bear.) He smoldered it impossible to maintain that, either by the law of as dam or the lane of common sense or of sound reason, persons were sodded to defive an advantage from their fraud, which we were authorised to prevent them from obtaining by other mesas; and he contended that the government was justified in doing that which, If it had not dote, would have exposed his Majesty to a just war front the opposite party. This consideratioc, in his opi ajos,ausdied the course which had been pursued : and even if his Majesty was not, from the nature of the power In question. to flay real danger, yet he would have been exposed to the r= of having his sincerity and hi. honour questioned. and Justly questioned, by those power% in where eitioes_flon it was highly bantam for this country to preserve a satitsine rank. The prin. e upon which his Majesty's government had meted in this_tatee already been adopted en • similar onselea—aeonely, la the year 1111% is reference to the l'ortoperte refugees. Menthe eonstiustioa was lotroduced InPoetegalantlgave des to smash discontent; when sale earl bad told them that the Woman family were al a therefugees fled to Smite, thetriordships would recollect that, echo' very queer race—(A laugh)—and Ws added, false, it was not protruded Met any Spaniard _entered Portugal with them treacherous, as was Miguel, and Ms Nether Pedro was not much Set their recline yet k mas deemed . thilitient. that the refugees had bettee (Laughter.) The government had set out apes thebtial received Comfort, and aid, and autistince in Spain, and that nese se peacemakers between the two Medina, and it appeared to from themes they returned wtth bottle lineations to PoyeigaL 'flys him an odd way of accomplishing such an end to abase them both. Court of Madrid denied being potties to acts of the Portuguese In like manner it struck him as a singulercompliment to the foreign refugees. It declared tiled It bed never sanctioned slay inch pro. diplomacy in such a ease to any that embed eacterded in standing ceedinge. So it was bids ua in the inetanei of the assembling of ill with both parties. Yet than was what the noble earl bed these troops at Plymouth, that on the former occasion we had gone told them that evenin_g. He was glad the French minister had it all feetioss—we had insisted upon the dispersion of the troops. We his own way at the Brasil.; fur the noble earl's envoy would, he bad despatched a force to resist foreign aggression, and required that supposed, set about his mission to Don Pedro by telling him he die Portuguese troops should be disbanded, and removed into the was much such another as his brother.—(Laughter.) He was afraid beerier of the country. This was done, but had it not, our Mini. that the policy we had pursued had lost us Brasil and Portugal too. Mer would have felt it necessary to leave the Court of Madrid. The He saw with melancholy foreboding the disposition of France to take loosen case was so much in point, that a departure from the course to herself all that we lost by our vegetation. Friendship to liberty then obaerved. would give the existing Government of Portugal a and legitimacy seemed to be the motto of France at present, and eight to remonstrate, and to insist upon the adoption of similar whatever the result of the mad policy of the present French cabinet, mosores. Therefore, he said, that according to every principle of whichever party triumphed would, he feared, make its offers and pisin sense and justice, in conformity with our ordinations of the approaches to Portugal He was army to see England falling into locust character which belonged to his Majesty in this instance, the rank of a sccond.rate power, and this since the noble duke came the Government could not have acted in any other manner than it to the head of affairs. When he first came into his present place die, and such be thought would be the conclusion of the Noble there were but two powers in Europe. The one was the mat Lord himself if he would take the pains of looking at the condition of Russia, and the other the power of public opinion. —(hear, beer )' of that country at the time of these transactions. How the Noble In 1827 both these were with us ; but now he feared the noble Lord viewed the present condition of the two countries, he could duke had contrived to alienate both from us.—(hear, her.)—He not tell. All that the Noble Lord had said as to negotiations in thought that from some causes best known to the noble duke, he conjunction with France, was a perfect misconception. The Noble saw • disposition to change • little in his policy, and be thought an Lord was mistaken in his whole view of the present state of the expression of the feeling of Parliament might aid him in lele pm. transactions. The Noble Lord might rest satisfied that Rngland pose. He knew that the noble duke could go with a creme 'Oh was not a secondary party in Any proceedings with Portugal. The upon a narrow point, and then turn suddenly round if he thought whole of the proceedings were originated by us, and the other necessary . He hoped, although late, that he would yet change the Powers gave us precedence in every step of the transactions from policy he had pursued. The noble lord concluded by declaring hie beginning to end. Such, he had no doubt, would still continue intention of voting for the resolutions. to be the case. Whatever might be the present state of public The Duke of W ELLINGTON, aiter remarking that this was opinion, and In whatever manner these transactions might be the fourth time in this session and the last that this subject had been viewed, be was perfectly satisfied that, when the nature of brought foment, observed, that a more extraordinary meth agent. the course pursued by his Majesty's Government should be i ng t h e quest i on ba nner occurred i n t h at h ouse upon an y ottea d o n thoroughly understood and fairly viewed, it would be found whatever than that pursued by the noble lords opposite. After ad consistent with justice and propriety. That it would be found in mining that his Majesty's government had a fair choice at the first the end to have displeased both parties, war not imProbabla—nor instance to adopt one course or the other, they to give vent did he think that such a result ought to be looked upon otherwise to extraordinary invectives, because they h chosen the cause of than ass Fagot the strict neutrality and justice of their proceed- neutrality. Now he maintained that, after the affair et'Oporto, if there logs; for the Noble Lord might rely upon it that the party which had been any doubt before, there could be none then as to the obli. he supposed to be benefited by the measures of his Majesty's Go. gadon of neutrality, unless indeed they had been prepared to send vernment was not better Pleased with the course which had been an army to Portugal to conquer it for Donna Maris. And if his pursued than the opposite party. Although the resolutions of the Majesty's ministers had adopted such a course as that, they would Noble Lord embraced many facts which were undoubtedly true— not have obtained or deserved the confidence oe that house. lie con. yet, as their object was evidently to pronounce a censure upon the tended that after they had quitted the field of action themselves, be. conduct of hie Majesty's Government, which he did not think their cause, as they declared, o the whole population to a man was conduct justified, he was prepared to give a negative to the re. against them," and when, too, they had the military possession of ' solutions. the country, the British government had no course but neutrality ; Lord RADNOR thought the noble earl had made no answer to and yet they were treated with invectives for not having joined the the only important part of his noble friend's awe. He seemed to contest. When this body earns to this country, it was not known have aimed only to make out a sort of debtor and creditor account that they Gum as troops— still less was it known that they were between the parties, by which it appeared that the government had paid by money belonging to the British creditor. (Hear, hear.) — really broken the neutrality, not only with one but with both of the It was, however, soon discovered that they were an organised body belligerents. Thus he seemed to think that having permitted the of foreign troops, disciplining and equipping themselves for a Portuguese regiments to remain at Plymouth, by way of a setoff to renewal of the contest under the guns of one of his Majesty's that breach of neutrality, he was bound to restore the equilibrium of arsenals. They were here altogether four months, and two months the neutral balance by chasing them at Terceira, and pursuing after it wee known they were a body of troops. His noble friend them with a homile force on the high seas. The noble earl, had been taunted for saying that the supporters of Don Miguel he insisted upon it, had made no answer to the question, by were the friends of England s but the fact was so. (Hear, hear.) what right had his majesty's government sent a shlp _of war to This country had mammies in Portugal. The body that fled from chase these unfortunate people on the high seas ?--ear, hear.) Oporto did so, they said, because the whole population were in fa. What right had they to_r event their return to the dominions of your of Don Miguel, and there could be no doubt, under such cif. their lawful sovereign ? The noble earl had attempted to make the emanates, that the great majority of his supporters were favours. refuge of the Portuguese in Spain and their return armed into ble to the connection with this country. His Noble Friend had Portugal a parallel case. But to do so he must show that we should rightly stated that an application had been made to him to gent' have been justified in following them into Spain, and there knock. the Portuguese at Plymouth a convoy to the Azores. He told them ling them on the head. He had hoped to hear something new upon in reply that they might go as individuals, and he admitted that he the subject for the honour of the country. He had been, however, might bare left that part of the letter out altogether. They went, disappointed ; for the only point in the case brought prominently in fact, eventually as a body of troops. In the mean time, his under discussion by his noble friend had been left untouched. Majesty's Government had beard of troops levying in Getman y. Lord CLANRICARDE replied. If the house rejected his re. with the view of joining the cops at Plymouth. Now, be ask* solutions, it would certainly be without having heard them satisfac. Were hie Majesty s Government to my nothing to all th is _ Pi% ohs wily replied to. He should certainly enter a potato the journals actually under the guns of Me Majesty ' s garrison at Mumma P of the house upon this subject. (Hear.) Reference had been made to the case of the Portegiasee The LORD CHANCELLOR was about to put the question refugees in Spain, and * begged to remind the house that sea *e l upon the resolutions, when.... memos in that business was expressly become we assumed die Lord HOLLAND rate. He apologised for entering upon the knowledge on the Part of tie eaPtaine-general oProvirnora of M discussion at so tette period of it. He hid not whhed to speak upon Wag go i ngon. It Wall wen 'known to his majesty ' s government that the ouestion without hearing something further from his Majesty's arms h ad preceded the expedition to Terceira. Thee could, there- Ministers upon the subject of Terceira; but he could not allow their fore, be no doubt whatever es to the character in which the body of lordships to go to the vote without expressing his astonishment at Portuguese from Plymouth were going to that Wand; and the the conduct of his Majesty's ministers. At first they declared they government was bound to interfere effectively to prevent them were " panting" for an opportunity to explain their conduct. from quitting the British shores for the purpose, and with the But upon no one occasion had they said a single word on the means of carrying on the war which they had already abane subject of the point brought forward that evening—the point dotted. Noble lords appeared to him to have omitted the upon which 'over all others they were most strongly censured. consideration of one important topic in the observations they He gave th e noble duke opposite credit for his tactics in had made; he meant the notice of the intentions of the British d e b ate as well as i n t h e field an d h e h a d certa i n l y s h own hi s government given to the refugees. The Marquis de Palroella told ability on the present occasion in the line of &fence he had them distinctly that the troops at Plymouth were collected there for adopted. His defence consisted in throwing upon his oppo. a hostile purpose, and notice was then given in the most unqualified Dents the discredit of urging the country into • war for the terms that the prosecution of any such object could not be permitted sake of forcing a tiovereign upon the throne of Portugal ob. in his Majesty's dominions. What other means were there of giving nettious to the sovereign will of the people. This mode of de. effect to that notice than those they had adopted ? They might have fence, he confessed, did not impress him with a very high idea dispersed than by force ; but would that have been a who or dia. of the Noble Duke's sincerity. For he could not imagine where nen exercise of public authority ? They were told they skald it was the Noble Duke had imbibed his love of the sovereign will have stopped them before they got out of port. Did noble Ws of the people. It was not in India he presumed, nor upon the know that they got out by false clearances? They preeendoil Imo field of Waterloo. But the Noble Duke talked so much to were going to Rio Janeiro, and it was only when the falsehood elide them about his dislike of war, as if they had accused him of became apparent by their steering for Terceira that the pespristy of a too great love of peace. On the contrary they accused him of direct interference became established. Their right to interfies at diet waging a pusillanimous war against the unfortunate refugees, point would be clearly seen by any Noble Lord who would take who •01102 t the hospitality of our shores.—(Bear, hear.)—He the trouble to carry the whole subject in his mind at ease. He was not tharged with yielding to the will of the people, but with a MIS sorry, notwithstanding what the Noble Bases apposite flagrant outrage upon the liberties and predilection s of the people (land Holland) had said, that ignorance of the law of =doe the most nearly allied to England. The noble earl told them to was a reproach which attached to his profession. He believed, look at the OM as a whole. He had no objection, but he must however, he wag fully borne out in stating that the law of always bear the last fatal catastrophe in view. He did take the nations carried along with it the means of its execution. 14 whole ease in view from the commencement, in cold.hearted indif. therefore, the neutrality of this country were invaded, we had ferena to suspicion, and the progress from ill humour and ill tem. the means of repressing that invasion, and applying a remedy. per to outrage and war, when he charged the government with • The question then was, whether there was an invasion of the violation of all the laws of nations and of humanity. (Hear, hear.) neutrality of this country on the occasion In question, and He was surprised to hear the honourable gentleman tell them that whether It was met by the step in such a case. There the Mends of Don Miguel were the real friends of' England, could be no doubt, he eved, of the fact, and he did are because that implied that the gallant party with Palma* Ville see bow any other course could have been 'domed. As a Real, and Count Funclud, the old known Mends of their coon. question of policy. he did not consider that he had acted with any try, were the secret enemies of this country. The noble red, impropriety in the course be had taken with regard to Terceira. no doubt, believed it was so; but he could assure him from a long With that island every maritime power was well acquainted. It was a knowledge of the parties that there could not be a more revolting, point at which every ship touched coming from the westward; and groundless, or unfounded accusation. No one could be ignotant, any of their lordships who had been a voyage beyond Europe _most excepting perhaps a Minister, who was frequently more ignorant of have seen thatisland moo than once. noble lord had, Weak 's. what it concerned him to know than any other persoo,that the party marked upon the strength and imp stance of the island of Terceira. I who supported Don Miguel had been for years strenuously engaged The observation cut both way., and certainly it would have bees' in upholding a Spanish interest in Portugal, and meditating her se. most inconvenient to have had that island in a state of continued us. paration from England. He contended it was no breach of noire. certainty and conflict. Now that the two kingdoms were divided, he lity to allow belligerents (which the Portuguese at Plymouth were certainly felt it important that Don Pedro should not come into the not), to fit oat in our ports. He would refer to an instance which possemionsof any part of the Azores belonging to the old Crown occurred in 1771, when Rural& sent a fleet to the blediteeranian Portugal—(Hear, hear, Isear.)--eutongst other accusations it against the Turks. That fleet was fitted out at Portsmouth. Yet was curious to Sod that they were condemned not only for having the Turks did not declare war against this country on account of observed the blockade of Oporto, but also for not having instituted it. The noble duke, however, was theadfully alarmed lest For. a blockade themselves, one at Lisbon and the other at Oporto. tupl should commence a vigorous war against us if we allowed the Amidst so many opinions he did think his Majesty's hovers. Portuguese to go to Terceira. But granting all that could be asked mend came out clear of blame. He objected to this motion on the aft that snore, what right had we to follow them on the high seas ? grounds that he had objected to the others, and should therefore give (hear, hear, hear.) He knew that Don Miguel was no peat friend It his negative. of the noble twenty of state (Lord Aberdeen) opposite._ ,At Lord GODERICH thought It quite preposterous that his ma. hest, if he were, be took great liberties with his friend. (a laugh.) jesty's ministers should complain of the recurrence of th is topic as a When he should be driven to the cruel necessity of recognising mum a debate, when it was notorious that the papers were laid on he would no doubt be placed in a painful situation. In sinew- the table too late last session to make any formal motion upon them ' ing up the credentials of the ambassador, he would, he supposed, at and the commencement of the present session the noble seneemy &pert from the usual form, and instead of addressing to 66 h is Most of tote his t L or d Abordeenj told them that he bad not sufficiently re. Faithful Majesty," his language would run "to his Most Faithless, tw i l le d by the papers to be able to make a satisfactory Cruel, and Cowardly Majesty." (Much laughter.) These were answer. The ro b secretary had had sufficient time now to read the noble earl's epithets, and therefore he was bound to conclude it the papas, and therefore nothing could be more proper than to was am from personal opposition to him that he had acted as he bring forward the motion before the house. For his own on had. But, with regard to Terceira, what he wanted to know was, he must say that his opinion upon the subject was not at all al. whither if the Portuguese had gone to Calais would his Majesty's weed. A pump had been quoted from a great authority on the geornessen have sent a fleet after them ? law of patios to show that the duty of a neutral was to chace any The Duke of WELLINGTON—No. portion of a belligerent power beyond the limits of his state as /vein as Lord HOLLAND- -Then, why follow them with armed vessels possible. But England had no frontier but the sea, and it could not he to Terceira, and there beat, them off t He could not see the dif. contended that we were bound to drive the Portuguese Refugees into home. The noble duke told them he must be supposed not to the ocean, still less to follow them upon it by ships of war. Supposing know much of the law of nations For his part (Lord Holland) he that France had steed upon this principle, the Portuguese must have should have thought that a commander of confederated forces, an been driven into Prussia, thence into the Netherlands, and again ambesesete to courts and congresses, might be supposed to know brought to the verge of the ocean. The noble duke had admitted, with of the laws which regulate all the transactions betwixt that manliness which always characterised him, that he felt strongly town csown, nation and nation, people and people, and by indisposed to let the island of Terceira fall to the Brazilian Crown. whose principles even war itself is guided. He did not hold a brief It required an admission of this kind to clear up the wavering po ts prove the talents of the noble duke in this branch of' learning; hey of the British Cabinet in the Portuguese affair. But this was but if be did, the correspondence on their table, upon this subject net the principle of' neutrality, but the principle of interest; and of Terceira, would prove his ample and accurate acquaintance with the consequences of pursuing such a course we must bear. Whel an principles of international law. (Hear.) He did not mean to ever they were we bad brought them upon ourselves, and he feared go through that conespoodence. It was curious, howev er . to ob. we should have much cause to repent the course which had been servit in Candia the noble duke found out that although the followed. He should certainly support the motion of his noble were Greeks, the forts were in the hands of the Turks, friend. WrhiireTfore we mild not exercise any controul over it without The LORD CHANCELLOR was desirous of stating the grounds Int essquering it; but when they came to Terceira the case was upon which he had acted in giving the advice he had given for the altered. There a Commodore, some leagues out at sea, discovered line of conduct which had been adopted with reference to Portugal that there was a disturbance in the island, and although the forts So far from thinking blame attached to his Majesty's ministers, he woe in the hands of the partisans of Donna Maris, that was thought they would have incurred a serious responsibility had they mthe enough for the noble duke to contend that the dominion was acted otherwise. The noble baron (Lead Holland) who had fa the Ruler of Portugal. The noble duke told them that pressed so much npon the lest catastrophe, as. he termed it, and other nations of Europe had not done their duty with regard to Tee. given so much amusement by his speech, had really said so little cetra; and yet the noble earl(Aberdeen)said he was willing to havethe upon the material point, that be could nut help concluding that be wholeconduct of government on that very topic judged by the other did not feel himself very strung upon that part of the cam. (laugh.) =has of Europe. He could not help thinking it strange fee $ He would take Inns to say at the outset, that the policy which minister to accuse governments in the manner the table due had the eireurnstanas of the came appeared to dictate between the done, as sovereigns in the moon the noble lord had dome The two panics in Portugal, was stew neutrality and that from that principle his Majesty's Government bad never swayed.— In this respect they had clay followed the course pentad by the government that preceded them. He did not enter into the question d whether this was the right course or not. He took ft for granted it wee, sod then be contended they could not haste acted ot betwise than they did In those matters which had been so much arraigned by treble lords. In the first place, a sincere mtibespitable refuge had been gives be the unfortunate persons who had been engaged in the stntg. glee is PortspL Not only that, but facilities were afforded by this goveasewon for coming here. For some time ft was not kr,own in what manner they were going en. The feet, however, was, that the Marquis de Palmetto admitted that they were paid as troops, mar. shelled and disciplined, and under the orders of General Stubbs, who went down to command them, and in all respects assuming the outward character of a military body. The noble duke very properly, when he heard this, said they must disperse, and go into centooments, the officers separating from the men. Now, was it possible to take exception to this ? Was such a thing ever heard of, or tolerated by any settled government, as a body of foreign troops, disciplining and preparing on the soil of a neutral power for an expedition against the possessions of a sovereig n with whom the state harbouring the hostile band were not at war . Not only were the troops at Plymouth themselves preparing for the ex pedition, but tbei were levying Germans who were about to join them I and they had actually transports its the harbour. There could be no doubt indeed as to the real intentions and character of this body. If there had been, that would have been entirely re. moved b the admissions of the Marquis de Palmella and the Mar quis de The latter individual first asked to be allowed to go to the Ames, but this wee refused ; be then ailed to go to Ries Janeiro, claiming a ittutrentee of safety from his Majeoty's Go. vernmeot. The Noble Duke was perfectly right in saying he could not give the patentee, and be was not sure that he did not go too far in premieres a convoy. But be erred on the right side,if error it was. The Marquis de Palmella tefuaed the convoy, ad it was obvious for what reason. The expedition left these shores with a solemn assurance that they were going to Rio Janeiro. By this assurance they were bound—it was an engagement on their past which they was bound to perform, end of which we were entitled to exact the conditions. Thus it was when they were found at 'Terceira endeavouring to evade their engagement to this country, and involve the British Government in a breach of neutrality. It was our bounden duty not to stand by and see this done ; we should I have been potties to the violation if we had. He repeated, that finding them on the high seas prepared to violate their engagement with us, we had a right to enforce the observance of that engage ment. (Hear, beer, from Lord Holland.) He should be prepared to maintain that opinion, notwithstanding the cheers of the noble baron. Then it could not be said that more violence than was ne. cowry had been used. Notice was given before they left England, and again at Terceira, and one or two shots were fired over their heads la the first instance: but the thing was a fraud from beginning to end. The Getmana who had been levied followed in a few days, and leaded at Tench*. He contended that no principle of public right bad been violated, no rule of the law of nations infringed, by Ws tameattion. No one could say that the advice under which his grimy% goverment had acted was not that of moderation, or shot their actions had been dictated by any other desire than that of me anxious wish to preserve the neutral character. (War, hear.) Lord HOLLAND explained. He had been accused of omitting to take into account the notice served on the unfortunate Portu. geese before they sailed, and at Terceira. lie wished to say that a wake would Not snake an illegal act legal • nor would the Lord Chancellor have told his Grace that it would, had he, instead of peemetiting Mr. Alexander, given him a good drubbing in the streets, having first taken the precaution of serving him with notice of his intention. (A laugh.) The LORD CHANCELLOR said he had particularly stated that there were two notices—one before the parties sailed, and they were warned again at Terceira: the consequences therefore they were themselves responsible for. Lord CAKNARVON did not know, as this was not a ghost story, that it mattered whether there was one warning or two. Hewes surprised to hear the Noble Duke say he was afraid the Portuguese would not obey his order to disperse. However low our tone in fo. reign diplomacy, he did not know that we were yet sunk so low at home as to be unable to enforce obedience to such an order issued nn. der the guns of Plymoudi.The Noble Duke,however,firund the means of enforcing his orders on the high seas. It was alleged that punish ment was due because these unfortunate men broke their remise. He wished to God his majesty's ministers had dealt out the same measures to Don Riguel for breaking promises of far higher ins. penance, and attested with far greater solemnity. A gentle hint ender the fort of Belem would have settled the destinies of Portugal hi tt, Duke of WELLINGTON said he had not expressed him. I self as net possessing the power to enforce the dispersion. He had merely pointed out the unpleasantness of making such an use of power. Their Lordships then divided— Contents Proxies lO —3l Not Contents Proxies Majority against the Motion The House adjourned at Tix o'Claek. HOUSE OF COMMONS-TUUDAY. The SPIAILER was summoned to the Lords to hear the royal a. sect given to the mutiny bill, and several private bills (for which see Lords). Mr. Hewlett, from the warden of the einque ports' office present. ed annual returns of the surplus rates of pilotage, ailleetted for the benefit of superannuated pilots. Mr. Alderman THOMPSON presented a petition from the warden and court of assistants of the watermen's company against the new Lambeth bridge, anl a similar petition from the lighter. men and watennen of Palace.staim—Laid on the table, and or dered to be printed. LORD ILLLEXIOROVOieII DIVOICZ BILL. Sir GEORGE CLERK moved the seated reading of the above bill, width was read accordingly, and ordered to be committed to. morrow (this day) se'nnight. A petition was presented by the same hon. member front Mr. Fresh&lel, solicitor for the bill, praying that service of notice on Messrs. Bateman and Jones, of Lincoln's-inn, solicitors for Lady Ellenbovengh, should be deemed good service, Lady EUenborough at the present time residing abroad. 1 After the petition had been read by the Clerk, the Sesames de manded to know whether Mr. Freshneld was in attendance, and was answered in the affirmative. The SPEAKER—Let him be called in. Mr. Fresh&id appeared at the bar. The SPEAKER—What is your name? I • Mr. Fresheeld—James William Frnlttiel.l. The :SPEAKER—Is this your petition ? Mr. Freshfield—lt is. The SPEAKER—You state in your petition that Lady Ellin. borough, who is at present residing abroad. had been served with an attested espy of the bill perviously to its being read in the House of Lords t that she attended by her counsel before that bolo( ; and also that Mesas. Bateman and Jones acted .is her 'elicitors. and appeared in the Cunsistorial Courts on her Waif. Is this true? Mr. Freshleld—lt is. Magus. Bateman and Jones informed me that they had authority to act on Lady Ellenborough's behalf. The SPEAKER—You may withdraw. On the motion of Sir GEORGE CLERK, it was ordered that service of the copy of the bill, and notice to attend the committee, on Messrs. Bateman and Jones, should be deemed good sarice. ZXCIlit CONVICTIONS. Mr. WARD moved for return of the numberof fines and con. victions in the Court of liachequer against licensed victuallers. distinguishing those for fraud and those for a breach of the excise regulations in regard to wine, during the last five yean.—Ordercd. The Hon. Mnsasta moved 'or a similar tetum with respect to spiritous liquors—Ordered. Sir J. WROTTESLEY presented • petition frem a parish in Staffordshire, praying foe an amelioration in the condition of slaves in the West Indies.—laid on the table. ameteat. utsvarss. Sir (ALBERT H t.ATHCOTE preeenkd a petition adopted at a general meeting of the inhabitants of the county of kutland, com plaining of distress. The hon. member could bear testimory to the respectability of the petitioners, and to the very deplorable state of distress which prevailed in the county which be .had the honour ut reprerenting. The petitioons prayed foe a reduction of taxes, and also for a reform in Parliament.—The petition was ordered to be primed. Mr. HU3IE presented a petition from the inhabitants of W ton-under. Edge, Gloucestershire. complaining of the ! general dis tress of the country, anti praying for free trade to the East and fur the !suppression 0' suttees in India.—Ordered to be printed. Mr. HIJAIE t resented a petition from Batley, in Yorkshire. praying foe free trade to India.—thdered to be printed. LAW. Mr. HUMS said he held ia his hand a petition from the in. hahitants of Carlisle upon a very important subject — vie.. upon the administration of th e laws of this country. The petition ' era stated, that by original Charter It was provided that the laws should be administered cheaply and expeditiously 3 but from modern Innovations, and the system of fees, it hid be. come quite the reverie—it was bath dilatory and ruinously corn ets,' ; so moth so, that it was only the opulent china who could at all enter the Courts of law. He (Mr. Ham) oonsideted this subject was one of the most importune for revisions and ought to form a primary feature in the consideastion of those measures which must take place. to afford any relief to theevutury. for Terceira ; and - the question was. whether they were to be of Terceira. would prove ma ample area accurate sat Mintage* men use consequences or pursuing soul a course Irc mum uvaar. w, wet. tied to act in consummation of that fraud ? (Hear, bear.) He the principles of ineentatiocal law. (Hear.) He did not mean to ever they were we had brought them upon ourselves, and he feared tress of she country, and praying for free trade to the East mum ered it impossible to maintain that, either by the law of as. go through that correspondence. It was curious, however. to ob. we should have much cause to repent the course which had born and for the OuPPremtio" ° e "nitres in India.—t)edeted to be F in" nr the laws ofCoannOn genie CO of sound reason, persons were serve, how in Cendia the noble duke found out that although the followed. He should certa i n ly su pport th e mot i on of his noble 31r. HUME t resenttd a petition from Batley, in Yorkshire. d to derive an advantage from their fraud, which we were population were °mks, the forts were in the hands of the Turks, friend. praying foe free trade to India.—Oidered to be printed. A tient to prevent them from obtaining by other means; and and therefore we could not exercise any coatroul over it without The LORD CHANCELLOR was desirous of stating the grounds LAW. mended that the government was justified in doing that first conquering it; but when they came to Terceira the ease was upon which he bad acted In giving the advice he had given fur the Mr. H UltIE said he held in his hand a petition from the in. ,If it had not done, would have exposed his Majesty to altered. There a Commodore , some leagues out at sea, discovered line et conduct which had been adopted with reference to Portugal bahitants of Carlisle upon a ray important subject—viz., upon war from the opposite party. This conaideratioc, in his opt. that there was a disturbance in the Island, and although the forts So far from thinking blame attached to his Majesty's ministers, he the administration of die laws of this country. The Petitie3- Madied the course which had been pursued: and even if his were in the hands of the partisans of Donna Maria, that was thought they would have incurred a serious responsibility had they en stated, that by cuisine' Charter It was provided that the ty was not, from the nature el th e power In (pastiest. lapossd quite enough for the noble duke to contend that the dominion was it otherwise. The noble baron (Lord HoUand) who had laws 'hook* be "ministered cheaply and extradition'' , 3 real danger, yet he would have been exposed w the diegmee in the Rukr of Portugal. The noble duke told them that peseasd so much upon the last eatarerepbe, are be tanned it, and from modern innovations, and the system of fell'. it had be. ring his sincerity and his honour quest , isesd, and 417 other nations of Europe had not done their duty with regard to Tee- given m much amusement by his speech , had Nay said so little come quite the reverie —' it was bath dilator/ and ruinously estral_ 3 7 mod, by those powers., in whose eestgellia it vas cella ; and yet the noble estl(Aberdero)raid he was willing to havethe upon the el point, that he mold not help mad. ading that h e give: so moth so, that it was only the opulent elassea who . eouid tam for th is COOM/7 to preserve a maitak IN& The ids, whole conduct of government on that very topic judged by th e other did not feel himself very strong upon that part of the ease. Oat.) at all enter the Courts of Law. He ( Mr. Hume) eon* and 1.... .. which his hisse r s b e d age d Is *km. Dolan of Europe. He could not help thinking it strange foe a Re would take leave to say at the outset, that the policy ri ich this subject WWI one of the most important foe revision. an re r ;tiy b ei , a d opte d on s segielels,..a.llllll7, In *epic minister to amuse governments in the manner the noble duke had the eiretunstenees of the ease appeared to dictate between the ought to fain" primary feature in the conoidegii, _ , '1.11,_t4 t hose la reference to the Portelfaim retivess. Ina iheammaluitlN domes or sovereigns is the manner the noble lord had 41806. Th e two panics in remittal, was strict neutrality ; and th at from °Wu " s lib" muss laiw On" le alrold any relict to '4.94"."-e• but - • _ _ _ __:- _. — ' . • ....—____— r • -