Star. — London, England, 1813-04-03 00:00:00

p present, involving the Parliament. could not be gible by &discussion ; he wow appointment of a Select Commit. that Committee would be, to take into consideration the Acts of the 26th, 32d, and nd of the King, and report to the House how far, under thole Acts, any tart of the Sinking Fund was at the disposal of Par liament, consistently with a due regard to the public creditor and funded securities. In the choice of that Committee, he would totally discard all party pur poses. It was,his intention to name the Attorney :Ind Solicitor-General, two Hon. Friends of his who had filled that office, and several Milkers, Members 61 that . House. He would willingly accede to the Aggestion of any other names of intelligent Gentle men conversant with the subject. From that Corn inittee the House would receive, not a dexterous speech, but an intelligent Report. The subject, in the mind of the Right Hon. Gentleman ( Mr. Tierney) Was confined withina very narrow compass, but requi red not a few words to bring it clearly before the House. The Hon. Member then went into a minute historical, detail of the creation of the Sinking Fund by Mr. Pitt, its progress, and the alterations it underwent; partictilairly the Act of Consolidation ; and argued, that by the expressed provisions of several Acts ?f Parliathent, it was designed that not only the public debt should be redeemed within 45 years, but that this should be regularly effected by compound inte rest and accumulation. This construction followed not only from the obvious consideration of the Acts themselves, but from the Resolutions upon which they were founded, and the recorded speeches of the time. The only argument opposed was the Right J-lonoumble Gentleman's (the Chancellor of the Ex chequer) recollections or an idea at some time ex pressed by Mr. Pitt. Seven millions of what the public creditor thought, and had been encouraged to think his own, was now to be swept away, without even a proper investigation. Stich an investigation it was his object to propose. If a Select Committee were appointed, all doubts on the subject would be removed, and the public faith of the House would stand unitive:fished in the eyes of posterity. This Report would be made with convenience and expedi tion.—Even the Right Honourable Gentleman (the Ceanceltor of the Exchequer) himself should desire the appointment of such a Committee. Their Report might simplify and develope a subject so dexterously involved in an elaborate variety of figures. The Right Honourable Gentleman contended, that no diminution of the Sinking Fund would take place tor the first year. When from any thing we substract more than we add to it, to his (Mr. Tierney's) plain understanding it appeared that a diminution must follow—but perhaps to the More extended views and acute perception of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the fact appeared to be otherwise. The pressure of the measure might be light for the first year, but in' the course of two years it would be severely felt and regretted. He (Mr. Tierney) would take up the time of the House no longer than merely to move— is That a Select Committee be appointed, to take into their consideration how far, under the Acts of the 96th, 32d, and 49d of the King, any part of the . Sinking Fund, consistently with a doe regard to the public faith and the several public funded securities, is left at the disposal of Parliament." The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER contended that a Select Committee had never been ap pointed on such an occasion as the prese nt. Com. pound interest, and the word accumu late, did not oc cur in any Act relative to the Sinking Fund before that of 18(12. The operation of the Sinking Fund had been frequently altered and modified, yet no Select Committee was ever proposed: [Mr. Tierney having said across the table there was, proposed by himself] ....then, said the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Hon. Member is acting under the authority of his own precedent, but the House would follow its precedent, and reject the motion. The Chancel lor of the Exchequer then read extracts, in opposition to the motion, from papers published by Lord Henry Petty (Marquis of Lansclown), on his financial sys tem. The Bill in progress through the House was sustained by the authority of Mr. Pitt, the illustrious author of the Sinking Fund, by Lord Grenville, Lord Henry Petty, and other distinguished persons, most conversant with subjects of finance. He would de precate its being judged of by the representation of its adversaries. Sir JOHN NEWPORT observed, that the public creditor had been taught to believe not only that the whole debt should be redeemed in 45 years, but also that the Consolidated Fund should operate by com pound interest in the mean time for his benefit.— When the public exigencies would hereafter oblige us to have recourse to loans, this invasion of the Sinking Fund would be severely felt. Mr. ROSE said, that in the years 1798, 1799, and 1810, liberties had been taken with the Sinking Fund. Such a measure as the present must be admitted at spme period ; the only question was, whether the pre sent was the proper time ? Mr. 13A.NKF4 said, he should speak candidly and fiiirlron the subject. lie bad perused the existing laws Which regulated the Sinking Fund, and he could perceive nothing to prevent the plan of the Chancellor of the Exchequer being carried into effect.—( Cheers from Afinittere.)—At the same time he could not avoid saying, that grave and serious doubts were en tertained out of doors, whether the measure would not materially shake public credit.—(Clieer: from Oft bim the plan appeared justified only by the extreme necessity which called for it. Many objections, however, might be justly made to it, which lie would state in a Committee; therefore he would I,upport the Motion. Mr. CHARLES LONG distinctly stated the ob jects which Mr. Pitt bad ip view at the establishment ..of the Sinking Fund, and denied that any one of them would be defeated by the plan of the Chancellor of the Exchequer; therefore public credit was not af- Laved. Mr. HUSKISSON said he would not trouble the House with any observation at present upon the -Fi uancial System, but he would vote for going into a Committee, in order that he might there acquire a knowledge of what he was still ignorant, that the plan of hes Right Hon. Friend was not an infraction of public faith. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said, he could not agree with his Right Hooourabl; Friend, that a required _ Mr. CANNING . his Friend (Mr.. liuskisson7), that it would be better to re&r . the matter to a Committee, to ascertain and re port hcrtv far the principle of the Sinking Fuid, as established In , Mr. Pitt, would be departed from by the adoption of the new plan. Lord CASTLEREAGH said; he never knee . ; a single instance in which Parliament so much degraded itself as to refer the construction of Acts of Parlia ment to a Committee. Indeed, from all he had heard, he had yet to learn what Act of Parliament would be put aside by the plan of his Right Hon. Friend, tor no Gentleman on the opposite side under tevic to specify one, but generally stated collateral matters of inquiry, and promised in the Committee to explain themselves more at length. He denied that by the present plan the public faith was in the least broken with the stockholder, and therefore he hoped the people of this country would not suffer themselVes to be led away by a false notion, of what was calcu lated solely to let the enemy know and feel the un shaken strength and power of the British Empire. Mr. TIERNEY; it: reply, said, the faith in Par liament would be much affected by the plan of the Right Hon. Gentleman, and, in confirmation of what he advanced, he would call upon the Deputy Gover nor, or any Director of the Bank of England (Mem bers of the House), to say whether the ordinary con struction put in the City upon the Acts of Parliament relating to the Sinking Fund, was not directly con trary to that put upon them by Learned Gentlemen opposite ?—(Hear, hear.)—He admitted that he was not prepared to state one instance wherein a Com mittee was appointed to make the same inquiry as his motion would direct them, but yet many instances could be adduced to spew, that, on grave and serious subjects, Committees had been appointed to inquire and report, and why not in the present instance, when the finances of the country, and the laws where by they would be regulated, would be the subject of investigation ? The House then divided, and the numbers were— Ayes, 59—Noes, 152—Majority, 93. On our admission into the Gallery, after the divi sion, we found the CHANCELLOR of the Exeneousa bringing in Bills, in conformity ro 'the Resolutions of the Committee of Ways and Means fur imposing ad iditional duties on Tobacco. &c. THE EVENING STAR LONDON. SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 1813. PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAY AT ONE 0 CLOCK Cons. 584—far ac. 57} per Cent. f —Bonds 6s. 86. dig. Exchequer Bills a. 7s. prenx.—Omn.t- Lord MILLAR% in the House of Peers, and Lord G. L. GOWER and ME. WHITBREAD, in the House of Commons, last night presented several Petitions In favour of Peace. This conduct reminds us of the people who found a person beating his adversary when lying on the ground, and cried out " Shame ! Shame! Let the man get up again."—" Let him get up !" said the other, " you don't know how much trouble it cost me to get him down!" Lord HOLLAND, in presenting these Petitions, ad. verted to the Proclamation of Louts XVIII. which he highly condemned. Mr.vintrattean. in the House of Commons, alluded to the same production. Lord CASTLEREAGH denied any share in the measure on the part of Ministers. They knew of its production, but bad no hand in it, nor do they consider them selves in any manner fettered or restrained by that publication. The Income Tax is not to be extended to Ireland. With respect to prisoners of war, the Marquis of LANs. DOWN inquired, if any proposition had been lately made by the enemy, for an Exchange of Prisoners, and what answer had been returned by Mini3ters.— Lord LIVERPOOL answered, that an intimation, not written, but from authority, was made for the pur pose of negociating an exchange, but on terms which were rejected by this Government last year ; and that Ministers, in their answer to this intimation, again stated their readiness at all times to agree to any ex change upon fair and equitable principles. The attendance at the Common Hall of the Livery of London yesterday was numerous and respectable. An Address to the Princess of WALES, on the subject of the late wicked attempt against the life and honour of her Royal Highness, was proposed by Alderman WOOD, and carried by a large majority. Had more zeal to vindicate her Royal Highness been manifested in other quarters, which might be named, we should perhaps have disapproved of the interference of this body—indeed it is probable that the meeting would never have been summoned ; but under all the cir- I cumstances of the ease, the conduct of the Common Hall will not only receive the approbation of the great majority of the people of England, but be fol lowed by almost every Corporate Body. It is highly proper that the public should mark their decided detestation of the foul attempt that has been made against her Royal► Highness. The flames of insurrection seem to be rapidly spreading---they have now reached North iinlland. Several vessels have arrived from the Dutch coast within these twenty-four hours, with various reports from the places Row supposed to be the scenes of con- test between the French armlet s and their timorous f tart rAlflatibbilre "At . rC9Pitneriecejurralive'?nligarrimillr construction of three, Acts of found en ist* of ar itameiiii Of 11 . tile ei be rendered completely intelli. Com Mons losing so mach sight of its bid the* as le would therefore propose the leAviug that to be done by a Commiuee which theCen- : Committee. The btisiness of s dtution required shoujd be done by the Houle itself. be, to take into consideration Mr. CANNING agreed with his Right Mu. a t,.._.!___ i las v• • • • • • C r INDIAN E.MPIEIE. Sir HENRY MONTGOMERY gave notice, that he would, on the 10th instant, submit a Motion, with a view of insuring the Natives of India a free exer cise of their Religion. Adjourned at Half-past One o'clock this morning. poled to be so accutateif acquainted, as with what hat happened in their own country. About a week ago 200 wounded Ftench soldiers were brought into Groningen, some wanting their arms, and some their The officer, in *hose charge they were, would suffer no questions to be put to them, as to the affair in which they had been engaged It was believed, hoeteveri that much blood had been shed between the French troops and the peasantry in East-Friesland, where it was supposed the soldiers in question hod tbeefted theit wounds. This, if true, seems to she*, that the insurfeetion is widely spreading through the very departfrients, of *hose zeal and attachment the ifoniteur has of late so much boasted. Already has it reached from the Elbe to the Ems I apd, 'ere long ; we may hope to see the Batatian and Belgic States in arms: By Letters from Bavaria; the authenticity of which we understand, is unquestionable, lire learn, thit at Munich a Council of State has been held, to de termine upon the uteagures and line of conduct to be pursued. The Ptunce ROYAL strongly urged imi tating the example of Austria, to make a peace upon solid grounds, and the liberation of Germany from French influence, the fundamental articleg there of, and to take an independent line of conduct. The Kum and his Prime Moister MONTEOLAS, were for continuing their present political connectfons, without any change. The discussion got warm, ko much .so, that the Paince was put under arrest. This measure had no sooner transpired, than the Burghers flew to arms and liberated the Prince. PRINCE REGENT'S LEVEL - Yesterday his Royal Highness the PRINCE REGENT held a Levee at Carl- ton House, which was numerously attended. Considerable expectation was entertained for the last two days, that Earl MOIRA would reply to Mr. Wurrontam, in his place in the House of Lords, but the Noble Lord was prudent enough not again to enter the Bits. The Oratorios at both Theatres last night, were numerously attended, and their respective perfor mances highly applauded. A hoax was successfully practised yesterday it Drury-lane Theatre. An amateur of music introduced himself at the Rehearsal of the Oratorio, as the Tur kish Ambassador, dressed up like one of our fierce Hussitrs, in a mod beard and whiskers.. He enter tained the performers with a Turkish concerto He WAS discovered towards the end, and he then said that he had done it for a wager. A Mr. HART obtained £5OOO damages last week, at Lifford, against Mr. FRANCIS PLt/Wl4:Ny fur a libel, contained in a work written by the Defendant. Wednesday marched into Frankfort Barracks the Edinburgh regiment, Colonel Lord ANCHCM, to re main there till they embark fur Ireland, with the ,Roscommon, Berks, and Salop regiments—trans ports are expected tor them very SOCHI. Finks.—Saturday last a fire broke out on the pre mises of Mr. Finbow, of Bacton, which were entirely consumed ; but the dwelling-house was saved. We learn by letters received yesterday from ?Ann elle:ter, that a very destructive file broke out in that :town on Tuesday last, wl►ich had consumed property to the amount of £50,000. The fire broke out about twelve o'clock at night, on the premises of Messrs. GHLIN and Co. and spread to those of Messrs. A'i•IN WALL and Co. which were entirely consumed, as well las several adjoining warehouses. BOXINU.—The battle between Molineux and Carter took place yesterday, about six miles fr Jrn Banbury. In the first five or six rounds Molineux had the ad vantage, but having received a severe blow, he ex pressed an inclination to give in. By the advice of his second and others he was induced to continue the bat tle. The succeeding rounds were in favour of Carter, until the 17th, when Molineux hit Carter a tremen dous blow on the head, which it is supposed broke a blood-vessel ; he, is consequence, gave up the contest. The battle lasted 50 minutes. Some New York Papers to the 21. th of February were received yesterday. The blockade of the Che sapeake and other rivers continued to be strictly maintained, and the Americans appear to entertain serious apprehensions of the consequences which may result from the attacks they expect will be made on their ports. The squadron which blockades the Che sapeake consists of sixteen armed vessels. A letter from Hampton, dated February 10, contains the fol lowing intelligence: " There was a hard-fought battle in the Bay the day before' yesterday, with nine British barges and a privateer ; her name is not known as yet ; the contest lasted three hours. A number of persons of veracity, living on the shore, saw the whole of the fight, and it is supposed seven of the barges wert sunk;—but finally the schooner was captured." The Bill for suspending the Nou Importation Act to the Ist of June, 1814., was still before Congress, but some doubts were entertained at its passing into a law. Though the object of the Bill is the admission of British manufactures, it proposes to exclude the following articles, viz. Hats, millinery, shoes, silks, articles the principal material of which is hemp or flax, except irids linens, woollen cloths, the first cost of which shall not exceed Os. sterling per square yard, cotton 15d. pet yard ; it also imposes the lowest rate of the pre sent duties upon all imported articles, not heret•tore IlaWe to duties_ and an additional tonnage duty td six dollars •n foreigo tonnage, making in the whole, eight dollars per tun. No draw backs to be allowed on goods exported. A Petition, complaining of violation of the Law for abolishing the Slave Trade, by American vessel! under the cover of foreign flags, has been presented to Congress, and referred to a Committee. MISSIONARY SOCIETY.—The Members and T'r'ends of the Missionary Society, resident in and near Lon don, are earnestly requested to attend a General Meeting on Monday, April .sth, at the New London Tavern, Cheapside, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, to consider of a Petition to Parliament on the subject of. the Society's Missions in India.—JosEnt HARD CASTE; Treasurer ; GEOLIGNI BURLIER and S. W. Tnacr, Secretarial. . nuaneurit; Arriied the RAPID schooner. from Porumouth.= Sailed . thb Elita psioltet, with amail foi the Wind.; ward Islands 4 and his Majestei ship ittoentaavAD; with a coilialy for Walei.—The +ma hard fester: day for the Fox packet, from the Braiiii, proies to bsi, a brig of war, name not iiroertgined, as the pioceacifd to the ‘smistward.Wind N.W . : fresh breezei. PLYMOUTH, APitiL 1. The &Mous French priirateer la MiguollOnalsei which has cruised successfolly several' weeks, arrived in Hamoaze tills afternoon, having been iaptueedi after a very smart chase, and sent here; by the Uxi ooaN frigate, Captain SALT, and ST4e frigate, Cap= tain HoAtm—stfe is a corvette built ship, pierced for twenty' guns, which are mounted, and fidi of men. Among the Captures lately made hi hei, the British ship Little Alexander; wititit she test ioe. }lance. Arrived this morning, another Amerkai schooner, one of the largest ever seen in this Port. - .4* The Tigre, Captain COini. from Boddeaui, a cargo, consisting of brandy, Wine, silks, in. bound to New York, captured by the Manua+ frigate, Ho* Captain Bow:wets ; and the Strata sloop of oral Captain MiDowar.zi; put in here this day, to join eolt;. Voy ; the American ship Cannoniete; from Nevi York, laden with coffee, sugar, and Fratite, captured by the WARSPITIL man which arrived here some days since, is state ; her cargo, which, it 1s feared, considerable damage, ia to be landed The ships, having on board the Marines, Canada, remain wind-bound. The 112 guns, will dock either this nigl night. Undocks tonight the Rosa sloop the vessel which h to be fixed with Breakwater. PORTSMOUTH, APRIL Arrived his Majesty's ship Bomb,, Sailed the ErJA, Mr the Downs. appointedennro7 tor Cot k, and the for the Downs. The Aetit, with West Indies ; Poreom for Carunna and the MissucToe, fur Guernsey and wind-bound at Spithead.--Wind %V, DOVER; APRIL 2. Last night, at half-past biz or se\ two large privateers off here within harbour :—they succeeded in captnrini coming up Channel, and she was seen well over to Calais, and no doubt nor the harbour. Early 014 n morning the , captured another brig, and carried umph—the people quitted . her, and . —they are now within a short distance bour, having been rowing all day. cured brigs had.a jack flying at ark And av•sared to be deeply laden. DEAL, APRIL v. The George Canning diA not pi is stated, but is now coming into the the DAPPl2lgun-bilg with a conv9y North Yarmouth, and the Gnowl.ki The Tottenham East Indianian and remain.—Wind atiEERNESS, MARCH A convoy is appotnted to Ltd fro : goland, the Elbe, Ems, &c. &c. on wind and weather permitting. CORK, MARCH 2 Yesterday sailed his Majesty's Host. Captain AYLMER, on a crufze, gun brig, Lieutenant PLTTAIAN, is ford for new raised men. His Wiest, Captain CoutsoN, proceeds in a few swilly. As there are about 80 sail gmerr; u-om crew nd cotton, bound to ra man of war, and :e, is in a very leaky ared, has sustaine4 ended immediately. larines, destined for The SAN Jo kap of night or tamorma as sloop of war, and with lights on the ML f. irom Eymondi. is. The Pr.ovea he FIIwExT envoy di convoy fur t nna and P wtugal and Jersey, re 2. • seven, there were din) gunshot of t airing a large brig s seen this morning t now lies moored the same privateer irried her off in tsi and took to the boa - .tance from the bar iy. One of the cap alb cluionuast; bead • t put bad yesterda ) the Downs. Sail! , vvy of traosp .rts fo ,wi.ka for the Bale- aric! 011AW4,14101111• :CH tt. from hence for Keg on the 10th instant! 122. y's ship roEITUN mice. The VIVA 1, is gone to Wate I j lajesty's ship ST. 1! few days to Loug ail of valuable A • hoped, 4re long, them into this po privates, with a pr !longing to the to proceed to B • The fleets for I Eke. are *till detai.: )rts from Purism° ie Svistu.Ls, Meet • ed. tIL side wall of the ' irly the whole leng and in length abo y towards nslki ' n•ning the centre wly pressed outw ls, about two or th work, unsettling a on that side in su i of the absolute nee' ble part of I ant of the pecun' mated at from f. u deeaPidiforeficfrstpahointkamethini‘tal'ilmnet"wc?wtiv on board one of " .d broken their p I Monday night, ostAS MANTUA, 54th regiment, w, foodbridge, was o much bruised,. t, is recovery. 1 ricans at Arch Angel, it is to be hot will be enabled to send some of them —A detachment of about 200 prig portional number of Officers, belongil regiment, have embarked here, to does to join the Ist bAttalion. Th West Indies, Halifax, Lisbon, &c. by contrary winds. The transports for Quebec, under convoy of the S' and GANNZT, are hourly expected. MARGATE, APRIL For several days past the outside next the sea, comprehending nearly of wall, built since April last, and 300 feet, has shewn a tendency tc subsidation. Early yesterdm morning of that length gradually affd slow?-- and at the same time downwards, feet from the great body of the disjointing almost every stone on a manner, as to leave no doubt of city of taking down a considerable impossible to judge of the amount mischief, but it is generally estimai six thousand pounds. Franca: Brunette and Nkhola: Ar French prisoners who lately escaped depot at Maidstone, were last week • They have since been conveyed t 4 they are to be closely confined on prison-ships. Two French Officers, who had broken were apprehended at Dover on W delivered into the care of THOMAS Agent for Prisoners of War. Wednesday a soldier of the 54th standing by the Crown Inn, Woodl lently attacked by a cow, and so mt.. little hopes are eskertabled of his recovery. 1