Star. — London, England, 1826-12-13 00:00:00

to Kl Jr - • the Cft of Portugal in favonr of his eldest' a bdicate This ro abdication was accompanied with the daughter• o ffer of a free Constitutional Charter. It was stated that' t hi s bad been done by the.advice of Great Britain.-. hi w as no such thing—England gave no such advice ; not because Ministers approved or disapproved of snob a measure, but because they felt it formed no part of Ater' d o ry of an Englisli.Ministry_to interfere with the inter nal regulations of that or any other country-,-(11sor, h ea r, hear). .It is certainly true, that that Charter-was b ro ught from Brasil by a Gentleman. who has filled, and continues to fill, an office of high trust from this country. Sir Clratlesi Stuart happened to he at Bratil at that time, and he-was requested by the King of Por tugal to take that Charter to Lisbon as he was return ing home. Sir Charles Stuart did bring it to Porto gal,• but no blame whatever attached to that Gentle. man, in consequence of having done so. But he was ordered to return to England in order to prevent the suspicion that that Charter was advised by Bri tish Councils or supported by British Agency. With respect to that Charter, 1 do not feel called upon to give an opinion-:-I certainly entertain an opinion upon it ; but as an Euglisb Minister, all I shall say is, " May 'Goo prosper that attempt at the extension of Constitsw tional liberty, and may the Nation to which it is en. tended prove as fit to receive and cherish it as she i$ to discharge her other duties amongst the other nations if' Europe— ( Cheers from boa sides of the House)." It is' impossible that we can desert our ancient Allies—but at the same time, it is impossible that we could support the Portuguese it there existed a schism amongst the constituted authorities. We do, however, go to Portu gal in faith of astir- treaty ; when there, we shall do nothing forcibly ; but we shall, at the same time, take cite that nothing is done by other Nations, to prevent the free,t actioa of the Constitution there established (hear). So much I have felt it necessary to say, relative to the case of Portugal ; internally, it is not our intention to interfere with that country ; but external violence shall not be. used against her while Great Britain has the power to wield an arm-in her defence. (cheers.) — External force, strictly speaking, has not yet been used; but other chihnels have been tried,'ind.persons who belonged to the internal have now become external. Assailants, through the instrumentality of another Power %.. their . encleatruur to gain their ends. Whether the ' aggressliin complained of was, a defect in the Govern ment, or arises from the machinations of faction and fanaticism, I shall not now. stop to inquire—which de . Les power in the capital or disobeys it on the frontier, • I-will trot noW stop to inquire; but this 1 shall state, that . , oly ecnonry which has the honour and happiness of be ing - the allyiof.Great Britain is enritled to her protection, . and 'Manor be assailed either by renegadoes or external enemies of *vihatever description. (hear.) The question, then is, hit. any such conduct been pursued by Spain? Has any force been used by that country, no matter whether= directed by faction or fanaticism, tending to interfere with the freedom and independence of Portu gal? It would, perhaps, be unjust in me to say, that there exists in Spain an unconquerrble hatred of the existence of free institutions. However incredible the phenomenon may appear in this country,l am persuaded that there_exists in a vast majority of the Spanish Na-. tion, a desisted love of arbitrary power, and a pre. incline for absolute government. The more liberal institutions , of countries in their neighbourhood have not yet extended their influence into Spain ; and whetheCthePtiblicAuthorities there do or do not partake of 1.4 e j easpie l sentiment, no exertion is required to ex cite and to call..it . into. atction..aniong the people. Without blame, therefore, to theGovernatent of Spain, out of the natural antipathy between the two nations— the one prizing its freedom, and the other hugging its • servitude —may have arisen the mutual inroads, mu tual provocations, and mutual aggressions which, per haps, even the most active and vigilant Ministry could not altogether restrain. lam inclined to believe that such was, in fact, the origin of these differences between Spain and Portugal; that in their progress they have been adopted,matured, methodised, combined, and brought into more perfect action, by some authority more united and more powerful than the mere feeling disseminated - through the mass of the community, is certain ; but I do believe their origin to have been as -much in the real sentiment of the Spanish population as in the opinion or'forte of the Government itself. That is precisely the question .between us and Spain, with respect to . this Message from his Majesty regarding iour relations with Spain. .-If, though partaking in the feelings of the .Spanish - Nation, the Spanish Go vernment has never intended to embody and give them effect—it its vigilance has been surprised, its confidence betrayed, and its orders neglected—if the repeated and . -shameless violation of its Angagiments have been ode:a , aimed not by its own goodwill, but against its retain mendation and desire—let us see some symptoms of disapprobation, some signs of repentance ; let us wit ness some measures to establish his sorrow and his sin cerity—(Hear). In that case, the. Message to which I propose this night to return a reply, will remain only a measure of defence to Portugal, and not necessarily a measure of War against Spain. With these ex planations. and qualifications, let us now proceed to • the facts. Great desertions took place from the Portuguese Army into Spain, and some desertions took place from the Spanish Army into Portugal.— At our earnest advice and exhortation, Portugal refused all countenance. to the latter. In the first instance, how ever, with regard to a lew of them, the Portuguese Authorities were taken by surprise; but as soon'as they bad an opportunity of exercising a discretion, it is but justice to say, that they have•uniformly and manfully discouraged the desertions -of the Spanish soldiery ; where they could do so without giving up the indi viduals themselves, and without betraying misplaced confidence, they have given cautions against carrying such an intention into effect. There exist between Spain and Portugal specific treaties, stipulating the mutual surrender of. deserters; Portugal had, there fore; an undoubted right to claim of Spain that' -every such deserter should be forthwith returned.— , I hardly know whether by its own impulse, or by our i.t!.ne, for they were nearly concurrent in point of ;me, thePurtuguese Government waived its right under those treaties ; it very wisely considered that it would be inconvenient to have those deserters restored, and to be placed in the difficult alternative of either granting a dangerous amnesty, or of ordering numerous and exemplary executions. It therefore took a middle course, and signified to Spain that it would be entirely satisfied if, instead of returning the deserters, it would ti send back their arms, horses, and equipments ; and I . separating the men from their officers, remove both from the frontiers into the interior. • A solemn engagement was entered into by . the Spanish Go vernment to this effect —first with Portugal, next with France, and afterwards with England. That under- . . . . . 'taking having been concluded 'One direst *bandana ,to hi ''preneitineaggression, yet as tong at she ie• , had been pat forward - with so much force mid strength on the next paint thin net only once, lint- - the violation tabled • possession of - Cadiz and Barcelona,: shit must as to leave no - othei excuse' than' such as the *:roast was repeated at least in sit or seven different instances. minister to the persecuting. -patty hi' one shape or and most contemptible individual in the country, or The deserters, instead of being disarmed and dispersed, other. We are bound alsoe fur our own interests, to such as the Meanest country in the world would offer, -were allowed to remain together in their depots—they take the steps which . tlie_ Right Honourable Gentle- to eicapethe necessity of taking a decided course. Let ,were enrolled, • trained, dieciplined, and prepared for man recommended—for by what means could we thenenot tell bial* of Bank .ftestrietion Acts, and eco. ection: in fact, they Were fitted for the expeditionthey hope to reduce oar •establishments, while that nation noinn.—He had noeheard a word said, since the Right have slate undertaken. - hay. that with reipect to this continued to keepahl position which she bed taken. Hon. G en tle man sat 'd ow n, Whi c h w o u ld j ust i fy a proceeding, there was - perfidy somewhere; and it rests He (Sir R.) thought he bad every reason to apprehend moment's delay in adopting . the motion pioposed by with the Spanish Authorities to shew, that it was not it was not the ostensible Government of Spain, with him. It was not now a question for consideration whe. with -them—(Hears • vhear). , It rests • with them to which the English nation had to, deal at present ;it was they the treaty with Portugal was prudent or. otherwise. -prove,_ that if their • engagements have not been fill- rather the occult Government—the secret power by The question was, did :eche treaty exist ?—(Cheers.) fille&-if their intentions .;have been diverted and which the councils of that kingdom had been now di- If it 'did, we' . were boned to maintain if. The pro- unezecuted, the fault has not been- with them, and rected: He would avoid all topics that might promote position of sending out General Mina anetherefugees that they are ready to make every reparation for disunion; but he could not avoid saying, that while he would be nothing mote thin the adding cowardice to the breach of treaty which the case admits. I have recommended no plan of hurtful economy, yet he every other meanness which it was possible to conceive mentioned, that these-'promises were • made to Por- would express a hope that the burthens of the people —(Hear). Hehad, he confessed, always looked with tugal and to France as well as to Great Britain ; and might not be increased more than was absolutely necee the greatest jealousy to the state of the Penineula for I shoold do an act of injustice to France if I were not sary. It was impossible yet to know what would be the the last few years; and he was copyinced that if things to add that the • representations of that Government result of those measures, whether they would entail din- Were suffered to go on as they hear commenced ? * Pottu. upon this point have been as urgent, and, - alas! as aster or success on the kingdom ; but, whatever that gal through Spain, and Spain through France,. would fruitless, as those of the British . Ministry (hear). Upon issue might be, he hoped no unworthy apprehensions be under the subjection of that. Power which, of all the first irruption into the Portuguese territory, the would induce them to shrink from a proceeding to others, they had most reason to dread. It might be French Government, to testify its displeasure, recalled which their engagements compelled them—( Hear). baid that the French Government was friendly, but its .Ambassador, and directed its Charge d'Affaires Mr. HUME rose amidst much noise. After the man , their conduct was such as our ancestors never would .to signify to his Catholic Maje st y that Sp a in was to nor in which the House had listened to his Hon. and have been satisfied with. But whether France were look for no support -from France against the collie- Gallant Friend, he could scarcely hope that any indul- sincere or not, we now took the proper means of assur quences of this aggression, and again to recommend that gence would be shewn to him. If, however, they would big ohrselves. The Hon. Gentleman proceeded to con he should retrace the-steps already taken. I:am bound in allow him to speak his sentiments, such as they were, tend that the country was fully adequate to thc.expenses justice to the French Government, to state, that with he should say, that he thnught the Right Hon. Gent. of the undertaking ; that it was not a case to be looked this object it exerted itself to the utmost. I have no only took one view of this subject, with regard to the at in the light of a - Turnpike Bill above stairs. (a laugh). I right whatever to impute any want of sincerity or good treaties existing between England and Portugal. If and that if it were not acted upon at once,England would faith to the exertions made by France to force Spain to those treaties were such as the Right Hon. Gentleman no longer be worth thinking .of as se fQwer or Coun the execution of her engagements. It will be for Spain, stated them to be, he regretted their existence, because try. If the Court of Spain had looked into the Portu lupon a communication of the step now taken by his they rend: red this country liable to a call for assist- guese Constitution, however, they would have foiind no Majesty. to consider in what way she will meet the call. ance at all times when Portugal should require it, cause for such alarm as they manifested. He supposed the very Constitution ys enough iii fri g hten them. My earnest hope and wish is, that she may meet it in without th e s li g h test poss ib i li t y o f t h e i r ever - r e- name suet a manner as to avert the return . consequences of the Mes- ceiving any So late as 1815, the Right of a 1. BANKS con fessed that the speech of the Right sage before us. To those consequences I only allude, Honourable Gentleman said they bad been sanctioned, Hon. Gentleman had not convinced him. H e ' o bj ecte d to the measure, as an infraction of that law of nations and beyond that point I will not pursue them, in the and he called upon the House to act upon what he which allowed no interference on the part of a Foreign hope that they may not be necessary—(Hene, hear.)— declared to be the law of nations at this moment.— Gov meat with the internal Constitution of anycountr I set out with saying, there were: many reasons which He (Mr. Home) hoped, however, that they would not This had been an Oh' to the occu of Spain b Y. P induced me to think that nothing short of a point of na• plunge into hostilities without proper caution. The and this was no th ing alma than an Interval struggle inPortugal. slightest disrespect to the Hon. Member for Aberdeen. I tional faith or national honour—l will not say, wouldßight Honourable Gent. forgot to ask, was England in I Mr. BROUGHAM said, that it was without the justify, but would make desirablia .any approximation a situation to maintain a war, ' bettheoed as she was at but with great disrespect for his motives, that he rose to the possibility of a dangerous war. Let me be on- present? Were they to keep faith with Portugal, and derstood, however,-distinctly, as not meaning that I break faith with their own population at home ? He to protest against the amendment. If he thought that dread a war in a good cause (and in no other may it contended that the Right Hon. Gentleman had not this was indeed, as had been asserted, a commencement be the lot of this country to engage!) from a distrust of made out a cams fatderis, on which it would be incum- of actual war, he should, with amore equable Mind and the strength of the country to commence it, or of her bent on them to iatinch out into war. The Court of temper, be prepared to listen to the calcula t ions o f hi s resources to maintain it. I dread it, indeed, but upon Spa n said, that they bad not allowed the aggression Hon. Friend. But there were situations in which na. far other grounds: I dread it from a consciousness complained of; and were we, on the information of bons, as well as individuals, might be placed, in which a of the tremendous power Great Britain possesses of a single letter, to proceed to these extremities? He computation of cost became. frivolous, and disgrace pushing hostilities in which she may be engaged to thought the House would not be warranted in support- ful to the country, or to the person—(Hear, hear).— consequences which I shudder to contemplate--(Hear, ing the motion of his Majesty's Ministers, and why He was at issue not alone en the principle, but on the hear, hear). Some years ago, in the discussion ef the did he say se. Because he. recollected an able and facts, with t h e H on. M ember. Was it admitted that a negeciations with Spain, I to ok the liberty of adverting eloquent Speeeh made by the Right Hon. Gent. on a nation might be bound by treaties--that she might be to a topic of this nature—that the position of this coup- former occesioa, which urged in the most forcible lan- restricted to a certain line of conduct from year to year, try was one of neutrality, not only between contending guage the advantage of peace, and used the most and from century to century ? He presumed that was nations, but between contending principles; and that it powerful arguments to persuade the 'nation to an eb- not among the propositions which were to be denied on was in the posnion of neutrality alone we could maintain servance of neutrality. n Was there a man," the Right that night. If, in the reign of Charles 11. a treaty that balance the preservation of which I believed to be Hon. Gentleman then asked,'" who did not know, from had been entered into for a sum of money, which that essential to ' the peace and safety of the world. Four the experience of 44 years, that if they once entered abandoned and profligate tyrant had squandered away, years' experiente (it is now more than three years and upon hostilities, they would be compelled to take the and it w ed that the treaty was not valid, a half from that date) has confirmed rather than altered whole burthen of it upon themselves." Such an incon- he believed the computation would there stand on my opinion. I fear that the next war to be kindled in sistency—an opposition, he might call it-..0f sentiments the wrong side of the account, while it Would be Europe, if it spread beyond the narrow limits of Spain appeared to him most extraordinary, especially-when impossible for them to restore the money that Cha r les and Portugal, will be a war of a most tremendous cha- not a Member of that House ceuld say that there U. spent. This treaty was not a very ancient one, as had been alleged ; for it was renewed in the 17th and racier—a war not merely of conflicting armies, but of existed now a greater capability . in the nation of sup conflict ing •opinicass-4Gaerer Sem. I know that if into porting expense than at that time. If they wished 18th, and, not ten years since, in the 19th centuries, that war this-country enters (and if she do engage, 'I to prevent aggression on the' part of Spain, let the during the time that the Hon. Members for Aberdeen trust it will be With a mostsincere desire to mitigate ra- Foreign Enlistment Bill be repealed, rather than con- and Dorsetshire had taken part in the affair s of the coon ther than exasperate, and to contend with arms rather mence measures which must end in a war with France. try. But then the treaty was said to be an imprudent than with the more fatal artillery ofpopular excitation), Instead of agreeing to such a motion at once. he bad one. He granted that would have been an excellent ar she will see under her banners, arrayed for the contest, expected that all the Members of that new House of gument at the time when Lord Castlereagh set his seal all the discontented and restless spirits of the age—all Commons would be allowed a little time to deliberate to the document; but, after having admitted its yeti-- those who , whether justly or unjustly, are dissatisfied on the question. He recollected, op a former occasion, dity so long, are we now to be told that we can escape with' the present state of their own countries. The the Right Hon. Gentleman's coming. down to that its observance with honour to ourselve s ? If s o, h e conselotitneis o such a situation excites all toy fears; House, to say that he had been entirely mistaken in would say then ought at once to proceed, a nd d e pri ve for it :hews that there exists a power, to be wielded by certain matters relative to the state of France. Let them the Executive Government of its functions—of the Great Britain, mole tremendous than was, perhaps. ever wait for more information, and it was probable that pmriinter of making treaties, which they were dete r '. should not be observed. What would the ne xt yet brought into action inthe history of mankind (hear.) this business might issue in a similar announcement.— —But though it may be " excellent to have a giant's If France were sincere in wishing to maintain peace, Power, whose alliance they might find it ne e dful to power," it may be tyrannous to use it like a giant."— let her be called to withdraw her troops from Spain ; seek, say in answer to their proposals ? They would The knowledge that we possess this strength, is our or else, as he had n before said, let the Foreign Enlist. certainly reply, n Before we allow you to say one word security ; and our business is not to seek opportunities ment Bill be repealed, and let Mina and the Spanish --before we speak of commerce, navigation, the with. of displaying it, but by a partial and half shewn can. Refugees be sent out. Let not the House be lett astray drawing of the French from Spain, or any o ther sub. bition of it, to make it felt that it is the interest of ex- by the eloquence of the Right Hon. Gent.'s speech, the act, we must tell u that with you there can be no aggerators, on both sides, to shrink from converting last part of which he contended was a complete answer faith. for you have b roken the treaty which you made their umpire into their competitors (hear). Thesituation to the first. He had already " let slip the dogs of war. with Portugal, your oldest ally I" But it was said, " of this country may be • compared to that of the Ruler They were on their march. -- But -the Right Hon. Gent. that the occasion for acting. on the treaty was not of the Winds, as described by the poet : was mistaken in supposing that the people of England yet made apparent. . The Honourable Member for I . Calm sake /CONS MS wished to join in that war while they were unable to Dorsetshire said, that it was an internal disturb. 1 Sceptra tenens • maligns ant:novel tenspetat irm : ' procure a bare subsistence for themselves. It must in- ance and no th ing more. Did he hear the facts stated Ni facial, man: at: terra@ essienume pretends= the Right Gentleman (Hear.) If all the Quippe fen= rapidi mum, verrantque per auras. valve an increase of taxes and burthens of every kind, by The consequence of letting loose passions at resentp atcountr y g roane d statements of cerrespoodents in Portugal, the accounts a time when the imposed. He could only say, that if Portugal cannot put brought by persons just arrived from that country, and, chained and confined, would be the productiOn of such than all, the au • fthat information s thorny o down a few rebel regiments of her own subjects, with a scene of desolation which no man can contemplate the alliance of Spaia, of France, and the declared more than the Right Hon. Gentleman was responsible, which .. withoot honor, and -1 should not sleep easy on my couch alliance of England, with a fleet stationed in the Tagus, were to be relied on, there had been .an aggression on if I thought by a single moment I had precipitated it— (Hear., hear). This, then, is the reason—a reason the why, it was hopeless to attempt to place her in a situation the part Spa in. of It was their duty to know of rte which she was perfectly unable to maintain. Oa a former aggression committed by four or five thousand Portu reverse.of fear —a reason the contrary. of disability, why gum; and if they bad known it to prevent it. As occasion the Right Hon. Gentleman had said, that " War I dread the recurrence of a war. That this reason may however, they had not done that, it should now be done ought to be well considered,before it was undertakereand be felt by those who are acting on opposite principles , s). Suppose the case our own. If a that the grounds for entering upon it should not only be by us—(Cheer before the' time for using our power shall arrive, would justifiable but absolutely necessary, consistently with the ' number of the subjects of Great Britain, he would not bear much, and I would forbear long ; I would almost national welfare of the country which declared it." Now, he say from what par t of her. dominions, were to be mar pat up with anything that • did not touch . our would ask, whether it was deliberating this question shelled at Boulogne, and equipped in French gun boats faith and national honour, rather than let s lip t h e well to have the Cabinet, after sitting one day in con • . for the Coast of Kent and Sussex, bow would the Eng furies of war, the lash of • which . is in our hands, sultation, call upon that House to enter into their plans fi sh nation like to be told, on remonsttating with France s While we knot, not whom they may reach, and dou bt w here the devastation may end•(coatinued cheering/. the on the very next? Actuated by these considerations, he t h at t hi s was no aggression ? A small sum now would love of peace which the British Government acknowledges , a Buda is - ,, - A should move an Amendment,which would, if agreed to,procure them save a at least a week further. to discuss the cue. They might receive by, cate —(Cheers from all sides). In obedience to this conviction, the next packet accounts that the regi ments great deal beteafter, and we should have interest such the dety of peace which the circumstances of the world Jaen 6 c omplained of were all upon interest, and compound interest in abundance.--. b ur put down, and what would then become of the preparations they ( Laughter). He felt the weight of the situation in which and with thehope of avoiding extremities, I will push no fart should otherwise have made in the mean time? The Hon. Gent. the country would be placed if they should unions the topics of this part of the Address. Let us defend Portugal, concluded by moving, as an Amendment ou the original motion nately be disappointed in the result of this measure; whoever may be the assailants, becau s e it is .a work of duty ; that the House be called over to consider the question this day week. and lane end where that duty ends. We go to Portugal not to moment whea a different spirit actuated the Mr. WOOD (Member for Preston), rose to second but at the p resent , .. . r. le not to govern, not to dictate, not to prescribe—bet to plant Cabinet. and when the Government held within their grasp, If is= auk, ' Wh r the standard the Amendment. Although he might never have the within their he m s, the great lever of public opinions, it was very our standard, and to secure her independence. e e of England is planted, there foreign dominion shall not come. I The L----. honour to sit should be proud in that House again, he world it arms. improbable that it should ever be the fate of Eng l and to meet the Cheers lasted for some minutes after the Right . Hon. Gentl eman of having given his vote as he proposed to do on t his had resumend his seat. He rose again merely to inform the House , Mr. B NT said this was ane preliminary Dep to an night—and of bating been one of those who raised that the Address was merely an echo of the blesuge, pledging the . expensive war. House to support his Majesty in the maintenance of public faith , their voices against this highly perilous measure. I t Mr. Secretary CANNING.—I rise, Sir, for the pee. and to protect Portugal against foreign aggression.] was brought before them at a time when many -Hon. pose of making a few observations, not so much in The SPEAKER read the Address, which was received with Members had left town, under the impression that no answer to any general arguments, as in reply to :orris muck applause, and put the question thavit be adopted. • important business would be uodertaken previous to the particular objections which have been urged against the Sir ROBERT WILSON had felt anxious to - bring holidays; and however the Right Hon. Gentleman. motion. In the first place, I candidly admit that I this subject before the House. This .country was bound might seek to disguise, it, it was neither more nor-less have understated the case against Spain. I.lteve done to act upon the treaty she had entered into with Porte then a declaration of war—(Hear). Every penon who so purposely and designedly, and 1 warned the House gal. The Right Hon. Gentleman talked aboutroo room agreed to it, should be prepared also R to ri agrr to A a cr high P si r a ep s zt i v a that I did stew isbing to attack no more of the conduct of for penitence, but if the King of Spain bad been in cl ine d Tn— to __ the re h ne ic w h al au ßt t th n e ot to b k e oval:li t :was, that Catholic Spain than was suflficient to establish a cassis feltderis,and to retrace his steps, he would have brgun long ago. — moue t nc r ip at ait ' n w wsuld now no longer be sued for as a favour but a not to attack so much of it at would have rendered it Could the Right Hon. Gentleman deny the fact, that right. Sel&preservarion was : Die first law of Nature—and ibey absolutely impossible to avoid o wear, whic h the full the King of Spain had sent to the Pope of Rome to know were bound :to the intereatieftheir own fellow countrymen, by ties statement of the.case would have done.. The Hon: Gen• whether he could obtain a religious pardon for recoge Sorer than those which connected them with their Allies, the tks easing a Constitution which he in his heart abhorred.? St Nature—(Hear). - . tleman who spoke last, in:his extteme-.love of peace, The Hight Honourable Gentleman had sa i d much Mr. BARING said, that though he had listened to 'would do two things which would make War absolutely about the disposition of France to discountenan co the s ech -of the Right Hon. - Gentlemaa with an anzi•; inevitable — (A lams h). •. He *would. not . biterfere at a • acts of oppression towards Portugal; but :appose ous desire to find some ground of evasion-in the argte moment when Spain may yet hesitate as to clue course seven that France professed herself waling to c o-o p e- meats it contained, yet he now confessed that the case she may adopt; and the language wh i ch he w o ul d held I 1