Star. — London, England, 1814-11-09 00:00:00

;Alt , would be coupled, in the annals of , bl:to r y, .sat t which constituted a total dep arture from file 9 0. Mished system of civilized warfare. The burni/g f the civil public boildings appeared to him ilexcesliNet The destruction of the decks and navy yarZsvaccori. formable with the usages of war, and the sone a might. be said of the detiolitl i on of the house &Om which Ge neral Ross was &red upon; but no authority could be found for the burning of edifices devoted exclusively to the purposes of the civil government. Such a mea sure could neither cripple the energies of the state nor conciliate the people. We had been contending on the Continent against an enemy who was justly consi dered cruel and barbarous • but of all the capitals on the Continent which had ban taken by him, one only furnished an instance wherein public: buildings, un connected with military objects, had been destroyed : at Moscow, the Kremlin had been burned, and even here there was some excuse , because that palace had been used for military purpose.. Even this plea, how ever, could not be received. The only argument which could be used in favour of our conduct at Washington, was, that retaliation had been called for by the excesses of the enemy. If such was the ground of our proceedings, it should have been declared in a proclamation on the spot. Washington was lioweirer, the only place where the name of this coun try had been *thus disgraced . for, if. he had nut been misinfouned, a proclamatiOnhad been issued by a Bri tish Cominander, which, without any overstrained construction, might be declared a general threat of the destruction at: private, property. The American E t zseutive had disdained any such intention, and the same measures should havebeen adopted by the Bri tish Governmesit, unless, Indeed. our -Ediuistry de cLuti4.their approbation of Such a line of conduct, and were prepared to defend it.' The most just and proper mode of conducting a war was in conformity with the usages of the most civilized nations and ages. We should be cautious in our measures. The present, like the last American war, had been under rated, and its importance did not appear to be yet dely estimated. He was much surprised at the total omission in the Speech of the army maintained by i this country on the Continent, the expenses of which, he understood. were equivalent to the maintenance of a force of forty thousand men. This tvas done with out any notice or explanation to Parliament on the subject. Stich a circumstance was . without prece dent. Why was'no reason given for the extraordi nary measure of retaining such an army in time of peace ? Was the promise given last session of a satisfactory explanation at the present meeting of Parliament entirely forgotten? and on such a momen tous subject was it to be left entirely without official information ? Oa reading the Speech, no one could avoid remarking, that there was no hint of any in tend= to remove or lessen the heavy burdens which pressed upon the people of Great Britain. After the close of the momentous contest in which we have been engaged. some pecuniary alleviation was nate . - rally expected. There was indeed in 'the Speech an obscure notice of finances ; and be hoped that the means which would be adopted to provide resources would be calculated at the same time to restore the circulation of bullion; for to the state of our cottency . the depresiou of our manufactures was 'to beattri batei ; and tress the same clause mote the mischievous proposition for the exclusion of foreign cum Irish ))arliainent had so justly rejected. No perm**, improvement could be effected in this country Wide. out the restematien, at least to a certain =tent. et specie as the circulating medium. His Lordship concluded an eloquent speech, by declaring that he would not assent to the Address, which he conceived entirely inappropriate in the present state of public affairs. Lord LIVERPOOL was unable to discover in what respect the Speech that day delivered from the Throne- was of a warlike tendency. It was much .more just to state fairly to Parliament the real situa tion of aliiairs, than to hold out pleasing expectations which might not be realised by events. The British Government had every disposition to avoid war and reduce the national expenditure, provided such mea sures were consistent with the honour and interest of the nation. As to the accusation thrown out by the Noble Lord on the opposite side against the admini stration of naval affairs, it was not now the time. to go into detail, but it appeared to him, that his Noble Friend, who bad spoken on that subject, had, given so satisfactory a statement that nothing (grilles was necessary. .As a foists facie evidence of injury done to the enemy and received by ourselves it was con clusive, because the balance was greatly in favour of this country. Qt the vast importance of the contest on the Lakes of Canada, he was well aware. No • official account had yet been received by Govern ment as to the engagement on Lake Champlain, and, consequently, no information could have been communicated to Parliament on the subject. At .present, it was impossible to present details as to the general management of the war on the Lakes. At a future time that subject might be more properly discussed. It was unnecessary to answer any obser vations which might Ise made-00 je .01lociatioes sow in progress, because such observations must be made without a knowledge of the facts, since nothing bad actually transpired. Circumstances might cer. tainly produce a right to change the original claims with which a negociation commenced ; but he could assume the House, that his Majesty's Ministers did sot intend to raise any new pretensions on the change of circumstances which bad taken place since the • commencement of the war.—(Hear, hear.) Ministers were far from exulting in any calamities caused by the war; and he would be bold enough to spier, that no war had ever been conducted with greater moderation than the present, on our part, towards America, while, on the contrary, the conduct of the enemy was marked with the most savage lerocity..-- His Lordship here noticed the destruction of York and Newark by the. Americans It was true, that in • eonsequeace of these atrocities, Sir G. Prevost wrote • to Sir Alexander Cochrane, desiripg him to issue a threatening .invelarnation ;.—which, however, was never acted npea. Considering ail. circumstances, the Americans were treated with great clemency at Waebingten. Italsould not. be forgotten, that that City was taken without any capitulation.—(Hear.) 'The edict of the attack ou Washington bad been to e o n ei et e the people.of she injustice of the conduct of theirGeveroment toursode.Greas Britain, arid not to Alive timer .against Alias countee• eat had, toga ff. posed. The condast of the British Government to . . -- Prisonersbnd be'p 'extremely kind and itldu r Nto the Congreis at Vienna, he hoped, as 4..'its *OX One, that the discussions in that illustrious 'AS4 nably , would have a happy . and speedy termination. e,austment‘ however ?, of Such IF luriety of jarring III) teiests, as existed atter so tremeddous a war as that. Which had just concluded, was not a work to be et. feeted without much deliberation. With respect to the British army on the Continent, the insentient of maintaining such an army was known to Parham.. last Session, when the Vote of Credit was passed...— That there was no precedent for the maintenance of an_army in time of peace was easily to be accounted for, since there never existed circumstances similar to the present to require such a Measure. It was un necessary to explain how closely a nation, to which thoie troops were sent, was connected with this coun try, and how much it was the interest of Great Bri taro to support her. The influence of Government would ever be exerted for the prosperity of the trade and manufactures of the country. Notwithstanding '1 all that had been said on the bad state of our com merce, it was evident, from the course of exchange' with foreign countries, that iventere not in so low a condition. The exchange Wail .faorntarable to us be yond all expectation, considering Ohl* we had still the pressure of a war upon us with the ptienent of subsi dies contracted In the late contest.. It Wis the wish Of Ministers to.aioid war, but they Would never sa crifice the national interest or honour to obtain peace. The question on . the Address was then put, and 'car . . ried new. At. The Msrquis of LANSDOOI/NE gave notice of a Motion of Thanki to Lord Walsingham; for his long and meritdiloos services in his official situation in that House..--Adjourned till to-morrow. HOUSE OF COMMONS. • At two o'clock his Royal Highness the Puttee Retain' kW.. lag arrived at the House of Peer*, the Deputy Usher of the Black Rod appeared at the Bar of the Conunons, to einsmuni tate his Royal Highness's commands fur the attendance of that House to bear the Speech from the Throne. The SPRAKZII6, and 'lithe Members present, attended accordingly. The House afterwards aajoursted till the roue/ hour, when the Seta zee took the Chair, and informed the House, that the pe titioner. G. H. Montague, Esq. who had complained ofait undue return at the Ate election for Ora:opened, and also the Rev. Moore, and Edward Dillon, Esq who had -petitioned the House on the same subject, had not entered into their recognizeoces.— The Right Hon. Centkinan added, that be hadonkred new writs to be issued for Beitua, in the robin of Sir E. May ; for Ross, in the room of W. Mackenzie, b.sq. ; and for Cardiff, in the room of Lord W. Sweatt ; all deceased. Several Members were sworn, and took their seats. A Bill far the more eftectos.illy preienting of Clandestine Oistbwries was brought up, and read a first and second time. Th. SPEAKER then addressed the House as follows : • • " I have to acquaint the Howe that tide House has line n the House of Peers to heat the ' Speeeh of Ms Royal Higss the Prince Regent, In the name and on the behalf of his Ma jesty: a copy of which, to prevent mistakes, I will now proceed read."--The Speech having been reed, (as given in our Report of the Lords); Lord BRIDPORT said, that on rising to move an Address to the Prince Regent, on the occasion of his most gracious Speech, he had to regret that the un dertaking.had not fallen upon a person more capable of doing Justice to so important a subject ;—at the same tune he should make his observations with a full reliance on the known liberality and indulgence ref the House. He should proceed to take notice of the different topics contained in the Speech of his Royal Highness, and he trusted the House would linen to him with attention. With respect to one part of the Speech, he was convinced that every Member in the House would regret, as deeply as he did, to learn that his Majesty's lamented illness still continues ; and that after the lapse of another year , there s hould be such little prospect of his recovery. He should Dot occupy the time of the House, by taking a retrosplect of the great political affairs which had occurred since the commencement of the last Session, except so far as to contrast the present situation of the coun try with that in which it stood twelve months ago.— Events had occurred since that time which were greater than the most sanguine imagination could have anticipated. Undoubtedly at that time affairs had begun to assume a brighter aspect ; but no doubt could be entertained that had England stood alone and unsupported in the contest, she could not have subdued the gigantic power of France. But, on the other hand, it was equally certain, that without her pecuniary aid and her judicious councils, the Allies could not have succeeded in their grand and mag naninious career. Oar successes have led to the ter. mination of the insatiate ambition of Bonaparte ; , but the praise for the conduct of the war which has' so happily terminated, is most justly due to the Prince Regent and to the Allied Sovereigns. Ou r Cabinet Council of . that time were most truly conspicuois for their temper, their firmness, and decision ;—and the House must see, Kith the highest satisfaction, that to such temper, such firm pas, and such decision, are they indebted for the present situation of the country. If we take a view ,elf our actual condition at home, we fi nd ourselves at peace with all the world, with the exception of America. Who could have anticipated , at this time 'lin year, such glorious successes, such unparalleled ,events They were, indeed, beyond all human expectancy aid calculation. The next topic- in ,tha Speech to which he should allude was the present war with America. He could not but lament, as the whole country must lament, the continuance of hostilities with the people of the United States; but it was highly consoling to know thilt the Prince Re gent had assured the House, that nothing should be I left unattempted which might bring this contest to a speedy termination. It is America who stands as the unprincipled aggresuir in this contest; but we might reflect with pride that our successes' hitherto have been unvaried. He could not but congratulate the House on these successes, for they proved that, our navy and army, when united, were capable of performing prodigies of valour. Yet when they have been so united—when have they found scope for their bravery and enterprize, without performing such pro. digies Their achievements in America were wor thy of this great character : the Americans had no* ~00 lament the, destruction of their flotilla in the Pa tuxent, and the defeat of their army, which allowed I A mere detachment of British troops to take the capi tal of their States. Yet those brave troops bad been ;basely calumniated by Madison and his adherents, who had charged them with the plundering of pri vate property. But never was a charge more ground. less. Uadoubtedly the stores and ammunition were '—aroyed,and if we did also slestroy the public build- Washington, it was retaitatiou tui ilia ativi ings cities Committed and itpeatittlif atilt ibtlifet Ca nada. He had also to congtitttitte kti House on the successes of his Mai .. V itidis its the More nor thern parts of the Unit 4 . 16 istitre they have , gained an extent of territ fy the. east •of the Pe.i nobscot ; an acqUisition Sai tiould'not flail td be of consider-Ale important*. . *Add eat help viewing. 'it in Mi . mosi favontatible 1 t, la 'one mow proot to the Americas* of the bolfellessness on their part, of a 'otintinuance of the contest. Pat while we had ground 'to rejoice it thi...... victories of dui ardif bn every pitt of *the American %fibres,' our triaMpli was daniped byt having to lament the PA olio: ii,kur of •thie highest talents and the brightest refai: chi the death of this gallant Commander 'After has sustained no common loss. He felt.' alit no eulogy could do. justice to his distinguitlied *M its. He could say much more on this affecting topic ? IStir he was aware that whatever he might add, could but ill describe the sensations of himself, the House, or the country. After enumerating all the signal achievements, all the glorious deeds of his Majesty's arms, in the con test with America, it was not without regret that he must notice our late reported disaster on Lake Chem plain. Much had been said on the misundehtanding which had prevailed in thit quarter ; and he could only wish that cause may not have existed to merit such animadietsions. But although we have sus tained somelnss in this scite of our •operations, may we not recover it t Yes ? from the known bravery of dm troops which would be ready to take part in the next campaigN there was na doubt in his own, or he should thitik, in any mind,. that we should.gain the most signal advantages. A iteit liortion of our forces were. it was well known, &Pitched as soon as pot. sible (rem Spain ; yet they did not, from unavoidable causes, arrive in time to give that preponderance to our efforts which their eaAleearrival would not have failed to produce. His Royal Highness had informed the House that the opening of the Congress at Vienna hid been unavoidably retarded. The day which had been fixed for the meeting was indeed now past ; but even the delay might be productive of ultimate benefit to Europe, not only from the united deliberations of the Members of that body, but from the known abilities and tried talents of the Noble Lord who, on the part of this country, takes his share in the discussions (Hear, hear, hear,) may we not have the best ground ed hopes that the glorious Peace will be so consoli. dated as to give a lasting state of tranquillity to all Europe ? 'His Royal Highness had directed the Esti. mites for the ensuing year to be laid before the House. At the same time that we were called upon to make the most vigorous exertions in the prosecution of the contest with America, we have the important satis faction of learning . that the revenue and commerce of the country are in the most flourishing condition, and evident improvement; and when it is considered their a long protracted war in Europe, in which this nation bore so distinguished a part, has but lately been brought to a glorious issue, and that hostilities w ith America still continue, there could not be a man in the House or the country but must feel the highest satisfaction on learning, that the revenue in one branch of the taxes alone has increased within the year 02,600,000. Vas not this, indeed, a subject for exultation ? On adverting to the conclusion of his Royal Highness's Speech, he could not but ob serve, thus die war which has just been terminated had this peculiar character, that it has affected the interests et all the countries engaged in it. .But this had ever been the natural consequence of all wars— and it must therefore be expected that the state and claims of those countries would require the utmost attention. This, it was certain, they would receive, under the combined wisdom and unanimity of the Congress ;• and he trusted that meanwhile the House would be convinced of the necessity of adopting those measures which would be most conducive to the public welfare. His Lordship then added, that he was aware that he had failed in doing justice to the important asd interesting task which lie had under taken ; he was aware that he had not merited that great attention. with which he had been heard ; but deeply impressed with the partiality of the House, he wouid conclude with reading an Address to the Prince Regent on the Speech which he had deigned that day to make. His Lordship then read the Ad. dress 4 which, as usual, was an echo of the Speech.— It began by expressing the most lively concurrence of the House in all the statements and sentiments of the Speech ; assuring his Royal Highness that they deep', lamented and deplored the continuance of his Majesty's indisposition, congratulating him on the successes of his Majesty's forces by sea and, land, enumerating these successes, condoling with his Royal Highness on the loss sustained on LakeCham 'plain, lamenting the continuance of the war with . America, and assuring his Royal Highness that he ;night rely on the cordial co-operation of that House in every measure that might be suggested for the public welfare. Mr. GRAHAM said, that on rising to offer a few words in support of the Address, and having the honour, like the Noble Lord who had jest sat down s to solicit the attention of the House for the first time, he felt that he stood equally in need of their indulgence. Indeed he bad more occasion to eneJ treat their patience,, because, from the nature of the subject on which he was about to speak, he must unavoidably touch on the same arguments which his Noble Friend had already urged. There could be no person who did not feel with the Noble Lord, when he expressed his deep concern at the continu ance of his Majesty's lamented illness : for had it' pleased PROVIDENCE to restore him from his suffer ings, he would now have the proud satisfaction of seeing, that the same wise and firm principles, the same undeviating conduct which he had dictated, and which had been incessantly pursued, to oppose' Bonaparte, bad been exerted till they were crowned with success, 'and had finally brought the contest to' a glorious issue. To this effectual perseverance we are indebted for a peace, which has more than equalled our most sanguine expectations. But, although these great efforts have established peace in Europe, the flames of war still rage in a distant quarter ; yet, although this calamity has been solely occasioned by the restless ambition and daring ag gressions of the American Government, he could not but hope and trust that the negotiations alluded to in his Royaitlighness's gracious Speech would end in a peace with the United States. But if these should unappily fail—if the voice of reason and justice should be rected, we shall then return to the attest with the p leasing consolation that we had done every thing to pot an en& to the calamity To prove that every exertion had been made by this country to avoid hostilities with, the United States, it WAS only necessary to apptral to the admirable tae. claration of his Royal Highness on the comineoxe. ment of the war. when the late Ruler _O4 Frame* , made his last infuriate effort against the liberties of Europe—when surrounding natsions saw his- progiess with alarm, and could scarcely have= idea - that his overthrow was so near at handeewhea those 'were, even in this country, personts who . iodised .upen •hist career with dismay, what was then -the- edndoceeffec America ? Did she not seek to second the views e&'; the general enmity of the world, and, stepping foss e like an assassin .in the d.uk, aim a deadly blow. ele, this generous *country ? Then it was that the erisee, ciples pursued by the British Government were Balk with new effect; and (thanks to the firmnest 01-614 nisters !) that they did not desert or deviate hostel those principles. To them they have_ adhered, add , by them they have rescued Europe. But what way the system pursued by America ? The President of the United States, overcome by animosity. egisinst : this country, blindly cceoperated in the.viewa of its enemy. But he ought to have been aware, that our ruin wouldsonly have been the precursor of his own s nay, so rapidly would the one have succeeded the .other, that he would not even lave had time to re sted on the danger he had occasioned. But all ibis dine-he was in Xdriam, and he•did not awake *one' ii tfll.;he disasters of this country convinced then of his folly. What must have been his feelings when be beheld the seat of his boasted empire at the mercy Of tbeenemy ? Then he flea, leaving his capital to this mercy, and lie found that the Commander knew how td restrain the fury of his troops, and present to him a lasting memoriel of British resolution and Bri tish discipline. Their conduct was known to have been such as to draw forth the applattse of the inha- _ Wants. Yet did the Government of the United States descend to the most base attempts to inflame the minds - of the people against the English. What Must have been the sensations of the Pregident of the United States at the result of an enterprize so well conceived, and so admitiably executed ? It was sef. ficiently proved that hie towering hopes had ended in dismay, and that his future plans could only be futile. But it was not at Washington alone that Bri. tish valour was triumphant; in another quarter the enemy had suffered considerably. He alluded to the territory which had been captured east of the Petiole. scot ; and whether this were considered as a risilitary line, or in any other view, it would enable us to maintain a decided ,superiority. It, however, we had gained these signal successes, we had t 6 lauteat the fall of him who had inspired his troops With the ardour of conquest; of whom it might be said, it had been of the illustrious Duke of Welling= ton, that he taught hisinen to look forward to the day of battle as to the day of victory. Bet his name will be enrolled aniungst the heroes whose deedi would be admired 'by ail succeeding generations. — Hiving so long been ,accustemed to witness and ex ult in, the full tide of success, it might ;Lineally be expeeted •that the trivial less . exer*Oced On Lake Chattiplain world occasion t ojc.seek:einp in thie country. But it . ,t iras also . to Ise eiterecteitfutt such an. occurrence, or any iutfe.af '.ir .tli.S ant ht to our disadvantage, would* krp?pilk dtagnifleci t ikall the accounts of the AmeriCans e sreititing, es they . .rniait; trait their diseeci and defeat at Wasithigtet But this partial failure would soon laeatriply retrieved. The troops who had conquered on the Continent, and were now.on their way to Anseijci. Would 'trout: that those latirels so ably won in the. plait* of -France would flourish and be gloriously expanded id tlibse of America. Although scircumstances, would not per mit of their arrival, to take any part in the lest cam paign, it should be considered, that it migh;.not bare been wise, prudent, or even safe, err heye dispatched these troops before it was known thateheir presence was no longer necessary =the bite scite of their glq ries. On taking a survey of the political transactions • on the Continent, the proceedings of,the Congress could not but excite a deep interest ; for it was here that we had to hope that the several claims of the: different countries of Europe would be finally deter mined. The circumstances of a war so long pro tracted must necessarily require the greatest degree 4 of firmness and deliberation, to establish the balanc e of power on a just and equitable foundation. And 'if there be persons in that House who may have lamer i ced that these arrangements did not take place below r, he would beg them to reflect whether, while Cto names of war could scarcely be deemed extinguishi the Potentates could have done full justice to all t; na claims that must have been brought under their coil. sideration ? But now that such animuseles as mie: have existed have subsided, the united parties wi 11 Come forward to a full, fair, and impartial deliber time As to the resources of the country, he mu e join with the Noble Lord in congratulating the How c on the alteration in the revenue ;an increase whir It reflects considerable credit on every branch of t. e Government connected with this ccimpliceted s) i tem ; and when the events of a war, continued ti e che long period of 20 years, are reflected on, it inter be highly setisfactory to know that we have n"t on :y found resources to answer every exigency dour AW!tt but have been enabled to stretch forth a liberal has to assist those countries so deeply aggrieved , ar''' who, but for such assistance, must have shrunk fee! the contest. The ever-varying circumstances of u war like the last, must necessarily have had a stria. ' effect on our trade and manufacture;, and occueimie‘f disturbances and losses in all our establishments; be: these have at lengthen subsided„and those combina tions which It tve heretofore made our commerce tle envy and admiration of mankind, are now reest:- .blished on their impregnable bases. He shetild no: trouble the House with any farther observations, conclude by cordially seconding the Address. On the question being put, a pause for some to , - ments having taken place, Mr. WHITi3It.EAI) seeing no other &roe di;• posed to make any observations on the spr ech or ad dress, felt it incumbent on him to trouble the limise with a few words. To his great surprise;. not a WOO was in the speech from the throne, or in, those of IN mover and seconder, to state a reason for • calling Pe• liament together so early. The House were told flourishing finances, and of provisions of diflerent soi to be made ; and of arrears due on the Continent I, cessary to be provided for : but who was there that new to ;he •Chaecellor of the Embequer, or t First Lord of • the Treasury The great provi • I C 1 4 1 I