The National Register. — London, England, 1809-04-02 00:00:00

'VIE NATIONAL REGISTER. and integrity he evinced in detecting the most in famous abuses, in trying to bring the shameless authors of them to condign punishment. Selfishness and fac tion may strive to calumniate the intentions, and to detract from the merits of Mr. WARDLE; but we will neither insult the feelings, nor good sense of our Readers, by asking them, if a line of conduct, which • immortalised HAMDEN, RUSSELL, and SYDNEY; which made Englishmen what they are,—a nation of freemen,—does not deserve their highest gratitude and applause? The public voice, as far as it has been consulted, has expressed itself distinctly on this subject; and, it is to be hoped, that the enlightened exam ple, set by Canterbury, Rochester, Westminster, and Lon don, will excite a worthy spirit of emulation in every part of the United Kingdom. We have received intelligence From Spain and Tortugal. These accounts confirm the insurrection in the province of GaMelo, which is already become so formidable to the in vaders, that an entire corps is constantly occupied without effect in repressing it. The MARQUIS of RomANA has col lected a considerable force, amounting it is said, to 30,000 znen, on the frontiers of that province, where he is enthu s:astically loved, and his family possess great influence. A Spanish schooner, the Constancia, which arrived at Falmouth from Gijon reports, that the Marquis DE HirSIANA has had an action with the French, and taken 1500 pri soners. The accounts from Asturias are still more favourable. These loyal and intrepid Mountaineers, into whose province the enemy never dared to penetrate, have organised a force of near 40,000 men, with which, accordi►►g to the last accounts, they are preparing to act offensively against the enemy in Callicia. Vie last arrivals from Portugal, speak in the highest praise ofkthe resolution, and enthusiasm prevalent in every part of that kingdom. APRIL P. ever forced• to yield to superiority of numbers and pressure of circumstances, they have signalised their embarkation by an action, which reflects immortal ho nour on their bravery, patience, and discipline. Their conduct, on that memorable oecasion, justifies the most ardent hopes we may eutertaiu'of their future exer tions. They arc going to re-appear on the Continent in support of their country's reputation, in defence of in ' jured humanity, under auspices the most encouraging, with inducements to action the most binding, that es er nerved the arm, or raised the confidence of, a soldier. Exclusive of national injuries, they have individual wrongs to revenge;—the base calumnies which the enemy circu lated after their departure, must be washed away with the blood of their calumniators. Their prowess is now known to, and acknowledged by, foes and allies; it will raise the courage and ardour of the one, as it will panic strike the former. These observations are as little the ell'ect of enthusiasm as of declamation ; their justice must be acknowledged by every impartial and intelligent observer of the - British character. The people of the United Kingdom are supremely qualified for war, and for the execution of enterprises on a large scale. Our late reverses, the effects of inexperience and of over cautious policy, rather than a deficiency of judgment, have had the advantage, that we arc now acquainted with the cause, why our exertions, as a military state, leave been so ineffitclual for sonic! years. They are to lie traced alone to want of confidence and promptitude, and, by no means to a want of sufficient resources. These exit, to the ful lest extent, which a community animated with Nlews even of the most towering ambition, could wish for towards the executierl of the most gigantic projects.—A pdpulation po;scsael of robuster bodies and more capabic of endur ing hardships, than any other now existing es-a superfluity of all the implements of war;—an almost inexheustible sys tem of finance;—a greater vigour of mind, and a stronger attachment to the soil and its institutions,—these arc ad vantages we possoes in a higher degree, than any other peo ple upon earth. Any man who is in the habit of reflecting on this sub ject, must be convinced that if this country play a subor einate part in the affairs of the world, this weakness is snot a consequence of the insui;iciency of our means, hut of the unskilfulness with which they are wielded and em ployed. We love the interests of our country too ar dently, to intermingle in any observations tending to promote that object, remarks breathing a party spi rit. It is perfectly indifferent to us what men admi nister its affairs—Foxites or Pittites—Whigs or Tories —they will have our must unlimited confidence, and humble support, if they administer them to its honour and advantage. The Ministers, whoever they be, that adopt measures consistent with our best and most permanent in terests, have, from that moment, a r s ie rht to the gratitude lid support of their countrymen. Pusillanimous, arid avers too cautions policy never procured, as far as we cam. recollect, ad vantaea! to any country. In a daneerous crisis, it may have deferred the catastrophe, but rendered it, ‘vhen it. approached, ne* unavoidable, and its conse quences more irretrievahk ; whereas a full display of vi gour, bordering on temerity, has saved individuals, as well as nations, from situations apparently desperate. In a prosperous moment it hiasts every advantage of the favour able junctere ; and, in ordinary times iL confines a nation within a narrow eirde, which contracte, every year, closer and closer ;—for, in our world, nothing is stationary ; po litical, as well us natural philosophy, teaches us the laws of motion ;—the State which does not advance, must fall hack. If this princip!e I►e just, the urgency of more vigorous exertions will be immediately recognised. Al 4 auxiliary force 430,000 melt, we hope, is no more than the advanced guard of a formidnble arms ; whose presence in any part of the Continent, the Tagus, or the Erns,—would justify .he opiniou we entertain of the great advantages of ener• EXPEDITION TO PORTUGAL. That prominent feature of vigour and decision, which, during so many centuries characterised British policy, be gins to manifest itself in the measures of Government.— Another British Army, conducted by the miin who re-esta blished the military reputation of his cc:wary at Vimiera, is preparing to crown the national ,brow with new laurels. The nomination of Sir A RTUU a Wfr:LLESLEV to the chief command of a force, whose operations arc so important, must command one unanimous sentiment of approbation. The celerity, boldness, and presence of mind he ihsplaved during the short time be commanded in Portugal, qualify him, more than any other Officer in our service, to de velope, to their full extent, the resources of the Bri tish character. This gallant Officer is preparing to set out for Portugal, where a Ecitish force of 18,001) men is already collected, which is to be joined imme diately by 6,000 cavalry and about 13,000 infantry, who are under orders for immediate embarkation. The present situation of the Continent renders this measure imperiously urgent.—The efforts of the Portuguese nation and Government ; the renovated enerry of I lie Spaniards: the vigorous demonstrations of Austria. and the arduous difficulties of her situation, enforce the expediency of British co-operation. There is not an individual so indif ferent to the general interest, so absorbed in the mere views of a party, who must not feel more satisfacti on i n th e h o . pour, than in the infamy of his country. Every principle of interest, as well as glory, recommend a more vigorous display of the national resources, than has been given of late. Even .detrldiou will not dare insinuate a doubt of the superiority of our soldiers ;—they are every thing which the patriot cart wish. The country has been ho nour.,l by their exploits in Portms;al and selin ; and wheuver haa - dshi:is they may lia:Lt sustained, ur hoc, 21$ 711 -