The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser. — London, England, 1810-06-21 00:00:00

teed should be extended unlimitedly to all deter; p. !ions of persons. Mr. Gen. Josorroste. aithis was more a notice for next Setsion, than for present discussion, would not trouble the House at any length upon the sub ject. He trusted, in what he did say, he would not be misrepresented, as arguing, that bribery was a public benefit; on the contrary, he conceiv ed it to be a great public injury. Experience had 'hewn, that bribery had of late very much decreas ed; but the little that remained, he did not think the Honourable Gentlemau's measures would re move. At any rate, he never would consent to adopt any remedy, even fur a desirable object, which was directly contrary to the law of the land, and more than was allowea'for the protection of the sacred person of His Majesty. He never would consent to the compulsion of persons to give testi ropey against themselves, and force men to make disclosures, to prove their own eriwinality, ye would not, however. oppose the Bill in its present stage. ' Before lie sat down, he had one other ob servation to make. It had been said in the House, and after re-echoed through the couutry. that they had committed acts, at which their aiicestors would have 4 , 4 started with indigestion." He was of opi nion, that they were more pure than ever their an cestors had been; among wheon, though tlnyrnight start at their acts, practices had prevailed in the House, and in elections, on which the Hrosse, as Dow constituted, world reflect with horror. It was not gruel...lly known, that, of old, Members were admitted into the House, as into a club, by ballot. Mr. Baotostisst observed. that the decrease of bribery. noticed by the last speaker, was owing to the wise and sadutary restraints imposed by the legislature, to which the present measure would be a valueble addition. An apparent decrease also ap peared, from the ddiliculty of proving the cases, owing to the increased cunning and expertness of the b ribers. Though he did not go the length of the floe. Gentleman. he was however of opinion, that is general an improvement had taken place, to which the Bill of his Learned Friend would much contribute. With respect to the compulsatory Clause, as to giving etitleuce ' he would suggest to his Learned Friend, to extend the indemnity even to Members of Parliament. (the only persons ex cepted), as, without that extension, it would be liable to the objection of being contrary to the law of the land. Tne hot claim. also, he thought might be amended. By giving au unlimited right to petition. groat encouragement would be given to qui taus informers to extort money, by holding out weds of petitioning, and other means which it would open to them. .lie would suggest to limit the right to the neighbouring hundreds of the bo rough where the election took place. Upon *e whole, he thanked his Ltarued Friend for this ra tional Bill, which would do good ; elide all the wild impracticable theories of reform only excited noire and tumult. These plans were bottomed on the principles of impracticability, and only lived iu cousequrnce of their being impracticable; as, if they were otherwise, they would soon be brought to test by the House, and the popular my could sot so long be obtained. Before lie sat down, he took this opportunity of giving notice. that he ! wool& early in next session, call the attention of ' the House to a measure of reform connected with the Scots county rates and elections in Scotland.— A considerable ferment had been raised in the Northern boroughs, in cuirsequence of the sorrel,- titidut publication of a letter of his to certain of kis laieorls, to whom it was confided. Ilia measure would not, however, trench on any corporate rights, but tend simply in the moderate reform supported by the lion. Member for Yorkshire. Mr. Lueeatar was of opinion. that bribery was still very prevalent ; and, as he considered it as vi tally destructive to the Constitution, would sup port this or any other measure for its subversion.— The last clau e, iii his opinion, wanted reconsidera tor. The existing evil was not alto4ether with out remedy ; us any person, by becoming a candi date for a corrupt borough, rendered hiinselfeligible to petition. Lord POW:HESTER was also friendly to the rnea- I sure, and a 000000 adverted on the absence of Nlanisters from the House, and particularly oat that of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ile considered the bill passed last •tssion as a blank paper, or worse, unless it wos folhmell up by measures like that now proposed. It had heen urged, that, as cor 'option did exist, it was necessary that the monopoly of it should be in the hands of Government, to enable it to support itself against any other pvrtv. Government ought. therefore, the more to wish its utter extirpation, that they might not be compelled to wield so dasgrarefill a weapon in their roan de fence. He strongly recommended a radical re form, without which all would end io confusion end ruin. Mr. Jonarreoss and Mr. BIovGIIA►t explained Sir S. ROMILLIf expressed hi, warm concurrence in the general objects of the Bill. Its geocial pio animus In also highly approved of, as wi II copu lated to attain the object his Learned Friend had in new. He could ant help joining the Nrd.le Lord in his expressions of surprise. at the id:seller of Nlinistere, who, as possessing His COO. idence, ought to have been present at a discussion so tinportaut as this. and particularly after the measure passed last Session, which was agreed to solely on the ground of its being the commence ment of a general system of reforin. Voles& it was octet' on in this way, so far from being a beneficial reform, it WUb a pernicious Bill, giving to Govern ment a monopoly in this shameful trade. lle con clonled by earnestly recommending speedy mea sure. for the moderate Reform of Parliament, as the only practicable mode of effecting that desirable object, without those violent convulsions at which all reasonable men shuddered. Mr. W [imam, defended Ministers, and chiefly Mr. Pattern', for being absent from the House. The matter was merely understood to be the mien iog of the Bills proposed,and to go into the Committee pro forma, as the ultimate decision would not come on till next Session. lie could not therefore, see any justice in the charge against his Right honourable !new!. who, he h.id no doubt, would take his share in di. se iie-cussi.ins but the lionotsrable Geumile awn be (mitigated with uothiag but enprrs, ton, ol reore. A:''tr aft.* WOrrie from 111-. Wrote, the Mum went ►nto IhtCommitteg; Lord POsteAtsTEA In the Chair. The clauses were then filled up and agreed to. After a short conversation, in which Mr. %Vitas, Mr. Bitotiattsahainl Mr. JOHNSTONE participated, the Report was received, sod the consideration ap pointed for this day se'iiiiight. The Bill was ordered to-be printed. Mr. Pitaptitu.tar gave notice that he would, early in next Session, bring before the House the subject of certain 1)3 e-lawf, by the College of Phy sicians, for restrictiug of the practice of medicine in India. Lord PORCHESTEIt brought up the third Report of the Committee on Sinecure Places, which was received, and ordered to be priuted.—Adjourued. EAST-INDIA HOUSE. A Court of Proprietors was held, y the East-ludic House, SWUM 'ASTEI t t., Esq. in the Chair., The Resolution of the Court of Directors, or dering the dividends ou.East India Stock, for the quarter commencing the • let of January la,t, at SI per cent. was confirmed in this Pourt. A Committee of Bye-Laws was appointed. The annual papers, relative to the state of the Company's affiirs, which were laid be-tore Parlia ment. were read. Mr. It. JACKSON wished to know whether the papers then read were the whole that were presented to either House of Parliament ? The CRAINNAN stated that they were. Some additional papers, upon the same subject, and re ferring to those, were laid before a Committee of the House of Commons, butt it was not usual to read them to the Court, nor would it he conve. 'ester*, at . _ iiient.• as they consisted of numerous and com plicated details. Mr. KEMSLE expreised himself perfectly satis fied with the explanation of the Cliairiann ; it was his intention others ise to have made some uh..erva tMns, which he should now decline. Mr. J ACKSON wished to know whether the impels alluded to by the Chairman, as submitted to the Committee. were sect:stalk to the Proprietsrs • The CH.teaKAN .aid that they were. Mr. Lock inquired wh-ther Sir George Barlow 'recaived and• orders from the Court of Director+ re. lair* to his conduct in India. on the occasion of the late disturbances? The CHAIRMAN said, that it was a question which could not now be discussed, at the sametinie he had no objection to say, in justice to Sir George Barlow, that whatever he hail done, was in conse quence of 'wafers front that Court. Mr. JACKSF)N complimented the candour of the Chairman, but would forbear stating any opiitiou upon the subject, until possessed of further infor mation. He hoped that the Proprietors would, between this and next erasion, acqoaint themselves rally with their own affair', their knowledge of which would constitute their beat defence against the exertions of their enemies. It was impossible not to see that there was a sort of temper arising among persons (from whom the contrary ought to be expected) to regard the property of Corpora tions with little or no respect. They were getting into the habit of thinking upon such subjects with a levity which must appear shocking to every man who understood tile ore of ohligatioua, and the constitution of the country. Those persons, who, • from a prejudiced view of things, were inclined to treat the rights of the Esst loilia Company with such feelings, should ow.ider the sacrifices which the Company hail made m times past to the puh.ic good. Saci silver which might be instanced as the causes of the present temporary embarrassment io which they were placed. Supposing that Govern ment was inclined to do them justice. and supposiog that they should demand nothing from Govern ment but what justice would warrant (each of which lie hoped would he the cur), still there was a prejudice against capitalists, of whatever kind, which rendered it essentially necessary that they thonld all exert themselves. He feared nothing from the people of England, they would act justly. Their best defence would be a right under standing of their affairs, and that was an armour with which he hoped they would all furnish themselves. The Report of the Court of Directors, respecting the loss of the Crtkafra, the Jane Duchess of Gordon, the Dundee, and the Bengal, acquitting all parties of any blame in the fittiag out and manning of the ships, &c. was read, and ordered to be taken into consideration, by ballot, ou the 4th of July. Mr. J ACII.ON wished to know whether the convoys were mole attended to toast heretofore, as many corupla.iits had been shade upon that subject The CHAIRMAN was sorry to state that there were many vessels expected, which hail not it arrived, and it was believed that the delay was occa sioned by wain of convoy. Mr. JACIOON thonght that every step ought to be taki•ii to prevent the growth of the enemy's meet, which was greatly assisted by the success of their privateers ; it was therefore the policy of this country to destroy their privateers, if pussilile ; sad the only way, in his opinion, by which so desirable an object could be accomplished, was by making it worth the while of our own privateers to exert themselves in that service. Mr. RIGAT agreed perfectly in the suggestion of the Honourable Member, and hoped that an answer had been rereived from the Adiniralty, to the proper mod spirited letter of the Directors. Mach of the inconvenience a gto the trade was owing to the misconduct of some of the Public Boards of the Compatiy, abroad. The CMAIRMAN was happy to have it in hie power to inform the Coort. that an answer had been re ceived from the Admiralty, and that every desire Was manifested. upon the part of their Lordships, to correct the evils complained of. The letter was slot. at present, in Isis poriession, but he should send for it, in order that it might be read. WRITERS AND CADETS. The CH AMNIA ra cithril the outriding& of the Court to a itesolutlon of thr Court of Directors. restoring Mr. Fry Maniar, and .Mr. E.l•.srit James Smith, to their situations, as Writers in the East India Com pany's ai rbirr, rod Mr. Julio Samuel Williams, to lois situation as Cadet. This, he said, was in eon family with a Resolution of the Court of Prourie 'ors, which prodded, that, upco the nutniostion cf ate Ditteter, each of those young gentlemen, whose case had beau so often before the public, should re-appointed. Mr. JACKSON wished to knew if there was any ci cumstance by which these cases were distinguished from the cases of the other young gentleman, not included in the Resolution? The CUAIRMAN said, that there was no other dis tinction between them, than that those had the good fortune to be nonnuated, each by a Director, and the others had riot been so fortunate. Mr. JACKSON expressed great concern at the 1 course which the business had taken. The young men were all dismissed for au act in which they had no part, but which it was thought expedient to mark with such strong disapprobation as involved them iu its consequences. The resolution of their dismissal was sto qualified's' indeed justice required it should, that in case a Director should appoint theta, from his own private patronage, they should be restored. It was not, however, in the contem plation of that General Court, in passing a Resolu tion to such an effect, that letters of re-appoint ment should arrive in India almost as SOON as the letters of recall. It was his intention, after they were brought home, to have submitted a Resolu tion, recommending a further inquiry, thr the pur pose of tureen* . • g whether they had arty thing to do with the transactions by which they were appointed, un ascertaining that they had not, to reap point them. This was the course winch he would have recommended, but he sore it could not have been the intention of that Court that those who had friends should he restored, and that those who had none should suffer. He knew that they ' could not now proceed hy Resolution, Instil would hr well for them to cnie:itler the situation of those young men, whom the Hon.Chairinan had so em ',helically described as having no friends. The persons who lest appointed them would be the lust to re-uppoint them ;so that the case stood thus ; sixteen persons were dismissed for the Berne fault— those who had friends escaped the operation of the sentence, and those nho had none were made examples of. He would not even offer any recom mendation at present, but lie hoped that the Di rectors would take the case into their considera l tion again, arid give relief to all, without throwing them upuu any individual. As mercy had been ex tended to those aho had friends, it should be ex tended to those who had no friends, but the friends of justice and clemency. Mr. HANSON approved of the steps taken by the Court of Directors, and was proud of the part which he had takers in promoting them. He thought that. if possible, the re-appointment of the young Gentlemen should take place before they returned , the investigation recommended could he under taken as well in bells as here. As he improved of the steps already taken, so he hoped they would go further. If the young Gentlemen were to be brought home now, many of them might be of au age; before they arrived, to render re-appointment inn possible. Mr. LocK thought they must be on their way. Mr. GRANT said, that lie had never considered it necessary that all the young gentlemen should be brought home. The objects of their removal were two; first, to Pet an example ; and, secondly, to vindicate the conduct of the Court of Directors. Those olijects were now attained, and it was not mess iry that any thing farther should be alone. It was clear that the parties themselves were in no way accessary. His Hon. and Learned Friend had complained of the partial relief which was afforded; the resole of which was, that it was thought ne matery that they should not be restored by a ge neral vote of the Court, as it might make aii can. favourable impression on the public. lie wished that some course naught be adopted, by which they should be all restored. Mr. Mose approved of the conduct of the Di rectors, iu which he KU certain they would per. sever-. Mr. WILLIAMS was surprised that his Hon. and Learned Friend should object to the re-appoint ment by individnals. He hoped they would all be restored to the service, and would support any mea sure which had such restoration for its objet o. Mr. JACKSON said, that he was much misunder stood by many who ruse to oppose, lint concluded with recimaineading the line he would have sug gested. It had been said, that the three Gentlemen should not be recal!ed, as tittlr age might iii that ease prevent their re-appointment ; but if this argument applied to the three Gentlemen, it applied to all. and the same means should be adopted to wards the others as towards them. Every object he thought would be better answered by a general than a partial Resolution, and upon public prin. ciplcs than by private interference. He wished to put merit above the casualty and contingency of private friendship. They would not (as he had observed before) proceed to any motion upon the subject. but they had dour much in expreeshug theinaelves. If the young men should arrive is this country, and have no friends, then it would be for the Court to recommend to the Direetors to re-con .oider the matter, awl, after examining, provide in some way for their re-appointisent. Mr. tins SNQUCT mid, that the only question was, whether sufficient bad been dune for the two ac. kisowledged oljects of the proceeding ? If enough was not done, it would be right to go farther ; but if enough war done. pardon should be granted; and the more general it was. the more agreeable it would be to his feeling., and to the honour of the Court. If Gentlemen thought proper, they might give notice of is motion at a future duty, or make one at present, coliveying their recornmelidstions to the Court of Directors. He regretted much the part which he felt himself obliged to take at the com mencement of this affair. hut it was his determina tion, up..n all occasions, to sacrifice his private feelings in his public duty. Ile could say with truth, that lie was more gratified in prouounciog pardon, than in prosec e = inquiry. Mr. Twisting eapr his satisfaction at the restoration of the young Gentlemen. and the estab lishment of the theracter of the Directors. He hoped that In a little time the remaining young gentlemen would be re-oppoiated. Mr. Jaction said. that he would forbear pro pping any Resolution, because he did not wish to interfere with that grace of mercy which he thought should he entnely their own. Those who had pro nounced th.• Juld\ssent should p.onmince the par don. Its, the Directors had repressed them- wives in a manner which reuderad atry rcccranierala tion unnecessary. Mr. GEO. SMITH said, that all the 'rents would be made by individual vittritt.u.• Three were already re-appointed to evriter.hips, of the nine cadets who had been thsaossd, tin„ 'also were restored. The Resolutions were then severally put and agreed o. The letter from the Admiralty was read, signed John Barrow. It promised protection from the uu press to a certain extent, to those in the ewplut. meta or the East India Company, and the curie. tiod of other evils. A Resolution of the Court of Directors, appaitit in an additional Oriental Assistant in the Artillery Seminary, with a salary of 2001. a-year, was agreed to. Mr. Jammer reminded the Court that diet was a Resolution. which ordered that Reports the stole of their Seminaries should be Lid before them anomaly. . The Cu it Rid AN stated, that it was the intention to pruritic e them at the neat quarterly Court. He then obser►ed. that the present Court was made special for an important purpose, thut of com 'catiog the information of the success of their Petition to Parliament, which had granted them a loan of a million and a half. Another Petition had a l s o been presented since, praying that they could revise the aceoanta between Government and Company. This Petition being read and approved of, a, *nine other business of coUrse disposed of, Court adjourned. k'OREJuN vl' ALLIGENCE. LISBON MAIL. GrAaoA, II AY 29. Qeneral Massena has about 70,000 men in lout divisions. called " The Army of l'or toga, ;" they extend from Salamanca to Trimllo. The British and Portuguese forces consist 01'56 battalions; advauced guard is at st. Fellers. The lit head-plasters are at Celonco, atul the Portagunt at Forams. The present formidable appearance the enemy has excited considerable alarm among the natives ; but the troops are all in perfect health, and anxious for the decision of the great conflict that he expected to take place. oeSSTO, MAT 29. A fleet of 33 transports for Lisbon, Cadiz, Messina, passed by here on Sunday. • LISBON, JOE t One of the homeward-bound Brazil ships been token by the Algeriues, and sold atGibraltsr. The British - troops that were in the hospitals here, are nil recovered, and fit for actual service. 11411asteros lately attacked, its Gereno, a divisicia of Fireiieli troops, 1000 in number, of whom ' killed 50u, and put the rest to flight, punuing theta with his horse as far as Seville, from which lilac 71111() men put themselves up motion to attack snail Corps, and pursued it to Castel a de Within. thas, 'sheaf he retreated to Amen*. Marshal Monsena was on the 15th ult. in Sall mailer. which he left next day for Valladolid. Marshal Lefebvre is to take the command of army of the isle at Leon. Marshal Ney has proceeded to the kingdom Leou.—( Lisboa Gazette, Jame e.l 4:41)1Z, MAI IQ the course of the three last mouths, F. .hr March, and April, 965 graph and vessels arrived this port, namely, 551 Spanish, 258 Englisho Portuguese, (if, American, 3 Turkiph, -2 of Bumf, and 1 of Papenburgh ; and 544 satled from hero, 197 of which were English. The brilliant which our harbour affords, from the large numb of merchant ships which are bing there at succor , is heightened by the aspect of the Spanish British squadrons. the former consisting of 1, of the line, and 9 smaller ships of war, and British of 10 liue.of-battle ship., and 7 frigates sloops. The French apply themselves to fortify all points of the coast, which they occupy, and malty that of Teamster°, but the gumboats bomb-vessels. berate them night an d da y , severe losses on their army, and fill their hospits.. (Provisions of every description are at present even more plentiful in this city. than in Ur peace. and some articles also much cheaper, the French. on the contrary, suffer the utmost want, misery, and distress. The Bathejes Ditty, of the 26th May, contain the following article On the 23d instant, night, the Secretary of a French General made I appearance at this place, from Toledo. and brouv with hint all the papers entrusted to his care." By a report made by the Governor of Cii Rodrigo, to the Marquis de la Romani, under of the 14th of May, it appears, that, on the 1; the statue month, an Officer of General Mr Stall, niade his appearance before one of the tit' that town, with a repeated summous to der, but was sent back with no other answer t. absolute refusal to listen to any terms of cape non which the enemy might think proper to and that the Govertior »as determi,:ed to k, no other communication with the French, tl balls. nstWoz, Ka' We have received accounts, through a able channel. that Augerean had left Bei with 10 or 12 O.IU men, taking with him the aides of the hou-e of the Captain-General ; ' the other officers and subalterns following ample. at their respective gannets, excel General (said to be Chabran), who, oa goink restored the moveables cud utensils. The! with them a number of prisoners, and seven lies, taking the road to France, without he! they arrived within a short distance of Figie They only left a small garrison its Bitnelona From Metric', under the date of April 16! write—Jr The French have all retired to carrying with them a great treasure from Bie with all the papers, records, &c. They hie left us Barcelona, G.:rone, Itosas, and Fig the troops absolutely Lecessary to garnson and most of those foreigne r s . it is p robablt when they have planed the treasure they have away, they will return, or fortify th he emselvei frontiers. Our army noon Bat and the small 1 ;41015011 there appears much at the approach' of our tr voe:ou. end gallop' ' Letters from TarrJgona, of the loth, if derV 4 1111 t 110 1 eve dig 11= lip fir! Cie Oda. titd:ottut:'lll'.l 4,4 gnnD and at M igned nerA' ie ~. . ei.23 plus. hoe tillery weed in tl there Sial one of HMI before PHI ;ention ltaa t. He made cum. 1 101 4 f their eve them a elal on had lit could SI ad the 111 3r, and of, the Le hie iatl vii its r sty in tour foe •," they British let , ; the 3101 Briti.li it, tilgtreet ranee TH among health, conflict 31r Eli M=9. lie, sad vs 2. hips bas shrike. ds her, TH divisioft horn he 1 lip ng theta rhi IA 'dice ttark bts Cif as Gut. apl in Sets. slid 31 id of the r. fdom of • IT 15. 1 't brtiary, owed in. glint, t!S Haripary, m hero, aot vire number IM t anchor, nlah and o114"1 and toe gates and • ify all the • tad espe• boats and Ay, inflict toaptts s. t prerent 3 3111136 of per, chtk rie utmost r, contain tl instant, at mulch. id broiled are:: Ciudad under dale the 14th et g I Mherastee f the gee , to surrri;• eer tban an 1 eapoulo wr to of r 1 to keep UP li, than by WY .2° ' • feapcd Demetrios s the mot al ; o° 4 1 nog lira es except going sag' They t. t g I a. h e 1 r iso 0 : y t ages totll: jith:l9o ration hose rl be t,ivitu l e ( o,6 l ,t, r, r cons