The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1807-03-26 00:00:00

teiVed their offices, bet a/so of the people by eitufft
they weriimirii"—(l4fid lifia. or /war ! hear!)
The foinin was }}ben tea& ficimsthe Chan'.
Mr. roictvAvrose fro& the Treasury Deicho
.
and addressed the House as follows :—`4 L was ea-
trentely anxious, Sir, to be present in this Liouse
when this question came forward, and I have come
for the purpose of stating my reasons for that
anxiety. I conceiiik ftis eft important duty
(7
for me to secure to de ; wise at least, as accurate
a statement of the a s as possible,*bet ore they
take upon themselves to address His Majesty
upon such a subject. It was my duty to take
care, that no motion of this kind, alluding to my
situation, should be founded upon, or agreed to
from mere rumours. Such being my objek. IMI
prevailed upon to present myself thus early to yoist
notice. I beg leave to say, that the Honourable
Gentleman who has made this motion, may dis-
miss from his mind any apprehension that I may
entertain an unfavourable opinion of his tact
lives. or that they have been in any way conneCt-
ed with personal ill-will or hostility, as las per-
suaded, that during the whole course of our friend-
ship, nothing ever occurred which gave vise to such.
suspicions. Understanding. Sir, that His Majesty
had formed the determiaation to do that which is
the undoubted Prerogative of the Crown. to take the
management of his affairs out of the hands of one
Adrninistratiois, to put it into the bands of another ;
I had soon afterwards an intimation made to me,
that His Majesty was inclined to make me his Chas, -
cellor of the Exchequer, accompanied with a giant
of the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster for
life. Were it not for the notice of this ll' iti so, I
should have been, at this moment, in posseesion of
both of these situations ; so that the Hcn. Gen-
tleman may stand acquitted by the House of taking
them by surprise, as the season would have cer-
tainly gone by, had he delayed it longer. Under-
stanng. I say, that this notice of a motion had
bee given, I, instead of approeching my Sove-
reign, in order to accept of these offl:es, changed
my intentions of acceptance, and only apiiroaeited
him, to desire, that he would permit Me to 'de-
eline accepting any of those office:, till mat tire', as I
had addressed you and the Home (1:eoll cries of
Neer! hear! from the Treasury tench). slut another
reason, more strong than that one, was this, that no
step. taken by me, should fetter my Sovereign, as
to the course that would be most proper for him to
take, in consequence of any Address he might res
ceive from this House of Commons. I thought it
my duty to take care. that, whatever might be the
advice which this House, in its wisdom, might
be disposed to convey to the foot of the
Throne, might be carried there under circumstances
in which His Majesty should in no degree be fetter-
ed its exercising his discretion. I accompanied that
intimatam with an assurance, that as His Majesty
had been graciously pleased to suppose, that in this
particular crisis of affairs, I could afford him any
useful set vices in the Administration he might think
proper to appoint for the carrying on of those affairs,
my purpose should not be in the slightest degree
altered or abated, whether the detetmtuatiou of this
House be to recommend the granting to me et
the situation, now in question, for life, or not fief
a single hour. Unquestionably, I should not have
turned my back upon my profession, as Lords
Lechmere and Ashburton di.f, by accepting a Peer-
age ; sot only on account of myself, hut for the
sake of my family. (Hear! hear!) When I knew
that my services would be requited, I felt the
1 Matiments I at first entertained upon this 5 all.
•Isa, in ne degree abated by the notice of this
emotion. I felt it no longer a atwitter of option
to me, but that, whatever might be the sonar-
queaces to myself, my Sovereign should command 1
my services. There was another thing which I
' was anxious to have an opportunity of stating to
the House, and that was to do away the impression
which some Members bed entertained as to the si-
tuation of the Decoy of Lancaster being one that
never had been granted for life before. I have
taken some pains to colleft the has, and they are
such as have been stated by the Hon. Gentleman
who made this motion. Idu not believe that there
' have been more than the two instances which he has
alluded to. It is not for me to compare myself to
any of those Noble Personages, but I am im-
pressed with no Constitutional or Parliamentary
ofsjenion to the grant which wee made of that
same office to Lord AWN:it-ton. I found it was an
instance in which that ofEe had been granted for
lite to a person taken out of the prulessioh of the
law, by an Administration over whom presided the
pure Whig Principles of my Lord Rockingham,
and that it was given to a person who was the po-
litical Friend of the father of the Noble Lord
opposite (alluding to Lord l henry Petty). It would
be presumption in me to compare myself to Lord
Ashburton ; but if he was to be rewarded in that
way, I do not know that because an Honour-
able and Learned Gentleman may fancy that
became that Noble Lord's services wire mote
valuable than mine, he can argue that rim in sup-
port of eke different branches of the Constitution.
Whatever be the motive of His Majesty, in reward-
ing an individual, the same propriety exists in the
mode of the present day, as formerly. I recol-
lett, too, that, amongst the distinguished set.-
vices of that Noble Lord to his Country (and
whith may be in the remembrance of the
House), was the famous resolution he proposed
to the House, and to which he procured their as-
sent. which was, that the influence of the Crown
had increased, was increasing, and likely to in-
crease, under the Whig Administration of the Lord
Rockingham. (Hear! hear! hear!) that Noble
Lord having accepted this place, under such cir-
cumstances, led me to think, that this present mo-
tion would not be supported or seconded by the
Representatives of those who professed Whig Prin-
ciples. I never at least could have imagined, that
such a motion could have been countenanced b
the son of a Noble Personage, to whom I have al-
hided (Lord Henry Petty and the Marquis of
lemsdowi), nor by an Administration, whose very
first aft of power, so far from advising His Majesty
not to grant offices improperly, was to pass a Bill, not
for regulating offices in general, but lot use express
purpose- of securing to a Noble Lord, then at the
bead of the Treasury, under circumstances totally
inconsistent with the la.v, the means of continuing
very considerable emoluments to a whole race ; a
place svlach would be surreodeled by a pose patriot,

as trenching upon the power of tiro Crown.-- tae easel. I will not touch iieron that of my
The aromas. ueta La favour of this meson: e,
,W d Lachmere, as it is separated from the other
are such as • would apply. not to the particular ogle alluded en. The situation was grained to tat
*rant of any paetietdoe place, for life. to any. Liod Addis:tam at a time When In held nee..
iddividuel ; taut, get erally, to the the Con• official situation ; but was merely ftir the me..
seitutional system which has prevailed its this
.pose of enabling. him to sit-ins the House of Peers t ,
country, which enables His Majesty to cora: and Led such an income got been granted so hits,•
different offices upon individuals, According so biz alter having procured a peerqe, a pensiain must'
pleasure. Not one office alone, but every other, of 1 hare heeo attached. It wet not an offint gitewhole
a similar description, WAS to be included. Then to errohle hint to hold another one. but 'nerdy to
appears, however, to be evidently a sort of cepsi- I uphold, hi: dignity in the House .. Lords, and until
cioos feeling upon this sulijed, against the persons he mild succeed Lord Mansfield. as Chief Justice
connected v:ith this present geostioe, .otter that 1 of the Cart of King's Bench. Tois was dohs with
any, sentiment favourable to the itornsts of the the general approbetioa ra r.ll persons and all par-
coultery ; yet the late Admini,tratinn have piqued ties ; it could not, that fore, be 5111(1 to be a part
themselves upon not having grantee offices in re- for 14c, hot merely till that other office was vacant'
version. as had been done by former Adeninistra. a circumstance which was likely soon to follow._
lions, except M one solitary instance. where an So far from this motieh twine an attack against the
011,te was conferred by the Chancellor in the King's Prerogative, it is the proposal to giant that
Court of Chancery! This office, if I under. .ituation for life, instead of pleasure, that is Wk.
stand it rightly, was granted to a meritorious to be art infringement thereof, aecerding to do.
individual by a meritorious master ; I mean the Piinciples of the Constitution and the Rights of re*
private Cle,: to a Banister! t This I under- People. The history of rttglan,l would thew, tits,
stand was the only exception specified in the dis- t!.e alienation of Crown La..de was rd ways coo'. ,
cussion of yesterday, relative to reversions. I leave tiered as tending to impair the ferernoottieie ot
it to the Idolise to determine, whether or not the Crewn, and so it was in the present troitii:ce:-:'"
this motion be one that is founded upon an en- Three years only have elap-ed since arrorgemerus of
!.aged view of what should beadoae for the benefit this kind were In centeroplation, foe the piwpose ce
of the country, or one that is dire led to the par- granting the very situation alluded to as a peseta.
titular Gtlice in question, not merely because rent reward for long and important services pew
it was granted individually to me, but because formed by a person whom I respell. I rorallmy
it was supposed to • facilitate the arrangements Lord Sidmouth. His answer Was dietinftly this;
which His Majesty chore to make for a new Go- that he could not reconcile his mind In being inetru-
vernment, such as he could trust his *fain cod-- mental in alienating so large a portion of the Fret°.
The Idolise will consider whether, in the present gative of the Crown, by occupying a situation is
state of the country, it be proper thus to impede which no duty was to be pains/nod. but from which
the formation of an arrangement which His Ma- extensive patronage was to be derived,. That lima.
jow deems se essentially necessary to the welfare lion was not therefore accepted of by Lord Ode
And sectuity of his kingdom ?".-- (Hese di /tight Hon. mouth, although he was celled on juall to remit*
Gentleman's speeds called.retth such lead, general, and a remuneration far services performed. Me grounds
,/most ssuperresfe sited herds of appre6a;ion and dies however upon which I shall vote for the Motion ate
serJant esprersions.frons Pyres, Ansier in the How, ky not io much those of precedent or usage,eo irona
rest rats.? ra. la of hear ! hear ! hear! 4-c that it was in:- a consideration, to use the words of tee Right
rosliAle in rhe Choler!' errerately to case' the t•stc mean- Hon. Gentleman himself, of the great med awful
ii of the 'cuisine's's he tittered.) When silence was crisis in which the country is now placed. Moo
again with difficulty restored, he thus con:inn:A : Lear !) It would be highly improper, this to in-
" The House most take into their consideration the terfere with the duty of the Committee. 'heady ap.
circumstance; under which His Majesty has, by pointed to inquire iato the offices that ought to be
taking a cerred view of the interests of the coon- abolished. I have no oleteelion to that Rt. Hon Gent.
try, the constitution of the country, the continuance if called upon to occupy the situation of Chan.
of its establishment, and the preservation of its cellor of the Exchequer, being liberally rewarded.
religion, thought it his bounden duty to entrust the The salary of that office may not, perhaps,•he con.
administration of his affairs into ocher hands. Whe. sidered as equal to the duty, considetiu g his
ther, under ell these circumstances, the House will concessions ; but if an increase is to be made,
bee disposed so manifest, upon their part, any dims). let it be done in a manner consistent with the pub-
sitinu to throw difficulties in the way of the aceem. tic interest, or it ought not to be done at all."
i plishment of this desirable ()hied. was a most in.:- ttir. id TEJRGES BOURNE spoke at corsi
portant point. I, for my own part, considering the dyeable length ago fast the motion, and particularly
circumstances under which I at present stand, adverted to the great integrity and disinteresteJrsess
feel it not only my duty to leave the question, but h of his Right Hoo. Friend, Mr. Perceval, " than
also to leave the House. It is one, in which, on va- whom a more hOnouralde, independent, and dis-
Tinos accounts, it would be improper for me to ia- interested charafter, lie said, is not to be foe 1
•terfere, by giving,* vote. I shall, therefore, imme- within these walls." (Beer I bear I hear !,l The
I?diately leave the House for this night, with giving concessions which that Learned Gentleman was
• perfed assurance, that whatever may be the re- about to makei, if be accepted of reface. were
Oh of your wisdom. or slat effeit.?f pm decision, much greater than generoily toast/Ad. He was
ea to the discretion of our Ifeelfrelgo. my services ,sarprised to else the Noble Lowd three-heft ember>
will note be withheld, provided he will eoetinues eassmem in the flay of the foessaliess of en Ad*
of opinion that my services use required to contri- 1 nistration for tole good of the tellantry ; whet
bore to the welter* and security of the country, at I the measure was merely an. exercise of thel
this critical conjundure." King's Preeogativm and wee by to means norm
Mr. Percival, we believe, immediately left the cedented. lie thought the former instaalles adverted
House. to were very sin tar to the present one. Theo&
Mr. PLIIMER stated, that he had yesterday lice ot Chancellor of the Ditcher. of Lancaster, dovish
Started this question, when there were much fewer nut strietty sinecure, was totally bereft of power, Se
Members in the House, and had done so from that the liberties, of the people could not beamed.
rumours. He begged trove to say a few word. in He believed it might yield about 200121. per moms
his own justification. He wished the House to no- which must otherwise go to the King; while an eeep
tics, that he had not made his assertion, or set this meatation of salary to the Chancellor eat the Elan
matter a going, upon idle or unfounded rumours. quer must be taken out of the public money.
He did not ad from aey personal motives, bur only 11;r. SHAT i) nude an able speech in favour of
from a convidien of the impropriety of the Right the motion, and ridiculed the idea of the case of
Honourable Gentleman holding these two office., the Right Honourable Gentleman being COT•
the one for life, as an inducement for him to occupy pared with these of Lords Lethmere and Ashour-
the other during the pleasure of His Majesty. H. ton, who were both of them at the head 44 their pre.
was sure the Right Honourable Gentleman himself, fession, and their concessions were, therefore, be.
if still in the House, would do him the justice to yond any the Right Honourablo Gentleman could
say, he had not founded his observations upon idle possibly make upon this occasion. He intended to
rumours, or from any disinclination to- see him in here abstained tram speaking upon the queition,
offices of trust and emolument, consistent with the bat was unable to resist expressing his heartfelt sa-
wn pi inciples of the constitution of the auntry. tisfadion at the cqnduct of Parliament in having
Lord HENRY PETTY—" T rise to offer- myself appointed the Committee qt Finance, which has
at this early part of the discussion, on account of already excited much nice out of doors. He con-
my having been personally alluded to by the Right eluded with observing, that perhaps the very es-
lion. Gentleman who has just now left the House. inence of that Committee would be, if not the sole
I too disclaim any personal hostility against that reason, at leost the chief one, for this new Ada&
Right lion. Gentleman, or any imputation against nistrotion hurrying this Parliament to a dissolution.
his private chorader. I join the Hon. Gentleman Mr. MONTAGUE made a very violent speech
who has last spoken, in thinking, that could the against the motion, and dealt largely in abuse of
office in question be held along with the other, con- the late Adiiiinistratinn. In doing so, he even cos-
sistent with public economy and benefit, or could descended to personalities so much, that he was trio
an increase of salary be bestowed upon the latter ouentlt%called to order, but did not cease delivering
office alone, there is no person whatever whom I . his sentiments. till such time as the Members of the
could see with mole satisfattion, enjoying those New Oppottion, by clamorous expressions of dis-
advantages, than that 'Right Hon. Gentleman.— satisfadon, rendered his speech inaudible to him-
Such art augmentation would, I think, be des: to self, as well as to the House and to the gallery.
the numerous merits or that Learned Gentleman, - Mee JOiriNdirGallisaid, that if the gram of :14
which I know he possesses in private life, although I Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster to Lod
differ from him in a public capacity. I should. in- i ,Ashburton, for life, WAS fit, it WAS equally in the die.
deed, be the lest to state objeCtions upon that point, cordon of the Royal Preroga:ive now to confer epee
as lam strongly impressed with a sense of the ar- his lioneurable and Learned Friend that situation,
duous and laborious duty he has to perform; hut l as a reconmeese for the pecuoiary loss which Fe
still I should entertain a desire, that that objet must seer by withdrawing hireself from his pro•
could be accompliahed, in a manner not inconsistent ifessional pursuits. Wan nosed to the cm edit whine
with the true interests of the Country. I will follow h the Members of the Lae Administrat.on were cogs
the Right Hon. Gentleman only in two or three tinually giving. them olves fur their preens ilk
points ; and first as to that which concerns myself. parity wnilst Its office, he much doubted whet*
He has stated some things which lie is not justified their conduct desueved the panegyric. It was Mg
in doing. He has said that I have been prevailed to be recognised in the Bill, which they got to IN
upon to lend my countenance to the motiorenOW be- II teed twice, at nine o'clock, the same night ; 11
fore the House. I certainly am disposed to do so ; I Bill which vested, in one Noble Family, the Atli
but I am not aware that he could be in possession I of First Lod, Teller, and Auditor of the lisp
of that circumstance. Having premised this, he chequer. In ailother instance, they increased
stated that it was perfeftly inconsistent in me to do the salary of the First towd of the Admit-M.IW is
so. on account of what had taken place in the year the u,tizi open and parliamentary usaumer, sett ISt
1732, as to a risible departed and near relation of td the private fund, for the application of whiell
Caine. He was not justified en saying that there was then was no public record laid opon the Abdo di
no dissimilarity between the two cases. Ido not tLat Hu one. The E;ght Hon. Gentkinan (Mr. Tt
know that I entertain that respell tor any man, how- Gienville) when laying the Naval Estimates before
ever nearly connected with me in private lite, that the House. taud adverted to the salariessires to the
would incline me to refrain from explaining what 17 Commissioners at Naval :tteieW ; but he at it
think it my duryto state as to his public condlia. 'fe same rime left out of his consideration the ellele
;mots of mydeceased relation bear me at m retain• moos amount of Lis own sinecure. He (Mr! MID;
ingftsPlaforbisc
rw.fro
haradem rajfn
r and rneemh:stri:: hot v.ll stunt) begged so bring back to the recolkelioa or
they will not prevent
hi, public dm h :use the circumstances and manner in whith
measures. lam prepared to show, that there ;s e the measure tor appointing the Committee of Fl-
eery bromi difference betoist the ciicain.tarices et stance WAS originally isruduccL The late &IT.

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