The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1806-04-24 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS--21rioriartiiv, APIIIL 23.
Counsel were heard at considerable length. re
spewing the Scots Appeal Cause, Rose, Esq.
c. the Earl of Fife, viz. the Solicitor-General (Sir
S. Romillv) and the new Solicitor-General of Scot-
land (Mr. Clarke) on the `art of the Respondent.
After which, their Lordships deferred the farther
consideration of the case till tu-me•rrow.
Mr. Jones, marshal of the King's Bench Prison,
presented an Account of the number, kc of Persons
confined for Debt therein ; which was ordered to
lie upon the table.
RUPTURE WITH PRUSSIA.
The outer being read for taking His Majesty's
recent most gracious Message on this subjeCt, itsto
considerar;fle—
Lord GRENJILLE rose, and addressed their
Lordship., introductory to the Addre.s he proposed
to move to His Majesty on the occasion. It appear-
ed to him, he observed, indeed he thought he could
rely with confidence, that upon what he was about
to propose to the consideration of the House, there
could be het one sentiment ezisting in the minds of
their Lordships. Not only in that House, but
throughout dm sehelevolunry, all Europe, and the
world at large, in the mind of every honest and
discriminating man, there could exist but one senti-
ment, but one opinion.—Whether the conduct of
Prussia were examined upon the principles of jus.
tice ; whether with regard to what was due from
one nation to another whether from the mesnoty
of past intercourse' of kindness, or existing trea-
ties ; or taking it even upon the ground of inte-
rest alone—the conduct of that Court towards this
Country and its Sovereign,was what every man must
equally condemn. In the present case, he should
nil enter into any detailed views of the relevant
situation of the two countries ; nor vas it necessary
to enter into a particular consideration of the con-
dud of Prussia previous to the late peace between
Austria and Fiat es. At the moinent, the line of
conduit of that titan towards this country, was not
one which was to be expeCted from an enemy, but
of an Ally, and on the point of bring drawn closer
together by additional Treaties of Alliance. After
that period, the first thing he had to point eut to
the attention of their Lordships, was t!.e condud of
Prussia with respea to His Majesty's dominions
upon the Continent ; the first step was openly to
occupy the EleCtorate of H glover, by the Prussian
troops, upon the pretence, in the first instance, that
such a proceeding was resolve,il on, merely to pre-
tea that country, and save it from the worse abet-
native, of being occupied by the French troops ;
this step, on the part of Prussia, was, however, con-
trary to the wishes of the lawful Sovereign of the
country, in opposition to his desire, and in violation
of his jog rights. Even write the pretext alleged by
frossiit, the real sed tries motive, la would., under the
circumstances he had mentioned. be an outrageous
violation of justice ; a position which, he thought,
ere man could deny. Were it a consideration abich
affeeted the British nation alone, he was confident
the reason, the justice, the political judgment of
their Lordships, Would be sufficient to induce them
to decide with His Majesty's Government upon the
line of conduit necessary to be adopted on the or-
e tsion. Ile should not, therefore, attempt to ap-
peal to their feelings, in an instance, where the per-
sonal rights and sovereign charatler of His Majesty
hislasel!, was particularly affected ; a consideration of
the kind,must unavoidably increasetheir indignation.
With respect to this aggression on the part of
Ptussia, His Majesty wishing, as far as he could,
consistently with his honour and sovereign rights, to
preserve the relations of peace and friendship with
that Conn, had entero.i into an amicable negoti-
ation with Prussia, and endeavoured, to the utmost
of his power, by means of friendly representation, to
avert the calamity of increasing the llams:r of the
enemies of Great Britain. Every thing which muld
possibly oirviate that necessity, was dose on the part
of I lis Majesty. While this country was pursui•.•.
such a mode' ate and forbearing line of conduct, the
veil, thin and transparent as it was, thrown over the
real motives and designs of Prussia, was suddenly
and unexpeetedly turn ;asunder, and a far more ass-
gre,sive coo; se was suddenly WPM by Prussia. The

very nett paper which followed the deelaratior
of the Court of Berlin, that the oezupation
of
Hanover, by its troops, seas merely provisional, that
it was done with the friendly intention of preserv-
ing it from more onerous occupation by the troops
of France—the very next paper issued by that Court
was a declaration, that the Prussian troops had
taken possession of Hanover, as a decided conquest
of France, and 'as granted to it by that Power;
in lieu of various Prussian territories ceded to
France. With respell to the claims of France in
that respell, their Lordships would bear in mind,
how Hanover was suddenly attacked by the French
troops, without even the form of a declaration of
war against its Sovereign ; for Hanover was not
attacked as a member of the British empire, But
on that he would again observe. However, this
developement. s' following so close upon the heels"
of the former steps taken by Prussia, plainly mani-
fested the nature and chars her of the whole trails-
anion on the part of that Court. About the same
time was issued, the notification to the British Mi-
nister, that, in obedience to the wishes of the enemy,
attually engaged in war against this country, Prussia
had taken measures to exclude British ships and
British trade, not only from her own posts, but
from those of countries dependent on her. It
certainly was a lamentable consideration, that
such an unprovoked and unjustifiable condo& on the
part of Prussia, should go to involve in the cala-
mities of war, the innocent inhabitants of the
countries subjea to her dominion ; but this would
operate as an aggravation of his candela. On this
clear, incontrovertible view of the case, he would
ask, whether there remained any possible alternative
for the government of this country, keeping in view
the maintenance of its charafter, and the assertion of
her just rights, but to aft as it had done ? (Hear !
hear ! ) It it were the objea to inflame the passions
of those whom he had the honour to address, a
great deal might be said, in illustration of this ag-
gravated, this ungrateful condua of Prussia; but
a mere statement of the fans, they spole so plainly
for themselves,would be sufficient to secure the con-
viction, and to determine the judgment of their Lord-
ships. One point, particularly, however, he could
not avoid adverting to, which was the principle of
the reasoning, which Prussia seemed to adopt, in
something like an attempt to justify her aggressions,
and which, if admitted for a moment, would go to
overturn those principles, and that system, long
established and recognised by the governments of
Europe; vie. the compulsion used by France, or
the dread of its coercion, which induced her to cede
various portions of her territories to that country,
as a ground of justification, or a defence of the al-
leged necessity she was under of taking possession
of the territories of a friendly and peaceable neigh-
bour, in order to indemnify herself for the cessions
so made ; such a monstrous and absurd proposi-
tion was never heard. as applying to those general
rules of justice, upon which the law of nations
proceeded. (Hear! Hear!) Were such a mode of
reasoning adopted, it such a name as reasoning could
be given to it, it would go tes preclude the oppor-
tunity of resisting France in Europe. (Hear! Near !)
Such language and conduit on the part of Prussia,
argued not more injustice than folly. The effeas
of such a principle, as applying to other Euro-
pean states, should be considered ; and, in that
view, the principle was as little defensible in
point of political wisdom, as in justice. The
line of conduit to be adopted by this country
should proceed upon three general grounds—in the
first instance, the necessity of considering the in-
terests of Germany (so we understood his Lordship)
as inseparably conneaed with the interests of this
country. Ihe necessity, in the second place, of
evincing, that from no ports in the world should the
British ships or trade be excluded by force, with im-
punity•-•-and thirdly, the necessity, for the sake not
only of ourselves and Europe, but the whole civilized
world, of resisting, to the utmost of our power, that
odious and detestable principle of a State indemnify-
ing itself, at the expense of its weaker neighbour,
for that which it may be unjustly compelled to sur-
render to a more powerful. (Near! hear!) There
was another topic which he could not avoid recur-
ring to, which they must all applaud and feel the
full force of; namely, the great degree of delicacy
and forbearance, manifested by His Majesty,
throughout the whole of this interesting transac-
tion, which induced him to negotiate, while a
shadow of hope remained, of gaining the objea of
his just and sovereign rights, by means of conciliating
and amicable representations. lie never thought of
adopting any other line of condua. With these im-
pressions superadded, he was confident their Lord-
ships would feel no objeflion to assuring their Sove-
reign. that they would feel an insult, or an injustice
offered to him, as fotcibly as if direfted against
themselves. (Hear! h,ar!) His Lordship con-
cluded, by moving an Address to His Majesty, cor-
responding with the spirit and tenour of his most
gracious Message,, and containing the warm-
est assurances of co-operation and support, with
respea to events so deeply affeCting the interests
of thins owarscantry. and those of a Prince so justly
dear to them."
Earl Fl I•ZWILLIAM seconded the Motion for
the Address; which being read by the Noble Lord
on the Woolsack.
Lord HAWKESBURY rose to express his en-
tire and unqualified approbation of the Address ;
after the abli manner on which the grounds of it
had been explaii.ed to their Lordships, he should
feel himself, he said, inexcusable, did he occupy
their attention many minutes ; he, however,
thought, when he considered the necessity of the
case, it was due to His Majesty's present govern-
mega. that he should state his entire and corn•
Ode approbation of what was new proposed.—
He was ready to accord in all due praise to these
principles of forbearance and moderation, which
atm/it'd the condua of goverment ; notwithstand-
ing the unjust and aggressive occupation of His
Majesty's Eleaoral dominions by the Pitissian
troops, while any hope rem mood of obtaining re-
dress by means of amicable eg.iciation, or friendly
erlanations. He was sore, iaiwever, thar His Ma-
jesty's Hanoverian dominions had originally been
occupied by the enemy from motives of hatred to
this country; i• was dine, notwithstanding the ex-
:.!t Ice of positive treaties, which excluded Hanover
1;.. m a participati-n in the contests between France
and Great Bi In a similar predicament were
placed the Ilai. -.:owns, whose tights were outraged

.1
a Sin Way, Vi•••lAti;ln
treaties, which stipulated for tl,nir rentt..ittv, Ntt.
withstanding atlr war in which the Gel:llan Sloe;
might be engaged; and to this xteaty, Prnr is berwlt
was a party ; which COnSlderat:er, 11:110ntr.eny
an aggravation of her condua t and this conclu.i.
applied, under the cocum‘tances. to tl.e ti,iftimt
bearings of her condlet, considerin7 the. •41ti."
situation of Great Britain with Prussia, .ird othw
Powers, as a belligetest, more'especi.tly uithrelcr.
encc to the public Lass of Nations, it toy yet etim
and to the system of Europe, it such .s Fyste:l
exists. With respect to the exclusion of
and British trade from the ports of Pf.l,ss3 And the
North of Europe, it was a measure which evtilill.6‘
would produce a ten-fold retaliation and th5,„‘j,,,,,.
cage upon her own commerce, shipping, al.sa „.;,..
gatinn. He took the opp.ntnnity to exprrts leis
earnest hope, that, under the present circurnstar.ely
every possible endeavour would be taken tit uses;
continue, and improve that connexion and groi
undorstand,ng, which happily existed betv.een His
Majesty and the two great Nor! bern Powers it(
Europe—he meant, the Russian Emperor asst tiv
King of Sweden, and which may be produstreli
the most beneficial results. .

Lord MULGRAVE begged kave to say a few
words on the occasion. He thought, that no mei
who felt (or the hollow or the interests of the cow..
try, could hesitate a moment in giving his full a,,-
probation and concurrence to the Address now
.posed. He held it undtr the present circurnstar.c(l
of Europe, utterly impossible fir this country is
be at War with France, without being, at use Lone
time, when her avowed and proclaimed vassalage
was considered, at war with Prussia. He could rst
withhold his tribute of applause, for the pmnspt, 5,.
pious, and efferftual measures, taken by admir.:Era.
tion, on the occasion ; they were, indeed, indispes-
sibly necessary, and he trusted they would be pre.
severed in. 'l'he trust so confidently espreswd 4).
His Noble Friend, of meeting unanimity in the pre.
sent instance, was superfluous, as their Lidsh;ps
would all naturally feel a strong desire to express
themselves in the way proposed. Of the hope cc.
pressed by his Noble Friend who spoke last, be
thought the same, as obvious policy too strosely
dietated the line of conduS recommended by him.
Recurring to the recent measures adopted by Mi.
:sisters, with respett to Prussia, he expressed Lis
opinion. it augured well of their future collided.
The question was then put, and the Addles
voted by their Lordships—Nees
The same was ordered to be presented to His
Majesty, in the usual way, by the Lords with whits
staves.
On the Motion of Lord HOLLAND, the Bill
for enabling His Majesty, in Council, o vest semis
powers in the Governors of the West India Wands.
was ordered to he read a second time taws.
row se'nnight. and their Lordships to be summorod
for that Day.
The Bills upon the Table, chiefly private, were
forwarded in their several stages. After which, the
House adjourned till to-inorrow, when their Lont.l
ships stand summoned on the second Trailing d
the Bill for the relief of certain Insolvent Debtor!.

HOUSE OV COMMONS.
A new writ was ordered to be issued fur the
county of Wexford, in the room of Lotd h octeat
Loftus, now Marquis of Ely.
The Tea Duty Bill, the Irish House Duty Re
peal Pill, and the Irish Bank Notes Bill wets scir
rally read a third time, and passel.
The Bill for ealarging the limitation of Lord G.
Vincent's Annuity Bill, was read a tint, and order
ed to be re id a second time to-morrow.
PROCEEDINGS ON Till IMPEACHMENT
Mr. GILES, one of the Committee appointed ts
manage the proceedings of the Impeachment aging
Lord Viscount Melville, informed the Home, ths
a Committee bad been appointed to inspect the
buildings in IVestminster Hall, ereled for carryirs
on the trial of Henry Lord Viscount Melvilk. os
articles of Impeachment, and that they had totri
the same complete, and there was room for at le4l
500 Members, besides the Managers. He then de,
livered in a long string of resolutions, firing the
ceremony and mode in which the House of CIO
mons should proceed to the said trial, which was&
same as had taken place on the trial of Mr. Haste
Mg', and which resolutions were severally arced to.

TOBACCO AND SNUFF DUTY.
The Tobacco and Snuff Duty Bill went threur
a Commiue, and the report was ordered to be Tv'
ceived to-morrow.

CHARGE AGAINST LORD ST VINCENT.
Mr. JEFFERY said, he did not wish to adgen
to the kmg procrastination which had take place. b 1
mean...of the printing of papers that had bsen mod
for, in order to repel the charge, which it was his ie
tension to bring forward against Lord St. Vince
nor, at this time, to say a word mole on the subja
He thought it necessary that a day should now te
named for bringing forward the same, and he vi
desirous of fixing that day, as neatly as possible."
cording to the wish of the House I and as lie wall
not desire to name an earlier day than it might
supposed a sufficient time would be given for !ill'
ing the papers already moved for. and therthr
it would be agreeabie to the House, he secs'
rameTuesday, the 6th of May, en which day kws
his determination positively to bring it forward.
Lord HOWICK said, he was by no means r•
quainted with the length of time it would rel'u 4
,"
few printing the papers moved for, as they wet';
in his department, but if they could be ready. -s
bad no objeetion whatever to the day.

IMPORT AND EXPORT DUTY
The Report on the Import and Export nut! 5i 1
was brought up and agreed to, and the bill orlzre
to be rad a 31 time to-morrow.
LONGITUDE.
The Longitude Discovery Continu tnce R:i. '
rear' a second time, and ordered to be commttelt`
morrow. _ ____.__

NDLIT R Y DEFENCE.
Mr. Secretary FOX, in conbequence of the •
position of Mr. Windham, moved, 4, that the C,
of the Day, for the beeenJ tending of the 131,1'
the repeal of the Defence Bail, which stocd
moTtow, be discharged, and tde same
Monday."—Ordered.
Aput ritmAt. P 'ft) TUE NAVY
Lc/T(1 110'.VICK said, tn.t be would. opre'r•