The National Register.
London, England, 1816-03-17 00:00:00

ARMY ESTIMATES.

The Marquis of Lsasnowa said, that if he wanted any-
apology for calling the attention of the House to the reduction
of the Estimates hefore them, 1w would find that apology in the
respectable petitions before them. It was their duty I. redeem
the pledge green to the public, to reduce the taxes ; but instead
of that, they had been most unjustifiably called on to increase
the public burdens, by keeping up a standing army, which our
ancestors would not have endued. lie called ou the Howse
to address the Crown, that these Estimates might be revised or
reduced. After a very long speech., his Lordship moved an ad-
dress to the Prince H. gent, stating that they had observed
with deep concerti that it was intended to Le. p up a large mi-
litary establishineut, unexampled in former times ; and pray-
ing tact be would be pleased to order a 'eduction of that es-
tablishment, for the purpose of reducing the public burdens.
Earl BATHURST had listened to the Noble Marquis with at-
tention ; but he could not see any great economical advantage
that could result to the country from his suggrstions, hasiug,
at the Nana' time, a just regard to our own security amid that of
our Colonies.

The Marquis µ•Et.t.rat.Lv contended that our Military Esta-
blishment mould ilot give us intheenee on the Continent of
Europe; but petit:ors it mas to be kept up to it ail to the Sove-
ivis of nil ope a great moral lesson that large Military Esta-
idishmetits at•ete very dangerous. He concluded by supporting
Address,lie
Lord SIDMOUTII contended that the small Pt ace Establish-
ment in 1192, mug the haat ut gleet which prevented its t oin
making an effectual impression on the Comm( nt at the con-
ceneement of the war. He suppoited the proposed Peace
Establishment in all its branches, as being necessary ft;r the se.
curtly of this country, and for the immanent of
Etia ope.

MARCTT Vt.

Lord GRENVILLE said, that it was evident the large Peace
Estahlishment was not to be temporary, as had been held out,
but pet manent. In his opinion,however, the best way of training
a British soldier to his duty in time of war was, that.% shrodd
exercise the rights of a British citizen in time of pears. There
was no danger, at home or abroad, to make the keeping up of
a standing army necessary.
The Earl of LIVURPOor. was ready to try the question by the
policy Which had been pursued for the greater part of the last
century. 1 lie Noble Lord then took a view of the different
colonies and foreign stations, anti defended the amount of fir re
proposed fur curb, upon the same grounds as were taken in the
House of Commons when the same question was discussed
there. He contend( U. that this country had built its strength
and raised its glory upon the imperishable rock of Gibraltar,
and our other posseslons in the Mediterranean ; and that any
Minister who shotdd fail to provide amply for their security
would betray the hest interests of the country. He observed,
that a spericncc had shewn that the calm and gentle tide of
peace was liable to the stidden.devasidtion of war; and we
should lose all the advantages of the costly lessons we had pur-
chased, if we stripped 'ousels v.; entirely of our arms, before the
season of danger was entirely passed.
The Marquis of LANSIWN NE replied; and after a short ex-
planation by Lord SinsitiLcn, their Lordships divided, wino
the Humber,' were--Ayes, present, 27 ; roxie4, 42-69. Noes,
present, ti:i; proxies, 74-139. Majority against the Motion,
'W.—Adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, MORD tY, MARCH 11.

Many petitions were presented against the• Property-tax.
Lord ALI-Hone presented a petition from Wellineborongh
Town against the Property-tax ; and in doing this, particularly
urged Nlinisters to adopt every possible system of remains ;
not only in the military', but in the els il departments of tLc
State also.

Mr. FiNnr.Eir presented a petition from Glasgow in favour
of a modified Property-tax, as the hest calculated to rise as
income upon the rich and to excuse the poor.
Mr. IIttouGHAM repeated IliA former opinions on the subject
of exposures of returns, and said, since he last mentioned the
subject, it hail come to his knowledge, that in a district within
tell miles of town, the returns were regularly sold as ss aste
pa-
per every year; mud he hall ree. oily received a letter from it
Commissioner, in the ilktrict alliiiied to, expressing his regret
at this cite (once, and sta!iiez that it was the Surveyor nod
Inspector of the District (paid ()timers of the Crown) who had
done this.

The petition was ordered to lie on the table.
Sir J. SHAW presented a petition from Queenhithe Ward
against the Property-tux.
Mr. Trim Nr.V wished to know, when the debate on the Pro-
perty-tax would come on?
Mr. N'ANSMART thought the debate should he fixed for
Monday next, as he did not think it was likely the House would
have leisure for the discussion in the course oldie present week.