The National Register.
London, England, 1817-02-03 00:00:00

raitittr+

Our iting, ConOtttution anb 3aiv4.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1817.

and then firmly adhere to it. If the negotiation should after-
wards break off, it will not be for any particular fort or island,
but because no reasonable terms can be procured, and you
tight to avoid dishonour. Thus has our Government acted.
Would it not sound odd if a man, who had a nuisance at his
door, and refused to bear a share in the expence of a litiga-
tion to remove it, should take upon himself the whole expencc
of removing a nuisance at a greater distance from him, when
all those in that neighbourhood remained indifferent spec-
tators?

" It has been said, that though on account of late events
it might have been scarcely justifiable at once to break oft.
the negotiation, yet that we ought to have insisted on a com-
pensation for the new acquisitions of the enemy. Sir, I
would ask, whether the. retention of all the islands we have
agreed to restore would form any balance to the continental
power of France? They are not things at all of the same
sort, and the danger would not have been in any degree di-
minished. France from her conquests gains direct strength
—not through the medium of stealth. The West India is-
lands produce weakness instead of strength. They do not
increase our means of attacking the enemy, and they en-
feeble, by dividing our means of defence.
" It was felt at Lisle that the West India islands could not
be converted to this important purpose. In that case, even
upon my prieciples, Government would be blameable. If they
were a counterbalance hi our hands, it would be most criminal
to resign them. lint the absurdity is so apparent, that it has
never occurred to any one to reason in this strange manner.
Sir, it was not material to retain a greater number of our con-
quests. If you had the power, you ought not to chose to pre-
vent France from having a large commerce to distant coun-
tries. This is the only hold we have npon her. Thus alone
peace is her interest, and we are a terror to her.
" I am really anxious to know, Sir, what plan of opera-
tions, had these gentlemen been in power, they meant to have
pursued. As yet we have heard nothing of thin kind even
hinted at. We have been told of nothing more definitive
than Chance of ovals.' Without any prospect of success,
we should continue the war merely for the purpose of not
being at peace. If this unknown event should not happen
soon, we may be so much exhausted, as not to he able to
take advantage of it. Suppose, Sir, that it should never hap-
pen. We are reduced to make pence at last on worse terms
than the present, as with worse means we could not negotiate
but with impaired effect.
" There arc sonic gentlemen opposite, who would say you
have made peace wisely, because you have abandoned the
object of the sear. The object of the war hey too often, Sir,
been purposely confounded with the means of attaining that
object. We wished to provide for our own safety from the
immediate danger of French principles and French power,
and to preserve, if possible, the balance of power on the
Continent, a matter in which our safety was materially though
indirectly concerned. Can it be said that we have failed in
the firs? Sir, we are assembled here to-day, after a revolu-
tion which threatened our existence, and which has effected
the destruction of almost all the surrounding nations, debat-
ing according to ancient !brans, not concerning the losses we
have sustained, not concerning ruined commerce, or curtailed
dominions, but whether the additions to our territory are so
great as from our splendid victories we were entitled to ex-
pect!

" In the other object, of saving Europe, we have certainly
failed t but no di.grace can attach to the failure, as it is what,
without the assistance of Europe, it would have been mad•
ness to have attempted. We cannot see these things with-
out regret, but happily this regret is nut embittered by the
thought that we have left any thing undone to prevent them.
" However, the prospect is noton all sides equally gloomy ;
at one time our fears of French power were absorbed in ter-
ror of the desolating effects af French principles. Mr. Burke
observed, that it would be better to be conquered by any
other nation, than to have the French as neighbours. (The
Right Honourable and Learned Gentleman here quoted the
well-known passage, where Mr. Burke represents the French
as having made a breach with the community of Europe, on
purpose to make all mankind submit to their dominion, &c.)
" It is some consolation, Sir, that France spews a disposi-
tion to re-enter the pale f civilized society. She is return-
ing to order, to religion, and right principles, as fast as can
he reasonably expected; much has been done during the
last two years and a halt; and a greater progress still would
probably have been made, had the career of war closed at an
earlier period. I have heard it stated, that though Bnona-
parte was the foe ofJaeobinism in France, he was its friend
in England. If he shall extirpate Jaeobinisni in France, what-
tier his deserts in other things may he, here he will prore himself
a henefaetor of the human race. IVhen the fatal source from
which it originally flawed is dried up, it may be hoped that it
will for ever disappear, and that the world will I-et:user from
its ravages.

•' Sir, I cannot believe that Buonaparte is animated with
that implacable spirit towards this country. To pursue a
rival with unceasing hatred and blind rage, often etrls uI self=
destruction. It is clearly his interest, that jaeohinisin should
be every where crushed. If it flourishes in Lugland, neither
France nor any 'ether country in Europe will be tranquil.
The pride of Jacobinism (not the least distinguished feature
in its character) would be interested above all to re establish
its throne in its original dominion. Ittionaparte ought to
wish with eagerness that it may he obliterated from the eat th,
Intl that its principles and modes of action may be forgotten
forever. % bile a vestige of It remains, his present govern-
ment mast be insecure, and any other gavermuent he may
desire to establish."

From the universal topic of the character of Btiona-
parte—at once the child, thechampion, and thedestroyer
of Jacobinistn—Sir WM.GRA NT proceeded to the cession
of Lomixiana, the non-renewal of treaties, and the
effect which the Pence would have upon our possessions
in India concluded by approving of the peace

PRICE 94d.

Upon the breaking out of the war with Spain, he
very ably supported that popular measure; and upon the
impeachment of Lord Melvilk, ranged himself on the
side of his old friend and patron, whom he defended with
a zeal which does honour to his feelings as a steady
friend.
We need pass no eulogium upon the merit of these
speeches, anis:tiering the place in which they were de-
livered, and the objects and situation of the speaker.—
We have already observed that we believe it was by
the display of his talents in Parliament, that Mr.
GRANT paved his way for advancement in his own pro.
fessional career. In saying this, we mean to imply no
censure on the subject of our Memoir; and, far from
thinking those blameable who raised him to his present
elevation, we are grateful for the discernment which
enabled them to select so able, so useful, and so dignified
a character for the situation which he now fills. We
began our Memoir by noticing one paradoxical circum-
stance in the advancement of Scotchmen at the English
bar, in preference to Irishmen ; and we must here re•
mark, that notwithstanding all that may be justly said
against Parliamentary influence conducing to profes-
sional advancement, we have here an eminent example
of its operating to the greatest advantage for the publics
benefit.

Mr. GRANT, without much business, became through
Parliamentary influence King's Counsel and Solicitor
General, and is now Master of the Rolls. Upon theoreti-
cal views, we should pronounce this unconstitutional ;
but, practically, we can only rejoice that by any means
whatever the talents of such. a man have become known,
and being known have fixed him in the very station
for which nature seems to have designed him.
Sir Wm. GRANT has now filled the place of Master of
the Rolls thr many years, and it is too little praise to say
that it never was better filled—we arc convinced that it
never was so well filled by any of his predecessors.
His manner on the Bench is peculiarly excellent—.
His habitual reserve is such, that he appears never to
speak but when it is absolutely necessary ; and as he is
remarkable for little speaking, he is not the less so for
much hearing. No man is really quicker of apprehension,
yet he never stops a Counsel to tell him that lie can an-
ticipate all that he would say. He hears all that is said,
and reserves his judgment to the last ; when it is de-
livered with precision, clearness, and temper: with know-
ledge which is equally profound and various, and with
a firmness, self-possession, and readiness, which satisfy
the audience that he must be right. In dispatch of busi-
ness he is almost unexampled. At his first appointment,
see recollect that many of the old practisers, amongst the
attorneys, were greatly deceived by expecting business
to be delayed, as on former occasions. In one night, we
believe, no less than GO petitions were dispatched simply
by the habit of silent attention and patient internal de-
liberation, for which he is so remarkable. We have heard
him justly desetibed as a very statue on the Bench,
turned into marble as it were by deep meditation ; when
suddenly, the arguments being ended, the Statue of Jus-
tice becomes animatedtbr a few seconds, the eves twinkle,
the lips move, the hand is gently reistal, and a decree is
pronounced in a few words, apt, pithy, and decisive.—
Soon again the statue is fixed in monumental stilness,
to be roused by the touch of some secret Prometheus into
occasional animation, if animation it can be called when
no more energy is exerted than is absolutely necessary
to convey the meaning of the calmest judgment, and the
most unruffled temper, that can be possessed by mortal
judge.
In Parliament his manner was equally dignified
and equally cautious. Ile never spoke but upon
important occasions, and then always with a logical
acuteness, and manly firmness, which justly tom-
mantled the greatest attention. His thoughts were all
matured, his words well weighed, his conclusions sound
from the premises; and ifhe erred, it must have been by
the misapplication of faets, never by the inconsistency of
judgment. Though nut a frequent, he was an effective,
a useful, and an impressive speaker. He had the rare
talent of speaking always to the purpose. As an an-
tagonist, - .;,-
he is strong, watchful, and subtle; as a friend, .
he is discreet and wary. Ins caution in debate was ex- ets
treme. On subjects of national law, his reading must
have been considerable, and his information was always ,f
ready ; but yet, to prove his scrupulous caution, we rt.- ~77i ,
collect a debate, in which the late Dr. Lawrence having
made a long speech, Sir WM. GRANT stud to a friend,
he thought seine of his positions were wrong, and he •'
had a mind to answer him. Seeing, however, that the •
debate would not terminate that night, the wary lawyer

Ilelaved his speech fin- a time,and,atter turning over his
books fir authorities, and revolving the argument again
in his mina, gave, On the next night, a masterly reply
to the eminent civilian ; by which he appeared entirely
to remove the impression that had been made on the
House.

Sir Wm. GRANT has never married, and appears to.
inlulge but little in the luxuries of life. He is more
often to be seen walking than riding through the streets,
and is almost always alone. In person, he is thin ;in
his walk grave and quiet ; and, judging front the picture
of Doctor Blair, the celebrated author of the Sermons,
we should think his appearance on the Bench not wholly
unlike that of the elegant Preacher in his gown.
The tidlowing are, we believe, the dates of his pro-
motions. In 1793, he became King's Counsel; in I 798,
he was nominated Chief Justice of Chester, vice Ser-
jcant Adair. In 1799, he succeeded Sir Julie :Milliard,
now Lord Redesdale, as Solicitor General ; and on May
oth 1801, in consequence of the promotion of Sir
Pepper Arden, afterwards Lord Alranky, to be Chief'
Justice of the Common Pleas, he was nominated Mas-
ter of the Rolls. Sir WILLIAM was a representative in
Parliament fir the county of Banff in &alkyd, where,
at Beldurnry, he has a residence.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

TUESEIVI,JANUAItIi 28.
This being the day appointed by the Prince Regent for
the meeting o • b.ath Houses of Parliament, his Royal High-
ness came Joan in stale, anal entered the House of Peers at
two o'clock, witii !ii, Royal Suite; in which the Sword of
State was borne by the Earl of Liverpool ; the Cap of Alain-
tenanc• by the :Marlins of Winchesteri the Imperial Crown
of .a ! a, Lord J. Murray ; and the Prince of Wales's
tin• Earl ad Yarmouth.
In a few minutes alter the Regent had taken his seat on
the :'flit one the Cummins appeared at the Bar of the Hun"
of P 'Cr., with their Speaker at their head ; when his Royal
H zhaiess denvered to both Houses of Parliament the follow-
speecil

" 1.03.11 AND GENTLEMEN—It is with deep regret that I
am again oohed to announce to you, that no alteration has occurred
in the state of Ms Majesty's lamented indisposition.
" I continue to receive from Foreign l'owers the strongest smsu-
rances of their friendly disposition towanls this Country, and of their
earnest desire to maintain the general tranquillity.
" The hostilities to which I was compelled to resort, in vindication
of the honour of MI country agaimu the Govemmmt of Algiers, have
been attended with the mo,t complete success.
The splendid achievement of his Majesty's fleet, in conjunction
with a sinadmn of the King of the Netherlands, under the gallant
and able conduct of Admiral Viscount Exmouth, led to the imme-
diate and unconditional liberation of all Christian Captives then
within the territory of Algiers, and to the renunciation by its Go-
vernment of the practice of Christian Slavery.

•
" I am persuaded that you will be duly sensible of the importance
of an arrangement so interesting to humanity, and reflecting, from
the manner in which it has been accomplished, such sigr,al honour
on the British name.
" In Indic, the refusal of the Government of Nepaul to ratify a
Treaty of l'ea;:e which had been signed by its Plenipotentiaries, oc-
casioned a ienewul of military operations.
" The judicious arrangements of the Governor General, seconded
by the bravery and perseverance of his Majesty's forces, and of those
of the East India Company, brought the campaign to a speedy and
iniceessful issue; and Peace has been finally established upon the just
and honourable terms of the original Treaty.
"GE STLEIIF.g OF THE 1101:9}: OF COMMONS—. 4 have direct.
ed the Estimates for the current year to be laid before you.

" They have been formed upon a full consideration of all the pre-
sent circum.tanees of the Country, with an anxious desire to make
every Reduction in our Establishments which the safety of the em-
pire and ,t,und policy allow.
_ _ _

66 I rtxxnumen-I the State of the Public Income and Expenditure
to your early :uul serious attention.
" I regra to be under the necessity of informing you, that the
has been a deficiency in the produce of the Revenue in the last year;
but I trust that it is to b., ascribed to temporary causes ; and I have
the consolation to believe that you will find it practicable to provide
for the Public Service of the year, without making any addition to
the hurthens of the People, and without adopting any measure inju-
rious to that Syst. m by which the puLlic Credit of the Country has
been sustained.
" My LORDS AND GE NTLEMEN—I have the satisfaction of in-
fornuit,4 boa, t ..t the arrangements which were made in the last Ses-
sion of Parliament, with a view to a new Silver Coinage, have been
completed with unprecedented expedition.
" 1 have given directions flir the immediate issue of the New Coin,
and I trust that this measure will be productive of considerable ad-
vantage to the trade and internal tr.:;isaetions of the country.
•' The distresses consequent upon the termination of a war of such
unusual extent and duration, have beta felt with greater or less se-
verity throughout all the nations of Europe, and have been consider-
ably aggravated by the unfavourable state of the season.
" Deeply as 1 lament the pressure of these evils on this country, I
am sensible they arc of a nature not to admit of an immediate reme-
dy. lint whilst I observe with peculiar satisfaction die thrtitude with
which so many privations have been borne, and Cie active benevo-
lence which has :Jeen employed to mitigate them, I am persuaded
that the great sources of our national prosperity arc essentially unim •
paired ; awl I entertain a confident expectation that the native
energy of die Country will, at no distant period, surmount all the
difficulties in which we arc involved.
" In considering our internal situation, you wiil, I doubt not, feel
a jut indignation at the attempts which have been made to take ad-
vantage of the distresses of the Country, for the purpose of exciting a
spirit of sedition and violence.

•" I am too w;11 convinced of the loyalty and good sense of the
bthly Nt, • to believe them capable or be-

lc teducv Chem ; but 1

great bo.ly hie Majesty'N subject, to lx
tog, pervertol by the artb wLich arc onrlo