The National Register.
London, England, 1820-07-09 00:00:00

SUNDAY, JULY 9. 1820.

damages (and in this instance the mulct would alone
fall on the accused with, and not on the partner of
offence), the party accused has a right to adduce
these matters in palliation, if any can be brought.
Besides all this we say, would those who are to de.
tide upon that which is to be in the nature of
punishment upon the party accused, not look to the
distressed, the friendless state in which this unfor-
tunate lady has been left for so many years.
With a spirit above submission, and a blood front
high mettle, which has raced in the veins of a long
ancestry superior far to mere pretensions of royalty—
with a soul raised above the petty and transient
distinctions of the world, and not above stooping to
the humbler walks of humanity to seek that friend-
ship and confidence which was vainly sought for in
the paths of greatness—we understand, from all
quarters, that she is a brave and generous creature;
and, if the current of the soil turned from its natural
and proper channel, may have burst even the
bounds of formality at least, and exceeded the cold
calculations of the etiquette of the Court, from which
she has been banished, there is, 'after all, more to
pity than to detest ; there is, at all events, no failing
beyond that which grows of infirmity, and though
we are no apologists foe female indiscretions, yet
would we call upon mankind to distinguish between
vices of hell and vices of flesh and blood alone.—
Human nature prompts to sinful weakness—the

devil inspires malignity and revenge—and we ask,
what husband in private, having left, we were
going to say committed (but we will not) his wife
to the winds and tides of life, could go to an insur-
ance office to be repaid for her shipwreck ? Not that
we mean, in our comparison of vices, to insinuate
any diswspect toward, or application to, the illus-
trious individual, who must naturally feel much
irritated under all circumstances, upon a supposition
that one-tenth of the charges pushed upon society
as truth against the distinguished lady in question
be true; but we ask, as a private injury, viewing
all circumstances from the cradle to the grave of the
affair, are there not such grounds for mitigation of
what we may call, though not literally, damages, as
to make it unadviseablc for friends at least to bring
the suit ititoCourt? Unhappy connections may subsist
—they are peculiarly likely to subsist in that walk of
life where the choice is too confined ; but where
they happen, though we may pardon any fair attempt
to dissolve them, yet we cannot but think, on both
sides, all spirit of rancour should be allayed by a
sense of mutual misfortune; and, at all events, in
such a case as that of a civil injury in cave of 'Out.
tery, the remedy of divorce ought to be sought, as
by other subjects, in the ordinary course of law ;
and though certainly a spirit infinitely strong in fa-
vour of the Queen exists, so as to afford a plea, rr-
haps, that a fair trial might be difficult to be
obtained, yet we have no doubt that by mutual con-
sent of both parties challenging inquiry, a jury may
be arranged upon which themselves and the country
might fairly rely.

Lastly, let us consider the expediency and justice,
in case of offence committed, of seeking for any
remedy out of the common course of things. It is
alleged that there is a difficulty to proceed by im-
peachment, in consequence of the alleged offence
being committed with a foreigner; and from the
exannuation of Count Munster, which we hear has
token place, we should not be surprised if something
relating to a pecuniary transaction (tin offence, by

[pßicz gid.

the bye, when we remember that the Queen volun-
tarily gave 15,0001 a year out of the 50,0001.
not very probable), were part of the Green Bag.
But whatever the offence or offences be, they are
evidently beyond the reach of any ordinary provision
of law, and are to be taken up upon the general
ground of affecting the character of the Monarchy,
and thereby constituting an offence deserving of an
extraordinary and extra-judicial visitation from the
collective wisdom of the legislature of the country.
Now we will broadly and flatly say, that in a Go-
vernment of law, an extra judicial proceeding of
this kind, upon the maturest consideration, is a pre.
eedent fur the most shameless despotism, though we
do not mean to say that it, in itself, is so intended,
because if the time is to arrive when any part of
conduct is to be construed into crime, and subjects •
of civil Courts are to be mixed into criminal charges,
then whenever the administration can join the con•
fidence, by any means, of Parliament, so as to have
•heir word taken for the propriety of their proceed.
ings, then no one is safe; but any one who, from
boldness, energy, and ficuth, may be obnoxious to a
Cabinet like that of the Cabal in the reign of
Charles 11. may easily be overwhelmed by the resist.
less might of legislative bodies, who, when once in
a train of error or corruption, are ten times more
terrible than a single despotic master,because shame,
which occasionally operates upon tyrants, has no
influence over bodies of men who individually
share so little disgrace, and are emboldened by
such numerous company, that no compunctious
visitings are likely to operate upon them. Dear
countrymen I be your party what it may, we warn
you to beware of such a tremendous calamity! No
horror of revolution can be so great, if ever such a
state of things; as that of which we warn you should-
arrive; and it would be better to risk ahuost any
thing than wilfully to withhold constitutional
efforts, at least, against any thing which points this
way. It is better that a great sinner, if such there
be, should escape, than that an act of injustice
should be committed, which may form a precedent
the most abominable. Let us suppose for a moment
such an extra-judicial inquiry to be established into
the conduct of every one of the royal family who
may be subjects, without going to the Monarch
himself—would it be decent, or pleasant, or just ?
Or, let us suppose that all the nobility who have
been convicted in courts of law of aduhery or other
misdemeanour, should be hauled over the coals, and
that a Bill of Pains and Penalties should be intro-
duced against them, upon the ground of their
having degraded the situation of life which they
hold as a trust fur the good of the community ;—let
us suppose all the follies, and "vices, and duels,
toc-janibings and horse.whippings, which any ital.
vidual may have done or suffered, to be adduced as
matter for a Green Bag, and solemnly laid bef,a-t
the Parliament of the country. Nay, we may add
with Mr. Hobhouse, that if matters are to proceed
in this way, that an Archbishop of Canterbury and
a Lord Chancellor, having run away wit)i thclr
wives, may be made matter hereafter for a Green
Bag: two events, the recollection of which one day
made the late King laugh ready to split his sides. kk!!:,1:t)
—ln short, we assert, if the offences charged ‘.. \
against the Queen were statut:tbly criminal, or "
civilly amenable to a court of justice, that under all, '"
• • -
existing circumstances, it would be better not tqk -4
have noticed thou; but that to proceed in the pre-±A•4
sent manner against offences not the usual subjects-
of u charge, as crime or misdemeanour, accordiii.,', ',a
a mode adopted only in the worst of times, is a),l
cent, unjostitiable, oppressive, and a most tremen-
dous precedent agaiost genera! liberty.

118

Parliainent.
-der
notygE OF LORDS.
etoxuav, JULY 3.
The Special Constables' and the Quarter Sessions' Appeal
Bills were read the stoma time.
Issotvestr Dmorons' Bitt.—Loral AUCKLAND gave
make, that he should move the second veining of the Insolvent
Debtors' till to-morrow.
Foss:ins 'lnane:a-The Marquis of LANsiDOWNE. as
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Trade, presented a
Report respecting one branch of that important inquiry. he
Noble Margins, in moving the Report do lie on the table.
begged their Lorilgiiipe wolsod allow hen to offer a few obsorea-
geom.. He lied n induced to adopt the course of reporting
from time to time she views of thz Committee, as the subject
referred to diem comprised various lute:cgs. Commeremil,
financial, and in.lnufacturing regulations. were equally the sub-
ject of inquiry; but it appeared desirable, that those who had
to propose a Bill, should have tile oppartinity of seeing distinct
pitmen: as they same before the Committee. fins was the first
of the reports which would be made to the House. and it would
be found to embrace particular points submitted to the Com-
mittee. The Noble Marquis abstained from making any pm-
position upon it. Ile felt that he should not discharge his um>,
if he did not state that the Committee entertained a strong
opinion that some measure ought to be adopted to promote the
interests of the manufactures and the consumer. All the interests
of commerce were in suspense. Parliament consequently would
not fail to entertain a Bill to regulate those interests. Some pasts
of the evidence submitted to the Committee had led to suggcs-
florist which were worthy the attention of the House. It was
impomible to make any regulation in general policy without
tMrence of opinion, but the House wool(' no doubt agree with
the Committee tie the view they had taken as to that which was
most conducive to the interest of the Empire at large. The
Committee, in contemplation of that interest, had considered the
expenditure of chases of persons who had embarked capital for
years past without advantage. They had felt it their duty to
ray down the great principle on which this question was to be
decided. They had endeavoured to render the proceeding cue-
*stem with the existing interest of the nation. The Noble
Marquis adverted particularly to the duties on timber, in which
Committee recommended a relaxation s and havingexpressed
a hope that die Lords would not delay their determinauon beyond
the tune necessary for due consideration of the various matters
under enquiry, cuncluded with moving the Report be printed.
Lord LLLENBOROUGH said, it was impossible for any
Membei of the Committee who had attended to the evidence, not
to be sensible of the distress which pervaded all classes. The
Co. 'mince had recommended the increase of the duties on cubi-
cal umber, _ and opening the Baltic trade. On those the
noble Lord thought the House might proceed to legislate with-
out delay.
The motion was agreed to..seAdjoureed.
TIJUSDAY, JVLY 4.
THE QUEEN.
REPORT OF THE SECRET COMMITTEE.
This day Mr Earl of HARROW BY, Chairman of the
Secret Committee, appointed to examine the Papers re-
lating to the Queen's conduct abroad, laid on the table a
report of the malt tit their investigation. The Noble
Earl made no prelinduary remarks, but merely moved the
report be read.
It wits aceoidingly read by the Clerk at the table, It
was headed,- "Report of the Lords' Committee appoint-
ed to examine Papers laid before the House of Lords by
commaud of his Majeety, and report to thereon."
The Committee having examined, with attention, the
dog ;meats laid 'refire them, they find that these docu-
ments, supported try the testinguay of persons residing in
other commas, deeply affect the {MOW Or the Queen,
charging her Majesty with an adulterous cauuection with
a fureiguer and a menial servant; also with a long course
licentious coilduct.—These charges appear to the
Conunitiee to affect not only the honour of the Queen,
but the dignity of the Crown, and their opinion is, that
it is neeessery to institute a solemn enquiry.
The Earl of LIVERPOOL rose, after the report had
been read, and gave notice of his intention to bring in a
bill to-morrow, uu the subject 'godlier of the report.—
The Noble Karl at the saute time intimated that tone
could be given to suit the convenience of the Illustrious
Person whose character was involved in the proceeding,
but he should state hie views inure at large to-morrow.—
He concluded by moving the Lords be suitinsoued to at-
tend the House to-more ow.
Earl GREY said, he considered himself bound, as a
Member of that Huust, to see impartial justice done to
the Illustrious Person who was the subject of the Report.
He repeated the objections he urged on a Isomer oceasiun
and coutended that the Illustrious Person accused did not
stand iu the mops ejudiced situation in which she ought to
appear before the House. The accusation was made by
pia sins who wete responsible, yet a Secret Committee of
Lords could out decide oat the act Miatitm without a meld-
fest inconsistency, pei hope injustice. The (-Image 'nought
asaitost her Mojests the Queen was that of an adulterous
connexion with a menial servant, and a hang course of ii-
et ntionsueas. Nothing could be inure distressing to the
Lelings of any man. The Committee informed the House
tnat the elogoges called imhapensably fur enquiry, mid
it that tiecesstty existed Irmo the beginning, all compro-
mise was impussibie. The Report came from a Ceiuntit tee
partly composed of Ministers, who had notwithstanding
endeavoured to eumprinuise with tile Queen. They luau
slept over the evidence one whole year, during which the
puulic laiml had been kept iu a dish acted state, and not
only the honour of the Crown, but perhaps the safety id
else country, endanges ed. The Queen stood iti a situ:limo
ander the., coal gev In which no lierSUlll ever stood before.
Stir was aci wird, and mast be heaitl to her defence ; yet
Lefore nelenee could be heard she was prejudged my
the Secret Co...mince. evidence was received a int-
ent allowing the Unveil an opportunity to she w the Cha-
racter at. the *Cat 'se's. By the decision of the Cotunuiice
the Queen Was put and it wuut.l be
three mouths Uelule she could make her defence What
apology emi to ttott hleuse oder fur a proceeding so tepid,
which to eidg tell int! Qom tai iitr. übjtei ul eit sciatt
'pint ra-pciar er.deuce. 'The Nook Coot heed -:red lout
,evolllll be give h ..ur Alaksty e our Ilia tei.eri
The ape( it. gl'a would be 'tun 14 the Union, vt.tim
list of lie o iae•nes against her. He expiessett all
mien that ,duper tone was aecesaary. It *wilt' lie gi
hojostier to prim. ed betuie her Majesty or, luny e-
pared. his abject was to protest agiiiiist the whole
pi imeedises, amen lie coma:acted a mouton UI law and
j tnitiCe.
'flit lard of HARI:OW.ISY said, he should not adopt
I he toile the Nemo. Lail lead assumed. Toe Noble tart
stated, that Ins Alajeets's CrOVelliehelll had acted oitn
gross Injll,llce to bier .i\lajesty. Toe House Would nu
dotal)t consider that comment as unfounded. It eve'
there was a proceeding in winch he had a right to aseuuie