The National Register.
London, England, 1818-04-20 00:00:00

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1331'.:—VoL. XI.

POLITICAL lIISQUITION.

ROYAL IqARRIWES.

VIE' House of Commons have been this week em-
idoycci in iiis;uzzing thoe most delicate tf all subjects—
the seven:l4:s and alipacciditurn of the' 1440 Family,
with a slew to the 'oohing au additional provision for
such members of it itqliould enter' into the married
state. It was the origana intention of the Ministers to
propose an increase annum to the Duke
of Clarenco, and 1!:.',000t to the Dukes of Kent, Cum-
beriktd, and Cambridge. Upon zu'uncittiug this, how-
ro the consideration of a meeting of their friends,
ij was deemed too liberal, and the respective sums were
is consequence mailed to ono half. Our Parliamentary
Repbrt• shews, that the IlOtisc of Commons considered
even this too large, anf made a further reduction of
4,001. iu the we ot:tho Duke of Clarence, putting
negative altogetW4 the grant to the Duke of Cum-
h7.lland. We nit stop to enquire whether the
principles of abstrani justice were sufficiently attended
to in this refasal,..:laile a similar sum was voted to, the ,
Deka of Canabriige, but proceed to treat of the ques-
ti-ai upon genenl grounds. Mach was said in the
tits •improprisity of making invidious
diatinetions, and we certainly think that those Gentle-
lett acted most consistently who either supported or
:pposed both the grants. •
From the whole proceedings, st any reflections arise,
and some of a very gratifying nature, as they regard
the excellence of our Constitution,. and the proud pre-
eminence which it enables us to etnjey over che nations
tl.e Continent. In what other .-:•.:ntry viola such a
discussion have taken place con•ald Lbe claims
ant resources of a ruling family have been f.Tely con-
-:ass.ed, and partially rejected, but ie Britain? Look-
ing at the question in this point et' view, and with
strict impartiality, we have no h •,:itation in saying
that we rejoice at the result, as it affords a convincing
proof of the independence of our c...accoryinen, nod a
triumphant answer to the assertion !' ~. the House is
always guided by the Minister. • r instances of
successful opposition arc indeed sufE,::...t to repel this,
but the present is perhaps the most decided, as it (=-
braces what may be supposed the feelings of the Itoyal
Family, upon a subject of delicacy, and overlooks theta
for the more exalted and truly British of public
duty. We repent, ,t'hac this conch., -a iY gratifyinp..,
iciasinuch as it provesehe I.:Iola:voted spirit. and the va--
- lot of the Howe ct Commons ; and we acre roisicaded
that bath the Illustrious Family and Ole Ministry will
cheerfully submit to the decision, produced, it un-
doubtedly COs, by the voter: of thos:: men who have
lo.nn always accustomed to piece the greakstconfl.h.occe
in their ineaaurcs; and whose opposition, en the pr.,
ac.r.t oeeaaloo, could net possibly be connected with an;
party feelh;, or disposition to clement° front the just
7.:l'.ecidca:as and dignity of the C'rown. One &croon-

rc.,lee w•e tie regret—and that ir, the abandon-
rr...mt of Cie treaty of tnarrl.4.:e whirls tram entercd int:,
Ole i)ake of '...larence, Lerit Cts..l.2:cagh