The National Register.
London, England, 1823-03-03 00:00:00

ea, it will of course happen that the real question,
will be discussed; and that question is—can the
present state of Spain, of which the effects. as far as
they relate to France, can no longer be concealed,
continue to exist without producing danger and dis-
honour to ourselves? You know the facts: you
have seen the reply, which asks of France to with-
draw her army of observation from the Pyrenees.
There is one condition of peace. Examine it, gen-
tlemen, and tell us whether, consistently with the
preservation of the honour of the Crown, and the
security of the country, there was any other part for
the King to take than that which he has determined
upon taking. A member front this tribune has ad-
vanced an assertion entirely destitute of truth, and
which I must repel. No, gentlemen, France has
not demanded of Spain to udupt the French charter:
France has nut made to Spain any insinuation to
that effect, nor ought she to have done so. IVe have
proved our own institutions: we know that they
suit us; but can we answer for their suiting another
people? Do you think us so little acquainted with
the character of the Spanish people, as to wish to
impose upon them institutions which shall nut have
originated with themselves?
I repeat it, we have no reproach -to fear for our
conduct towards Spain. I will say-more; the Go-
, vernment of the King has done all that was in its
power to maintain peace t it has made the groattst
sacrifices; and you would now accuse us, in this
very tribune, if we had put up from an; other pea.
plc what we have fix six months endured front
Spain. Nothing but the condition—l will say the
almost pitiable condition—of Spain, could have in-
duced a state like France to exercise such astonishing
fin-bear:ince. But after having so conducted our-
selves for so long a time, it was our duty to ask our-
selves if such a state of things could continue with-
out danger to our country? ‘Ve thought it could
nut; and when the time came for making known
our opinion on this point, we did it from profound
conviction. For my part, I think I have obeyed
merely the dictates of my conscience. I think that
peace is preferable to war; but I think, also, that
ih the situation of Spain, the maintenance of peace
• is impossible,and that at all events it would be more
dangerous than war. Fur these reasons, I think
that you cannot refuse the subsidies that are required
of you. (A general movemtnt of acquiescence on
the right side of the chamber.)
The discussion was then adjourned at six o'clock),
fur want of sufficient numbers to make a house. •

The galleries were filled with Peers of France and
strangers of distinction ; but it was remarked that
the English Ambassador was not present.

PROCEEDINGS IN LORD PORTSMOUTH'S CASE.

The proceedings subsequent to our former report have
consisted politely of evidence from different persons to
arts of Lord Portsiiiiinth which did fist savour of insanity,
excel ' on Thursday last, when Drs. Munro anti Willis
wcie exami.nxl, ut the request of the Jury, and each de-
(dared Isis a Hssictiuu of Lord Portsmouth's insanity, which
decided u; ' ' train two so high authorities had evi-
dently great effect upon else Jury.
Mr. Adam then cuuuueneed his observations in support
of the evidence in opposition to the Conimissiun, which
lie continued all this 1110r11114: (Friday), and hailing con.
chided at 12 o'clock, the Court adjourned for refresh-
ments; at half pain 12 o'clock Mr. Wetherell commenced
his reply, and cunelinted at half past three. Mr. Trost er,.
the Chief Commissioner, then addressed the July—he
continued speaking till six o'clock, when the Jury retired
to consider of their