The Sun.
London, England, 1844-07-10 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JULY.

way to prevent the discovery of the circttmstatices which
had led to the investiture of his dominions in the hands
of the Empress Maria Theresa:
After visiting Egypt,, Greece, and several other
countries, he proceeded to Spoletto in Italy, where he
wrote to the Prince Metternich, protesting against the
vexation of which he was the object, and, not
receiving any response, he parted for Paris, where
hospitality was readily afforded-.him. There he con•
suited the most .c:ninent statesmen and lawyers, and,
from their representations came to the conclusion, even
more confidently than he had held it before, that no act
of decheance was of value as against him.
In 1841, at London, he espoused Maria Elise, daugh-
ter of the celebrated Colonel Coke, of the family of the
Earls of Leicester, and allied to the Dukes of Athol.
After this event, he sent a protestation to the Prince
Metternich relative to the principality of Castiglione,
Ike., making reserves with respect to the Duchy of Guns-
talla. incorporated in that of Parma, erected into an
apanage for Maria Louisa, widow of the Emperor
Napoleon.
In 1843 the Vicomte de Verney declared, in a publica?
tion, that the pretensions of the Prince were founded in
law and reason.

IMPEMAL PARLIAMENT.
• • HOUSE OF LORDS, July 9.
The Bishop of NORWICH presented petitions, from
places in-Suffolk, against the Dissenters Chapels Bill.
The Earl of RODEN presented petitions from Ireland
to the same effect. He heartily Agreed in the senti-
ments expressed by the petitioners.
The Bishop of EXETER presented similar petitions
froth various Baptists acid dther Dissenting congrega-
tions. He could not help remarking, that the measure,
as returned to their Lordships, amended by the othtsr
House, was the most stultified in all its details that he
had ever read. The deed stated that the worship of
Almighty God should be celebrated in those chape!s by
Presbyterian Dissenters, and yet a Right Hon. Gentle-
man in another place had stated that this wits Vague.
Lord KINNAIRD wished to know whether the Hight
Rev. Prelate was in order in entering upon a discussion
of the whole question, and in quoting Speeches made by
gentlemen in another place.
The BishOp of EXETER said he had a perfect right
when presenting a petition to give his views upon the
subject-matter of that petition before it was laid
upon the table. He had, however, stated the
opinions he entertained on the subject, and would now
lay the petition on the table.
The Irish Marriages Bill was read a first time.
DIVISION OF PARISHES (SCOTLAND) BILL.
The -Duke of HAMILT9*--prayed their Lordships
to grant him their patience;::while' he made a few re-
marks upon the present Bill. He had not been able to
attend on any former occasion when this Bill came before
.their Lordships. The Noble Duke proceeded to expa-
tiate upon the effect ehich the Bill would have in the
country parishes of Scotland.
Lord WIIARNCLIFFE said that discussion was un-
necessary, as the Bill was already passed.
BANK CHARTER BILL.

In the same year, the Prince addressed a vigorous
protestation to all the kings, princes, and potentates of
Europe. In this important document he protested so-
lemnly against the injustice done him by the ministers of
Austria. his attempts to obtain justice, however, have
hitherto been unsuccesful, but his courage increases as
trials augment. lle opposes the calm of his conscience,
and his duty to the storms of political life, which he has
not created, but which he accepts with a determina:ion
worthy of his noble race. He may succumb, perhaps ;
but he will succumb with the conviction that he has not
degraded his august home, nor failed in his holy mission
of re-establishing the rights of his fathers.

- -
AN ENTHUSIASTIC NATURALIST

Lord WHARNCLIFFE moved the second reading of
the Bank Charter Bill.

The Bill was then read a second time, and ordered to
be committed on Thursday, •

One of my first movements in Nashville was a walk
to the college to see Profesior. Troot, who is a great
enthusiast in geology. It is to be mentioned to the
honour of the state of Tennessee, that it has been one
of the first American States to patron!a3 science, by al-
lowing him five hundred dollars a year as geologist to
the State, in addition to his appointment at the college
as Professor of Chemistry and Natural History, to
which a salary of one thousand dollars a year is at-
tached ; so that the worthy professor is thus enabled to
enjoy all the comforts of life and to make himself
perfectly happy as the distributor of these sums ; for,
like all philosophic enthusiasts, he places no value on
money, and willingly gives any of the country people
twenty dollars to bring him a live rattlesnake, or
anything ne vir or curious in natural history. Every-
thing of the serpent kind he has a particular fancy
for, and has always a number of them—that he
has tamed—in his pockets or under his waist-
coat. To 101 l back in his rocking-chair, to
talk about geology, and pat the head of a largo
snake, when twining itself about his neck, is to him,
supreme felicity. Every year in the vacation he
makes an excursion to the hills • and I was told that,
upon one of these occasions, being taken up by the
stage-coach, which had several Members of Congress
in it going to Washington, the learned doctor
took his seat on the top with a large basket, the
lid of which was not over and above well secured.
Near to this basket sat a baptist preacher
on his way to a great public immersion. His
reverence, awakening from a reverie he had fallen
into, beheld, to his unutterable horror, two rattle-
snakes raise their fearful heads, and immediately
precipitated himself upon the driver, who, almost
knocked off his seat, no Sooner became apprised of
the character of his ophidian outside passengers than
he jumped upon the ground with the reins in his
hands, and was followed instanter by the preacher.
The insides, as soon as they learned what was
going on, immediately became outsides, and no-
noboly was left but the doctor and his rattlesnakes
on the top. But the doctor, not entering into the
general alarm quietly placed his great coat over the
basket, and tied it down with his handkerchief, which,
when he had done, he said, " Gentlemen, only don't
let dean poor dings pite you, and dey won't ho9rt
you."—Featherstonhaugh's Excursions through the
Slace Slates.

BROTHELS SUPPRESSION BILL.

The Bishop of EXETER Moved the order of the day
for the third reading of the Brothels Suppression Bill.
Lord FOLEY moved, as an amendment, that the Bill
be read that day six months, :on the ground that there
was no suffic'ent evidence of the evil.

Lord GALLOWAY thought the Bill was presented
in such a shape to the House, that. they could not, if
they wished to put down a vast amount .of misery and
crime, hesitate to give the Bill their utmost support.
He felt that, in the whole catalogue of crime, there was
none which more loudly called for the interposition of
the Legislature than this.
Lord MINTO thought that it was a paramount and
incumbent duty upon her Majesty's Government to lay
before the House the best and most authentic informa-
tion on this subject. He wished to know from the Noble
Duke whether it was not the intention of her Majesty's
Government to introduce a measure for the same pur-
pose as that of the Right Rev. Prelate's ?
The Duke of WELLINGTON said that, in reply to
the question of the Noble Earl, he had to inform him
that her Majesty's Government bad informed themselves
upon the subject before the }Rinse, and he should wish,
in order to give time for further inquiry, and for
the introduction of a measure under the auspices of her
Majesty's Government, that the Right Rev. Prelate
would not press the third reading of his Bill.
The Bishop of EXETER said that, suder suck circum-
stances, he would not press his measure.
Lord IkIOUNTCASHEL, after alluding to the miseries
induced by the houses which the Right Rev. Prelate's Bill was
intended to suppress, said that he would, session after session,
bring this matter before them.
The Bill was after some discussion, withdrawn.
Their Lordships then adjourned.

tifid tliab flld dre fitted on by ,their representations. If lam ;
I
not satisfied the claims are jail, elll leilitt them. On
this principle, whether 1 was in the Goveriiiiiellt ttf mit
of it, I have equally resisted the payment of these claims, and
whatever opinions I may have before entertained, perhaps with
little effect in another quarter of the House, I am bound by
my duty in the office I have the honour to hold, to resist the
Motion on the present occasion. The Hon. Member who
opened the debate told as tritly that this House is not a satis-
factory tribunal, before which to try questions' of a reettnistry,
nature. I agree with the Hon. Gentleman. It is not the
fattlt of the Government, which has given every consideration
to these claims; ttiq tette been duly submitted to the leeal
authorities to ascertain what is the trth eenstruction of the
law, as applicable to the case put before them, and the ttniferm
opinion of the case, as submitted to the legal authorities com-
petent to investigate and decide on questions of this nature,
has always been this—that under the ordinary usages of ear, as
established between civilized nations, they cannot be acceded to
If eon accede to it you open a door nut merely to the payment
of those 225,0001., but to all payments of a similar kind in all
future wars. It is the constant practice of war, that ships
taken at sea are considered in a different light from ships
seized in harbour and property taken on land, for when
taken in harbour they are ceempt from confiscation ;
but it •is not so at sea. I am not here to argue that
this distinction is just, but I am here to argue that
if it be unjust in the case of the Danish war, it is unjust in the
case of every war in which this country has been engaged.
The Hon. Gentleman who made ths motion commenced his
speech by stating that many Members had changed their opi-
nions upon this question. It may be so, and lain not surprised
at it, for in the first instance the generality of persons do not
consider the distinction made between the various classes of
claimants—between those who lost property in book debts—
those whose property was taken on shore in the Danish
States, and those whose property was captured at
sea. But when persons saw the course of proceed-
ings in that House, and how differently the law of nations
applied to the different Classes of property, they, as was natural
and just, reviewed the judgment they formed, and came to a
different decision on the subject. But, in addition to those
who changed their opinion, the Hon. Gentleman thought he
could make out a case against some gentleman who did not
oppose them on former occasions, but who are now prepared
to oppose them, and he says that the Right Hon. Gentleman
the First Lord of the Treasury, gave an expectation to those
claimants that he would consent to their claims, because upan
a discussion on the subject, after Mr. Cresswell's speech, he
was observed by a gentleman to turn round and make an ob-
servation to Mr. Cresswell, and then walk out without giving
a vote in his favour. And this is the ground on which he
says he is justified in en'ertaining a favourable decision. It
has been said that there was no declaration of war when this
oapsure took place, and there being no declaration of war, that
the :parties were entitled to have a different rule applied to
them from that which would be applied in ordinary cases.
Now to that proposition I give a distinct and positive denial,
as strong as it is possible to give. At the time when this
capture was made, on the 16th of August, 1807, war was ad-
mitted to exist between England and Denmark ; and that fact
has been disputed only by, those who wish to make the non-
declaration of war a ground for demanding that this payment
should be improperly made. The Hose Gentleman has re-
fereed to the Danish pteelamation of the idth of August, 1807,
Now I will read some of ,that proclamation.--( The Right'
Hon. Gentleman then k`;ad the proclamation, which was to
the effect that the English Ambassador (Jackson) declared
that hostilities between England and Denmark had commenced,
and demanded passports tend safe conduct for himself and suite.)
Therefore the war might be considered as actually begun.
The Hon. Gentleman has • also adverted to the proclamation,
which was published at Copenhagen, bearing the same date,
the 16th of August. Mott, that proclamation could lead to no
other inference than that it ode i declaration of war.
( The Right Honourable Gentleman feed also . this
proclamation, which was to the effect that "'hostilities
having commenced on the part of England, the Vanish Govern-
ment declared all British property to be laid under sequestra.
Lion, and that all Danish subjects were enjoined to assist in that
sequestration, with respect to all British property whatever)
Did not that amount to a declaration of war / I look upon that
proclamation as iirefragable proof that, as faf d$ Denmark was
concerned, war commenced from that moment. eettpled with
that, the taking of the capital would have been sufficient intie
mation of the war. I should think that the battle of Waters
• HOUSE OF OF COMMONS, July 9. 100 would have been a sufficient intimation of war between this
DANISH CLAIMS. country and France, without any declaration of evar, and there
had been none at the time. I think that the House will agree
Mr. CHRISTIE (in continuation) proceeded to say— with me, that as far as the fact, on the part of Denmark, is
Those persons have suffered for the public good, and having concerned, the war commenced from the 16th of August, 1807.
suffered for the public good they have a right to come to the But the Hon. Gentleman says that the British Government
British Government to ask for redress and compensation. did not make any declaration, and that this Government is to
These are the chief points of the case I have to submit. I be bound by its own acts, and not by those of Denmark. But,
will just mention that the British Goveinment obtained a very Sir, on the 25th of Sept., in the British declaration of war,
large sum of money—upwards of a million sof pounds—by the there is a statement confirmatory of the statement which I have
sale of the captures. Mr. Percival announced in the year made to the House. It was. that notwithstanding the de-
-1,810, when giving an explanation of this matter, that a sum of claration of war,on the part of Denmark, it remained still for the
money had in the first instance been set apart for the satisfac-
Danish Government to determine whether war should actually
tion of those merchants who had suffered by the manner in takeplace. Can there bea stronger proof that the British G overn -
which the war broke out. if that sum was set apart for the ment considered Denmark to have made the declaration of war of
merchants who suffered by the Manner in which the which I have already furnished the House with the details ? But,
Sir, look at the declaration of Denmark, which was sent round
ewlaarimabnrtosliewhooueto,mel
wsituhbmstitrongtheart
artghuemreenitss
fonro
compensa-body o
f to the different States of Europe at a period antecedent to the
tion from the British Government than those whose goods British declaration. The Danish Government say that without
were confiscated during the time the war was being carried on. danger and dishonour they have no chance but to commence
war. Every document to which we have access shows that
tlhahtavtheegoGnoevienrntomtletnet question in idnistphuissegdenteorauln,Tearntankeer,thheoepoinng.
tee war commenced on the 16th of August, 1807. It is ad-
sideration of the merits of these claimants. Ido trust that mitted by both parties engaged in the war ; and yet, forsooth,
in order to establish a claim which cannot be maintaired
subjectthe Right
of consideration.t HI
i eosne. IGm c
liesani tmnl eosmt
iawfny
tv shei l l
wishs e
teu t
di'
iast i
dt
eh etyh
ea rife 0
uw
soer tohnyt
hoef
unless you deny that there was war, all these documents are
Right Hon. Gentleman will overlooked, and the House is called upon to pay an enormous
give the slightest assurance that the matter will be consi- sum of money to persons whose only claim is founded upon the
dared by the Government. This is a question involving
hypothesis that the seizures took place before the declaration of
very minute points, and it is a question which cannot be sa- war. But, said the Hon. Gentleman, this war, if it were a
tisfactorily • disposed of in` a debate of this kind. These war, is to be treated upon different principles from others, be-
claims, I will remind the House, have been confirmed on cause due notice of at was not given—it was a secret war.
four different occasions by majorities of this House, and by Why, will any man contend with respect to the wars between
large majorities. I have already spoken of the manner in different nations, that when you observe that a Power is
which several members of the Government, on former occa- placed in a situation to do you an injury, you should
sions, supported these claims. I know the Right Hon Baro- immediately give the Government notice that within six
net (Sir R. Peel) has never gone so far as to vote for these months afterwards, you intend to commence warlike operations?
claims. But I have the authority of a Danish claimant, who Is that the way in which this country has acted towards other
was closely watching the Right Hon. Gentleman from the nations with whom it has been engaged in war? or is it the
gallery, when,Mr. Cresswell brought forward his motion, for way in which civilised nations usually act towards each other ?
saying, that during the whole of that debate the Right Hon. Quite the contrary. How did the war with America take
Gentleman was present, and was an attentive listener; and place? War was declared on the part of the United States
when Mr. Cresswell finished, the Right Hon. Gentleman ong before it was declared on the part of Great Britain ; and
turned round to -him, and expressed his approba- when Great Britain expected, from the negotiations which
tion perhaps only, however, of the manner in were pending, that hostilities would be prevented, was it ever
which that eminent person had executed his task, contended that these who lost ships in the American war were
But let that be as it may, there is no doubt of this,
that at the last moment the Right Hon. Gentleman (Sir R. entitle' to come before The House to claim compensation? It
would be'diffletrlt to prove that there was not, in the case of the
Peel) left the House without voting at all. That, said an war with `thrUnited Slates, the same want of information as
experienced friend to the Danish claimant—that is a sign that in that of the Danish war. But, says the Hon Gentleman,
when Sir 11. Peel comes to be Minister your claims will pro- the claimants in this case are entitled to compensation, because
bably be settled: .1 hope the' Right Hon. Baronet and the
the British GoVernment withdrew their fleet from the Baltic at
House will be satisfied I have not stated the facts of this case an early period, instead of leaving it to protect British subjects.
in any unjust or strained manner; and if the Government Wh
shall think proper to divide the House yon this occasion, Ido went, stationed in ag sea like the Baltic for warlike pur-
trust the Right Hon. Baronet will not think it can redound was such a thin ever heard of, asibat a British arms-
poses, should remain there exposed to all the dangers
to the honour of the Government or the party which supports
the Government, if they, on thiroccasion, make this question, and that if it did not remain, and any loss ensued,
the consideration of which cannot possibly have any connexion of such a situation, in order to protect British ships,
the merchants should be entitled to compensation ?
with party topics, a question of confidence. I trust they will All I can say is this, and it is what I have already repeatedly
not call on those members of the Government who have voted stated, that if you are prepared to make payments on such
more than once in support of those claims, to turn round on grounds as these, if you are prepared to yield to the claims of those
their votes, and so allow it to go.forth to the country that great who have suffered on such occasions; if you are prepared to
and galling grievances are taken up and are abandoned only to permit their representations to you to prevent your feel-
suit the purposes of party.—(.Efear, hear.) Iry of your sense of duty to the public, there will be no limits
Mr. HUME—I did not, Sir, intend to address the House to the demands made on the revenue of the country and the
upon this question ;at all events, at the present moment ; but, taxation of the people. The Hon. Member for Montrose tells
as I second the motion, I will take the opportunity of offering us that we have acted most unjustly in not acceding to these
a very few words upon the subject. For thirty-six years these claims. I beg to dispute that point with him. I think that
claims have been before the country, and for twenty-six of the Hon. Gentleman has during the whole of his public
these years all attempts to obtain a remedy from this House life—l do not intend to dispute the usefulness of his
for the wrongs inflicted have wholly failed. It is now twenty- labours—but he has, during his whole life, given up }ifs time to
six years since I first supported these claims, and on every sub- attack little expenditures, but leaving large ones to themselves.
sequent occasion that offered I have done the same, being per- He will object to the giving of 5 000/. or 10,000/.
fectly convinced, after the most accurate examination of all the additional in the navy estimates to carry on war,
facts of the case, of the injustice that has been done. On four but when you come- te the 'question, whether we shall, in
successive occasions,, though wholly unsupported by Ministers, deference to private application and individual feelings, ad-
these claims have been admited by the deliberate opinion of vise the House to incur an expense on behalf of the public
the House. On six different occasions, now That I. recollect of 225,000/. he then has no objetion ; and, perhaps, on
right, have they been acknowledged by the House. In the the next occasion, he will consent to a 'much greater sum.
time of Lord Althorp, when he was Chancellor of the Ex- Now, Sir, that is not my view of my public duty, and it is riot
chequer, and using every powered the Government against the ground on which I accepted the office I newhold. I be-
t heac claims, their Justice was acknowledged. At a subsequent lieve it is my duty, whatever the sufferings of these parties may
period - a ' commission was appointed to ascertain the be, that when ships are captured at the time of war, to resist,
extent of the claims—to report how far they were oq public grounds, the repayment to the parties of the losses
founded in justice-4nd what portion of them ought to be paid. they have sustained. On that ground, Sir, I shall resist the
On that occasion a majority of 34 decided, against the opposi- motion of the Hou. Member opposite; and Lam sure that
tion of Ministers, that the claims 'should be ascertained. In those who have given their attention to the subject will be of
1839 a motion was made for the payment of those claims, and the same opinion, and will not permit the Hon. Gentleman to
the motion was carried, it' spite of the opposition of the 111 - succeed in his motion.
nistry of that day, by a majority of 34, the numbers being 62 Mr. HAWES—Sir, lam extremely sorry to detain the
to 94. Again, in 1841, when a motion was brought forward House, but it is utterly impossible that a question of this im-
that these individuals in the third class should be paid the portance can be made subservient to a particular hour.. I will,
amount of the property which they had lost, and which they therefore, endeavour briefly to state the views I entertain upon
could not guard by insurance, the question was decided in fa- this subject. The Right Hon. Gentleman has added nothing
your of the claimants by a majority of 127 to 96. Notwithstand- whatever 'to the present subject. He looked at the case on
ing this majority the Ministry of the day refused to pay these two grounds. He says the capture took place in the
claims, and on the 10th of June a motion was made for an ad- time of the war; and, further, that the law officers of the
dress to her Majesty, praying her to take the case into her Crown had given several opinions adverse to the claim.
consideration, and to order payment, and assuring her that the Let the House reeollect, that with whatever force the Right
House would make good the means for the payment of them. Hon. Gentleman's arguments apply to the third class of
The Ministry of the day opposed that motion, but they claimants, they apply with equal force to all former claimants
were beaten by a majority of 75 to 64. Her 'Majesty returned —( hear, heir)—and, therefore, permit me to say, that the
an answer stating her readiness to liquidate the claims. There claims now before the House do stand upon grounds which
has never, I believe, been any greater advocate for economy really entitle them to the sympathy and consideration of this
in this House than I am, but Ido say that, the, refusal to pay House. how, was it
,a state of war under which these cap-
these claims is a disgrace to the country.—( Hear, hear.) tures were made ? It is now admitted that it was a state of
Those persons who have suffered inconsequence of our unholy war, but it was a state of war which peculiarly distinguishes
attack upon Copenhagen, who could not protect themselves by this case from all former similar cases, and I hope will petal-
insurance against the consequences of our infamous policy, are, liarly distinguish it froin all future cases. You say that in
and I have' always contended that they have been, entitled to July, 1807, hostilities had commenced- Is. July hostilities
full compensation for theirsafferlhgs nod losses.—(-Hear,hear. y commenced, and British troops were landed on the shores of
The lion. Gentleman the Member for Lambeth brought for- Denmark. Was that a formal declaration of war? No, says
ward this motion last year' and the result was most anomalous.. the Right Hon. Gentleman, it was in August, but that is the
It is all very excusable for party spirit' to have sway in this disputed point? The English. declaration of war was not made
House on political questions, but when the rights of private until the 4th of December.
individuals are concerned, party spirit should not be permitted Sir GEORGE CLERK—The 4th of November.
to have power to induce Members to forget the claims of Mr. HAWES—WeII, take the 4th of November, if you please,
honour and of justice.—( Hear, hear.) The motion was but that is not the 16th of August, allow me to say. These
brought forward by Mr. Hawes on the 20th June,, 1843, and captures took place between the 16th and the end of August.
on that occasion 42 voted for the, motion, and .57 against it, If the declaration only took place on the 4th of November, then
being a majority of 15 se against the motion. But out of the captures took place.before the declaration of ' war. 'Now,
the 57 who voted against it I could name at I want to know what is to be taken as a declaration of war to
least -15 who, on former „,,,,ions, had voted in favour of British merchants? The -Right Hon. Gentleman says, take
these very claims-( Hear, hear)e_and if these,,ls are added to the attack upon Gluckstadt and Copenhagen as the declare-
the 42, that will make the number of voters in favour of the tion of war. Now, the troops sent out were not for the purpose
claims amount to 57, and leave call 42 voting. against them, of carrying on a war, but for the purpose of supporting negoe
which will give a majority in favour, of the claims. That is. tiations that were being entered intoto prevent war. The sending
one ground for defending justice in this case. The Hs:tine-has troops therefore was not a declaration of war to the British
decided already enefavour of these clients. and the denial of merchant. The Bight Hon. Gentleman says that the battle
them is a denial of justice. The late Poverniment brought of Waterloo is a ease itepoint. He asked were we at war with
down Sir Thomas Wilde to argue the case on tech nical grounds France then. I will ask, were we at war with China ?
against the claimants. We all . know the talents of that ( Cheers.) .- We took towns and ships there, and the navy
Learned Gentleman; we all know his ingenuity and his• re- were refused all prize money because there was no war.—
search ; but after all the exertion of his talents, the majority (" Hear, hear," from Sir C. Napier.) Will the Right Hon.
of this. House decided in favour of justice) and I have a right Gentleman condescend to meet meet me on that ground. It
to say that a majorityy of this House has decided, over and over was very convenient to the Treasury then to say that this was
again, in favour of these claimants, and that is tine very strong , no war, and it is now convenient to say that in the present case
point in their favour. I say they were imparteal majorities, it was a war.—( Cheers.) In both cases there were conflicting
because they were gained against the Ministers of the day, declarations, and it is now 'convenient for her Majesty's Go-
and there are always individuals who, whatever their own feel- vernment to meet the present honest claimants in that way. I
ings may be,. are ready to go with the Ministers fors the time. challenge the Right lion. Gentleman to, point out a single
The consequence is, if the House had left the decision of the similar case to this in the ' whole history of the country. This
question to justice between the two parties, the
, imalor Yon , , expedition was secretly sent—the expedition was sent before
each occasion would have been greater. On th t ground I , any declaration of wai=and by that expedition this country
Support The motion of my lion.' Friend with g,reat satisfac- ! gained a million-of money by the seizure of ships. I call upon
Lion, and I hope he will take the sense of the House on the i the Right Hon. Gentleman to find me a similar case to that ;
subject.—( Hear, hear.) I have no idea of a question , I say that in the speech which the Right Hon. Gentleman has
of this importance being passed 'over. I can only I made he has been guilty of flagrant inconsistency. I ask if
say to the Danish claimants, as I have said to them there was any prize money allowed to our navy serving in
ever since the year 1818, when I advocated theire I eause—never China ?
give up your claims. I bad the satisfaction twenty-six years The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—Yes.
after that time of seeing two classes of those cla ems settled, Mr. HAWES—I am told not. The Gallant Commodore
and as to this third class, if the present. House of Ci 'mmons and near me (Sir Charles Napier) says there was none. Surely
the present Ministers are not honest enough to allow them, . that cannot be• a matter of dispute. Were we at war with
another House of Commons may be. At all events, let it be f China—for that will settle the whole question. Perhaps the
recorded now who are in favour of the motion and who are not, !
, Right Hon. Gentleman will allow me to treat his arguments
and for the rest, let it be left to those chances which never fail with reference to points of law. I will quote a high legal
to attend a good cause. . authority. I will refer to the opinion of Sir William Follett.
The question having been put, —( Hear, hear, from the Ministerial benches.) Yes, I per-
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUnII rose. He fectly understand that cheer; but what was the opinion of
said, I hold this to be precisely one of those occae ions on which : Sir William Follett. Net when he was Attorney-General
the Government of a country is called on to eat ireise that au- : but before he was so. Why, favourable to these claims. But
thority which the Constitution vests in it, of et ideavouring to ' have we no other great law authorities in our favour ? What
control the disposition of a popular assembly to vote money, were the opinions of Dr. Lushington and Sir Frederick Pol.
not justly due to those who
.claine it. While I hold the situa- I lock? Their opinions were likewise favourable to the Danish
tion I do, from the kindness of her Majesty, I .rsever shall be elaims.—(Cries of "..Hear, hay."). The Right , Hon..
wanting in courage to maintain what I believe in right, though Gentleman might quote the opinions of law-officers
I may be opposed both to those who put forw ell these claims of the Crown, but some of their opinions were