Star.
London, England, 1808-06-11 00:00:00

LICENCES TO PUBLICANS, ETC.

Mr. SHERIDAN rose to move for leave to bring in a Bill to
amend the Act for Licencing Ale-house keepers, inn-keepers, &c.l
Alluding to the Meetings held for sonic time past, at the St. Al-
ban', Tavern, for the purpose of preventing any rise in the rate of
Posting, he took occasion to express his reprobation of all such
combinations among Lords and Commons, as if attempted an:ne,
the poor and labouring classes of the community, would be
deemed Ulegal, and punished as such. Seeing an Honourable I
Member and Magistrate for the county of Sussex, however, '
the House, he could not refrain from candidly stating to him a
circumstance relating to that Honourable Member which had
reached him (Mr. Sheridan), and by the Honourable Member's
explanation of that circumstance he should be enabled to judge,
whether he must not extend his Bill further than he originally
intended. The circumstance to which he alluded was this—That
at one of these Meetings at the St. Alban's Tavern, it having been
doubted, whether it would be better for them to apply for the in-
terference of Parliament, or to proceed ;n their own Parliament,
that Honourable Gentleman (Mr. }Allier) had said, that they were
both idle measures, and that the one he recommended to the
Magistrates of Sussex was the effectual mode, namely, to stop the
licence of every person who presumed to raise the rate of posting.
He gave the Honourable Member an opportunity of saying, whe-
ther the fact was or was not so; and concluded by Moving for
leave to bring in the Bill
Mr. FULLER said, that instead of being either Lord or COM-
moner, as the Honourable Gentleman would have it be supposed
all the association at the St. Alban's Tavern were, his informant
must have been a Post-Master. He never did say what the
Honourable Gentleman had stated. He had said, that the best
mode of effecting their purpose was by encouraging a competi-
tion, and where there was only a single house to encourage a
rival. He bad said, that the power of checking the evil in this
respect, where charges were enormous, was in the breast of the
Magistrates themselves; and that they were too frequently
enormous, he instanced the charge of 150 L made by an innkeeper
on the French Ambassador for a licence. He had as much regard
for the liberty of the subject as any man, and so bad his father .
before him.
'The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, that if the
fact was as the Right Honourable Gentleman stated, instead of
the innkeeper being under the lash of the Magistrates, the Magis-
trates must come under the lash of the innkeepers. He was at a
loss to know hew the Right Honourable Gentleman could wider-
stand there would be no opposition to the Bill he proposed. When
it was presented in the last Session, he objected to it, because it
tame forward too late for a fair and full consideration, and the
Right Hon. Gentleman withdrew it then, under a pledge of bring-
ing it forward early in the present Session, but he had deferred it
until the same late period as before. He, himself, was not pre-
pared to agree to it, unless he heard some Very strong reasons, not
yet adduced, to prove its necessity.

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Mr. SHERIDAN thought the Right Honourable Gentleman's
memory rather loose upon the subject, because the ground os
which the Bill was before withdrawn was, that he. proposed to
confine it to Middlesex and Surrey ; but the Right Honourable
Geatletnen wislted to render it general, If its policy was right,
and to have time to consider it till the next Session. The Right
Honourable Gentleman seemed then to agree with him in all the
principles he proposed. Why, therefore, oppose them now ?
was curious to talk of this being too late a period of the Session,
when, in fact, from the public business already before the House,
Increased by the introduction of new Bigr to-clay, it was probable
the Session would last till Michaelmas ( a loud faith), but on the
ground the Right Honourable Gentleman could get little by oppo.
sing him, as he could find means of continuing the Session all the
11 year, by dividing that House on every question.
Mr. HAWKINS BROWN, MY. DAVItS GIDDY, Mr. M.A. TAT.
Lon, and Mr. Rose, declared themseltes eecidedly unfriendly to
the Bill, and thought that taking away front the Magistrates the

discretionary, or, is it was tailed, the arbitrary powei- of rerti4ni
licences without assigning cause, would be productive of infinitely
greater mischief than continuing the eystem as it now steal&
Mr. SHN.RIDAN said he would not divide the House on the
question. He dischdrited any imputation on the Country Gentle.
men, who discharged the arduous office of Magistrates; it Was
- -

only to the Middlesex Police Magistrates, in the pay of Govern.
tricot, he had alluded.
Tile question being put, was rejected.

LOCAL MILITIA BILL.
On the motion of the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHE-
QUER, the English Local Militia Bill was read a third
time.

Lord CASTLEREAGH brought up a number
of Clauses as Riders to the Bill. Among others, one
for raising part of the Local Militia, in the same prole
portion as the Ordinary Militia, from among th.
Tinners and Miners in Cornwall. His Lordshlp
brought up ancther Clause, enabling Magistrates to
grant the one half of the penalties to informers,
Mr. BARHAM objected that the Bill ought to be
recommitted. It was impossible that the House could
have any idea of the effect of the Clauscs now intro.
duced into the Bill.

Sir J. NEWPORT strongly enforced this objec-
i tion. Why were different stages fixed for discussing
' every Bill in that House ? According to the Mode
pursued by the Noble Lord, one discussion on the
principle of the Bill was sufficient. If he had omitted
any thing, let him bring it in as a separate Bill,
Mr. W INDHA M said, such a multiplicity of rider!
of different descriptions, Ire was satisfied, had never
yet been mounted on any one thing. They had hearii
of Riders mounting two, three or tour horses, but here
there were five, six or seven Riders clapped upon one
horse.

Lord CASTLEREAGH stated that they were only ex-
planatory. On the question for bringing up the clause,
a division took place—Ayes 61—Noes 15. Majority 46.
Lord CASTLEREAGH then proposed a form of
conviction, and a provision that there should be ro
Appeal by certiorari from the conviction of the Ma-
.gistrates.
Mr. WINDHAM and Sr: ARTHUR 1416G0TT objected
to it, on the ground that the right of Appeal was nct
'to be lightly taken away.—The clause was agreed to.
Lord CASTLEREAGH then proposed a clause,
enabling the Magistrates to call out the Local Militia
in cases of riot • and providing that whatever nuilibpi
of days they should be out in this manner, shoul,l be
deducted from the subsequent number of days of drill.
Sir F. BURDETT opposed it as shifting the power
lodged by the Constitution in the Sheriff to the Ma,
gistrates.
Mr. WINDHAM thought the clause would be
Vesting enormous powers in the Magistrates ; and that
it would be useless in its operations, as it would be
easier to call in the regular troops, than to assemble
this force when dispersed.
Mr. PERCEVAL defended it.

Kr.WHITBREAD observed, that this was vesting
in the Magistrates powers that might be dangerousto
the liberties of the subject ; and that if this was to
be proposed at all, it ought to be by a separate Bill.
Mr. D. GIDDY thought it very proper that Mae
gistrates should have this power.
Sir S. ROMILLY observed, that as this was a no-
velty in the Constitution, an opportunity ought to be
allowed to consider the objections to it. It was there.
fore extremely improper to propose such a provision
by way of rider to a Bill, -which deprived the House
of the opportunity of giving it that consideration
which the importance of the subject deserved.
The House divided. For the Clause, 97 ; against
it, So,—Majority, 67.
After the Clause had been read,
Mr. SHER IDAN observed, that it was More ob.
jcctionable than had at first been imagined. It con•
ferred unprecedented powers of interference with the
military on the civil magistrate, and was besides per-
fectly absurd with a view to the execution of its Ott
object. A riot, suppose, might take place on Satur-
day, a notice must be fixed on the church door on
Sunday, and the Local Militia might perhaps be
ready to begin to suppres.- it on Monday. Could anY
thing be more ridiculous? •
Lord CASTLEREAGH opposed Mr. Sheridan's
amendment, which was supported by Mr. Windham
and opposed by Lord Louvaine, Mr. Montague, and
Sir J. Orde. The Amendment was then negatived
without a 'divisiom
Mr. WHITBREAD then proposed as an Amend.
mein, that the Justices of the Peace respectively em-
ployed, should have no military command, which
was also negatived without a division.
A considerable time having elapsed in engrossing
the aifferent Amendments,
Mr. W. WYNNE moved an Amendment wit): re-
spect it the appropriation of the penalties to be levied.
Lord CASTLEREAGH objected to the amend-
ment, and it was negatived without a division.
On the question that the Bill do pass,
Mt. WINDHAM congratulated the Ilouse upon
the lessons which it had received in the course of the
evening in the science of legislation, by the different
processes of erasure, engrossing, &c. which used to
be transacted out of doors. These processes, how-
ever, had occupied so much of the time of the House
(no less than five hours), that he should now cam•
prose what he had to state into a small compass.—
He observed in setting out, that the xnilitary est:v.
blirliment of this and every other country was com-
posed of two divisions, the army and what is not
army. Of the former division he did not now intend
to speak—respecting the latter, it was constituted
upon two principles, either or being incorporated or
unincorporated ; and this distinction formed the
great ground of difference between him and the No-
le Lord. The Noble Lord was of opinion, that roe
whole subsidiary force of the country should be regi.
mented—he thought, on the contrary, that enrollment
and a certain degree of training, was all that was ne,
cessary ; and thattheincorporauonprcposed to be car-

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tied into effect by the Bill, was a great burthen, and
would be attended with very little benefit. No man
would seriously contend, that those regiments of 1...d-
-al Militia would be fit to be placed in the line of the
othny in case of invasion ; and if they could not be
so employed, incorporating them in regiments was
locking up a .part of the population of the country,
004 the army, and absolutely purchasing weak-
esa st an enormous expellee. With respect to the
volunteers, the Noble Lord evidently wished to get
rid of them altogether. The whole plan lie could not
compare to any thing but the Idea of an army clo-
thier making soldiers red, blue, and yellow, and of
211 colours. Did the Noble Lord think, that by such
inems he would frighten Bonaparte ? The Noble
Lord's Local Militia would bring a very heavy ex-
nonce upon the country in point of clothing, which he
:gif no occasion for. If the Noble Lord gave them
bad waistcoats to make them look fine, why not give
them whiskers and furred caps to make them look
formidable also ?—(e/ laugh) For his part, however,
be saw no occasion for clothing them at all. Our
cold beavers and chimney sweepers would frighten
gotmparte much better in their own nakedness and
eot than in the Noble Lord's dirt—for, let him pay
what he might, red coats and feathers were but dirt
bi the eyes of a true soldier. The chimney sweepers
(or instance, would do best of all in their working
clothes: put them into a wood, and they would scram-
ble up the trees like squirrels—(4 laugh). This cheap
system of defence, however, did not please the Noble
Lord. He thought the People of England were like
else ceesitryman who did not think any physic good
the did not gripe him ; or like another count') man
eho sent to a London practitioner to have his tooth
drawn, and complained because he had given him no
psis, saying, he had been pulled thrice round the room
by the country operator, for half the money. In short,
the Noble Lord must find a job for his friends, the
Army Clothiers—(Hear, hear !) The Honourable
Gentleman then proceeded to attack Ministers in a
Mailer strain of ridicule and humour, which kept
the House convulsed with laughter during the whole
of his speech. He said, that the present Ministers,
although they were, like Falstaff, the cause of wit in
others, were confessedly no wits themselves, for they
laughed at one and the same joke ever since they
came into power. They were like the kings of
Brentford, smelling at one nosegay. In this respect
they did not resemble the man who went to buy a pair
of breeches—" Will they wear well ?" said he to the
tailor. " lVcar well !" answered Snip, " Lord bless
rei! they are everlasting breeches !"---." Are they
so ?" said the Bumkin—" then let me have two pair
of them !" Not so with the King's Ministers, for
they were one degree wiser. Having got hold of one
tverlartin joke, they saw no occasion for having ano-
ther. '1 he Hon. Gentleman concluded by opposing
the passing of the Bill.
Sir FRANCIS BURDETT expressed his disap-
probation of the measure, both as oppressive and un-
constitutional. The Bill united in itself all opposite
defects. It was at once oppressive and ineffectual;
harassing to the subject, and at the same time com-
pletely impotent as a measure of national defence. It
ought rather to be called a Bill of Pains and Penalties
than a Bill for the Defence of the Country, as it con-
tained no less than eleven penalties, without counting
those which might have been annexed to the clause
brought up by the Noble Lord this evening. • He did
not think that we ought to trust for our defence to a'
standing army alone, after having seen it fail in so
many instances in °tin r countries. But we ought to
look at the internal condition of the people, upon
the existing taxes already bore too heavily, and
teleil would certainly be rendered much worse in con-
equence of the oppressive enactments of the present
He professed to be a great enemy to the prac-
tice of flogging, as detrimental even to the service k-
ill, and in this opinion he was supported by the rule
tithe French armies, where this practise was wholly
aploded. The Noble Lord seemed to act on theorin-
eide of " evil be thou my good ;" he has altered the
Sistem of the Right Honourable Gentleman on. this!
side (Mr. Windham) which must in its natural ten-
dency have considerably added to the eligibility of the
Situation of a soldier's life • and he now proposes. to
/avert the character and hi:bits of the British people
ularge. If such a system is to be carried into exe-
cution, if the poisoned cup is to be coolly administered
to the lips of Englillimen, it is fit that it should be fur-
eked by the same person who could have viewed
sith coldness the scenes which have been witnessed in
Ireland (Hear ! hear ! hear !) A delicate word may
sometimes be used to express a cruel or a barbarous
action, and in this light, the delicate term diseWin<
nay be used to convey an idea of lacerating men's
backs, of tearing, by means of the scourge, the live
flesh off men's bones. This is by some called floe-
n; but, if the Noble Lord through delicacy calls this
discipline, I have now only to wish that he may keep
his delicate hands off the backs of Englishmen.—(Re-
?rated crier of hear, hear, after the Honourable Baronet rat
dews.)
The SECRETARY at WAR entered into a strong
defence of the discipline of the Army, and maintain-
ed, that but alimited number received corporal punish-
ment, and that was chiefly to be ascribed to the prac-
tice of drinking to excess, which has become too pre-
valent in this country. He had supported the Train.
ing Act, and he had stood almost singly in maintain-
-11 that the Volunteer body was not that sort of force
which could be depended on for the defence of the
cpantl7. He knew, however, that the force raised
under the Training Act was by no means perfect,
be knew also that the Local Militia could not by any
means be equal to Regular Soldiers, who were accus-
tomed to discipline by long habit and strictness of
command. Six weeks also, he admitted, was the
time that was generally thought necessary for prepar-
. kg a man for the ranks. But in all these things,
Gentlemen knew there must frequently be something
of a compromise. Twenty-eight days were thought
taticient, and he now supported that proposition, as
the best that he could obtain.
The Honourable F. ROBINSON regretted that
had heard the comparison that had been made be-,
tween the French and English armies, and asserteds
that the stick was much more frequently used in the
French than in the Enlish Array.—(No; no ! repeated
hlPewral Gentlemen o, the other side.)—He had been
well informed so, and believed that such a practice
did Prevail.—(No, no !)—Well then at least 1-. c would
venture to say, that • the punishment of death was
much more frequent.
Mr. C. W. WYNNE supported the measure, as

1., 1,11 E • • G

LONDON.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11.
ST. BARVABAs.—No business done at the Stock Exchange.

PRICE OF STOCKS YESTERDAY.
Bank Stork 2424 243 India Bonds, par Is. pr.
3 per Cent. Red. 69 684 Imp. 9 per Cent. 67j44
3 per Cent. Cons. Ann. shut Excheq. Bills 4s. 7s. pre.
4 per Cent. Cons. ant Omnium 4 34 prem.
.; per Cent. Navy shut English Tickets, 211. Os.
L. Ann. 19 18i 1.1-16ths Cutts. fur acc.

A Gottenburgh Mail arrived this day. The only
intagence it has brought is the safe arrival of his
Majesty's ships Bltusswicx and EDGAR, with a con-
voy from London, on the 2d instant, at Gottenburgh.
Our Expedition remained in that harbour on the 3d,
the day on which the packet came away. No news
from Finland or Norway had arrived at Gottenburgh
since the accounts transmitted by the last mail.

Last night French papers to the 30th ult. were rc-
ceived, from which we have given extracts of every
thing deserving of notice. They state that 'the King
of SPAIN, his Wife, and Minister, have reached Fon-
tainebleau, where the diversion of hunting has been
prepared for the deposed Sovereign. The Prince of
ASTURIAS and Don CARLOS have likewise arrived at
Valency, their place of destination ; while he who has
thus disposed of them is engaged in the subjugation
o, their country.

Yesterday accounts were received from Memel to
the 17th ult. which, if they be well founded, are of
considerable importance. They state that Silesia is
in a state of insurrection against the French, and that
large' bodies of troops were in consequence marching
towards that country French troops are also stated
to be marching towards the Vistula, from an appre-
hension that the events which have recently taken
place in Spain, has produced a change of sentiment
in the Russian Councils respecting France.
It would be indeed auspicious should resistance
spring up in the North of Europe, at the same time.
that the patriots of Spain are organizing themselves
to take die field against NAPOLEON. Private accounts
from Spain state, that the Marquis de Succoa.a, the
Commander of the Spanish troops at St. Übe's, having
been informed of the patriotic proceedings in the pro-
vince of Asturias, had proclaimed at the head of the
army, his determination to support the cause of his
country, in which he was most cheerfully joined by
the whole of the troops, and the immense multitudes
assembled on the occasion. The Marquis immediately
commenced his march, accompanied by the fervent
prayers of every description of the people. The same
accounts state, that the Portuguese troops, who had
been marched into Spain, had 'refused to act against
the brave Patriots, and joined the standard of Spa_
nish Independence, determined to inflict ex:mp.ary
vengeance on the common Oppressor.

Another account represents these Portuguese as
having been marched as Conscripts, hand-cuffed,
and states, that they were on their way to France ;
but that when they reached Valadolid, the Spaniards
of the town rose upon the French escort, and set the
Portuguese at liberty.
According to all the private letters, of which there
are many in the city, the insurrection is making rapid
progress ; and several Districts, in addition to those
we mentioned yesterday, have sent Depun'es to
Oviedo: some places, indeed, are stated to have done
so, which are actually occupied by French troops.—
Proclamations have been issued by the Assembly, at
Oviedo, exhorting all Spaniards to assert the dignity-',
of their character, by joining in the patriot cause.
These proclamations are widely circulated, in spite of
the menaces and vigilance of the French. Mukticr's
Government seems to feel considerable alarm. He
has sent forth a proclamation, which, while it mani-
fests all the rage, betrays a good deal of the fear that
belongs to tyranny. He denounces all who connect
themselves with what he calls the 4, the conspiracy,"

or who attempt to oppose or even defense the 4, Go-
vernment ;" and he threatens the most terrible ven-
geance against any place orpergon where French blood
may be shed. If a single Frenchman fall itioany vil-
lage, town, or city, in Spain, Mimic proclaims his
resolution to have such village, town, or city, razed

to the ground.
It is reported that BONAPARTE Intimated to the
Junta de Castilia, of v: hick the Grand Duke of BERO
is President, that they might make their election of a
King, either of LUCIEN Or JOSEPH BONAPARTI: ; and
that the answer of the Junta was, that they were not
competent to decide upon that question, as that
was the province of the Cortes. Upon which it is
said that BONACARTn ordered, that a Deputation of
the Cortes should repair to Bayonne, to deliberate up-
on the matter; but that every Deputy has declined
obeying this order ; and in consequence, that Admiral
MAZA amo,the Bishops and other pertons of distinction
who were on their way to Bayonne, according to the
mandate of BONAPARTE, had returned to their homes.

It is likewise said, that the Captain-General of
Cadiz had declared against the order of things at-
tempted to be established by the French ; and it is
eonfidently.expected a general insurrection will take
place whenever it is practicalle.

It is stated, that the Marquis del Succono, who
commands the Spanish troops in Portugal, has de•
dared against the French, and in favour of the Spanish
Patriots. This statement appears entitled to some
credit, from a circumstance which has just come to
our knowledge. We are informed that the embargo
is taken off at Oporto ; and as that town is garrisoned
entirely by Spanish troops, it seems very probable
that the change is owing to their influence.
We have no doubt that the Spanish troops in the
North of Europe would feel a disposition similar to
that said to be manifested in Portugal, if the state of
their country were fairly described to them. Let us
hope that proper means will be, or rather have been,
taken to communicate this description to them.

Viscount MATILROSA is fully accreditecl,by Ministers
as Ambassador from the Spanish Patriots, and .has
taken a house in Hanover-square. It is under-
stood that all the Spanish prisoners in England are to
be liberated, on condition of enrolling.themselveslor
the defence of their country, to which they are to be
embarked with all convenient speed. Ammunition,
in great quantities, has been already sent off, as one
of the first requisites for which Viscount MATHBOSA
and DoN DUCCO de la Vega applied.

The Local Militia Lai was finally discussed in the
House of Commons last night. A number of new
clauses were added, as riders to the Bill, the greater
part beinz explicit details of the duties to be perfor-
med by Magistrates, and others charged with carry-
ing the Act into execution. To a clause empower-
ing the Magistrates to call out the Militia in cases of
riot, considerable opposition was given, and a division
took place, in which the clause was carried by a ma-
jority of 67. The House again divided on the ques-
tion for passing the Bill—Ayes,, 104; Noes, 26
Majority, 78.

Saturday last two troops of the Atli Light Dra-
goons marched into Norwich, on their route to Stilton
Barracks. Two troops of the 15th Dragoons also
marched into Norwich on Tuesday.
It was confidently stated yesterday, that the Ame-
rican Congress had adjotfrned to November, leaving
the continuation of the embargo, =clan other mat-
ters, to the entire discussion of Mr. JEFFERig.

Letters were yesterday received from Bahia, in the
Brazils, of the Stith March, but they contain nothing
important. It was said that a vessel had arrived from
thence in an English port.
Mr. PRINSEP, the Chaiiman, appointed to confer
with the Lords of the Admiralty, on the rnbject of
the appointment of a Convoy for the Brazils, yester.
day had an audience, at which it was determined that
the Convoy should sail on the 30th June from Ports-
mouth.

The following official article was yesterday exhi.
bited at Lloyd's Coffee-House by order of the Sire.
dish Consul
" GENTLEMEN,

" Dunster court, Mincing lane.

" I beg leave to transmit you the translation of an official noti-
fication, relative to convoys on the coast of Sweden; and am,
respectfully, your's, &c. (Signed)
" CHAS. GRILL, Swedish Consul.
".To the Committee at Lloyd' •,"

" Stockholm, May 17, 1808.
" His Majesty having been graciously pleased, for the protec-
tion of commerce, to order the Board of Convoy to fit out armed
ships, the same Royal Board do hereby make known, for the in-
formation of Merchants and Ship-Owners, that such ships as may
desire convoy between Stockholm, Cottenburgh, Aldewalla, and
Marstrand, have to observe as tolkws :-
66 Ist. Vessels that wish to follow the first convoy, must as-
semble at Del.tro, ut th, end of this month, when the couvw•
will sail.

" 2d. The merchant ships from the other towns on the coast
of Sweden, between this and Gotteuburgh, that wish to take ad-
vantage of it, must, at the same period, hold themselves in readi-
ness in the outer-roadsteads; and on the signal being made, which
will be communicated to them by the respective Magistrates, or
when they observe the convoy on the coast, which they will al-
ways be able to sail near, in the roads, they must immediately
crowd all sail to join it.
. . _ _

" 3d. The period for the second convoy is appointed for the
24th of lune, when the same is to be observed as with regard to
the first. •

" 4th. The trading towns in- the Gulph of Bothnia, that wish
to take advantage of the convoy, must let their ships be at Delaro
by the above-mentioned periods.
" sth. The ships from Gottenburgh, Aidewalla9 and the
southern coasts of this country, can avail themsaves of the return
of these convoys ; the saPing of which will be continued in the
same manner, so Long as the season of the year win permit it."

The present State Lottery abounds with Prizes
superior magnitude, such as never were before exhi..
bited to public advantage !—Six Prizes of JE20,000,
besides Prizes of £lO,OOO, £5,000, £l,OOO, £5OO,
and the usual proportion of smaller Prizes. HORNSE,'
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gins, the 28th of the present month. Tickets any
Shares are selling at Hour:set and Co.'s State Lot
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