Star.
London, England, 1814-11-09 00:00:00

;Alt,

would be coupled, in the annals of ,bl:tory, .sat
t which constituted a total departure from file 90.
Mished system of civilized warfare. The burni/g f
the civil public boildings appeared to him ilexcesliNet
The destruction of the decks and navy yarZsvaccori.
formable with the usages of war, and the soneamight.
be said of the detiolitlion of the house &Om which Ge-
neral Ross was &red upon; but no authority could be
found for the burning of edifices devoted exclusively
to the purposes of the civil government. Such a mea-
sure could neither cripple the energies of the state nor
conciliate the people. We had been contending on
the Continent against an enemy who was justly consi-
dered cruel and barbarous • but of all the capitals on
the Continent which had ban taken by him, one only
furnished an instance wherein public: buildings, un-
connected with military objects, had been destroyed :
at Moscow, the Kremlin had been burned, and even
here there was some excuse, because that palace had
been used for military purpose.. Even this plea, how-
ever, could not be received. The only argument
which could be used in favour of our conduct at
Washington, was, that retaliation had been called for
by the excesses of the enemy. If such was the ground
of our proceedings, it should have been declared in a
proclamation on the spot. Washington was
lioweirer, the only place where the name of this coun-
try had been *thus disgraced . for, if. he had nut been
misinfouned, a proclamatiOnhad been issued by a Bri-
tish Cominander, which, without any overstrained
construction, might be declared a general threat of
the destruction at: private, property. The American
Etzseutive had disdained any such intention, and the
same measures should havebeen adopted by the Bri-
tish Governmesit, unless, Indeed. our -Ediuistry de-
cLuti4.their approbation of Such a line of conduct,
and were prepared to defend it.' The most just and
proper mode of conducting a war was in conformity
with the usages of the most civilized nations and
ages. We should be cautious in our measures. The
present, like the last American war, had been under-
rated, and its importance did not appear to be yet
dely estimated. He was much surprised at the total
omission in the Speech of the army maintained by i
this country on the Continent, the expenses of which,
he understood. were equivalent to the maintenance of
a force of forty thousand men. This tvas done with-
out any notice or explanation to Parliament on the
subject. Stich a circumstance was . without prece-
dent. Why was'no reason given for the extraordi-
nary measure of retaining such an army in time of
peace ? Was the promise given last session of a
satisfactory explanation at the present meeting of
Parliament entirely forgotten? and on such a momen-
tous subject was it to be left entirely without official
information ? Oa reading the Speech, no one could
avoid remarking, that there was no hint of any in-
tend= to remove or lessen the heavy burdens which
pressed upon the people of Great Britain. After the
close of the momentous contest in which we have
been engaged. some pecuniary alleviation was nate.-
rally expected. There was indeed in 'the Speech an
obscure notice of finances ; and be hoped that the
means which would be adopted to provide resources
would be calculated at the same time to restore the
circulation of bullion; for to the state of our cottency.
the depresiou of our manufactures was 'to beattri-
batei ; and tress the same clause mote the mischievous
proposition for the exclusion of foreign cum Irish
))arliainent had so justly rejected. No perm**,
improvement could be effected in this country Wide.
out the restematien, at least to a certain =tent. et
specie as the circulating medium. His Lordship
concluded an eloquent speech, by declaring that he
would not assent to the Address, which he conceived
entirely inappropriate in the present state of public
affairs.

Lord LIVERPOOL was unable to discover in
what respect the Speech that day delivered from the
Throne- was of a warlike tendency. It was much
.more just to state fairly to Parliament the real situa-
tion of aliiairs, than to hold out pleasing expectations
which might not be realised by events. The British
Government had every disposition to avoid war and
reduce the national expenditure, provided such mea-
sures were consistent with the honour and interest of
the nation. As to the accusation thrown out by the
Noble Lord on the opposite side against the admini-
stration of naval affairs, it was not now the time. to
go into detail, but it appeared to him, that his Noble
Friend, who bad spoken on that subject, had, given
so satisfactory a statement that nothing (grilles was
necessary. .As a foists facie evidence of injury done
to the enemy and received by ourselves it was con-
clusive, because the balance was greatly in favour of
this country. Qt the vast importance of the contest
on the Lakes of Canada, he was well aware. No
• official account had yet been received by Govern-
ment as to the engagement on Lake Champlain,
and, consequently, no information could have been
communicated to Parliament on the subject. At
.present, it was impossible to present details as to the
general management of the war on the Lakes. At
a future time that subject might be more properly
discussed. It was unnecessary to answer any obser-
vations which might Ise made-00 je .01lociatioes
sow in progress, because such observations must be
made without a knowledge of the facts, since nothing
bad actually transpired. Circumstances might cer.
tainly produce a right to change the original claims
with which a negociation commenced ; but he could
assume the House, that his Majesty's Ministers did
sot intend to raise any new pretensions on the change
of circumstances which bad taken place since the
• commencement of the war.—(Hear, hear.) Ministers
were far from exulting in any calamities caused by
the war; and he would be bold enough to spier,
that no war had ever been conducted with greater
moderation than the present, on our part, towards
America, while, on the contrary, the conduct of the
enemy was marked with the most savage lerocity..--
His Lordship here noticed the destruction of York
and Newark by the. Americans It was true, that in
• eonsequeace of these atrocities, Sir G. Prevost wrote
• to Sir Alexander Cochrane, desiripg him to issue a
threatening .invelarnation ;.—which, however, was
never acted npea. Considering ail. circumstances,
the Americans were treated with great clemency at
Waebingten. Italsould not. be forgotten, that that
City was taken without any capitulation.—(Hear.)
'The edict of the attack ou Washington bad been to
eoneiete the people.of she injustice of the conduct of
theirGeveroment toursode.Greas Britain, arid not to
Alive timer .against Alias countee• eat had, toga ff.
posed. The condast of the British Government to

. . --
Prisonersbnd be'p 'extremely kind and itldur
Nto the Congreis at Vienna, he hoped, as 4..'its
*OX One, that the discussions in that illustrious 'AS4
nably
,would have a happy.and speedy termination.
e,austment‘ however?, of Such IF luriety of jarring
III)
teiests, as existed atter so tremeddous a war as that.
Which had just concluded, was not a work to be et.
feeted without much deliberation. With respect to
the British army on the Continent, the insentient of
maintaining such an army was known to Parham..
last Session, when the Vote of Credit was passed...—
That there was no precedent for the maintenance of
an_army in time of peace was easily to be accounted
for, since there never existed circumstances similar
to the present to require such a Measure. It was un-
necessary to explain how closely a nation, to which
thoie troops were sent, was connected with this coun-
try, and how much it was the interest of Great Bri-
taro to support her. The influence of Government
would ever be exerted for the prosperity of the trade
and manufactures of the country. Notwithstanding '1
all that had been said on the bad state of our com-
merce, it was evident, from the course of exchange'
with foreign countries, that iventere not in so low a
condition. The exchange Wail .faorntarable to us be-
yond all expectation, considering Ohl* we had still the
pressure of a war upon us with the ptienent of subsi-
dies contracted In the late contest.. It Wis the wish
Of Ministers to.aioid war, but they Would never sa-
crifice the national interest or honour to obtain peace.
The question on. the Address was then put, and 'car-
. .
ried new. At.
The Msrquis of LANSDOOI/NE gave notice of a
Motion of Thanki to Lord Walsingham; for his long
and meritdiloos services in his official situation in that
House..--Adjourned till to-morrow.

HOUSE OF COMMONS. •
At two o'clock his Royal Highness the Puttee Retain' kW..
lag arrived at the House of Peer*, the Deputy Usher of the
Black Rod appeared at the Bar of the Conunons, to einsmuni-
tate his Royal Highness's commands fur the attendance of that
House to bear the Speech from the Throne. The SPRAKZII6,
and 'lithe Members present, attended accordingly.
The House afterwards aajoursted till the roue/ hour, when the
Seta zee took the Chair, and informed the House, that the pe-
titioner. G. H. Montague, Esq. who had complained ofait undue
return at the Ate election for Ora:opened, and also the Rev.
Moore, and Edward Dillon, Esq who had -petitioned the House
on the same subject, had not entered into their recognizeoces.—
The Right Hon. Centkinan added, that be hadonkred new writs
to be issued for Beitua, in the robin of Sir E. May ; for Ross, in
the room of W. Mackenzie, b.sq. ; and for Cardiff, in the room
of Lord W. Sweatt ; all deceased.
Several Members were sworn, and took their seats.
A Bill far the more eftectos.illy preienting of Clandestine
Oistbwries was brought up, and read a first and second time.
Th. SPEAKER then addressed the House as
follows : • •
" I have to acquaint the Howe that tide House has linen
the House of Peers to heat the'Speeeh of Ms Royal Higss
the Prince Regent, In the name and on the behalf of his Ma-
jesty: a copy of which, to prevent mistakes, I will now proceed
read."--The Speech having been reed, (as given in our Report
of the Lords);
Lord BRIDPORT said, that on rising to move an
Address to the Prince Regent, on the occasion of his
most gracious Speech, he had to regret that the un-
dertaking.had not fallen upon a person more capable
of doing Justice to so important a subject ;—at the
same tune he should make his observations with a
full reliance on the known liberality and indulgence
ref the House. He should proceed to take notice of the
different topics contained in the Speech of his Royal
Highness, and he trusted the House would linen to
him with attention. With respect to one part of the
Speech, he was convinced that every Member in the
House would regret, as deeply as he did, to learn that
his Majesty's lamented illness still continues ; and
that after the lapse of another year, there should be
such little prospect of his recovery. He should Dot
occupy the time of the House, by taking a retrosplect
of the great political affairs which had occurred
since the commencement of the last Session, except
so far as to contrast the present situation of the coun-
try with that in which it stood twelve months ago.—
Events had occurred since that time which were
greater than the most sanguine imagination could
have anticipated. Undoubtedly at that time affairs
had begun to assume a brighter aspect ; but no doubt
could be entertained that had England stood alone
and unsupported in the contest, she could not have
subdued the gigantic power of France. But, on the
other hand, it was equally certain, that without her
pecuniary aid and her judicious councils, the Allies
could not have succeeded in their grand and mag-
naninious career. Oar successes have led to the ter.
mination of the insatiate ambition of Bonaparte ;
, but the praise for the conduct of the war which has'
so happily terminated, is most justly due to the
Prince Regent and to the Allied Sovereigns. Our
Cabinet Council of . that time were most truly
conspicuois for their temper, their firmness, and
decision ;—and the House must see, Kith the
highest satisfaction, that to such temper, such firm-
pas, and such decision, are they indebted for the
present situation of the country. If we take a view
,elf our actual condition at home, we find ourselves
at peace with all the world, with the exception of
America. Who could have anticipated, at this time
'lin year, such glorious successes, such unparalleled
,events They were, indeed, beyond all human
expectancy aid calculation. The next topic- in ,tha
Speech to which he should allude was the present war
with America. He could not but lament, as the
whole country must lament, the continuance of
hostilities with the people of the United States; but
it was highly consoling to know thilt the Prince Re-
gent had assured the House, that nothing should be I
left unattempted which might bring this contest to
a speedy termination. It is America who stands as
the unprincipled aggresuir in this contest; but we
might reflect with pride that our successes' hitherto
have been unvaried. He could not but congratulate
the House on these successes, for they proved that,
our navy and army, when united, were capable of
performing prodigies of valour. Yet when they have
been so united—when have they found scope for their
bravery and enterprize, without performing such pro.
digies Their achievements in America were wor-
thy of this great character : the Americans had no*
~00 lament the, destruction of their flotilla in the Pa-
tuxent, and the defeat of their army, which allowed
I A mere detachment of British troops to take the capi
tal of their States. Yet those brave troops bad been-
;basely calumniated by Madison and his adherents,
who had charged them with the plundering of pri-
vate property. But never was a charge more ground.
less. Uadoubtedly the stores and ammunition were
'—aroyed,and if we did also slestroy the public build-
Washington, it was retaitatiou tui ilia ativi

ings

cities Committed and itpeatittlif atilt ibtlifet Ca-
nada. He had also to congtitttitte kti House on
the successes of his Mai .. V itidis its the More nor-
thern parts of the Unit 4 . 16 istitre they have,
gained an extent of territ fy the. east •of the Pe.i
nobscot ; an acqUisition Sai tiould'not flail td be of
consider-Ale important*. . *Add eat help viewing.
'it in Mi. mosi favontatible 1 t, la 'one mow proot to
the Americas* of the bolfellessness on their part, of a
'otintinuance of the contest. Pat while we had ground
'to rejoice it thi...... victories of dui ardif bn every pitt of
*the American %fibres,' our triaMpli was daniped byt
having to lament the PA olio: ii,kur of •thie highest
talents and the brightest refai: chi the death of
this gallant Commander 'After has sustained
no common loss. He felt.' alit no eulogy could do.
justice to his distinguitlied *M its. He could say
much more on this affecting topic? IStir he was aware
that whatever he might add, could but ill describe
the sensations of himself, the House, or the country.
After enumerating all the signal achievements, all
the glorious deeds of his Majesty's arms, in the con-
test with America, it was not without regret that he
must notice our late reported disaster on Lake Chem-
plain. Much had been said on the misundehtanding
which had prevailed in thit quarter ; and he could
only wish that cause may not have existed to merit
such animadietsions. But although we have sus-
tained somelnss in this scite of our •operations, may
we not recover it t Yes? from the known bravery of
dm troops which would be ready to take part in the
next campaigN there was na doubt in his own, or he
should thitik, in any mind,. that we should.gain the
most signal advantages. A iteit liortion of our forces
were. it was well known, &Pitched as soon as pot.
sible (rem Spain ; yet they did not, from unavoidable
causes, arrive in time to give that preponderance to
our efforts which their eaAleearrival would not have
failed to produce. His Royal Highness had informed
the House that the opening of the Congress at Vienna
hid been unavoidably retarded. The day which had
been fixed for the meeting was indeed now past ; but
even the delay might be productive of ultimate benefit
to Europe, not only from the united deliberations of the
Members of that body, but from the known abilities
and tried talents of the Noble Lord who, on the part
of this country, takes his share in the discussions
(Hear, hear, hear,) may we not have the best ground-
ed hopes that the glorious Peace will be so consoli.
dated as to give a lasting state of tranquillity to all
Europe ? 'His Royal Highness had directed the Esti.
mites for the ensuing year to be laid before the House.
At the same time that we were called upon to make
the most vigorous exertions in the prosecution of the
contest with America, we have the important satis-
faction of learning . that the revenue and commerce
of the country are in the most flourishing condition,
and evident improvement; and when it is considered
their a long protracted war in Europe, in which this
nation bore so distinguished a part, has but lately
been brought to a glorious issue, and that hostilities
w ith America still continue, there could not be a
man in the House or the country but must feel the
highest satisfaction on learning, that the revenue in
one branch of the taxes alone has increased within the
year 02,600,000. Vas not this, indeed, a subject
for exultation ? On adverting to the conclusion of
his Royal Highness's Speech, he could not but ob-
serve, thus die war which has just been terminated
had this peculiar character, that it has affected the
interests et all the countries engaged in it. .But this
had ever been the natural consequence of all wars—
and it must therefore be expected that the state and
claims of those countries would require the utmost
attention. This, it was certain, they would receive,
under the combined wisdom and unanimity of the
Congress ;• and he trusted that meanwhile the House
would be convinced of the necessity of adopting those
measures which would be most conducive to the
public welfare. His Lordship then added, that he
was aware that he had failed in doing justice to the
important asd interesting task which lie had under-
taken ; he was aware that he had not merited that
great attention. with which he had been heard ; but
deeply impressed with the partiality of the House, he
wouid conclude with reading an Address to the
Prince Regent on the Speech which he had deigned
that day to make. His Lordship then read the Ad.
dress 4 which, as usual, was an echo of the Speech.—
It began by expressing the most lively concurrence
of the House in all the statements and sentiments of
the Speech ; assuring his Royal Highness that they
deep', lamented and deplored the continuance of his
Majesty's indisposition, congratulating him on the
successes of his Majesty's forces by sea and, land,
enumerating these successes, condoling with his
Royal Highness on the loss sustained on LakeCham-
'plain, lamenting the continuance of the war with.
America, and assuring his Royal Highness that he
;night rely on the cordial co-operation of that House
in every measure that might be suggested for the
public welfare.
Mr. GRAHAM said, that on rising to offer a few
words in support of the Address, and having the
honour, like the Noble Lord who had jest sat downs
to solicit the attention of the House for the first
time, he felt that he stood equally in need of their
indulgence. Indeed he bad more occasion to eneJ
treat their patience,, because, from the nature of the
subject on which he was about to speak, he must
unavoidably touch on the same arguments which his
Noble Friend had already urged. There could be
no person who did not feel with the Noble Lord,
when he expressed his deep concern at the continu-
ance of his Majesty's lamented illness : for had it'
pleased PROVIDENCE to restore him from his suffer-
ings, he would now have the proud satisfaction of
seeing, that the same wise and firm principles, the
same undeviating conduct which he had dictated,
and which had been incessantly pursued, to oppose'
Bonaparte, bad been exerted till they were crowned
with success, 'and had finally brought the contest to'
a glorious issue. To this effectual perseverance we
are indebted for a peace, which has more than
equalled our most sanguine expectations. But,
although these great efforts have established peace in
Europe, the flames of war still rage in a distant
quarter ; yet, although this calamity has been solely
occasioned by the restless ambition and daring ag-
gressions of the American Government, he could not
but hope and trust that the negotiations alluded to
in his Royaitlighness's gracious Speech would end
in a peace with the United States. But if these
should unappily fail—if the voice of reason and
justice should be rected, we shall then return to
the attest with the pleasing consolation that we had

done every thing to pot an en& to the calamity
To prove that every exertion had been made by this
country to avoid hostilities with, the United States, it
WAS only necessary to apptral to the admirable tae.
claration of his Royal Highness on the comineoxe.
ment of the war. when the late Ruler
_O4 Frame*

,

made his last infuriate effort against the liberties of
Europe—when surrounding natsions saw his- progiess
with alarm, and could scarcely have= idea-that his
overthrow was so near at handeewhea those 'were,
even in this country, personts who. iodised .upen •hist
career with dismay, what was then -the- edndoceeffec
America ? Did she not seek to second the views e&';
the general enmity of the world, and, stepping foss e
like an assassin .in the d.uk, aim a deadly blow. ele,
this generous *country ? Then it was that the erisee,
ciples pursued by the British Government were Balk
with new effect; and (thanks to the firmnest 01-614
nisters !) that they did not desert or deviate hostel
those principles. To them they have_ adhered, add ,
by them they have rescued Europe. But what way
the system pursued by America ? The President of
the United States, overcome by animosity. egisinst :
this country, blindly cceoperated in the.viewa of its
enemy. But he ought to have been aware, that our
ruin wouldsonly have been the precursor of his own s
nay, so rapidly would the one have succeeded the
.other, that he would not even lave had time to re-
sted on the danger he had occasioned. But all ibis
dine-he was in Xdriam, and he•did not awake *one'
ii tfll.;he disasters of this country convinced then of
his folly. What must have been his feelings when
be beheld the seat of his boasted empire at the mercy
Of tbeenemy ? Then he flea, leaving his capital to
this mercy, and lie found that the Commander knew
how td restrain the fury of his troops, and present to
him a lasting memoriel of British resolution and Bri-
tish discipline. Their conduct was known to have
been such as to draw forth the applattse of the inha- _
Wants. Yet did the Government of the United
States descend to the most base attempts to inflame
the minds-of the people against the English. What
Must have been the sensations of the Pregident of the
United States at the result of an enterprize so well
conceived, and so admitiably executed ? It was sef.
ficiently proved that hie towering hopes had ended
in dismay, and that his future plans could only be
futile. But it was not at Washington alone that Bri.
tish valour was triumphant; in another quarter the
enemy had suffered considerably. He alluded to the
territory which had been captured east of the Petiole.
scot ; and whether this were considered as a risilitary
line, or in any other view, it would enable us to
maintain a decided
,superiority. It, however, we
had gained these signal successes, we had t 6 lauteat
the fall of him who had inspired his troops With the
ardour of conquest; of whom it might be said,
it had been of the illustrious Duke of Welling=
ton, that he taught hisinen to look forward to the
day of battle as to the day of victory. Bet his name
will be enrolled aniungst the heroes whose deedi
would be admired 'by ail succeeding generations.—
Hiving so long been ,accustemed to witness and ex-
ult in, the full tide of success, it might ;Lineally be
expeeted •that the trivial less .exer*Oced On Lake
Chattiplain world occasion tojc.seek:einp in thie
country. But it.,tiras also. to Ise eiterecteitfutt such an.
occurrence, or any iutfe.af '.ir
.tli.S ant ht to our
disadvantage, would* krp?pilk dtagniflecitikall the
accounts of the AmeriCansesreititing, es they
..rniait;
trait their diseeci and defeat at Wasithigtet
But this partial failure would soon laeatriply retrieved.
The troops who had conquered on the Continent, and
were now.on their way to Anseijci. Would 'trout: that
those latirels so ably won in the. plait* of -France
would flourish and be gloriously expanded id tlibse of
America. Although scircumstances, would not per-
mit of their arrival, to take any part in the lest cam-
paign, it should be considered, that it migh;.not bare
been wise, prudent, or even safe, err heye dispatched
these troops before it was known thateheir presence
was no longer necessary =the bite scite of their glq-
ries. On taking a survey of the political transactions •
on the Continent, the proceedings of,the Congress
could not but excite a deep interest ; for it was here
that we had to hope that the several claims of the:
different countries of Europe would be finally deter-
mined. The circumstances of a war so long pro-
tracted must necessarily require the greatest degree 4
of firmness and deliberation, to establish the balanc e
of power on a just and equitable foundation. And 'if
there be persons in that House who may have lamer i-
ced that these arrangements did not take place below r,
he would beg them to reflect whether, while Cto
names of war could scarcely be deemed extinguishi
the Potentates could have done full justice to all t; na
claims that must have been brought under their coil.
sideration ? But now that such animuseles as mie:
have existed have subsided, the united parties wi 11
Come forward to a full, fair, and impartial deliber
time As to the resources of the country, he mu e
join with the Noble Lord in congratulating the How c
on the alteration in the revenue ;an increase whir It
reflects considerable credit on every branch of t. e
Government connected with this ccimpliceted s) i-
tem ; and when the events of a war, continued ti e
che long period of 20 years, are reflected on, it inter
be highly setisfactory to know that we have n"t on :y
found resources to answer every exigency dour AW!tt
but have been enabled to stretch forth a liberal has
to assist those countries so deeply aggrieved, ar'''
who, but for such assistance, must have shrunk fee!
the contest. The ever-varying circumstances of u
war like the last, must necessarily have had a stria.
' effect on our trade and manufacture;, and occueimie‘f
disturbances and losses in all our establishments; be:
these have at lengthen subsided„and those combina-
tions which It tve heretofore made our commerce tle
envy and admiration of mankind, are now reest:-
.blished on their impregnable bases. He shetild no:
trouble the House with any farther observations,
conclude by cordially seconding the Address.
On the question being put, a pause for some to,-
ments having taken place,
Mr. WHITi3It.EAI) seeing no other &roe di;•
posed to make any observations on the spr ech or ad-
dress, felt it incumbent on him to trouble the limise
with a few words. To his great surprise;. not a WOO
was in the speech from the throne, or in, those of IN
mover and seconder, to state a reason for • calling Pe•
liament together so early. The House were told
flourishing finances, and of provisions of diflerent soi
to be made ; and of arrears due on the Continent I,
cessary to be provided for : but who was there
that new to ;he •Chaecellor of the Embequer, or t
First Lord of • the Treasury The great provi