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London, England, 1825-03-22 00:00:00

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istents of these officers exorbitant, but at the same time
not such as to put them out of the reach of persons of
small income, but of considerable talent. Nothing
could be more at valiance with the spirit of our COW
Eitution, than that high offices, whether at home or
abroad, should be placed out of the reach of all but
those of large hereditary fortunes. It was a principle
of this Constitution, what he might term its Repub-
lican principle, that the Sovereign should choose the
fittest men, in whatever rank of 17fe they might be
found;—(Thar, hear)—but if the recommendation of the llononr-
able Member was adopted, that principle must be abandoned. The
disposition made by the Committee of 1816, merely secured that
a man might accept of foreign missions, without absolute ruin to
himself. He ( Mr. Canning) was quite sure, when the Honourable
Gelitliman reflected upon the subject, that be would) see this tier
scription of duty was not SO justly estimated, pttig particula 11
stuns for particular services ; such was nut the way in which the
interest of the country would he best consulted—(hear, hear).
Mr. HUME ptincipaliy objected to the increase in
the aggregate amount of the expense of our Diplomatic
Establishment. Tare Finance Committee took the charge
in 1817, on an average of the three preceding years;
and on an Address to his Majesty. the H arse antici-
parcel that further reductions would he effected. With respect to
the importance of the duties of the Consuls General appointed to
South America, if proper persons were nominated, he (Mr. Hume)
should not quarrel with the Right lion. Secretary on the subject
of expense. But he (slr. Hume) would ask the Right lion. Se-
cretary, did not the Dutch Government last year wish to lower the
rank of its representation, and was not such a step opposed by his
Majesty's Ministers? Whatever the feelings, however. of Foreign
States, all we should look to was our situation, and not keep up an
establishment beyond our wants. Among the several other items
of which this vote consisted, besides the eztsaordinaries already
noticed. he hoped some explanation would be afforded respecting
the charge for the Commissioners for Claims on Fpaiii.
Mr. Secretary CANNING hoped that ultimately the
investigation of those cla ins would produce the de-,
sired result, hut he must say, as on every other point,
when concession was to be made by Spain, it was a very
difficult matter to ob.ain the payment of its debts from
that Government. Tie of these claims was as
follows t—The British Merchants had suffered severe
losses from the Navy r f Spain, during the war with its
Colonies, and after several ituffectnal remonstrances we
sent orders to the English Commander to seize as many
Spanish vessels as would compensate for the losses
sustained by British subjects. We however sent notice
to Spain at the same time of this or.ler, and in conse-'
quence our determination was bought off by an ac-
knowledgment of our right to redress, and of a willing-
ness to make good the losses incurred. lie (Mr. Can-
ning) would ask them, when a party consented to in-
demnify another, would it have been fair to reject that
offer, and by a process of summary justice right its own
wrongs? The manner, however, in which Spain was
treated on this occasion, grew out of a specific conven-
Lion between that country and England, by which each
bound itself, only after a repeated denial of justice had
been received, to take that justice into its own hands.—
lo consequence of our demand the Commission in goes-
tin,' yeas appointed, and proceeded with its labours for
a time dui ing the existence of the Government of the
Cortes. When the other Government was after-
wards restored, the Commission was abolished, as
well as every other act of the Constitutional Go.
vernment, but reinstalled afterwards, and it was
only just to remark, that of all the acts of the Cortes,
its recognition alone was subsequently obtained.—
He (Mr. Secretary Canning) mentioned this as another
proof that there was no want of urgency on the part of
Government in pressing the claims of our subjects. It
should he acknowledged at the same time, that, owing
to the change of the Commissioners after the Restoration, a delay
of several months elapsed, and even in the course of last year the
Commissioners were changed three times, each change attended
with a loss of time. But still the investigation was in progress, and
out of the 4 or 500,0001. claimed, between 2 and 300,000/. had
already been admitted—he wished he could say paid. He hoped,
however, that even that consummation would finally take place.
After a few words front Air. Baum and Mr. Secretary
Cansum in explanation,
Mr. HUME observed, that there was another item
in the resolution which he wished to notice, namely,
6 4001. towards carrying. into effect the provisions of
the treaty of Ghent. It was, he believed, the third or fourth pay.
went which bad been made on that head.
Mi. Secretary CANNING conceived the present to
be only the first, or, at the utmost, the second pay-
inent on account of that treaty which this country was
called upon to pay. By one art cle of the treaty of
Gtreat, we undertook to indemnify certain citizens of
the United States for injuries suffered by them, in what
IA ere not considered a just exercise of belligerent rights ;
a.d by another article we agreed, if any obstacle
should occur in regard to the firmer, that the Empe-
ror of Russia should decide tl e disputed point AS um-
pire. The Emperor of Russia had decided against this
country, but as tile decision had only been communi-
cated the year before last, he (Mr. Secretary Canning)
believed the ',resent was the first time the liquidation of the demand
was submitted to Pailiament, and he might likewise add, that it
was the last rime but one when they should come before the House
on the subject.
Mr. HUME contended that they ought to have be-
fore them the Report to which allusion had been made, before
they were called upon to vote the suns demanded.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER con-
demned the impatience of the Hon. Member for Abet-
deen. The matter to which he addressed himself was
under the consideration of Government, and unless the
House were trepared to say that the inquiry would he
carried on be•ter in other hands they could not join in
the complaint of the Honourable Gentleman. He auured him
it was much easier to find out faults than all at once to frame sa-
ttstactury remedies.
Mr..HUME of jected to the charees made for light-
houses and particularly deprecated " private" light-houses, whose
demands were extravagant. He could mat understand how the Crown
granted patents to individuals to charge tire public as they pleased.
Mr.W A LLA CE said the,. light-houses were private
property, with which the Crown could not interfere.
Mr. HU.- KiS ON promised that at the renewal of
the leases of these light-houses, care should he taken of the public
interests.
After some words from 51r. CUSTUS and Mr. Hums, the
vote was agreed to.
Mr. HUME objected to the vote of 1.0344. for
tr cleaning aid Te 11.11• ing the nionumeats in Sr. raid's."
Ile thought that as the Dean and Chapter charged the public for
seeing these monuments, they ought at least to expend that
money in repairing them. Ile declared he would divide the
Committee upon this grant, unless a strong case was made out fur
fire Dean and Chapter.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
he could not give the minute intormation required by
' the Hon. Gentleman. It was well knayt n that various
hinds in the hands of the Dean and Chapter, were ap-
propriated to the repair of this pile. He thought it hut
" fair that the country, which placed public monuments
in St Paul's, should pay for the repairs of them. With
regard to Westminster Abbey, he certainly. had heard
great complaints as to the amount of the fees de-
manded for exhibition an 4 the want of proper accom-
'' moiiation in this respect. to the public. But lie Nell
knew that the Treastirj hid no power to summon the Dean and
(Ismer to lowa the fees.
Mr. HOME said he was happy to heat these senti.

-

ments with respect to Westminster Abbey, which every liberal
mind must entertain.
Mr. W. Smrrn less. happOo fitratthat this subject
was diked in Parliamenelivery year, tie- the conduct
of the Dean Mid -Chapter it wads/Whew week in ever respect.
Sti J. SEBRIG saitt'that lie really felt, ashamed
whei'isking-Totelgners entreeWhtminstie•Atbeya at the sordici
illiberal regulations by which they were ffounteied.
Mr. HUM E objected to a sum of 3.501. for a Mr.
Finlayson, in consideration of certain calculations for the public
service made by him. He wished to know what these calculatfons
were fur which the public were called upon to pay so much?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said,
the cal -ulatirns were des.iled to be of the greatest
public service. They were dirt cted to ascertain the cor.
rectness ot all the public tables which had hitherto been
acted upon in estimating Life Annuities—the North-
ampton tables amongst the rest. He was a most
laborious man, with a mind well fitted to a task of this
kind ; nothing could be more important, and be had already de-
tected some very material errors, especially as to the duration of
female life, which was longer than generally supposed: He could
mot undertake to say when he should have completed his work—
but of his diligence he had no doubt.
.• Mr. HUME next objected to a sum of 12871. to,
James Walker, of Berbice, f,:r the management of a
number of slaves. The statement of this case, he said,
would prove that those who were advocates tot the
do. trine, that the labour of free men was more prattle.
tive than the labour of slaves, were totally erroneous in
their principle. This Mr. Walker had had the manage-
ma nt of a body ot slaves, who were of the most vain-
able description, being all mechanics; be had been ordered to let
them out on hire ; and the result was, that they did not acquire a
sufliciency for their own maintenance, and that they were a constant
charge upon the English public. Those slaves bad been given up
to the management of the Member fur Bramber, and his system of
free labour had proved totally fallacious.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated,
that when the Colony of Berbice tad been taken, the
slaves had belonged to the Dutch Government, and had
been teansterred to our public authorities. They bad
been subm'thed to the experiment of ascertaining whe-
ther the Negroes could not be made mote profitable by
a system of free labour than by one of coercion. Unfortunately,
those 11/Ittihad superintended the experiment bad been grossly ilia-
posed upon by their agents, which was the cause of the experiments
having failed. There was considerable difficulty in knowing how
to dispose of these slaves.
Mr. HUME observed, that it would be better to ma-
numit these Negroes than to make them an annual
charge upon the English public. The Government . were pressing
upon individual proprietors the necessity and duty of manumitting
their slaves, and whet' they themselves were the'possesaors of suck
a species of property, they ought at least to put in practice the doe.
trines they wished to impose upon others.
On the motion of Mr. BERRIES, a Resolution, granting
.C 820,000 for the interest of Irish Exchequer Bills, was agreed to.
The &gamut having resumed the Chair, the Report was brought
up, and ordered to be received to-morrow.
COLONIAL COMMERCE.
Mr. HUSKISSON then moved that the House resolve itself
into a Committee upon the American and West Indian Trade
The House having resolved Itself into the said Committee,
Mr.HUSKISSON rose.—Although, he observed, the
Resolutions with which he should conclude would be
strictly in conformance with the recommendation con-
tained in the Speech delivered from the Throne at the
commencement of the Session, and although fortunately
as he thought, a favourable disposition existed for the
removal of restrictions, he feared he was under the tie-
cessity of requesting for some little length of time the
indulgence of the Committee. When he reflected upon
the many interests that might be concerned in this ques-
tion, the alarm which might be excited, the predilections
or prejudices that might be excited by what he had to
submit to the Committee, he thought it more becoming
on his part to go at length into the subject, than to follow
any example of conciseness. When he said this, he as-
sured the House that if the alterations in our commercial
system, which it was his intention to advocate, should
be found at variance with the ancient sentiments of the,
House with reference to colonial interests and policy,
it was not because he thought our ancient policy neces-,
sarily erroneous, nor because he considered innovation
as necessarily good ; but because he thought the changes
which had taken place in the world made it incumbent
upon them, who were practical statesmen, to look to
these changes, to the effect of them, and the grievances,
they had created in our ancient system, and provide
remedies to meet them. It was only in this respect
,that he was an innovator. He was not anxious to try
the effect of new principles when no new circumstances'
called for their application, feeling, as every day's ex-
perience taught him to feel, that with the complex
machinery of this country by which the daily revolu-
tions of the world placed some interest at stake, it be-
came them to weigh well the meaning and end of every
institution before they ventured upon effecting a change.
With this view, he should submit to the Committee,
first, the necessity of a change in their commercial
policy with respect to the Colonies ; next, the expe-
diency of removing the duties upon raw materials
used in our own manufactures; and also into the sys-
tem of prohibitory duties in respect of all imported
manufactured articles, the produce of other countries ;
and thirdly, whether, from a revision of all these mat-
ters, they could not acquire the means of establishing
some arrangements more beneficial to the commercial
and shipping interests, and to the navigation of this
empire—(bear, hear). It would have been, he at first.
thought, most convenient to take these several matters
altogether; but he found that such a course would
inevitably lead him into some details, which, particu-
larly at so late an hour, and under the dread he felt of
committing too long a trespass on the time of the
House (Hear, hear), he had afterwards thought fit to
postpoi.e. lie proposed, therefore, to defer the two
latter matters lot the present, and to confine himself to
the consideration of our colonial policy only—that
division of the general subject, indeed, which might,
joist now, be considered the most important and the
most interesting. Every Gentleman who heard him
must be aware that the system of colonial policy which,
had hitherto prevailed in all European States in respect
of their colonies, and in Spain and Holland, particu-
larly in regard to their dependencies in the new world,
had be n this—to exclude such col,mies (tom all com-
merce except that which should be .cArried on with
them to and front the p-rent State—(Hearl. He ap-
prehended that the exclusive system had, in all European
States, been considered to be the very essence of their
co onial policy. In the enforcement of it—he should be
apt to say, in the rigid and even inhospitable enforce.
anent—ot such a po.tcy, Spain, perhaps, of all those
Powers, had be. n the most strict, and, if he might
I use the term, most exclusive—(Hear, hear, hear).
But there were other Powers of Europe who had atter•
wards manifest-d that they were not less rigid and less
jealous in maintiming the same principle. Indeed, if
he was not much nris aken, so u liver alhad this rational
s} stem ot.a colonial policy been considered, that it had
teen held to be a p irt if the inrernatio al la*, of Eu-
rope. And, accordingl), it oas laid down as the rule
of the Prize Court on this subject, at wine time during
the corainume of the seven sears' war, that no colony

belonging to a State at war with another, could avail it trade with our Colonies In the West Indies in a cettOire
self of the intervention of neutral vessels Mom on trade. number of articles. *By anode r Act they waet:owed
with iny otherbOt the parentState,betauselt was deemed AO trarie directly with the Colonies, and thence tor
ships. Titus the United States.
-Europe in British
that the neutral might be oltimately engagedin supply-
theentthy of that
mg . . pa teip Stale. To this euent had the
[ miaht trade with them. its a limited number of
rfila Of.tlie old coloniol,4olio, oilitates been carried. article:, in ships of the United Scoter, and with re.
, i -- •
lit'hact no changes, hOewduldiash*-;no ettraordinary spect to European ports, in Eh his* ships. The House-
and momentous changes—occurred within the List few would perceive, that in conceding to the .U.otted
year in the character and condition Of these colonies ? States such an intercourse,
.iis
.their. own ships, o ith
Let them look at the Brazils—what had been their het Colones.? it might hove-. been slowly expec.ed that-
situation since 1808, when the Royal Family of Portu- they would have regarded % privilege not violas,/
gal migrated there? What was the altered situation of •to any other country
.in the light of an indulgence, as.
St. Dothingo? What was the increase of enterprize and they could not chum iitho ofW
w right,
the Bait
i they offered uo t
importance which had taken place in those vast coon- thing in return. Yet
United States passed a low whicle
When he considered how these changes might ope- made British ships coming-from the Colonies Into then'
rate upon our own Colonies, he saw cause sufficient until
the sof the United States should be odorts, liable to duties in the same way with foreign shire,
to call upon the House to enter into an inquiry, until shipmitteJ,
whether, amidst such changes, no change ought to with their own productions into the Colonies, just as ii
take place in our own Colonies ?—(Hear, hear)— they were the productions of our Colonies, or of Graaf
and whether some change which should include these Britain herself. This was a pretension which no
countries in our trade, might not be beneficial to our time or commercial power ever before
was, ethat the staple
l:timed or cone
Colonies themselves; whether,our having extended free ceded. The substantial demand
trade so far, we ought not to carry it still further ; and commodities of Great Britain should have no prOteCISOIr
whether, if in the long run our Colonies should suffer by in our Colonies beyond the protection given to tie like-
the continuance of this monopoly of their products, we commodities of the United States. It Gieot Biitoin had,
should nor, weaken their attachment thereby to the Pa- asked that the sugars of Jamaica and Louisiana should
rent State? He called upon the House to reflect upon be placed on the same footing in the port of New Yoi ko
the increase of commercial enterprise, which the revolts- it would have been treated by the Americans as absurd.
tion of nearly one-third of the whole country, from the After the Act of Congress was received in Eng and,•
mouth of the River St. Lawrence to Cape Horn, had the, e was but one of two courses left for the Govern.
created ; and whether, with reference to the vast marl- ment to pursue--either to forbid the intercourse alto-
time possessions both insular and continentalof late years gether, or to protect our commerce by light duties oro
brought into operation, some alteration was not neces- the American ships. This would have been very Meow
sary ? Great Britain had, in many instances, benefited venient, and would have limited the benefits of the'
greatlyby relaxing towards her Colonies and dependen- intercourse to the consumers of the We,t Indic-. They
cies the severityof her commercial system. He would first did not put on thcoe duties, as they had it in purpose
take the case of Ireland. Every one was aware, that up to to submit the present alteration in the system. It was •
the year 1780, Ireland had been treated, in all respects, now the intention of Government to put all (Alter cowl-
like a Colony. Without examining into any other tries on the same footing with the United States, and if
sources of her poverty and misery, he might at least as- this latter Power was dissatisfied, why the Colonies.
sert that, until the year 1780, she was, in all things re- must endeavour to do without its intercourse. Should.
garding her commerce, navigation, manufactures, ,such be the case, he should lament it greatly; not it
internal industry, and disposition of her productions, was probable that the United States had adopted her
held upon the same footing as a Colony. In the year course, became she tl ought the Colonies could not do
1788, certain propositions were brought forward in the without her trade. Looking to the state of conimerce
British House of Commons, with the view to work and navigation, Great Britain was not justified in with-.
some relaxation in the regulations concerning the trade holding from other countries the advantages we had•
to the West India Islands. It was proposed that she conceded to America. Why should Denmark or Sae.
might import her own sugars from the West Indies, den be excluded from them? No; .t became us to
and export her own glass. It was urged in objet- be as liberal to Europe as we had been to the growing
tion that Ireland had already received sufficient market of that great Power, the United S.ates. Terre
boons from Great Britain, and that to grant her any could not be the slightest objection in the Committee'
more would be ruinous to the commerce of the coun- against giving to the friendly nations of Europe, at least
try. Now in what did these boons consist? During to those which would reciprocate with us the pi ivio
the earlier part of the American war, we had allowed leges of commerce, all that we had granted to America..
Ireland to export to the Colonies her butter and beef. He thought that we should go even somewhat tui Cher.
There was another boon worth mentioning to the House. In his judgment the trade between those Powers and the-
-As Ireland had at that time a separate army, which Colonies ought (with some modificatsons and prohibi-
army was paid by herself, and was at that very period tions) to be placed on the same footing as the trade.
fighting our battles in America, we passed a law, per- with Jersey and Guernsey, or Ireland. He wool:1 only
matting Ireland to clothe, with her own manufactures, prohibit fire-arms, hotrurnents of war, and the stare
such portions of her own army as were paid by herself productions of those C. lonies—sugar and ruin. He
—(Hear). These were the boons, and how were they would confine the prohibition to the sugar and tune
met? All classes in the country, the ship-owners, met- Colonies. We should permit a free inter course to every
chants, manufacturers, and traders united in petitioning friendly nation, subject to the s true regulations as the
the House to an extent nearly unparalleled. The pro- trade with other parts of Great Britain ; that is, the
positions were ultimately thrown out. Having taken ship and cargo to belong to those nations. The result-
the trouble to examine some of those Petitions, he would then be, that we should retain the commerce be-
would read a few passages from them, in order that tween Colony and Colony, the direct and circuitous
the House might learn the extent of the alarm which trade between the Colonies and tit s country and the'
then prevailed, and the fallacy of the predictions which coasting trade. We should give every facility to the'
were made. In the Petitions from Glasgow, it was tree intercourse between those Colonies and the rest of
prayed 46 that no present and no future advantages the is orld. To effect this, it would he necessary to
might be granted to Ireland, which could in the slightest enlarge the list of articles which the Colonies were
degree be of disadvantage to Great Britain." In this allowed to receive from other countries, and we must-
sentiment he fully agreed, but the Petitioners went on impose on thee articles a moderate port duty. At pie-.
to say, " that Glasgow had an hereditary right to the sent there was on some of these articles a duty of
sugar trade"—(Hear, hear, hear). The Petitions from seven and a half per cent. ad valorem.. He proposed*
Manchester considered the propositions as tending to to change this duty to a different scale. The
affect the questions of loyalty and allegiance. Those appropriation of these duties was to be left in the
from Liverpool asserted, that "if the propositions were hands of the Coloni .1 Legislatures. The revenue'
adopted, that town and port would be reduced very arising from this free trade was to form the re-•
speedily to their original insignificance"—(A laugh.)— venue of the Colonies. The effect of this. would, be-
lt was not surprising that such statements and the to take away from them all jealousy respecting tile.
alarm they excited in the country prevented the propos concession of these privileges to other Sta ess--..
sitions from being carried. In 1779 a more limited With a view likewise to benefit the commerce both of
proposition was submitted, to allow Ireland to buy her the Colonies and the Mother Country, he proposed! to.
own sugar merely, in the Colonies, and even this was establish, in the more convenient' ports of the Colonies,
lost. But in the same year, the American war changed the whole advantage of the warehousing system as it
its character, and assumed a more alarming aspect. State existed in Great Britain. The goods of all the woad&
necessity then forced us to yield as a matter not to be were to be alloWed to be warehoused there for re-ex-
refused, that which we might earlier have granted as a portation. This arrangement, in the present state of
matter of grace. In 1782 we were obliged to make Spanish America, would be of immense service. *The
another concession, and we repealed the Act which wants of that country were numerous, and required to
gave us the power to legislate for Ireland. Whatever be frequently supplied. The market was often glutted
advantages had been conferred on Ireland had been by a sudden supply. It was necessary, thereto**, foe
equally beneficial to England. He would ask his own the benefit of trade, that the warehousing system should
enlightened constituents of Liverpool to look back, and be introduced. This system had been of great utility
tell him whether the freedom of intercourse with Ire- to the corn merce of the United Stater, which had adopted
land had not been one of the most important sources of it at New Orleans. Such was the general nature .-of
their unexampled prosperity ? Turning from Ireland his proposition. The effects would be different in the
to the case of our North American Provinces as they Sugar Colonies and the North American Provinces.,
existed some fifty years ago, he would not dwell on In the Sugar Colonies the facilities would he greater
the painful topic of that war which excited none of and more economical, the supply cheaper, and the
those ideas of greatness and of glory which generally disposal of surplus produce more advahtageous. These
associated themselves with the recollection of our wars ; were not the only advantages connected with the chonge.
but he would ask the Committee whether, when they Besides these it would have a tendency to facilitate
regarded the separation of one of a commercial sort, the introduction of others. It would create a new
the interest of our commerce and navigation had not class of inhabitants in the Sugar Colonies. Houses.
been most essentially benefited ?—(Hear, hear, hear).—, of agency • would be estObilshed, merchants would
It was worth the while of the Committee to enquire be actively engaged in watching the markets, a
whether similar advantages might not be derived from new description of commerce would spring up, and'
those Colonies still in our possession, without resorting new channels of industry and agriculture mai kid out.
to a political separation. This was an important con-
sidetation. When we looked to the present condition Perhaps the change might give rise to other produc.
lions than sugar only. There was no reason why these
of the United States, and at the other new States spring-
ing up in South America, it must be evident that gnat Islands should not produce indigo, silk, and other
articles., It was his intention to submit ito theiHoteie
changes had been made, and were now making, in our
measures for the encouragement of other productions,
commercial relations. He hoped that he should not be
to infuse into the population of the Colonies a greater
accused of any unfriendly feeling toward* ths United
proportion of whites, and of an order different bone
Y that of mere overseers. That alone wools! be doili
States, when he said that it was our duty to make ever
possible exertion to increase and strengthen our com-
es
much for the interest and prosperity of the colonies, It
mercial relations in every feosibie way. Looking to the
was impos
experience of the past, he drew one certain conclusion, able for him to say when these-advantagec
would take place. But that uncertainty was no reosers
which was, that systems of monopoly and exclusion
why they would
twined greatly to impede and cramp the prosperity of not take place sooner or later. No one
the colonies ; and irons this great principle lie derived could hove predicted, in 1813, when the monopoly ye"
the East India trade was broken up, how soon Botany
another, that such a system must be equally prejudicial
would derive any benefits from the relaxation. An.. 11
to the parent State. Whatever oromoted the prosperity yet both Great Br
et the colonies, must promote that of the mother Britain and the East Indies had de
tived, and would continue to derive the most imo
country. After submi bog mese general observations,
he would call the attention of the Committee to the portant advantages from that measure, An opetv
present sea eof our Colonial System—to the relaxations trade with a thriving oountry was tar better than a
strict monopoly under the idea of making sash mo-
alreody made in the old system of exclusion, and to the
further telaxations which he should feel it his duty to nopoly exclusively beneficial to the mother county.—
recommend. By the Acts of the 3d and 4th of George Cr
The wants of mankind increase with the means of pa-
t yang them, anti cherry ...etc wi means eqUal to the ire
the Fourth, we had relaxed the old system so far as tottioduction of o. liberal system Of trade. If them Out-
pc': mit the United Statesof Americato carry on a direct civics wete true in the case oh the West India Colonies.

which were mereig sugar gardens, how much more true.
must they be in the ease of the Canadas? There the
whole population was freetheir industry and pro-
sperity was entirely their ownarotheir situation was more
favourable than that of the West Indies, and in the
.course of a few years tire greatest advantages would be
realized. He did 'not overrate tit present population
of the Canadas, when he set it down at 1,000,000.—
With their fertile sofl, navigable rivers, and productive
fisheries, it was impossible, if the restrictions on trade
were removed and a liberal course of policy adopted,
that they should not feel grateful for such treat-
ment, and ceasing to have any wish to connect
themselves with other States, they would become
the Zit re closely united with Great Britain. A
single illustration of the disadvantages under which
the Canadas laboured at present would satisfy the Comb
--nittee beyond the most elaborate reasoning. At this
moment the great source of wealth to Nova Scotia was
the Fisheries. In this they were rivalled by the United
S res. Let the Committee suppose, that of two cargoes
of fish, one should be taken to Halifax and the other to
some port in the United States ; in such a case the
mater would be equal ; but carry it a little farther—
ti e American carries his cargo to the Brazils, there
he exci•anges it for a cargo of cotton; this new cargo
he might carry to the Baltic, and exchange it for a
cargo of hemp, iron, or flax, to take home to his own
country. The British ship might likewise carry her
cargo to the Brazils, but she could not take in sugar to
carry back to Halifax for re-exportation. He might go
to Petersburgh, but he could not return home with the
produce of Russia. Such was the disadvantage under
which the Canadas labouted, thus the benefit of our in-
dustry was lost,and the carrying trade in fish much in-
jured. It was well known that the sugars of the Mauritius
were not admitted into Great Britain,except on paying a
higher rate of dirty than the other Colonies did. This
duty amounted to ten shillings. Last year he had en-
deavoured to make the deny the same as that of the other
Colonies; but it. was objected that the Mauritius bad
some advantages over the West India Colonies. inquiry
had been made, and he found it was not so. The cul-
tivation was the same in both, and the Mauritius, in-
stead of having any advantages, had to struggle with
the disadvantage of a greater distance, and the liability
to hurt icanes and violent storms. He thought, there-
fore, that they ought all to be on the same footing. He
should do no more at present than announce the inten-
tion of Government of equalising the duties on the
West India and Mauritius Sugars during the present
Session. He would also notice another alteration.—
The Canadas, though not producing sugar nor any
other articles common to the Tropics, nevertheless pro-
duced one article, which in a limited degree came in
competition with one of our own productions. This was
corn, a staple commodity of Great Britain. The corn
of Canada; though Ink p'rohibited, was however sub-
jected to such iestricticrits as amounted for the last five
years to a. prohibition. The greatest quantity of corn
exported from Canada during that time fell short of
50,000 quarters. Every facility ought to be afforded
for increasing the export of corn to the greatest possi-
ble extent. At such a distance it was not easy to learn
whether the English ports were open or shut, and it
often happened that shipments sent out to Canada re-
mained for a long time without any return, depending
on the fraction of a penny. In the present state of the
country there could be no kind of jealousy against Ca-
nada. As the corn was to be carried some distance
before it could be shipped, and then had to come from
Quebec to England, the freight and expenses amounted
to 12s. or 14s. a quarter. He thought, therefore, if a
duty of ss. were imposed upon it, there would not be
any danger to the British corn market. He had but
one more point to submit to the Committee.—
As soon as the trade with the Colonies was thrown
open, those who engaged in it should be perfectly flee
in their movements. The Member for Coventry (Mr.
Ellice) had often called the attention of the House to
the heavy fees levied on shipping in the colonial ports.
This was a grievous burden, and ought to be removed.
He should propose their abolition altogether,and that the
Revenue Officers be paid out of the duties. The Naval
Officers would be wholly useless after the change of
system came to operate. He should propose to give a
proper compensation to such as were freehold or a
vested right, and in other cases to allow superannua-
*ions ; but both to he paid out of the revenues arising
from the colonial trade. This would relieve the Colonies
from a heavy burden, and would better enable them
to enter into competition with other countries,.
Such were the alterations he should suggest at present ;
on Friday next it was probable that he might submit
some others. He had now to thank the Committee for
the kindness they had shewn, by listening to his state-
ments so attentively—(Hear).—The Right Honour-
able Gentleman then► moved the Resolution, that it was
expedient to amend the several Acts of the 3d and 4th
George IV. relating to the trade of his Majesty's Colo-
nies in America, the West Jodie*, and other parts of the world,
and also to extend to them the provisions of the warehousing laws.
Mr. C. 11. ELLIS said, that as he was connected
with the West Indies, the Committee would excuse him
for trespassing ou their notice. He was ready to do
justice to the liberal principles of his Right Honourable
Friend. He regretted, however, to hear of the Go-
vernment's intention respecting the Mauritius. The
Petition from the Mauritius ought to be laid on the
table. It contained a remonstrance against being
placed on the same footing with the West India Islands.
With respect to the other restrictions, they had long
pressed hardly on the West Indies. Still it must not
be forgotten, that they were imposed in times very dif-
ferent from the present. His hope was, that the open-
ing now afforded would induce foreign nations to send
their produce to British ports, and that our colonial
produce would find its way into the home market with-
out the heavy expense which had hitherto been the sub-
ject of complaint. His Right Honourable Friend's pro.
Jeer, liberal as it was, must depend on reciprocity.
bum e countries might not have a disposition to give up
their respective regulations, and the measure of his
Right Hon. Friend would be thwarted. He was unwil-
ling to dwell on the details, and anxious to avoid any
ungracious opposition. His Right Honourable Friend wisely
Wished to open the colonies to all the world. The geographical
situation of our colonies made them a mosticenvenient entrepot fur
the products of other countries ; his hope was, that British mer-
thants, engaged in,varioas pursuits, would settle in the colonies, and
thereby promote the general interest of commerce. Examples of
Industry would benefit the colonies, and promote the total abolition
of the Slave Trade. He gave the measure his suppot t.
Mr. A. BAItING said, tl4e views opened this night
could not fail of being beneficial to all. To the colonies
the system would be a great benefit. As it respected
the North American Colonies, the system might he
tailed the Emancipation of those Colonies. It was im-
possible to extend more liberal policy to those. colonies
than that piopotei by his Right Honourable Friend.—
Looking at it as a whole, he was sure the mote it was

looked at the more it would appear satisfactory. With
'respect to the imeortation of Eastlndia sugar, he did
not attach much importance to that question. Although
a friend to political economy and free trade, he skorld
be sorry to reduce the protecting price of corn. The
Agricultural Interest of this country might to be pro-
tected. He thought, however, the trade in corn from
Canada ought to have a fair experiment. The Hon.
Member wished to know whether there had been a
juncrion between Upper and Lower Canada? A Bill to
throw the two Canadas together was suggested last Session, and as
it would be productive of commercial advantages, it would be_ de-
sirable to carry such a measure into effect. The corn trade with
Canada, might, without doe caution, be the means of bringing the
grain of the United States into the British market, a cireamstance
injurious to the British agriculturist. The Hon. Member gave his
most strenuous support to the Resolution.
Sir F. AURDeTT expressed his approbation at the
lights of commerce which had that night broke in upon
them. The Hon. Baronet had not comprehended all
that had fallen from the Right Hon. Gentleman, in his
details; but as far as he could recollect the object, he
was ready to admit it was matter of gratification, and
his hope was that the Right Hon. Gentleman would net
stop short, but give the colonial proprietors the free
advantage of their labour in the colonies. In his opi-
nion they ought to carry on their manufactures, and
work their produce in the way they thought best. Every
one knew that one of the great causes of complaint in
the West Indian Colonies, was not being allowed to
bring home sugar in any but a raw state. His hope
was, the Right Hon. Gentleman would give them the
privilege of refining sugar. With regard to the impor-
tation of corn front Canada, he was desirous of sa}ing
a few words. The Honourable Baronet expressed his
hope that the agriculturists of England would not op-
pose free trade in corn, and that they would feel that
they had nothing to gain by the monopoly in that ar-
ticle. When the subject came under discussion, his
hope was, that the Right Honourable Gentleman would
take into cosisideration not only the question of free
trade with Canada, but every other country. Without
that priuciple WAS admitted, it would be impossible free trade
could be carried on with other countries. If they agreed to take
the produce of other countries without restriction they would act
upon a tree principle. His hope was they would go to that extent,
and that there would be no such thing as prohibitory taxes, with
the exception of those necessary for the protection of our manufac-
tures at home. If they followed that system, the country would
increase in prosperity far beyond any former example.
Mr. BRIGHT gave his complete assent to the pro.
position. He was an advocate for free trade, but in order
to have free trade they must have no duties. The Right Hon. Gen-
tleman had mentioned some restriction to be imposed on the impor-
tation of rum and sugar, which be did not clearly understand, and
therefore he expressed a hope that the Right Hon. Gentleman
would explain what he meant.
Mr. HUSKISSON said, he was happy to give the
explanation which the lion. Gentleman asked for.
What he said was this :—He proposed, in the list of
pro%ibited articles, to include rum, molasses, sugar,
and cocoa, coming from foreign colonies—(Hear, hear).
Tile Hon. Gentleman would see that the protection of
our own colonies required such prohihition. It was
impossible to say Havannah sugars should come into the
market as British sugars. On the subject of trade with
Canada, there was no danger of corn coming from the
Uni.ed States through Canada. The most jealous of
our agriculturists had nothing to fear on tnat point.
With regard to what had been said on the subject of
reciprocity, we certainly could not receive the benefit
of tree trade, unless other States and Colonies gave us
the same benefits we offered them, and it was not in-

tended to give those Colonies the benefit of the present
art angement, which slid net give us the same advan-
tages. He could state to the Committee that Denmark was not one
of the Powers that would oppose our commercial arrangements.
Mr. HUME wished to know whether, in the arrange-
meats to take place, anything was to be done with re-
spect to St. Domingo ? Peace and quietness had been-
established, and the Hon. Member thought we ought
to have some one there in the character of Consul, or
Commercial Agent. In case of free trade with Canada, his hope
was that the Timber Tax would be taken off.
Dr. LUSHING I'ON admitted that very great ad-
vantages were likely to arise from the proposed al range-
meat, but why the Wallkill' were to be put on a footing
with the West Indies, and the East Indies excluded, he
could not tell. Those who supported the interest of
the East India sugar trade were told they wished to
distress the West India planters, but that was not so.
They were only desirous of protecting one species of
property as well as the other. The Hon. and Learned
Gentleman considered the West India Colonies entitled
to the boost held out to them, but his hope was, they
would be grateful for it, and no longer oppose the British Parlia-
ment and the laws made for them.

Mr. GORDON supported the general conduct of the
West India Proprietors, and supported the measure.
Mr. GRANT protested against the misrepresentation
of his Hon. and Learned Friend, with respect to the
proprietors in the West India Colonies. The Planters
had shewn a disposition to obey the laws. The West
India Proprietors were not all absentees. Their object
was not, as the Hon. and Learned Gentleman stated, to
raise as much produce as they could, at the expense of
the negroes. As a West India Proprietor, he could not
avoid protesting against that statement. He could
not agree with the Honourable Member for Taunton,
who appeared to think the introduction of East India
sugar was of little importance. If the East India sugar
WAS suffered to inundate the market, the. West India
Proprietors would not be able to enter into competition.
Mr. EVANS protested against giving a preference to the pro•
duction of slave labour over that of free labour.
Sir J. W aorrEs LET said a few words in support of the
proposition.
The Resolution was then agreed to, the House resumed, and the
report was ordered to be received tn.ntorrow.