Star.
London, England, 1830-03-24 00:00:00

arguments used by noble lords in discussing this question led to
that eseelosion. it might be maintained by some, Ni the other
band, thin it would have been proper to have acquiesced at once in
what might be called the UtIRMOIOIII decision of the Portuguese peo-
ple. •and that he sho.,id have been at once teethed and recognised
as the sovereign of the country. However that might be, the
course pursued was one of strict neutrality. Having adopted that
caorse, nil that he claimed was that it should be observed, because,
of all the systems that could be adopted. the only one which was
perfectly indetersihk was that which should lay down a principle
of neastrolttv. and then give it an application suited to our own
comeerdeare or iodination. Whatever system might be laid down,
let it he honestly and consistently persevered in. This was the
swum which had been pursued he his majesty's government. Haw.
lag thus declared to their lovdsbips the situation in which this
country stood with reference to Portugal. as one of strict neutrality,
he should now proceed to give a short recapitulation of the circum-
stances of this transaction. Their lordshipe would recollect that
atter the defeat of the troops at Oporto—not, indeed, their defeat,
Ow was not a proper term, but after the flight of the troops at
Oporto. and after their taking refuge in Spain, then, fee the first
tin.e, the good offices of this country were called out into action.
for, through the interference of the British minister, their stay in
Spain was prolonged and facilities were afforded for their embarkation,
re which the Spanish government was not in itself disposed. It would
be recollected, also, that application was made to this country that
we should send mavens to bring the Portuguese to this country ;
to which application the answer returned, and the only answer that
could be returned, was, that it was impossible to accede to the re-
quest. That we could not render ourselves responsible by bringing
a foreign force into this country, but promises were made that if they
came. they should be hospitably received ; accommodation should be
provided for there. and they should be furnished with means to exist
during their stay. They arrived accordingly about the end of August,
and here, he must say, was the first and only error which had been
committed throughout the transaction. We ought, perham to have
positively insisted on the dispersion of these troops, for they were a
foreign body of troops, and, as such, were undoubtedly unauthorised
by the law of the land, and we ought to have insisted on their dis-
persion. But in the deplorable condition in which three poor people
were, and with the promise of a speedy departure for Brasil, it Wan
surely no great stretch of humanity to allow them to remain during
their continuance in the situation which was most convenient to
them. They, however, declined to avail themselves of the accom-
modation offered; them for their temporary residence at Portsmouth
and Plymouth. They refused to establish themselves in the man-
ner for them at Plymouth. and they formed what was
call a depot, where they were organized and paid in a military
manner. They were disciplined and officered, and In every respect
and circumstance kept up the qualities of a body of troops. Indeed
their character as such was not denied. About the middle of Oc-
tober, the Marquis of Barbscena addressed a letter to his noble
friend, stating his intention to despatch a detachment of these
" troops," for so he styled them, to the Azores, to defend Terceira
against the adherents of Don Miguel Here he should beg to say
a word in explanation of the situation of Terceira. The whole of
the Asores had submitted to Don Miguel. There was no war in
the Azores. The island of Terceira alone was doubtful. When
Don Miguel was proclaimed king, the people of Terceira fol-
lowed the example of the rest of the Portuguese dominions, and
acknowledged him as King. The garrison shortly afterwards revolted,
imprisoned the Governor, and disarmed the inhabitants; and a Go-
vernment was established in opposition to that of Don Miguel. At
the period when the application which he had mentioned was made
to his Noble Friend. the parties in Terceira were thus divided
The garrison of the fortress had declared either in favour of
Don Pedro or the Queen Donna Maria—he could not under-
take to say positively which—whilst the inhabitants of the Wand
were universally in favour of Don Miguel. Such was the state of
the island at that time; such it had remained ever since; and
such, he believed, it was at this moment. In that state of things
at Terceira he owe sure their lordships would see that it was
the duty of his noble friend, without hesitation, to declare, in the
first instance, that we never could know, and could not recognise the
existence of a body of foreign troops in this country; and that, if
there were such a body, they must instantly disperse; but that they
could not be allowed to go in a hostile character to any part of the
Portuguesedominions; and, consequently, that they could not be
permitted to approach Terceira in that way. This decision was
acquiescol in, anti he believed about the end of November an intima.
tion was made to the troops that it was necessary they should
disperse; that accommodation was made to receive them in
such a manner as should be convenient in the neighbouring
towns, and they were given to understand that their union
at Plymouth was inconsistent with the principles of neutrality
upon which we were bound to act. This decision was much
protested against, and after a variety of correspondence they
declared that they would go direct to Brazil; but afterwards
changing that determination it was finally found that, by having
recourse to false cleats:nom that it might be impossible to ascertain
where they going, they sailed for Teraina. Now he must any that
the stay of these troops at Plymouth, where they remained embodied
fur five months, was a manifest breach of the neutral character which
we were bound to maintain. The last time that this subject was
discussed he had directed the attention of their lordships to a pas-
sage in the works of a writer of eminence as proving that any
power receiving troops retreating from an enemy, and giving them
refuge for the purpose of recruiting their strength, and at their
leisure renewing the attack, was a violations of neutrality. So
far was that a case in point, that the passage which he referred
to perfectly described the situation of these troops. That it strictly
related to the passage of troops through neutral dominions was
true ; but if they did not
.pass directly through they ought to be
dispersed. The transaction in question was manifestly a breach it
neutrality. Don Miguel would, according to the law of nations,
have had a right to insist upon the dispersion of those troops ; and
more than that, if they did not comply he would have had a right,
had be been able, to have followed them to the port of Plymouth,
and there destroyed them. The law of nations would have justified
him in such a cause. It was no answer to these arguments
to hold up Don Miguel as a monster and a usurper, or to
say that by his usurpation of the throne of the lawful sove-
reign, he had placed himself in a condition not to be treated accord-
ing to the principles of neutrality. There might be reasons for not
declaring a system of neutrality; but they could not justify a de.
parture from that system when laid down. It was not the province
of Parliament now to look at the justice or injustice of the war that
was carried on. It was clear that the expedition of the Portuguese
from this country was of a hostile character. The Noble Lord said
that these Krone went to a territory in possession of the Queen,
and therefore that there was no hostile character belonging to
them, and that we ought not to have followed them. Now, in the
first place, be (Lord Aberdeen) contended that it made no dif-
ference whether the expedition proceeded for the purpose of
attack or of defence. It was equally hostile in its character in either
ease, and equally at variance with the laws of neutrality. It must
be obvious that a seasonable supply of troops for a besieged
fortress, had as important an effect upon the conduct of a war as a
hostile attack ; and it did not in the least signify in whose possession
the particular spot was. He looked upon it exactly in the same
light as if it had been the city of Oporto. Terceira formed equally
a part of the dominions of Portugal, the integrity of which we
woo bound to maintain. If the city of Oporto had declared
in favour of Don Miguel, and if we had permitted the de-
parture of a detachment of troops to oppose his pretensions in
that place, the effect, as regarded the -law of nations and our
neutrality would be the same. But as to the island of Terceira
being in the possession of one party or the other, that was a
point which must admit of great doubt ; much contrariety of
sentiment was entertained, and the parties were so equally te-
le/aced se to render it a matter of great difficulty to decide on which
side the preponderance lay. As to the troops having departed
without arms, that did not, in his judgment, at all alter the cha.
Teeter of the expedition. Owing to the fraud committed by the ilra.
Whin agent, arms. as the government knew, were recently conveyed
to the island of Terceira. It was therefore of no importance, as re-
garded the character of the expedition, that it had sailed without
arms. But the knowledge that anus had been provided, undoubtedly
led to the suspicion, that, although the troops professed to be going
to the Brae% It was, in fact, their intention to go to some pot of
the dominions of Portugal ; and long before they sailed—long be.
fore they left Plymouth, their chiefs were informed that such a
suspicion was entertained, and that the troops would not be per-
mitted to land at 'remelts ; therefore, all that was said about
pursuing these unarmed and helpless persons across the see was
not the fact. They had been previously apprised that a detach.
went of British troops was placed at Terceira for the purpose of
preventing their landing, in violation of the law of neutrality.
Now, it could not be doubted that this government had a perfect
right to disperse those troops, and to prevent their leaving our ports
fa a hostile character for any part of the dominions of Portugal;
sad that it was in consequence of a fraud that they were enabled
to sail for Terceira; and the question was, whether they were to be
permitted to met in consummation of that fraud ? (Hear, bear.) He
smoldered it impossible to maintain that, either by the law of as-
dam or the lane of common sense or of sound reason, persons were
sodded to defive an advantage from their fraud, which we were
authorised to prevent them from obtaining by other mesas; and
he contended that the government was justified in doing that
which, If it had not dote, would have exposed his Majesty to
a just war front the opposite party. This consideratioc, in his opi-
ajos,ausdied the course which had been pursued : and even if his
Majesty was not, from the nature of the power In question.
to flay real danger, yet he would have been exposed to the r=
of having his sincerity and hi. honour questioned. and Justly
questioned, by those power% in where eitioes_flon it was highly
bantam for this country to preserve a satitsine rank. The prin.
e upon which his Majesty's government had meted in this_tatee
already been adopted en • similar onselea—aeonely, la the year
1111% is reference to the l'ortoperte refugees. Menthe eonstiustioa

was lotroduced InPoetegalantlgave des to smash discontent; when sale earl bad told them that the Woman family were al atherefugees fled to Smite, thetriordships would recollect that, echo' very queer race—(A laugh)—and Ws added, false,
it was not protruded Met any Spaniard
_entered Portugal with them treacherous, as was Miguel, and Ms Nether Pedro was not much
Set their recline yet k mas deemed .thilitient. that the refugees had bettee (Laughter.) The government had set out apes thebtial-
received Comfort, and aid, and autistince in Spain, and that nese se peacemakers between the two Medina, and it appeared to
from themes they returned wtth bottle lineations to PoyeigaL 'flys him an odd way of accomplishing such an end to abase them both.
Court of Madrid denied being potties to acts of the Portuguese In like manner it struck him as a singulercompliment to the foreign
refugees. It declared tiled It bed never sanctioned slay inch pro. diplomacy in such a ease to any that embed eacterded in standing
ceedinge. So it was bids ua in the inetanei of the assembling of ill with both parties. Yet than was what the noble earl bed
these troops at Plymouth, that on the former occasion we had gone told them that evenin_g. He was glad the French minister had it all
feetioss—we had insisted upon the dispersion of the troops. We his own way at the Brasil.; fur the noble earl's envoy would, he
bad despatched a force to resist foreign aggression, and required that supposed, set about his mission to Don Pedro by telling him he
die Portuguese troops should be disbanded, and removed into the was much such another as his brother.—(Laughter.) He was afraid
beerier of the country. This was done, but had it not, our Mini. that the policy we had pursued had lost us Brasil and Portugal too.
Mer would have felt it necessary to leave the Court of Madrid. The He saw with melancholy foreboding the disposition of France to take
loosen case was so much in point, that a departure from the course to herself all that we lost by our vegetation. Friendship to liberty
then obaerved. would give the existing Government of Portugal a and legitimacy seemed to be the motto of France at present, and
eight to remonstrate, and to insist upon the adoption of similar whatever the result of the mad policy of the present French cabinet,
mosores. Therefore, he said, that according to every principle of whichever party triumphed would, he feared, make its offers and
pisin sense and justice, in conformity with our ordinations of the approaches to Portugal He was army to see England falling into
locust character which belonged to his Majesty in this instance, the rank of a sccond.rate power, and this since the noble duke came
the Government could not have acted in any other manner than it to the head of affairs. When he first came into his present place
die, and such be thought would be the conclusion of the Noble there were but two powers in Europe. The one was the mat
Lord himself if he would take the pains of looking at the condition of Russia, and the other the power of public opinion.—(hear, beer )'
of that country at the time of these transactions. How the Noble In 1827 both these were with us ; but now he feared the noble
Lord viewed the present condition of the two countries, he could duke had contrived to alienate both from us.—(hear, her.)—He
not tell. All that the Noble Lord had said as to negotiations in thought that from some causes best known to the noble duke, he
conjunction with France, was a perfect misconception. The Noble saw • disposition to change • little in his policy, and be thought an
Lord was mistaken in his whole view of the present state of the expression of the feeling of Parliament might aid him in lele pm.
transactions. The Noble Lord might rest satisfied that Rngland pose. He knew that the noble duke could go with a creme 'Oh
was not a secondary party in Any proceedings with Portugal. The upon a narrow point, and then turn suddenly round if he thought
whole of the proceedings were originated by us, and the other necessary. He hoped, although late, that he would yet change the
Powers gave us precedence in every step of the transactions from policy he had pursued. The noble lord concluded by declaring hie
beginning to end. Such, he had no doubt, would still continue intention of voting for the resolutions.
to be the case. Whatever might be the present state of public The Duke of W ELLINGTON, aiter remarking that this was
opinion, and In whatever manner these transactions might be the fourth time in this session and the last that this subject had been
viewed, be was perfectly satisfied that, when the nature of brought foment, observed, that a more extraordinary meth agent.
the course pursued by his Majesty's Government should be ing the question banner occurred in that house upon any otteadon
thoroughly understood and fairly viewed, it would be found whatever than that pursued by the noble lords opposite. After ad-
consistent with justice and propriety. That it would be found in mining that his Majesty's government had a fair choice at the first
the end to have displeased both parties, war not imProbabla—nor instance to adopt one course or the other, they to give vent
did he think that such a result ought to be looked upon otherwise to extraordinary invectives, because they h chosen the cause of
than ass Fagot the strict neutrality and justice of their proceed- neutrality. Now he maintained that, after the affair et'Oporto, if there
logs; for the Noble Lord might rely upon it that the party which had been any doubt before, there could be none then as to the obli.
he supposed to be benefited by the measures of his Majesty's Go. gadon of neutrality, unless indeed they had been prepared to send
vernment was not better Pleased with the course which had been an army to Portugal to conquer it for Donna Maris. And if his
pursued than the opposite party. Although the resolutions of the Majesty's ministers had adopted such a course as that, they would
Noble Lord embraced many facts which were undoubtedly true— not have obtained or deserved the confidence oe that house. lie con.
yet, as their object was evidently to pronounce a censure upon the tended that after they had quitted the field of action themselves, be.
conduct of hie Majesty's Government, which he did not think their cause, as they declared, o the whole population to a man was
conduct justified, he was prepared to give a negative to the re. against them," and when, too, they had the military possession of '
solutions. the country, the British government had no course but neutrality ;
Lord RADNOR thought the noble earl had made no answer to and yet they were treated with invectives for not having joined the
the only important part of his noble friend's awe. He seemed to contest. When this body earns to this country, it was not known
have aimed only to make out a sort of debtor and creditor account that they Gum as troops— still less was it known that they were
between the parties, by which it appeared that the government had paid by money belonging to the British creditor. (Hear, hear.)—
really broken the neutrality, not only with one but with both of the It was, however, soon discovered that they were an organised body
belligerents. Thus he seemed to think that having permitted the of foreign troops, disciplining and equipping themselves for a
Portuguese regiments to remain at Plymouth, by way of a setoff to renewal of the contest under the guns of one of his Majesty's
that breach of neutrality, he was bound to restore the equilibrium of arsenals. They were here altogether four months, and two months
the neutral balance by chasing them at Terceira, and pursuing after it wee known they were a body of troops. His noble friend
them with a homile force on the high seas. The noble earl, had been taunted for saying that the supporters of Don Miguel
he insisted upon it, had made no answer to the question, by were the friends of England s but the fact was so. (Hear, hear.)
what right had his majesty's government sent a shlp
_of war to This country had mammies in Portugal. The body that fled from
chase these unfortunate people on the high seas ?--ear, hear.) Oporto did so, they said, because the whole population were in fa.
What right had they to_r event their return to the dominions of your of Don Miguel, and there could be no doubt, under such cif.
their lawful sovereign ? The noble earl had attempted to make the emanates, that the great majority of his supporters were favours.
refuge of the Portuguese in Spain and their return armed into ble to the connection with this country. His Noble Friend had
Portugal a parallel case. But to do so he must show that we should rightly stated that an application had been made to him to gent'
have been justified in following them into Spain, and there knock. the Portuguese at Plymouth a convoy to the Azores. He told them
ling them on the head. He had hoped to hear something new upon in reply that they might go as individuals, and he admitted that he
the subject for the honour of the country. He had been, however, might bare left that part of the letter out altogether. They went,
disappointed ; for the only point in the case brought prominently in fact, eventually as a body of troops. In the mean time, his
under discussion by his noble friend had been left untouched. Majesty's Government had beard of troops levying in Getman y.
Lord CLANRICARDE replied. If the house rejected his re. with the view of joining the cops at Plymouth. Now, be ask*
solutions, it would certainly be without having heard them satisfac. Were hie Majesty s Government to my nothing to all this_ Pi%ohs
wily replied to. He should certainly enter a potato the journals actually under the guns of Me Majesty's garrison at Mumma P
of the house upon this subject. (Hear.) Reference had been made to the case of the Portegiasee
The LORD CHANCELLOR was about to put the question refugees in Spain, and * begged to remind the house that sea *el
upon the resolutions, when.... memos in that business was expressly become we assumed die
Lord HOLLAND rate. He apologised for entering upon the knowledge on the Part of tie eaPtaine-general oProvirnora of M
discussion at so tette period of it. He hid not whhed to speak upon Wag goingon. It Wall wen 'known to his majesty's government that
the ouestion without hearing something further from his Majesty's arms had preceded the expedition to Terceira. Thee could, there-
Ministers upon the subject of Terceira; but he could not allow their fore, be no doubt whatever es to the character in which the body of
lordships to go to the vote without expressing his astonishment at Portuguese from Plymouth were going to that Wand; and the
the conduct of his Majesty's ministers. At first they declared they government was bound to interfere effectively to prevent them
were " panting" for an opportunity to explain their conduct. from quitting the British shores for the purpose, and with the
But upon no one occasion had they said a single word on the means of carrying on the war which they had already abane
subject of the point brought forward that evening—the point dotted. Noble lords appeared to him to have omitted the
upon which 'over all others they were most strongly censured. consideration of one important topic in the observations they
He gave the noble duke opposite credit for his tactics in had made; he meant the notice of the intentions of the British
debate as well as in the field and he had certainly shown his government given to the refugees. The Marquis de Palroella told
ability on the present occasion in the line of &fence he had them distinctly that the troops at Plymouth were collected there for
adopted. His defence consisted in throwing upon his oppo. a hostile purpose, and notice was then given in the most unqualified
Dents the discredit of urging the country into • war for the terms that the prosecution of any such object could not be permitted
sake of forcing a tiovereign upon the throne of Portugal ob. in his Majesty's dominions. What other means were there of giving
nettious to the sovereign will of the people. This mode of de. effect to that notice than those they had adopted ? They might have
fence, he confessed, did not impress him with a very high idea dispersed than by force ; but would that have been a who or dia.
of the Noble Duke's sincerity. For he could not imagine where nen exercise of public authority ? They were told they skald
it was the Noble Duke had imbibed his love of the sovereign will have stopped them before they got out of port. Did noble Ws
of the people. It was not in India he presumed, nor upon the know that they got out by false clearances? They preeendoil Imo
field of Waterloo. But the Noble Duke talked so much to were going to Rio Janeiro, and it was only when the falsehood elide
them about his dislike of war, as if they had accused him of became apparent by their steering for Terceira that the pespristy of
a too great love of peace. On the contrary they accused him of direct interference became established. Their right to interfies at diet
waging a pusillanimous war against the unfortunate refugees, point would be clearly seen by any Noble Lord who would take
who •01102 t the hospitality of our shores.—(Bear, hear.)—He the trouble to carry the whole subject in his mind at ease. He
was not tharged with yielding to the will of the people, but with a MIS sorry, notwithstanding what the Noble Bases apposite
flagrant outrage upon the liberties and predilections of the people (land Holland) had said, that ignorance of the law of =doe
the most nearly allied to England. The noble earl told them to was a reproach which attached to his profession. He believed,
look at the OM as a whole. He had no objection, but he must however, he wag fully borne out in stating that the law of
always bear the last fatal catastrophe in view. He did take the nations carried along with it the means of its execution. 14
whole ease in view from the commencement, in cold.hearted indif. therefore, the neutrality of this country were invaded, we had
ferena to suspicion, and the progress from ill humour and ill tem. the means of repressing that invasion, and applying a remedy.
per to outrage and war, when he charged the government with • The question then was, whether there was an invasion of the
violation of all the laws of nations and of humanity. (Hear, hear.) neutrality of this country on the occasion In question, and
He was surprised to hear the honourable gentleman tell them that whether It was met by the step in such a case. There
the Mends of Don Miguel were the real friends of' England, could be no doubt, he eved, of the fact, and he did are
because that implied that the gallant party with Palma* Ville see bow any other course could have been 'domed. As a
Real, and Count Funclud, the old known Mends of their coon. question of policy. he did not consider that he had acted with any
try, were the secret enemies of this country. The noble red, impropriety in the course be had taken with regard to Terceira.
no doubt, believed it was so; but he could assure him from a long With that island every maritime power was well acquainted. It was a
knowledge of the parties that there could not be a more revolting, point at which every ship touched coming from the westward; and
groundless, or unfounded accusation. No one could be ignotant, any of their lordships who had been a voyage beyond Europe
_most
excepting perhaps a Minister, who was frequently more ignorant of have seen thatisland moo than once. noble lord had, Weak
's.
what it concerned him to know than any other persoo,that the party marked upon the strength and imp stance of the island of Terceira. I
who supported Don Miguel had been for years strenuously engaged The observation cut both way., and certainly it would have bees'
in upholding a Spanish interest in Portugal, and meditating her se. most inconvenient to have had that island in a state of continued us.
paration from England. He contended it was no breach of noire. certainty and conflict. Now that the two kingdoms were divided, he
lity to allow belligerents (which the Portuguese at Plymouth were certainly felt it important that Don Pedro should not come into the
not), to fit oat in our ports. He would refer to an instance which possemionsof any part of the Azores belonging to the old Crown
occurred in 1771, when Rural& sent a fleet to the blediteeranian Portugal—(Hear, hear, Isear.)--eutongst other accusations it
against the Turks. That fleet was fitted out at Portsmouth. Yet was curious to Sod that they were condemned not only for having
the Turks did not declare war against this country on account of observed the blockade of Oporto, but also for not having instituted
it. The noble duke, however, was theadfully alarmed lest For. a blockade themselves, one at Lisbon and the other at Oporto.
tupl should commence a vigorous war against us if we allowed the Amidst so many opinions he did think his Majesty's hovers.
Portuguese to go to Terceira. But granting all that could be asked mend came out clear of blame. He objected to this motion on the
aft that snore, what right had we to follow them on the high seas ? grounds that he had objected to the others, and should therefore give
(hear, hear, hear.) He knew that Don Miguel was no peat friend It his negative.
of the noble twenty of state (Lord Aberdeen) opposite._ ,At Lord GODERICH thought It quite preposterous that his ma.
hest, if he were, be took great liberties with his friend. (a laugh.) jesty's ministers should complain of the recurrence of this topic as a
When he should be driven to the cruel necessity of recognising mum a debate, when it was notorious that the papers were laid on
he would no doubt be placed in a painful situation. In sinew- the table too late last session to make any formal motion upon them
' ing up the credentials of the ambassador, he would, he supposed, at and the commencement of the present session the noble seneemy
&pert from the usual form, and instead of addressing to 66 his Most of tote
his t Lord Abordeenj told them that he bad not sufficiently re.
Faithful Majesty," his language would run "to his Most Faithless, twilled by the papers to be able to make a satisfactory
Cruel, and Cowardly Majesty." (Much laughter.) These were answer. The rob secretary had had sufficient time now to read
the noble earl's epithets, and therefore he was bound to conclude it the papas, and therefore nothing could be more proper than to
was am from personal opposition to him that he had acted as he bring forward the motion before the house. For his own on
had. But, with regard to Terceira, what he wanted to know was, he must say that his opinion upon the subject was not at all al.
whither if the Portuguese had gone to Calais would his Majesty's weed. A pump had been quoted from a great authority on the
geornessen have sent a fleet after them ? law of patios to show that the duty of a neutral was to chace any
The Duke of WELLINGTON—No. portion of a belligerent power beyond the limits of his state as /vein as
Lord HOLLAND- -Then, why follow them with armed vessels possible. But England had no frontier but the sea, and it could not he
to Terceira, and there beat, them off t He could not see the dif. contended that we were bound to drive the Portuguese Refugees into
home. The noble duke told them he must be supposed not to the ocean, still less to follow them upon it by ships of war. Supposing
know much of the law of nations For his part (Lord Holland) he that France had steed upon this principle, the Portuguese must have
should have thought that a commander of confederated forces, an been driven into Prussia, thence into the Netherlands, and again
ambesesete to courts and congresses, might be supposed to know brought to the verge of the ocean. The noble duke had admitted, with
of the laws which regulate all the transactions betwixt that manliness which always characterised him, that he felt strongly
town csown, nation and nation, people and people, and by indisposed to let the island of Terceira fall to the Brazilian Crown.
whose principles even war itself is guided. He did not hold a brief It required an admission of this kind to clear up the wavering po-
ts prove the talents of the noble duke in this branch of' learning; hey of the British Cabinet in the Portuguese affair. But this was
but if be did, the correspondence on their table, upon this subject net the principle of' neutrality, but the principle of interest; and
of Terceira, would prove his ample and accurate acquaintance with the consequences of pursuing such a course we must bear. Whel-
an principles of international law. (Hear.) He did not mean to ever they were we badbrought them upon ourselves, and he feared
go through that conespoodence. It was curious, however. to ob. we should have much cause to repent the course which had been
servit in Candia the noble duke found out that although the followed. He should certainly support the motion of his noble
were Greeks, the forts were in the hands of the Turks, friend.
WrhiireTfore we mild not exercise any controul over it without The LORD CHANCELLOR was desirous of stating the grounds
Int essquering it; but when they came to Terceira the case was upon which he had acted in giving the advice he had given for the
altered. There a Commodore, some leagues out at sea, discovered line of conduct which had been adopted with reference to Portugal
that there was a disturbance in the island, and although the forts So far from thinking blame attached to his Majesty's ministers, he
woe in the hands of the partisans of Donna Maris, that was thought they would have incurred a serious responsibility had they
mthe enough for the noble duke to contend that the dominion was acted otherwise. The noble baron (Lead Holland) who had
fa the Ruler of Portugal. The noble duke told them that pressed so much npon the lest catastrophe, as. he termed it, and
other nations of Europe had not done their duty with regard to Tee. given so much amusement by his speech, had really said so little
cetra; and yet the noble earl(Aberdeen)said he was willing to havethe upon the material point, that be could nut help concluding that be
wholeconduct of government on that very topic judged by the other did not feel himself very strung upon that part of the cam. (laugh.)
=has of Europe. He could not help thinking it strange fee $ He would take Inns to say at the outset, that the policy which
minister to accuse governments in the manner the table due had the eireurnstanas of the came appeared to dictate between the
done, as sovereigns in the moon the noble lord had dome The two panics in Portugal, was stew neutrality and that from

that principle his Majesty's Government bad never swayed.—
In this respect they had clay followed the course pentad by the
government that preceded them. He did not enter into the question
d whether this was the right course or not. He took ft for granted
it wee, sod then be contended they could not haste acted otbetwise
than they did In those matters which had been so much arraigned by
treble lords. In the first place, a sincere mtibespitable refuge had been
gives be the unfortunate persons who had been engaged in the stntg.
glee is PortspL Not only that, but facilities were afforded by this
goveasewon for coming here. For some time ft was not kr,own in what
manner they were going en. The feet, however, was, that the
Marquis de Palmetto admitted that they were paid as troops, mar.
shelled and disciplined, and under the orders of General Stubbs,
who went down to command them, and in all respects assuming
the outward character of a military body. The noble duke
very properly, when he heard this, said they must disperse, and
go into centooments, the officers separating from the men. Now,
was it possible to take exception to this ? Was such a thing ever
heard of, or tolerated by any settled government, as a body of
foreign troops, disciplining and preparing on the soil of a neutral
power for an expedition against the possessions of a sovereign with
whom the state harbouring the hostile band were not at war . Not
only were the troops at Plymouth themselves preparing for the ex-
pedition, but tbei were levying Germans who were about to join
them I and they had actually transports its the harbour. There
could be no doubt indeed as to the real intentions and character of
this body. If there had been, that would have been entirely re.
moved b the admissions of the Marquis de Palmella and the Mar-
quis de The latter individual first asked to be allowed
to go to the Ames, but this wee refused ; be then ailed to go to
Ries Janeiro, claiming a ittutrentee of safety from his Majeoty's Go.
vernmeot. The Noble Duke was perfectly right in saying he could
not give the patentee, and be was not sure that he did not go too
far in premieres a convoy. But be erred on the right side,if error
it was. The Marquis de Palmella tefuaed the convoy, ad it was
obvious for what reason. The expedition left these shores with a
solemn assurance that they were going to Rio Janeiro. By this
assurance they were bound—it was an engagement on their past
which they was bound to perform, end of which we were entitled
to exact the conditions. Thus it was when they were found at
'Terceira endeavouring to evade their engagement to this country,
and involve the British Government in a breach of neutrality. It
was our bounden duty not to stand by and see this done ; we should
I have been potties to the violation if we had. He repeated, that
finding them on the high seas prepared to violate their engagement
with us, we had a right to enforce the observance of that engage-
ment. (Hear, beer, from Lord Holland.) He should be prepared
to maintain that opinion, notwithstanding the cheers of the noble
baron. Then it could not be said that more violence than was ne.
cowry had been used. Notice was given before they left England,
and again at Terceira, and one or two shots were fired over their heads
la the first instance: but the thing was a fraud from beginning to
end. The Getmana who had been levied followed in a few days, and
leaded at Tench*. He contended that no principle of public
right bad been violated, no rule of the law of nations infringed,
by Ws tameattion. No one could say that the advice under which
his grimy% goverment had acted was not that of moderation, or
shot their actions had been dictated by any other desire than that of
me anxious wish to preserve the neutral character. (War, hear.)
Lord HOLLAND explained. He had been accused of omitting
to take into account the notice served on the unfortunate Portu.
geese before they sailed, and at Terceira. lie wished to say that a
wake would Not snake an illegal act legal • nor would the Lord
Chancellor have told his Grace that it would, had he, instead of
peemetiting Mr. Alexander, given him a good drubbing in the
streets, having first taken the precaution of serving him with notice
of his intention. (A laugh.)
The LORD CHANCELLOR said he had particularly stated
that there were two notices—one before the parties sailed, and they
were warned again at Terceira: the consequences therefore they were
themselves responsible for.
Lord CAKNARVON did not know, as this was not a ghost
story, that it mattered whether there was one warning or two. Hewes
surprised to hear the Noble Duke say he was afraid the Portuguese
would not obey his order to disperse. However low our tone in fo.
reign diplomacy, he did not know that we were yet sunk so low at
home as to be unable to enforce obedience to such an order issued nn.
der the guns of Plymoudi.The Noble Duke,however,firund the means
of enforcing his orders on the high seas. It was alleged that punish-
ment was due because these unfortunate men broke their remise.
He wished to God his majesty's ministers had dealt out the same
measures to Don Riguel for breaking promises of far higher ins.
penance, and attested with far greater solemnity. A gentle hint
ender the fort of Belem would have settled the destinies of Portugal
hitt, Duke of WELLINGTON said he had not expressed him.
I self as net possessing the power to enforce the dispersion. He had
merely pointed out the unpleasantness of making such an use of
power.
Their Lordships then divided—
Contents
Proxies lO
—3l

Not Contents
Proxies

Majority against the Motion
The House adjourned at Tix o'Claek.

HOUSE OF COMMONS-TUUDAY.

The SPIAILER was summoned to the Lords to hear the royal a.
sect given to the mutiny bill, and several private bills (for which
see Lords).
Mr. Hewlett, from the warden of the einque ports' office present.
ed annual returns of the surplus rates of pilotage, ailleetted for the
benefit of superannuated pilots.
Mr. Alderman THOMPSON presented a petition from the
warden and court of assistants of the watermen's company against
the new Lambeth bridge, anl a similar petition from the lighter.
men and watennen of Palace.staim—Laid on the table, and or-
dered to be printed.

LORD ILLLEXIOROVOieII DIVOICZ BILL.
Sir GEORGE CLERK moved the seated reading of the above
bill, width was read accordingly, and ordered to be committed to.
morrow (this day) se'nnight.
A petition was presented by the same hon. member front Mr.
Fresh&lel, solicitor for the bill, praying that service of notice on
Messrs. Bateman and Jones, of Lincoln's-inn, solicitors for Lady
Ellenbovengh, should be deemed good service, Lady EUenborough
at the present time residing abroad.
1 After the petition had been read by the Clerk, the Sesames de-
manded to know whether Mr. Freshneld was in attendance, and was
answered in the affirmative.
The SPEAKER—Let him be called in.
Mr. Fresh&id appeared at the bar.
The SPEAKER—What is your name? I •
Mr. Fresheeld—James William Frnlttiel.l.
The :SPEAKER—Is this your petition ?
Mr. Freshfield—lt is.
The SPEAKER—You state in your petition that Lady Ellin.
borough, who is at present residing abroad. had been served with
an attested espy of the bill perviously to its being read in the House
of Lords t that she attended by her counsel before that bolo( ;
and also that Mesas. Bateman and Jones acted .is her 'elicitors.
and appeared in the Cunsistorial Courts on her Waif. Is this true?
Mr. Freshleld—lt is. Magus. Bateman and Jones informed me
that they had authority to act on Lady Ellenborough's behalf.
The SPEAKER—You may withdraw.
On the motion of Sir GEORGE CLERK, it was ordered that
service of the copy of the bill, and notice to attend the committee, on
Messrs. Bateman and Jones, should be deemed good sarice.

ZXCIlit CONVICTIONS.
Mr. WARD moved for return of the numberof fines and con.
victions in the Court of liachequer against licensed victuallers.
distinguishing those for fraud and those for a breach of the excise
regulations in regard to wine, during the last five yean.—Ordercd.
The Hon. Mnsasta moved 'or a similar tetum with respect to
spiritous liquors—Ordered.
Sir J. WROTTESLEY presented • petition frem a parish in
Staffordshire, praying foe an amelioration in the condition of slaves
in the West Indies.—laid on the table.

ameteat. utsvarss.
Sir (ALBERT H t.ATHCOTE preeenkd a petition adopted at
a general meeting of the inhabitants of the county of kutland, com-
plaining of distress. The hon. member could bear testimory to the
respectability of the petitioners, and to the very deplorable state of
distress which prevailed in the county which be .had the honour
ut
reprerenting. The petitioons prayed foe a reduction of taxes, and
also for a reform in Parliament.—The petition was ordered to be
primed.
Mr. HU3IE presented a petition from the inhabitants of W
ton-under. Edge, Gloucestershire. complaining of the !general dis-
tress of the country, anti praying for free trade to the East
and fur the !suppression 0' suttees in India.—Ordered to be printed.
Mr. HIJAIE t resented a petition from Batley, in Yorkshire.
praying foe free trade to India.—thdered to be printed.
LAW.
Mr. HUMS said he held ia his hand a petition from the in.
hahitants of Carlisle upon a very important subject—vie.. upon
the administration of the laws of this country. The petition-
' era stated, that by original Charter It was provided that the
laws should be administered cheaply and expeditiously 3 but
from modern Innovations, and the system of fees, it hid be.
come quite the reverie—it was bath dilatory and ruinously corn-
ets,' ; so moth so, that it was only the opulent china who could
at all enter the Courts of law. He (Mr. Ham) oonsideted
this subject was one of the most importune for revisions and
ought to form a primary feature in the consideastion of those
measures which must take place. to afford any relief to theevutury.

for Terceira ; and-the question was. whether they were to be of Terceira. would prove ma ample area accurate sat Mintage* men use consequences or pursuing soul a course Irc mum uvaar. w, wet.
tied to act in consummation of that fraud ? (Hear, bear.) He the principles of ineentatiocal law. (Hear.) He did not mean to ever they were we had brought them upon ourselves, and he feared tress of she country, and praying for free trade to the East mum
ered it impossible to maintain that, either by the law of as. go through that correspondence. It was curious, however. to ob. we should have much cause to repent the course which had born and for the OuPPremtio" °e "nitres in India.—t)edeted to be Fin"
nr the laws ofCoannOn genie CO of sound reason, persons were serve, how in Cendia the noble duke found out that although the followed. He should certainly support the motion of his noble 31r. HUME t resenttd a petition from Batley, in Yorkshire.
d to derive an advantage from their fraud, which we were population were °mks, the forts were in the hands of the Turks, friend. praying foe free trade to India.—Oidered to be printed. A
tient to prevent them from obtaining by other means; and and therefore we could not exercise any coatroul over it without The LORD CHANCELLOR was desirous of stating the grounds LAW.
mended that the government was justified in doing that first conquering it; but when they came to Terceira the ease was upon which he bad acted In giving the advice he had given fur the Mr. H UltIE said he held in his hand a petition from the in.
,If it had not done, would have exposed his Majesty to altered. There a Commodore, some leagues out at sea, discovered line et conduct which had been adopted with reference to Portugal bahitants of Carlisle upon a ray important subject—viz., upon
war from the opposite party. This conaideratioc, in his opt. that there was a disturbance in the Island, and although the forts So far from thinking blame attached to his Majesty's ministers, he the administration of die laws of this country. The Petitie3-
Madied the course which had been pursued: and even if his were in the hands of the partisans of Donna Maria, that was thought they would have incurred a serious responsibility had they en stated, that by cuisine' Charter It was provided that the
ty was not, from the nature el the power In (pastiest. lapossd quite enough for the noble duke to contend that the dominion was it otherwise. The noble baron (Lord HoUand) who had laws 'hook* be "ministered cheaply and extradition'', 3
real danger, yet he would have been exposed w the diegmee in the Rukr of Portugal. The noble duke told them that peseasd so much upon the last eatarerepbe, are be tanned it, and from modern innovations, and the system of fell'. it had be.
ring his sincerity and his honour quest,isesd, and 417 other nations of Europe had not done their duty with regard to Tee- given m much amusement by his speech, had Nay said so little come quite the reverie—'it was bath dilator/ and ruinously estral_37
mod, by those powers., in whose eestgellia it vas cella ; and yet the noble estl(Aberdero)raid he was willing to havethe upon the
el point, that he mold not help mad. ading that he give: so moth so, that it was only the opulent elassea who
.eouid
tam for this COOM/7 to preserve a maitak IN& The ids, whole conduct of government on that very topic judged by the other did not feel himself very strong upon that part of the ease. Oat.) at all enter the Courts of Law. He ( Mr. Hume) eon*
and
1......
which his hissers bed aged Is *km. Dolan of Europe. He could not help thinking it strange foe a Re would take leave to say at the outset, that the policy ri ich this subject WWI one of the most important foe revision. an
rer;tiy bei, adopted on s segielels,..a.llllll7, In *epic minister to amuse governments in the manner the noble duke had the eiretunstenees of the ease appeared to dictate between the ought to fain" primary feature in the conoidegii, _ , '1.11,_t4 those
la reference to the Portelfaim retivess. Ina iheammaluitlN domes or sovereigns is the manner the noble lord had 41806. The two panics in remittal, was strict neutrality ; and that from °Wu"s lib" muss laiw On" le alrold any relict to '4.94"."-e•
but
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