Star.
London, England, 1809-03-24 00:00:00

IRISH SPIRIT LAWS.

Mr. FOSTER moved, " That the House resolve
itself into a Committee of the whole House, to con-

sider the laws respecting Irish Spirits." The House
then went into said Committee, when Mr. Fovrep
moved, That it is expedient, during the Prohibi-
tion of Distilling from Corn or Grain in Ireland, that
the Duty on Sugar should be lowered."
This was agreed to, and the Chairman obtained
leave to report the same to the House.

IRISH FLAX-SEED BOUNTY BILL.

On the motion of Mr. FosTaft, the House resolved
itself into a Committee of the whole House upon this
Bill.

Mr. BARING objected to the principles upon
which this Bill had been introduced. It had been de-

fended as a temporary measure, on which grounds be
condemned it ; it could not possibly do any good, as
the seed could not he produced in time for the pur-
poses required. It had been said the measure should
be pursued, even were a free intercourse immediately
opened with America ; if it were intended as a gene-
ral measure, as a general encouragement for grow-
ing seed in Ireland, this was not the proper mode ;
they should not give a bounty to the grower, but
should lay a duty on the importer.
Mr. FOSTER, in reply, wished to say that he had
never talked of it as a temporary measure, but as the
first step, the ground-work of a general system to
render Ireland independent of foreign countries. If
the people of Ireland had caught the alarm from the
present state of affairs, and were apprehensive for
their usual supply of seed, this would operate as a
stimulus, and induce them to co-operate, and thus
their apprehension would be productive of good, and
would avert the evil which they had apprehended.—
This measure was the beginning of a system which
would lay the found:ttion for the general improve-
ment of that country; it would probably induce thee
to drain their lands, an 4 he should have conceived
himself reprehensible, had he been giddy enough so
soon to ha-►e proposed a tax,

.
Sir JOHN NEWPORT gave his sanction to the
Bill, with a view of giving Ireland a fair trial. He
however hoped, when the measure was carried, that
care would be taken how the sum granted was ex-
pended. He thought this caution the more neces-'
sary, as the Irish Linen Company had received
money under the Appropriation Act, for distinct pur-
poses, which they had applied to other objects ; they
had laid out part of the money in buildiug, in viola-
tion of that Act. This he intended to prove by mo-
ving the papers, where it would be found, in the ar-
chitect's account, that money had been laid out, not
by order of the Board, but by the order of two or
three individuals. As to the measure before the Com-
mittee, he thought it should be adopted for the rea-
sons which he had stated last night, and also because
Ireland could no lenger expect seed from Sicily or
Greece. That they were' excluded from America,
the people had to thank those who had introduced
the Orders in Council, as it was owing to those Or-
ders Ireland was now placed in the situation_ she is
with America.

Mr. FOSTER said, the Honourable Gentleman
had asserted that no flax seed was to be expected
from Sicily or Greece ; he however could state, that
flax seed had actually been received from Sicily and
parts adjacent, and that it was good, and that it was
liked, and that more was expected. As to the appro-
priation of the money to which the Hon. Baronet had
alluded, he could only say, that it was agreeable to
the provisions of the Act.
Sir JOHN NEWPORT replied, that if flax seed
had arrived, he did not know it, which he might
have done, had the information he had sought been
allowed h;m.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
said, that the Honourable Baronet should be careful
how he made assertions, as they tended to delude ;
and considered it no excuse for his being ignorant on
the subject, because what he had wished had not been
allowed him. The Honourable Baronet had also
said, what was commonly heard from that side of
the House, that the Embargo was to be attributed to
the Orders in Council, which they were not able to
prove. This was what he should always deny—he
would always maintain the contrary—the Embargo
was laid on antecedent to the Orders in Council—the
Americans had adopted that measure, anticipating
the event which followed—they knew, that if a spark
,A spirit remained in the country, his Majesty's Mi-
nisters would do as they had done. Whenever,
therefore, such an assertion was made, he would
contradict it. But, even had it been the case, they
were justified in doing as they did, for they had bet-
ter submit to the risk of loss, than submit to any in-
Sir JOHN NEWPORT contended, that in what-
ever the Embargo might have originated, the con-
tinuance of it was fairly to be ascribed to the perse-
verance of Ministers in the measure of the Orders in
Council, instead of conciliating America at a time it
my.tt have been done to the • mutual advantage of
bunt countries.
Mr. BASTARD observed, that if the measure
were adopted with a view to agricultural improve-
ment, the same bounty ought to be extended to both
countries ; and expressed a hope that some measure
would be speedily adopted for the purpose of bringing
all the waste lands into cultivation. •

Mr. ROSE supported the Chancellor of the Ex- Lord J. CAMPBELL moved an amendment, that
chequer in the assertion that the Embargo was laid the debate should be deferred till Tuesday, upon the
on in America before the existence of the Orders in ground that there were some Members absent at the
Council was known there. Assizes who had particularly considered this case, arc!
Mr. PARNELL was of opinion that the bounty' who wished to deliver their sentiments upon it, and
would be too small, not snore than five shillings a to this amendment, he hoped the Hon. Mover would
hogshead, on the quantity of seed required ; if that have no objection.
were not the sole object, and if agricultural improve- • Mr. WHITBREAD thought the grounds stated
ment were intended, he conceived from the bad state quite inadequate, as the absence of particular Mem-
of the culture of lands in Ireland, it would be better bers might at any time be urged for postponing a
to begin with the other species of land first, and post- debate ; therefore, however he regretted the necessity
pone the improvement of their bogs till that was first of resisting any proposition coming from the Noble
effected. i Lord, he should certainly oppose the amendment
Mr. FOSTER explained the principle of the mea- , He was sorry to see any individual in the situation is
sure to be, the giving Ireland a kind of monopoly in which General Clavering had placed himself; but Le
flax seed of her own growth, till such time as the price would be still more sorry to see that House neglect
should rise to such a height as to make it necessary its duty, or expose its character to the imputatioT,
to open the market for the sale of the manufacture. wishing to screen any person from condign pu:),s;.
He lamented differing in opinion from the Hon. Gen- meat.
tleman, who was not only his relation, but from Mr.ELLISON followed on the same side, obs,,n.,
whom he had formerly received effectual assistance , ing, that, when the situation of Sandell was
in his official situation. dered, to allow any further delay in deciding up,„
Mr. PARNELL, after explaining, said it was cer- ' the case before the House, would not be cousi.:tea•
tainly true he had had the honour of assisting the with the principle of impartial justice.
Right Honourable Gentleman, but had resigned in Sir M. RIDLEY begged Gentlemen to consitL;
the prospect of a seat in that House ; and upon that ' the peculiar situation of GeneralClavering, whose ch.i.
event, he had found it his duty to take a seat on the ratter and prospects were so deeply involved. When
side opposite to him, as he was not educated in the the meanest individual was accused in any Court in
same school. the country, he was allowed the aid of Counsel te,
After some further observations from Mr. BARING, plead his cause, and that was allthat was applied for in
Mr. ROSE, and the Cisiorczu.ost of the Excitant:2N this instance.—TheLearned Gentlemen who had exa.
the Bill was passed in the Committee, and the House mined General Clavering's case, and prepared
being resumed, the report was ordered to be received speak their minds upon it, being out of tow n,
tomorrow. `only requested the indulgence of a few days to wait

GENERAL CLAVER.NO. their return—when it was recollected that none
of t I It;
Upon Mr. C. WYNNE rising to move resump- postponements which had already taken place ;,pea
tion of the debate upon the subject of Gen. Clavering, this business was solicited by General Clavering w
The SPEAKER. took occasion to observe, that he any of his friends, he hoped this single applicatio:.
had received a letter from that Officer asserting his would not be rejected. This Officer continued to de-
clare before GOD and his country, and he believed
innocence, and expressing his readiness to submit to
the jurisdiction of the House, which letter the Right the truth of his assertions, that he was totally inno.
Honourable Gentleman added, he would read if cent of any intentional prevarication, but that hi>
called upon to do so. incorrectness, which he admitted, was the effect of
Mr. C. WYNNE could not conceive such a pro- inaccurate recollection, and a misconception of the
ceeding regular in this instance, as he had not so con- questions put to him. Under those, combined with
sidered with regard to the letter of the Duke of York, the death of a near relation, which aggravated the
which he had intended to make the subject of a spe- sufferings of General Clavering, he submitted to the
cific motion. This intention, however, he was now feelings of the House, whether the Amendment
induced to wave, in consequence of what had oc- ought not to be acceded to.
curred since he gave his notice. The House having Mr. C. WYNNE said, that it was for the Howe
resolved, that after the resignation of the Duke of to decide upon the Amendment. His object, from the
York, it was unnecessary to take any further proceed- beginning was, that no delay should take place re,
ing relative to his case, and the Right Honourable spectingthis transaction, and in the course he followed
Gentleman on the opposite side (the Chancellor of he had to yield to the wishes of others. With regard
Exchequer), having explained; that the most objec- to the Amendment, he declined to give any opinion.
tionable passage in the letter alluded to, was not de- The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
signed to convey the meaning imputed to it, and stated, that if the motion were his, be would yield to
which it appeared to him and his Friends to import ; the proposed Amendment, as he would, on any occa•
but still more, understanding that this objectionable sion, rather err on the side of indulgence than of
passage was suggested from another quarter, and in- harshness. He thought it but justice to accede to
serted in the letter against his Royal Highness's own the Amendment, if it were proposed by the accused
judgment, he was induced to abandon his intended to call witnesses.
motion. But with respect to the question which Mr. WHITBREAD observed, that such a pie-
stood for the order of the day, he felt it his duty to position was not stated as a ground for postponement.
bring it forward. It was now ' Lore the House, and The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER,
it was for its consideration to d' se of it as it thought had heard the names of the Duke of Argyle and Lord
proper. . —ars:— Moira mentioned as witnesses.
The CHANCEWiabiC oi, ix? EXCHEQUER The SPEAKER thought it right to state, flea
was glad to fin 4 that the honourable Gentleman this was not a case which admitted of any farther tes-
had abandoned the notice he referred to ; at the timony. The House was to judge for itself from the
same time, adding that he was perfectly ready to evidence before it, and from what it saw of the co;.-
meet the discussion. As to the explanation mention- duct of the accused upon a transaction which was of
ed by the Honourable Gentleman as made by him, the nature of a contempt of Court.
that, in fact, was stated to the House before the Ho- Mr. SHAW LEFEVRE thought-a fuller attend.
nourable Gentleman gave his notice, and, therefore ante could not be expected on Tuesday, and there,
if that explanation were a reason for abandoning the fore opposed the motion for adjournment.
notice, it was also a reason for not giving it at all. Mr. NV. SMITH observed, that if he could ccn.
He knew nothing of the means of information upon sider either substantial justice or the dignity of the
which the Honourable Gentleman grounded his state- House implicated by any postponement, he would
ment respecting any particular paragraph in the let- not agree to it ; but as he did not think that was the
ter alluded to. Certainly no such information came case, he was inclined to comply with the first request
from him ; but from whatever source it was derived, th.tt had been made on the part of 0-.eneral Chive.,
was immaterial to the main question, for there was ring, who believed his cause would be better defended
not a single position in that letter which he was not by this short delay.
fully prepared to maintain, as csanforrnable to a due Sir J. NEWPORT differed from the Hon. Ges,
regard for the principles of the constitution, and a tleman, that so near the recess they could pot expect
perfect respect for the privileges of that House, as a more numerous attendance on Tuesday, itnd the
well as a proper solicitude for the ends of public jus-1 only difference would be, that some of the Gentle,
rice. Therefore, to whomsoever the letter was imr men now present would then be absent, and soma
puted, it was not to be imputed as matter of blame, friends of General Clavering, now absent, would be
as there was nothing blameable in it. present. He deprecated farther postponement, as,
Mr. WHITBREAD still retained the opinion he during these delays, the justice of the House was
had before expressed upon the subject of this Letter, doubted by the public, and it was thought that 4
namely, that it was highly unconstitutional and de- man of rank and family was spared, while one of in-
rogatory to the privileges of that House. But yet ferior rank was suffering punishment for
the same
he felt that it was very natural in the Right Honour- offence.
able Gentleman to entertain a contrary sentiment, as The SECR.ETARY at WAR spoke shortly for
he was stated to be a principal in the authorship of the postponement.
that letter. Indeed, if ils information was correct, Mr. DUNDAS thought that some necessary ilia-
that really was the case ; and, therefore, it was only motion of the design to move for adjournment had
the author defending his own production. The been omitted.
Right Honourable Gentleman's readiness to main. Mr. WILBERFORCE wished the House to keep
tam every position in the objectionable part of the out of sight what might be their ultimate elecisiou,
letter was easily to be accounted for ; but still he and simply consider the question now before them.
must say, that the Right Honourable Gentleman It was, in his opinion, desirable to come to a deci•
did not appear, from such readiness, to have a right sion with the least possible delay. They had already
understanding of the principles of the Constitution, postponed too much, so as to give rise to an idea that
or the Privileges of that House. it was to be re- they were unwilling to pronounce an opinion upun
collected, that the Right Honourable Gentleman had the case. It gave him pain to speak upon the ques•
explained twice relative to this letter, and he rather I tion, but without entering into the case, he thouga:
thought that it was the second explanation which I they must now decide, unless a better reason for post•
formed one of the grounds stated by his Honourable I ponement than any they had yet heard was given. If
Friend for abandoning his notice, and which expla- I it was a question of nicety, whether one or two votes
nation was made after the notice given. He was I were of consequence, he could not object to delay.
surprised at the manner in which the Right Honour- 1 General PHIPPS rose to order. The Hon. Gen:
able Gentleman thought proper to allude to his Ho- I tleman had said, he would not go into the merits c:
nourable Friend's abandonment of his notice. Such 1 the case, and he was now deciding on them.
manner was certainly not discreet, yet he should be Mr. ELLISON, in turn, called the Hon. Gennai
sorry if his Honourable Friend were provoked by to order, and defended the line taken by Mr. Wilber-
that conduct to revive the dicussion. Enough force.
had been said about this letter to maik the i Mr. WILBERFORCE then explained, and ccr•
general sentiment with regard to the character of I eluded by giving his decided voice for coining to I
this letter, and to prevent, he hoped, the recurrence 1 determination immediately,
of any similar attack upon the privilegesof that House. I After a few words from Sir M. RIDLEY and Mr
Mr, C. WYNNE declared that he did not aban- : WYNNE, the question for the further consideration of
don his notice from any change whatever in his opi- : General Clavering's Evidence, was put, and carried
nion as to the unconstitutional character of this let- ill the affirmative.
ter, but solely upon the grounds he had stated. I The SPEAKER then put the question, that
Mr. PONSONBY said, that such was his opinion "It is the opinion of this House, that Gencr:.l
of the letter alluded to, that were he in the House Clavering in the said Evidence is guilty of Prevail.
when it was read, he would haye opposed the motion cation."
for laying it on the Table. At the same time, he saw 1 Sir M. RIDLEY defended General Claverial!:
no reason now for renewing the discussion of its me- from the charge of being wilfully guilty of this 0:-
rits, as it had been sufficiently observed upon. , fence, with a view to deceive the House. He impu•
The motion being put for resuming the debate, re-' ted the contradictioni which appeared in his testi'
lative to General Clavering, • tl• 1t
. - i snony to his not understanding the questions ~,

pat him, and embarrassment felt while stan-
at their Bar—such a feeling as might equally
imputed to the Hon. Member who brought tor-
.: ,rsl the charges against the Duke of York, (Mr.
Ivardle), who, from a similar embarassment, though
stacsling in the situation of General Clavering at
;:e bar, liad forgot what had passed within the 24
1. rs previous to his examination, and declared he
. I nor seen Mrs. Clarke, when it afterwards turned
01:, he had seen her three times during .:.at period.
i. • spoke in high terms of the honour and character
j! General Clavering.
\fr. MNAUGHTAN could see no reason why
.lotise should not notice General Clavering's pre-
itien, because some other person had prevari-
,.l:l also ; nor why he should not have been treated
::;•2 s,..rne summary manner as Captain Sanden.-
I::.:ted hypothetically, from his high rank,
t!ilacation, and connections, how could he be
. ~.(1 capable of doing this ? 'l he answer was, he
Jr:-e it, and ought to be more heavily punished,
f 1.2; all these advantages which rendered him
at -e guilty. He knew nothing of General C1a-
..,. (1- his family, but had from his earliest infan-
:. • :en :aught to respect most highly the family into
1:e had married (that of Argyle). The h 0„(,..
„(,..- •,f most noble and illustrious family could
be to!npr. mised or tarnished by any act of his,
c,•old, that would have been done already,
r.o c. nsolation could he received from
House of Commons in the disgrace.—
however, that any dishonour could attach
: Noble Family. Captain Sanden had made a'
extise to that now made for General Claver-
It he said, an offence of his head, not of his
excuse had not availed him, and it ought
r.,) avail General Clavering. Sanden was forced
tr, the Bar unaided, without connections, and, for his
cifv:-.ce while giving testimony there, had been pu-
r.i,lis2. General Clavering came forward volunta-
a. to falsify the evidence of a person, who, as far as
could, had been his benefactress. How then could
t!.er spare him for the same offence they visited in-
e.,ntly on another ? It they did, it might well be
in the words of our immortal Bard—

tatter'd clothes small vices do apptar,
Robes and fur-gowns hide all."
Thehonourof General Clavering was talked of ; where.
was his honour, who offered a thousand pounds to a
rvh-re for her interest in his promotion ? He had
never seen General Clavering till he saw him at the
Bar, and was therefore uninfluenced in his opinion.
Ile believed, however, that his Constituents, in An-
t; UT:, could tell something of this General Clavering.
Mr. WHITBREAD said that he was not in the
situation of the last speaker, as he had known Gene-
ral Clavering, and did not from that knowledge ex-
pect to hear from him any thing but the truth.—
Therefore, as he was known to feel a strong sensation
upon this subject, he thought it proper to state fully
•1!. t;rounds upon which he intended to rest his vote.
Bat before he proceeded to do so, he could not help
o,ist...rviug, that the Honourabie Baronet who prop.:
se,i to defend General Clavering acted rather injutii-
cously for his purpose in attempting such a direct
attacl: upon his Honourable Friend near him (Mr.
Wdrdle). If the amourable Baronet, or any other
e gin, thought that his Honourable Friend was in
part of his conduct exposed to such attack, let
at once he made the subject of a distinct motion,
then. he would be ready to speak his sentiments
)(,11 It. At present, he would content himself with
e ink, that there was no comparison whatever, be-
t?..een the two cases alluded to by the Honourable Ba.
ronet. For what was the fact ? His Honourable
Fend was examined upon a totally unexpected occa.
ion, where he could have no possible object or interest
be.. to tell the truth, if his memory were correct. But
how did the case stand with respect to General Claver-
iur ? He came for ward voluntarily and deliberately,
order to acquit the Duke of York, by overthrowing
credit of the principal witness against him—andhow
this Officer afterwards appear? Why, colluding
to Mr. Lowten to deceive that House. At one
t:o,! the accused said, that he came before the House
ut•drily, without consulting any one, and at another,
• was involuntary, but that Mr. Lowten told him
l, usty, rite a letter to the Attorney-General, requiring
tobrcalled, &c. But when Mr. Lowten was examined,
1,-contradicted this statement. Which then is to be
1.4...:icv,A1? If you believe General Clavering, he had
with Mr. Lowten to deceive this House ;
if you believe Mr. Lowten, that is not true ; now
c.-,.l:er case delinquency attached to the subject of
dr,ca..,sicn. It had been stated by the Honour-
tie Baronet under the gallery that General Cla-
ecring was anxious to correct his mistakes the mo-
ment lie became sensible of them ;_but it was strange
tau no such sensibility appeared until the letters
'vere produced which directly contradicted him.--
E•.t, even if this Officer had not come before the House,
Li it follow that he would have escaped ? he could
1' 1 arially assure the House that he should not. But
le would put it to the House, or any person of corn-
nu•:: sense, whether, if the whole of the circumstances
cr.r.ected with General Clavering had occurred in
ear stting, it would have been possible for him to
escape being immediately committed for prevarica-
tT•n, being sent forthwith from the bar to Newgate ?
Yet Ole Honourable Baronet seemed to he very san-
etu:le in trusting that, however the House might treat
slid' delinquency, the country would do justice to
;-•.=-;1 Clavering ; but the country, he knew, would
..ice to that House. For all who could read
t:le groaad, and must justify the course
• . House.: had taken, and was about to pursue.
- seen a printed paper circulated about that
• containing Ready thesame observations offered
All by the Honourable Baronet, and particu-
...-...;.•g upon the incapacity of Gen. Clavering
iacutrectness„ and to withstand the cross-
he was obliged to undergo. But the fact
•, t:: it that officer was not by any means harshly
• :,-tyarnined, upon his first appearance at least.—
: •,•-• to: c that excuse could have no weight,—
',• tiac incapacity of General Clavering was really
,• as was now alledged, how came he qualified for
6t-A!''—for a command in Ireland—for a corn-
u•aad is Malta ? Another attempt in favour of this
' i•••••'• was an appeal to humanity. It was asked, will
a Iva. feel for his family ? But had not Captain
en a family also, and why not feel for them ?
tL >ugh that prisoner's family and friends were
'•-•, although they had no friend in Parliament to
•,.:.•pct forth their merit, or excite sympathy in their
; they were on the score of humanity, as much

entitled to attention iv...others—but justice *Oat not to
be suspended upon such pleas. There was, as the poet
observed, " in a too tender mercy something cruel,"
—mercy to certain delinquents would be cruelty to
the public, and it was of vital importance to the in-
terest of justice, and to the safety of every thing va-
luable belonging to man, that false testimony should
meet degradation and punishment. If then such pre-
varication as that of General Clavering were allowed
to escape—if an example were made of him for the
intimidation of others—if Sanden were to be detained
in prison while impunity was granted to General Cla-
vering, what reproach would that House incur ? How
often would the words of Macheath be repeated to
people in high station ?

" Since laws were made for very degree,
" 'l'o curb vice in others as well as in me,
" I wonder we han't better company,
" Upon Tyburn Tree!
" But gold from law can take out the sting
" For, if rich men like us were to swing,
'Twould thin the land such numbers to string
" Upon Tyburn Tree !"

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER could not sup-
pose the Honourable Gentleman, by his quotation, meant to say,
that crimes were more prevalent among men of General Cla-
vering's rank than among those of a lower order. He thought it
necessary for him, after the part he had taken, to state the grounds
upon which he voted on this occasion. He had been the more
inclined to wee to the postponement, because the Honourable
Baronet opposite had said it would afford an opportunity for some
Gentlemen who could, he thought, successfully advocate the cause
of General Clavering, to be present. Their reasonings, he must
confess, he would have been glad to hear, as with all the examina-
tion he had been able to give to the subject, his mind had not
suggested to him ail), grounds for a defence. He considered Ge-
neral Clavering guilty of havii,g prevaricated. On the first day
of his examination he did not give true answers to the questions
as they were understood by others; and for the House to decide
whether this was done from misapprehension, or with a design to
deceive them, they must look at the whole of his couduct. They
would then see that he came misrepresenting the facts which led
him to the Bar, and contradicting his first statement on his se-
cond examination. Which of the two statements was true. ,:id
not enquire, it was clear enough that General Clavering 1:,:d Lot
dealt fairly with the House. He was falsified in whr.t said,
that" he had no communications with Mrs. Clarke on t,,e
of -
ject of military promotions." To do away the inipmb.aoi: that
he had such communications, he had gone to the Duke of York
and to Colonel Gordon, while at the same time he w.ts cm:scious
it was true, and that he had himself offered £lOOO ur the very
I purpose of military promotion. Under all these cif cen.srances
he must vote for the motion.

Mr. WHITBREAD explained, that in his qureation he only
put it to what people might say if General Clavering was not
punished as well as Captain Sanden.
I.ord J. CAMPBELL stated, that if the delay had been ac-
ceded to, his Noble Relation (the Duke of Argyll) would have
been ready to come to the Bar, so state what General Clavering
had told him of the impression made on his mind by the qut st ior s
on which it was now thought he prevaricated, which wou:d sliew
he had no design of deceiving the House, and that his answers
proceeded from misapprehension of their meaning.
Mr. R. WHARTON drew a d.stinction betwi en prevarication
and contradiction, and contended, that General Clavering had not
been guilty of the former, as all his answers were direct. If he
had contradicted merely, there was no precedent on the Journals
of a committal for that effence, and the present motion could not
he agreed to. He then alluded to the rank of the party, and
contended, that if it ought not to screen from punishment, so nei-
ther ought it to aggrasate offence; but in the question General
Clavering, g,esi General Clavering, ought to be out of the case,
and it should be considered merely as affecting A. B He main-
tained
that General Claverieg might have misunderstood the ques-
mils, and that if he ha ; any intention of deceiving, he would not I
ve come forward the second time to authenticate the letters,
which was the only thing that convicted him.
Mr. :41`.NAUGHTAN explaired.
Mr. ELLIsON contended, that the questions were put in so
plain a manner, that it was impossible to misunderstand them.
He had heard b o much of this distinction about prevaricating,
contradicting, and shuffling, that it quite puzzled him ; but trying
to make the offence out to be contradiction, instead of prevari-
cation, appeared to him something like a person he had heard of,
who being indicted under the Coventry Act for attempting to
deface a man, pleaded that he had no intent to deface, but to
murder the person. He thought the evidence of General Cla-
venlig a more direct contradiction than Sanden's, and as wilful,
wanton, and toolish prevarication. If men in Gen. Claveriug's
rank prevaricated, their character, education, and connection, &cc.
magi.ified their offence, and rendered them, if possible, more lia-
ble to punishment than persons of less informed minds.
Mr. WYNNE replied to the observations of Mr. Wharton,
and read the Standing Order of the House to punish hose who
were guilty of falsehood, in answer to the argument that if Gen.
Clavering was only guilty of contradiction, he was not liable to
be punished. He then summed up the other matter, and thought
upon the whole there was not even the possibility of a doubt in
his favour; which if there was, his character, &c. would be of
advantage to him as turning the scale of probability in his favour.
l'he Gallery being cleared, the Motion was agreed to without
a division, and Gen. Clavering was ordered to be forthwith taken
into the custody of the Serjeant at Arms._

The House Chen adjourned at Nth E O'CLOCK.

TIIE EVENING STAR.

LONDON.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21..

PRICE OF STOCKS TI-lIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Consols, for money, 67H—Ditto 671i—Omn. pr.
Exchcqn,T Bills, 6s. 7s. prem.
PRICE OE STOCKS YESTERDAY.

3 per Cent. Cons. 67
4 ptr Cent. shut
.5 per Cent. Navy 91 98
Imp. Ann. 7f

India Bonds, Gs. 74. pre.
Exeheq. Bills, 6s. 9s. cr.
Lottery Tickets 211. 19$.
Consols, for acc. Cif

The Mary, MEARXS, has arrived at Liverpool from
Demerara, whence she sailed on the 7th February.
On the 12th, when off Martinique, she was boai ded
by the Dispatch sloop of war, who informed her that
they expected Fort Bourbon woul.l shortly surren-
der, as the British were on the heights bombarding it.
The packet sailed from St. Thomas's on the 13th of
February.

When the Busy cutter (whose arrival at Plymouth
we have before noticed) sailed from Lisbon, the
French were within four days march of that place ;.
but in consequence of the rumoured commencement
of hostilities between France and Austria, it was said,
they had been countermanded, and ordered to proceed
for France. Many of the Portuguese inhabitants and
merchants had embarked on board vessels in the Ta-
gus, and will probably soon arrive in this country.
The Treaty between Great Britain and Spain, we
understand, was signed on Wednesday ; but some
articles, not yet precisely adjusted, are left for future

arrangement.
A Gentleman who arrived from the Continent on
Tuesday last, assures us, that France had declared
war against Austria, and that the Declaration was,
published at Paris on the 17th instant.
The King of HOLLAND communicated to the Le-
gislative Body on the 14th, the fact announced in our
Paper of niesday, of BONAPARTE having conferred
the Grand Duchy of Berg on his son.

• NAVAL ArfELLIGE.ArC.E.

SOUTHAMPTON, MARCH 33.
Passed by the Oporto Fleet.
HARWICH, MARCH 23.

Sailed yesterday the King Gcor7e, Cipt. SALN.
DERS, with mails and passengers for Heligoland ; and
the Earl of Leicester, Captain HA mmoND, for Got-
tenburgh.—Arrived this morning the Beaufoy, Capt.
Noants, with mails and 18 passengers, from Heligo-
land.