Star.
London, England, 1826-12-25 00:00:00

PORTUGAL.

Official Copy of the Report made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
to the Chamber, on the 4th instant.
SENHORES AND DEPUTIES.Or THE NATION have
. already twice had the honour of submitting to this
Chamber, in secret Committees, some brief information
. respecting the state of our existing relations with the
principal Powers of Europe. I shall now, in the present
public Sitting, not only repeat what I stated on the two
former occasions, but shall give to this equally important
and delicate subject all the developement in my power.
Sennortes—lf the business intrusted to my care re.
coined, fur the public welfare, to be kept for some time
a profound secret, a time has, however, come, in which
mystery is not only unnecessary, but would be criminal :
accordingly, I exerted every effort to keep the secret as
long as secrecy appeared to me necessary, but not a
moment beyond that period, to the limit of which I
sincerely believe we are now arrived.
On the 3d of August, when the Infanta Regent was
pleased to call me to her councils, and to intrust the
Foreign Department to my direction, Portugal was
placed in extremely difficult circumstances. The oaths
had just been taken to the Constitutional Charter; but
that morument of wisdom and source of felicity wlich
we had recently received from our immortal Sovereign
Don Pedro IV. was hated by a neighbouring nation, ill
understood by nearly all the rest, except by Great Bri-
tain, which has for ages rejoiced at our prosperity, and
which has always been our firmest support in misfortune.
If, however, the great Powers were, for a time, un-
decided with respect to us, their indecision was not of
long duration. The French Government soon cknow-
led ge the legitimacy and wise policy of our institu
tions, and we have received through the worthy repre-
sentative of His Most Christian Majesty in this Court,
r-peated assurances of the friendly disposition of that
Government. The Emperor of Russia, whose virtues
and wisdom are well known throughout all Europe,
was pleased in an audience which he granted to the
Portuguese Minister, to state to him, that he had always
reco.ouzed the legitimacy of our institutions, and that
he felt the greatest inter estin the prosperity of Pus tugal.
The instructions which the Russian Government gave
to its Charge d'Affaires at this Court, and which have
been must faithfully observed, leave nothing to be desired.
• From Austria what more could be wished for, after
the counsels which his Majesty the Emperor has given
to that Prince, tnr whom the august founder of our
Charter has destined the hand of his daughter, our
august Queen ?

Prussia follows precisely the some course as her Allies. •
Before explaining the statrof our relations with Spain,
I thought it necessary to give this slight sketch of our
situation with respect to the great Powers of Europe.-'.
If I have not spoken more particularly of Great Britain,
it is becauc thatgreat and generous Power is so united
with us, that at every step I shall be uhder the necessity
of referring to what she has done, and what she pro-
poses to do, in our favour. Had we even no other Ally,
we should have nothing to fear.
In the month of July, as soon as preparations were
made for taking the oaths to the Constitutional Char-
ter, the intrigues on the part of Spain increased, and
the desertions from Portugal commenced. The Portu-
guese deserters having been not only received, but
highly entertained, in Spain, challenged their comrades
to commit the same crime. Some Portuguese who
had been elevated to honours and eminent posts, served
as emissaries to Spain, by inviting the soldiers to desert,
attacking the legitimacy of Don Pedro IV. and endea-
vouring to persuade the ignorant population that the
Constitution was hostile to the Throne and the Altar.
How degenerate are such malignant Portuguese.
It became, then, my first duty, on entering into office,
to give positive orders (as will be seen by the annexed
dispatch) to our Charge d'Affairs at the Court of Ma-
drid, to require from his Catholic Majesty the fulfil-
ment of the treaties existing between Portugal and Spain.
However, when the orders which I had forwarded in
the name of the Infanta Regent arrived at Madrid, the
Charge d'Affaires had already declared that he would
not swear to the Constitutional Charter. Consequently,
those orders remained without that prompt execution
which they ought to have Obtained. I cannot refrain
from observing, that the criminal conduct of this Charge
d'Affaires has had much influence in producing the
unfortunate course which our relations with Spain have
taken. Under those circumstances, the Infanta Regent
resolved that the Count de Villa Real should go so Ma-
drid in the character of Eavoy Extraordinary and Mi-
nister Plenipotentiary, to carry into effect the orders
which the late Charge d'Affaires had left unexecute,d.
But what was the astonishment of the Government,
when it was learned that the Count de Villa Real was
not received by the Court of Madrid? This fact alone
would be sufficient to justify a rupture with that Court.
The Government, however, being aware that the Cabi•
net of Madrid was governed by a faction, and wishing,
besides, to give a proof of the moderation of its prin.
ciples and of its earnest desire to proceed in harmony
with its Allies, by following their advice to act with the
greatest prudence, orders were given to the Minister
who had been nominated, that he should merely direct
his attention to the fulfilment of the treaties, or at least
to the delivery of effects plundered- and carried into
Spain by the Portuguese deserters, and to the removal
of the said deserters from the frontier, and their disper-
sion. These thing we were, by the treaties, not only
entitled to require, but we might also have insisted on
the men being delivered up as deserters, and guilty of
high treason.
It would seem that the Spanish Government could
not have been expected to hesitate a moment in doing
justice to our reclamations ; but such was not the case,
notwithstanding the zealous co-operation which we
received from the English Government, which took part
in our interest as if they had been its own. Here I may,
as a Portuguese,be permitted to express my gratitude
to the august onarch who presides over the destinies
of Great Britain, to his enlightened Ministers, to the
British Minister at the Court of Madrid, and more poi-
ticulatly to my Right Hon. and most respectable friend,'
Sir William A'Court, to whom the interests of Portugal
are as dear as if it were his native land.
A considerable time elapsed without any concession
being obtained from the Spanish Government, notwith-
standing repeated premises made to the Count de Villa
Real, who continued to reside in Madrid without any
,recognized character, to the English Minister, and to
the other representatives of the great Powers who con-
stantly recommended caution to the Portuguese Go-
vernment,—a counsel which, from a conviction of its
propriety, has hitherto been rigidly followed.
At length, in consequence of urgent persuasions, his''
Catholic Majesty's Minister for Foreign Affairs, de-
clared that the necessary orders were dispatched for the
delivery of the effects carried off by the deserters, that
those deserters would soon be dispersed, that the in-
famous Viscount de Canellas would be ordered to leave
Spain, &c. But were those orders issued ? I know not.
Were they executed ? Certainly not. The Captains Ge-
neral who were to execute the orders never received
them. Would it be believed possible for the perfidy and
immorality of a Government to reach this height ?
Let us now see what the Portuguese rebels were in
the mean time doing with the consent of the Spanish
authorities. Part of them endeavoured, by all the
means in their power, to harass and seduce the popula-
tion on our frontiers ; others concerted plans for attack-
ing Portugal; others assembling in great numbers took
oaths against their legitimate Sovereign, and against the
fundamental laws of the Portuguese Monarchy ; going
even so far as to proclaim foreign Princes as having
right to the Crown of Portugal. So degenerate were
these monsters ! Yet all this was countenanced by the
Spanish Authorities ! All counselled by the Spanish
Government!

'tersliory, will avail itself of that permission with circum-
spection, b* will not hesitate a moinerit when that
measure appears necessary for the salvation of the State.
I have now to an'sfouirce to the; Chambjer, that Pot-•
tugal, being attacked and exposed to stall further at-
tacks by a great forcer I have applied to the English
Government in virtue of the'stiptilutions in our treaties
for the necessary force to aid us against our enemies. I
again repeat, that we may and ought to place the ful-
lest coufidence in our faithful and ancient Ally.
I fear I have trespassed greatlron the patienta of the
Chamber; but I still do think myself at liberty to con-
clude, without stating the causes to which I principally
attribute the conduct of the Spanish Government.
1. To the instigations of the Portuguese Rebels, chiefly the Vis-
count de Canellas, the Marquis de Chaves, the Viscount de Mon-
tealegre. Magessi, &c. &c.
2. To the Apostolic Junta, which has long governed the Spanish
Cabinet. This Apostolic Junta, whose ramifications extend into
Portugal, is composed of men who conceal, under the mask of reli.
gion and royalism, the most horrible crimes. This infamous Junta
is, without doubt, the greatest pest of modern society, and ought to
be regarded as the most formidable enemy of the throne, the altar,
and of civilisation.
3. To the Marquis de Moustier, the French Ambassador at
Madrid, whose conduct greatly embarrassed our negotiations.
It is necessary not to cOnfound this diplomatist with the Govern-
, ment which he represents, from which, as I have already stated,
we have received the strongest assurances of friendship; and I en-
tertain, as lam bound ;o do, every confidence in its sincerity. I
must, however, repeat, that the Marquis de Mousier, from his
unwillingness to obey the instructions received from his Govern•
went, has been exceedingly prejudicial to the cause of Portugal,
and has defeated all the good inentions of his Most Christian Ma-
jesty towards us.
I must no longer tax the attention of the Chamber;
but as the Chamber wishes to be exactly informed of
the state df our relations with Spain, I shall lay before
it all the correspondence with the mission at Madrid,
and all other documents which may in any way tend
Ito elucidate the question.
May my efforts be useful to the country, and. may I always de-
serve the name of Portuguese—the only glory which I am ambitious.

THE EVENING STAR.

LON DON. •

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25,1826.
CIIIWITMAS DAY—CLOSI HOLIDAY.
CITY, TWELVE O'CLOCK.
This is a holiday in the City, the Bank, Stock Exchange, and
Foreign market being dosed; and the Coffee Houses are very
thinly attended.

We have received this morning, by Express, the
Paris Papers of Saturday, and the Dale of yesterday's ,
date. In the Moniteur of the former day, there are
advice: from Madrid as late as the 18th inst. in which it
is announced, that a body of Portuguese rebels who had
entered the Province of Alenteje, had been defeated,
and driven bzck into Spain. We learn, however, from
the same source, that they immediately repassed the
frontiers ; and we need not adduce a more glaring proof
of the bad faith of the Spanish Authorities. It is said,
though we hope the rumour is not true, that another
band of rebels has occupied Braga and Coimbra, both
on the high road to Lisbon. Should the report, how-
ever, receive the fullest confirmation, we should really '
see nothing in it capable of exciting any extraordinary
deisacc of alarm. The Govertuncnt, it is sow placed
beyond any doubt, is true to its duties, and possesses
all the firmness necessary to their punctual discharge.—
It is ascertained that the two Chambers are animated
by sentiments equally patriotic; and it is not under
such circumstances that a nation will betray:its honour
and rights, and fall prostrate before so contemptible
an enemy as the present. In the meantime we are
glad to see that the Ministers of Foreign Affairs
and Finance have been induced to resume their im-
portant functions; for the surmises, which had
prompted them to resign, were not warranted by their
past conduct, whilst their resumption of office, at
such a ctisis as the present, may be cited as an
irrefragable proof of their patriotic feelings. How-
ever, the standard of England will be soon unfurled
on the banks of the Tagus; and at the sight of it rebel-
lion will grow pale, and retrace its steps more rapidly,
than it has hitherto advanced. We trust there is not a
single Englishman, so base of feeling, Of of so perverse a
mind, asto imagine that the very sight of our warriors
will not be sufficient to put down this servile war:
In the meantime, we rejoice at the new proofs which
these Papers afford, of the concurrence of the Frenoh
Government with ours, on the subject of the affairs of
Portugal. The Address of the Chamber of Peers,
where it adverts to this most important subject, is in
perfect unison with the view taken of it by the
Minister of Foreign Affairs ; whilst the allusions in both
to the military renown of France, are equally harmless.
Indeed, these allusions might have been as well spared,

The moment for lifting the mask at last arrived...- for the nation• has no inclination to make the slightest
While the Spanish Government was still making pro- sacrifice in any quarrel such as could arise out of
mises that the arms of the deserters should be delivered
the family compact between France and Spain.
up, those very arms, and others besides, were put into
the hands of Portuguese rebels, who attacked Portu-
French energies, if they had a free vent, would take
gal on different points. I cannot describe so horrible a a very' different direction ; and it *would be well
transaction without being oppressed with grief, and filled to impress this truth upon the dominant party in
with indignation. May this be the only- example of that country at this most eventful juncture. Thel
Portuguese disloyalty, and would that history could
persons who compose it, are proverbially hot-headed,
conceal from our posterity so disgraceful a deed !
improvident and rash, and require, therefore, to
As soon as her Royal Highness the Infanta Regent I
was informed of the inroad of the Portuguese rebels be frequently warned. A war, lighted up in conformity
she immediately gave me orders to transmit a note t 8 witlyheir principles, would soon leave them to carry
the Spanish Ambassador, intimating that his functions it on alone; and, unless they are tired of their good
were suspended until the Cabinet of Madrid should fortune, and anxious to encounter exile, disgrace, and
give a clear and satisfactory explanation respecting the
poverty again, they will carefully avoid it. They
aggression which had been committed. Two couriers
were immediately dispatched to Madrid, with orders to should recollect too, that by concurring, or pretending
our Charge d'Affaires at that Court to demand not only to concur with this country, they may procure a respite
instant satisfaction, but the recognition of the present for the Spanish branch of the Bourbons; whereas,
Government of Portugal within 48 hours. were they mad enough to countenance it in its iniquitous
If the Spanish Government does not satisfy us, not conduct toward Portugal, they could not with all their
with words, hut with acts, it will not be doubted that _
enorts save that Power from the penal consequences
its intention is to continue to make war upon us. I say
to continue, because what has already been done is a of its perfidy, whilst they might draw down ruin
real commencement of war; but if it should happen upon their own heads. It is not the least of their
that the war is continued, and we should require aid, good fortune, that the affairs of France are confided
we have a faithful and powerful Ally, who will come at this time to discreet hands ; for a Ministry, con-
with the greatest promptitude to our succour;—Eng-
sit .
tuteet upon the true legitimate principle, would
land will not delay a moment in supporting us. The
Government, which is already authorized by the two inevitably be the means of destroying; root and
,Chambers to admit foreign troops into the Portuguese. branch, the present system in SI amp, together with all

its adherents whereas, the pt udent policy of Viutt.e,
may avert fox a time, if not wholly prevent, that ca.
ta.trophe.

We have received the Austrian Observer to the 12th,and
Brussels Papers to the 23d. We learn by the former that
the differences between the Diet of Hungary and the
Austrian Government, on the subject of the contribu-
tions to be furnished by that kingdom, have betil
atranged to the satisfaction of the Diet. This
gratifying intelligence was communicated to the
Estates, is a Sitting of the two Chambers, united by
the Archduke FERDINAND, en the sth inst. and ell
received with the loudest demonstrations of joy,
Austria, seeing herself free from this cause of in:
ternal • ansietz, will be able to prosecute her in.
retests abroad with the greater energy ; and as
the best understanding subsists at this moment be.
tween her Government and ours, the effect of their:
conjoint efforts in behalf of Portugal, which is united
to Austria by recent family, as well as ancient political. • . .
ties, may be easily imagined.

The Brussels Papers are chiefly occupied with the pro,
ciedings of the two Chambers, and these are withour any
interest for the geneial Reader. We are happy to loom,
that the King of PRUSSIA was going on at the date of
the last accounts, as well as could be expected.

Several files of American Papers have arrived. The
Commercial Advertiser of the 27th of Novemberion-
tains the following.: •
It is ni.t generally understood," says the Phila-
delphia Gazette, " that British vessels, which may enter
the Ports of the United States, after the first of
comber next, from any of the ports included in the late
Order in Council, will be liable to be confiscated."

Jamaica Papers have been received to the 22d of
October ; but they contain no marine or political intel-
ligence. An affair of honour took place, at Kingston,
on the 14th instant, between J. STAMP, Esq. Member
of the Assembly, and Mr. BRUCE ; but Mr. BRUCE con-
sented to retract the word coward, and the business
terminated.