Star.
London, England, 1826-11-22 00:00:00

RETURN NOR LEOMINSTER.

On the Standing Order regubting the proceedings of the Roue
in cases of double Returns, being read,
Lord HOTHAM said, he was anxious to call the
attention of the House to this Standing Order, which
required that he should retire. He was thereby left in
a difficulty, out of which he wished to be relieved: The
return, instead of one indenture, had two. He had been
returned, in conjunction with Mr. Bish and Mr. Ste-
phenson, for Leomiaster, and if the House thought
proper to enforce the order, he should bow to its decision
and retire.

Mr. WYNN, hating cited a precedent to anew that
a Member under such circumstances had been permit-
ted to take his seat, the same permission was given to
his Lordship, and the conversation dropped.

THE KING'S SPEECH.

The Smut* acquainted the House, that the House bad been in
the House of Peers to hear his Majesty's Speech, and to avoid
mistakes he had procured a copy of it, which he would read to the
House. The Right Hon. Gentleman then read the Speech.-fir
which we the Ins ff plierelay.
The Hon. T. LIDDELL then rose and said—ln
rising to move an Address of Thanks to his Majesty, I
wish to say, that I am not at all desirous to dwell at any
length upon the subject. The task which I have to per-
form is not at any time an easy one, and not rendered
more so by the peculiar circumstances under which I
claim your attention. I shall, therefore, bespeak the
indulgence of the House, while I am adverting to the
topics comprised in that Speech, for which we are, I
hope, about to return our thanks. Those are four in,
number—lst. The late Order of Council for the im-,
portation of Oats, &c. 2d. The conclusion of the War
in the Burmese Territory. 3. The assurances from Fo-
reign Powers, and the exertions of his Majesty's Govern-
ment for the preservation of peace; and 4th. The dis-
tress of the country, and the sympathy of his Majesty
with the sufferings of his people. And, first, as to the
late Order of Council, with respect to which his Ma-
jesty " confidently trusts that you will see sufficient
reason for giving your sanction to the provisions of that
Order, and for can ying them into effectual execution."
I will venture to say, that upon the beneficial conse-
quences derived from that proceeding, there is no dif-
ference of opinion in the country. It is needless to
remind the House, that at the end of the harvest the
most just and well founded apprehensions were enter-
tained, that the supply would not be sufficient ; and
that, at the same time, the market prices were ex-
tremely high. When, therefore, the distresses of the
manufacturers, both then and now, are considered,
I will say, that if his Majesty's Ministers had not issued
this Order of Council, they would have been accused of
apathy to its distresses, and be as liable to the condem-
nation of the country as they are now entitled to its
applause—(Hear, hear). But his Majesty's Ministers
have pursued a better course—they did not shrink from
the respunsibilittwhich was cast upon them, but broke
through the shackles by which the country was bound ;
and, by a well timed proceeding, admitted that corn
which was wanted to our markets. Let the House take
all those circumstances into their consideration, and
they will not have any difficulty in. giving their full
sanction and concurrence to the measures adopted by
his Majesty's Government—(Hear, hear). The next
suhject to which I shall advert is, the glorious termina-
tion of the Burmese war; and whatever difference of
opinion may have existed as to its commencement, I
think there can be no difference of opinion as to ics coo-
clthion having been glorious, as well to the Government
of India as to the army which was engaged in it. For,
in the first place, it was, is my opinion, a war of self-de..

htnce,provoked, by the conduct of the Burmese. As
to its commencement, that I also think was just and

necessary, because, from the circumstances, it was un-
avoidable. It has been often and justly observed, and it
should always be remembered, that our empire in India
is altogether an empire of opinion, and it is by moral
influence, and moral influence alone, that we shall be
capable of retaining that empire. When, therefore, that
influence is attacked, and when all other moderate
measures and negotiations fail. then we are compelled
to h sire recourse to force both to resent the insult, and
to chastise the aggression—(Hear,) and I sincerely hope,
that the haughty and arrogant Court of Ava will be in
future restrained from outrage, by the recollection of that
chastisement which was so deservedly bestowed upon it.
The next topic I shall draw your attention to, is the
assurances which his Majesty has received from all
foreign Powers, of their earnest desire to cultivate
friendly relations, and I am sure that the House will
cordially join with his Majesty in effecting the continu-
ance of peace, as well as in arresting the progress oPezia
ing hostilities, and in preventing the interruption of peace
throughout the world. While upon this subject, I will
also express my hopes, that, from late events, more par-
ticularly in the West of Europe, we shall soon every
where see the establishment of Representative Govern-
ments—(Loud (.'heer's from all sides of the House)—and
of the assistance of this country to such designs, and of
her perseverance in that liberal line of policy, I enter-
tain not the least doubt, so long as the management of
our foreign affairs continue to be entrusted to toe pre-
sent distinguished individual who holds that office; so
long will those duties be, as they hitherto have been,
well attended to—(Hear, hear). The country does not,
and will not, forget the timely recognition of the AMT.
rican Colonies, and the valuable privileges which were
thereby acquired for our trade. For these and other
services, the country owes to that Statesman a debt
of gratitude, which will be paid best and most to his
satisfaction, by the approbation of that country. And
here, I may be permitted to express a hope, that the
time will soon arrive, when he can extend his efforts
towards putting an end to the long protracted sufferings
of poor, distressed, and persecuted Greece—(Cheers).
I hope soon to see her restored to that freedom, and
that rank, which so many associations concur in causing
us to wish for, and to which she is, from every circum-
stance, so well entitled to. I fear I have wandered, in
some degree, from the subject before the House, and I
may, perhaps, have erred in doing so ; but I hope that
I have not miscalculated, in supposing that the wishes
of the House are in favour of a gallant nation, strug-
gling for her independence, and that, in wishing for its
freedom, civil and religious, I shall meet with the ap-
probation of every Member of the Heise. (Cheers)
And now, with respect to the expressions of his Ma-
jesty concerning the manufacturers—Sir, the country
knows that his Majesty has felt for their distressed con-
dition—it has witnessed his munificent acts. Those acts
speak for themselves, and I will not, therefore, weaken
their effects attempting to dwell upon them. Upon
by
this subject I have certainly a more painful part to con-
sider. I am aware that the manufacturing interest labours
under great and heavy privations, and is my earnest
hope that the collective wisdom and united labours of
the Representatives of the tzeple, may be able to secure
to them relief. I am, myself, inclined to look favour.
ably upon public affairs, although I admit that the
retrospect of the past year presents a gloomy and griev-
ous aspect. But better prospects now await us; and
teas I infer first, because our internal consumption has
not been diminished; and secondly, because our internal
tranquillity has not been disturbed. Seducers have, it
is true, appeared, as they will always do in times of
distress; they have endeavoured to lead the people
astray, but I am happy to add that their temptations
failed, and their designs were viewed with abhorrence.
With respect to my own political conduct, I can only
say, that I am not pledged to any set of men or mea-
sures, and that I will support the present Administra-
tion only so long as they are, in my opinion, right, and
no longer; and so long as I am entrusted by the great
county which has chosen me to be its Representative, I
hope I shall de my duty as such honestly and inde-
pendently. But with respect to the state of the country,
I do sincerely hope, from the events of last year, that
gamblers and speculators have been driven away, and that
the real capitalists will take their place, and be supported.
I do also trust that the trade of the country will be be-
nefitted by those very circumstances which have lately
agitated it; as the elements are cleared by a temporary
convulsion, so it is my opinion the political horizon will
reassume its serenity. Trade itself will improve, and
.although its improvement may be slow, it certainly is
progressive—(Hear, hear.) If I have diverged from
subjects before the House, and strayed Inc. irrelevant
matter, I have once again to urge my claim to your
indulgence—(Loud cheers.) For the encouragement
with which you have heard, and the kindness with which
you have received me, I beg to return my most heart-
felt thanks. It now only remains for me to read the
Address which I have to propose.
The Hen. Gentleman then read the Address, which recapitulated
the leading passages of his Majesty's speech, with the expression of
the grateful thanks- of the Commons for his care, and sat down
amidst load cheering from an sides.

The Hon. G. WINN, in rising to second the Address,
felt equal anxiety and pleasure. He rejoiced that the
first words to which he had the honour of giving utter-
ance in that House, were expressive of the loyalty which
he felt towards his Majesty, for the constitutional and
patriotic manner in which he had uniformly exercised his
Royal Prerogatives, and particularly so on the present
occasion. He was aware that the feeling of loyalty and
attachment to his Majesty was prevalent throughout
the House, and he knew too that the only satisfactory
reward the Sovereign could receive for his continued
acts of munificence and kindly consideration,was a more
warm attachment from the subject. He was fully sen-
sible of the advantages he derived from following the
Hen. Mover of the Address; he saw the favourable im-
pression which that Hon. Gentleman had made upon
the Hesse, and although that circumstance must tend
to render his (Mr. Winn's) imperfections more evident,
still it would insure the proposed Address much consi-
deration and respect. Notwithstanding, however, the
ability with which his Hon. Friend had remarked on
the chief points in his Majesty's speech, still there were
one or two subjects on which he felt it necessary to
offer some observations. Of the glory arising from the
way in•which the war in India had been conducted and
concludeJ, there could be no question-.it would be no-
thing better than a waste of time were he to detain them
by dilating on the management and finish of that wavi
but he was induced to regard the peace which had been`
made, because he thought there were particular reasons
for believing that it would be as lasting as it was ho-
nourable. Under many circumstances the acquisition
of territory was not desirable to a nation. With a com-

mercial people wealth too frequently introduced luzu r.
luxury undermined and enervated industry, and ruin
was the necessary consequence of what at first appeared
to be a benefit. When a nation was essentially agricol.
tural, she could boast of hardy sons, but they were far
from being so intelligent as commercial people, and they
therefore frequently became the labourers tor others._
Nor were a people decidedly warlike, more free from
decay and destitution than those he had already enu-
merated. They might for a time run a career of glory,
but the world soon became tired of bloodshed and de.
vastation, and the soldier degenerated into the ruffian
and plunderer. In this country, however, we had the
advantage of uniting, he might say, the different g' od
qualities of the different nations he had alluded to. As
a commercial people, we were powerful beyond rivalry;
as an agricultural people, we possessed ample means
for greatness; we had a sufficient space of diversified
country, both flat and fertile, with an abundance of in-
dustry for its cultivation ; and, as a warlike people,
there was too strong a love of glory among us not to
protect onr reputation, but too well-regulated a disci.
pline for us to overstep the bounds of prudence. It wa
from these considerations that he viewed with pleasure
the peace which had taken place, and from them Ora
he believed that it would prove beneficial and lasting.
To thew that he had not over estimated the powers of
this country, he would allude particularly to two tit.
cumstances of recent occurrence. They would prove
the power of Great Britain, and also the sound di,cre.
tion with which that power was directed. The fist
occasion was, when the admirers of freedom saw se ith
dismay the thousands of France crossing the Ps rennet,
for Spain, and sighed to launch this country into a fresh
war, notwithstanding the vivid recollections of the eon.
sequences of the last great struggle. Tnen the Right
Honourable Secretary for Foreign Affairs directed the
energies of the country sot to a useless and prejudicial
expenditure of blood and treasure, but to increasing out
own resources. He maintained our honour with foreign
nations, and found fresh vent for the production of our
manufactures. That it was wisdom, not fear, which
stayed our arm, was evident from the second transac.
lion to which he meant to refer. He alluded to the
recognition of the independence of the new Stares
of South America. To act for this country on the
occasion, perhaps, required greater skill than was
necessary on the other. He had to deal between
States struggling for their independence and the Mo-
ther Country, which claimed dominion over them. It
was not to say that because we bad a power superior to
Spain that we should exercise it, but we were caled
upon to act, as we had required others to do, io confor•
mity with the Laws of Nations; and beyond all ques•
tion the way in which that nice matter had been eze.
cuted had fully proved that the Right Hon. Secre tart'
possessed talents equal to the most trying occasion_
(Hear.) The justice of the course pursued had never
been doubted, and the sound policy of it was proved by
the subsequent conduct of the Continental euwen,
who, gradually, though possibly too late, were adopt-
ins a similar measure to that which had opened a
fresh market for our manufactures. Such conduct
however was to be regarded with admiration, not
only as it affected the questions to which it was parti-
cularly directed, bat also as to the effect it must produce
in the feverish state of the public mind, when coofidence
in those who composed his Majesty's Government was
essential to the well being of the country. Ile unsettled
state of the South American States yet required a pro.
tecting countenance, and it was most gratifying fax the
public to feel convinced that they might repose the
most ample trust in the ability and conduct of thißight
Honourable Gentleman to whom he had alluded—
(Hear, hear). He felt with the Honourable Mover for
the miseries which Greece endured, and most ardently
did he hope that her persecuted children would soon
meet with some relief. Whatever might be the result of
the straggle, it was some consolation to know, that
she could neither want the sympathy nor the assist-
ance, could it be rendered with justice to his country,
of the Right Honourable Secretary—(Hear, hear).
With respect to our military establishments, he must
be permitted to say, that he could not conteno
plate without a serious apprehension of danger to the
country—any considerable reduction—and be deemed
it of the highest importance that we should maintain
our character as the arbitress of nations. H.l would
now come to our other internal affairs, and in particu-
lar to the measure which Ministers had adopted for
the admission of foreign corn. The circumstances were
such as fully to justify that measure. Not only was
there a deficiency in the crop of oats—and the strongest
probability of a scarcity—but there existed the most
serious apprehensions of a failure of the potatoe crop in
Ireland. He could not bear even to think of the fear-
ful consequences which might have ensued if a defi-
cient supply of oats had concurred with a failure of
the crop of potatoes in Ireland, of which the most alarm-
ing apprehensions were at one time entertained.—
Having mentioned Ireland, he could not pass by the
opportunity of expressing his warm feelings in favour
of that interesting and beautiful country, and his sincere
disposition to concur in any measures that may be
proposed for her benefit, excepting such as might in any
way compromise the Constitution in Church and State.
Hon. Gentlemen might not all be fully aware of tt e
importance of the potatoe crop to Ireland, but he could
assure them that the tranquillity of the country was
mainly dependant upon it. It was therefore imperative
on the part of Government to adopt such measures
as might best counteract danger of such appalling
magnitude. He trusted the measures which had
been adopted for the advantage of Ireland, coupled
with the introduction of English capital into that coun-
try, would be productive of the happiest effect, and
he wished to impress upon the minds of Gentlemen
connected with Ireland, the injurious effect of what-
ever obstructed the introduction of English cal ital.
He could not consider the Order in Council as in any manner pre-
judging the question of the Corn Laws. Upon that su'iject he was
open to conviction, but so far as he bad yet been able to make up
his mind upon it, he was not aware of the necessity of any alters*
tion, anal this, indeed, was another reason why he approved of the
Order In Council, because he greatly preferred the occasional inter-
ference of Government to any permanent alteration of the Cato
Laws. With respect to the distresses of the country, he felt in
common with every man the deepest regret that they bad been so
long continued, but he would indulge the hope that they were now
approaching their termination, and he was fonified in this hope by
the fact that the deficiency which had appeared in the Revenue had
not been shown in those departments of it which depended upon
the internal consumption of the country. He did not strap lir ot the
country—and it was acossolatlon to him, as great a consolation 10
him as it could be to any man to reflect, that it did not require any
extraordinary talents to enable Gentlemen to do their duty to the
country in that House. He had to apologize for having detained
them so long, and would conclude with tie expression ot his
confidence, that a House of Commons, composed of men. bi.vi"lg
had the education of English Gentlemen, combined sub that
sound and superior education which every man might give bini-
self,--amposest of men, who,e minds were free front prejudice
Puke. and actuated by seal and anxiety for the welfare ot their
country, would be enabled to co operate effectual y iu sta.:ding the