Star.
London, England, 1819-01-15 00:00:00

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the national redo—of expressing those grateful
praises, • an honourable mind considers the best
reward—in short, of administering the strongest in-
centive to high and glorious deeds—(hear, hear). I
should be adiluied, if I didnot here state, in the
brief and comprehensive words of one who filled this
elevated--situation, an outline of its duties. The sen-
tence savours of the quaintness of antiquity—but it
' is not the less valuable on that account. Mr. Serjeant
Glanville, who was Speaker in the reign of I.
informed his Sovereign, that he has elected to
be the Speaker of the House of Commons—to be the
mouth, and, indeed,: the servant of the House—to
steer watchfully and prudently through all their pro-
ceeedings—Acreellect, faithfully and impartially, the
votes and genuine sense of that great and numerous
Assembly—and to represent, when necessary, their
deliberations and petitions, with truth, with right,
with life, with lustre, and with the utmost advantage,
to his Most Excellent Majesty. Those duties, Sir,
which are performed within our walls, constitute but
a small part, and not the most important, of the
great functions committed to the Speaker. We select
him as the guardian and protector of our rights—
but we also select him for the performance of duties,
in the due discharge of which we are less interested
than the people at large—duties, the execution of
which must affect even the remotest posterity. We
do not select him merely to make a formal demand
of those rights and privileges which were claimed
and asserted by our ancestors—which are as much
ours as our lives and general liberties—no, we select
him as the sentinel; to guard against all slight en-
croachments on our privileges—to detect those tri-
vial departures from established forms, which are the
wore dangerous, because, from their apparent want
of importance, they are likely to escape attention,
old the danger to be apprehended from them seems
to be too ren.ote to demand an immediate interfe-
rence. The necessity of providing a check against
such contingencies is pointed out by rea,:on and by
history. It has been well remarked, that in all free,
and conseqaently complicated Governments, cases of
dispute between different established orders of the
State would sometimes occur—and, without the ex-
ertion of unremitting vigilance on the part of each
of those bodies whose rights were concerned, it was,
impossible to guard against encroachments, the con-
sNuence of which was exceedingly dangerous. It is
impassible for any person to take the most imperfect
view of the history of this House—it was impossible
for any person to give the most rapid and cursory
glance at its increased influence in the State—not to
ob.erve the unrelaxing jealoasy with which the
House has almost invariably resisted even the slight-
est encroachments. To nothing are we so much in-
debted fur the enjoyment of those rights which the
House has most at heart—which establish its quality
with the other branch of the Legislature —I mean
the right of originating*taxes, of commencing every
measure in which the public money is concerned—
that great privilege which we can rebut every
attempt, coming from any other quarter, to interfere
with-the property of the people—to no cause are we
so much indebted for the preservation of that right,
as to the constant and anxious solicitude with which
the House of Commons has looked out for, and pro.
vided against dan"ers, that could only be discerned
by the keer,,est and most observant eye—{hear, hearv.
It is not possible to examine the Journals, of the
House without remarking the scrupulous nicety with
which it has viewed a departure from the most mi-
• nute forma. Danger, it was felt, might be connected
with the amendment to some private Bill—might
• arise from the appropriation of a forfeiture--or be
occasioned by seine other matter, equally trivial in
appearance, which inattention or neglect might pass
over unnoticed—but which, in the result, might
affet, not merely those immediately interested, but
even the remotest generations. For the adequate
performance of such duties as I have described,
great and various qualifications are necessary--qua-
lifications, not inconsistent nor incompatible with
each ether, but which we rarely find possessed by
an individual. We require of our Speaker, in the
discharge of his duty, unwearied attention, prompt
decision, the utmost presence of mind, and, in the
dispatch of business, the greatest facility. On ac-
count of the nature of our transactions, we require
from our Speaker that persevering steadiness of
disposition, that regularity and accuracy, which
are sometimes supposed not to accompany thcbe
faculties -that characterise men of high ability.—
He must possess that species of mind which can take
• a comprehensive view of the greatest events that
occur in the history of our country, and yet, when
occasion commands, can withdraw its faculties from
those interesting subjects, and descend to the investi-
gation of some seemingly unimportant matter—a
point of order, a forgotten precedent, or an obsolete
form. It is necessary for me, Sir, to make some apo-
logy for alluding to the qualifications which are re-
quired in a person selected to fillthe ofllccof Speaker.
The only excuse I have to offer is the usual custom,
and the great number of new lkiembers returned to
the present Parliament. I will now„, Sir, proceed to
the more immediate object for which liave risen,
namely, to propose to the House the selection of an
• individual to undertake this honourable but difficult
office. And, in doing this, I assure the House, that
I would not suffer myself to be betrayed into this
proceeding by private friendship—that I would not
have stood forward on this occasion, if I had not felt
a strong conviction that the proposition would be in
unison with the feelings of the Douse, and a confi-
dent hope that it would meet their almost unanimous
wishes. I trust, Sir, that in proposing to the House,
that he, to whom this most important trust was con-
fided by our predecessors, be continued—that the
Right Hon. Charles Manners Sutton be again placed
• in the Chair—l shall meet with the general support'
of those whom I have the honour of addressing—
(Lout/cheers.) The experience we have had of his
conduct in that exalted situation, has of course, been
short. But, such as it has been, I may, with confi-
dence, appeal to those who hear me, whether it did
not fully justify all the expectations-of his friends ?
(hcar, hear)—whether it has not borne out all those
admissions, which were made by those who;
▪ while they recorded their preference of another, gave
testimony of the high sense they entertained cif his
talents and.his virtues?--(hear, hear.) Sir, these li-
beral admissions were drawn forth, not only by the
esperiente of his conduct in the situation of Speaker,
that, of course, could not be—but by the recollec-

tion of his demeanour in anothet office, which re-
quired, . for the perfect performante of its duties,
/many qualities similar to those necessary to the for-
mation of an eScient Speaker. The situation to which
I allude demands constant attention, which is indis-
Pensible for the administration of all justice, but isl
peculiarly necessary for the administration of that
branch of it which was intrusted to his superinten-
dance. From the great extent of the military body,
over the judicial administration- of which be presided,
an undeviating attention was demanded. Beyond
this, the situation reouired great knowledge of man-'
kind—great delicacy, from the nature of the business
which was to be transacted, and the rank and habits
of those with whom he had to commune—great pa-
tience—great vigilance—great equanimity, and deep
fore-thought. Sir, the tenor of that office imposed
on him the duty of taking a part in the deliberations
Of this House, when military subjects, connected
with his dutiet, were introduced—and I am sure I'
can safely say, to those who hear me, and to those
who were more immediately connected with such
subjects, that he defended his opinions and conduct,
with that warmth and earnestness, which never lost
sight of decorous feeling—with that honourable zeal
and boldness which were inseparable from conscious
innocence—(Hear, hear.) But, although he mani-
fested, on every occasion, the warmth and sincerity
of an upright heart, he constantly avoided the use of
a single expression that could pain the mind or wound
the feelings—(hear, hear.) He took his share in the
contest fairly, but he never created an enemy—and,
if it be his lot to be again called on to preside over I
our deliberations; he will enter on his high office,
certain that he had never excited any hostile, any
personal feeling—(hear, hear)—assured that be had
never overstepped those bounds of forbearance and
moderation, which, if elected to the Chair, were so'
essential,to" the just maintenance of its dignity and
character—(Ulcer, hear.) With respect to his other
qualifications I will not speak. There are some of a
particulN,r and personal nature—his facility of access,
thereadiness vith which he imparted information,
his mild and ccncaiatory manners--of these I cannot
suppose you are ignorant. In alluding to the quali-
fications which I conceive to be necessary in a Speaker,
there is one, Sir, which I wish particularly to notice.
Whatever may be the talents and attainments of a
Speaker, I consider it absolutely necessary that he
should possess the confidence of the House—(hear,
hear.) That confidence, no talents, no attainments,
no rank can alone command, but a ready deference
is paid to high integrity and lofty indepentleace.—
It is upon this principle, the principle of general con-
fidence, that the individual whom I propose must
succeed. lie had sought and obtained the confidence
of the Iluuse, and, without it, all the efforts of his
authority must be useless—(:lcer). It is, Sir, an
honourable, and perhaps a peculiar distinction of this
country, that rank and :althorn), alone are regarded
—and that what we consider private character, com-
mands great and deserved distinction, and sheds
additional lustre ott the brightest talents--(Hear,
/tear). Now, Sir, if there be any office in which it is
peculiarly desirable that purity of private character
should be observed, it r, in that of Speaker of the
House of Commons—ar. office, the powers of which
are often exercised a-uidst the warmth of party feel-
ing—exercised in the approbation of honourable ac-
tions, and the censure of base ones—exercised, it
ought never to be f rgotten, where the votes of the'
House are so equally divided, are so nicely bid,
lanced, that we intrust to the Speaker the power of
giving force and validity to our resolutions, or of
Imparting the whole weight of law in what would
otherwise be reduced to waste paper. Men in ho-
nourable confidence is earned and obtained, we then
give to the decisions of a Speaker, not a reluctant
submission to their force, but a ready acquiescence in
their justice—(lleer, hear). If, Sir, I am right—if
think correctly when I say, that the atithority of the
station is much increased, by that respect which we
naturally pay to men distinguished as well by virtue
as by talents, then I can recommend, still more
strongly, the Right Honourable Gentleman, whom I
have named. I know it would be indecorous to men-
tion private life. But, without raising the veil that
,conceals plicate life from public observation, I may
appeal to every man who knows him, and ask, whe-
ther, in their intercourse with mankind, they have
ever met with purer principle, with higher character,
with more spotless integrity, than lie has ever main-
tained?—(Hear.) In times when the acts of public
men arc not lightly passed over—when motives, not
the most charitable, are frequently imputed to them
—the spotless integrity of my Right Honourable
Friend has been admired and admitted by all—( Hear,
hear). I shall now, Sir, conclude with moving—
" That the Bight Honourable Cnarles Manners Sutton be
appointed Speaker of this I louse."
Lord CLIVE.—" Sir, when I consider the impor-
tance of the situation of Speaker—when I reflect on
the abilities necessary to fill it effectively—and the
knowledge, both of the law and the constitution,
which are requisite to enable an individual, entrusted
with the office, to perform his duty correctly to this
House—l feel that a very great difficulty exists in
finding a person fit to undertake those functions.
When, in addition to this, I consider the temperate
feeling, the patience, the attention to the debates con-
stantly occurring in this House, frequently under cir-
cumstances which provoke animated discussion) and
arc calculated to call forth all these stores of know-
ledge, which a Speaker ought to possess—when I
contemplate the necessity which exists for the con-
centration of these qualities in an individual, I am
still more impressed withthe difficulty of procuring
one capable of filling the situation. It is his first
duty to preserve that cider which is so essential iq a
deliberative assembly. It is for him, paying proper
respect to the House, to restrain that impetuosity,
which sometimes occurs in debates, by a temperate
and well-timed appeal, without forgetting. what is
due to the individual in error—and, on every ocea-
sion, when circumstances 'required it, he should be
prompt in manifesting that knowledge, and, I must
add, that impartiality, without which the Chair can-
not be properly filled. In addition to these duties,
let me not forget others of a very important nature—
and not the less important, because -a6t seen by the''
public eye. Those Bills, by which million& &pro.'
peaty are disposed of, are placed especially under
his observation—to him is allotted the laborious task
of examining them. There it cm; qualification, which,
beyond all others, is necessary in the formation of a
Speaker—that of bearing an unblemished and pure

put:die character. This ought to be considered in
choosing individuals for all great offices—but, in the
selection of Speaker, it is doubly important. Happily,
Sir, we have had, as my Right Honourable Friend
hai just stated, a certain degree of experience, during
the last Parliament, of the temper and abilities of the
Right Honourable Gentleman whom he has named
—and that, as it appears to me, under circumstances
of peculiar difficulty—he having succeeded an
indi-
vidual, whom, without meaning disrespect to ethers,
I must describe, as pevhapsrhe most eminent of those
highly-gifted persons,, who have filled the situation
of Speaker since the commencement of the present
King's reign—(Hear, hear). Of this lam sure, that
no man ever paid more attention to this House—or
more completely enjoyed its esteem and confidence
—(Hear, hear). Under such circumstances, the
Right onourable Charles Manners Sutton fulfilled
the complicated duties of Speaker, so as fairly to de-
serve the eloquent eulogium which my Right Hon.
Friend has pronounced. He had secured that cha-
racter in the House, for attention, impartiality, and
ability, which completely justifies my Right Honour-
able Friend in offering him to our notice ;his day.—
, That the proposition submitted to the House will be
supported, I cannot doubt—and I could not refuse
myself the satisfaction of appearing amongst those
who were anxious to do justice to the Right Hon.
Gentleman's merits—being perfectly satisfied, if it
sheuld please the House to adopt the recommenda-
tion of my Right lion. Friend, that, so long as he
fills the office of Speaker, he will perform his various
duties in such a manner as to merit our approbation
and justify our choice. He will, 1 am confident, sup-
port the honour and dignity of Parliament within
our walls—and, wheneverjt is necessary to claim an
interview with the other branches of the Legislatin e,
he will secure for himself, and for us, that res?ect,
which every well-wisher to Great Britain must al-
ways desire to be felt by each body in the State to-
wards the other. Under these circumstances, it
would ill become me, after the eloquent speech of
my Right Hon. Friend, looger to detain the House,
than while I state, that I most cordially second the
motion which has just been made."
Mr. BARNETT—" I rise to crave the attention
of this House while I express my cordial assent to
the Motion which has just been made, for the ap-
pointment of the Right lion. Charles Manners Sut-
ton as our Speaker for the present Session. Let it
be remembered, as no small tribute to the talents and
high character of this Gentleman, that he was called
upon to succeed a person whose great experience in
our Chair, whose learning, comprehension, and acute-
ness, made him justly formidable for his Parliamen-
tary knowledge to any successor, whatever might be
his character ; and let it also be remembered, that, in
following such a man, Mr. Sutton discharged the
high duties of his station with full cfliciency, and the
utmost satisfaction to all sides of the House.—( fleas,
Acar.)—l hope he will long enjoy, to his satisfaction
and that of the Ilouse, the dignified station to which
he is now about to be called, and that he will, conti-
nue to perform its various slid complicated duties hi
the same manner that he has already done, with
promptitude, integrity, and impartiality.' ( Hear.)
Mr. CHARLES M. surruN then rose in his
place, and spoke as follows—,, I never felt more real
uneasiness than I now do, in faintly endeavouring to
express my sincere gratitude to my Right Honour-
able and Noble Friends for the motion they have just
•
and the manner in which they have expressed
their opinions of my conduct and character ; and
also to this house for the manner in which it received,
the proposition, and the flattering speeches which ac-'
companied it. It is impossible for me not to consider
and feel how far my Right Hon. Friend (Mr. Peel)
has, in his proposition to this House to-day, through
feeling, of private regard, outstepped his usual accu-
racy is the enumeration of the qualifications he has
attributed to me. I owe to his liberal construction
of the performance of my duties the high compli-
ments he has; aid me—and I also feel, in the man-
ner in which they have been this day received, how
uniformly it is the characteristic of this House to ac-
knowledge and repay any exertions which are well
intended for the execution of the duties it imposes,
however limited may be their character and extent.
Of all this kindness and considerate indulgence of the
House, I, who stood so much in need of both, have
already had abundant proof. And yet the expression
of approbation of my former conduct in the Chair—
that expression too, from those whose good opinion
I must ever cherish as the most valuable reward which
an honourable man can receive—from those who wit-
nessed my humble services, such as they were, in the
discharge of my duties in the last Parliament—that
expression of approbation, 1 must repeat, is one which
necessarily calls forth my warmest gratitude, and
must ever impress upon my mind the deep obligations
which I owe to those who have conferred it upon me.
In every word which has fallen from the Honourable
Gentlemen who have preceded me, respecting the
difficulties and important duties which are to be per-
formed by the person who is destined to fill the Chair
of this House, -I fully and entirely concur. They are
difficulties in their nature sufficient to make the man,
be he whom he may, distrustful of his own abilities.
I am, I am sure distrustful' f mine for the due dis-
charge of so high a trust but yet I can earnestly
assure this House, that if it a second time confers
upon me the high honour of filling its Chair, 'my
most constant and unwearied efforts shall be directed
to the fulfilment of the trust reposed. in me—relying
now, and at all times, that I shall receive a continu-
ance of that of which I have already had such an
abundant experience—l mean the indulgence and
kindness of the House, in construing my efforts to
support the dignity of the Chair."
Loud cries of 66 Chain_ chair!" followed the deli-
very of this speech, and Mr. CHARLES MANNalti
&revert was conducted from his seat to the Chair by
Mr. Pen. and Lord Cravz ; when he took his seat,
he was loudly cheered from all sides of the House.
The Right Hon. Gentleman then rose in the Chair,
and addressed the House as follows :
“ In offering my most respectful and cordial
thanks to the House for having conferred upon me
the .highest 'honour which it has in its power to be-
stow, I have only, with the utmost sincerity, to assure
the House, that I will strain every nerve to justify
the choice it has made, and retain the confidence
which led to that choice, by a straight, steady, faith-
ful, and impartial discharge of the duties you have
entrusted to me."—( Loud cries of Hear, hear.)

Mr. CANNING 'then rose and said—g' tkingta
move the adjournment of this House, and in ad,
dressing you, Sir, fur the first time since yon vete
called on to till that Chair, I cannot refiain t;003
offering my congratulations, nor so much to you,
to whom they are yet so largely due, but to
House itself, upon the choice which it has just made
of a Member to preside over its deliberations—ft./4i,
hear). The various and important functions l)?1,t
ing to your high station, Sir, have been already
aptly and eloquently enumerated and dwellel upra
by the Gentlemen who have preceded me, that rb.
thing of description of those functions remain for me
to attempt to elucidate. What we have just hosed
from you, Sir, is a striking proof of your just use
of the station you fill, how greatly you uuderstand
your various duties, and how firmly determilled voa
are to discharge them, as becomes the Speaker a
House—(Near). But, Sir, whatever implicit crt.t
we may be disposed tb pay to the pmmise ax
declarations of a man of honour and ilitegriN„
have yet, on the present occasion, something In
than promises and declarations, however justly
they may be appreciated; to assure us of tba fa-
ment of our expectations, that you will dischnr.
your duty as you ought. We have, Sir, year
example—we have the experience of your owa •
vice in the same capacity in th.: last l'arliar.re:...
which gave us the fullest (npectation, if .not
most implicit confidence, o:at you would ev•rci..
your efforts to support and assert the priyile;tr
which belong to this House. You, Sir, were la.
year electe.t alter a contest with a Gcrtlemat.
be put in competition with whom -w as
ragement, hat, on the contrary, a cre,iit
man, be his character what it tray—Wear,lc..l
Yet I am not sure whether the contest on that ylf
or the unanimity on this, reflects the greater creel
upon you, or, indeed, upon all the parties concenie.
Oa the past occasion. the Members, while deciiiin'
between the talents and pretensions of each parz..
naturally threw into the scale of one and the othi
their predilections and prevaiences—yet in no one it.
stance was the slightest disposition shewn to undo
value the qualifications of the respective Candidate,
The unanimity which has bean now shewn in your re.
election is a compliment to you,. Sir, as high as it i
wise—it is high, because it is the homage which we pat
to your efficacy and integrity in the discharge of you:
duties—and it is wise, because it shews to you, Sir.
that in the preference which we gave when you rex
joined in a contest with such a man as f'e to wham

you were opposed, we looked forward and expectedte
receive from you a more than ordinary atterricn,
diii-
gence and activity, in presiding over our delihmaiens
' That you, Sir, have redeemed our expectations, and
fulfilled our wishes, we have this day given you a
substantial proof—that you may long Ell that Chair
is the wish, I am sure, of every Member who hear
me—and I am equally confident I express the gcr.en.
opinion, when I say, that so long as ycv shall c.r.-
tinue to fill that Chair, so long we ate c-.i.led ta
expect that you will preside over all 0.,17
and deliberations with a wise, firm, and clEeient 2...:-
thority—and with an impartiality which, while
proclaims your fitness for the station you fill, will
render it at the same time evident to all, that you art
servant of the whole House, and not the: organ of
any particular party it may contain. Weexpect, Sir,
that you will interpcie your author ity with dignity and
temper, and that you will at all times evince an anxious
desire to confine our debates within the limits of order.
That you may long go on in conciliating the goad
wishes of all, is, I am persuaded, as much our wish,
as it is our confident anticipation ; and as you hate
united on this occasion all our suffrnges, so, I firmly
trust, you will on all future ones comm on! our uni-
versal confidence and highest respect— ihear, hear!.
As there is no business at present before the Horse,
it only remains for me, Sir, to move that we do nor;
adjourn."
M. BRAGGE BATIirIIST seconded this motinn,
and the House immediately adjourned without the
usual form of putting the question from the Chair,
the Speaker not being formally invested with thr
duties of his office, until he receives the concurreit:
of the Crown to his nomination by the House.

THE EVENING STAR,

LONDON.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1319.
THE FUNDS.

PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLCCR :
Bank Stock 269 2681—Bank Long Inns, 201 6-16
Reduced 78i14-3 per Cent. Cons. 773 a et. div.
Cons. for Account, 791-11-3 i per Cent. 871-
4. per Cent. 96113-5 per Ct. Navy 106i1} ex. diy.
India Bonds 86 87 pre.—South-Sea Stock 863/
Old Annuities 78i—Olunium 11 pre.
Exchequer Bills (2d.) 19 21 pre.

A more detailed account than we were able to sir?
yesterday, of the proceedings at the opening of alf
new Parliament, will be found in our preceilitv,
columns.

After the Commons had returned from the
of Peers to. their own Chamber, Mr. PEEL, the laa
Secretary for Ireland, rose, and in a very handsorrx
speech proposed the election of the Right Iloa.
CHARLES MANNERS SUTTOK, who bad so ably
the Chair during the closing session ..of .the last-Par-
liament, to the office of SPEAKER. The motion
seconded by Lord CLIVE, supported by Mr. BAli-
NETT, the Member for Rochester, and. unanimoutii
adopted. The Speaker Elect was then conducted to
the Chair in the usual form, and returned thar.ks to
the House for the high honour thus coafeired upcn
him a second time. Mr. CANNING then moved ;in
adjournment, and (it congratulating the House cn t•`.c
choice they had made, availed himself of the opper-
tunity of passing an: additional and eloquent ado
gism on the Right Honourable SPEAKER.
At two o'clock to-day, the Lords assembled, whri
Mr. MANNERS -SUTTON, accompanied by scvrral
Members of the House of Commons, appe*ted ac
the Bar, and notified to ,tic lords cummissioncm

tiien
Lords'
ness tl
acting

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