The Statesman.
London, England, 1815-02-10 00:00:00

THE STATESMAN.

'vettli'ispect to the Fate of either of these frigate was
(Fite 4epentling upon the decision of
Sir James Yeo, whether they were found effective or
not. All lie meant to contradict in the conversation
alluded to, was the statement on which he understood
the lion. Mover to have made, that neither of these
frigates wns conveyed to the Lake.
The motion was agreed to.
FINANCE.

Mr. TIERNEY requested some explanation from
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as to the new plan
of Finance, which he had announced his intention
of bringing forward on Friday next, and also whe-
ther lie proposed to lay any papers on the table, and
of e bat nature, illustrative of his object? He (Mr.
T.) requested this information, in order that other
Gentlemen might be afforded an opportunity of con-
sidering whether any, and what farther papers might
be necessary to the House, with a view to the due
understanding of the subject.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
said, he was glad that the Right Honourable Gentle-
man had put this question, because it afforded him
an opportunity of correcting the Right Honourable
Gentleman's misapprehension of his object; for he
had no intention of proposing any new plan of Fi-
nance, nor of entering into any general details that
could require precious enquiry—nor of submitting
any measure to bind the judgment of the House.
Mr. TIERNEY understood the object of the
Right Honourable Gentleman to be the proposition
of some substitute for the Property Tax. If so,
then the Right llon.•orable Gentleman must have in
view some new plan of finance; some provision for
the supply of the year, in lieu of the Property Tax.
On a measure of such magnitude, he thought it ob-
viously necessary that the House should be furnished
with some previous information as to the Right Hon.
Gentleman's views, before it was called upon to
decide.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUF:R de.
dined to enter into any premature explanation of his
object—[ Hear, hear! on the Ministerial side]—but he
would repeat, that the measure which he had in view
required no previous enquiry, but would merely eon.
sist of a resolution, founded upon Etn ordinary state.
ment, by which resolution, however, he did not at
all propose to tie the judgment of the House.

Mr. PONSONBY felt it impossible even to guess
at the Right Honourable Gentleman's object, from
what he had thought proper to state. He wished to
know distinctly whether it was the intention of the
Right Honourable Gentleman on Friday nest to en.
ter into the general establishments of the country, or
to state the probable espence of a permanent peace
establishment 2

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER re-
plied, that lie had no intention of entering into any
statement as to the peace establishment.
Mr. TIERNEY wished to know something of the
nature of the Ways and Means which the Right
Honourable Gentleman proposed to bring forward,
and what Vote of Supply these Ways end Means
were meant to meet?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER. la-
melded that his object did not appear intelligible to
' the Right Honourable Gentlemen. His view was
simply this, that as he had no intention of proposing
the continuance of the Property Tax, he meant to
submit a Resolution to the House, that another meit
i sure of financial supply was necessary.
Mr. WHITBREAD thought it extraordinary that
the Rig:it Honourable Gentleman should think the
House necessarily obliged, under existing circum-
stances, to resolve upon providing a substitute for
the Property Tax, which, according to law, must
conclude at a certain period after the conclusion of
the war. Such a tax should not, of course, require
a substitute. But lie wished to know from the Right
Honourable Gentleman when that arrival was to
take place, which must necessarily gratify the Right
Honourable Gentleman's natural anxiety to seal his
mouth in that House, upon questions of general po.
licy ; what time the Noble Lord (Castlereagh)
was expected, and whether he was likely to be pre-
. sent on Friday next ? lie also desired to learn,
whether the Right Honourable Gentleman intended
l'on Friday to enter into any general statement of the
finances of the year; whether he proposed to bring
forward what was commonly called the Budgets ?
Mr. BA RING conceived, that it was not too
much to expect some explanation of the Right Ho-
',filtrable Gentleman's views, in order that the
House sbould have the means of forming an opinion
before it was called upon to decide. it certainly
appeared extraordinary to apply to the House for
the adoption of any Resolution upon au important
measure of finance, without affording it any oppor-
tunity of previous consideration respecting its merits.
The Right Honourable Gentleman had, no doubt,
said, that he did not propose on Friday to bring for.
rd any permanent arrangement, but still it must be
inconvenient and disagreeable to the House to be
called upon in a hurry, and without any previous in.
formation or enquiry, to decide as to a Irsaaaore of
such consequence as the protisiOn of a substitute for
the Property Tax.
Mr. PONSONBY observed, that the usual course,
on proposing any new measure of finance, was to
state the necessity which called for it, and the ob-
jects to which its produce was to be applied. But
the mode of proceeding announced by the Right Ho-
, nourable Gentleman was altogether new ; for he
proposed to call upon the House to vote an impor-
tant financial resolution, without stating how or
whether any financial supply was necessary—without
stating what amount of naval or military force it
was proposed to maintain—without stating what the
ex pence of the future establishments of the country
was likely to be. Such a course of proceeding lie
had no hesitation in pronouncing as totally new and
unprecedented, and he would appeal to those who
were experienced in the practice of the House, whe-
ther they remembered any case whatever in which a
Supply was voted without any explanation of the ob-
ject to which it was to be applied ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
said, that he required no farther confidence from
the Hot N than was usually granted to persons in
his siqr; t on—pear, hear! on the Ministerial
aide)—and that if he could be found to propose any
vote contrary to usual practice. he would abide by
the issue. He concluded with repeating, that it was
not meant to pledge the House to any financial mea.

sure by the Resolution which he proposed to bring
forward.

-...-.
A Petition was presented from Nottingham against
the Property Tax.—Ordered to lie on the table.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER
gave notice of a motion for Wednesday next, re-
specting the exclusive Trade of the South Sea Com.
pany.—Adjourned till to-morrow.

Mai is
I isbon
liambeirgh
Holland
Malta ........ .

thee

PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAI AT ONE ivcLoCh
d;►ni `!iii 8 1.-Hg. Ann 16 5-16 j
J per (em. tted. 6111 India 13,,nds li 16 p
i per Cent. Cun,. 6411 Exchequer Hill, 6 3 p
4 per Cents. 6'21 11 0 ' m4l d
5 per Cent. Navy 9-11; Consols fur Ace. 64111

THE STATESMAN.

LONDON:

FRIDAY, FEBRUA ItY 10, IRI 5.

A Dutch Mail arrived this forenoon. It brings
some Brussels and Vienna intelligence, which, in
the piesent dearth of Continental news (for we
have no French Papers. to-day) is worthy of atten-
tion. The information from Vienna is not so late
by a day (the 25th) as the accounts we had yester-
day ; yet it states circumstances of importance, which
the letters of the 26th failed to notice. It was ge-
nerally affirmed, at the date of the letter which we
quote, that the treaty of general pacification had been
concluded, and that, in consequence of the principal
points being thus settled, the Emperor of Rossia had
determined not to wait the celebration of the birth-day
of the Emperor of AUSTRIA. But how have affairs
been settled—honourably and satisfactorily to all ?
We fear not. The very reverse seems to be the case. It
is added in the very article which brings this state-
tnent, that persons who hare catefolly watched the
progress of the business of the negociations, and the
manners of the negociating Powers, for the last fort.
night, that the Russian and Prussian Governments
are wholly at variance with the plans of Austria,
England, and France ; and that they, therefore,
do not credit the rumottr,of adjustment.
It is observed that the Prussian troops are canton-
ed on one side of the Rhine, and in motion towards
Cleves, Dusseldorff, and Wesel ou.the ether. Move.
ments are also observed among the French troops at
Metz, Charleville, &c.
VIENNA, JAN. 25.—1 t is at this'moment generally
affirmed, that the Treaty is concluded ; this hope is
excited by his Majesty the Emperor of Russia having
said, as it is asserted, that he shall not wait to
celebrate the birth-day of the Emperor of Austria,
as his presence here till that time would not be ne-
cessary. This is considered as a sign that the prin-
cipal points are decided. But persons who have
carefully attended to the progress of the opera-
tions for the last fortnight think they have
observed, that the measure of the Russian
and Prussian Governments, are wholly at variance
with the plans of Austria, England, and France,
and they, therefore, do not credit this report. Of a
journey of the King of Saxony to Vienna, or to an-
, other city of the Austrian States, no thought seems
to have been entertained. But whatever may be the
result of the negociations, and notwithstanding the
mystery in which they are involved, we can place
unbounded confidence in the great Statesmen who'
direct them, and are assured that (thanks to the in-
fluence of Austria) they will end happily.
BRUSSELS, Fee. 4.—The changes in the position
of the Prussian troops are not yet well decided, and
we are still unable to explain them. The grand
head-quarters ore on the right bank of the Rhine,
and those of the several corps on the left, at Treves,
Luxemburg, Liege, Dusseldorff, and :Wesel. It is
observed that the artillery, the ckielry, and the
miltary equipages and baggage go towards Cleves
Dusseldorff, and Wesel ; a great part of the cavalry
has taken the same route, but the infantry seems
merely to have changed its cantonments. Within a
few days movements have been observed among tho
French troops at Metz. Thionville, Sarre-Louis,
Sedan, and Charleville ; for the rest all is perfectly
quiet on the French and Belgian frontiers.
We learn from Calais, that orders have been given
for packet-boats and light vessels to boat all times in
readiness to convey couriers. Several couriers lattily
passed through Calais within 36 hours.
GcNo.t, JAN. 21.—Letters from Palermo say,—
" Far from arming to attack Murat, we only take
the necessary precautions to secure ourselves from an

invasion by this conqueror, who persists in calling
himself King of the Two Sicilies, and who, to get
the march of Ancona, pretends to enforce, at Con-
gress, his claims upon our islnd. The Court of
Palermo has wholly confided its interests to the
Powers who are united to it by the ties of blood or by
treaties."

'Our Readers will perceire by our Parliamentary
Report, the sort of figure which Miniiters cut in the
House last night. They did not venture to propose
an Ar!jou rnment, though they never stood more in need
of some such screen for their imbecility. The inde-
pendent Representatives of the people were at their
post, and it was with pleasure we observed the rery
first opportunity embraced to call attention to the
financial state of the country, and of requiring from
those men who would give us to understand that'
Europe owed its salvation to them (.il►ation in•

deed!)—some information of what is now transat
ing at Vienna—some assurance that the British M
nister, or the Cabinet from which he was sent, 111,1
not disgraced the country by being accessary to o,„
flagrant breaches of plighted faith, the
sand the utter disregard to the feelings and rights ,f
independent states, which seem to characterise the
proceedings of the Congress. Upon this point, se
important to the honour, and of course, the interests
of this great enapire, the mouths of Ministers ;,ere
sealed with as pertinacious a silence, or as kit k
conviction of ignorance as before. It was in rate
i that it was represented it might he well to do
I with those unfavourable impressions, and that pailifel
and injurious anxiety which the want or, authentic
information, and the prevalence of all sort of ru.
'flours had created, and left to prey so long on the
' public mind—they said not, with that regard which
is ever due to public feeling, especially when it is
deeply interested in the cause of justice, liberty, and
right, "the darling charge which you wished so mutt,
to see preserved, and to the protection of which we
have asked you to contribute so moth, is safe—we
have succeeded in keeping it froth violation in the
midst of Imperial ravishers—we have held the ensi2s
of justice, of human, and of national right, Nis
oversthe abyss of universal convulsion and the heads
of tyrants, and caused it be respreted; and see what
rays of additional glory it casts on the name of Eng.
land, to whoie voice the assembled Sovereigns of
Europe bow, and confess that to her they owe their
crowns and their character for magnanimity."—They
could not say this, though never was a Ministry blest
with such opportunities of exalting the British name,
' and of benefiting the human race. 'Twas silence all
upon the Treasury Bench,—except that the ULAN.
cELLon of the EXCHEQUER, upon• whom .all the
responsibility seems to have devolved, and who has
alone the fortitude to speak out, declared " once
for all," that lie should wait for the arrival of Lard
CASTLEREAGH, before he should give any informs.
!float to the Home on the subject of the-Oongress;
consequently, we may fairly infer, that Ministers at
home are as little acquainted with the results of that
assembly, to the support of which and its establish.
ments we have been contributing so liberally, as Ira
ourselves are.

As to the financial measures now to .Iticessary,
and in agitation, the same hesitation, uncertainty,
and unwillingness to give.information,was exhibited.
The presentation of a Petition on the Property Tax,
gave Mr. Postsoany an oppOrtuelty of putting a
question as tit the renewal of that odious impost.---
This produced a discussion, in which Mr: VANSIT.
mitt, antigen, with a feeling and a contusion that
showed the peculiar nature of his situation, that he
did not meat, le propose the continence-of this on..
popular measure. He stated, that, an the 17th inst.
he meant to submit a financial plan; and that, " io the
event of its adoption,'! he should not propose a re-
newal of the Property Tax. This answer being ob.
jectedto, as unsatisfactory, and a direct answer to
the question being pressed, the Minister replied, that
j the Property Tax formed no part of his new financial
plan ;• butte distinct and specific promise could not
be obtained from him, that, in the event of the rejec.
1 tion of his plan, he would not resort to the renewal
iof the Tax. Ile annexed as an additional proviso to
' its abolition, the condition of the non-ratification of
the AmericanTreaty,—so that here we are to be made
to depend still more upon the good will of the Ame-
ricans ! The nature of the new plan could not be
gleaned. An increase upon the Assessed Taxes, and
the subtraction of a large sum from the Sinking
Fund, have been both alluded to as forming the new
arrangement. The Minister also gave notice of a
motion for a Committee on Monday, upon the
Bank Restriction Act. lie added, in answer to a
question, that it was not his intention to propose the
discontinuance of the Restriction, but he declined all
further explanation..
The subject of the financial state of the country
is now become so extremely interesting, and our in-
terne' affairs are now so critical, that we need not
refer to the report of the conversation on this sub-
ject as important, desultory as it was. The acknome
ledgments and altered conduct of Ministers elks.*
the effect of that firm and constitutional stand which
1 the people have made against an unjust and impoliac
measure, and which they ought ever to make when-
ever it is evident that their rights, their properties,
and their privileges are in danger of violation. We
much err, if some of the measures to be had recourse
to as substitutes for the Property Tex, (for re-
form and retrenchment, we apprehend, form no pelt
of the new plan), are not to the full as objectionable as
I the resource from which they ha►e been driven. It is
understood that one part of the forth-cooing plan is
to treble the Assessed Taxes, a measure whieft-inust
fall with annihilating weialit on the middling class.a
of society. Now mark the consequences of Minis•
terial folly, and how the past is made to embitter the
present and the future. Without referring to the
immense sum which will he required for the service et
the year, enormous as are our establishments of all
sorts,—without taking into the calculation the Six's-
Millions of .outstandiug Debt; the " sanding•:rp"
Bills from the Peninsula ; the Portuguese and Belgic"
Armies in our pay—it is obvious, that even had the
Income Tax continued, some new and most impor.
rant measure of finance mast have been necessary to
meet the demand. Taking- the Assessed Taxes at
eight millions hich is infinite'. beyond their pro.
duce), does the CHANCELLOR of Ho Excemqvut se+