The Statesman.
London, England, 1824-02-04 00:00:00

The Cause for which HAMPDEN fell is the Field, .*d SYD4l%—died ;oaf the Settfold !"

him, at having heard the statements with respect to public
affairs which were contained in his Majesty's most gracious
Speech. These statements were to him a satisfactory
assurance that the affairs of this country were in an im-
proving situatioo, and that we were tending to real and
permanent prosperity. He felt great happiness in having
to call the attention of their Lordships to a Speech which
contained fur the most part only subjects of congratulation.
There was, however, he was sorry to say, one topic upon
which their Lordships would agree with him in thinking
that they ought to dwell with feelings of lamentation—
he meant the illness of his Majesty ; and their Lordships
were called upon in a peculiar manner to regret that in-
disposition, because of the earnest and patriotic desire ex-
pressed by his Majesty to join with his subjects in the pro-
spect of permanent happiness which the present period
afforded. He was sure the House would not be backward
in expressing its satisfaction at the statement that the trade
and commerce of the country were flourishing, that an in-
creasing activity pervaded, every branch of manufacture,
and that such was the fruitfulness of oar resources, that the
whole people experienced the gratifying fruits in the
diffusion of comforts amongst them. It was fit and proper
that he should.now recal to their Lordships' attention the
ailloatton aibich Ibis conntrit had been placed, as 'com-
pared with the situation in which it now so happily stood.
And first, he would ask of their Lordships to'
remember how few years had passed since we
were engaged in a bloody and tremendous contest.
—Let their Lordships recollect that the enemy with whom we
were engaged was one of the most formidable which it was
possible to encounter. We had to contend against a mighty
nation, which had been but then recently erected into a re-
public; that republic, from its very nature, infusing a spirit
into the people of the country the most favourable for the put•
poses of war, bringing shout that energy and that violence
which always followed 'treat changes, nni these were coupled
with the circumstance of the notions and principles cultivated
by the new Government being of a nature to flatter the pride
of the multitude—these were the sources from which the ene-
mies we had to encounter derived their strength, their valour,
and perseverance. Such was the nature of theenemy that op.
posed us—thnt challenged our incessant activity—that by it,
uncompromising hostility to all order and sealed institutions ;
and because it carried desolation wherever Its arms were suc-
cessful, roused our efforts to resist its mischievous progress,—
But nfter the lapse of a little time the whole power, and weight
and influence of that republic were concentrated in the hands
of ono who, whilst he showed himself not unable to wielu the
government of such a force with effect, equally front his temper
and spirit, threatened the security of the happiness of all man•
kind. Their Lordships could not forget—for it had been often
urged upon them, that the violent ambition of that man had
menaced the very existence of this country. They could not
forget that these terrible Means of destruction were organ-
ized and set in motion by a man who, like the Itomen Em-
perors, concentrated in Isis own person all the power enjoyed
by the republic which had preceded his reign, and whose cha-
racter, like that of the first Roman E smeror, was such as to
melte him to unite in his person all the power that was 'threw('
through a variety of agents under the former eunstitutian.of
Government. Rut by the steady, undaunted, persevering ex-
ertions; of tl& country, this formidable adversary was driven
from his place of power, and that threatening and imminent
danger averted, and liberty and security restored, principally
by the indefatigable exertions of this country, which
would never yield—never submit to the terms of such an
enemy ; yes, indeed, on one occasiou we consented to
terminate a bloody conflict, in the hope that we might
put a period to the waste of blood, without any peril to
the hopes of security that were entertained by thereat of
Europe. But this compromise was. entered into in part
with a firm determination never to yield to the power of
France, and never to allow her despotic Ruler to obtaiii
the least advantage over us. It was a proud satisfaction,
then, that principally by the efforts of this country the
ambitious asd indefatigable enemy, Napoleon Bonaparte,
late Emperor of France, was reduced to a situation of the
most complete weakness. Bat whilst we rioiced in tile
event, and took credit to ourselves for the accomplish-
ment of a purpose of such magnitude in the means, and
such universal utility in the end, we could not expect that
we would have been discharged at once front the effects
of our extraordinary efforts; we found, after we had suc-
ceeded in our task, that we lead gone beyond the power
to which our resources exten led. We had, donlitless, re-
stored liberty—we bad iiiiia:;ed a sense of security
amongst mankind—we had establialird our own liberty
on a basis that promised to be permanent, but we sadly
and severely felt the results of the struggle. 1 lIst,•all 01
enjoying those comforts which were, perhaps, t.hi hastily
anticipated as the immediate consequences of a state of
peace, we were plunged into distress; there was a loss of
, trade; our manufactures were in a state of decay—
in short, lee must say, the country groaned under
the new peace; the general stagnation and embarrass-
ment had their effects on all orders of the country, and
dissatisfaction and discontent were spread through many
of its classes. But what was now the happy prospect
which the country presented, as described in his Majesty's
Speech? The country now was happy in the prospects
which its present situation gate ample reason to enable
them to count upon. Our manufactures were in full em-
ployment, our trade and commerce were flourishing, our
credit had risen to a height which he believed he was jus-
tified in saying was unprecedented in the history of the
country. These were all subjects of mach congratulation.
It was to him a source of great satisfaction that agricul-
ture, which had experienced the severest chock from time
effect of the late struggle, was now in a condition which
justified the favourable description of its i inprovensent
contained in the Speech berme their Lordships. Agricul-
ture was now as it was, truly stited, recovering from the
depression which had borne upon it. Ile was happy in
being able to hear out the terms of the Speech by the re-
sults of his personal experience. For if lie understood
the expression in the Speech correctly, it was meant that
agriculture had been progressively improving. Ile could
state on his own knowledge, that agriculture bad been
for some time undergoing a favourable change, and, within
a recent period, that improvement had been more rapid.
He was pleased also with the Speech on another ground,
because, whilst it stated the fart of the improvement to
have taken place, it also held out an encouragement to
the landed interest that it would regain, and retain, that
station and importance to which it was entitled amongst
the great interests of the nation. He was not aware that
the opinion was prevalent, but be did not hesitate to say
that the opinion was a mistake, which took it for granted,
that if property changed hands, things would go on as
they now did with the same prosperity and general satis-
faction. This was a mistake. He was aware that in this
great commercial country, it was a happy pert of the
system to get rid of the old feudal resttaiuts which pre- j
vented the removal of property from those bands in which
it had been originally vested. The change from the old
feudal institution to that mode which was now in practice,
was a change highly beneficial in a moral and politi-
cal sense. But it was quite another question whether
or not the same degree of happiness and tranquillity would
result to all classes connected with agriculture, were the land
to change proprietors; he did nut think that there would
be any thing like the same &Tree of happiness enjoyed by
those parties,if that change were to take place. Now pm-
prietors would find themselves surrounded by strangers--
the peasantry and all those whoUrpended on the soil would
have no connection with the new proprietor—he would

- - have no sympathies, no feelingoin common with them, and
the result would be We there would be neither happiness
for the one, nor securitrisfor the other. Before he quitted
this subject, he she& not fail t remind their Lordships of
the exertions which Fere main by the landed interest dur-
ing that glorious stile which was made by this country
against the commlipeelifeehr, - Though other interests might
have occasionally contributed more and exerted more ener-
gy in support of that‘truggle, yet he would he bold to say,
that on the whole hio interest had a larger share in provid-
ing the means of defending the country from the desperate
enemy that assailed its liberties, and its existence, than the
interest. whose imptovement he was happy to find, by the
testimony alluded to in this Speech, and by his own
experience, was rapidly improving from its depressed
state. During, the progress •of that eventful pe-
riod, to which' lie had • just directed their Lordships'
attention, it was a happy feature in the domestic economy
of this country, that the Noblemen and the Gentry under-
took. as they still' continued to discharge, to administer
half the judicial business of the country. The yeomanry,
inspired by patriotic motion, sod stimulated by example,
formed tbewvelves into organised bodies, for the purpose
ottoolitting-foreign 'invasion or quelling domestic feuds.
lie Was loamy .the able to eon tulate this
country ow-tlns im bich is so stalking in this
solid branch of the State. Having said ttint tench, it 141)
due from him to suggest to their Lordships that, if the
situation of the country was such in all its departments—
if the improvement was so striking. from a rondi•ian such
as lie had described, as immediately succeeding the peat:,
they were called upon to acknowledge that the Government
under which that change was effected had been conducted
on steady, wise, and patriotic principles. lie ball now al-
luded to several essential topics in his Majesty's Speech
several still remained of as important a character, to which
it was necessary he should direct their Lordships' attention.
Ibus far the circumstances of this country abounded
in topics of congratulation ; but the situation of a 7.-
other country, intimately connected with ns, was of a
very different nature, and called forth the regret of
every body. The sister country, Ireland, he was happy hi
being able to believe, was in the while much in-nde I in its
resources and temper. He was once resident in Ireland,
but that residence was short, and therefore lie should leave
it to the Noble Lord (Viscount Lorton) who intended to
second the Address, who ha I besides a great stake in Ire-
land, and was long resident there, to satisfy their Lord-
, ships of the statement found in the Speech. Respecting
the
measure of tithes, however, he knew himself that it
It Id already done good, and was extending its b;nefits.
But the Speech stated, that there was no danger that our
internal prosperity would be disturbed by the interruption
of tranquillity from abroad ; and, it is added, that nothing
is omitted on his Majesty's part to draw closer tali boons
of amity between Great Britain and Foreign States. Was
not this statement, at the resent ti ate, in tat encettraginfrt
and to be rejoiced in ? Even the lonz-pending and diffi-
cult neginiations, through our A 7ohissador 41 CUlli1:11111-
nople, between Russia and the Porte, were stated to be
drawing near to a favourable issue. With respect to the
Convention which had been concluded between his Ma-
jetty and the Emperor of Austria, for the settlement of our
pecuniary claims, for long-furnished loans nu tlic Court of
Vienna. he, for himself, must confess, that lie si as glad to
bear of it, as it redeemed the pledge of his Majesty's Mi-
nisters last Session, and, also, as some persons read tiouhted
the fact. The next subject he conceived it praper to touch
upon was Spair ; anti here, again, what was the simple
fact ? England, by observing a strict neutrality; had
avoided much bloodshed ; for seeing the -weakness of the
Cortes, we must otherwise have become the principals in any
such war: while our Government coal!' not felt I that harrier-

once in the internal affairs was required on aceroint of the in- 1 more become residents on their estates. But, ilionoh
teres's of this country. lo„, he woulit attk their I„,.,jelitp., much good has been done within the last five years, still
remains to he accomplish! hetore Ire-
the King to be supported by considerably more
us against the Constiottron?
Or teal the Constitution to he supported, on the other hand land can emerge from her present barbarous and aject
against the King? Events halt sliewn, what he believed state. lie would frrther say, that there was a great deal
which was altozether beyond the control of Ministers,
to have been so, that the Spanish Constitution was not
agreeable to the people of Spain ; it was, in effect, a Re- whatever might ba their dispositions towards Ireland. The
publican Constitution with a nominal Monarch at its bead; melioration of the condition of the peasantry most de-
tomb pend on the landlords, who ought not to neglect interests
it was without that joist admixture of aristocracy
which were inseparable from their own. In the year
constituted the principle of adhesion in well tempered
le"e2, a spirit to inquiry respecticg Ireland hail been steak-
monarchies,. and fitted Sovereign Powers fur mutual inter-
ne disliked. tii Flied, which was attended with the hest results. Ireland
rodese, while securing their stability.
affairs of this importance, all Ultratem ; it tended to in that year experienced a severe visitation. which, how-
ever, might he regarded as a blessing, considering the ar-
dent spirit of Cloristien philanthropy which it had called
vitiate good systems, and even to enhance, the evil of bad
ones. In the unhappy state of Spain. God only tould
forh in every part of England ;—a spirit never to he for-
know the result. If, notwithstanding., she were unhappy
gottee. as it had dime more towards rooting out inveter•te
in herself, we could not mitigate her miseries by plunging
err en.
than it'a the means that hail been resorted to for
Toe alteration in the tithe system was also prodne-
at once into war. into an unnecessary war. 'lt appeared
that one great misfortune of Spain was owing to the atre3.
live of some good, and the people were gradually becoming-
reconciled to it. Here he must not omit staling that a so-
greattNitor their li
estates;t ya nd Caonrdteshebreei being deinsuclodn rnangredbefirpoin reflecting residing o
on
uponrtie
c.iety recently formed, called o the British and Irish Ladies'
Society," deserved the gratitude of every linen who wished
advantages which accrued to this country from mix-
well to the interests of Jeri Ind. This Society, which was
lure, through residence, of the higher with the lower
Patronised by two of the Royal Princesses, hall for its ob-
Southorders in the State. With regard to the policy which
iris Majesty's Government bad pursued to the Provinces of
give employment to the female peasantry of that
country. either in spinning flax, which would increase the
America, which declared their independence, be iect to
confidently trusted that it would he approved by the tinge.
staple manufacture, or in any other industrious pursuit
Every thing hail been done by His Majesty's Ministers fur
which would enable the poor creatures to support them-
to those Colonies for the protection of our widely extended
We commerce of this country. They had sent out Consuls
oat these cursory remarks with respect to the state of Ire-
selves ie comparative ease and comfort. Having thrown
trade, but they had done nothing inure, and nothiug
more ought to be done. It was stated in the Speech land, lie entreated their Lordships to take a candid view of
able to the Government. L-t the people of Ireland be res-
Irish allairs, and not to believe that the evils were attribot-
that some edition was required to our Lind and Sea Forces;
cued from the demazogites who now abused their under-
hut, notwithstanding the increase of the expense so to be
standiage, and who wood urge thous on to acts that would
hoes' red, it will he in one power to meet the demand thus
.terminate iii their ruin. lie had now to apoloeise to their
called foraefter first providing fur the services of the year.
Lordships for havine. intr 'flexed matter witich might no:
lie now carne to the question as to Nero Slaves in the
be considared as altogether relevant ; but so anxious an
West Indies. This was, lie knew, a complex and delicate
interest did he feel on the subject, that be could not
subject, which he looped their Lordships would handle with
forbear from trespassing thus far upon their Lorciellipe
caution. But, it should be obeerved, that their Lordships
indulgence. (Hear. hear !) The Noble Lord concluaed
were not imelicated in the desire and recottotteodetion of
by seconding tile Address, ito which lie expressed his eutire
tie other House alluded to in the Speech. He could
cote urreuce.
agree in the propriety of amending time condition of the
Slaves in that quarter; but, in so doing, their Lordships
motet not hastily trench upon the rights of the Planters, The Marquess of LANSDOWN then rose, and be.ein
who had been encouraged by Act of Parliament. Let by expressing his satisfaction at the improved state of agri-
their Lordships do all consistently with •justice to both culture, as indicated by the Royal Speech, an improve-
sides; this, indeed, was the obvious line pointed out by meet which lied arisen, not so much from tile adoption of
common sense; and, if so, ;it was the fittest course. If, particular measures of legislation. as from the gr 'dust
upou the whole, we bad so rapidly recovered from the of- and natural progress of things. Fully sensible, as be al-
feet. of those miseries which followed the war of good gc- i ways had been, of the gnat difficulties which the
vernment, we ought to recollect that this arose from the country had to struggle with, in consequence of her
excellence of our Constitution —that system which was es- I enormous debt ; yet he never was one of those who des.
tablished by the wisdom of our ancestors, and he hoped ponded of the powers of renovation which she possessed
would be perpetuated in our posterity. It was among the I within herself. He felt particular satisfaction at witnes-
great benefits of our Constitution that it corrected all evils ing the progress which certain remedial measures had
as they arose;—(Near! from the Marquess of Lansdown.) made in diminishing the burdens and adding to the re-
-and he trusted we should never be so bewildered by vi- sources of the empire. Their Lordships woad readily
• -
'nominee as, like the dog in the fable, to mistake the she- perceive that he alluded to the remission of taxation dow for the substance. He thanked Noble Lords for which had taken place in the course of the last Session;
their indulgence. The Noble Earl concluded an address, and also to the great and ittiportant measure for extendoir
which enebodied the Royal Speech, and assured His Isla- time interests and freedom of trade, topics iv ich had : een
jesty of the sympathy and support of the House. frequently i dye ted to, aud ale ays with doubt and r itti-
laurd LORTON assured their Lordships that it was with culty. till a better and more auspicious period tang in al
feelings at once of diffidence and satisfaction that he toss I clearly to appreciate their merits. It was now asceriamee
to Fecund the Address which had been so ably moved by that increased freedom of trade conferred advantages far
his Noble Friend. The hopes which the Royal Speech beyond what the most sanouire advocates of the measure
held out were most exhilirating, and lie could net help could anticipate; arid it ebould lie known that relexatiol ,
coneratulating their Lordships and the country at large such, for instance, as those that had taken place in o 111
lon the nourishing state of our trade and manofacturi 5, as j I rate between Great Britain and Irelanu, wrre Olt air.,..:.
also on the progressive improvement of our litiancee. The', of removing ancient prejudices; while restrictions wotala