THE

Parliamentary Debates

During the Fourth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, ap-
pointed to meet at Westminster, the First Day of
February 1816, in the Fifty-sixth Year of the Reign of
His Majesty King GEORGE the Third [Sess. 1816.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

it has been since that time his Royal Thursday, February 1, 1816. Highness's most earnest endeavour to

promote such arrangements as appeared THE Prince REGENT'S Speech on to him best calculated to provide for the OPENING THE SEssion.] This day, in consequence of the indisposition of his lasting repose and security of Europe. royal highness the Prince Regent, the

w In the adjustment of these arrangeSession was opened by commission. The ments, it was natural to expect that many Lords Commissioners were, the archbishop difficulties would occur; but the Prince of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Regent trusts it will be found that, by duke of Montrose, the earl of Harrowby, moderation and firmness, they have been and earl Bathurst. The gentleman usher of the Black Rod was then sent to desire

effectually surmounted. the immediate attendance of the Com

“ To the intimate union which has hapmons. Soon afterwards the Speaker, ac- pily subsisted between the allied powers, companied by a number of members, the nations of the continent have twice came to the bar; when the Lord Chan-owed their deliverance. His Royal Highcellor, one of the said commissioners, ness has no doubt that you will be sensible made the following Speech to both of the great importance of maintaining in Houses :

its full force that alliance, from which so “ My Lords and Gentlemen ;

many advantages have already been de“ We are commanded by his royal rived, and which affords the best prospect highness the Prince Regent, to express to of the continuance of peace. you his deep regret at the continuance of “ The Prince Regent has directed his Majesty's lamented indisposition. copies of the several Treaties and Con

“ The Prince Regent directs us to ac- ventions which have been concluded to quaint you, that he has had the greatest be laid before you. satisfaction in calling you together under “ The extraordinary situation in which circumstances which enable him to an the powers of Europe have been placed, nounce to you the restoration of peace from the circumstances which have ata throughout Europe.

tended the French Revolution, and more “ The splendid and decisive successes especially in consequence of the events of obtained by his Majesty's arms, and those last year, has induced the Allies to adopt of his Allies, had led, at an early period precautionary measures, which they con. of the campaign, to the re-establishment sider as indispensably necessary for the of the authority of his most Christian Ma- general security jesty in the capital of his dominions ; and “ As his Royal Highness has concurred (VOL. XXXII.)

(B)

before you.

in these measures, from a full conviction, an arrangement highly honourable to the of their justice and sound policy, he relies British character, and which cannot fail confidently on your co-operation in such to augment the security and internal prosproceedings as may be necessary for car- perity of that valuable possession. tying them into effect.

“ The operations in India have led to

an armistice, which gives reason to hope “Gentlemen of the House of Commons;

that a peace may have been concluded on “ The Prince Regent has directed the terms advantageous to our interests in that Estimates for the present year to be laid part of the world.

" At the close of a contest so extensive “ His Royal Highness is happy to in- and momentous as that in which we have form you, that the manufactures, com- been so long engaged in Europe, and merce, and revenue of the United King- which has exalted the character and milidom are in a flourishing condition. tary renown of the British nation beyond

“ The great exertions which you enabled all former example, the Prince Regent him to make in the course of the last cannot but feel, that under Providence he year, afforded the means of bringing the is indebted for the success which has atcontest in which we were engaged to so tended his exertions, to the wisdom and glorious and speedy a termination. firmness of parliament, and to the perse

“ The Prince Regent laments the heavy verence and public spirit of his Majesty's pressure upon the country which such people. exertions could not fail to produce; and « It will be the Prince Regent's conhis Royal Highness has commanded us to stant endeavour to maintain, by the justice assure you, that you may rely on every and moderation of his conduct, the high disposition on his part to concur in such character which this country has acquired measures of economy, as may be found amongst the nations of the world: and his consistent with the security of the coun- Royal Highness has directed us to express try, and with that station which we oc- his sincere and earnest hope, that the cupy in Europe.

same union amongst ourselves, which has “ My Lords and Gentlemen;

enabled us to surmount so many dangers,

and has brought this eventful struggle to u The negociations which the Prince so auspicious an issue, may now animate Regent announced to you, at the end of us in peace, and induce us cordially to the last session of parliament, as being in co-operate in all those measures which progress with a view to a commercial ar- may best manifest our gratitude for the rangement between this country and the Divine protection, and most effectually United States of America, have been promote the prosperity and happiness of brought to a satisfactory issue. His Royal our country.” Highness has given orders, that a copy of After the delivery of the Speech, the the Treaty which has been concluded Commons retired, and the following newly shall be laid before you; and he confi- created peers took the oaths and their dently trusts, that the stipulations of it seats : lord Francis Spencer, on being will prove advantageous to the interests of Levison Gower, on being created Viscount

created Baron Churchill; lord Granville both countries, and cement the good un- Granville ; general Harris, on being creat derstanding which so happily subsists be- ed Baron Harris ; viscount Melbourne of tween them.

Ireland, on being created Baron Mel. “ The Prince Regent has commanded bourne ; Doctor Ryder, on being created us to inform you, that the hostilities in Bishop of Gloucester ; lord Brownlow, on which we have been involved in the island being created Earl Browolow; and lord of Ceylon, and on the continent of India, Their lordships then adjourned till five

Grimston, on being created Earl Verulam. have been attended with decisive success. o'clock. When the House had resumed,

“ Those in Ceylon have terminated in the Speech of the Lords Commissioners

was again read by the Lord Chancellor, | These it would be the business of the
and also by the Clerk at the table. Prince Regent's ministers to alleviate as

The Marquis of Huntley rose to move much as circumstances would permit;
the Address in answer to the Speech of and he had no doubt that in this, as well
his Royal Highness. He began by ex. as in all other respects, they would do all
pressing his conviction, that the Speech that persons in their situation could do for
must have afforded the highest satisfaction the benefit of the nation. Parliament
to every one who had heard it, and that likewise, he trusted, would unite its en-
there was only one thing which must be deavours with those of the Prince and
heard with regret; and that was, the con- ministers, to promote the welfare of the
tinuance of his Majesty's indisposition. agricultural and commercial interests, so
Whoever considered the state of affairs on that, if possible, there might not be one
the continent at one period of the last heavy heart in the British dominions.
year, could not but bail with the highest Not being accustomed to public speaking,
satisfaction the restoration of the blessings he could not so well express the senti-
of peace, and its restoration in a manner ments which the Speech of his royal high-
the best calculated to ensure the long con ness the Prince Regent was calculated to
tinuance of tranquillity. Last year the inspire. He would however yield to no
demon of ambition had effected his escape man in attachment to his Majesty and his
from the place of his confinement, and family, and to bis country. The noble
had returned to France, to embroil the marquis concluded by moving an Address,
continent, and engage the nations of Eu. which was, as usual, an echo of the Speech.
rope in new wars, and fresh slaughter and Lord Calthorpe rose to second the Ad.
devastation. Upon this occasion the armies dress. He said that the speech from the
of Europe again united for the common throne, announcing as it did, the restora.
cause, and the different nations, animated tion of peace in Europe, had notified so
as it were by one mind and one soul, great a blessing to this country and to
combined for the restoration of the bless. mankind in general, as could not fail to
ings of peace and good order, and the excite the warmest congratulations, and
reign of darkness was soon destroyed. to awaken, by an immediate impulse, the

The noble marquis then highly compli- best feelings of the heart. He trusted
mented his royal highness the Com- that when the terms of the Treaties should
mander-in-chief upon the very efficient be fully examined, and the transactions to
state of the army, whose exertions had be fully investigated, it would be found,
been attended with such glorious success. that every means had been taken to esta-
We all knew the value of that royal per- blish the continuance of peace, as far as
son, who was entitled to the best thanks of human foresight could provide for it-
his country. By the valour and discipline that the councils of this country and of
of the army, under the conduct of that her allies, were not directed by any narrow
greatest of commanders, whose glory ris- views of local interests—that they pro-
ing in Spain had still continued brighten- ceeded upon the largest scale, and were
ing until it reached its highest splen- directed to the most extensive objects.
dour in the battle of Waterloo, a better This was a sort of pledge, that proper
prospect now opened upon Europe, and caution would be observed in providing
the hopes of a long continuation of peace for the future tranquillity of Europe. The
might be reasonably entertained. If the noble lord said he was induced to cherish
advantages of this situation of affairs was this hope still farther, from the spirit of
pot as yet so well understood in France forbearance that equally marked their
as it ought to be, it was to be hoped that character-a forbearance which extended
much time would not elapse before the itself even to our armies, and changed
good effects of the change would there too those who were usually but instruments
be universally felt and acknowledged. of vengeance into guardians of the pro-
The noble marquis next expressed his re- perties of that people to whom they were
gret that the great minister with whom originally opposed ; as if it was intended
the system of perseverance and exertion to show the Continent, not only how far
had originated, was not now alive to wit- Great Britain could forbear in prosperity,
ness its splendid success. The country, but how incapable she was of being pro-
in the course of this long and arduous voked by those threats of destruction so
contest, had certainly been subjected to often denounced against her. Another
heavy burthens and great privations. cause of exultation was to be deduoed

1

from the spirit of philanthropy in which appeared so doubtful, has terminated in a the: Slave Trade had been regarded. success unexampled in the annals of the Whatever differences of opinion might world. Such a triumph cannot fail to exarise on the other points, all would rejoice cite the most vivid emotions of joy and in the great recognition of African free- gratitude in my breast ;-joy, that the ca. dom. But the Prince Regent's ministers lamities of war, at which we all shudhad not only discharged their duty in dered, have been concluded-gratitude, prosecuting the war with vigour, and to a that the blessings of peace, for which we successful issue, but they had, by the pro- all panted, have been secured. Those viding for the maintenance of a large blessings, I trust, we shall continue to army in France, contributed in the most enjoy ; and, in the hope that every mea. effectual way, to the permanence of tran- sure will be adopted to procure their conquillity, The concurrence too, of the tinuance, it is my ardent wish that this French government in those measures Address should meet with the undivided afforded an expectation that the good assent of your lordships. I can no less understanding between both countries was refrain from the expression of my satislikely to last ; at least so far as was con- faction at the great leading feature of the nected with the disposition of the reigning situation of our country; I allude to the family. The noble lord said he could not means by which the peace, at which I resit down without expressing the joy and joice, has been obtained : it has been res satisfaction which he felt in contemplating tored to us by what, I confess, always apthe situation and prospect now held out to peared to me the most probable mode, this country. There were, indeed, parts both of its restoration and continuance of our domestic system that had suffered the re-establishment of that government considerably from the long continuance in France which by commotion had been and demands of the war; but he trusted overthrown, and by violence was excluded. that that consideration would rather unite These are the two main points upon which all in the feeling of happiness with which we are called upon this night to come to a they should hail the retur of peace. vote; I should have been wanting When they reflected that those difficulties in justice to my own feelings, if I had not had grown out of the unexampled exer- so far obtruded myself upon the notice of tions that were made by this country, they the House (however unnecessarily with would probably, instead of being dis- reference to the decision), as to request couraged in their hopes, be led to en- its attention to the sentiments I have just hance their estimate of the blessings of expressed. The Speech with great protranquillity: This, combined with the priety refers to future communications to assurance that such measures as were cal- be made from the throne ; and the Adculated to afford relief would be adopted dress moved by the noble marquis is careto every practicable extent, would leave fully and wisely reserved in the expresthem every thing to rejoice in at the sions it employs respecting the contents happy issue with which their efforts were of papers not yet upon our table. The at length crowned, Upon these grounds, noble lord who seconded the Address, he should second the address which had with equal propriety, has stated (as I was been moved by the noble marquis. glad to hear a distinct statement, though

Lord Grenville said :-It gives me sin- if he had been silent the fact would have cere pleasure, my lords, to find, that been implied) that when the documents there is not a single word in the Speech are submitted to its consideration, it will from the throne which does not meet with be the duty of the House to consider with my most hearty concurrence; and I trust attention the nature of their contents, and that the Address which has been moved in the terms of the arrangements that have consequence of it, will meet the unanimous been completed, and then to offer to the approbation of this House. Under such sovereign the result of their deliberations. circumstances, I should think it scarcely When the noble earl opposite, shall by necessary to trouble your lordships, did I direction of the Crown, submit them to not feel that it was a duty incumbent our consideration, I cannot but hope that upon us all to express our joy and grati- their contents will be as satisfactory as tude to Providence, that the new war, in the vote with which we shall conclude which we were so unexpectedly and so the business of this evening, in favour of unwillingly involved, and the result of the Address. which for some time, and to some minds, The Marquis of Lansdowne said My

lords, I feel it my duty to offer a few words, informed, I cannot sit down without at because I find it impossible for me to con- the same time stating, that I concur with cur in the Address proposed for your the most cordial satisfaction in that part adoption, as I most anxiously wish, with of the Address which refers more particuout previously stating, more with a view larly to the present state of our country, to future discussions than to the present and to the imperious necessity which question, the limits within which I must exists of making sacrifices for the attainconfine my approbation. With respect ment of great ulterior objects which sa. to the Address itself, I admit with my crifices we are all called upon propornoble friend, that it is most temperately tionably to make. I beg, therefore, to and judiciously worded, and that the accept (and I trust I may so accept it) speeches delivered, both by the noble what is said upon this subject as a dismarquis and by the noble baron, have been tinct pledge, on the part of his Majesty's strictly confined within limits calculated government, that there is every disposition to ensure the general acquiescence of the to concur with the other branches of the House; and, within certain bounds, I can Legislature in all practicable retrenchhave no hesitation in expressing my ap-ments of public expenditure; retrenchprobation both of the one and of the other. ments that the condition of the country To the extent of the warmest congratula- at the present moment renders imme. tions on the splendid success with which diately necessary. I hope that all pub. our arms have been crowned-to the ex- lic establishments that can possibly ad. tent of the expression of sincere joy at mit of reduction, will be restricted to the overthrow of that dominion established limits consistent with necessary economy; by military power, and which sought to and the expression of the decided sentispread itself over surrounding nations by ment of this House on this important sub. the terror of its arms, the Speech and the ject will have the effect, no doubt, of Address meet with my sincere and un- directing the attention of the country to qualified approbation; because I feel that it ; if indeed, its attention has not already no subsequent events that have occurred, been fixed upon it, and if, at the present or which could have occurred, would moment, on the meeting of parliament, it have power to shake that opinion, which does not impatiently look towards parliaon other occasions I have taken the liberty ment, for a remedy of the alarming disof expressing, and which I have always tresses prevailing among all classes of the been prepared to support. As to the ob- community. I trust we shall soon wit. jects or advantages since obtained-as ness the restoration of comfort and bapto the prospects to which we are now piness among the people, by the adoption enabled to look forward-as to the proba of the only solid remedy for the evils of bility of future tranquillity in Europe, and which they now complain the restoration the final attainment of those great objects of that relation and proportion between for which the war was originally under the burthens and resources of the country taken ; I think the House is not at pre- which some years ago existed, and which sent in a state of information mature has of late been destroyed, partly by the enough for the expression of an opinion. course of political events, and partly by Whether it be in the power of ministers the introduction of an artificial currency, to lay upon our table such documents as This subject, your lordships must be well will enable us to form a sound judgment, aware, imperiously calls for the immediate, I am not able to decide; but I am glad anxious, and patient investigation of the to find that it is the intention of the noble legislature. I trust, therefore, no unneearl at least to supply that information of cessary delay will take place, and that his which he is possessed, and which is ca- Majesty's ministers will give their cordial pable of production, to put your'fordships aid in a complete review of all the estabin a situation to deliberate upon topics of lishments of the country, with a steady such magnitude ; and until I have an op- determination to shun no inquiry, and to portunity of duly weighing them, I beg avoid all expenses not positively necessary leave to refrain from delivering any opi- for the activity of the functions of govern nion as to the objects which they may ment. In this view of that portion of the purport to have attained. Having said Address, I do consider it as a pledge on this much regarding the Address, with the the part of those who have the best means necessary reserve upon great political of redeeming it ; and it has therefore not questions on which weare not yet sufficiently only my sincere concurrence, but my