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of some members, that the forbidden mar- nerosity. The interest of the fortune riage would have been incestuous-such a which the lady brought was now to be declaration might be inserted in the pre- given up to her; and he saw no reason to sent Bill.

compel the husband to provide out of his Mr. W. Smith was ready to vote for the fortune for her future morality. Hethought clause, as he considered ihe present case that the House had no right to dictate to a very aggravated one. He could not him what he should give to lady Rosevote for it, however, if there was any berry, in case of her repentance and restatement of the connexion being incestu- formation. This should be left entirely to ous, as he did not consider it to be so. If his own feelings. The argument of the it was declared incestuous, it would ex- hon. gentleman would go to this extent, ceedingly hurt the feelings of many very that if any woman was elevated above her respectable people who were now married rank in life by a marriage, she immedi. to the sisters of their former wife.

ately became entitled to be supported out The Committee then divided : For the of the fortune of her husband in that rank, clause, 111; Against it, 20:—Majority 91. however she might forsake her duties as a

Mr. M. A. Taylor could not avoid bow- wife. If the interest of lady Roseberry's ing to the decision of so large a majority, fortune, 300l. a year, was stated to be quite although he had felt it his duty to urge incompetent to her support, he could not those arguments which pressed upon his see upon what principle the House could mind. He now came before the commit- undertake to carve out of the fortune of tee in another capacity, and must intreat lord Roseberry such an income for her as them to consider whether, if lady Rose would satisfy the hon. gentleman. berry should still have virtue enough left Mr. Serjeant Best could not conceive (as he hoped she had) to quit the con- how it could be contended, that a lady nexion with sir Henry Mildmay, it would who had conducted herself as lady Rosebe right that she should be reduced to the berry had done, was as fully entitled to miserable pittance of 3001. a year, which the jointure settled on her at the marriage, would be totally insufficient to support as if she had lived with her husband in the her in that sphere of life to which she had performance of her duties. He could not been always accustomed. It would be see what claim the lady possessed, upon insufficient for her existence in any kind any principle of justice, upon the noble of comfort, even although she were always lord. If she had any claim on him, it to live as an exile in a foreign land. He was merely on his humanity; and from concluded by moving as an amendment the character of the noble lord, he had no to the clause, that an additional 2001. per doubt, that whatever claims of that sort annum should be allowed for her mainte- she might have, would be attended to as

much as they deserved. It was not for Mr. Preston supported the amendment, that House to regulate the feelings or the as lady Roseberry had lost the benefit of bounty of the noble lord. the jointure of 1,500l. a year, which had Lord A. Hamilton spoke in favour of the been settled upon her at the marriage. amendment.

Mr. Lockhart wished, that the hon. gen- Mr. Abercrombie thought, that when tleman could inform the committee what lady Roseberry came to that House to dewas the fortune which the lady brought? mand a favour, it was for them to consider

Mr. Taylor said, that he was not ac- on what terms it should be granted. It quainted with either of the parties, but was, then, competent for the House to he understood that her fortune was 6,0001. judge whether 300l. per annum was suffiwhich in the 3 per cents. gave 10,0001. cient provision for her. As to the opinion stock.

expressed by an hon. and learned serjeant, Mr. Bathurst could not agree with the as to what lord Roseberry's feelings hon. gentleman (Mr. Taylor), that the would probably induce him to do, this fund for producing the moral effect which would have great weight with him if he he had anticipated should be taken out of conceived it as coming from any person the fortune of lord Roseberry. This authorized by his lordship to make such would be leaving no discretion at all to a statement; but as a mere opinion exthe husband to improve her circumstances, pressed in debate, it should not prevent if she reformed her conduct, but would be him from voting for what he thought directly carving out of his fortune that would be a proper provision for the lady. which ought to be left entirely to his ge- The Committee then divided upon the

nance.

Amendment :-For it, 69; Against it, 16; | return of our army from America, and

Majority 53.

THE BUDGET.] The House, on the motion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, having resolved itself into a committee of Ways and Means,

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in rising to submit to the committee the terms on which he had contracted a loan that morning, could not but regret that circumstances had made it necessary for him to propose that a provision should be made for the prosecution of a war on the most extensive scale, while the country was yet labouring under the burthens thrown upon it by a former contest. It would be in the recollection of the committee, that but a few months had elapsed since that House was employed in debating what provision would be necessary for the peace establishment of the country, and by what means the nation should be gradually released from the charge of the expenditure imposed upon it by the events of the late struggle in the cause of Europe. Scarcely, however, had the ratification of the Treaty of Peace with America arrived, before circumstances occurred which had led to a renewal of the war with France. The circumstances which had attended the landing of Buonaparté in France were of a nature so extraordinary and unprecedented, that they could neither be by possibility foreseen, nor prevented by any act of the British Government; and they were felt throughout Europe as an electric shock, which in a moment rouzed all its nations into arms. The Declaration of the Allies of the 13th of March, issued at a time when it was not possible for them to have had any communication with this country, proved that the impulse had not been given by England, but that it was the opinion of all the great Sovereigns on the Continent, that with a government like the present government of France, whose authority rested in no right-which was founded on oppression at home, and insatiable ambition abroad-there was no safety for them but in war; satisfied as they were, that such a power would labour to effect the subjugation of Europe, if it were not overpowered itself. This country had at that time made some progress in the reduction of its expenditure. The American war was at an end; but at the same time large demands were existing against the nation. Though this war was closed, it was still necessary to provide for the

He

also for the paying off of the large arrears which remained in consequence of that contest in Europe which had preceded it. These circumstances being taken into the consideration of the committee, they would not wonder that a loan, in its amount_beyond all example, should be called for; and be trusted that it would not be thought too great, when it was remembered that it was intended to meet not only the charges of a new war in which we were engaged, but also to extinguish the arrears of an old one. Though he regretted the necessity for it, still he could not but derive some consolation from the reflection, that the manner in which it had been raised would prove to the world how large were our resources, and how prosperous the state of the coun try. Undoubtedly it was satisfactory to him, that great as the sums called for were, and extensive as were the charges which the country had to bear, he had no reason to comment in detail upon the different articles which caused this expenditure, as they had already undergone the consideration, and for the most part received the sanction of Parliament. had only to recapitulate the supplies which had been granted; and what were the means by which it was proposed that they should be met. There might be some further expenses to be provided for, which in the course of his statement he would take an opportunity to point out. The total amount of the charge for the service of the Navy for the present year was 14,897,000l., and for Transports 3,747,000l. making together the sum of 18,644,000l. Here, however, it was to be observed, two millions were included for the repayment of the Navy Debt, and which therefore formed no part of the service of the current year. The different expenses on account of the Army amounted to 13,876,000!. The arrears of the Extraordinaries unprovided for, were 11,983,000l. For the Extraordinaries of the current year, including Ireland, a sum of no less than 12,000,0001, had been voted. The charge for the Barrack Service was 99,000l., which had not yet been voted, but which would be proposed in the Committee of Supply the same evening. This sum would appear uncommonly small; but he would shortly assign the reasons which might be expected to render it sufficient, and any further circumstances requiring notice would be fully explained by his right hon. friend

in proposing the vote. The total amount | justified in stating the supplies for these of the sums called for on account of the services, the accounts of which were unBarrack Service, was 250,0001. The dif- der the examination of the House, to ference between the sum last mentioned amount to about 3,500,000l. ; which, with and the 99,000l. proposed to be voted, 1,000,0001. voted as a coinpensation to was occasioned by a saving arising from Sweden for the cession of Guadaloupe, the sale of the old stores, and of barracks made a charge of 4,500,000l. for foreign no longer necessary for the public ser- expenditure, of which, about 4,000,0001. vice. The Commissariat caused a charge would be payable within the year, in ad

, of 4,100,000l. ; the Storekeeper-general dition to the 5,000,0001. voted as subsidies one of 91,6001.; giving a total on account to the three great powers, Austria, Russia, of the Military Service, of 39,150,0001. and Prussia. The total amount therefore For the Ordnance Service, the supply was of the charge for foreign payments, in4,431,000l For the expense of Subsidies cluding bills of credit, was 9,000,0001. this year to the Allies, the House had He should have besides to propose to Pare voted 5,000,000l. They had also voted liament a vote, to make good to the army 1,650,0001. for the re-payment of the Bills which had fought under lord Wellington of Credit created under Act of 1813; but the amount of the value of stores capthere remained other expenses to be pro tured by them in different fortresses. This vided for, arising out of the deficiency of charge, not being altogether of an ordinary the force which we were bound to main nature, would require some explanation; tain on the Continent by the additional but be trusted that, though considerable Treaty of Chaumont, and out of some other in its amount, it would be received with subsidiary engagements

. On account of favour, in consideration of what that army the Supplementary Convention of Chau- had achieved for the glory and admont, (he was not sure the sum he was vantage of their country. On the reabout to name was quite correct, as the duction of a fortress an estimate was accounts were not finally made up, but he commonly made of the value of the stores was satisfied it would prove nearly accu- captured, which were applied to the pubrate), there was a charge of 370,000l. To lic service, and afterwards accounted for complete the Subsidies granted to Austria to the captors. During the war in the under former treaties, a sum of 400,0001. Peninsula, the account had been kept in was necessary. This arose partly from the usual manner, but no payment had the circumstance of some stores which yet been made; and from the extent of were intended to be delivered for the the service performed in the course of a Austrian service, having been otherwise war which had continued for seven years, employed; and of some other stores hav- this charge formed a considerable item; ing been charged in the Subsidiary Ac- it was estimated at eight hundred thousand count which it had been agreed to omit, pounds: to this the sum of 142,0001. was and the value of which in both cases to be added, for the stores and artillery consequently to be made up in money. taken at the capture of the island of Java. The greater part of this sum had already It was proper here to observe, that in the been paid, and the account had been laid operations against that island, no part of before the House. He had stated the Bills the Royal Artillery was employed. The of Credit voled by Parliament, to amount artillery which was used there was directed to 1,650,000l. There remained the sum by the officers of the East India Company's of about 200,0001. to be made good to establishment; and therefore the usual complete the two millions and a half, which certificates, signed by the officers of the we were bound to provide by the Treaty, Royal Artillery, could not be obtained. together with the interest due; but for this in all other respects the ordinary forms sum he should not propose any vote in the had been observed, and the captors appresent session, as its amount could not peared to be entitled to the same remuneexactly be ascertained, depending on the ration as had been made in other cases course of exchange. There was also due when fortified places had been captured ; to Russia on engagements contracted but though the service performed was during the former war, the sum of about thought to come within the ordinary prin530,0001.; 100,0001. had been paid 10 ciples, and though the honour and accuSpain, and 200,0001. to Portugal, on a racy of the Company's officers were as similar account; and a sum was also due unquestionable as their skill and gallantry, to Hanover. He considered himself as the Ordnance Department had not thought

1

proper to issue an order for the payment | sent session, an important consideration of the sum which appeared due, without arose, whether it would be better that an first having the special authority of Par- extraordinary exertion should be made to Jiament to do so. He now came to the raise an unusually large proportion of the Miscellaneous Services. Of these a great supplies within the year, or whether it part had been already voted, but a part would be preferable to call on the public still remained for the future consideration only for what they had been accustomed of the House. The amount of the whole to pay in former years, and raise what he took at 3,000,000l. The supplies, then, remained wanting by, means of loan. which he would now shortly recapitulate, Much might be said in favour of eigher stood as follows:

course. For his own part, he had no 1814. SUPPLIES.

1815. hesitation in declaring that if he had conNavy 14,897,255

sidered it probable that a similar expen, Transports 3,746,945

diture would be necessary in future years,

13,644,200 he would at once, whatever the hazard Army

39,150,736 3,955,658 Ordnance

4,431,643 might be, have made an appeal to the Foreign Payments, includ

spirit and magnanimity of the country; ing Bills of Credit 9,000,000 and from such an appeal he was sure the 3,000,000 Vote of Credit

6,000,000 country would not have shrunk. From 200,000 Ditto for Ireland

200,000 Army Prize Money

942,347

the feeling which had been manifested in 2,500,000 Miscellaneous

3,000,000 consequence of the recent events, he was

satisfied that those measures, which the

£.81,368,926 wisdom of Parliament might think necesTo these were to be added those items to be borne by England, which come

sary to the honour and security of the under the head of

country, would be cheerfully submitted SEPARATE CHARGES.

to. But thinking as he did, that an exThese were as follow :

penditure to the amount of that of the 1,900,000 Interest on Exchequer Bills 2,000,000 present year, was not likely again to

290,000 Sinking Fund on ditto 270,000 recur, even if the war should continue
121,000 Debentures & Loyalty Loan 90,000
Vote of Credit Bills 1814,

on the present scale, which was what he 6,000,000 and Reduction of Ex. 6,000,000

could not anticipate, he had thought it chequer Bills

wiser to have recourse to no other means

than those which it had been usual for

£. 89,728,926 Parliament to adopt on former occasions. Deduct Irish Pro

However large the demand which had in portion of Joint Charge - 9,572,814

consequence been made on the credit of 8,107,094 Ditto Civil List

the country, he saw no reason to regret Consoli.

this resolution. The right hon. gentleman dated Fund 188,000

now proceeded to state the ways and 9,760,814

means which would be, in the opinion And there remained to be borne by

of bis Majesty's ministers, the fittest to England

£. 79,968,112 meet the supplies which had been voted.

He took the Annual Duties at 3,000,000!.; The vote of credit intended to be pro- the surplus of the Consolidated Fund he posed this year was to the extent of also took al 3,000,0001. It would be sa. 6,000,0001., and would be made good in tisfactory to the House to learn the grounds the usual way, by an issue of exchequer.. on which he estimated the surplus of the bills to the same amount. Aoxious, how- Consolidated Fund, at that amount; and ever, that there should not be too great a they would view with pleasure the inpressure on these securities, he should creased resources of the country. It might propose a reduction of three million from also be proper that he should show the those voted last year, besides the re-pay- grounds on which he intended to propose ment of 5,000,0001, issued on the last vote on a future day a grant of 22,000,0001. of credit; by these means the sum paid out of the growing produce of the War off would be equal to that which it might | Taxes. He should not call upon them to be necessary to issue in the course of the come to this vote that night, as it was present year. When it was foreseen tbat more consistent with the forms of Parliaan expenditure to the immense amount ment, that some portion of the ways and which had now become necessary, must

means of the year should be reserved for a be provided for in the course of the pre- time to meet any future grants which

1

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}

and

might yet be made in the course of the session. He, however, considered himself justified in taking the War-taxes at 22,000,000l.; the Lottery he took at 250,000l.; Old Naval Stores at 508,000l.; the Vote of Credit he had stated at 6,000,000l.; the Exchequer-bills Funded, and the Loan in the 5 per Cent, would give 18,185,000l. The second Loan 27,000,000!. These were the ways and means by which he proposed to meet the charge of the year, immense as it was. The total amount of them was 79,893,500l. This sum fell a little short of the supplies; but upon the whole he expected the ways and means which he had enumerated would prove sufficient. It was his peculiar duty this day to state the terms on which the Loan had been contracted for the service of the public. It had been the object of the Treasury to diffuse the loans called for, over different species of stock, in order to divide the burthen, to remove all inconveniencies to the public creditor, and to provide for the exigency on the easiest terms. This would be seen by adverting to their former proceedings in the course of the session. It had been proposed to fund 18,000,000l. of Exchequer-bills. This, in the first instance, they had not been able to effect; but subsequently on a loan in the 5 per cents. subscribers had gone beyond the 18,000,000l. by a sum of 135,000l. The sum, therefore, of 18,135,000l. was thus placed in the ways and means. The committee were aware, that by the loan that day, no less a sum than 27,000,000l. for England was to be raised; and as the 5 per cents. were sufficiently burthened, it became necessary that this should principally fall on the 3 and the 4 per cent. stocks. It was originally proposed that a larger sum should be taken in the 4 per cents. ; but on the subscribers objecting to this, 10. per cent. only had been given out of that stock; 1301. had been taken from the 3 per cent. reduced, and the remaining part of the 100l. was to be by a bidding in the 3 per cent. consols. It had happened singularly enough, as it had once on a former occasion, about eighteen months ago," that the sum offered by the subscribers, was exactly the minimum of what the Treasury had resolved to accept. This was a circumstance so far satisfactory, as it went to show that both parties met on fair and honourable terms, and arrived at the same point from reasoning in different ways. What further proved the correctness of (VOL. XXXI.)

the view which had been taken of the
case, was that four different calculations
had been made by four different persons,
and all had concurred in naming 441. in
the 3 per cent. consols, as that which
ought to be the bidding. The bonus
which the subscribers had was to be esti-
mated in this manner :—
The 1301. given in the 3 per cent.

Reduced, at 541, were worth
The 101. in the 4 per cent. at 697
The 44/. in the 3 per cent. Consols,

at 54

Total

£71 0 3
6 199

23 15 2 £101 15 24

The consols, being shut, there was no money price to them, and the times price was something more than the money price of that stock. The times price was 55; but from this one and a half per cent. was to be deducted, on account of the dividend to arise from the half-year which was about to expire; as no dividend would be paid to the subscribers to the loan on that stock till January next. This, therefore, reduced the value of the 3 per cent. consols. to 5. which made the total sum given to the subscribers what he had before stated-1017. 15s. 24d.; to which, adding the sum which would be allowed them in case of prompt payment, made an addition of 21. 13s. 74d. and the total 1041. 8s. 10 d., including the whole of the discount allowed to any who might pay the entire amount of their subscriptions at once. But it was obvious, the loan being on so large a scale, it would not be fair to expect that so many could do this as had so come forward on former occasions, and that when the monthly instalments were so considerable, there was less probability of payments in advance than when a smaller loan was called for. On this account he thought that not more than half the discount, at the utmost, could be estimated as a bonus to the contractors, which would reduce their advantage to no more than 31. 2s. per cent. The bargain therefore was not unreasonably favourable to them, and there was reason to rejoice that such a loan could be obtained at a period like the present on such terms. He would now proceed to explain the grounds on which he took the surplus of the Consolidated Fund at three millions. The actual surplus of that fund in the year ending 5th of April 1815, after deducting all charges, had been 3,647,000!., and would therefore have justified an estimate to the same extent for the current year, sup (3 F)

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