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situation of the lower orders, and the ample and Commons were feeble and ineffecmeans possessed by the higher classes of ameliorating their condition; and of rendering them at home as valuable for the domestic virtues of peace and industry, as they were and industry, as they were eminent and exemplary in every other country for their bravery, their generosity, and their talent. Unfortunately, said his lordship, hitherto there had been a concurrence of too many causes to calumniate the Irish character, and we think ourselves justified in treating them as slaves. Instead of feeling surprise at finding them so wild, so thoughtless, and so ungovernable as they were, the wonder seemed to be that their character was not rendered worse by our oppression.

Few years had occurred so little productive of ministerial and party changes as that which had just elapsed. It was passed on the part of opposition without hope or effort. The events of stupendous magnitude which Europe continued to witness formed the complete triumph of that system which ministers had pursued, amidst the strongest disapprobation of their political opponents. Perhaps, indeed, no human wisdom could have foreseen those circumstances which presented to Europe the opportunity of regaining her lost independence: but it is certain that the active and imposing attitude which Britain had assumed, and the full assurance they afforded of her vigorous co-operation, had a powerful influence in forwarding this momentous and happy revolution. It was by her efforts that the spirit of resistance in the Peninsula was formed into such a regular and organized system as could alone enable it to create an effective diversion in favour of the rest of Europe. Confidence in her aid had sustain ed the fortitude of the Emperor of Russia, and guided the councils of the Crown Prince of Sweden. The public in general did not enter very minutely into these calculations, but they saw the most brilliant success at tending the measures of the ministers in power; and a triumphant system is not easily shaken in the estimation of the people. The possession of Paris, and the certainty of peace, appeared to unite all classes of the community in one general feeling of pride and exultation, and the struggles of the opposition in the Houses of Lords

The debates in parliament connected with the policy of our recent conduct with respect to foreign powers were introduced by an elaborate speech of the Earl of Liverpool. His Lordship (March 24) observed, that it had been thought proper by the Prince Regent, to order certain documents relative to the late negotiations to be laid on their Lordships' table, with a view to some parliamentary proceeding on the subject. The events which had since taken place, however, had, in the judgment of the Prince Regent's ministers, rendered it unnecessary to produce these papers at present, especially as a new negotiation had actually commenced, which was fully expected to lead to a favourable termination.

Earl Grey confessed he heard the noble Earl with considerable surprise, as he could not conceive why the papers in question should not be produced even now. The declaration of the allies had been already published. It stated the grounds on which the negotiation had broken off, though not altogether in such explicit terms as he could have wished. The documents which were to have been produced along with it were not papers containing information on any new points: they were merely intended to prove what the declaration stated, to confirm the allegations made in that document, and to show that the negotiations had in fact broken off, not through any want of justice or moderation on their part, but from the unprincipled ambition of the ruler of France. He felt the greatest satisfaction at the events which had taken place. The whole had had that termination which was best for the peace and liberty of the world, and for the future repose and security of this country; with this exception, that it would have been bet ter if that had been done by the French themselves, without the presence of the allied forces, which had been done by them while these forces were at Paris. He rejoiced, however, at the event.

The Earl of Carlisle said, that it ought tobe remembered, that we were only one of five powers that were contending for the great objects which the allies had in view in

the present contest. Possibly the production of these papers, the exposure of private communications, and other circumstances attending the exposition, might occasion distress among the parties who had brought about those glorious events, which were so far beyond the hope of the most sanguine but a short time ago. He thought, that at the period when the thanks of that house had been so properly moved to Lord Wellington, some one on that side of the house ought to have said, that, so far as these transactions were concerned, the ministers had deserved well of their country. It had been his lot, generally, to hold the language of opposition with respect to their measures. But he thought it the more incumbent upon him on that account, when he really approved of their measures, to declare that approbation. Earl Grey observed, that his belief was, that the conduct of ministers had, throughout the whole of this transaction, been highly meritorious; but he could not say positively that it was so, until the documents were produced to prove it. He certainly, however, did believe that their conduct had been highly meritorious-meritorious, too, in those points on which, perhaps, it was least to be expected that it should have been so-meritorious in the offer of peace which had been made before the passage of the Rhine-meritorious in having again, on the 18th of March, offered peace to that deluded man, on terms which would have left with him the government of the French empire. He highly approved of all this, not because he was desirous that this man should have remained at the head of the French government, but because he considered these indications of just and moderate views, as having most materially contributed to the present bringing about the happy result of peace. He believed that, if the impression had not prevailed in France, that the obstacle to an honourable peace was to be found solely in the mad and unprincipled ambition and obstinacy of that man, we should not now have arrived at a state of repose, which, he hoped, would be lasting. Had the ministers given way to those rash counsels which had urged them to declare at once for the Bourbons, he believed that in stead of peace we should now have had a

most unfortunate continuance of the war. He joined with his noble friend in feeling the highest admiration at the conduct of the allies, particularly that of the Emperor of Russia. In return for the horrible devastation committed in his dominions, in return for the destruction of his ancient capital, he had taken indeed glorious vengeance, by a noble and generous forbearance in the moment of victory, and by stretching out his protecting hand to the people of that nation, the sovereign of which had so deeply injured him and his country. This had, indeed, placed him on an eminence of glory. It was his praise to have abstained, even at the head of a conquering army, from exercising any influence over the people of France in regard to the choice of their government or their governor; and such was the principle which he (Lord Grey) had been contending for these 20 years, the indefeasible right of every nation to regulate its own government without any interference from abroad. Seeing his principles, then, acted upon and completed, and only regretting that the French themselves had not done what had now been effected, without the presence of the allied troops, which might, perhaps, have a tendency to cause the character of these transactions to be regarded as something equivocal; it was impossible for him not to approve a line of conduct founded upon those views and principles which he had invariably entertained and inculcated. He was sensible of what this country and the world owed to the allies, and more especially to the Emperor of Russia. In leaving France, and looking back to his own states, it was gratifying to indulge the expectation that he might follow the same generous policy, and restore freedom to Po land.

House of Commons, April 21.-General Matthew presented petitions from the catho lics of Tipperary and Clonmell, claiming complete emancipation. complete emancipation. He had always. professed his readiness, should the eloquent member for Dublin not bring this question forward on the general petitions, to bring it forward himself on these particular ones.→→ From the great change in the state of affairs, he now thought it improper to bring the catholic question forward this session: he

allies had been confided, received those honours and rewards which he had so bravely purchased. Leaving the army which he had so often conducted to victory, he joined the allied sovereigns at the court of Louis the XVIIIth, and there, for the first time, met General Blucher, the most glorious of his fellow labourers in the deliverance of Europe. Little did they foresee in what manner the acquaintance which then began was to be cemented, and by what concurrence of events their names would descend in perpetual union to posterity. From Paris the Duke repaired to Madrid, where Ferdinand confirmed all the honours which the Cortes had conferred, and created him Captain-General of Spain. Returning to England, he was received with every mark of love, gratitude, and honour, which the Prince, the legislature, and the people, could bestow.

nevertheless remained a warm friend to full and free emancipation. His holiness the pope, surrounded by his reverend cardinals, was restored to the former splendour of his throne, and his Majesty's ministers ought to lose no time in opening a communication with the holy see. He understood that his holiness was willing to take any steps that might bring the differences between the government and the catholics to an amicable adjustment. He thought the communication might be made through Lord Wellington, whom he wished to see lord lieutenant of Ireland. It was strange that this country, once deemed the most liberal, was now the only one where civil disabilities on account of religion existed. The once bigoted protestant state of Holland, by an article in its recent constitution, had determined that all existing religions should be equally protected, and that the members of all had an equal On the 4th of May Lord Liverpool, in right to hold offices. In another constitu- moving an address of thanks for the recent tion-the most superb monument of human services of Lord Wellington and his army, foresight which had ever been erected, drawn descanted with much animation on the brilup by the greatest statesman perhaps that liant entrance of the British forces and their had ever existed, the Prince of Benevento, allies into the frontiers of France. The pashe met with an article declaring, that all re- sage (he observed) of the Adour presented ligions, with the fullest freedom of worship, the most arduous obstacles. Above Bayonne were guaranteed: that the ministers of all it would be necessary to pass several waters were to be treated alike, and were alike ad- at that period of the year unfordable, and missible into all offices. After such examples, the difficulty below Bayonne was fully as were any in this country so bigoted as to re- great it was great it was therefore necessary to construct fuse emancipation to five millions of good a bridge of boats for 400 yards, where the and loyal catholic subjects? He had changed crossing would be opposed by the army of his opinion of his Majesty's ministers, and he the garrison. Lord Wellington determined rejoiced that his efforts to assist their down- to cross below Bayonne. The heavy rains fall, and accelerate their overthrow, had been had impeded the movements of the army; unsuccessful. There was no man who would but at the first interval of fair weather, the not acknowledge that they had saved civilized enemy was driven from his positions, and Europe from bondage; exalted the country; twenty-five vessels were fastened together by and brought the world from a state of uni- cables of extraordinary size, in order for the versal war to a state of universal peace. If passage of the army. The French garrison it came to his vote, he should be glad if they however impeded these works by precipitatwere to remain ministers for ever; yet until ing timbers into the river, and Lord Welthe long-wished emancipation was obtained lington was obliged to return to his former he should continue to watch their conduct, position, leaving the passage of the river unthough not with a prejudiced, yet with a der the charge of Sir John Hope. He dejealous eye. termined to give the enemy battle. Sir William Beresford by a ford passed to the right of the enemy, whom he drove from the village of St. Bois. higher up the river.

In the midst of the general satisfaction impressed by the late glorious intelligence, and by the conclusion of peace, the immortal hero to whom the armies of Britain and her

General Hill moved Sir Thomas Picton at- ·

tacked the left, while another division attacked the centre. The enemy began a retreat, but in excellent order, until Sir Rowland Hill came down upon their right. They were then put to a complete rout. The numbers on each side were about 40,000; and it was not to be supposed that a victory over such numbers could be gained without considerable loss. Three general officers had been wounded, and there was another general wounded, whose wound, had it been attended with serious consequences, would have rendered the victory, upon the whole, a doubtful good. Sir John Hope crossed the Adour in a flotilla, below Bayonne, on the 23d of February, and overthrew a garrison of 2,000 men that were drawn out to meet him. The flotilla met with the severest difficulties in crossing the Adour, where there is always a surf: at length, however, the bridge was established, that the whole body passed, to the amazement of the inhabitants, who flocked to see what they could not otherwise believe. This placed Soult in such a situation that he was obliged to recede from the road to Bourdeaux, and a detachment was sent to take possession of that city. By the possession of this city, not only were supplies obtained for the comforts of the army, but it would afford a much more converfient intercourse between the army and this country. His Lordship concluded with moving-"That the thanks of the house be given to Field-Marshal Arthur Marquis of Wellington, and the army under his command, for the consummate ability, experience, skill, and valour, displayed by them in the victory of Orthes, terminating in the signal defeat of the enemy, and leading to the occupation of Bourdeaux."

Earl Grey said it gave him the greatest pleasure to hear the noble Lord's speech, not only on account of those topics to which he had adverted, but on account of those also from which he had abstained. Every man was satisfied that the tribute of applause and gratitude was justly due to Lord Wellington, for this last of a great series of splendid successes. He termed this the last, and God grant it might be the last! that it might be the last blood shed for the accomplishment

of the great, genuine, and only proper object of victory-peace.

Motions of thanks to Lord Wellington, to his officers, and the army, were put in the usual form, and carried without any opposition. The same kind of motions were carried unanimously in the House of Commons, May 10.-The Chancellor of the Exchequer brought down the following message from the Prince Regent:

GEORGE P. R.-The Prince Regent, acting in the name and on behalf of his Majesty, having taken into consideration the many signal victories obtained by the valour and skill of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, has been pleased to create him a Duke and Marquis of the United Empire: and his Royal Highness is desirous of further manifesting the high sense he has of his eminent services, which have exalted the renown of the British arms, established the safety and independence of Portugal and Spain, and contributed largely to restore the tranquillity of Europe. The Prince Regent therefore recommends it to his faithful Commons, to enable him to grant such an annuity to Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, and the heirs of his body succeeding to the title, as shall tend to support the dignity conferred on him, and at the same time furnish a lasting memorial of the feelings of his Royal Highness, and of the gratitude and munificence of the British nation. Similar messages were brought down relative to Lords Lyndock, Hill, and Beresford.

May 11.-Lord Liverpool said, in rising to move an address in answer to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent's most gracious message, he could not anticipate the possibility of the slightest opposition. Perhaps he should perform the duty he had to discharge, if he simply laid his proposition before the house, accompanied by necessary explanation: but though he might not have occasion to detain their Lordships longer than necessary, he could not do justice to the great individual if he did not, on an occasion like this, trouble the house with a few observations. Conquests had been made under the Duke of Wellington without parallel. If they were to look back to the history of

former times, when the glory of the British arms was raised to a high pitch of renown, they would be struck by the splendour of the military glory this country had acquired; but a comparison would be in favour of the great events which have recently occurred. It was in the recollection of this house, and every man in the country, that, a few years since, it was supposed that our military character was confined to one element. It was said, that we only held a high place on the ocean, and when our armies fought on land we could not be great. Those who made such observations did not judge rightly.Some supposed the character of the British people would suffer in a military point of view; others, that we were unacquainted with operations in the field; but he would now ask, whether there was the slightest ground for those observations? We have proved to the world, that England is not without military renown. The noble Duke of Wellington has elevated the British name; and his genius, joined to the skill and ability of the illustrious person at the head of the army, had made the British equal, if not superior, to any soldiers in the world. The house perhaps would reflect, that it was only four years since England was the only independent nation. All the other powers were under the influence of France. With the exception of the lines of Torres Vedras and Cadiz, defended by the noble Duke, all was at the disposal of the enemy. The house might follow Lord Wellington from the lines of Torres Vedras, moving forward in 1810, and see his operations, at the taking of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajos; follow him to the field of Vittoria, and see him plant at last the British standard on the walls of Bourdeaux. The noble Duke having conquered Spain, had finished his career of glory by placing the standard of Bourbon on the walls of the first city in France, to hail the restoration of their legitimate sovereign. This noble example was the work of Lord Wellington, and it proved the harbinger of the peace and happiness likely to follow. These were services which ought to be marked by some singular act of British gratitude. If ever If ever there was a man deserving a public mark of approbation it was Lord Wellington. Lord

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Liverpool had felt that he should have been wanting in respect to the house, had he not reminded them of the claims on which he had to establish his proposition, and he had only to state to their Lordships what the proposal was. The house knew that the measure to convey a grant to the noble Duke would originate in another house. It was there intended to grant to the Duke of Wellington, in addition to the former grant, an annuity of ten thousand pounds a year on the consolidated fund. It was desirable that it should be laid out in the purchase of land: therefore it was proposed to give authority to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to advance 300,000l. to be laid out in lands, and a portion of the annuity to be cancelled as soon as the purchase is made. In the next place, it was intended that the income of the lands should be equal to the sum of the annuity. His Lordship's experience in the purchase of lands had induced him to make this proposition. It was much better for the house to adopt this mode, leaving the individual, if he preferred it, to purchase estates out of a former grant made by Parliament, instead of cancelling the annuity. The noble Duke was entitled by the vote of Parliament on a former occasion to 10,000l. a year, 30001. of which might be applied annually to the purchase of lands, leaving the noble Duke 7000l. a year. The noble Earl concluded by moving an address to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, to inform him that the house would cheerfully concur in the recommendation contained in his royal message.

The Earl of Liverpool moved, in succession, the consideration of the Prince Regent's message, as applicable to provisions for Lord Lyndoch, Lord Rowland Hill, and Lord Carr Beresford. The noble Earl paid the tribute of praise due, first to General Graham, who had been considered second to Lord Wellington in the various operations in Spain and Portugal. The devotion of that officer to the interest of his country had been notic ed also by his willingness to proceed in a bad state of health to Holland, where he had sustained a most honourable character. Lord Hill he extolled for prudence, and having the entire confidence of Lord Wellington Lord Beresford was the subject of admira

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