' '1 ' ' THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES IMK POLITICAL ^FEMENTO; OR, EXTHA( i S FROM VUK SI'HI'CHKS, Durni^: thr I.nsl Sic )'. .p-v, \ iiLM)i;i.i) (li iiic ^](><] uisii\(.risii;:i MiMi;r.!;s (JK JiOI!! IIOLSES OF FARLIAMFN'F, ON I Hi; roLKi , ( >\i)['(r. JM) rnoii.n:].}: iii:->rj:i OF 'J I IK HJi:. liV A PAKLIAMIA'J'AHV Klll'OiriT.K .\ ]n, 110.! I 1 J-. tllHll)ll (i ll( IjIvI iJl ,.( 's I; 111 tilt 11 v\a\ . A uuimiiit |)a:iNi'tli ere In i.ii tht in i . A litilr iiKinif lit i|(i-ii( rli t , c!; lav : '^.Kiii will lii< lt>cii)ii^ swci |) Mii'iru'i 'lu -, tile M v^.' . Tlir \\ I t iiin-t (jw II iiir Sf .:Ui -I |- .-l" ;.,i- W ... .1. Ail ' S|),ii;i ' how x;,i| w 'il Im 1'i\ II .' . .-.i :-.l '\ . \Vlii :i xiHi - (i.uil s \ iiliiii ( . \^ iiii I:, - \\ i'.j J- imli!'. i li. \llil tii I'l vll.llt \i''\\ liiN snll 111 ( 1..UU- |.' I i.:,l. - .;i.l (H 11. Ill f I \Ki I II - " , '>r i!i.(\ I i,'i\f .idv cntni ni, , ;'um-\ - ..: . \irl v;i, Ti, ;i 1,.,M li u.d L, tlir auhil r .1 i " .1 liiilf^ ii;lnrily r.oni ..ii\j'.i> I 'p , i; litiii^ LifSi'inl it ..11 11. . ..I s.i 'IV , ,.i'. \iiM |i.':iilin.: r.uii'|.i , 111, -in.' .1' 'Im I I.' < 'M ~>(..i;;i - ;!,',.ii|ci ii ..i<. i . i c ..,l:i,<-, imri .!, ^^ I ' ki.mI!.i :.' Hall. ;> Inn; ,, . .1 f!i. .i i, .nl, \ i.'l I .1 nr, w nil c-l,ii 1 ',1 111 1 . ,1 lA \\ 111. V 1 li II II ii . 1 li' II .ii.i I ,-\ . ( , .; , iki - u in :;i i V i'. '1 ii I, Vi - 1 i),N 111 I )(i N .;i)i>; i; :. h.--, LcnDon : '' : i-ii ID H V Mi>M!'-. I o\(. \i AN, in I' - 1. in MtinN. I'MKHNOvji K l(()\v ; AND M! -H . I H N . WD ' O. Ol.D Hi '\ ') ' K 1- ( ; . II \ : JS VINDICATION. isi Enroll V Ol' 111 K JlKJllT HON. SPJ:NC]:R l'i:R(:f:\^AL, WiKiSK MMKKOL'- rir, Lie AND rUI\ATI, XlKll'I.S Mtl, KKKSH IN niK R] ,( () l,l.i;( I'lON ()^lll-^ I. AMKN I jx; OIN I UV ; .Nl) 1(> WIlO'-i; W |Nl-; AM) ri.KM.X l.lt IN. ADIllUl N(K Willi II! AT oy \\\^ ( oiiKAT, ri:s) lO I III- J'K IN( iri.i >> (F Ills (.IM.AI IM{i:i)l.( I ^st)|{ AM) .MODKr., i HI-; r!{i>i;N I ii aim'v posinti oi' ai taiii-, in i;i KOI'K 1^ ( IIIKI l.\ AI'IUIIU I AHI K, .1 III-, I.I r J I J \ O 1 r .M !. Is H I \' 1 Kl.\ 1 I A I lA ! \->(;u 1 LI I) )'. V 77//': ( oMl'ILlJi'. . , \r. n - I 1 ' 5{ k: : m 4' \ .. - '^^' ^ ~\vi'- i\ rii()i)ij(]'ri()\ I'l'blicitv is one of those essential quali- ties ot the British Constitution which ma- terially tlistinguisli it fruni that of most other nations. It is this which in a ^"reat measure c-onnnunicates, even to the people at lar^c, that rnanU' t'rankness which is so estimahlc a trait in the national character. Tn tlic suspitit)ns and the jealousies that are nj^e[)arable Irom .secrc^t proceedings of state, wc arc in l'ai (^t th<: world. Il cannot he denied tli:;l 'i"r<- arc nu^'Mu ciin'nco attcnd;iiit en tlic VI INTRODUCTION. openness of the British councils ; but all who have duly considered the subject must acknowledge that those inconveniences are greatly overbalanced by the advantages which result from it. Of that publicity which contributes so justly towards the patriotism of Englishmen, the freedom of access to the two Houses ol Parliament, and the means which we thereby enjoy, on all questions of important interest, of ascertaining the sentiments of our immediate representatives, as well as those of the hereditary counsellors of the Crown, form a principal feature. Within the last twenty or thirty years, the value of these facihties has been much increased by the implied permission tl\at has been given to the regular and undisguised pub- lication of the d(^bates in both Houses. It may be truly said ot the Reports of those debates, that tlicy furnish us with a por- trait, singularly faithful in its resemblance, of the nfmd of every cinineiit pubhc man in the country. iOrrors ot an iusignifi( ant nature may occur in them ; i)ut it would br l.\ IKODLCTION, VU a.'", imiust th'TU'c to Ini'cv that \hcv arc not ^(ncrally autlu'iitic, as it u'ou'ul be absurd to declare' that a mirror does not rellcct a tiiie ii'KiL!;*' bi'eausc its surfa("e niav have shii."!it :iiul riirc dc\iations troni the plane, (w tliat the eart'i is n(;t globidar, l;e(:aiise \\ic rotmidit\ ot i:^ firni is ucca-^ionally ir!!erriipted b\ the eoinparauvelv- tritliri^ :i;epeei, \rt, utKpicstionabb , l!.e >i.ace ot" time allu'jod to >utlicu'ntK abounds with lesson, ot t'iC hiLilic^t [Tac- tual ut I ! i; \ . Vlll INTRODUCTION. During Ihal period, at least, the war has been single in its characier. It has been the contest of freedom wiia ::iavery of the oppressed with the oppressor of the true and legitimate rights of man with the arro- gant and presumptuous pretensions of a despot. It is fitting, therefore, that Eng- lishmen, to whom freedom to whom re- sistance against oppression to whom the true and legitimate rights of man are dear, should have their attention recalled to the sentiments, on those subjects, of individuals whom thev have been accustomed to regard as their guides in public ditlicultj and dan- ger, that they may recollect, and impress on their minds, and on the minds of theii children, by whom those sacred considera- tions have been occasionally deserted bv whom they have been unceasingly main- tained. The crisis which England has just passed, was one of no ordinary magnitude. Om objects vv-erc^ not, as in former instances, th(^ possession of a sugar island, or the enjoy jjicnt of an uninterrupted conunerce in fui> INTRODUCTION. IX l!\(Tv tliinii" dear to us as individuals, cvt'iv' ihiu^" Naluablc to us as a nation, was at stako. l\{>j)ubli('an I'rancc, it is true, was no more; but the spiril i)y wluch ^>he liiid been aiuniated bad parsed into the bod\ oi liu absolute nionarelu', and bad lost nothin*^ o! i!ie ^i()lence and t'li' danger ot' its eha- raeter in the transnii^'ration. I nder sueh eirennistanees, one would ha\(: thoughi that tlie usual vigilanee ol" jxditieal opposition might have somewhat relaxetl, and that it no as'^ista.nee w ere otiered b\ the j)arty out nC power to tlie parl\ in power, at least as lew imj)edinuMits a^ possible would \)c thrown in tlu! wav oi the successful termination u! a struggle, il'.e !:n--ueecvstul termination ol which nui-t liavc involved all parties ni general d.c--t:ii<-- tiori. ])iit no ! Inlluenced bv .sonic unac- coiiiilable uuatuation, manv ol (;ur j)ubli' in'n, ha\ nig at a lormei' period bei-n the cni hnsiastic advocates ol li cent ions nc.>^-. w I uti iha! l:tilil ^ io liieir coiiiiti'v. now looked m^cii.^ibl \- on he rdurt^ (ii lih'jri\. wlicn 1,'\ t he:'.' oi -mii; r' X INTRODUCTION, those efforts were applauded and encouragedo The genial warmth of true freedom in Spain and Portugal was unjherished by those who, but a few years before, had madJy admired the delusive splendour of that fatal conflagration, which, luning destrojed all that was estiuiable ana venerable in France,, threatened to extend its ravages over the whole earth. It will be said, and it will be said with truth, that most of these individuals pro- fessed themselves to be very friendly to the cause of the Peninsula. Let the following pages show how their inendship was mani- fested. Every thing which the British government did for that cause was con- demned ; every tiling which the British government proposed io do for that cause was deprecated. If aid was afforded to the Beninsular natioriS in the sliape of money, the dilapidated state of our resources, and their ir}ade<;uacy to so imj)roNident an ex- penditure, were patlictically kur.ented. Jf our brave soldiers were sent to tb.eir assist- ance, jNlinisters v/ere sneeringly a-rked, if IXTUUDL'( TION. Xl [hev tlKuiiiht (iH^it [jritairi couKl i-opc w'uii I'raiicc as a inilltary powcM*. i):! our gal- lant arniv afliit^vc a virU)r\ r 'iiicir valour was praibCvi, !uit ihcir laiin^ls were dcelarrc! to be barren. \\ as our iniiuoruil coin- inatitk'r iiuUk'L'cl, \'. il!i a Viow to ullcrw'/r operations, to nial.c a tcinporars' rot real : It was louilU de'.'!ar(\i t'lat tiio })ri\''ninp- tuous tln'cat oi" t!ie I'rench vuliure, tiiat Ik- would drixt.' tlic i'ritisli lcoj)a.rds into tli'^ ( i{)\ crnment , wlio wcm'' ( !;:n\.v - t'T;^(i| ;is t!ic nio->t iMcliicK'Ht ^i i:\. {{ r- lea; had e\(a'h('Id the rci:i> ol statr, aiai \\':c ni a to!ic ol ari<)t:anc<-, a^ o!!c:i>i\c tl: ;, a-- It ha^. Mnce j)i'o\;'(! ; id:ruK>:c;, we; Jmo- i")i!M(cd lo b'- obstmatclc rcr"v"\ f! .ii ' ,11 a nil.') irret ra'\ abic rum. \ -av an. r \-a-:. ti.i'cuij !'. all thr viia^-itudf- i; a ( .!i:i.c; '!. Xll JilTRODUCTlOJN. most generous, but the most tremendous in which England was ever engaged, ridi- cule, misrepresentation, menace, and pre- diction, were the weapons used by the party against sound argument, and the dic- tates of a noble and determined spirit. Buonaparte that Juggernaut of the West- ern Hemisphere that foul idol, besmeared with the blood of millions of victims was with many of them an object of enthu- siastic admiration. In their perverted imagi- nations, he was invested wdth the divine attributes of omniscience and omnipotence. It is difficult temperately to speak of such opinions and such conduct. Every generous and patriotic feeling is excited in their reprobation. On the contrary, it is impossible to re- collect the measures of the present Admi- nistration, and of the administration at the head of which was that virtuous, public- spirited, and nniversally-beloved individual, of whose services the hand of an assassin deprived his country, ere, in the consiinima- iNTKODL'( TIOV Xlll iion ot the hopes eht-risiunl in his warm and loyal breast, he couKl cxperu-nce the hi;^!iest reward ot which buch a n 'tiire \'vas capa'ile it is iin^osM!'!;- to rcllect cni the mighty (rniic-uhies w iiieli t!'.r\- have liad to eneountei- without, a ioc not on!\' ot un- exampled phjsical .strt'riu,th, but v.ho^e ex- traordmarv earcer ot sueecss had idmost. 'naM< (1 him to tiinmph over the human mind, and to render dou])tlul the et(M"nal and imrmitable j)rinei])les (4 justiee and honour within, t'le (;om[)heatcd eml)ar- rassmcnts arisinj^; irom sta^inated trad(\ sear- city, and the ln-'Stilit\ ot rixals, wlio, h()ue\(M- itieompetont to ;ii-o:it atlair^, \\er.'.'. sutiU'ientU dexterous m sn/ino' on matters ct a subordinate na'iiu'e, and conNcri m;" th(':ii into the mear,.-, ot p'"^'y '>iit trasinw- amiovancc it is nnpossd)le to (:ont(Mn[)lato the t'rmne.^s with w'.ieh, under sueh ar- duoiib auvl unprcc'cucntcd eircum.stanix's, tlicy niamtaineii iho .s\ -1(^11 ot p()Iic\- on \!nc!i tlirv had sm wi:'ly resohcil, n". daun;'.'. :"Us i':"al to wb.je.'i tiuii' c derts lia\t'at len^tli XiV INTRODUCTIOX. happily brought them, without sentiments of the highest admiration and respect. It is not the pilot who in fair weather and smooth water guides the vessel entrusted to his charge, that claims any large portion ot our applause and gratitude; it is he vvdio, in storms and in darkness, lashes himself to the helm, and, undismayed by the perils which surround him by the furious waves without, or by the insidious leak within conducts his gallant bark in safety to her destined port. What a contrast is presented between the existing situation of Engkuid, and that to which she would have been reduced, had the counsels of the Opposition unfortunately prevailed ! She ic now on the pinnacle of national glory. Her fidelity towards her Peninsular allies nreser\ed inviolate, she has bravely rescued them from the grasp of a ruthless usurper. By her ijlone v/as kept alive that hpark of resistance to tyranny, which at Icnp'th burst into flame, and consumed the INTRODUCTION'. :-:v vwcr ot" her incxoraKle too. : \]c I::i<> ])cvn the star thai ha'^ li\\ fiio ( 'utitiri-'iiul iialioos to lh(,' rtHlomptioi-; ';l Miiropo. V\ an iini- talion ot' her ina<:na:ii;/;()i)S (\ap.i^>i'\ ihat }ioriiblo niiliuir\' (ir^poli-m. no!, loss op- pros>i\c' to Franoo ihau ciiiiMirroiis to other countries, lias heeii overt iirneti ; and a nm- (lerate and K-^itirna'i' ai:lh(n"it\ ha< hccMi restorech In^tcialot {\\r lc\ci\^\i rest ot ail armed tiaiee, a peaee lia^ heeti established, vvhieh ])roinLses, when the swell that is the natiu'al consefjuerice ot the Ir.t'^ \ io!(Mit teni[ie-l has subsidtHh rej^)' 'e no !< -s ]ier- inanenl lliun protonnd. IhiO eonmieree ot' theeountr\', lon^' pent uj) l)v the c^ptMation ot that s\steni so ntteriv destro\(\1, is no\\- ;]o\\ infT torth m a thiou^and various ehaiui(ds, and lier niamilaetun^s are rapidh' ditt'usinij; llieinselves o\cv continental Ilurope. TIh* rev(MHie, in consecpienee, is th)uri>hine ( ner- ^'(s, wiiieh tor so man\' \c"ars ha\e distin- XYl INTRODUCTlOxN. guishcd Great Britain in the field and on the ocean, are about to be directed to other objects to science ^to literature to the fine arts to all those liberal and enlight- ened pursuits, in which the expectation of long and uninterrupted tranquillity can per- mit a great nation to indulge. All is hope and happiness ! In what condition would she novsr have been, had the prematurely pacific, the tamely-acquiescent, the resource-husband- ing policy been adopted ? Her armies would long since have been withdrawn from the Peninsula, and the brave Spaniards and Portuguese would have been left to their fate. Appalled at their discomfiture and subjugation, the other nations of the Con- tinent would have shrunk from any gene- rous and powerful eflbit too happy if allowed to remain in the tranquil possession of their respective governments and terri- tories. With Buonaparte wc should have made a peace with Buonaparte, his vic- torious troops released from other occu- lXTl!ODrCTIO\ XV 1 1 j'.'ttior); ami fiini'^cll i\ic n\:\stcv oi {\\c whole roast ot i'uro[H\ ai:J ol ani[)lo oj)[)Oi"t.ti- ?ii(icii, tluToloro, or 'jr;\inr.j^i- a I'.asa! lorrc ol irrosisliblo slroiiLlth ! I nlr>^ uc had cli()s(Mi innnt'chatclv to suhniit to th(^ co;i- (jp ror, w t* must ha\c' inai itainrd i:a\, il ])()>si()l^\ ^\o niu.-L havo auiiincnted our (laval and !'iii!itar\' ciiuipnicut--. ihii in v.uii. In \aln, t(.(), ^lu)uld \\\^ ironi dnu^ to tuuo have fiunihU (Midcas ourrd to sootlu* the irri- tahditx of our ox-er-powertid neighbour hv the [)re.S(Mil ot a eolonv, or the ahandon- nient of a niarit'uiie ri'dit. (V/.r trade would. JKiNo he(Mi _L:r:'ahi:dl\ annihilated hv his eoinuiereial edicts and re di^reiai trau'edv woulil idtiniatcU liave h(\ni {\c- vel()|>ed. I!\!n'\ tiniiLl" pr( nar-'d, ;n!\ necur- reiicc, liowevfM- insiop.iti'ant, would ha\<" ser\fd a.^ a pretext tor renew in.;; l;o:.Ii'e' and ihif.rland old lhi (Ik^ Par- lianieiUarv Ixc^^i'i^tcr, (\>ii(lur!-r,l 1a ^'r. Han- sard, a publicat iuii ol" uiiriN ailed copious- ]ic>s and accuracw Tin fi/Ihiiij}^; arc the Kay's of t'l' iNIr.Mr.Eis './ l-ul!i IIousKS tj l\\K[.'.\Mr.\-r. uckin_[^]iam. r.arl ot l)Uckinij:]i.ini>liIre. Sir I'r.mel^ Burtlett . Mr. Cileniit. Mr. ('..uHiinii'. \'bcount C'AsdcrcaL:,!^, XXU LIST OF NAMES. Earl of Clare. Viscount Clive. Lord Cochrane. Mr. Cur wen. Earl Ba^ nley. Earl t^f Desart. Colonel Dillon, Earl of Donoughmore. Marquis of Downshire. Lord Eldon, Lord Erskine. Mr. Eyre. General Eerguson. Mr. Maurice Fitzgerald. Sir Frederic Flood. Mr. Leslie Foster, Mr. Freeman de. Mr. Fuller. Earl of Galloway. Earl of Gla;su;ovv. Mr. Charles Grant. ^ Lord Grenvilic. Earl Grey. Viscount Grimston. Eari Grosvonor. Viscount llaiiiilton. Lord Arcliib.ild Iiamilton Earl ll:irr(nvby. Mr. iiibbLTt. M'-T OF SAM".-,. Win LrrJ lloll.dhl. Mr. 1 lutcliin M)n. V;>cc)anl jo .1\ r. Mr. l.,u,:l,v. M. r ,iii^ ol r..i! s.!owiu'. I'll (/t' l.-ui'lcreljlc. l.vA .'f !, r;v.;.!. 1 til (.. i. , :^*>)iii. M'.'. 1 .r. ^Iiiiii^loii. . Mr. Ma' [hi:\v AIo;,t.)o-u. \ i^C(;unt Mnuiitjoy. l^arl Mii'gra-.r. Sii- John Nowjvtrt. Duke ot X.^rrulk. (i.ipLiiii P.irkvM-. Mr. Ikci. Mr. I\Ti.;V.ik Ml-. P(nM uiby. ^li. K Sir.soii. Mr. R(; .. l.ui-il SiiciiioKk ,Mr. .Sli , iii.ui. ( (;l(ilU'l ,^llij)I.'\ . \'i>cuLiiir S'p, iiiii ;uili. ^li'. \\'ii;!.iin hu.iiii. i u'l Si aiihojK'. XXIV LIST OF NAMLS, Mr. Stephen. "*"" Earl of Suffolk. Mr. Sullivan, General I'arleton. Earl Temple.* Mr, Tierney, ' Mr. Ti2;he. Sir Thomas Turton. Mr. Vansittart. Mr. Vernon. Mr. J. W. Ward. Marquis Wellcsley. Mr. Welleslcy. Earl of Westmoreland. Mr. Whitbrcad. Mr. Wilber force. *, Mr. Wortley. Mr. Yorke. The present Marquis of Buckingtiair. n\K VOIATICAL AIF.MFATO EARL OF AI]]'R])}:I:N. r,hrua>,i IJ, lsii,_0/i /,(,,/,/:- !'. .7'.'.' " I'liH lii:j:ii ,111(1 ^aliani ^;lillt "t' ti:t* Sf n::'!i ii:iti'^n ^tiil cM-ti'd ; llu.' (ictn minrd ii;/iU-'l llu'V f'lU'c to tiu'ii' in\ adcrs C(^iUimK'(l iii uii! !!:l;in'^ll('^l \:L;'')ur; ilu- ardciu (lc>;io ni' mainiaiii!;;,;- Iik ii' I'Ih'Mv rcin.aiiK'd iii unabati'd tnn-c. d'lic ^.-uTc'ci thtiiu- ol l;bi.'il\- aiid iiidrjjcndt'iM' I:ad bccii, it w a-^ tii'C, p:irtlady ( d.)M,aiicd, l)iit it >nil cont iinird It) bill 11 ; and he hoprd and bt'!it'\a'd it w a^ i;;'\-i r to ])C cxtiiiL^aii-hitl by t!;c >)^)|l;c,v^:olK-, (,;' [],^ c'luniN ." 'With u'^-ard to l^)ltl:^aI, thr c'.iararUT cf !:ic\var iii ihal comitrx' \",a^')|' a r,;,ic'i <'i(';.;(.'r ]naL;,iiil ink", and of a much soiiiuK'i' coiujiK'xmii, It u^avc u> unML ica^oii lor coiu^ri.tidat .ml;' o;i;- ^clv t.^ on tl!'. i.'W'iiN that liavl j)a>^ui. a;i biasc ami r>k]U;d 2 EARL OF ABERDEI'X. commancler. If he were to i)e asked what we bad done by our campaign in that country, he would answer, that W'e liad witlidrawn a nume- rous and formidable army from the country of Spain, commanded by one of the most eminent and most fortunate of the Generals in the service of France ; that we had baflied the first attack of that powerful army so commanded, and gained a glorious triumph; that we had preserved from the invaders the capital, and a large j^ortion of the country of Poitugal ; that^e still j)resented to them the formidable front of defiance, and held them in a state of disgraceful inaciivity ! = If tlieir Lordships recollected the various gloomy predictions of ill-success Avhich liad been deli- vered in th.e course of last Session, it must be admitted, that the result of the last operations in Portugal had surpassed even the general hopes. "What we had still to do depended on future oc- currences. They might expect, on this subject, a repetition of all those mclancholv j^rognostics and foiebodings a\ Inch they liad pJieady hcaid; but he was ready to say, that instead of giving in to such prognostics, he should much rath.er ad- here to the ho{)es derived from the accounts of our brave commander, Lord A^'ellingioii. liimself, and the expectations and higii spiiits of his whole army. Ilowewr he miglit be induced to pay every respect to the wisdom, tLe talents, TAR I. or A :; k!/i i: v ',] (i li U--iii,:it nl (itllCr> Wll't c U ul ' '.; ;:t '.l L' i : f'il]:V ('; .,:.):;^ cii t!iii jioiur, lic mu-^l \)c p; iinirtui lo Ml. . iIl^t -i ;( Ml j; (lt)i;i;; ^ oi ! ;,c n : : , i\ i; -. - i i -i;ch ' 'jiiT: Mil , ;i,t't\';' ilie Tailir. ^' i 'f I'l .lir.c r p: . i!:c* i./!is, ;i;^l iiDoii :i;;\' i'.i\i\v\u\: <>\ w ii:,; h.i;l ;i!ri,':tci v ].:i -i'M. 'i'l (Minr.iic*, t .\'i('!'''i c, lo.'iii'nd cvv.y ;i -^i^l.:;'!' o ! , o ii iHoii^ ui' t';i' I'lmi;;! -u'.i w\>, iu' 11 iiitt i.;!v u-,c \\a^ placed by thi.^ !!i()ii()ii; but thai ^tate v, as owing to the conduct of AJ ini>tcrs." ' lie could never persuade himself to assent to such a motion ; and, aniouL;" mraiv other rea- :50ns, for these two, that weie ob\'iou.> Uv^t^ tlial ue liad not a milhiai ot" ni(Hie\' to spaie ; and. secondlv, Uiat if \re e\en had, this was not tiu' wa\' ill w h.icli we oe.^ht to dl^j)o^(,' ol' it. l''or an\- efficient purpo-e d' \\'ai', he ie.dl\- behevetl ih il :") t "in Hi il.^!) >o'.(lu'rN wandd be of more uic than :'(>,uc,0 I'ortU'j,i:e->e ; and w]i\- then should the ciiunlrx' \)C burdriU'il lor the support ol' b\\>.-\\ ,1 force: lie N'rrv much d.ouhted v.liethcr oui conduct toward-^ botii liie" Spaiiiart!-, and 1*0! ! e. ^a<.--c, was not cah uialed to induce an oj)i - n;>M a I !li rcLi'aina.r ii:-! Ik-'u ;' : . I 'a- 1 en.-uiu ia, aid thai nua..~'':..d !i'*.ai : .a:, n o.- c\cile lh?'>e 6 M\i. BANKE.-:. I'Coplc l:> filiuggle for tlicniselvc.-j tban to laiifc AO niiu-ji dT the 5liii(^g!c into our own li.inch." '"riu; ciiciny were now, perhaps, in the po.).se,^- ?inn of Cathz; \vhi \ver(^ falsified." *' In fact, nolliing that Ministers promised was fuUillcd nothing they si)eculated upon was successful ; and was it then possible, that the Conuifittee, with such uniplc and recent expe- rience, could consent to invest J^linisters with the means of engaging in any fartlRT hopeless speculations? That which we hud learnt from ])ast experience, we should now adopt prospec- tively for our future policy. It appeared to him quite romantic to expet:t, that a British ar- my of ^0 or 'J5,000 men, c\ en with whatc\'er co-operation Portugal could give, would be able to maintain a war on the Spanish Peninsula as principals against France. He should, tlierc- fore, recommend to the Committee and to his JMajesty's Ministers, to husband the resources of the countiy i\n- our own defence; and, look- ing upon that as the soimdest line of policy, he felt himself bound to oppose the motion.*' :iIU. D.\SKL?^ 7 }f(U-cIi 13, I. si \.0n th.c S'i-rj ]-:^ttnHitci\ *\V\\vn it \\a^ (H)i!i.'Klci'cil liow imicli tliere "A'a^ ol' ii'-.uuic'c in iiatiunal wx-allli, it iiui^t be l('lt, tli.it it" our fxpcn^c^ continued to iuLTca^iC, a> in [\\c [)ic^cnt cellmates lie perceived tlicv dnl to the anio'int ;!' hctwci n one and two niilliuu^, (air tinanec--. would at la-.l be found wi.ik. ilc ui.-.lad the ll()U^e to be on ihcir L' uai\l ai^^'ainit dilai'idatMiL;- the le-tJUiccb ol' the nation.'' June 2.^. \^\:'..In tlw D,]ilc ii the Rcjuni (ftJie Com- niiltcc cj ^''I'pl'j, rt.^'pcvtuig the Tuiitij u-Jk SusLdtn, " Hi^own general \iew of the kite treat\' with SwetU'n was, that it of all others wa'^ the treaty ior 'Aliieii I his ( ountiw was to pay the in(>st, and to ie( ei\i' 1 lie least." ' 1 1 uas ;i L^eneral fault in tlie tre;ity, that no mention was made ot ti-e mode or tnne ol coiii- ineneiiiL'; t lie e;iinpa,Lin ; though it was exeeed- inL;l\ maleiial tliat Mieh a l)o{|\- ot troops, unde\ .su h : eon.niandera.s t lie ( low 11 1 hi nee ot >\'. eden, ijhi ".ild 1: iv-e h> I'll einphe ;(1 at tiie \ ia\ hej^i iiiiiii!;' (if 1 la' ear.e> J' u, ami not now, w In n I he aft,'.ir> of t'ie A i:i-^ we.e h! .! st,,:e >o de| >loi ,ihle.' ' Ih.' woMu! a-h, >'. hcliier S\\id.<;ii was a pvirty 5 ME. BAXKES. Ui ilic present armistice? li siie was, wltcthc? 1 he |);i\ nirut of the nimitbl}" siibsiciy was to go on (iming the i:essalien of hostilities ; and, if this aririi'>ri(e ended in a continental peace, what -reps wejc take)\ to provide a reciprocation of interests '' He nnglit appear to the Noble Lord (Lord Castlereagh) to be talking absurdly, but he knewMiot himself where the absurdit}' lay.'' *' As to the (juestion of subsidy, it was so much the fasliion for all parties in the House to be careless about money matters, that he should merely say, it was an improvident contract to risk so large a sum of money without an equiva- lent. His own opinion, both in the late and in the present war, w^as decidedly against such treaties of money. This country was always eager and anxious to furnish its money as long as any other country was ready to take it : yet all our bargains of this sort were only so many memorials of money foolishly and idly ex- pended." "'If the continental system should be renewed, which was by no means impossible, perhaps wot improbable, Sweden might be, in such case, as she iiad been before, compelled to yiekl to it; and he knew" not why we should suppose that Sweden would now be more able to make an effectual resistance against it than she v/a.> before.'"' ( r- ) EARL BATHIRST. Motiniijul a Cojum'tti c on thr ( oii'lnd nj' tin' fl'iii in thr J'ciiinsula. ' L"i;d ^V\'li!not()ll w ;o ^ati^^ll(l with t!n' con - (liu.'i i)t' Ad minimi rat inn diii iiiLi,' the \d-,t cainpaii;,;!. 'i i> (!cc!aratMMi had not hccii sought for l)y M;- jii^Icis; hut it \\;i^ a^ohl^ta^y con:iiuiii!cati(jii made hv I.oid WcUin^ton oil that suhjcct.' * Tiic Xohlc Mai(|U!-i had in j)arts ut' hi-* :|ici'rh maintained, that nothinii; cdlcctivc could [ e considcrctl to liavc hccn done, except the J'reneh had ht'en entirely deprived of the inilitaiy ]M)^^(^>;, ai of Spain; that, hfcawse the I'nemy had not heen (hi\en out ol the OMuntiN', the re- i-ult ot' llie eanipaiL^n iiad hi a ii nui;-atorv. Dai tlic^e >eutMnent:5 aceoial wiili iho-.e the Xohle .^huqul^ had Inin.-i U deli\ ci ed 'wi. ISir/. when he m.'.iiitalncd, that it'the cam[)aiun were innoothe: lespect u-etuh it tended to create adi\(a^ion lu hi\'oui- ot' tlioM' Countries (ll^po-^ed to thiow oh tiie doiMUoon ol' Trance; il tended to ioum- a ipM it of rc^:-tanoe ;n c ainti le.s ahead\- ^uh luxat- ed to ihat powai. and iMn>ta|U( lit ]\' niiiOit he Vi"duct;\c ol' the uaaier.d rcann'e^tata mi ot" an 10 A!IL BAiniu-r. independent spirit agam.xt the Ligg-rc-joiou ul" litc coininon eneni} ? But was it noticing that t\\c soutli of Spain blioidd liavv been eleared of tlic Fieneb ? Wcvc ihc sueccsscs of Badajoz and Ciudad llodrigo o^ no eonse(|ucnce? SoniethiiJn l]ad jjeen etfectedj if the views of England now wvve wliat the Noble jMarquis liad powerfidiy deseribcd tliem to be at the beginning of the wai" in Spain first, to create a diversion in favour of our allies ; secondly, to encourage resistance in other countries, by she^vingits effects in Spain; and, thirdly, to prevent the commercial and mi- litary means of that country from falling into the hands of our enemy. Tliose had been the views of England tliose were the views of the present Government ; and those views had been forwarded by the last campaign.'' Noiemher S, IS 13. On mov'tng the TJianlis of Oie House to the Marquis of ffelUngtun, fur the Victories of tlie Pyrenees, ^'C. '' In thus revicwingour successes in the Penin- sula, he could not but recal to theii- Lordships' recollection the share tliat Britain liad had in brinii'inir about the ii'lorious e\ents that had (jc- curred in Europe, and wliich at length opened a prospect of its attaining that independence J A HI. r.AXllLK- ] ] v.li.r^ h;i(I liccii >(i liiiio; ;iiul anxiously hv-kcd r'lir. Itiirs coiiiitrv had in owe rcspr. t (m;i':ii- iiakil n\'>vv than iinDtlicr tc the ^lonons I'C^ult-. tiiar had at kaiL^-th hceii achit'\ctl. it ua> not i' niiu'li ni the cxtoit nuieii m the --kdl i : air oi'tii'er.s and the L:':dhintrv ofoui trodp-, l.aa atier t he s[dc. lai'al \ iotoi'ies that liad !-; vMi uta ni iy < liMuied. H c eoaid o:'.i\- sa\' tliat the exphat^ ' ;"our.)Wn. ^ical C"aj)ta!n had not heen -'ufpa-^ed ; ir \va.> not in tiie ex tent ot'our pii\'alions, Ini in th:> ie>[)t'et. (iod he th;inke(h \\ e had Ijeeu .^aN'Ci: iVoni the sad pre-eniinenee ; but it \\a> ;n our pei:ie\erancc in the contest in tlie Penin;^ida, under e\er\' cireunl^t.lnce, however nntavour- ;i!i'e; in the pei't!n;icit\" witli wliich we per^i>tcd m n.aiiuta.muiu- i-\a-n a ennu'r I'f" i', until entaini- sLiuee-) led to na'ie ; u-piei> uis e\ ei.t-, andlhe;;'- b\" hMld'ii.:,- out a e'iea;- and bii^^-ht llan;e ;. ^ .A the (laik!'e^> ti^it o\\ ; -pr(.;al tile raitifus ol' i'u- mpca tli.it ^OMii ro^^- into a pi!!a: oi' lire to 1 i;; ! tiieui on their way to seeuiitw indepei'.d.er.ec. u4.id peace."' ( l^ MR. EEN^sETT. ,7une 23j 1S13. In the Debate on tlw Anny Exifuoi- dlnaries. *' He took the opportuiiitv to animadvert upon the further prosecution, of the war in the Peninsula, which tended but to plunge iIhs country into augmented expenditure and difficul- ties. He begged leave to ask the Noble Lord oppo-iitc, what were the expectations of succervs which he entertained ? What was the prospect of success which presented itself? And was the war to be prosecuted by exhausting the lieart's blood of Great Britain, under the delusive hope that the Spaniards might look for ultimate suc- cess, because they had been occupied for three hundred years in effecting the exjralslon of the Moors ! " *' He must enter his protest against the prose- cution of a war, which would vv^rench lUe last shilling from the pockets of the poor, and plunge every family in tite countiy into distress. The success of this war was, to say the !r-a.st. proble- matical; the ruin and loss certain and drcLidfijl.'' ( IJ ) VISCOUNT BERNARD. J:i:iVr.:j J.i, ISIO. On hmviii'^- (Jic JihlfCSS. ' Will r I. (.'nii'lrc^ wcvc >iiikinu\ cither b\' tlicir t\*5 .-AUtiincp.ts on the Spani-^h war were ^iiittd to his (h<^'nity. ^\d^lle tluiL bra'^e and martial people fought with the spirit and per-evciance of iVeeincn, he chd not >taiid aloot ; lie otlered his aid to their first exertions. In the da\ of their dilheulties, lie wonhl not \s i'l.d'.aw that aid which he had utfcied to their c,:i'\ caube." ( u ) MR. BLACIIFORD. rebmary 23, ISQS.lii the D chafe on Mr. fVhlthread's Besolutiovs respecting the proffered Midiailon of Russia and Austria, " Give him much scK^ncr tlie inllexibie rirm- ness, tiie pei-.severiHg fortitude, of the men who now guided the destinies of the nation, than the ])usilhi.nimous precaution of those who woukl seek for comfort and ease at thie expense of honour and security. Freshi aggressions called only for fresh resistance, and n^orc dctennined resolution. Such, at 1ea>,t, he trusted were the sentiments with which his Majesty's Ministers were nerved : and that he mi^ht venture to sa\' of tliem, what the poet :said of the resolute and JH>t '.>' fractus illabnfnr oibi-^, hnpavidum fcrient iniii,T;." 15 ) LORD LORINGDON. Til vi- h\ U,,y;.l }!;;J,iic-. tlir Vnnrc Kc- ;^uir. ill \v\]''.\]j; li'il ii"r!- ij:!- liiN.il ll'u!i- iir-s's 1.; t r : ' 1 li.' 1 ) :kr i-l' Yii k) was act lu.t^-ci ' '. i !.. I'll: rst ar.d 'iio-.r jial nolir inul i\ a >, In- w ;:- .1! (kitN la.iiiul to laii(\c-; aiid in his rcjiiscac nca.; was sat: I'ud. Imwa \ci- lluic n,i'_!,!,t. l;r -ciiu- a!o! tiiii:;-;,' (. \|)ia v^,;()ii^ n', []]( ]i-;t(.i, tiiat tlu^ 'Iia't (.i' l,;^ l[(i\ai 1 Ii j,l;.i(. ^s \v,i^ to I'o'.ir. an Ai!:;i;ii.-n;-.: loll i,\\ a lair, a ii!)Ci'al, aral a broad I'a-:^. 'IJa- nn.'la.ncho! \- i.^^wc wais a;rrad\ L'.iowii, ai;d l cdaiki-t and ni^sl L,'o.in\ pio-- ['C ;- i;ow ^iiiiouiiiUa! i:s. I)ai.^ci> j)ia-.-;d liji' n i:^ on t \ a i \ sidca w liil>? t he niiaii- ol" a\ crt- :i:^' llir ;ii:n w iiicdi nicnai^ d tlu' (aaiiitix \\(.rc '. J t n( (1. 1 1 was a sLd))va'L oi" \ it.d nr, noi taiiia; to \\]c people; and, tlu i( toio. liowavcr irclilc ". ; c iV' !t n.^ulil li(a \\c u-\\ ii to hr Ins dutv to ;: '-' an atiinipt to a\crl Ino dan^'tis w iii. ii t' ;. ca'.ciajd n.-5." i6 LORD liOKINGpON. March 19 i 1812. On viod fig an Address to fJie Prhice Regent for a)i effideni Ad)ninistraiion, '' The motion was founded on the deep sense he entertained of the akirming evils whieh threatened tlie safety of the nation whieh were every day more and more devi^lopini; thein- .ielves and the imperative necessity of oh tain- ing an efficient Administration capahle of avert- in"" them/' ( '7 ) .MR. RPvAXD. Jaiinmij 2.;, I.'-IO. In the D'lnitc cm tlic Aildraii. '' W'l nr ilic ;it!;iiis rif^ny cinmtrv likely to be tLt*e-ii(!t'(l Willi ^iiccc-', wlicii plaiincil and cxc- ciitdl 1)\ Mich Ministers' He insisted ui)on it, that it was a want ot' ])nlie\' to send tiT)oi.)s to Sjiaiii, where they mu-t e'nto!ni to ne\'> habits of liviiii;-, and w'.iere ilu re wa.s not th.c lea- (. hnpc of idlMuatc ->ucre>s. \\'la;never A^'e .sueeeedc! bv land a.Li'ainst the I'reneh, thev were in an iso- lated situation, where tlieir elncf had no naai:: "i I'eiid'ori oil:- thcin ; but into Spam i:c . oul'.l .::. Ill- j)'aM>uu- \i'i\[v his K"j;ion'>. and c 'n.ovi u-> . .- ( 13 ) MR. BROUGHAM. May 26, 1S12. 0?t moving for an Account of the Dutiei- collected in the London Docks. " He iindrrstoodj and he believed his infor- mation to be correct, that the same vigorous and efficient rTovernnient that had 2:uided the Coun- ci'is of the country during the last week, pos- sessed again the confidence of the Prince Re- gent, and expected to regain the confidence of the House of Commons ! If this was true, and his Royal Highness was determined to continue liis confidence to those persons, it really became, a matter of much alarm/' ( 11^ LORD BROWNLOW. Janumy J, K^IJ. On sccoiidin^- the .-idlies-,. " The aO'.iirs ot' tlic PcniiiMila \'. (. ro .lic-cr:;:^'-. i:i spite (jf M mic ^lIctc^-c^ \^l)'ull !i:i'l inn i.!)- tairitnl lv t':c ciuiii'. ; tiic aiiiour ot' the people \'.".is more N-iii-oroiis and a[)[)arcnt, then' spiiit iuirnt n.ore biiL'lit, antl their rc^i'stanc'c \'.'.is .slronuer tiian ever. The ennsuniniatc ahhnv (!iN[)lave(l ()V Lord W'eUiiigtun in the condiiet ol t lie eanipai^^n in l^)l^n^al, eon Id not be too high- ly praised ; and the atlairs ot" th.e J'enin.snl.i i^^ave Uo(j(! hope that Spam \vo;dd \c't ^liake <>t\' licv Ui\'adei>, and hefauuc a tirni and pov\'i rt'ul ;d!\'. 11 \ tiie - line pidieion > >\ >tun I.^': tni^'al had bt en -a\ed, and hei aiir.ies liad luuv n^en into a lor- jiiuLdde haiiiei' a^am-^t the eiiemv. It niii'-.':': 11' )t he to,) nnieh to hope, tliat the example .-iet \ v V.:c hiave people ol' the reniii^uia, '.'.'.'n.'.d p-^,- duec it>^ eh'e-ot oii ]Vrj]c h motives/' " The o!>portunity of saving Europe h-j.) passed by.'* ( '-'' EAIU, or BLXKINGHAMSHIRE. ftljruarii 2 J, ]>\o. /// (ht Dthntt un iliv Cur,ii.iitlun ulth ' Hi: v;;is ot' (.]):ni<.ii lluit M iinstcii had a : a elann ou Bri- tish honour, that Poitu^'al should not he desert- ed: \'-e hail aeecj)t;d fVoi^i i!:'; Piince the ri<^-ht oi it>. protect ii m, and n(' fould not tlui>\\' (jlhtlic re sp' ii;5ih.Iit\- uialer whieh \vt' had put ()UI'^Ll\a^. w'-'lru;! p v'.ul; lh;il w e had tleiie our utuiojt, 1 ' !.{'> OUI '.Ul>/' ( 22 ) SIR FRANCIS BURDETT. April 11, 1808. On the third reading of the Offices in Reversion Bill. "^ Was it possible we could cast our eyes over the map of Europe, or the page of its history, for the last fifteen years, and still be advocating despotism, and putting our trust in standing armies ?" May 2, 1808. On the second reading of the Local Militia Bill. '' We had seen all the nations of Europe, with armies composed as ours were, fall before France." ''He lamented that every thing that was done by the British Government was calculated to give an idea that the nation was hastening to its fate." *' There Mas nothing but vacillation in our Councils. In the present Administration, no- thin"" was broui-ht forward but measures of mere temporary convenience, and inunediate practical SIR 1 KANCIS lUKDE i r ^2i [lolii \, incisure^ th;it ^tiiiiipctl llicir ULitLors as Mini' join ii(.'\ nun. There u as not liiiij; like tlio^c <;reaL |)i i!ui[)!c-> \)\ which natinn^ ;Joiie coultl fliiiu i.>h. and tioni which no counli y eNer ilcparted ^\ ith(jut in\'o!\inL:' iN own i iiin.'' J'niuary 3 1, ISOf). /// (Jic Dtbute on ifuj-ldditss on tJic .'liuc. it would at least be allowad, that he knew,' the best means ot' accomj)li>]iing tlie (;l))ect lie had in view. Hav- ing, then, received t'roui him a taunt as to an uhjuotected part of our dondnions, let u> take the huit. and b} an act ol'^ary. It had been s.iid, *:atleat a tool in a mcjrtar \vith a pcsilc, lie 2-i SIR FRAXCLS tL'RDZTT would never quith'- f'/ily : v, e ijad been beat in a mortur kr nianv \-ear-, Imt what had wi: CiOt I lit ('iis::^race r If we were to a5^^^t the Spa- ih.ich, it was the claty of Mmisters to -ee that ri.rre was a rational iiope of attaining our end. In ]j'- opinioii, there wa- not any -uoh rational expecr..;'ion,"" He confes-ed i.fe si:ou]'-i prefer to tl ,e aniend. n-^ent now pro; osed. an address to his M;de^ry, req'iesting that he would order an inquiry into tlio crricvance- of which the public hiad to con> p/;ain; and thaf, as an eame-t of tiie reforma- tion of aljuses, he w^udd disrni^> his p^re-ent .Mirai.-ters from h':-. [^resenre and councils. Tl^iC House wa^ called on tor an addre-s of thank-. He. fhr one, had, no th;:.nks to beito'.'/; Kmcrs ^ve;c too n.uci; exj;0-,ed tO' have adulation ])Ourcd juto their ear. It was ti e cau^e of the o\ f-r- tjuri-.v of t^onianv of the tiiiones of Euro[c. ^\'e liad not heard tliat any of the Kine-s who ]]-:(} of late ye;,rs f:hl':n ni,dcr the dominion of I' Ufa::: [an t(-. ^^e^e m vant of cunrder-. Jt was ft that the Kia:{ dt Plniii'-.d shaulrl oo'^asioiiallv ] e:ir the truth fron, hi^ Coni;.a-ns. and no better opporT;.,;.ry t'r^n tiie laa-ri^t e^idd po djlv pie- sen" i^selil d'le ScT': vtjTv r,f Statu iiad obifcted to ti.e id' , f;r>hi- hcM aj- a ^'nkiu'^ c-untr;. }]^ fMr. (lanviin^^ Dii^n-^ \,c lida^^ ia;t tae ooaativ' n:^^ sd^kiu':. He (^ir ra.ncii Uurdett^; wa^ u] SITw FRANCIS LLKDF.TI. inat opinion; and tlicrc \\a> loo iniuh L:;r()uiul to hclicvc it would >ink ^till lower, il" a icl\)ini 'i;d not >i)Ci'dily take place." Jr.:nviJ .'.', ISIO. /// tJu Di'.jlc oil. tlu'R^l'Vt of l' < '' \\']icn tiie\- consiilcrrd t!ic exti'nt and ua- ac i'\' tlie t'alliiri'-. abroad, llie cai!neii)u-^ in- ,i:.;c- (jf o|l^tlna^v, latiiity. and incajiabilil y al lionie, that had .stiL;-niati^ed the .^hort period of tin)e ^ince tluir la>t nuttiiiL'; in that place; and when tlicv coni|)are(.l with that con^idiTatioii, the confi(len< c that tl^e niajority cl" that A^seni* hiv were still willinsj^ to repose in the author^ oT cur (!i->.;a'acc's, it did appear to liim astonrshiiur> how a)U' w c-ll-ineanin'.': ntiCctinL:; man could douhl that there w.o- ^onuIiiinL^ in our s\Nt(iii TMilicalK NV'rouLi^. With r(^pc^t to the lc;;di!iL'; niplaints niacie a!:;ai!i->l tlk' prc^Lii! .Mmi>!c!>, never were men iii sucii a -^tate ot -ell ahandon- iiaait; th.cv had noliiinL!,- to sa\- tor tht'nl^eU^-, md could liave conruk'nce in -loi liuiu; hni mi that, \s-.eml)l\a m \v'hich there ^tiancd to [,e a m\>tc- ou^ sonu 1 hiiiLj^ that mi^'ht |u-.lii\ the nio>! cul- .ihle m e\[)ectat ions the mo>t cxt i a\ at^ant, u'lt Illy "l" iin[)uint\', hut ot j)ioteet loii. 'J tii> \\c. 1 I ' ,s:\ out ot" any sciitiment of pei^onal 26 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT. asperity to the Gentlemen composing the pre- sent Administration, and the principle of it, which without a reform it mqst have in com- mon with every future Administration : he spoke not against this inchvidual or that, or in favour of this or that party. If Gentlemen at this very awf'il crisis felt alarm, because the conduct of public affairs was entrusted to the present Minis- ters, and thought that their apprehensions for the public safety could be removed only by the ap- pointment of other men in their stead, more able, more experienced, or more honest, how should he (Sir Francis) feel alarmed, when he could derive no one hope for the public benelit from any such change ? Change of men would do nothing, could do nothing, while they would be necessarily obliged to act up to that fatal sys- tem in which all our real danger lay. Ministers were but the instruments in the hands of that pernicious system ; and while they were its pas- sive instruments, they must work its destructive will. To him, therefore, it was idle to talk of a change of tools ; it was to the design and nature of the work itself that he objected ; and while he thought that big with peril to the Constitution, perhaps the less skilful and adroit the work- manship the better." SIR ruAXCis i;lrdi.tt. I\h'-U'iri 22, 181 J. //( tJw Dt})atc on '^Kudlir^ an Jr.- niut-!j to the JUari (f IVciUti'^ton . 'Iftlic ho})C wliich existed with ic;i)eet to tlie issue of the content in the Peiiin-iiLi weic :i^ thitterinp^ as, in his (.)pinic)n. t!.c de-^pondt iiey ^va^ just it the achievements dwelt upon witli -^ueh emphasis luid heen as rne;it ;i'. i:i \,\> I'pmion, thcv M'err unimpcirant ii tl'.c state of t!;c enuntr\- ^\as as tl(JUli^!;in^ as ii wa-, de- pits^ed. ;ind, in \\\> o])inion. ahno-^t ho])tless ^tid lie shouUI oppose the nujtion, \\ iiile Cio\ em- inent po^5e>sed otlier funds from whii.h the urant nii^ht with more propriety he deiixed t"iinds from which pensions, and adowanec- w ere issued, unlit to meet the puhlie eye/' Jii-'i 28, IS I J. On nioviug to (ul'lres.^ tfic ProuL Rc'^i-),t on the Slate ut tiw yatiun. '' AlthouLi;!! tlie prol)ahility of ,-s in the (untlict of tiie Peninsula mii^hl he i;-reater than in the eonnnencement of the eani{)aiL;-n, he could nut help thmkinu;, that the countrv was -urioundcd b\- nu'TO iuimaicnt danixers, t'<'!eii;-n 28 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT. and domestic, than had tlxjeatcned it at any for- mer period." '^ He wislied to state his opinion with respect to the late overtures by France for peace, be- cause, on a former night, he had failed in catch- ing the eye of the Speaker. The refusal was made by this Government, on the ground of a subsisting treaty between George the Third and Ferdinand the Seventh. It was an absurdity to imagine that such a contract couh], under tlic present circumstances, exist. Ferdinand was not in a situation to make or execute it ; he was not King of Spain, in the usual acc( ptation of the words, and had resigned his hereditary right of succession to the crown. The ground of re- fusal turned out to be a mere flimsy pretence ; or, supposing such a treaty did or could exist, one Administration was not bound to fulfd the engagements of another; each was responsible for its own acts 5 and it w^as of little importance whether Ferdinand or Joseph were the King of Spain. If, hou'cvcr, situated as this nation was previous to the breaking out of the new war, which Russia had been rash enough to com- mence, the oiler made by France had been re- peated to any miprirtial man, lie was convinced that he wcjuki have thougiii, that we couid not hu\e done beiuT ihan clusc with iiic piopo.^al, is it would be a fortunate opportunity of gciting- SIU rUAXCIS BURDI IT. ^-^9 (\\t o[ ouv (lilTicultics and cmljai rLls^llK'nts. Tin- r;ui!i w.i^, ii't that wc were lii;liliiii_!,- in tl;c l\"iiinsiil,i !*'r Fcrdiiiand, but tor (iur^cU c-. ; aiul the real (jiie^tidu wa>>, wlu'ther \vc wcie to la_\ ( laini t() the crf)\\'n of S[)>,in ? 'J'hc ir;!e n[ lliC \eai'_iii-l coinniencet! in the iinith. I'or h.;- ov.n part, iie e'uihl not (ajiieur in the I'eliel' h<.ki okI .:i nv'.. -jKij ei -, that liuonaparte, \\'::-j a want ol' \ ~: 'ii-. wouUl he e'Taj^eiled to \v;l!ith':i\\'. :\w' w. :;^- h.!:i;-elt" nc>thin_;- ot" nuht:;ry ta(;tiv'>, he ' aid not lielj) hehevinu-, tliat llie Ihaiperor of i:ie Tuih/h, a{'ter all hiS cxjKi'!ene<,', \\a)u!d \)C as \\\l\ .;v,are of ihe (hinn'crs lie wa-^ e\|V)sed 'o as th.c \'.!':r;i ol" ne\v.->[Kij)i.;s, oi" ewna^ h'-. .M;ij - M'::-.:^Vi-<. Scc'i;c; \\ 1 o \v:i-, a', tlic liead ji i' ici-;. ada';-, and that the t'Ao "S^hlc Lor*!-: ..,;- ; '-.ite ^h(;!d- r',.^t Itai .-'Ldi a:;d I'.dri^erNf ai^ AiJc ':i,'". (. : ho ['I .1 Ma)_; < d < ' ii c .\ peilit io;:sj he- eo^ a - .ncd .i-!i?de hc^pe oj' their oue.e-^s aL;-iin-.( liuo- a joaite, ;.> he s!ioid(l ot" the ^neees^ '{ a el;;;*] lua-ed al (.h'.^> ui'h t!:^ cdebut.d Pi.ihi- d' : '. . 50 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT. December 3, IS 12. On the Motion for Tlmiks to hard Wellington; for the Victory of Salamanca, " Far was be from wishing invidiously to de- tract from the merits of men who had devoted their exertions to the service of their country, or to withhold from them any recompence which it was in the power of the House to bestow ; but when he heard it stated, that the victory gained over the French forces in Spain, was more im- portant in its consequences than any which had been achieved in former times, and that the vic- tory of Salamanca v.^as equal to that of the Duke of Marlborough at the battle of Blenheim, in which the enemy lost 20.000 men, had their Ge- neral, Marshal Tallird, taken, and thirty or forty- squadrons driven into the Rhine ; and to other great battles, which had completely changed the aspect of the whole affairs of Europe, though not desirous cf imdervaluing the merits of tlic great General whose achievements wciv meant to be extolled, and whose character and ahiiitv no man could more sincerely admire than he did, yet he could not sutler sucli delusions to go forth uncontradicted ; the more esj)ecially, when he considered that they were calculated to plunge the country, under the direction of the same per- ilous, still more deeply in a destructi\e and sill FRANCIS nCKDI, 1 f. .SI . I'.t'is war. lie contiiidetl, th;;l after tlic-c I'c.ivtcd and ox'crjjraised \ict'U ii-^, \','v wcic slid ,> t.iV troin Dur object a> c\vv.' ' I. iidtT all tlk- ciriaiMi^taiiCL's of the cnnte-*", it aji[>eaied to him, c\e;i ujxjii the Miiii^ti\ ^ own .^'lewiiii;-, lliat we were uiiahle to find ^uih- eiMit means to ^uppoit the e.'impaiLrn ; and that at'ter I.oi d \\\lliiio-t()ir.^ ict : fat, he had onl_\ the t 'A o I'.atrc-M'S ol'Cindad Kodii_i->.) ami Ilathijo/ iil* !'i l.'.Mi as ihi' l"Mi'.t> ot' hi^. eam[)ai^;n in "^,1111. What I \s ere \sa- to he Kitisfud, at'ter all 'Ik' >[dei;did vietories that had heiai ga;ni-d in the t-our^e of t lie pre-^ent camj)aign, al'ter tlie cx- haaisted state to \\hi(di the IVeiu'h troops had hrcn iiahieccl by their incursk)ii into Rnssia, ar,d Tiaae j^ai tienlarUa alter tlic uioiions, in^.{^"i tant, ;:nd nii[):.ralleleil N'ietorv (d" Salamama. solii^^h'y adv'an tau'con > in iti CimM't^iK luc ^ to the l;ciu': d afiaa^ < i' t! r IViiai-^ula, ware \'. c to he -.ati^lied V. ;th ;' letreat- Were wc n.;t to fakr a l\,,:i;.;j': (.1 all those <:;rai iiyin;;- and elu'eiii'-L^ e'',M,>-ii iiicc>- ^\ele\veto >utrci tl' I'lriu-h tvi.iM- ttRa-(.\tT fio-n the c-flVcts (d'tluar d-o. ):'ifitn;e anal (. \liau-ll"n, and to wait until thr tide <; -j.M'il [Mrinne, v. Inch had ;.t,tiaidLd i:-, il--,-, ^d haeh <;n it-^ -onr( r ' I: .-; enud to Ifr: that -ue'i j ! :.j)!;viti(,ii- wcie total';. inconM-tent witli fh- ^h\ ion ^ 1 nle-- of common -.-KJcr his owv, ch^xr: a- SI II IKA \C IS ]!l :U>! I T. ',',11, ;ir.(i to ^^hi(ll the Xi'hlc Lo!il\ (I.crci ( ',t>Lc!f.i^li'-'^ .spct'cli loi nu'd ;i si'tjiu 1, I ii t \ c: \ ^jiCi'cll w hl.'il li;i(! \)cc\\ i!l'1,\(!1(I (ill ofi a-, ( i;;s -Ml! ilar t' ' t !;{.' prc^i ii', [lie ^anic j m n^jjcct-, ( )I si,c- '(.5^ \'. i^'l\' lu'!(l (ill;, I'm' >.i!;K' ji:i!':Li;'\ T.l'S \\\'iC pa-^t'd M[)i)ii fniiiuiandri >. tiu- sairf p,.r,v ux ; it'^ iipDU M!lli^U'iS tl.t 111^; l\ ( -. ; ciKiii!?; ,.l\\a\-> :') tiivij'j Miiit!iu_ lit, ar.d (.\iii':i!:/u tl tocaiiv"4'^' lii^'ii ii'.Dic (Ka'tjl\- ill c'\"ciot_ ;.;.(! ^,\;:r. ()'i;.: ;.!.:{ ::\nu: li' niijw,! t lUi;! ic^ MMuiii uriair i.'T ;i,.' (ii-- ' i;>~-i()!i ot ! M; ^r N'.ihjrcN. vvliaM \\c iii^'/ w i-ik'd ') ,[V'i[i\. a- Ik- was \ iT\" iii; \\ i ; 1 iii'^' [n (;.->-(.i!t iroiii aii\' \'oti' ot' lliaiii-s or gratitiu'c wdiicd tiiiiiht l)c proposed to i\]c picsi'iit c:)ri:ri;ind ! in till- PciiitiMiia. Jlv' C(ai!d no' hc'p tfiiiikjur, l!o\' >'\rr. that it wouhl ha\c b^ i r. iictLi'/ :i" t'v.: lint'^tioM ii.id ii(jt i)ccn hroii<_>ht toiward cpi:'*; -.o cai,\,aiid th.it taiic rai'jht h ivc ivcii ;!llo\'. ."j to LV I i\i',) .{ i!i!ii:ii\' ,!;'; 1 : '' i^L'. ;- 1 (('nilflC 1 ihc ( ail) ji.a.'uai, h-l'iaa' ;ii(/ J 'oii.-o \ ltv caiicd upon to [[Wi- ihiii' \i tr->. i ':r .W ])\r L'lrd. ;ii ; he p'eautiuic of Ills s ii ;.|';i^a |. -a ); , ! [\)t rr. jicK' coiitiiifd liMii-eal to S'pai;!, f;i;l !:ui tra,\al(' out ' tin > roll y-,', and hail t:d-.L n ' ;a. 1 i^ . i:/ ' K'>;a !, \.du laa ill t iia (i( -' i !i>_ ' a ai d ; i < ai t v.'n X > l.Wi.^: liundrcd n.' 'ii aiiid :j ''-aii 'j ^, .. ' ,;i ;aa :; ol Morrow, ar.d ::i !.... *..\a-' a ^al aa.- iraai-a' tra.'h of liii^-aaa t'la':-!;', ' - ' . 'V a 'Uics gl coii^iatuiatio!!, m \ s* >.. ,_ - ;,; i .. . ' [\\ 34 SIR. FRANCIS BURDETT, pride and gratitude. lie l)ad calletl tlie atten- tion of the House to the (Hlliculties witli which the lunperor of the Frencli was siinouuded in liis endeavours to reacli winter (juartcrs, and that he had considered as a matter of great triumph on the part of tlie Emperor of Russia. AVoidd he be equally inclined to consider it a matter of triumph, if jiuonaparte should extri- cate himself from these perils, wliich, in liis opinion, was more tiraii probable ; and, ai'ter luiving- found good winter quarters, return to tlie contest, witli renovated ardour, in the spring} Could he believe it possible, that Russia coui'd Ci ritinue sucii a contest, and undergo a repeti- tion of similar dreadful experiments and sacri- liees ? Supposing he inarclied to Petersburgh, rviiich seemed to be his ultimate intention, would the same mode of defence as at ^Moscow be adopted ? Could Russia burn anotlier Moscow to prevent its occupation bv the eiiemv? Would she burn Petersburgh too? The Russian Gene- ral Kutusow, s.peal;ingo( the battle of Borodino, s.iiil, tliat he flid not follow up tiic results of tiu battle, b<\'ausc he j-iiould, in that case, risk both ins own nriny and the safety of Pvloseow. The event of ihe capture of aIosco-nV dif!, not- withs^-auding, take place. IJe, tor one, could not greatly admiie the magnanimity of burning hit, the preserv.ilion of whicii ought to have !>;.( II luu_;:it t'U' ; wov could Ik: ^rr tlu; bliiiiii;^' .:i\;Ctcr "F till.' I-",!i;j)rror .\U'\:iii(Kj . w l.u \\\f> :,.>;. iiLc the ]'j.',j>t'!i;i- ol' tliv' l-'ivi'.ijli, ])( -uii;iil\ .;i:;l; 111,': "i f"'-' lUi'-'-V-'is (>!' the war. IK'CoiiUi 1)')* ~iM(!i;c the emu K'lin:i win ii arc^i in h.i> liiir.h, (Ml \ icu ill!;- all t.n^c i.liiiiL;>, d' liiC utter .'iiijic vhi'itN ot' the le.i^j)ei()r < r ]iii>^ia leeliui^ ail} e\uiL,a''ai \'. l;ate\-ei . On t::e eon! 1:^1 v, he thoMiJit to.it unlort liuate '.laiis-idnal leai-! he o[j- iaa^-ld h\ a A lew oi' : he o .a paia'ole eaiainitics to \'v h;eh iii.i.-L'.l aial !i:- jnojilc had. hceu. and were i,hL!\ -tdl liiithc'i' to be, exposeil."' J)<<>:nhii 7. I^IJ. On nti.v'nrj tn (hj'i r the Cyiui t' 1, i I' (lal ni/t w ;-;. to iiiah : \ alia' th.c ^-^a \ :ee^ i' l/a-.l Willo ^-oii. hu: tiu- \ ;e-M.a'> ho h.:d aaied iii .S[)a!n. eel n i\aj of the eharieicaa-,; .e > !aoii {[,>'.:' uisled tiio'e '.t'tiie l)io-.e. X"'., in t la' Pt na,-a'a ! 11,-. en ' \>-- I \ ;di, .: :al h\ lo.ij, ; .;, naa; Ii ' '- M lit juo; (a W ell oo_ 'on, la;i I ho ' a to do.ion I t:e-. hat ill ^ i.ion i: '! n a ! 'a-a: a""aMi : and ' a ,1 ' ' 56 SIR FRANCIS BURDETT. co the fortresses ^vllich he had won, a waste of life- was to be complained of. Tliis he understood to have been the case at Ciudad ilodrigo and Ba- dajozj wliich places had been stormed without a breach having been previously made. A similar complaint he had heard respecting Burgos. He did not wish to divide the House on the grant; but he wished to move, tliat the consideration of the grant should be deferred until some inquiry had been made into this extraordinary campaign. He did not sec that flattering success which the Noble Lord (Lord Castlereagli) thought he saw in the siege of Cad'z ha^'ing been raised by the enemy. The cause of Spain to him appeared in- finitely more hopeless than it was at the com- mencement of the campaign. If Lord Welling- ton had never marched to Madrid, and if he had not gained the battle of Salamanca, there would have been infinitely more hope than there v/as after those events had taken place, seeing the Spaniards had not joined us M'ith that spirit w hich Ministers deluded themselves, and would fain delude the House, to believe in exis- tence. The r!. verse of this a]:)peared to him to be thefiet: and. therefore, he thought the case of t!ie Peninsuiii more deplorable than ever" ( >? ) MR. CATXRAFT. I'rhruarj 2, \^(y.). (hi tlh. snnnd naJLUg cf the Mililla Enii^tiuuit B'dl. ' lie (lid JiMt loolv to (Hir acting" aiw u'lCat mi- i.'aiA' |)ait oil tlu- ( ouLiii(_iit, ;iuil 1i<)[.h'cI. that n'li'iL* we atUMiijiUai an\- sarh operation. \vc s':')'al(l niatiiii'lv wciuii tlic Li^clln]^taIUObJ and !!ic ^ctiic upon which vv c ^hniild have to act.'" '^Ill/ill!.''- Ill, .inn'ui.i tu L'lii H'l liui^U'ii. \\'av that ii \ k tors .'lad hctai ^auKci at lala vera - It uas, in tiuth, lo \-|('toi\-. It had l)ecn swched into a X'it'tory 'id\ \)\ the nitliience of politual eonneetidii, m iiiler to LCet Lord \\ elhn^ton advanced to tiic Pcerau-c. 1 1 was a piece ol' Ministeual t'ip|ui\. It \^a^ an ohjcet witli tlie lii^iit Hon, (niitle- aian opposite (.Mr. C'annmL;") and In-- ,M,i|r^t\"s -M;iH^U'i> to ohtam the ^nnpoit ol \Lo(|iiis 38 MR. CALCRAFT. Wellesley, and consequently they were anxious to pay court to that Noble Lord." " A montli hence, the whole fruits of Lord "Wellington's victories and campaigns would de- velope themselves to public view. He was sorry and alarmed to hear that Lord Wellington had declared that he could defend Portugal with 50,000 men, provided 30,000 of them were Bri- tish troops. All he knew was, that if the French were in earnest in their design upon Portugal^ before three months, Lord Wellington and his army \vould be in England. Would to God tiiey were in England at this moment !" i >'!> ) MR. CANNING. ^':.u-: i:., ]^(l-._0/, .1//-. .S//. ;7G' my 1i:l!,!iL IImu t'licmi Mr. Siuiiila'.:), tl.c no!)ic ^truLiL!,!'" U'Ih^Ii a part oi" tin v^^pan^.Ii iiition i^ n'j\', luaisiiiL^ to rc>:-t [\]c iin.'xain'pUal a-H'oei' \' of IVaiicc, ahel to JMC-CIVC llU' ilulcjHlulclUT ()!' 1 !,C II (ullllIIX ; aiid thai t;,;'n- c\i^t^ ihi' hi ii)iiu\=^l ill- j)M-,iu,/ii (11 l!u' part <,;!" tin Hi'iI'^Ii ut a. i niiKiit t( atloiil V vi ! \ p:;r'iaM( a.'l .u a i'Miii('>t -.o iiia;riia- ".,:!'' !>. 1,' (.,(!(, ;\'. Ml ;;i:^' '> .uImuI ti;i^ aid, ^.,. r w ill iia\a [ (ua ni Im u^ tn (()ll^^|i'^ tii.i' .i ^'a!c el" \\,;i' fxi-t-- ijil\'.(.{ii Npaiii ami (iica' l)ilt..Ml. \^t-:;all j'.niard ii]t< ".i t hr p! i IK i| !( . liiat an", laalam "i laiidpi' t'ha: ^fa^l^ ui> wit'ii ,1 ('(. t( i 111 aial M >ii t) (.[>|)()-c a pow ri wlialp \\du;tiai' |)!i)t(, -^ln^ in^id.oii^ pvarr or dcri,,i;::^- <'\>c\\ wai, i> tilt' COUP! (,n liamv ol a!l PataM;-, ' lpatr\aT n.a\' Ijp t 'u- c xp-! PiM pulilical p.p. |'P^ 1' tlial nation with ( n\ al DiilaiiP huppip.-, *p-P.iill\- Liar r--cni:al i/n \ . " 40 MR. CAN XING. January 19, 180JK In the debate on the Address. " Keeping in view the consentaneous and ardent feeiino- (f the nation in favour of Spain, his Maie,st3'.s miriisteis reserved to themselves the consideration oi' the most eligible means of apj)l\ ing the national icsouree? to the object in view, taking care to proportion the aid to tlie riCccssity." '' The state of tlie case called for prompt exertion, and with that call ndnisters thought ]t tlieir duty to comply." January 31. Ifi09. On ivocing the Address on the answer returned to the orertures froin ErJ'urth. " It v/as said, th;at Vvdieiiever Buonaparte had resolved oii any measure, and declared that he would accomplis'i it, such a (leclar;ition should be received as the fiat of a sujjcrior being, against v/hieli it was folly to op})ose any kind of resistance ! Wc never pledgcfl himself to any thing but what he could cany into execution ! His resolves were insurmountable ! lliscareerwas not to be stoppcfl ! We weie iherefore to submit to depen.dcnce if he declared such to be his wdi a.'id j)'casure : and so fur iVom tlaring to stand ?IU. CAN N l^Ci. 41 iicii!. \'. (. w c'l r nor (_\'cii tiitiblr Icadri ' Siirll ini^lit 1)0 tilt' ('jMii!<;n >'[' -xiiiir; iiut ^iicli n\ -; > )i<)l lii-> ()[)i:ii()n, noi the (ipiiimn ol ii,(. r,iiti-.!i [K()j)lc. l'.,'^(ii \^c:c [lie -:.i[) in w In^'h w f wac t !;;!). ii ixi^I binix'iiL;". it w;!"- cur (lut\' to ^liuu'ul'- .iLl-aiii.it tlic lii/i-tc'ioii- ceiiKh'.-. ilut hciu\cr CmiM ackliow U'tiuc lliat ^Moii v. A- ..i;i .-t.ifi. ; y.'rWrli l.dUi'j, j;:(ni.l!\ a P. ( I nol),\ 1 ) llo \ :; ; , L i i |;< 'U tin- w.i\t<. (.); liK'^w \vlio CI) ;ci tain*. 'I ^ne'li (!( ijM)i!(iiiiL:, ?ucli unniauK J M'Hinr.ciit-, lie was sine till' nuinljcr \va- \ci\ --niail." " It I'd tainU hati been possible I'or us, at tlie (' iiinit neeir.ent ol" tlie Spanisli v. ar. to lia\e i\ niair.eii neutral, and --ani to oui>eUe>. " We a.ie Liiul to ^ee (ii-eoid >j;iinL;in'_;," uj) between ri.'.net and lei Ailie- ,' bul the \ oiee and Icil- iP.U' <1 tile I)i.ii>ii i!aiii>n tkei.iied ioudlv and \iiieineiiri} au-i'ii^t -in'li a eouix . W ben \v b,:d iben L^one into ibe more Ihl;-!! and eli'\attd hue, we well bound to adiure to it uitb ti e nioK \iL;ourand j'eiH'sciaiu l." " \\ as 1" tlu" jileasuic ol tlie lb)u>e tbat tbe I'i-' ol Snain .sbonld be abandoiud- W'a^ it 42 MR. CANNING. a principle agreed upon, tliat tlic direction of the atFairs of Government should be com- mitted to other hands? If a new course was to be ].ur:;i:ed witii respect to Spain, undoubtedly, tlic direction of affairs must be put into new liand ,. Was it tlien a settled opinion, that there was something fatal in the will, and irresistible in tile power, of Buonaparte; and was the World to submit to his tyrannous resolves, as to a (hvine infliction?" "' Whatever might be the fruits of Buona- ])arte's victories, in other re?>pects, the s|)irit of the Spanish nation was yet unsubdued. His foi- tune, no doubt, had been augmented ; but still it was fortune, not fate ; and, therefore, not to be considered unchangeable and fixed. There was something unworthy in the sentiment that would defer to this fortune as to the dispensa- tions of providence, looking upon it as immu- table in its nature, and irresistible by human means. '' ' Te " * Nos facimus Fortii-ia Deain, cceloque locamus' " May S, lcSO.9. In the Debate on Earl Temple's motion respecting the CoJuJuct of Jffairs in Spain. '* Tbc period liad not arrived for the British government to call for an examination into the M U. C AXMNO. 1 ; C'Viw:i|.-t (il llic' \r;ir ; to (Ifci.ic w 1 .vi ,u r oi' n^i !in\ IkkI actol \\;-^c.l\', ami h'.on-!.: iiir l;i(.,i' f'M'e.-t. in \\!i;c!i th' \ liad iIil;: lua-ci, t > a l.apj'\- ii,ii::.la-i;. W 1k-u I hat liim- ^!1(;^lld C(,nu\ ,.:,,! '.a- \'.la.lc et' tin' Cdii'liK I (.t I:.- M.|.ul', would j'IO\a'. lliat li:(\ !,;.(!. iii liir \\!a)lc(d' t lair ]i:j>. -lire-. \vi>c'l\ c-',;,Mdt((l tilt.' ic.A iiitua-f 't' ii;c:i 'anii\. It \'. ,.-. niatiiial lo d i.'it aiL:ii;-]i the jui.'^d v. iu n a _:,()> ca iiiiuait, hasa'iiL;- Ici ;ii niaU d a c [\\>c "\ t)|)c iMi uuis, laid it^ (.a) 11(1 LUJt, (!])(. 11 hcloi a; J'a. ii.Liiuait, and called tor a (hai.aai upnu it, 1 mill llu' [)CM i(al \\ li( II It w a^ at trnipti'd i;) (ii;laiii a lou-^ialltd (iccisK^ii uj'Oii il^ (a)iiduct at \'.\\a{ .. 'j,':\\ a'uiD-t \)V (allied the coninuiK.ciiK.ai* d' iN tajui-e ei (ipei.-lli !iis. It I (add not, ht. cx- pei ic d l li:tt a ^()\-LrnMuiit ^haiidl)^ (aiah'ied.iu I'.n: the w oiaU i it Adoi^' at. " 'I ; c:u.vJ aa liij.l '.n'.u cp.c i..anr.Ti.;a lie a-'K((i whether, heeaii-e SjMin liad la * vet heeii a.h'.e to thiow olh t;K' \''!;e I't" i'laaicc, to u-evtai'ii-ii her in(h'[)(aiweiiea, .-ial a'ha\< h.ai hhert\, iie \\ a ^ th.caaloic to i i !ii-,!(!', i h> i ' au-,1- a> !' -! - lie ti u^^Ied that nh;i!\ . \ * i \ ii, ;., v inoic t thii t> \v oiild he made (la lii.ii \. > . .\i- ia;'y le^uit would c ii>ue'. lie t;ti>'((i iat: h\ 'it de-aitoi\- it,(jdc i>[ waiitiiv i"i\\- ad ''*td, 44 MR. CAXXIXG. the Spaniards would gradually diminish the forces of their oppressor, and render their coun- try a conquest wliich it would be difficult to make, and which it wouUl be impossible to re- tain. In consistency with the principles hi- tlicrto acted upon by the British Government, it was not intended to dictate to tiie Spaniards the line of conduct which they ought to pursue; but he trusted that it would not be long before ^ve should learn, that they had adopted a system by which the force of France would be turned against herself with accumulated violence. 'Till that period, the universal rising in Spain against the scattered forces of the enemy, might prevent any great advantages being gained by them. These hopes he should not have been able to entertain, nor endeavour to ingpire, had it not been for the experiment under discussion ; ba-d not military aid been afforded to Spain, and that in such a mode as to shew that Great Britain felt an ear- nest desire to encounter every peril, and to share every danger, of that nation, whose cause she so warmly espoused.'* -M lU < A\ N IN'' 4.S 1 1 tl'iCi'v \v;i> a coii:itr\' in w hu li it wimldlx j)c-i Ic'Ct !y jiibl to intntiMW Sjiaiii w a^ liial canin- try. 1 Ir ic tlir to! c'li I ;1 iii-^imia; ion \^a^^\^l\ w'lirw liLiiittd, and c\or\' wluac bnrniiiL! ; ai.' I'lvifUnc v. ( ix[a)>c(! 'lio people ot' t!:.it oiui;;;;-. '.o no additional d;!nL!,ai' In i_' i \' 1 1 1 -i," tlani (m;: a- o-tance." ll t!a- .. ar waa'o to !), pru-c laiti. d, \v t- vad a, jM'aui ;; m: !aia:r m l\:r t.oml^ aa.d -!', Iicn o: I J a d, \\d ': aiL;!"i'., and i i.o in :i\ c ; \ ol aii' .am a -. fi::it \\a- \'.ria oonijirtrnl in c^ ntiiid wain tl.- I uun\' o;i In - o\\ n Cion^aiil ; il p; ;ca' \-,aa o to !i,- e -t.d)l;>!a'd, we .- 'aioind eianeoa! ot []., \', :o. \", i; ;, iiie eon^iaoa.-n.e-s ol lauanLi' '.^li: aon d, n.ot i n,,:- dal 1 1 ininpin a- ! *. na* - 'a.ai, i n ':i >niple: . . anonaiidet! :;-'oi\ . 46' Jill. CANNING. June 15j 1810. la Rephj to Mr. fVldibready on the tldrd rcadbv^ of the J'otc of Credit BilU '' Let the lion. Gentleman (Mr. Whithrcnd) retrace the awful and extraordinary events of the last year, and th.en say, whether it appears evv'ii lO Ifini piiident to shut our eyes to tlie va- riations of the still shifting scene, and wantonly to put it out of our power to prolit of any pos- sible opciiinL;-, not to say of any probable con- tingency, in our favour? The Hon. Gentleman adii'.its, that he felt sanguinely in the cause of Spain at tlie outset ; but had he anticipated that plorious striioo'le? Did he ibrcsec or Ibretel that sudtlen ebullition of the heroic spirit of Spain ^ tiiat sinndtaneous and universal effort against the formidable French force which at the time occu- pied every advantageous jjosition in tliat coun- try ? 'idle lion. Gcnllcman augured unfavoura- bl}', and txpcuted little, Irom the result of tlie V ar in wliicn Aur^tiia embark-Lvl last year. lie told us so (to do liini justice) at the moment when \\vM \\:\i' broke out, ilut while he in- duig( ;! ti:r:.e ibrcbofliui/s, had he any notion, that w .iiiiii ilic ''\'^:icc oi' (>nc uionth fioni the date of ij: i-i^ /'k , }, ^uch a turn (;f al]a,irs would })ave aiiivic, ; \' ' only ai're'>!\(i the yictoiious career of th;' (. li' ;;i . ]::V-\ rcndcitil ti:c i-.:.>ic of M!t. I. A N M N O . . .;i.iMi_:u (loui)ll 111 ; .111(1. I'\ |iui-:iii.r ( (ja;iliy i' I (!,( ciil.cal niiiiilh tlic ( liaiK t~, oi i!:c \v\ir, ij^iUii (<) the ikUK'H^ (.r Iuii('[>(.- a c.\:< < ; .hl!,', t!i(ii_;li, ala^ I a >lhut-! :\ i d j)ro>j)iTt ci (klivai- ,.\:cc': \\ A> cither of thc-c thaiici'^ !> it>Lfi;? '.'v .,> I I ; lu r (t ihcin iiol w orth v. i/ihl;- a^ it ,ii nsr : A. :iu', then, riom ilic i>a>L !< t!ic lutiire. aial Id i:.c Ih)i!. IJi lit lemau --.u . \\ helhei', in the un^cl- (i and .Jionialou^ -iilnal ion i 't the ( i 'n! int. :i t. 1 1 ';' l l.':\\' KjiKlUv i)r.pi'--^:hK- to t'l ' V-. . \'. !i;.L 1,' ^ !:. .\- ; MM-; u|m .n u- m t lie coin -r i it' a lew ;.;ii-. Wit'i as h tl le [)ie\ idU.^ not lee' a^ th()^^ to w hieh I ha\e relei reel I J]nt ahJioiiL^h evcrit-- lie not (. \hau.stial, tliellon. CientU'nian'N l,o[)^', . -o. Is I\uhanient. uun. not tti inal^e jmv>\-;- - >.n l" 1 ; ii\ jM.-iNihie ca-^e, Init bueli a oni.- a- ni.iv h.L\r ;n :t (ienionst lahle ceitamtv ot' ^uece.i^; ' *: i^lhir. !!i till' I'le^ent -t-irot' the ^i).iii-!i e..,!-. . ;.' which the 1 ! n. ( i> 1. 1 ;; neuh- e . je t -- -1 (i. -^jjon.dt ne\ ]):ii t :> nui i\ ajj,\, -ueij !.!:. . , .ujiciC^- lueN*. sneli in eeova i ai)U- e\ h;e. ^ti' i; aii.iiUeax. thai not!.in;j; e a; xiiAihai!; [re n.- t a-n h|\- ;ii;cn)[M e'l cii i; > hi 1 ; i.n^ ' i ii.i' ^ :; : :. .i lund aioni,'. liaaa-Iore. to mawi't .: \v .- |):U'atlono; {i.v i\-()Ui(\'5 ol thi- oi;i:.;f\. ; an a!'-ui(! .aid nn-it t.ae.i.ii'e ('"'jLei. ( o , ^ i ,,;,:, on 'J,;,:, lo Ik- h'l : -\ ! ti. a ' an\ d: -en t loi. .: \- i , ' r ai'|h\ inL^ tia e; ^ It' tl.e J h;n ( irah .v ^ h ' ' I ij"- 1 ..a' ot S: . a M . I ' ,inie e , , . . , , 48 -Mli. CANNING. But i think 1 can })rovc to l)im that he has nd right to despair, on the same principles on whicli he has despaired so often, during the last fourteen years (and so often, I am grieved to add, has been justified by the event), respecting the other states of Europe. What has been the nature of those former contests ? and what the character of the states which have been successively subdued by France ? What that of France as compared v/ith them ? I speak, Sir, of the earlier stages of the French revolution, and refer to the language then lield by the Hon. Gentleman and his friends. France was then a nascent republic : 'J'he neighbouring natio.is were governed by old and feeble despotisms ; military despotism, it is true, but feeble from the inherent vices of their Constitution. In France, a liberal and en- lightened pliilosophy had brought forth a spirit of revolutionary freedom ; had reared this new and formidable birth to a sudden maturity of gtrenath and vio-our had o " lorn from his tender limbs the bands away. And bade the infant giant run and play. lie did so and the effete and totterin.": monar- ciii( s of tlie Continent, military despotisms though (hey u ( re, fell I)elbre the first touch of tiii^ icu'onei'i'.tiivix connucr. -r, ^\I 1{. CANN I N(,. -^:.^ " lint now tlu' -;);iit, at lr:i-t. it' ii.^t th( -;vi;'4l!i, \]ii> chaiiLii (1 .sdc-. Ji:iii(\', as if"^ ,,'. 1 1 )i;li!i<_i,' to i\]C (loctriin's i.t' harh.ii laii -';iKi ^li- ' .' Ml. the MMil I >t t III' > lam ii ul traii-'ii; iiri .^'mI i;.,(j tiic ^i;'\ CI'. i'r;iiu-(.' i^ hrisri;' Ikcoiiic a i:.'; 1; ta; v lie-^poti^;,!. ^l'^- Is ('j)j( vcd in tii;.t fliaiacUi' t'* tlic iii'\\--l)i)iai iii;k'j;cii(!.ai.(' Pi' Spain ; aiui. if ^ otiMA !ii(i i)ctn t'ai!i;t';:l to the piwcj't^ ol' the iloii. ( ii. nllcmaii and ii'> '.'iicmU, \":it()r\ dua-ht n'' hina,<-'r to (harhnc :n t.tvian ol ainis winch >n\' no ioiioer waithd i\\ the cauM- ot" t'rcc- (h'nn !)nt m tiiat oh t\ iaini\- and opj)rr>-ion. \'ictoi}, uuhaah tlie Spaniaaals have not :o boast. The nh:Htar\ j)owci- ot' I'rincc h>; . n' :' i- tnna'eK', on;l;\i(l tlie can-cs w hi'!: '.io'iM'a'd it. a I u h 1 n s I ) 1 1 c o t 1 1 ! I o I- \- , I i I ) ; ] ! 1 d ; ( > n ' . i]-]\ 1 1 r - : : - J'oitrd h\- iiicdom. hni ; ojMis^'d to it. \,il \a'i the t!a-o:\ :s hmt \\i/:.'w dia:!icd. Awl if 1 I' i!' 'a' '!!> i: e :lI I lao-' ; i-: h, r L;oi :d 1 o; I II ne, h.'i'ea-r -a/ !-> (,'. -l!\;d, tiKac I^ \('^ si; ;;;,_; ^ ;i ;_ d siiiii'Taai hatv'.een tiie (h.";!ees oh i;'>:s'a.!,,\' :']io>( d to her h\ >M::nn und tliat .a a'o.- (;'J\t (oiuiirx" to |ii.nh\- tae i^anurMiis !jei^'. h. ''ait a trul\ nat oii;d spiiat i-i no; to ha s,'!)diie'(h In otiiu' lUstania's, wimi (aire tiu' i'rviii'h ;ja;d'. < had o\ic((ine t no H'L;-niar aad (h'sca jhni'ed ainh-s (^1 the ( oil! ! lira t. t lie ei ai :',K'i ed p iwer hc!i \\a' i- '.t t'li; tlier ( li^a I. .aid s:d)!i.if l( d to t iia '.'. i I ot" ae eoiiouei'ia, iJat i', liiii t.a'e.si .ii.spa.n- 50 MR. CANNING. Has the enemy, with all his military superiority, and with all the advantage of having taken the Spaniards unprepared of having occupied in peace the strong holds, which he afterwards turned to the purposes of war ; has he yet succeeded in estahlishing his will as the law of Spain ? Whatever faults the Hon. Gentle- man may find with the Spaniards, I am sure he cannot accuse them of tame submission, or of a want of persevering exertions in the glo- rious contest, into which they have been driven and betiaycd. We have seen their armies beaten down, their towns taken and razed ; yet have not those calamities broken their spirits. From the ashes of their slaughtered countrymen, and from the smoking ruins of their cities and their hamlets, has burst forth a renovated flame, kind- ling anew that ardour and enthusiasm, which misfortune may for a time smother and over- whelm, but has no power to extinguish. A people so animated and so resolute, may be exterminat- ed, but they cannot be subdued ; from each dis- aster that befals them, they derive new energies, as they do fresh motives of resistance. Imme- diate and tlccisive success was not to be expected in such a contest; but surc^ly to have so long protracted tiu^ struggle against such an enemy, aiul under all tlie tlisadvantages under "which r.,rv were forced into it, affords indisputable -Mil. CAW INC. Mi i>\ (|Uaii(ic;iti()ii> ill the S|-.iiii:i;iU which . iii.iiiii (nir achiiiratioii and (.'^U'ciii ; of a pa- ':.(".>in.a zeal, a j)i:i ;^'\ ;. riincc. of wIiilIi i;o pcn- !cin i'.urupr h;.(l hilliLito .itl'irdcd an cxaiiii'ic. Jill' iii'Jic I C')ii!^-;iij,i.it(.' the fMCiiiu^tanrL'^ ni" ^paii). ti:/ muic pic.i-Mr 1 cnixr iVoin the ct)ii- .S'.ic; at.Dii. tii:it. the llnu. Cien;!^ niaii liiiiiseif, \uth all tlie ddMJjt 1 and .ij)]-:\ iaai -ion ^ \\ liieh he |'i lo l)e tahi :i \\;;h a \'.c\etn [I'-.eee. ilc k\ !>, no doul)!, lh>.l ^\lli!^t lliei'c ;e!i!a;iis a ehanee of ie>ruiii'4' tip.t eountrv tro;n riie unjust and t\ ranmeal n-^Lirpal ion ot" iVance. II Would he a.> hi tie j^olitic a> :;i'!uroiis to \ei;h- dra'.v ' \iv a^-i-,taiiee fie'jM tee i\ niii-n! !. We .'.iie.'i do so, uiilL--. we !,'; {O'piied toje.ivetl.e i'. nin-uhi lo he (.eeuje-d \>\- 1', ie,.e; ai'd .f!! > nK.M!-, o;; j)')l ! II ;: i ! e. -. ai.d iv o;-..,,.-. To I' :,!::( dei'i [ , I :>:'!' . . A ;e' no-^ o,n -; e ; -. { , - not ]:>i.\- a (lee-tion, \> lather SjKoii .,,i : l\^:- , nod ^ladl la -e, the led to :^[[:v[[ !, a -t '.Te o-' a! nahl \\ upon our coiiM n' o' '; on oin_ ; ar;. ::V'\ r. a nee on i he o;h. !\ !o n ' : ; e ! i on-, I ;;e 1 ' ,:n;- : liia a- l";oe, a he'd > f ' .:' de ; : ' . ;e,t i.ow f. he deeiov <\ . w h n he; (.', e ,;-!':, - ;d .' ; []] f ; l^'aei 1 a 1 !;er ' i ; c.^'wi./ ' ' I - o., . hv (" I M r i 'eh i J eren *, i . t :' t e . ; lo u af" 1 he jn' hie". i I ..u^ oil.-, of >o^,,;i ,!;(!>, > ';: V. . I 52 MR. CANNING. the only question is, whetlier, by abandoning the footing whicli we possess in the Peninsula, we shall leave Fiance at liberty to occuj)y the ground which wc abandon, to occupy the ports and arsenals, to seize the naval resources of Spain. and Portugal, and to fit out in harbours now in our possession, or under our protection, hostile fleets destined (though destined, 1 trust, in vain) for the object most dear to the heart, and always uppermost in the thoughts of Buonaparte, the invasion and destruction of Great Britain, We are cniX'-a'ed in the struii'sflc, therefore, inevitably ; and have no alternative, but to main- tain it with vigour, or declining it, to be pre- pared to pay, in our owa perils, and in exertions for self-defence, the price of our own pusil- lanimity and baseness. Is this the situation of things in which the Hon. Gentleman would lecommerul to us to pause on our policy to cease our efforts on behalf of our allies, and to acquiesce in the injustice and usurpation of the enemy '^ But again I ask, what are the grounds of the Hon. Gentlem.an's despondency? ' There has been,' says the Hon. Gentleman, * no order, no plea, no combination in the military efforts of Spain.' And is this wonderful ? Tiie popu- lation of universal Spain, roused by a sense of insult and iiijury, and actuated by the j)Ov."erful an:i i-ltiuT as a [x'fipic, lo^,. ;;t;-ain-t tlirir iiivadci's ill (lillcuiit ami (liMaiit j';irt> pt" tin' (('iiiili\- i('-i' at oiit'c, hut will'.f 111 pic'\'i(iU- coi.cfit or crjii'.liinati.'n. "W'i'.o cnuM c \!)v, t t(. Iiiul in ;!iat iinpa.railcicfl na'M)n>il ('x])iosi()ii, al a time too u'licii liir I'lciic!] lr!vij)s were in iJO-~(.'--i(m cjI all lliC ^t^()l!L:; phuos of tin,- kiii;j,-(l<>!iij all tlic okIc;-, all tiu' anaipi^c'ir.i nt, all tiiat clticicnl ' 'I L;Mir/..l mil of ni'^ai^-. and all that \'. inc ami 'm;:-;'ii;N ajiplica* ii ai ot" t!.( am which arc to i\' 'raced III ilic operations of L';o\-ca iimcnt^ ot i( .pillar ci'Ust it utnai and cstahhsljcd authoiit\-, K prcscntiiiL!," ami niiitiiiLC the general will, and ' :'.jad)le ot' directini;' the <;-ciicral loourees of a eoantrv ? Jhit the>c ad\ aiita.<^cs ot" regular .: Aaa inr.( aits we hnow haxe hecii frec[U(.aitiy ^norc than eoun'cih danced 1)\' their mlicitnt oi- id\-aniaL!,-c-> in the tremendous c onlhct-^ w Inch ot' 1 I'c \'.;ii> ii,c\i;a\a' had to --u.slain. And Sj)ai!i, with the di>ad\antaLi,-es which helong-ecl to her. has -^omc counteiiialancinu' adwintai^'cs. [{ tlic old L:'o\-crnmcnt -^ ha\'e f'alli n an ca^\ pia'v hclore the cner-ic> of regcaicratcd IVancc. let it he rce(dlcctc d. a-^ I iKi\ c alrcadv had (jcea^ion to oh>ci\-c, that the princij)lc from which tlic-e eneILile^ were >np])o-cd to ^priiiL:,". no loim'ir (. \ibt.^ ; that the spiril of liherty m JVaiicc Ics hc(, n cxtingaiidiLd ; tliat lt^ icjiuhhcrji throius :.ud convuUiuns haxe (juietly .dnisuled into a Ol Mil. CANNrXG. military despotism ; while, on the other haiici, tlie Spanisli nation, rising in \indication of its inx'adcd rights, and for tlie preservation of itb integrity and independence, is animated by every sentiment, and inn^elied hy every motive Mhich can insnrea deterinincd resistance against tyranny, and a steady devotion to the country's cause. And whilst the Spaniards, true to these motives and these sentiments, continue to main- tain the struggle, can we doubt tliat it is the firat (hity, as well as the clearest interest, of this country, to afford them all possible assistance ^ 1 do not mean to deny, th.at if the object of tliis war were one of Spanish interest merely, iipid if it were a <|ucstion as to the claims of Spain upon tins coun.tr}' lor support, there may have been, there undoubtedly have been, causes of dissatisfaction in the conduct of tiie Spanish government. The jxipers on the table, the cor- resj)ondence of J^ord Wellington particularly, show that in respect to tlie reception of the British ainiy, there is great reason for complaint ; that, as between Spain and England, Spain has been much in the wrong. But the question now at issue, is reaiiy of a higher order. It relates, nuleed, in the hrst instance, to the innne- diatc exi' tencc of Spain ; but it ultimately, ajid intimatel}', invohes the most Cbscntial intciests MR. CAXMXC. i : iii^ ( >iiintr\ ; and llic Iiopc^, if hopc^ iciiuiin, 'f Mihji]L:,;itc(l but i"Ci.tlc>^ lluro[)i'." '' I'.wn were the cflVcl-i ul" all our cxcitions 'Hifnuci to tiic juolongiui^ liic .stiiin-glf aL;aiii,>t ]''rancc in I'.uiojjtau Spain, jo thoicju^hly am I '.>)n\'infc(l (,[' the policy ot bupportinL^- that >tiLigL;iC to the hist t'xtrcmity, that wtTC tlic quc>i;(jn at t'lis moment a new and undeeuUd f]we-Mon, \\cre our aini!(\^ and our fleets hith.ei to U'-r er. .;:', L;t\!, nor <'ur t'aitli ple(h^ed in the cause, I >:.oui i b. f l" oj.init.n that it u i.uKl be the duty. iio K -i^ ihiu it would he the intele^t ol' thif C(,Mmii-v, e\en no\>/, to begin our elloits in aiti of the Peninsula; if now tor the liist time \vq were e:ilK'd upon to begin tliem." " Surely tlu- eohk'.->t heart c;mnot but be w .unied h\' >ueh a "-pdaele as Spain alVoiiN to llie woi'hh '1 iM re can >ur(.l\' be Init C'V.c teelmg ju this Ib)U-e \\ l\\ lejaid to the el.araeter of ihe Sjani-^h can^e. Xo man can entertains (h>ubt that a caMite^t ol" >urh a cK---CMplion ouuhit ;o succeed; ami if, in.bpileof all th.e dilVh nit ies which tlie SjKini.iKis I]a\'e had to riicounter (and lormidable tl;o^e diffieultirs h.ue been) they have contentled w ith unbioheu >pnit, tlmimh with N'aiious toitune. against the gigantic pnw it of l-'rance, in a manner and liu a prih d, to ^.iiame bv the eompai i-iui, tlie elloi t > i-i aln;ost ^U iiic nations el' the Continent. I ma-t again 66 MR, CANNING. ask, wb.y arc we to despair? I cannot bring rnjsclt" \ct to despair of tlie ultimate success of Spain -y because I would fain believe in the suc- cess of any people that shall act upon the same principle, and persevere with the same courag-e, in so righteous a cause ; because I would not despair of onrsclves under similar circumstances.'* " Tl:e cont(?st is not at an end ; the French, it cannot be denied, have frain.ed verv consider- able advantages ; and the Spaniards have, on the other hand, sufiered most severely. But tlie fort]-es5 of Cadiz, containing the principal arsenal and the princi])al n;ival means of S})ain, and :;;airisonCvl in part by British troops, detains before it a large portion of the Fiencli army ; no impression of a serious nature has been made iipcm tlie defences of that important place; every day brings fresh accounts of the unabated er/iuisiasm displayed by the population of tlic various provinces; the French troops aie harassed in their nio\-emerits, and straitened in tlieir ([uar- ters, l)y tlie desultory activit}' of tlie Spanish pea-vin!^; their supplier cut oM", and tlicir com- municatirais in'u rceptetl ; place all these things bcfoie yon;- eves, :md then say if it be at such a lime, and !iri;kr such, circumstances, that we are to w itiidriiw oursehes from the support of Spain, and to lea\e tlie Pcifmsula to the mjercy rf its ruthless opprc.-sors "' MK. CANNING. j; I'.uli/ ;> ii>)".'.' ()ccu|)ii.'(l l)\ IjHii^ii. coni'un:!'. Willi Sj).i;:i>;i tri)i}>> ; tiic plcciu,'^ "t lii;il .illuaici: I\' \\ liirii Spain ina\ \c\ \)c ic-ciu'd and ^a\i.ii. W'liiKt ( 'ailiz is satr, Sp.iiii is i^ot lo^t ; ;,iiil w \\\\c ail i> not xclio-t. all i-^ ult ImatfU ulnL\ai;u'. I'lic l-'rciicli ainu- i'.;i> aciiicvcd. ami may (.MiuliiuiL' to a(;iiic\'(\ tiiL' c'ciujiK^t ot" pioNincr atLci" ]jio\iiice; hut iL lia> liol Ijccii. atui w lii not l)f able to maintain. .sn>ii f. >:'.( ji'.r -l-^ in a ConniiA' \'.iicu' ilu" iw.lui'ncL' oi liic ((Mmjiuioi ilor^ not ov'a'iKl l)C\-on(l the hmit-^ ol' Ins ni:ii- lar\ po^ts ; \\ lic'K' ln^ antlio;it\- l^ contimd witinn tile fortrc^H'^ wliicli he u'arri>ou<, en" t!u oantoiimcnts uhicii ho ()CC'Li])icN ; wlicrc all that, i> itihiml him. and hctorc him, and around him, i> ^ulli'ii di-iC'onti.'nl, and nu'diiatfd vcn^fanoc, nil!'- !i([iu iahic I (."^i^lancc, and iiicxl iiiLinisliahlc hat.;" ' I.on.M Ilia -. t I.c -ti n j'u'': I a- ' .nu! he lt^coni?^' as (K' itli! ui to the I'lLiirli arnno.s a^ htic t< do.c '. ( )nr i'lLiioh aim\' hasaircads hrvn woiii down and (K.'^tio\ I'd ni Spam ; a.nd I know no pi uu'^ic: ol' luiman,t\ that hoihids mo to c\uIl in ti;r pio-pcct (>i a bimilai late au ait iuli; tho-c ^\ ho are now the liLstriinKnts ot" tyranny and vu- lenee." 58 MR CANNING. March A, 1811 . On Lord Palmer stone's motion respeciing Army Estimates. * The share which I personally had in origi- nating those measures, which have committed this country in the Peninsula aoaiust France, renders it necessaiy for me, as well in vindica- tion of my own conduct, as in justice to the principles by which the present ministers have proved themselves to be still actuated in the maintenance of the contest, to express my unal- tered approbation of the system which they have continued to pursue. Whenever the arduous contest shall have been decided, whether it ter- minate adversely or triumphantly for the allied arms, I cannot but consider myself as deeply implicated in the issue, and I the rather take this occasion of putting in my claim to answer to this House and to my country for the part I have had in tliis system of measures, while the result is } ct unascertained ; because, if that result shall be, as 1 trust it will be, honourable and success- ful, I should appear, after the event, to be claim- ing a participation of the credit to be derived from success, without having fairly exposed myself to a share of the blame which may be attached to faihne." Never should we give up our hold of the JIU. CAWING. 5^ 1\ iii:i-iil:i ^\llilc wc uc a!)ic tccoiit :iu;i' tlio^'on- Li'^t, not witli ;i |)i>5|)(.Tt 'it .->iRTC;is i-loiiC, 1 ut uitliout cluiigrr ol" aljiolulc tk'^ti uct .on to r,\\v ' A> I ncwi" \\ un paitv lu rlmvo (!i-nvil ant .* i- jKiti()n> w liich wo have t'lo c;l"toii l)ccii d'H- (kmiiccl to licar ni x\u-, Ihu-c ; as I knew tliO talonts ;;n(l -skill cf tiic Ikiti^h CJcnt ral ;i^ I \va^ oonvinoed ol' the \akuii anil ' i ij-lino ot tho l!iil;-ii alln^ and a" I iunl:(kntl_\ antici- |i ruot :[' l]n'j:\\>h ollicci^on the physical and ninial (iiiahtics ofa bia\'c nation, 1 ha\'c all along- looked to llie eonte'^t in Poilmjal w itli ]i(ij)e a Ji()j)o quardie'd nndoidjtcdiy 1)y a ndxtnre .t ai!\iet\, but wdiolly unalloyed by any tlnnL^- like (k.^p.iir. Xor has tlie re-eiit (h^ajipeinu d n-y e.\ peelat :on^, It'Lnid AW lloi^inn hi- ,;;;e>;Ld. in il . caieei' < i" \;eli.i\'. that iin^Lih'^ nnlitar\- ];()>,, rr, bi^lVac \vh(i-e (j\ei \^ lu hn;;;!;- nia e,-. the '^:eatt 3t e.inii(.'> ot' the ( \)nline!it i,;.\'e e;und.)kd liito dii-l ; ii'lie ha^-ei/(d tlie r.hlled Ixiil o\' veiiL;eanee, wliieh wa^reacK In hi hiii h d ;i';Miii-t the (k'\(jted tt)wers cf L'shnn ; ha > dixeittd i! i'lwni !t> di. s; mation, and eiauhieted it !.aind(>s into the e.^rth; il', jn'oteeiini;- the kiiiLidiiiP. e- n;- mitted to ills dilenei' aL;aii,>' tlie (K-ii-wi el la nidrjK I'.oiaue ol iKilaais. he ha> -l>'Oij. .;^ it v.eie, helWcLn the dead and the livin_'-, ar.d 60 MR. CANNING. stayed that deadly plague wliich had filled every other part of Europe with havoc and desolation; if he has done this, and no more than this. I am not, I cannot, he disappointed at the result of the campaign. To have saved Portugal, and in saving Portugal, to have procured for Spain ano- ther year of hope, another season for exertion, and therewith to have given to Europe another chance of recovering from the effects of this furious tempest, which so long has raged with unahating fury, and has laid prostrate every thing great and venerahle amongst the nations of the world this is no shght success, this is no mean glory ; it is a result worthy all the expense and cflbrt, and anxiety, that it has cost us ; and, if it does not satisfy our desires, it may well make us ashamed of our fears." *^' The advantage to our own troops from prac- tice in warfare, and from having had frequent opportunities of estahlishing, beyond the possibi- lity of doubt, what we always knew, but what the enemy constantly flattered themselves they could disprove )jy denying the physical and moral superiority of the British soldier; the impression necessarily produced upon the French armies, by the palpable demonstration thus pre- sented to the world of the groundlessness of their own vain-glorious pretensions to the cha- racter of invincible : these surely arc effects il li. CANNING. M u..vii iti-t'.l\ the [>; iiirij.K' of \]:c \' !;iv t'li^'.ii \, 'i.. ', i1k\ ai\' (K'ri\i'(l, ;a.il \\hi,:i i.ot onK- :i;i:!)iitc' ti) tlir iiiiiiu dia! r _l;'(ii\, h[\{. ti.ii'1 to .. ui ;:n;i'i.' ^.ill'I \' di' ! hl^ coui.li \ . " Il \w wcvc lo Ikin'c iIk' ( Ihi'tT of ;i;i\' ciu- >!)ot: ill ii.r wli'ilc \\()! 1(1. \v!;crc tlli^ -^N 5tc in ccuKl he m()>t a(l\\iiilaL;cousU' (.Mriii'd into cliccl, ti t; ]);e>cMiL tin a! re ot' tlh; Wui" is that \\li;c'ii \\ c iiiiuiit in--t ]'i iuU'iitl\- lia\c ( hci-cn. In tl;c r.'iiinaiia, I'it the lii-^l tii.ie ^;;;.-(.' ihc rrnn h lU \ i 'ill! I'lii, IVair (. In e\ lUi-^ti. (1 hy ti:r cxjicn-cs ( .' ila' \^-.;r, iii^U'.ul ('i' hc>i;^- (.niii l.tii b\- it> -)';>;!-; \\ c have t lu' hc>t au t lioi i t y 1(11::.^ .'..>;; wc h;i\e laionapai tc's own exj'liCii adii.: ion ( :' it. Ill thr Puiiii^uhi, rr.incc ;'.c;.-3 al llie ciuL a^^ ; vie. of a ion^- Ie\ er. t '1(1111;^ a hue '.1' lll^,!:.u- i;!e.lt .i)'.;-. e\ t<.-i:iieil, h.izaial' 'li ', a.e.d r( 'ii- tiiut i\' ::i\-i le j);<(l ; eaid reiiui! ie-j," -tiirech. Ic-s ti:,iii a.:' th; [ :.i:..\ ;!:-; e: d alo;:j; tia^i. ii/e, to i-.fcy 1:') ; i.c !iu all > t)l i I ( (iiiii;' ami I < 01 1' ; : iiiLi t !U' ar:ii\ i I ;i> tin ^c a i> ojn n, ami lln' (:.>' lie/ ; lu. ,.:!:;- ( 111! \ Dl' (< 'inmuiia'ation 111 ) im. , ilrm i>e hiiu''": am; i;-!v 01 le.o \'(>\aii;e. ^\!l./il :-. ;i.:.:;i''; lu t,.,- oxtiLim.'. '1 iir^e are tlie pli\"-:r:.[ ai, ' liiihtaiv ^ I\;mlaL,t> \'. '.:rh wa ,,!>! udiu;- r.f to ..'!'. ^ ti.e -ca lie t^l j~ ^.. lii-'i- h.'t w 1 ' i; ( J :a at Ih :: ; -' <1 Tiai;' ( , th.e |)i^ -(111 I iic'atic < ; \', a; . ;: -- hy : a ' ' a'-l aiiw litaLiL . LO I'V liimh.i.e. Jie" ;L i^ 62 Mil. CANNING. impossible to put moral considerations out of tlie question ; to forget the ties which bind us to the common cause of nations, and wliich con- nect the defence of their rights and indepen- dence with the separate security of our own." " The ruler of France has now the eyes of all Europe fixed upon him. He has no^'/ no distant diversion to distract liis councils, or draw off the attention of his subjects and of mankind from the one grand object to which he stands pledged and bound the establishment of his usurped dominion in the Peninsula. If he fail in this, his defeat must be most signal and deeisive. It admits of no palliation j it is not to be retrieved or compensated b}^ les-^er triumphs, nor to be obliterated from memory by the achievement of nev/ successes in otncr quarters of tlie world* To be foiled in this great object, and to be foiled by Great Britain, would be to him the most dis- graceful, and consequently the most dangerous, defeat that he has ever experienced breakinfT the charui of his ascendanc}-, and shaking the foundation of his power. To us it v/ould be the most ghnious trium})li that ti;e events of this tremendous war liave ever yet brought Avithin our reach; the seal of our fidelity to our allies- the consunnviati^iu of our nnlitary rliaiuLUr; and the picfiL'"': ol" our naLional safet) . Such is the cl'aracter and importance of the coi'- Mil. (AXMNG. '):; tCit wliich i> now iit i^Mic. ^\'ll it ili.it lisuc M!:i\- ',f. 1 do not I'ictcnd to aiil'u';|).iU'. Jt :n i]\c hands ol rrovidcncc. J!iil. !,indnM>- o at tli';^ moment u[)(ni tluit aw lid eminence V. liicli (hvides tlie [):i.st trom tiic Intuii'; tlu' j';.'^r, ehe(iuere(l with \'ariet}- "t" loituiic i!:c 1 iiture, o\ ershadowed \iith a i!ai'kne^-< unjieTN inns to ham, an tiTcsi^ht, I am anxinus to declare nnc >pn\ ncallw while the i>-ue 1^ Net nndec;di(K licit the coerce and the ^\^ttm h\ whieii tlic mdir.irv t"citunc> of the v'(nii-,ti\ haiN'e htcn hrcii^ht to thi> erl^i-, liaxa- my mo'-t cordiid and nc(|aahticti ii|.'j)^<)l}atio;L'" " The haj-j)V otlcet-^ ]).! ':iccd h\- the ori^MU: . .' Ion ni' ihr !'(Ctm.:-:'(. -c t O'Oj.v. h..,! In n .lia adx ^cui .'ind hit. Let n^ liopt. t',:at ^icclai- ie5U;t-> miL;-h; oceui m anotiier pait ol' th.v' reiiinsii': n 'I'll javduee ^urdi a lasaMiahlv' chani;-c, ^aJt;:;n^ \c.;s ira)re ealculate'd tlian to h.nld (uiL aniinatiiKj; c\[)eetations ; wlide, on the other hand, p<;i.;I- ii)i;- 1 inLi;naL;'e wa-^ more c-alenlati'd than an-.(;tiiei cM'cnm.itance, to ^inlv thov;c t(; c, i.oa; it a,c -> I xpii-^ncl tleqa i' and occj)er ml" ii'-j . 1 d.^:ru5l ot' iheiniclvo." 64 MK. CANNING. Fcbruanj 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Thomas Tur- ton's Motion for a Committee on the State of the Nation. ' The general system of our foreign relations he highly approved; and he declared, that blionld any other set of men be placed at the helm of Government, who might think it expe- dient to abandon that system of warfare in the i'enin'jula, by which the country had been raised to its ])JC-scjit glorious height of eliaracter, he would give tiieni his determined opposition." Juhj 2\, 18!2. Jn Ihc Dehnte on Mr. Slieridans Motion for Papers relative to the Ocerturc for Peace from France. " He liad heard with considerable surprise the lion, Cxcntlcman v;ho seconded the motion (Mr. Whitbread) nniintain, not only that the re- cent overture was made in the spirit of since- rity, but that all th.e former overtures of the ruler oi" Trance w ere made in a similar spirit. lie had heard, Y,ith still more surprise, the Hon. Gentleman who had just sat down (Mr. Hutchin- i.on) declare, that no person in uucicnt ov MK. CANNING, 65 r.iodcMi times, cvit luciitt'd ;i crown better than Iluouapartc. This was hiiigiiai^c wliich, he wouh! \entuie to sa\ (without l^ca^in^ any ojlciice to the Uow. Cit'iitlcinan), wouKl be \ery M(li( ulous, (lid not the ininioiahty of it iciuitr it liii^hlv (huia,ci()us. Hitherto it liad been Mjnie -ecuiil\ tor the peace of the world, that tlie most >uece>NtLd nsni|)(i- had not m tiRir liie- tiiiir i(a[)cd the lull fiuits (jf thi'ir crimen : tlieir ,suenN-()r>. uuleed. inheriting their power with- out liieii' i^uilt, nught, when the deeds of their ancestor^ were in a great measure forgotten, establi>h an influence o\er tlie niintl^ of man- kind ; Init it remained for the present age to eiown with praise an unhallowed concpieror, and to teaeh him. not onl\' to look witlunit tear to j)Oste!ity, hut to demand applau^e and adnu- i.ttii'ii t': oiii his c'oteniporai n^ them^el\ e.-., Sueh a sri!* luuiil w a^ d.ingerou> be\ond the inlei-est ' t the j)U-eiit d('h;ite. It \v a^ new to the House ..nd to the countrN. It had never been liazardcd b\ aii\ hi-toiian oi" ujjstai t jjow er. Xo lo\ i r of libei'tx had e\er adv'aneed it; satisfied as he mu^t hi', th;it the be^^t ^riaiiilN au-aiii>r opju es- -)!s ;uid u^^lper^ w a-^, lo.uui \\it!i even an im- j. lit; lit liau:l the mind^ o! mankind a^aill^t tiio>f; iii'.iiiiuir- oi tliLir ju^t i:i^ht->, and to la\ iin, .n the ixa-j)!. ration (.t" t',e pit-cut nioir.ci.*, the TCiUi :.ds ot tutuie pu;l;^llnle!lf . A;; Ihui. (rc!i- I 6 MR. CAXNING. tleinaii (Mr. WhitbrcacI) :ippearecl to find some justification of Buonaparte in the conduct of Louis tlie XlVth. He had found a parallel, not in that portion of Louis the XlVth's life in which the historians of his own country repro- bated his ambition, but in that in which he was entitled to sympathy ; the period when, suppli- cating for peace at the hands of those whom he had been seeking to enslave, and to exterminate, he was met by an ungenerous demand, that he should not only relinquish all his conquests, but: turn his arms against the throne of Spain. This demand Louis had still spirit to refuse ; and it must be allowed, that it was a demand which the Allies, even in their triumph, had no right to make, Brit whiCrc was the applicability of this illustration? Were we to be expected to do now, v;hat it was dremed unfair to demand cF Louis in his greatest distress? Were we to be required to turn our arms against that very i^hroiic m SpL'in which we had hitherto sup- ported, viiii to the maintenance of which we were bound bv every uhligation of good faith? If we were to iccognise the dynasty of Joseph as a jjreliminary basis^ we sljould do the same thing which tlie ITon. Gentleman thought it so unfair to require Louis XlVth to do in his greatest distress. The fate of Spain was in suspf'nse, it was at the issue of war, and neither MU. C AW lX(r hi.uii'c nor KiiLihuul, thcrct'oic, li.ul a ili^ht in .my iu':;\)riati(n, to a.^-^iinic that as a i)asi> which tlic event ol" war alouc niu>t hu- nour in the projiosals for such a peace-, it ])ecanic this country to torego all the a(I\antage, and make its stand on that point until it should he c< iUccded."" ' 1 hough KuiiMa h.ad hi en goaded to war h\" a >.erit^ ot' oppressions and jusults, iic hy no means was di>])oscd to contend tliat her remain- ing tiaucpnl, luul it been po>.-5ible, would have been much preterable." " For three yeais Prussia liad been lield out us the most ob^cipuous all\ of Fr;mec, and yet .It last slie was doomed to destruction in thic midst, nrjt of her enemies, hut ol' her I'riends, (ireal ami m;ign:iiumous as this moch in con- jueror had been called, wh;/n comp.ued w ith those of former limes, yet in the hist(jrv of those It might be seen tiiat il" som.e t)t' iheii oj)j)onei;ts tell by wai\ others escaped total ruin by treat\ . With I]uonap?irte, liouc\er, it u' is tound that those who \(.ntured lo opp(>se him iiv 'he lield, had some chance ot" saletw l)nt ih.o-e who lelied on his t: icndshij;, none; tha! ii'-- :ht}- appeared bomelimes to -.-often lorn, eoi:- ..(^sH'ii ne\ rrf 68 -MR, CAN XING July'i, 1813. In ^-Kpport of Hie Vote oj Thanks to tltr: Marquis of PVellington for the battle of Viitoria. *' He trusted the interest wiiicli be had evev taken in the cause of Spain would excuse hiuj for offering a ^(z\< words on the subject. It was now five years since this country, involved as it w^as in dilficulties, and enaraoed in a contest the end of which it could not foicsee, had the glorious prospect opened to it of what this splendid achievemcat led to the hope of having ])rought to a happy cousummation. At that particular period, amidst the pressure of events, and all the troubles peculiarly her own, she had not hesitated one luoment in becoming the friend of those whose only claim to her friend- ship was their being the victims of tyranny and oppression. Tliis choice was crowned with success; but it was a choice which they would not have had cause to regret, even had the strug- gle ended in hopelessness and disappointment. Tiiank heaven, the result was of another cha- racter ; and proved, that generosity and justice, while tliey were the most liberal, were also the wisest system of policy ; and that honourable feeling for otliers, was nearly connected with our own personal safety. At the period to which he had alluded, there were many who MR. CAN NTNG. IV) (iCspairi-d oi' [he success ot' the r.uisr, and ulm, fl)i)ui^-li tbn'C'l into the curiciit, h id expressed their (lisajij)i()hatie)ii of it. That ( iilnprise, \i hieli many thouLclu ra^h and liazard .ll^, \v!iie!i many l)ehevcd ahnost hopeh'ss, had eii(i.'d in a blaze of' i;lory that v.cuhi h\e I'-'ci.ided oa liie glowing ])aue ot" lli^t()r^, e\i n ii" gloi', -h.aild be its only result; but he (hd nol despair ot' .se. - ie.g adcied to it othci' pages of piiliiieal ar!\in::e- ment and tinal settkanent, e.deulated to p;o- mote the happiness, and seiaiie the liii.-ities of niaiikin(L A\'ith re> \\\n^>\ who at iio tiiiK- (hiriiii;- the jjli 'J!ii;U', li:i\c 1 lud up Mitir \()iccs in th'-. phicc, t xcciitiiiu to iccdin- nu'iul and to n; l*" wlw t \i i tion-^ ; to tho-^c w ho, \\ lien the p;o^pel!s \, eie ir.o^t (iieai \ and nudan- clioly, insi>tcd that there wai hut one eoul^e becoming the (haiaeter and honour of (iitat lirifam- a jK'r--c-\ei iii^'and nndiunud i e.M^taiicc to tl)e o\'ei udiehniUL;- power ot' i'lancc. 'l-^an ii.ch\ idiial, \\d;o, under tiic w.u-^i di^t.-i ui: :i'j,inii,' '.;i eunistant-f.^, ^t ill niaintamc-d that tlie di. li\ ;.!- anee ot" rairo|)e (often a derided term) wa-^ an ohjeet not (nd\' \vorthi\ of our arm.>, hut j)os- sible to he achieved, it mu>t be douhly wcKonie to come forwaid to acknowledge hi^ tran^ports, an.d to \ indicate his share in the national exul- tation.'' " W'iiat we h,i\-e accomplished, is c-l.djl;>hmg lie foinidatioii upon \\ nich the t( inple ot' ])eacc ;iKi\' be crct.'ted ; antl imaL;ination mav now jMCtnrc the completion of that stiucturc, \v!in'Ii .\'i'h iioj)e> less .sanguiue, and licirts less iiigh, it would ha\e been l(d;\' to h.t\'e attcmpud to raise, \\'e nia\ now eoufidi'iitlv hope- ;o ai:i\c at t he tei mi nation (tt' Idjoiir, and t lie at'.ammeiit (;1 repose. ll i-^ impOiSihlc to looI^ haci^ !o tl;o^e periods \\ lien, amid ail the ehei \ c-eiaiee oi loy, the encm\ vaunti'd, and s^c. ]'eil,aps, leaieth :Mat \* c s'liould \j(^ conricllcd to s,ie loi i"'acc 72 MR. CANNING. without returning tlianks to Providence, that gave us courage and heart to bear up against accumulated calamity. Peace is safe now, be- cause it is not dictated ; peace is safe now, because it is the fruit of exertion, the child of victory ; peace is safe now, because it will not be pur- chased at the expense of the interest and of the honour of the empire ; it is not the ransom to buy off danger, but the lovely fruit of the mighty means we have employed to drive dan- ger from our shores. I must, with heartfelt delight, congratulate my country, that, groaning as she has done at former periods under the heavy pressure of adverse war, still " peace was despaired of, for v/ho could think of sub- mission." Her strength, her endurance, have been tried and proved; every mode of assault that the most refined system of hostility could invent, not only by open military attack, but by low attempts to destroy her commercial pros- perity. The experiment has been made; the experiment has failed, and we are now trium- phantl}^ but not arrogautly, to consider what measures of security should ])e adopted j on what terms a peace should be concluded." " Even if our hopes of peace should be post- poned, or even dis'ippointed, i.s it nothing to Jt'flcct upon tliv" posture \vc are enabled to asbumc. by the achievements we have already MR. CANKIXC. / pi I fornu'd ? Is it iiothiuc^ to h^ok l)cick iipcn liH' t.ill.n, the cKKicliiiiL; attitude (.f fi!>!avc'l I'.urojx'. at a period not loiii;' ili^tant. and com- pare it with the nj)rii;'ht, tVee, and uiulauntcd ])(;.sture ill w inch >he iu)\v- staiicN r Li\ing iiU'iiiorN' can reeal no period when :^he was enti- tled to hold lier lie;ul so hi^li, and to hid mkIi hold dehanee to her enemy. \\'hat, let nie ask, is the hr^t .iiid l)iiuh.te^t t'luit ol thi^ sueeesslul ("iiiiiet- I'ii.st, that continuity ol' s\ stem, that instiiiinent of not wholly iiietleelnal hostility a^rainst (ireat Britain, which, until lately, \vas Mipposed to 1)0 growing- in strength and per- feetiou, has l)ecn de^troved; that eouiplex :naciiine directed against oui trade, has leceieed a hlow wliich has ^hi\eled it to atoms. 'J he t'iiemv 1-) douhK' defeate i! w'a>, btill thcie is suniething in \\)c iiicon]]iie>sd)le natuic of eonimeice, which rise.> under tiie weight of the most poweitul t\!;inny, his rtfort^ liaxe he( n exhausted to siuk oiii cniineree, hut. ll^- !!ig \vi\\\ tenfold \i2,ouf. it has defied liis })unv ei](,i; U, iie\'er to he itpeated. 'I'he nex t point wi- ha\'e at tallied, is the dcst i uetion ot lii^ ow ii (iaiiinu' s\ste'!i of eoiifrdeiat inn ; I mean that s\-tem h\- wi);eh iie l;a> Icrir.ed all tlie sr,iie> ot (.'ontiiniital Ivai'npc into satelhu-^ (^f t In I'rench tmpuf. tin.! mo\c oiiK' as it mine--, and aet 74 MR. CANNING. only by its influence. They are now emanci- pated ; the yoke lias been removed from their shoulders ; the nations rise superior to them- selves, " Free, and to none accountable, preferring " Hard liberty before the easy yoke '' Of servile pomp. ' But since all the events of war are precarious, it is possible that, after retiring awhile, the former tyrant of Europe (now no longer its tyrant) may asain burst forward, and airain with desolation in his train, awhile victorious, attempt to collect the fragments of that system, and to reconstruct that mighty engine which we have shattered, but which once, guided by his hand, hurled destruction on his foes. It is impossible. After the defeats he has sustained, all confidence between him and iiis vassal states must be anni- hilated. Admitting that they may be com- pelled again to act, can he rely upon their exer- tions, or can they depend upon his support ? lie may go forth like that foul idol of which we heard so much last year, crushing his helpless victims beneath his chariot wheels, but he never again can yoke them to his car as willing instru- ments of destruction." *' So much for the present state of Europe^ But has this country gained nothing by this MK. CANNMNC;. ,5 -li'.iniis t(Hitf>t, cNcn suppo-ii'.": pfa( c .\ii(nii(l he tar di.'itaiit - ]> it no ^.lll^l^u!l ii, no f/in- !)cn>:ition to licr, to rttliHi that tiiO ^plciniid vci'HL's (li'-;)!;:\ (\1 ^n tlic ( 'o'lt ii:'.'iit, ai.' (;\',';n^ to liorcti'-; ',^ : 1.5 It nutltin^- to drca; ]]':l;':ii, cvrii pn'Liiabcd at the \u'j;h price ^tatc(l hv lue No!>!e Lord, that under all tiie ^e\erit\ ot' her .^ulie^- inL;-.s, whde her trade deeline(h her ini,it;iiv cliai'acter ha^ heen exailed : 'l"h;il ti.e \-!et ..:es ot (lei .;i:;n\- a;e to hf a' ; i ihuti'd to oui- \ ,e'oi les .Ml II, e IVii: a!.. - '1 iiat .M)ark. (^lleii leeh'e, >onieLimes xj i.e.irlv e\tiu_a.hhed .i^ to e\i ite desj>air in aU lien's t!;at \v ot' iJavonne, tli.it slandard that their eneiiru's- wt uld ha\e made to tloat n[)on the walls '>[' I.i>!}on 'It i-- a t'aet aeknow ied^-ed h\ all, that our eneiiiN- who ha-^ enda\'ed the pres,-, and made it eonliihiite >o iinpo!tantl\ to his own puipostN ot" amhition, .it various pirnaN durinu' the hos- tilities, has endeasonred to imj)ress iipoi^. all fl.''-';e wlio were likeh to he our A! he--, a notion 76 Mil. CANNING. that Great Britain only fought to secure her own interests, tliat her views were completely selfish. That illusion is now destroyeil, and the designs of this country are vindicated by recent events." *' Wherever this country has exerted herself, it has been to raise the fallen, and to support the falling; to elevate, not to degrade, the national character ; to rouse the sentiments of patriot- ism that tyranny had silenced ; to enlighten, to reanimate, to liberate. Great Britain has resus- citated Spain, and recreated Portugal ; Germany is now a nation as well as a name, and all these glorious effects have been produced by the efforts and by the example of our country. If to be the deliverers of Europe ; if to have raised our own national character, not upon the ruins of otlier kingdoms ; if to meet dangers without shrinking, and to possess courage rising ^vith diihculties, be admirable, surely wc may not unreasonably hope for the applause of the world. If we have founded our strength upon a rock, and possess the implicit confidence of those Allies, whom we have succoured when they seemed beyond relief, then I say, that our exer- tions during the last year, all our efforts during the war, are cheaply j)urchased ; if we have burdened ourselves, we have relieved others, and we have the inward, the soul-felt, the proud Jlir. CANMNCi. / / satislacliun of knowing, that a bclfibli charge j> that w liich, with the taintc>t shadow ot' jus- tice, cannot be brought against u?." "May Great Britain still maintain tliat chg- niry ot" station, and sii|)j)ort that grandeur and liberality ot" design, upon w hich she has hitherto acted; may she continue the unoppressi\e guardian of the liberties she has vindicated, and the ciisinteiested proteetrrss cjt' the hlcNsings she hai be>to\ved I" ( 78 ) VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH, Februai-y 18, ] 808./,- t'le Debate on the Second Reading' of iJie Orders in CoiincH BilL '* In order to obtain any peace with France, in order to make her live in peace, v/e must prove to her that she can make no impression on us. The only prospect of hving with that country in civil or political intercourse, was afforded by a perseverance in the war, till by a proud defi- ance of all her means, we should convince her of her inabihty to destroy or weaken ours; so might we enjoy relations of amicable intercourse, not of suspended warfare with her ; but that could never be expected, till wc should have established the proof, that no instrument she could employ would avail hCr for the reduction of the ])ower or the resources of this Empire.'* July A, 1808, Spain.. '^ He could assure the House that no means w(juld be left untried, that no exertions would VISCOUNT CASTLEREACiH. -'? he wanting- on the part of his Majcst v\ Mini^- ttTv, lu make all the le.^ouri'es \\ Inch they had it ill tluii- power to ajiplv, sul).sci\'ient lo the i;ieaL object a,-, nuich wished tor hv them, as by his Ma- ji'.ity, the Parliament, and the cf)untiy. It was iKjt tor him at present to anticii)ate the opinion ot" tliatlJon-e uponthemanner in whlchhis Majesty's Mimsters should accpiit themsehe.'^ oi" the great and solemn obligations in which *!. cy might be -aui to .>tand bound to ihiir countiA' ;ind to i^uro])e. IIi'iw t;ir .Ministers upon lhi> great Ci-( ..^Kjii had done what tlic\' could do, and (night to do, Parliament, npon a future occasion, a-. ouUl iiave an opportunity ot' dellbcratelx judging ;iud tiett rmininu/' Jnnur.',! \'.>, 1 >(iy,_ /. //i, DJjnt. tt mg), thrie liad been shew n a total want ol" w i-dom aiul \ !gour, and that ihi^ couutiN and luiiopc had no ciiancc' ul' .saU'atii'U 'Hit by a eiiangc ot the nun who wcic to ccn- 'hirt, iln- ail'.uiAol' the state in the present n;c>'.t 80 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGK, critical and important pcrioti. Whatever miglit have been the want of vigour in his Majesty's present Ministers, so much complained of by the Right Hon. Gentleman, he believed tlie country would not have ninch more to hope for if the reins of Government should fall into the hands of the Ri2:ht Hon. Gentleman and his friends, who had given such ample proofs of zeal and anxiety for the welfare and interests of the country, by deserting all those who were then allied for the defence of the cause of Europe, No great Parliamentary recollection was necessary to carry back the mind to those periods when the Right Hon. Gentleman and his friends were called Mpon to support the cause of Europe, at a time scarcely less momentous than the present. Although the conduct of his Majesty's present Ministers might lie open to examination, he yet felt proud that it would bear an honourable contrast to that of their predecessors." " He was most ready to admit, th.at on no for- mer Government had so heavy a responsibility attached, as that which had fallen on rhc j)rt'eiit Government siiice the close of ti-e i.^st session of Parliament. He iKid no hcsiiat^on ro con- cede, that to no Government liati t!ie wisiu's, the liopes, and the tleterinm.'iion oi' tlu ccninrry in their support, been more unanimously ex j)rc5S' V I "^CO U X T C.\ STI.i: U K A (. IJ . 81 r.i. lie w.is iiady to allow, that ]);> Maicst\'^ Miii-.tt'is i'clt ihaL tlu'V liad odIv lo call upon tiu' ((Uiiitiy, ami tliat llu'ir call wacald l)c aii->\\crccl with the utinn-t jihcrality ot tcriiiiL;'; they were cuiitiollcil. theicthic. hv no other coiiMdeiations than iIimm- naliiial lino's to which all hinnaii cxeition. ;;iid all Inmiaii ]iiwei". were Md;jeet c\'cn in ^luh an empire a-> dwit Ihitain, .\dnnttiiiLi-, thcrctViie, in the l^i0^l cxU'n^isa: dci;rce, the re-jx 'U-ihoil \ of h;^ Araje>,t\'>. .Mini.^- tt ii on thi> suhjcct, he I'cit no a]iprehen.->;on at tile jlro^j)ect of mcctniu,' the charg-eoi' the Ki^ht IJon. (j(.'nllcman n|'<)n it. He lelt confident liiat it would he proved tlie_\ had rcdeenu-d the jdcdi^e i^;\aMi by them to Parliament in the last Si'-.-;on ; that they hail caiiiul on ti;c ^tlu^^le, :id apjiiicd the ahundant ie^ou:^;e> of the coun- liy :n a n.an:it;r, winch, on matu:e latlectaiM, .:cd i;a'-t lihc.y t;i -ctaire tiie ohunt ni . an op.ii.im w i.ieh ewu pa-.t exp'ericcee . '. c (i oii;\' lo coiitirm." ili^ M.ijc^t\ -^ Mini-itei- I'.ad no option the optani had heen ui.ide h\ >p:!:n. 'li'.cN' haai chnM'ii tliC mode O'l icL!,u!ai- waitaic, and it u<"'d.d h..\e id helitte.i ihe chaoictcr of C i i eat !hi:,,.i! to Imnc -hruuh i:om t;:e c i:*e-!, ,.\:d ' have > hd t ) tliL- Spani uals--' \\> will ' \' 'I njiu\, we wid L;i\t \,ai -^l.iu-, hut ' h, './aid oiii hluod in \< ur cicf^iiec ' 82 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH. Such language would, indeed, have been most ungenerous towards our Allies, and most un- worthy of the spirit and general feeling of this nation, in support of the Spanish cause." " Wliether Spain was to contend against France in irreguhir warfare or by regular war, was a matter for lier own option ; and she had at that time made her option for regular war. and for giving battle to her enemies in the field. It was, tlierefore, the duty and j)olicy of this country to support her cause in the sam.e maimer." Feh'uary 2, 1809. On the second reading of the Militio: Unlisiment BilL " Whatever was the present appearance of the probability of success to the cause of Sj)ainj yet as tiic principle was agreed to on all sides of the House, it followed tliat wheliier ariy or what j)()rtion of our army was to be sent to the assist- ance of Spain, was a })ure n/ilitar} (|uestion. wiiifh was onl}' to be detcrmi\ii'(! b\' [he exceu- (ive j)owcr, if Minister,: si :;u!d af'crwards ?!p!)e:ir to ii:^ve given iij;].r()])cr afivice, or to rave mismaiiagcd tlic inilttav. iririns of the r()U]]tr\, they were suifiect. {>> :i l].a\y respon- VISCnrXT CAbllLlilACIl. SJ ':>ii,'\'; ir-it lu- could luji lliiiik [\\c GciilK'- v.,c\\ oil the oilier .>ii(lc would ri';di\' w i>ii to \i: ii|) the haiuU ot" ilk- executive, and (!e|)ii\e it ('! ail liiea^^ ot actiiiL!,- a^ cii'cuui^tanct ^ nn^lit I'eiuicr iiec(.'N^:ir\ . iiienlx' iVoiii liie tear tliat it ir.iu'iit i)c ad\l^ed to aer w ioml'', or to inake an liCijii udeiit u>c ot" iti :>t leu'^lli. lie could not ljei.t\e tiiat tlii' (ienilenun on t lie ot her >:dc tou'd suj,[,(,v^- that thex' ^a.w ti;i'ir way -o t. K ;tr 1 ;e-[jeet ot' tiie War lu S|) nu. a^ to >a\ that Cii eiiiiistaiea ^ iniL^h.t not occur winch would n.al-.e it the in)uiulcn dut\ (;t" thi> country to L;i\e the most jjowcil'id a-5:5i.itaMee to the iSpancdi pitiiotN. It was hi^ linn oijiuiwii, that while tiic jH'oph' ol' >|)ain wi'ia' true to tiijUi-^elxa -a ac.d tw t ' aar own (am-e, it w a^ not (iuK the niie- it -t 1)1 ihi^ C()untr\a hut the |)h dmai tiu:\- oi PaliauiiCUt to ^UjJpoH tiaiu. lie d.ij uo; uiean to --a\-, th..t we \v I, re iiow io cuh.uk ui \'. :ld uaina.iN -j'leulation^ that laul no elaiiicc' ol' -U( ci a (iiiea ; I'n' It wa-> ^;dl iii> ojcnum, tlait il' ihiC >jai'.,'-ii I'taijKL' cont aiued todi-uiav' that !nii:^\ wiiieh tiu\ Jaal nIicw !i la'I i;.aai\ nloulil-^ : JO, il.e -c.iuu^'lc m th,.t ((.ai;.lr\ wai> In' no i:::. an- at an c la ;. ' S4 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGIJ. May 9, 1809. -^Tn reply to Earl Temple's Speech en moving Resolutions condemning the Conduct of Affairs in Spain, " The whole course of our policy went not only to rescue Spain but the world, by resisting the attitude in which France stood at that period against the Continent." January 23, IS 10 In the Dchate on the Addrcsx. ^' He would ask if Spain would have evinced that spirit of resistance and enthusiasm against the common enemy, had slie not been conscious of acting in conjunction with this country?" February I, 1810. In the Debate on the motion fo;' Thanks to Lord Wellington for the Victory of Tula- vera, " To say that sucli an effort of skill arid ability, .-^ucli an accjuisition of British glory, was not ealculitcd to call forth the admiration of the llou.bc of Commons, was an attempt to intii>-- (hue a IcelinLT into that House wiii( ii he cou- VISCOUNT C.\STr.i:ilKA(, II. cc;\"(.'(l it tlio duty ot' c\cry Mcinlicr In lcsi^t. 'J'lu' l()>s of that day was iiuicli dwelt upr)!! the ii^s ot" that thi\ he rci^rcttcHl a-^ iiiiich a^ aii\- man, but he (k'pic'iatc'd that mode ot' paintul search- ing w iuih u ;is caK idalcd to injure, and unnerve ihennhtary cneri;-v (^f ih.e country ; it' such feel- inu,> were to heronie L';eneral. tliey would be reduced to tiie necc'^sitv of ceasing altogether t\<)ni opposition to the I'lenth, and giving u[) tiMt clruactcr ulueh tlu\ werr so well calcuhitcd tt 111, iMiiain- -that ot' a great mllita.ry power."' ' W'hiU' they lamented tlie losses inc\ itable in wai-, let them also rememljcr the advantages let them remend)er that the arm\-, with its piescnt experience, was worth teniold what it was bcl'orc, and that il' from an unlnekv cir- cumstance. It had tailed in ii-^ object, in no unc m^lanct,' had it brru dLt'cated or di^gra^(.d. Wc nifW ajtpeared btt* :r thi t\rs ot luiiopc, not nurcK as \>, f ha.d Incix hcrelulore consuleieeh a mere na\'al |)o\\'ei', we were also a mditarv one ; recognistd as such li\' an eucniw \\'ho had expe- rienced our might ni our \iitoiies, and those ot'ten wlieii wiili ini'nior numbers \vc beat the brst and must e.\[)crience(.i of hi^ trcio|)s."' 8f) VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH. June 7, 181 1. On the molion for TharJis to Sir M^ilUam. Beresford, ^c. for the Victory of Jlbuera. " He would only say, us had been already said, ' that thi great contest must be seen out, and that we naist do our best hi it.' No one could pronounce npon the result; but tliey would have a better eye to posterity and to the duty which they owed tlicir constituents by doing all they could, and leaving tiie rest in tlic hands of Providence. lie allowed that the war was a great burden, but he knew no man who was prepared to say that he saw^ the moment when it ought to be abandoned. IJe was sure at this moment that notliirg remained lor the country to do but to follow up the advantages it had so happil}' obtained.'* June 30, IS II. In reply io Mr. IVhillmacV.s Speech on the Report of the Vole juice and hiJiiour as .my otlicr iiuin ; but lii> \ic\v^ cniuaTiiiiiL;- peace weir rather peeuhar. ^inec lie tiiiaiL;ht that negotiation could always be entered upon, and ne\er, a^ tar as he (Lord C'astlerea^-h) could lecollect, w;is it aticinpied, huf ^wh was the teni[)er <>{ the II(>;i. ^fcniber re^pectiui^ pcac;', tiiat lie c\cr coii^i: '^ red lii> own L:;o\'erniULiit as t;:e p:iit\- pi a\!i:;- ir; j)m!;:;k u! - in it> Way."' il > Ml. W'iiithrt',;.!"') mind was >(> tinc- t'aicd on tins particular suhiect, tliat he was al\ea\"s \i;v p>aci!ic pro;>osilions ; i)ul alw:us aLiaiii^t tho-^e made h\ his own '/ J7. I^IJ. //; thr I),!ial, u'i Sir TlmniHi TiH - ' >>u Jor II ( 'inutiUrr ,-n the .*^^c^ nl //'a ' I jion the >uh|cct ot the wp,! m the IVnin- ^u!.l. to w h:cii so much n Icrenec h;id hccii made, he put it lo ihe lion. Baioiu't. iiiid lo hi-, t'l icud-, round him, w hetlier i;i the mode ti,e\ had hitlie, lo trc.ited tiic ipu'stioii, ;.! I cr t !:' di ^|- 'iidim;- ii; - U'uau-e I he\' iKui held, and 1 !ic dctcrmm:!! loii t hc\ had expressed, cither Ciit.o Jhit.iai or h;),i.n ]Ri^clf would hcliexe tliat hei c,;!i-c w,:^ -imiii then hands;- Would it not, a^ it wcic. '. il the 88 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH. whole of the Peninsula, and paralyze the etTorts of a brave and a deserving people ? It would i)e impossible for minds, lowered as those of the opponents of the system now adopted had been, to work themselves iij) to such a state of enthu- siasm and eneru'v as would be requisite for the spirited prosecution of the war." March I G, \ ^12. On movdng an Address to the Prince Regent relative to the Portuguese Subsidy. " The question appeared to him to be drawn into such a narrow compass, that it was scarcely possible for any one to doubt the priuciple of expediency on whicli tlic proposed grants resterl, unless one of the following propositions was affirmed, viz. that it w:is so fundamentally wrong to subsidize any foreign power, tliat no application of that nature ought to be made to Parliament ; or that the state of tlie war in the Peninsula was such, that, uotwithstanrling the treaties by which the two countries were united, notwiihstanding the glorious successes of our arms, ami notwithstanding th.e solemn pledge whicli Parliaihcnt liad so repeatedly made on the sui>ject, no i'arther exertion should be made by Gicat Britain, l)ut that Spain and Portug;d should be left to the dreadful fate that awaited theme" \i:X<'lST CAST[.i:i;EAGH. ^l* *' PaiTciii.cnt \v;is now ciilK-.l upcjii to contcni- ])l.itc a s\--t(iii, not w Inch miiiiit lead, iail winch aciUah', I: .(1 led to tlic nu)-t hiiiuant siiccc^^."' "It w .'^ liiipos^ihlc not t.) acliiiil tla' allth'j ijjiciKhd r-.tit.oii^ of Lm1(1 WcniULitun would li.iNc tallcii MTV sli' itol" tla ir L.\i>tinL; extent, had I hat .'',ol>U' I/ii-i i)i-en (lei)ri\ ed of the sa])|-oi t <'t til .t p.iit (f ilse amua whicii liad arisen oat ')! I IK- liiHaad pniu", (:n wliuh tlie present piopu- ' I' >\\ V, as loLiiidcd." J'liU'W, !>!_'. //i t!ir l)>J)'itr <,:t Mr. Uvrtl, ir^' ni,>tu>u ii 'j'ti Itirj; the I'uilurc ij Ihr ^i ^tifintinns iuv a .Ncif Aiiiiunistnitlvn. " A'l 1 ha\'e to sav l'>r Mini^tca's i>, thov ehuiii the eon^t i trctaiial Mippdii d I'ai iaoiicait until t 'luir net 11 ills -It ui t" of it; and t InaiLiJi tiicpic^tait ( io\c a lunent nKi\' not poss^^> witian it^eii" all thn-t' atlidaite- \'k'h!rh wa.' lia\c' iioaid -ja^en to hia^ad and extended administration-. tin\ have at least one la ca)ninic ndat ion to puhhe (infi(hn(c' i^and it i- not a :>!n.all nni(ai anioiiL;' lhein~el\'e>. We ha.\i' n^ piixatccauN t'l ;Mi-\'.ca', \\a' are ;dl anxaai> to x i\o our oonn- l:\, to do lull' hest. and to sohinit our < ^ ihc |udL;un.nt ot' Pai .aanent ." ()0 VISeOUNT CASTLEREAGII. Jiilij 21, 1812. In ihc Debate on Mr. Sheridan's motion for Papers relative to the Overture for Peace from France. " Some things which had fallen from the Hon. I\Icmbcr Vvho spoke last (Mr. Whitbread) called for a repl}'. lie would \nit it to the House whether it was not a violation of all sound reasoning to consider the answer returned to the French Government, as a direct negative upon all negotiation; whether his Majesty's Government were not bound to o-ive the answer which they had given ; and whether they would not have forfeited the good opinion, and incurred the contempt of Europe, if, in proceeding to a negotiation with the enemy, they had neglected to maintain good faith with their Allies ? He would say that any other answer would have been a dereliction of dut}'. He was far from contendi-.]g for the principde of interminable war, nor would he justify the proceedings of government upon an.}- such principle; but, at the same time, he thought they would study the lesson of the last twenty years to very little advantage, if they adopted the feelings of the Hon. Gentleman, w ho, so far from ha\ing any icalousv towards the Trench Government, not VISCOl N 1 C ASII.I KLAGli. 'Jl y)\\]v tluniL^ht ilk- present nionunt llu' 1i.w>'l pKj- pc! lor iK\u;otiati(iii, but aKo coiiliiuli (i ihal {.\(.'i'\- (\cTtiiiC Iiom 1 iaiu'i', duiiiiii,' the la-^l ami [nc'scnt \\ar, hail hccn mack' \'. ith ;5ir.(\ ilt\- and L;n{)(l i'aitli. ill- (lid not tiiink aii\'(^tlRa- iiiaii ill the ciiipiic would afliiui tlrtt |iro[osilion ; and it' tlu' 1 Ion. Mcinlicr did la'alU lliink ^o. lie would >a\' that lii> mind nl^^t bf |)ra;.'t ically l!:^ol^lc^ld on that particular topic 1 Ic (^Lord ( '.) thoui^lit tluTo \\ a-5 h"int. liiinu' in u -pifiou-^, tor it bad a'\\a\s been tb'.' j)oI ify ot" tbi- I'la-nch jLiUr to nrd\i' pi()p()^Hion> tor pe... '-' to tbi-, cnunlr\, v. lien li-a \s a'> id)o-i!^ I(, ijl.u iiMn-cll' at tbr ;:ead ol" !;, ;.l:n.l^ I'o: j'''"P"- - "; 'la' most c.\ten^:\\ CO!;, I'.H >; . 'i 'T K.au; ..on. (ientk'- na:n wla iradc tki' r."'i;'n. hao 'un:!\ i.|)sti\td, tli..t tkio-c j)!i)j,o^;'; )ii- \\ a K' -i;iaiin iiiuarc, i 'U I t iiai 1 ; .ov ' . t. w 1 1 ) \)' ( o,; - (le- , d a^ o;u' ot l!a- iu^liuiuiii'^ 1:. tiK' >:iap(.' ot nCL:,'ot lal ion. to in' tuiiird ,iu iin-^t tl'.L' un';;i\ ju- w a> ^eauu' '" ciu^il. 'ill' I loiu, (ii'iit kan.Mi -.Mia \\ hitbicacr nnL:bt ha\'c iftiiaial t"a j)(. laod wdicii tiio-c \\'i(ii w boui he bnn -ell u-u il!\ aoted w^tc in tlic coii- fiikiuc ot" hi-, .Maio-l\a JIc niiLi,-iit haw >tat(.d that t!u- J'.ailoi' Laudcrd d(" was -cut to Wni- to uf^'ot late ; that liUoi';i|,ai Ic was on llu' o\a' .' i-.;> ik'parluic' for rius^ia; liiat kc kit tl;o \ 'bie ]v)id at Pan-, beaded bi^ aiiny. and tin. 1)2 VISCOUNT CASTLEEHAGH. iiep'otiation terminated. If the Hon. Gentle- man had referred to the period of the Nohle Lord's journey to Paris, he might liave obtained much illustration of tl:e policy of opening nego- tiations for peace \vitli Buonaparte." " lU' the line of conduct recommended by the Hon. Gentleman, we should have paralyzed all the exertions of our army, and lost all theadvan- tau:cs which ihev luid gained f:)r us. It would liavc been attended, in short, by every possible disadvantag'c, and by no one advantage. The efforts of Russia at that critical moment would have been paralyzed. It wouUl then have been easy for any one of his Counsellors, if so dis- posed, to liold this langhage to the Emperor of Russia ' See, now Great Britain has with- drawn from the contest, tlicrc is no alternative. Von musi now crouch to Buonaparte : you must get the best terms from the great Emperor that 3 ou possibly can.' He would not enter upon the conduct of this country in former negotia- tions; Ijut lie was convinced, th;it a more disas- trous proposition could not be imagined, than any attemt>t tovv'aids negotiating at present; and he was also sure, that the country from one end to the other was persuaded, that peace coidd not be olitained on terms M'hich it was possible to accept ; and that the only effect which any discussion u])on the subject could at present VI^COl' NT r .\ -i ; I \{i A(, tl. 0-. }i.\\c, u'nultl i'L' to [>:ira!_\ /L' \\> i, \r: t ;..n->. Ilu (.ut.tinlx dul not nic;in to >;i\\ thai ti;r o; (.x.i'.l MiiiistiA' we'll' ic^d'K'cd lo \vaL;'C ;iii iiilu iii:ir.i!)U' v.';ir\\illi till' ruk r nt" tiio i'i\ lu'li ikiI'kmi ; luil ho lhoiiL;Mit thai tlios- ouL;lit not to po^^'^s ihr con- tidciR-o ot' tho r(ninlr\- it" thc\(hil not, iVoiii ;i (.nn-,i(iciaii')ii of thiC nature and orLianization n\ hi^ powi. ", and the counciI> on wliich h.i- acted, I'.'nk ai rvri\ ()\-ertui\- ^v!l!eh lie n;:'_;ht tlnnk pi'>j!ei !m make t o ri;i> e- niri; . \ wild the utnio^l \nr,):ihir r.'\ \^\:, Iil Otr DJ.'ilC <.'l t!:^' Jdf'!\<-. "' ^\'ith(lnt (h\ul^;n!; an\- ot' tliose >eerel,^ \'. hi;-ii htlonLi; t(< the Caieiai-. "1" tlii> ci' citlie; ('Untie.^, hi' iid^ht ^taic. th^at S', tdcn, a-^ well ::- llii-Nia, !eid iceeixed iiijiii\ Irora I'rani c, and. li A\ liad kit It. Itns^ia had laluii thr field :> 1 . -;-i tile aLlL:^e^-l()nl^ oi' h.er atk i. r>a; \' ; and, the ; !ore, tli( !'e C(add l)e in. iir:i'i oj)):'" \' m ^ptakn':: I'jKid'.' ( : hei n.e .-nre- ; hii' . Swa-.i^u [y-.d ].-: \ t !,rn a - 'rp -' ('( ' idcd !.. ':r p.'d t!i< I h >': '.'. ./lid h:' ;[' i'j-:i,:en ik * i a !: d a dni \- In i ; : ! m 'v', ;in li , . I'd: : -1 k \'' i \ d ':''( ad: In: h:M! ' ..he :.]'.\- VL i'.' < I :'! ( : ex eke:' '^!a';'n. n^ < n kh I '; '. V t, \', I.,:-'' ;.-; r,\'- ;h .il.te-n. <)4 VISCOUJ^T CASTLEREAGII. necessarily smaller than those of Ptussia, had required the pecuniary aid of" tliis country, to cause a diversion in the rear of tJie French armies, Ministers would have been ready to assist lier operations to that extent. He declined en- tering further into tliis matter at present. France liad committed an nn(;ualihed ajjforession on the Swedish Monarchy, which had as yet been only met by a somewhat qualified resistance. What were tlie motives for collecting the force upon her coasts it would not be expected that he should explain ; but it would be seen, with a feeling of hope and exultation, that between these great northern powers, for they were both great, out of their late contention, which had led to the dismemberment of the province of Fiidand from Sweden, out of that contention a system had arisen which happily had not prevented their bcino- linked too-ether in the bonds of the closest friendship aud alliance." " It was with exti-eme pleasure he found, that in.-)tead of the i; -.lal Oj)po;>it!on on such oppor- tunities as the present, the ohiect of all seemed rather to be to join in gratuhitions on the pros- perous state ofaii lir-;, ar.d ibe gei^erally miprov- ing aspect of Fiiropc. {Here some disapprobation was ccinccd ou i'hc opposhion ocncii.) He chal- Icjiged the House to 3ay,^^li;'n a speech was de- livered on the opcniiig' ol P.u'iiaiiient, which con- V I SCI a N I' L A>1 J 1 IJ X(M[ '1) ta'.lit (1 so 1)1 ti;llL .1 c\lt.il"jMir ol' MK'Ct-^<. <>l dl- |)i.i\(tl a ir.oic n;:ii kc'd pi'i^pcct m aii.i r..'::i.(. nl ('!' ;l(I\ aiit.iL^i' t' llic luniiitiA. Il t..(\ cdkIiI iU't :5a\' tiiat the ciuniv \va- ;.i[i . rtl.rr ill- ;' -ii.'.i'c (!, and liiialls' a.iul i'tii;c'cU..!!\ u jiu^-^rd. \ (. I liay iicx'cr lc'tuic could ^a\ , tiiai [\\(\ -^aw iiiiu iio (laiiL!,'iii)ii>l\ in\a)l\c(l in t w o ;.',ia'at ..a^^ in tl-c o])]it)^;te' i,'\t miiil !L> ol IjaKjj.c. 1 lia~r \\aia' Vs"aj> in which lie \^^;^ la I iianix r. niii:;: t ini aL:a.r,-t the l^'ia 1 1 iiiKcnt > ' l cocni . ;, ^^ hul in \'v:::vli liic na!uin-> w 1 1 c air.. \ id a>_;:un>t hin;. 'i la. \ were iioi. ;;^ he i'c't(jl re, \'. ar> j)io(ii:rt ;\"c ol' ir.cai'.b to icciuit hi> i\"^ourcL'>, aiiuai.ciiL ]:i- forces, audi ciiahlc liiiii lioni hi> conijiioi^ i' rca[. the >inc\\ -^ ot' cxieiidad (thort^. TIioul:,!! he fiaild di;;'^- his triliut;jv staler into tia lirhh and atna- a. [io\\ci!iil loitr li(Mn ih'-L- ia- laid aiicauK' o\ rn. o;nr, \ct, ni tin- ijait ^c.iU' ou whi hi lia x^a-- (.an;- lat hi, h'- '.n> I ^ihii.oaid to I nahic inin n)ca.i\ on t!ir w ai \ aa^ a on-!\ : lu- i: ( t < nl\ w it 11 nai ion a! i( !-la'..ta a anid -A :iN (ihhm 1 {) !)iiuii' 1;H ^U[)llO.^ wit i iian, and I'xhausl h> 1 1-->' aaia I > lioin {\i.i v. lion; h.r ox;, n (i-td hn ii';oi'!U> --w a\\ t. !' ha lannii la^l hia,.i t la in ill thr con .'.' vv '. ,r no, ,:(a d .'' In c\ ar\' (1 an . \ o' n'' -[ t c" ^ an < a ! ... . no. .- :i:ao laam t \a rv I Inin; t lail n \ '^-l ]' ii'-'. >' -ail,' aanaliiho, :\- Ji-a;-,' ;.:,h . n,. hnaht and haja C)6 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH. that, from the state in which the country is on the openhig of this new Pariiament, there is not a topic for condemnation, though there are so many for cheering us in our exertions, and encou- raging us to hope, that every thing will p/ospcr to our wishes." Juiw 18, 1813. III the Debate on Mr. Ponsonhy's Motion respecting the Treaty with Sweden. *' Ino military man could do other than ap- prove of t'nc coiukict of Sweden in the last cam- paign. If tlie Englisli Government had with- held its asseiil to the treaty concluded between Pi'issia and Sweden, it would liave shaken the Y/liole alli-Uice of tlic North, and a relaxation in tiicir eubrts u'oi.ld have taken place, instead of thie ii:c;jt nn-led exertions ever made in the his- i jiy f.r war." " Soijv:; J!;:]!;..ir-y seemed felt v/ith respect to tbo iiidividu.il w ho had become the Crown Piiiic--' oi" vSwcilr:'.. It was a bold thinix to an- sv, t-r itii- riie e'.iK:ii;t ot' any man in so high a s!'M:.t!./ii ; h L \\ iih r; ^;;eet to this indiNidual^ ti.ey u;i. ; f. <'7 i]'\\) a^ :i ii:ai!, unn ulrvli (1:^. i.'.r !';;:(! 'r i >';i- :_-.!i lllf li-U;_;i i[\' .illd ]a:iit\ ol h;-; c!:t!:i:" r. '. .1 c';)ii->; J( ! iMc Liirt- i :( Iwul t'\^ (^ 1 ;:( . '.:;!. t M ' 'i!.:';- ;:;;', r I ] .'.' l'. c ,. . ' ' : - lic'c ;iin.i ! :;. I ',, iiii' w :\\ u' : !i\ \ ,;>; I<> ';>'; :i cinoiiiiiK ii ; . i I \'. ;. h l' i:: . i . 1 ii,;ii ! . :,,i\ ( n . L. i;t l.iriiiiK 'iL i<) I i ;.,i, i ; I'L: '.'. .. . '.: < ;:(I.;ct ). 1 liilliC W lilt li > .'..: I:-; ' ' : V\ ; ' ' /, ,;r:i: . :' t ii;i;:',- \'* i.i ;. i, v. a- .,'-. ' . \ i ..^ i.. [:;' ' .*. ! ' :l i.< ( Ij:\\..a:' d U-' ;. , :-r I ;. :;:;i'. ^^; w/ '( ciii!ii;i\- wi.: '.] ];.,(! ao hir '.".Ml i. = iiw- I.'' '. .iir.c ji'jco>>,irv, iic divl not lU'^iialr ', ) o-^i.vts KaoiKipai te- ; and that IwO at ;i ni :,-v ,1 \ l.^' '. \\a- ti.c !a>I ;it \vli!c'h li/ W(,;i!(i li.r.v' c!. - ; *l;i -i> I;a(i 1:;; no! l)C'.':i ;i ho'.d iim:' 'li:, :: \\'h.r'.\, lla^wcd \'. it li >uc-.<' >, tiu i wI.t .....) ^ a;:, i la ; dc idi' iiaiii \ .) auL;;i; t ha> '; \s n "H .i-|,ML ll>-lil t!;al hue ' l' 'Jv'lld'.Ll." 58 VISCOUNT castlereaghI Jvve 2S, 1813. In the Debate on tlie Repm't of the Com- miiiee of Siq>j)ly relative to the Treaty with Sweden. " lie had the satis fa c-tion ro be able to state to the House, thab'iiie Allies had every reason to be sitisfied with the conduct of the expedition laiKi( d ur StiMlsnnd; t})at the number of men was even }?rger rJian had been stipulaieil for; and that with- icspect to the great Personage at the head of the S^vedish army, llicrc was every reason to place the most perfect confidence in Lim, both as to the sincerity of h.is intentions, and his abilities in leading out his forces against the common enemy." "On the whole, the treaty had been con- cluded under the mo^t important circumstances, and was calculated to advance the general inte- res',^ of Euiope, by entering into the views of a power wliich had already assisted in the salva- tion of Russia, and whose eonduct had eminently contrdjuted to those extraordinary and brilliant Sucre -ses wliich had attended the last campaign against the arms of France. The treaty had been jp.ade on terms which held forth the greatest advantages to the Aliies, by inducing that povver to join the common cause, which could hi' of the utmost service to that cause and which, by its actj would draw on itself the severest ven- VT?COUN'T CASTLr.RFAGH. D9 !^cancLM)i" IVaiirc; and he in^i,->tc' (>!' tht lln^u-c tn (^.^ .Ua/(];w> pl 11 linni^lou jur tin' I>iil lit oj I'iit'i tu. " It Wdu'd \)c prouniptuous in :\\\\ man to aiiL;iii what would \)v the I'oii^'ijiKMu.'Cs of iliis victory; Init it was a {)roiid tiuiiiipli t(^ t!ic C('unti\ and to tlu- in(Ii\ idiird, to contrast t!ic biuiation m which Lord W'clhn^ton thtMi st(jod, and that w nich he had tornarly occuj'inh If tlu'y looked hack to tliat ])er:nd when he went will) coni[jarati\ el\ hut a teehle army to dch\er i'ortu_i;'al. with what exultation and juicie mu^t llu \" ti'aec him through Jus eam|)alL;n^ ! Tiiev tliv^t saw liiin elTecl tiic cxpuUion of the French iVom tliat country. In the ^ucceechng cam- j)aiL;n, he still thwarted the \ icwe> of the cnrin\. In the cam[)a.iL^n l)t'rorc the la>t, he comi)leteIy ciianL;ed tlie ehaiacter ol' th. war. And now. he, who had once fonu'lit with lii- back to thi; ^ea, aL;-.iin-^i a Miperior loe, wh li.uN \ peru need jnnume'\Lhie ditlicuUies, \\\:a w-aiid ha\ e di-.- heartened otiier conunan'.k r-, aii//;rr S, 1*^13. On rnncinj: tli<: T'lvuihs of the ILjust t<^ f})c Mi]rijii}s of II il'dir^l:!, Ur il'c f"uivr'i(S aj' (ha Pi/ri luti fs. ^.v'l . "'liurc was o!U' u'ciuTal iVaturc in t'r.c present siatc oi llic w ar, \s'i!:c'.! iL was iiccc>i-;ir\ loailiulc to a> of the iilnMisL Value : the traujactioii^ since tike halile ! t" ^'iUo^l;l, pi-(j\-e(l more than all liic foiiner op'ia;i<)n.>. (jf ihe war, the pel lection to wl,!i 11 liie nat:\-e tioop^^ (,.' the Penin' the oni\ o])jecl ol" tlie Ilnti^li natioii, Ml ;kI(! [)oMn;_'; I'le -li!t.'Id oi \[^ .irni-> be- t'A(,'.ii i.e nation^ ol tiie l\a).n-ula and tiic I'lea'ii au'j,!/-^io!i, w .i^ lo ejaihle theifi to put, t ii;'!i-( !\ e^ in a ate to ti'.:;h.t tin ;; owai b:ii;ic's, .so ! t iiai>! he in 'Nt i^; ;itii \ ihl;- tons lo !a, n, t hat til;' :!(.:; ( ml ot lair inti. I'poM t ion L.'aI \)cv\\ an- s'\a !(.(!, Old tl/it t'iC tioop> ( i' P(ntU'j,a! :Mid S, 111 \.c,e 01 tl: it iii'.di -,1,1 :e Ol tiU- i\ caie--, wi.i^i; ih-tnir ! 'i:- l^.i;eo K; ^.ent m :.!\iuo-, i:i tMe -j'''^'ii i,..m; thr tniopv. i;,;;; m sUanaicss a .d I . ' ..ij :\:.J}!a ^jaiii, tiie tniw naI:on> we'C ' il V, ;:, ua.-t ':;a!i;\ na, lo ( i; ;.o IhiMai. why 102 VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH. had made siich effo) is in their cause, that the- troops of both the nations of the Peninsula had arrived to this state of effective discip- line." November 11, 1813. Oji moving for a Bill to enable his Majesty to accept tlie votuntary offers of the Militia *or foreign Service. It was owing to the continued firmness and moderation of our counsels, that Europe was in its present state. It had been restored from the humihation and ruin which overwhelmed it^ to a pioiul heiglit of honour and independence, by the prudence, no less tlian by the magnificence, of our exertions." " We stood now in the situation of having obtained all the objects originally proposed by tlic war, even beycnid the most sanguine expec- tation. The independence of the Peninsula, in particular, bad been placed on a firm and lasting basis." '^ If the measure of rendering the militia auxiliary to tjie regular armv had not taken place; if the old prejudices with respect to that description of for. .e had been still ke]3t up, and they had l^een prevcu'ed from entering the regu- lar arm} , tliis country would not now possess Viscount cavii f.p.r vgii. ():; ;V. ni'litarv charactiT which it had acaiuirtd. ^\'(:^llL;|lt h:i\'('nKii:itaiiiril ouicolcjiii tl ;u)I icv.aiul iiiadr lh(C' exertions winch were Uhiu^s.il in lormcr \^'ars ; i)ut wc could not have kv\)\ [xis- scs^ion of Poitui^ah or have sent hirecT to co- operate in tile deh\"erance ot" the Peninsula at hir^'e, and to take \\\) tlr.il nienacinLi,- position oil the iVonners (jt I ranee \s hicli our aiinv U' w (KTUj'ied. We .>houUl lia\ e !-(an .^init up w iliiin the hoiMuU <)\' our insular j)olie\-, and we could iio! iia\e set tlie gloricnis example to other na- tions, or home our share in the general exer- tions w hieh liad been niade ibr the deUveruiicc ot" Europe.' 104 EARL OF CLARE. Sovnnl>er 4, 1813. -O/t scamding ilu- Address. " When they saw tiiat tlic firmness of tin- coiiTitry in continuing the conflict wirii France, \vd(\ led tiie way to that spirit of" icsistancc to Prench domination, which had now triumphed overall the resources oftlie Frencli ruler; when they saw tiic ports of Europe open to the com- merce of ijritain ; and wlien they saw the Bri- tish standard wavin5f trnimphant upon tlie terri- tory of France; surely these were events that justiv gave cause for exultation at tlic proud eminence of glory which the British empire liad attained.'' " lie siiicereiy congratulated their Lordships on the glorious events which now so justly formed the th<"me for exultation. To this coun- try was Europe indehted for maintaining, with a firm iiiul steady liand, the conflict with all tlie power of France, until, in the Peninsula, under the auspices of a great and illustrious com- mander, our military renown had rivalled the splendid achievements of our nav\ , and the lau- rels Vv-rcat'lied round our standard, hiidvicd with lARL OF tLAK i tliv' tiiunipli^ ot" our llccts. TinMc^ was that .sj):r;t which aniiiiatctl the SpanianU, c he i i.-^hc il ami maintained hv Ihit irih asbi^taiu'c and CD-oja'- latioii, till it (.'omiiuinicatfd it-5 in ^liilillLi: Iod- ines to the nations o\ lairope, and linallv whelmed in (le.^t I nc'tion llu'aimv ol' the mler ol I'laiiee. !)} her counsel>, Ihi'.ain hid animated the S]j,.!;;>,h nation; bv lici ainj>, ;i i NiiULrL;,lc Nvhieh had hvcu -o nohiviiiain- lai ned.'" ( iOG ) VISCOUNT CLIVE. November 30, 1812. moving the Address. '' What was there, he would ask, they might not hope from such a state of things? When the spell was broken, and Europe was at length convinced that Buonaparte and his armies were not invincible, was there not reason to expect that the nations, oppressed by his power, would rise to assert tiieir rights, and recover tliat honour they had suffered him tv) tarnish? Was there not reason to expect tlidt the descendants of the ^reat Frederick would again come forward to oppose, as he had often done, the devouring power of France that they would again come forward like the brave people of Russia, and exclaim, ' We also are men, and will not sub- mit any longer to the encroachments of our oppressor.' Was there not reason to hope that the words of a great departed statesman would be realized, and that they should live to see that * Britain had saved herself by her firmness, and that Europe would also save herself by follow- ing thq same course," ( 107 ) LORD COCHRANE. Juhj 19, 1811. O/^ the third rcadini^ oj' the Gold Coin and Bank yutc Bill. " 1 1 J:, would take an caiiv opportunity to rail the attoutirju o^^ the House to the way m whieU the \s'ar liatl been eonciuctrcL He .should then be prepared, he thought, to show that the depre- ciation of the paper, and the deficiency of coin, liad their origin iu those causes which he had hcen pre^ented from noticing more fully to wit. the ])roiligatc way in which ministers wasted the resouites of tliis countrv."' Jaiiuary 1 , IS\ 2. On .s-i C(i([ini^ tJir ^Iddicss propo.^td hy Si) Frauds JhaxUtt. " He th(niL!,ht tliat a higli tribute was due to tl]e bia\('rv (jt' oui army in Portugal, and to the conduct of the C'onniiander-in-CJhief, i)ut he would d( n\ that the wur. as conduc^tcd in the PcuuiMiia. could ])rove ultinialely -^uece^^ful. lie proc'ceded to maintain tiiat the fi ii(> ot (ircaL ijiitaui were not '^uflicieut to cupc vith 108 LORi> COCHIiANo those which Biionapjirtc could bring LigaiKst -j; as soon as he had coiDpleted the sid)jugation of Spain, and obtained the coinnjund of its re- source^i. Of tliis we wcie quiet spectators. To Avhat, he would ask, was our ariny indebted for its succetss, and for maintaining itself in Portu- gal, but to the total unproductiveness of that country? He agreed that every creciit was due to Lord Weihno-ton ibr tlie manner in which he had conducted affairs ; but he was inclined to expect very little of the Portuguese, who were conducted in chains to the army, more like slaves than souhcrs, and drano-ed from their homes, to support, they did not know what," ( I ( \^^ ) MR. cur\m:n. Mi:y li, l^O-i. (hi M:. Bmlin,,'. ,rt'"'U i\.^pt,in,- l)r . i ):ii ^j tUiii. " If il.-j fr-'.' IInii.( ;t'iitKMr.:, ; 'Mr.f ^iniMiL:'* \\ \ ! ,!il iiiijui-^i! lit- not tu :!.inL tliat ir' tlic jcuj-k' liati ciicii^-y, l\\r M.i:i u I--5 luul 1!. mc." ' ill' roiilii lint iiiiaLi'iiir tli.^t tlu ic \'. ;:> aiiv la'ioiiai li('j)i' dt ^uccc>->. S'lhc wr liad Iii-t umk-r'akcnlo sii[']H)rf t iiv can-^r ot" I ho l\'[iii;^ih:i, a LiicaL .ihc'ia:; m ol' c"m i'iiiii>tancc ^ liah t.iht ii j)l.n I', and con -i(l(". a :i'l acUhlnais had hi an :;;adr to our hiiilra.!!-. It' \\\v ( ntam ccald iiiait 'Mil Ad.d \\c \\(aii(i j.ac'ioi that w r -ia'iud nndcr- tako, iK' V, a> cor.N iiiccd ihut hi- lii-' w ,>li wonid iiO MR. CURWEV. be, tliat we sbouki uiKicrtakc to defeiKl Por- tUL'al *' " lie was by no means one of those avIio despaired either of the exertions, or of the finances of the country, provided they were administered with prudence and frugality. Nei- ther of these qualities, however, was possessed by his Majesty's present Ministers. They had long- been too much confided in by the House, and it was now high time tliey should pause, before they carried their confidence any further. If ever there was a moment that called on every reflecting and independent man to make that pause, and to consider seriously what he was doing, this was the moment ; and if now neg- lected to be made use of, he feared the conse- quences would be most dreadful, and ever to be regretted. Buonaparte could not receive more cheering hopes of his ultimate success in the struggle in which he was engaged, than he would derive from learning that the present Ministers were to continue in oilice, and that the House of Commons still persisted in placing a blind confidence in them, and thereby enabling them to enter upon measures, which, in their inevitable result, could not fail to answer all his puijvoses. Ijaonaparte knew this country ; was acquainted with our resources ; and he was afraid he depended more on the prodigality which now illl. C URW'l A' 111 {M'VM!!('(!. as more certain t(i\'.o:k nur (IdWiilall, , in I'j ;.i. afl the (.fl;.!''N lie couli' iii;.\. ,;u>iir.8t ii>. '! !:e I'iijir lion. ( 'v-ntleii.;. I (,.^(.^;t. ,Mr, Pt'CO'.,.li 1;. ''.il^-'tl of i:cr ror>aki::u' (wr Al!:es. ilk' >; ;>n;.U(:,s, r: ! (!' ai'i\ iii*;- t he lifnrli out iif S!>ain. Xo Mian LCyiih! j... le -niO'. itly wi^ii VI,, ce>> to ir\- Spaniards thau iic did ; no ir.aii (Ou!d he i- i e ;i:ixm,uv to ; i ,' tliun, whilst tlk'ie w a:, : ] : iban i::\ < a' (!> ':.,: .: ^. (ii any ( tlh'.'l. I'lil a> o *ini (.1 i\ in^,- 1 1,^ !' nch on: (.r Sj):.ii!, he wav atiaid the notion \\ .as ai'.Miid; and he thonidit the \()tr<-i' ihc li^n^.e tins mght, ?i;'aiii>t tiie mea-^ure hron^ht f> \ id ])} tlie RiL:;!it Ho.:. Gentleman, ii' tiie lloa>c slionld decade airainst it, wonld he n;<.fe iiin)'ir- tant than if we were to take half the riLncli ainiy pi;2(juei's." March 11, Ibll. Statu oj' Cuiiuiurnal Crtdlt. '' It wa^ iinpossihle not to i^ce ihe ]>nhlic con- lidcnee was. Lione. That, therefore, made tlic iiitaburc of tnxi'j)uraiy relief iinpeiiuui.," ( 112 ) EARL DARNLEY. February 22 f 1810. In the Debate on the Convention with Pdiugal. " He supported the amendment. The jVIiiiis- ters had ahiiost destroyed three armies in the course of twelve months, and had, within that period, and to little or no purpose, exj)ended more of the military and pecuniary resources of the country than any of their predecessors had done in the course of ten }ears. Under these circumstances, their Lordships could not give them their confidence in the further prosecution of this line of policy, without inquiry." March 12, IS 10. On making h.U motion relative to the sending on Foreign Service of no large a Portion of our Regular Force. " His Lordship jjegan hy taking a retros])CC- tive view of the measures of the present admi- nistration, or rather of the conduct of tlie men who had been in power in this country since the fatal battle of Austcrlitz. With that decisive AKI. DAKM.KV. I : ,5 if^tdi.iti' 111 nt" tijr uult priuK'iu c ()\' i'.uioj-c. ^(t l)V a i)l;ii(l l:itali!\, ti.r l;()\ ci I'.iiUT.t "t' [l.:^ f. 'iiiit ly coiiliiaicd to ( nil>:a'i-. in v.'.ld iii!(. ija i^; -> l"]- tliC acc<,Miij)lis!ipu'iit ci' an I'lijcct \\lncii h.al -n 1' ';)Li,- i)ri''ina' liopLlc^-.'" I C niiulit 1)1- saui oi' tlic ten''!' imk! r'narac'ir <'l ;la 1 r\:,( (i'lioi!-. tll;it I'wcv v. . IC * M'lt^truri uul'.u -jirimc raU>y'ptiu>! d rili.s'' " Alui' tiiv' iVaila'^^ -:x\:\\^c of m) n.ans' itiavo !i;rn, alicr llio W'ici iiiai iina\a.ii;n_L;- pro ti;-;wii (jf s,) innrn l/.ooa and lie :-'iio. Mini-.lt i > wore n(AV' {)K'[)ai:nLi,' to draai ihi' I'onr.'.jv <.l' Inc Mnall la'gidar loiw liail vi'l :tinair.','d {'jt it^ (1ckiie.\ IK- \\a> MiriA" our L:,-ill:i;.t t'Ovji^ irad nol a nioic a!)!'a ad\ oc;it;' tl, an l;a coa'al pia'Uiai \^' 'o; !ai'. -otanL;; t!:a i_"adn.:t -'' Min'-toii in ' ' X- I'l:;!.: Ml \'. i.a'ii ;a; ('; !. ! a' t i; i ,d IM 't l)Ut ( ;i'u.c liiat. il>ai-i to a:\ij' -a, aia! la --cac llic; i;a..,aiT <4 laa iaa\c ..i'i::\ lioiii ilio -~aTa,ao t" \', ii'oii tiaa toil\ ,;iai iina'oai! a)r, (M' .Maia-^tLas \vlio i)icj)a: ana,' ;< doom la.iin. 'i lie loj'.a'l vjt tia ir a/i^iitiMji to -'.\\{\ on I'-aii^ai --(la ica' ,i!! tl'c j ciaaniina u L;ui.a' la li ;^ii t i< ()ji^ in I ac !anLi,'doni, "' arn.ci..! laa Lo \\i\'c ^(Jn'C tounda'aon. ( 114 ) EARL OF DESART. February 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Thomas Turton's motion for a Committee on the State of the Nation. " He considered that going into a committee would have no effect, and would dull the spirit of valour among our Spanish Allies, while by conducting the present contest with unabated perseverance, final success would be tlic con- sequence." ( us ) COLONEL DILLON. Jaiiuoj-y J, ISl:?. //; (h,: D^Jj^itc on tJif .Iddr,'s^. '' A\"iT!i re->j)t.'ct to ihc war in ihc Peninsula, so t'ai' I'roin obiortiuL:: to ilio-f Niip[)iic> w ' iich hail been granted, iu' \va> w iUiiiL;- to plcd^-c hiin- -clt" t() any tuiuit' >uj)j)oii u Inch the exigencies of tlie cau^e might (ienKUul." ( 116 ) EARL OF DONOUGHMORE. Jpril 21, 1812. On moving for a Committee on the Roman Catholic Claims. " But is it, let me ask your Lordships, the war of rival sects, or the thunders of the Vatican which have convulsed and sliakcn to its centre astonished Europe? No, my Lords, it is the sword of as great a conqueror as any, either of ancient or of modern tinus ; it is the energy of that comprehensive mind, which, in the pursuit of its vast and magnilicent prospects, can unite all nations, languages^ interests, and religions."' " My Lords, this is not precisely the favour- a])le moment for sporting with tlie feelings of our Catholic nnU'ons ; we have no indispensable neces^Jity for strife or ulvision. At a coiijuncturc {\kc ihii present, 1/r; with our fate, an a^.Vil!! cri.ris! when tlic niiion of all hearts and luinds wcu'ld not be ir.OJC than enougli to save us ; Xv'antoD'V lo iiri-atc t<^ distracLon, a genrix;u>. i:;:J. lit, hi:, li-spirited poi^ulition ; t!i.' :ine\\s .S i ur nilUtaiT :.trc ;;*;; ii, is aijsolulc ii:-,: 'uiy. ! . :.; li:c sure s'l^ni aud piogiiDaic uf diviiK; .u.rx;., c'oomin'r a nation tn per'sh, j.ARi. or ])ON'()L-(.ii.mokl:. 1 1 7 .:..'.'. :'i^:::\tt, ';untL'ii tun urrfi.t.' Aiij;iin>t the fatal ciVcn'ts of urh mad and (lc>jK.'ratc counsels, the coii^i itulion, iiovvc\(i-, ]].[> not lc\l I lie country witliout a icsourcc, 'I'o Pa.iiianicnt it has confided the bahitar\ j)ouci- of iirrestinLi; the eoiir-'," < ,[' weak ;nid wiekcd -Miiii^teis ; irfoMniiiLi; t!ir enor-^, and c-vaai ichuk- in:;- the \ i^ cs of the Ih-t mai^i^tiale nl' the -tatc, \, '.( ;;e\er {\\. v heeou.f !ncon\'enient t)i .nuaioiib Id the pubhc weak" ( 118 ) MARQUIS OF DOWNSIIIRE. March 12, 1810. hi Hie Debate on Earl Darnhnfs motion relative to lite Regular Force cj the Kingdom, *' It was galli;)?!: to t' e feelings ol' the country to see tiieir l}i\ivt' eouiitiynien taken irom the deience of their iKiti\ e soil^ jU'rhaps to be use- lessly sacrificed in the support of a foreign cause." ( 111) ) J.ORD ELDON. Inun'ir:! 2(>, \^(^'J. lii thr Ddmlc o)i tin' ^-lildress on the (i>i>iitr /. tuiiit'd In llu' Ui('rt;(i( s Ji\>in KvjurUi. '\hi N'l.h'r L'Jid (^( iicu\-il!e) had s:ii(!, tliat \\\v ]'',:-'U cvciti^ir.i;' tlic power-, of (i()\-ciii- iiKiit ill IVaiKc, liad accoinplLsluHl hi-> ()!)jcc't iii two inoiuli^. aiul had coiiijilctcd tlif vid)jiii;a- 1:011 (;l" Spam. He was ot' a vcr\- difltTc'iil o[)i- ii;oii ; lir (hd not think that Spain \\'as iiov/ bidmi_uit( (1 ; ];or did he thiid^ thai it, would \)C \ the fonte^t in thai countr'/ ini^lit ^tid hi earned ti 1 a -;!ire(. --1 i;l li rmiii.it M ai ,.l Sp::ii;di iiat oi), :.'J,am^t thai most u e 111-5! 1 iiahL' aiid 11 11 [nine; J) led usurpation, \\iiich \'. as now attcnipled Lu he imposed upon it. " ( 120 ) LORD ERSKINE. j^pril 21, 1S09. 7u ilic D chute on Earl Greifs molior for an Address on lite Campaign in Sp(dn and. PurtiigaL " CioD forbicl tliat he sliould v;ish to pass censure on aiiv set of men, if they had not justly deserved it! if Ills I\Iajcsty*s Ministers phuis luid "been o\erpov\X'red by any unforeseen circLuu.-ilances, he woukl Ijavc come forward as their advc^cate. But they acted witliout system, and ran iie.ul f: rc.no^t inl',) ever}- thing t;iat was wror.g ; oy wliich means, every tlnng they underiook was defuited, and at the end they wouhi be k)st themselves. That less would be triffmg compared m iih the lives of ^5,000 men th.ey had endangered, lie was of opinion that it v.'ouid l.rive been better for tl^.e service of the cour.lry, iiad ihe men wiio lost tlitir ii\es in the late Ca;np;iign, been sliot in St. James's park. The men Vv'lio were sent to Spain w ere sent to be massacred, without any juospcct of their being able t'-) u L' : : Py. ' . ' ' '> /'.t' -i /, H I lit lilt \\ ) I'> ' " ' '''^!' ^l'' ^'' *'> I liC \' b!e I. '.! ; ;> \\\> own t'..r.i'ir[ l.,.(l ;'.!\'. :i\s 1 c c n li ; h-i;1l ot i.i> lip 11.1 11-, l,v' \\a^ icat'y lo !j_i\(' t'lu ;! 1 i-< |imI (,'i. IK i" iliii_'\ \', ilCll the 111'',^ ' > ol" Oli'' ''i;!iti\ \'. cic ial.iii \ iii.-;.;:(!i. i.^tiJud." ISC ) MR. EYRE. May 2Ij 1812. Upon movbig the Order of the Day on Mr. Worlky's motion respecting a strong and efficient Administration. " The honourable mover founded himself on the supposition, tluit the administration would be weak and inefficient for tlie purposes of govern- ment. For his pait, he placed little reliance on this prophetic anticipation of wliat an adminis- tration was to he. He had seen administrations so prematurely denounced as weak and ineffi- cient, conduct the affairs of the country with activity and vigour; while, on the other hand, he had seen others, with great promise of talents, energy, and weight, most miserably disappoint every expectation that had been formed of til cm." ^ 1^- ) GKNERAL FEPvGCSON. '.Murii Ii.k! !ircn -; i;l li\ ''c Kij!i' lion. Cimi i( ;i;::ii \'.'..t) I ) : . n 1 ;> ), iiMw..,-! ii.c i\"-i .11 t ,' ai (Mr. P( px'w.'i) ot lilt- imp /I ;ai,rc ot' t;kini^ ^;('.<'ij() J'. I ; uLiuc -^f lux'i -- in;.) Ijiwi^i: j'.'N. As Lf i:;ul Ik(.;i m tli;it rouiitiN. iio tli(Ui_uiit ii liis A{\\\ to trll tlk' iloiiNf \\ !ia! he had lca^' n to Ijihcsc oil the suhjiM't. In tin- llr^* phu'c, tlicn, lie (h(l not thiiilx tlui'c ucc ^jO.dOO vOi(iti;> iu Pi>;tnL:,al; rlicNC that witc thiti , had, ccit;.i,d\-, ]jy thic (vcilinn^ aiid >lxill ot" (ic iicr.-d Pfi-c-foitl, ano iiilin InitiNh olllrciN, atta i.(<\ an a])j (.'ai- aiK'r ('t o;>ci[)hnr; hut 110 l-aicd tli.it an aiany, ad((jnau to the ta-k ni' now d; trn(hii"- P'^rtiiual, nin-i he a.hlc to iiiaki" a ^tand in the tii^! in>taiicc. and it" ohli^td to rciia'at. mn-t ^1 lih a> oj>[)ni Uini; \ olic rt'(L \\ ! urn !o tlic fhar^a-, and thn> make re^iNtancc ;'.i tcr 11 -i>laii( c. IK' \\'.o dt<':(k'dl\- of ( jMiiaai, tioin \\ii:;r ho h;ul '^rcn and iicard (jt" tjicn', thai (n the \er\ ti,^t |'ti':;ioii would ix' ...' eon ^^.^;^a, nee." ( 124 ) MR. IMAURICE FITZGERALD. March 9, 1810. J a ike Debate on ialdng the Portuguese troops into By'dish Pay. '' He begg-cd to ask llie Iliglu Hon. Gentle- man (Mr. Perceval) wliither he meant to re- move the Portuguese troops in case of ill-suc- cess? He should be glad to know, whether he meant to briiig them lierc, or to send them to Irehmd ?" " ^V''^.cn he .';'W' ?\Iinisters o-oino- to commit extravap'ancies like the prc-^cnt, he thought that that House .sliould inter^::e to picvcnt the effects of sucli in ;inity. A:^ to an}' benefit to be de- rived from those levies against the common enemy, he fidly concurred in opinion Avith the galiant Olhcer who had just sat down (General Ferguson). He had, indeed, never }u\'ii-d of any achievement performed by the Ponr.gricsc, with tlic exception of that in \vhich two thousand nun, lieaded by the Biahop of Oporto, entereti Oporto, and took twentv-four Fri nciimcn jn-isoners. The idea of retaining Portugal, tiiercfore, apj)eaied to hinr to be (juite cliimerieal ; while our keeping up a force there woidd be attended ^\ ith enormous expense."' ( 1--5 ) SIR rREDTlRlC rLOOI). " 'I ';. .\ N :; ( ii (K \s v' 1 .> . (,':;... u il luir ;ir;i"N' tn li,r i;.;!\' of a T!.;iii ui II' i ar.(! clciih^ : ,:ti- lud^nu'ii t ; ere who i- rot inuil-! ;.ii(!\-, an.d \\-}io kr.ows when ho cii -ht to l'o ]( iwaKh and whm ik' oiiL^ht to i^o ha^ h\'. .od. Ilaii no! a ra-h man. v.lio, tor tho -aao nl' a lia anoni arv ;i(l\ a.ntaU'o. v, ouhl .^aciilioo !.';> arai\ ; hat \>. ho, \'. ith tlait \', i-(!' m indie^i; ;\.- '-t' a 'aia.o mmJ, >\aot- hul \"V an > ^jipoi t n;,'' \ tn a, a:!.d Jc \\:c \\ ].' >'.\ ! (i('\" oi ta. < I'' : \ . .\ : o 1 ;,l . ! !io a t ^ a.-i !' ' , ^ ' ' '. at"o 1 ail t:a' hi -d lla>l ! ,_ . . , aid h.' (': -osiMn. lo the aa (:' C. V 'd: da aaal .^Z !- I an! !- ^ doit ; . ' ' :ai\ a' ac da li I;/;om! i a an d 'J \' : ^ 1 1 j a d d h ,- ! a ^ : !,.a,aao laia. aia i do li id a!-- ': :': a' od' 0^ \a' id- ; . . ,1 1.^ ; v.wd oijOd I : . - t' '.w'. ('f ud. ! ' , lo .'. 1 \- .00 I i .o : 126 SIR FREDERIC FLOOD. Europe, whose fate I am satisfied is now fast approaching-. Let us all but unite ]et the feel- ings of rh.e whole united kingdom be concili- ated, and there is no doubt but all ranks of society, whether Jiish or Brnish, will join with one heart and one liaiid to drive that scourge of mankind I \yas going to say, to the devil !" ( H7 > MR. [j:siji: jt)STEr. v\ . wii ir. .!''..' ; aiiii. ]) w \\ i" >' '.r !i'^.' V (!t ')(, : ir , ^": - 'In'. !i.i\-c t'ikc'- :.;.u'c. (\ r'ain I aril, tli.it \{ \vv ,::(! ;:o;. a' !;:;:. W'd ['::: cxpc- I'iiv ill ()!' l^l,^t;:l^; li\- lii^ :: -! .!:', ll.. r \ ^ i \- hami, ^;:i;'ii ;:'' .r.( ;; ^ ( ; ; ;;;,:. ; :r til,' p;:;^v .!^ n- ill -. wi'ii -;r(\ - : \', !:< 1, ,1 '. ' , 1 I :il I'll.'' Till' Ti . iw 'i ai\' :i';'.'ii di^p'.'! .v d ' '\ ' ; > v; i n > 1 1 'u 'a. 1 III a: la la' a aa 1 \' 1 1 a -a 1 1' : ta ! ai C N a > a 'i < ;\ aa' -, ']". I iM''a -' a j)'.^-,a--:i a: a' l ia- ! . ' a-^ ]\' t i' aal), aad ". laaa i; a^L ( \]\ at 128 MR. LESLIE FOSTER. something ; wliicli must, at least, give long em- ployment to tbe f.Mccs (;f the enemy." " I aclvHow k(l;;c a limit tlicrc must be, be- yoiul wiiicii wc cannot ;'0 ; and whenever we can agree in {hclaring, that FuT2d:lus vc-_ idumis ncqus kalel Fortuna regrasum, then, indeed, the first laws of self-preservation Avill call on us to discontinue the contest. But surely Great Britain will not utter such a senti- mcii", unli! her allies shall be disposed to join in it. The}- do not des}:)air, and I will never despair of tl-eir:, so long as the}' do not despair of them- scl\es, so lo'ig as I do not leave it in their po^ver to s.:y to 'as at a fuUire da}', ' Whence these ch: 'ns ? If you had stood firm a little longer, if 3'oii had not so soon fainted^ Vv'e should not at this day l)e in the power of our enemies/ " ( l^^t) ) MR. ITvEEMANTLE. ivuc (_'' //a- l\)rt:'i^-nfsf Tnrjps ul l!ritiii J\ij. * Ir is (juitc- i.'iipns^ihiv' I (';iii ullov/ this (jiics- ti'Ui to !)(. put, witlioLit . 'fit r.i;^- ;i \'c\v ()\)>lvva- t:()i!> to the llnusr, Hut \s iili a \ icw ut taking its ^ni^c ujjcjii the j)i(i)ritt\' ol' this grant ()t'in()ne\', not with a \ic\v of re^i^tlng it,-? i^-iie, but in order to (h-eliaigc my mind of tho-^e teehngs with uh:eh it is inipiesM'd, hy the ])C r^evi r.inee, on the {)art of th.ose in whose h.aiuU theuo\un inenM)! tlii^ counti\' i> plaeed, in a 5\^tenl to- waid-^ Spain and l^)^ln^ah ^^ hieii 1 e(-neciee to he i,<'t (nl\ (t no a\ail to th'/ii e iii>e, i ii' hiL:,hh/ . ../'.ii ioi.- 1,(1 dc' : nnentid t > the Ne-t inie;\ ^: - of thh, eoiiu: ; ^ . ."v '( daw!, o;' ti.is an i !':..'' ;l <''Mir'. - ai '-aa 11. i a- i "^ -^ ao. i ,an a' ;. .!;,'>, c itii 'i!_:^o. , ii.. . \ A .}.'.\ , . ' , '.: le i!i ih aa iieiai and iin;\(a-a! '; i:..; to\i o -> il <\ai:;,\ tjaai I a naaa:., . 'O jc i. a! :> t !ie h< .o t and : ira! . i' e > a!\ ' a aa ; - ian i!i ; il wa^ a ha; -t Ol iiHJi^aiat < ai a'aM.-l- die na.-t an ram"',- d na. V \ am j Med a ['i^ - ^'a. n ' a.e j).,i t d f ia^ 1 ^ neli -l-:npiaa;r; it v, ab .l nainiai >riaaaaii} , it waii 150 MR. FREEMANTLEo aiding the weak against the strong; it was a free countr}'^, and a free people, animated in the support of ihe freedom, tlie independence, the integrity of the Spanish empire. What Eng- lishman could resist such a call as this ? What Englishman could withhold his whole, his warmest support in such a cause? It Avas under sucli universal and general feelings, that the IMinisters of that day, in whom the present Chan- cellor of the Exchequer is included, undertook the support of the Spanish patriots. Now, Sir, let us review the principles upon which that support was to be given on their {)art ; let us look back to the declaration of his Majesty's liiinisters at the time, and we ^hall fnid, that it was to be an alliance formed on the principles of general and zealous support to the Spanish na- tion, in a manner most conducive to their wel- fare and advantage, but, at the same time, least injurious to British interests. These were the principles u])on which this alliance was to be formed pihiciples which coincided willi the seninncnt- of ihe i.ubiic at lar::;e. and in wliicli the (>..vf;r::t;ie..it \,'as iini\'evsii!l\- supoorted. Let .It sysicm ihc^e pihicijilc:! ; 1:^ u- ^rc h'jw idv the 1 -Jie \\: K- ;,:;ii'c'l"s of !.>iV;!lg ;Mi;i ; ]-\:ir:'':-, lu a man- us l.-'W r.iC: VVii.}'. | \v have \:CL]] l ;;:;' .'. " ii'.' ]^ii:;i^t. r;, ; ;/, - : V e t CVriy ri'l ,: l I' ' , '.t\'. iiir u]{.::-^l cOi^Liuv. ;VC and \l\l. I RI.F. M A\I I L. l*i n..:r.iu': ii;i\- li:i\i- I-.cpt -^i^-'nr '^t" t;,: :i;tc- r-t^ .iiMi ^cruiit\ (.r J",ii!_il;in(l. I: m i;j)' !i t!:i> 'ir.ul tli.iL I I -JliiIiMlll t!;(.'M I'dLilurt ; il :i i.pMii liis >\ ^'u m \\ iiic!' ! 1m\v' !i) aruiu', and nnon w liicii. 1 iinM, I ^l,;iil viu\ , hit'iH' I Nil ('',\'.ii, iiat tia \ !l.\ r ii.ti a\a.'(l r.i!i c.dx 1 ia w al !m >, I a; I iaat ii!i!.'\:.m|)"Ual c )ii!ii'cia.a' \\ ii i !i \\'a> icj.-iiiil : 1 1 ' : , I III. ' 1 i.,il \'. i.i.-'a I w :s!i ti jiiarc ia !> a c t iu- Il'aa-r i:a ! [r.c c ai;a r\a i- l\,c la-a 11 n\ a -^\ ^'i i\:, v. c-.U, a. Iv ia.iii;*'",;^ to lia' ;ii'(i>Nt (,t iMi^laad, ad Mdi\ I. an \ a (;l iIi'^m' [)at ra it a' priiaapia^ u['i ai \'. aii-ii tia. adiainx' w a lli .-ijiaiii was fciara-d." ' '1 in.' capad!' ajii uiuiu' S:i' .v. ^\ da l'aNlc'\', I ( n-aiai a^ l iia caaaiiic laciiK it' ( d' t da ill --t caia. - ; aaaii : aial 'a * ita.i\\a\.-^ !)a luiuandaa; tl. i!a:'. it ' . /all a |. ai I ia- \ ; rai nl ;a aaa jilai i;; ! > coi; a ad ;d, Ida a. .jm; 'a d\ ! !a- p'a '. nol" a i];a t i-a. la d:- a:\ 1 ';a in i I'lai aiM'.la. : idr (>]\c [ \v i-. io ;:\ \iaii i)i,at.a\- ii i ; iiad ii v. illi la^. "\ .\\ iiiaaic \ a . - i\ a s : 1 i.ca :di \\ la li' \ cw ^ii a 'd lai\ r ,d . I i I a ' a 1 1 . a a , I ; o la 1 ! ai 1 1 1 : > a n \ d , la . ^ . 'i 1 a > i > : . a ^\ v;i, 'v; ; ;,.vd 1 V (.adaiaii; !. : u ^ :iow ^.-j 1 ^.1 a._a.^ii- \\ :\ iw !aa\a-ps. 1 will laa. .^aA' ': ' ' '' > a' ;a a' a an' >. ia:t iia ajiadd. > id ia:' - > a ii\\i_ a aa a ' >, aia; ( id\" wa: : ;a^ I ! a . a ' . .a; ;aii'- ,., i d; ciua"'\- la :_\ d 1 ui aad^a. J: ;a-' , v dd 'aai \'> aia^C 132 MR. FREEMANTLE. his day, to make his own disposition, to wait for ]iis rt.nibrcements; it rests with him tosay, whe- ther he will continue to blockade you, or whe- ther lie will give you a fair opportunity of con- tendin:; with him in the field. If we are to judge by the publications in France, he will de- cide upon the former, and in this he will judge wisely. Thus, Sir, have I terminated the his- tory of the Spanish contest, bringing before your view, as the result of all your victories, of all your expenditure in men and money, of all your cxcrtious, and of all vour waste of the militarv resources of tliis country, the position of your army at Lisbon, insulated, and incapable of act- ing but at the discrct'on of the enemy; your allies in every other part of the Peninsula over- v.hehncd, and only manifesting partial and una- vailing liostilify ; your own resources exliaust- ed, and your hopes of ultimate success, to every mind Vvdiich is not blinded ]yy enthusiasm, com- pletely anniliiiated- Such is the result of a sys- tem founded upon ^liC niinciplc <>f attempting to su!)diie Ikionaparte In' tiu^ f';rceof your armies on tl-c (oiitinentr sick- ks llic result whicli \lu have brougiit rp.:ii , ourselves, by act- ju_', throughouL as ^.'j'-icipals in a contest which you undertook rs auxiliaiies only. \;'\\[ any man say, cii..t kis l.as been a wise ~,\stem : Vv'iki anv inau, who is not determined. ME. FREL.MANTl.K. Ill- under :ui\' ciri'uinstanci's, lo Mippoir, the inca- ^ll^l^ of a weak ami lni^_^uu;c{l CJ(.)\'('ip.;'1( nt, C'-iitfiui, that it ha>5 been >nccc>^lul ; tlial ii has an^weied either thie j)ioiniies to vour a'.ie-. or the hcpes to voiir eoiiiitrv ; tliat it has eiliier conlrilnited to their seeui .tv, (tr to \()iir own beiielil - I shall be co'.ulcunied fur eiuleavcair- iuL!,- to tlirow di^iCi'edit on the eon:hi'/' ni' our troDjis. Sir, it' 1 am (ondennud, ;t \v;ii he un- j i-.t tMward^ me. 1 eondienni r, : tiie truups cT tlie ( winniaiuler; I applaud them; 1 admiic their N alour, I venerate liieir dee(!^ ; I am proud, as an Kngli.->hnian, to bear m\ testimony to tlicm ; but I do tle[)iecate, and 1 sluill ne\tr eeasc to (U'l'recate, the cruel manner in which their \ a- lour iri> been lo>t to this country and to Europe. Sir, we have been reproadied on tli;.^ side oi" the Ib)u>e. \vith hi/ai'. iii;:^- t'a!>e juc diction^ ; we ]ia\'e been taunted wuli h,;\ini;' hcM out to the eowiitr\' the ultim.ate f-.ilure ot' our ol.; ,!> in .Spain. Sir, I am [jr'.parnl tod.dendat tins mo- ment >U(li [)rcdietions ; 1 stiU maintain, that you will not, and cannot, by >uch a --vstem, either relieve \our allies, oi- iMmeiil vourseivi's ; that m putMiiuL;" it, llu' lormci mu^t surrender, and \'(;u w dl be (il' ^ou arc not alreaiU) j)lace(i in a ^^ ..ation oi" the most :nnii;nent {)e:il. It ; n<>\ cniAii^h tor (ientlemento leproacii u> lor :iuch piedietions by -^ayiniLi-, they ha\e iioL yd 1j4 MR. FREEMANTLE. come to pass ; it is inciiiiibcnt upon those wliy inaiiitain, that success hasatteiideil their s} stem, to prove it to tlic sarisfaction of the House and of the country ; to prove how far the cause of our allies lias been supporied, or tb.e interests of Great Ihhain preser\eil. Sir, I .-ihali take the 1; berry now of adverting to tiio-^e ai-:::unieuts whicii have heen a.ovanced by tlie Cbiaucellor of the Exchequer, and otliers, upon this and for- mer occasions, in defence of tliis system, and in proof of the a(bvantagcous situaticai inwiiichwe are placed at tb.is moment i)y our contest in l-'or- tugah I shall most {)arncularly refer to a speceh, made a few nights ago ijy a Right Hon. (icntle- man (Mr, Canning), at too late a period in the niglit to ciiable me to make such a reply to it as I thougiit it required ; but, witli his permis- sion, I shall now state tiie i)oints wliich he so emphatically and so elojpiently described, and I siiali be able to shevr, that so far from onr situa- tion and our prospects being improved, they havegraduadv diminished, vAui we are now be- come, in mj judgment, hoj.t less towards Spain. The fir-.' argument wa-.miiintained on the irround, that tiie cmitcst in Spain clieeked tlie ambitious views of Jjuonaprnte (Mi tr.e Continent. Is it me;int, by sueh an arguu-entj to sa\-, that it has clicekedi the^e \ie\\s, ortiiat it has n.ow arrived id s.ich a state as to inq^dx" his furlL^er objects - MK. FHF.F.M ANTLL. li liu' lornu'i-, let nic briiM;- hcl'i.rc ib.r llfui^': tlif \il'u^ lie ha^ disclosed. a;ul tlif ohji cts he i.as .leci 'nipiuNlic'd duniiL!," tlic cdui^c ol'lhi^ con- tent. ILo ]\C not C'Ollipk-IfU' suh)UL;"atrd tli< ( nij)iir ()!'( icriiiany - 1 la^ lie not eriMlcd Ki nu'S, deposed Kin'j;^. p;.ic(.'!k'd (nit kni^doms, tie- s', ion rd kniLrdi 'ins, ;id(!ed dotriiiiious to his o\\ i\ : What IS iun situation at thi> moment"-' I> he rlit eked in his eont 'mental \ iew^ - I^ he not eloset in the I'hnilleries, e\eiy caljinet in Ivaiope" ^\'hat state, what ])o\'.'ei', (kii'e eont; nd aL4-ain>I or di>pnte hi> man- date-: Do \ee --ee iiim em[)lo\ini^ hi> troops ia any [)ai-t of j-hnope- Ila^ he moNed a single miiitiAi'}- man : I.^ it neces^ar\- lor iiim to do move than i-^ne hi^ order to he ()l)e\'e(i ' His \'. ill i> t!k' \:i\v t]ii-ouL:ki'Mit laii'Dpc ; .-nul are sneh the pn i(;l'- t ':; it i; , o',n: Muiitai \ u-w.-i a:c elieeked !>\- the ( M) j'i i\ nu i;t li'.-lsrk in \\]c lVnin>nki of Spa:i.- Alimid. itiia^ i>een said, that lln->i.-> tlu' niMNt exp(-n-i\-e wair in whudi he has e\er heeii eni;- iL!! d, and one in \'. Ineii lie lias snllered more in ^i-^ol men. I.ct n> examine as to tiie ex- pense whieli he lia-i hecn snpposcd to ha\e keen k', it i^ nr'j,e(k that he ka^ made the eoinpieri'd eonntiy p;i\- t'oi- it^ snli|tiLiation ; tiiat he has raised ironi liic eonipified a eontnhnt.on ^nliieienl t' , aiul not n.on' ' r.;tii ."(), i^Tm) \V( .0 now rciuainini;' m tbo J'onoiMo.i. > r 1 t'link {\\i> caioulaliou lallaoio'i^; !i>i, ii ->',;(ni(l be roniombcicii, tb.;t v.licn r,no'n..:i;:ii t'/ {'('.uul LlI^^cll iiMincd to (jiiit tin- l''.'i.insi 'a. t> louUr- tal.c fill' s'.ibuiuation i;;' A^^t i i:i. l;>.'t('"k wiili Iwin a \ u \" 1.0'_,c l;;'.i\ ol ;rw'.;)>, nin!, : I.l :clni\', tl.( T ;''i!iii)-,> >].i'i:M ]) Mibti.'.olrd li-r,! the ( . i',;- -u[',i ''i.!-,' ' had eon^iiiniii to the a^i'Miio Ntatnl, \w nu; o. never tol^c^ that l;i!0- nap:u'c I'ci'jns lA'CT a p'^puiatuai ot" n.ot !is-. tli:iu lo.:'^ iMiiioiis <){" ijcojilo ; 'hat lie coniniands ilic niiiitaiN sor\-ior ot' hi'i suhji cts ; tlnit th.nse >ub- ji'ct^ do not ciiio;, , as w e, thank (/(>(], arc c;.pcd)Ie ot' d'l!!',^-, till- tiic oxcii'i-c ot ihi'ir jiid^inent as to niihtaiA' --riAioo: witli hini, ewry mail is a -.('l(h( r, nai-r do thii- (hi!\' ol" a soldier; and hi^ ci .ii>( I'lpi ,"!> I i;:d)I lain t*) lili his ranks at all Inncs wilhoul i!i.;:cidt \ or cxj^ensc. 'Jheieforc. do not let u> Hat tei' ourselves that he wdl lie exhan-^t'd l)v the lo^-, ol" nun in the reiMii^ula, and that he wdl lelax in bis contest, or sink under it from the laihne m tlie runnhei ol hi.^ arnne^. We have seen him contendniL:,- in Spaiii, einplovin^; the w bole ot'our i'oree m that oouiury, and \ et ^^ith an ariii\- on lo^r .it the same luue in (itrmanvo;' ii]\*'.o',l- ot (Mie hun- dred thouiand men. Should not such e.xpe- 133 MR. TREEMANTLE. ricnce proye to iis tlie falkicy of such calcula- lions? Let us ii(;t persist in tlicin." ' Here. 1 niiinl bring to the recollection of the House, and of the couiiiry, the situations of difficulty and danger in vviiich he has at times been placeci, aiid i^\;; that: a comparison may he fcnined between thosc, and siu li as might be supposed to ari.-sc from tiie ovcrtlirow of Mas- sena. Have we not seen him beaten on the banks of the Danube, in tiiohcartof an eneni^'^s country? i^uii we forget the defeat he sustained at Aspernc? Can we fail to look back to the danger with wlfich he appeared at that moment surrounded, opposed by an army of 150,000 of the best disciplined troops in the world, connnanded by the ablest connnanders ? Caa we forget how he rose from these difficulties, liow he strength.ened his means, and demon- strated those great and powerful resources which enabled him to terminate the tremendous war- fare in which he was engaged by the complete and entire acccmplishnient of his objects, namely, the overthrow oi' the Austrian armies, and the subjugation of its empire? Again, let nie bring back to tliC recollection of the House, the fearful danger with wliich he was threatened in his campaign in Poland ; can we forget, that there agaiii he was at one time exhausted in n^en, in money, in su[)j)lics5 and had even lost .M i:. 1 Ki ; M '. , I : i. 1 ): f xrriyii^. <>i' low t r ' . !' m; I'l ni^iKu V ar.d (.(Miiiiiaiul : Xo, lij : C' ; p lU il lii> ai[i:'i'^ l;'():ll t",r m It poNsibk" lor ;iii\ i:K:;i. i.o\\t\ai' banguinr, hu\vc\'fr Nvcddcd to tl:C war in l*oi; ii<;'al, to (kTci'v'c liiiiiM'li" into the I)(l:cr, tliat any (luH'k \'. Iiieli his ui'ir.v sii>taiiic(l, or (.xaii thv' total o\-ci throw and di'>trncl ion of ]\hu->li d MaN^cna, wonid loosen one nail In tli: lion o.nv\\ imjiotent I'easoniiiij;. ' ' I (Kj)iiea!e the ^\ -tem \'/liie!i ha> led lis to aet a-> ni ;i:oi|,,d>. m-tead of" an \iliai ;e> m this war; a v\ 'em wdiieh c\ei'\' da\ t'e i ni^lici to nu nimd -^iioii^er and more eon\' neinu,- ])root> thai it mu>' e\a 1,1 ii,id\' lead to onidot I'uei ion ; \ (Hi ni ;\ proiraet ilu' |(M(1; it '-> not . pti haps, the intiie-t ot Ihionapaiie lohinw^' th''eoiit(>t lo an imme(ii:iie i v>';e ; la h; ; -; ; ' or 1 ;i, ;, liie la Milt, ill m\ jad' i;-.;jit. Is nie\';; .Ol]'.'. i; i!i', '-aiUan i.^ purpled." 140 I^IR. FREEMANTLE. April 26, 1811. On the Army Extraordinaries. '* He warned the House of the great expenses attendhig the system pursued by Ministers in the mihtary department. The army, he admitted, was so essentially serviceable, and had lately added so much to the glory and security of the countjy; that a large expenditure might naturally and necessarily be called for. But yet it was of great importunce, that all, and especially those wdio supported the projects of Ministers, should be fully aware of the immense expense to which the great and increasing establishments of the army led. It, appeared that since the contest in. Spain began, the army had cost this country 24,000,0001. pcrannum, exclusive of the ordnance. It was prudent, tlicicforc, to consider how far the country could go on v/ith this expenditure, upon a system which afforded no prospect of material diminution.'* March 16, 1812. In the Debate on the Address respecting the Portuguese Suhsldy. " He denied that tiie Noble Lord (Lord Castlereagh) had satisfied his mind with respect Mh. 1- KltM A N1 1 >.. 1 n t'l i:ic jirnpiutv of [hr pMposcd L;iant. 'J he Xnl/' Lord IkkI ;i(i\i:tLcl, iinl to tiio LUiu-ial slat' <'f t;ic M';'r, but t(j tlic pai tiruiai ^taic ucli p,aan;<, wa< meieh to j)erseve]'e in a svsiem ot ]>.\ ash, expen- diture, from which no sati^taeto^y loult cou'd be expected. A\'hcn the llist ::ranl ol' this njituie \'.as propoH'd, it was to adli^rd Ihiti-^h a:(l towards re>; iiiuLi; S'p.iin from ti:c..;rij.c ol' I'r.incc. A: tlii.t ; ly.c Ik- o^ p.r';: it d n.ti-t cor- d;ci!i\ V, 'h t;.i' w i;oh" c()i;;;l'\ in tic (t'f(it. Iliit. loia \ra;> i.a\ ii^l; < i.ip^-. ', .'iid n:' ;,i. mc'i of .; oucd h..\'nu bt ui -.^ ih^(!, h-.- ll..vt .< i:L!,i:t ti alUihis oj'iicun on ih ll:)[.c^ ."^o t'.n- w (ac >\ c liom haN'iic: enia.'.io;. ."cd >;.ai!;, :i:a- wc iiad not ;i .^liiL'lc n :n Uku', nor ct u'. ; \, , c iUv'rtain a ratur.ial pio^y^ct o! inahi'.;;,.! ;\ ;:i i). e-^K.ai on t lie V 1:1 ni\ , ic. l! ,. t Ml . , :c'-,'' " i ;i '):'H cL;;_^ 1' . f he pie-v-c t m;;i >.:. iic i. !l that ':.; ii.id nil ground n. ; r:o-' p :,i:';! j.i .: 'heu, nf .on: ^e he shonia !; vc to -."IA-^'a'. v.i'.l: }42 MR. iri-.ema>;ti.e. tlie g-ciitlenien opposite ; lie sliortld also lla^ c to contend with nianv widi wiiom he M'as in the general iiahit of political a T;oi'darjce. Dnt so strong was his eoii-.-ietion in- the suhject, that he felt it iniperatix e i;]:i>i; him to express l.is opiiiion. iic had palieiitly listeiicd to eveiy argunjent and opinion co;:];cctcd \vit/i it, both in Parlianieiit and in private society , hut hitlierto no one had been al;i(^ to j;{,'isiiade liini tliat, under tiie present circnnistances, Oreat Britain onght to perse veie in a system so lavish, that it nmst eveiitiiallv lead to her utter destrnelion." ' lii the preseii.t st.-Ue o-!' th" Conindttee, lie \vor.ld not en'rci' in to ;iny details Li})on the waar of the Peninsula ; hnt he v.(ndd inipl(;re them to pause he Hire tliev fruitlessiy expended two millions of tlie ind)iic nioi-.ey." ])L\ci)J>er \, ]H\2 In the Dehale on the Report of tJi'- Address. ' lie uai) decidedly of opinion, tlr'it ourpros- ]>eci : at ;Me picent nioeje!;; w va'C not nearly a> h:!;;h:. a- at the ef)nnnen; emcnt of the last ^ie^fioii of r;,ri'.i.n,en:."' ' U li.!! reyaid to i]\: I'ciiinsnia, he was per- suaded, liial h\ the hattie of ^ahunaiiea, we had Mil, t- J;lr.MAN"I] .i at 'I"-i!L'-- \\i!r:o." . ( 144 ) MR. FULLER. April 11. 1808. On the third reading of the Offices in Reversion Bill. " When the country had a xJinister, who set himself forward as an honest man, M'liich he cer- tainly was, he (Air. F )could not 'lelp considering anoppositionof ihijkind as the most unprincipled that ever exisi:ed. i'hey oiily wished to set themselves up in tb.c places of the present admi- iiistraticn." (jMhcJi l.iughUr froUi the. opp^ysUioji side of the House.) " An for 3'ou/' jscdd the Hon. Gentleman, ^' I have knov/n you these thirty years." April 13. 181:^0/2 the Barn xk Estiinnles, '' If tlic two ccnntries must he like two fellows [junijraig, each stiivir.g to keep himself the longer above water, let \i be so j but old Eng- land should never >icld to France." ( Ji>5 ) EARL OF GALLOWAY. Jdnvanj 21. \H0^. On )Hin'niL:; tJir .Iddi ' Mv I.Miniv -our c in t" roncnii \~, wilh IVaiiCt.', Willi \', h.i'.n mmir- iinli viduaU would Jiiakf a ]>cac('. I lia\i' taken the libntx', my Loids, to urite dow n sonic ol lici' .sentiments upon this subject, as described, in w hat we may c.iU licr otlicial paper, and w lierein she informs xuK conldi"mal)]_v to her practice since the ear- liest periods of her ic\(hition, of the concUu-t siie moans to pui'^uc, and fiom which she has never \'aiicd, hut tiDin nccc>sily ah-nc. S:ie proclaim--, nr. l/)id>, * 'I'ii.it ^llc udl not hi\ (1 A\'n lici" arm>, hut will au^cent \\cy \o\rc, untd she Icis concjiu'icd ilic hheities of tl;c Sc;is, til'- In'st I ^irlit ot ad nal:on- :i recommend Hi! to u^ ;cn aimed tiucc, \\dnch she calN a peace, ~^hv ^.iN's. ' It sh ill cnduic u;:ti! --he clinM-s to }0'iLcm aiav.' tiu' pi ;m', pies ct h.cr .iiDX'd ncu- ii.iiitN, w hcc >!;c |;(_lmll^ \-i'u t;) pi' hum \i'[\v INiM. ,j!i,s ot maiHime \d\\' .' New, r,,\ I. cols, '^> t .iiv ' !:'i! .vi,i(,'h \ ouare w ilhii^" t( accept .i-^ \ nui' I',:' I l!.i\c Me alrcadx' l-ii^-ot tl:e pc.u c ot' 140" EAUL Of GALLOWAY. Aniicnsr Do wewish to scelier seamen all restoredj and the pendaiilsoflier ships going up, when ours will nccessaiiiy be coming down? Never will I i)clie\c tl-at ihc- ^ood sense of tliis Country will enlcitain the idea of peace, until moderation maik the condnrt of this enemy, for liis }>ro- lession.s arc not worthy of j cllection. i am glad to see a great eommerei^d city tliinlc like me, and I liope her oj)inions and exansple will be imitated b}' otheis. ^iy Lords, although the arms of Europe may appear ou the :-.idc of France, i cauiiot bcficvc their hearts are against this country, li' we remain firm and unap|;alled, as iccon]mcnded by his Majesty, and exeniplifie(3 b}' himseli", some balmce may }et be jneserved in Europe; if we }ield, no man can foresee the consequences." ( 147 EARL or (;LASG()\V JiDuiani _'.), I^l<>. ( h'. tn"'hi':r /// tli'j i)rc>(_nt cn^i^ w a-, and LilnciiiN a^ tile |;cta!\' pre Miitctl 1)\' tlic fxi^tiDi:; ^iUlat K/U cjt" El I !()[)(. Ill 11 --t \)C allo\\\'{l to he. vet the means and lesomxx^ ol tli!> enij>irc were e(}ual to t!ie sueees^tul pro^eention (A' tlie arduous t'cm- lest we liad lo sustain, unless iiiaried liv internal di\'i>!Mns, ani) di^:i .thie, hut, in the pusi'iit j;cilliiu- tiuus. \^ indiN;)(,'nsablv ni'eeb- ( 148 MR. CHARLES GRAIS^T, yovemher 4, 1813. On seconding tJie Address. " Amongst all the great qualities with which Lord Wellington is so richly endowed, and which have elevated him to the sphere in which he moves, there is none which has impressed my mind more deeply than that undaunted and in- trepid spirit, the sure proof of a genius conscious of its resources, whica enabled him to defy the public opinion, as to tlie invincibility of France. He did not sink under the weight of the enor- mous fame which surrounded those great com- manders whom he was called to combat, and whom he has successivelv vanquished* Admi- rablc, therclbre, as 1 thi)di uith Micli siij^-nal ie>niN, niu->t he lor c\ er nieniorahlc. If, at the eonunent'C- nient of these trouhKs, w c h.:i, we maintained our iiitlcxdiie c,:- ]ici ; and upon wliat princij>ic (hd wc --o luain- t tin it - upon tlie j>nucip!c ot national i:;(lcpc:,- dciice; upon tiii-^ piuiciple, tliat (;ppo,Miio;i to ,i Jaw ie^-^ aii;^re^-ion is at all tiine< a sacred diii\-, and that the hope oi l'uroj)e was lo he I'niiiid d 150 MR. CHARLES GRANT, \vhen the foundations of the world seemed to Ijc shaken, wlieii all former institutions were swept away, rath.er as if by a sudden whirlwind than by any of the ordinaiy means of destruction, there was yet one nation, which, reposing under the shade of a happy constitution, proud of its ancient liberties, and worthy to defend them, dared to measure its matured and ilisciplined va- lour, at one time against the unnatural energies of a frantic democracy, at another time against the gigantic resources of the most tremendous des- potism that ever scourged tlie world, li', Sir, liistory, after this narration, were obliged to add, that, in this struggle, at last we fell, but th.at we fell gloriously, with our arms in our hands, and our faces to tlie foe, even this would have been no mean praise; this would have been ])raise enough to satisfy the most aspiring nations of antiquity ; it would liave been praise enough to fill u]) tiiC \\armcst wishes of that gallant and ])atriot band, ^ho left it to i)e engia\ed on tlieir ton.d)S, that thev <]icd in obedience to the laws of liicir e(/unt!y. But, ihank Crod. Sir, history will be ealletl, not to lament the liill oi'liiiiish great- ness, l)ut to celebrate its renewed exploits, and its living trium])hs. Tlie conduct which we have pursued can acquire, indeed, no accession of me- rit from the i.->sue to which it has led ; but it is satisfactory to observe how admirable liave been MU. CHAKI I.'? (.!;.\ V 1 1 . ) 1 l^s l.Mill>. It li:is k:!i(!;, (I l!.:; 'i^'i.t.'it I'm. pc a ll.i!;:f, \'. I'ifh. I tins!. i> uikm'.c iir!i::!/!('. It i-. t') tliL' theatre ot" I licsr i-oiit (.'!-. ii i'l to ili;if ^cil, A\ liich but latil\ svH'nud iiicnnihie' ot' ]; udm i;i'_, ;: ^iiigU^ el! 111! . th-.t I lie nioialist ijt" al'u i .'.i;e^ w ill I'c-^oit for txalnj)k^ of m-^' i net t ;ii. v.'l;.i: he (ic- iKHinees the tall orunhall v'.'((l 'jvca'dc^-. TIuic, tnOj w'lil tiie patiiot |(M,!v l'"!' i. "!!- I 'i' lilt i:n- M.riii ;mi(! disinterested \i:tue. 'li:> i-- the L.i'i- 1 !( ai> lea'ii: e ot' t iu' j)r(. sent war. I iiasa.' hie;!i(lii >h>.T\ I d (*" Anierie;'.. tliat her eoi. duet has d:s- jxlkil those ela->sieal a^^oeiation^ whieh w e h.a\ v- i)e(i! accustomed, to iiidul'^e. of lejiuhli'-an \ ii ti:e, and Mpuhlican execllenee. 'I'luU Kinaik \'. as not more el()(jnentlv than jn^tlv made, ihit ii' \'.a' air ohli'^'cd to Lii\c np thai class ol" a-socKi- t 'ons. I j;ri('( ;\-e, w it h i'\nlt;i' ion, that there '- \ e' aao! hia' elas^ of assoriati' ai--, no lc>s s,;(,-| t d ,ind vria'V :[.':-', wdiieii \\a' ma\' now elu'.ish \\nJi :id- d;':'in;d fondm ss I me. in tho-e as>()>^'iat e mi-. \'. hieii (n!or(a tiie I.^ehei oi in>tineti\e iM.trio- Iisin, ol unledden ent ini-;.ism m t!ie eausi.' la ^;r!ue, ot' t iie ur.uidi iii' ol sel f-de\'o; !( .n, oi' th.e m::^iiaaMr, ;; \ ( f j^i lm! sac, ifi.'os loi l;i eat (diicel-^, f '." '.'Mioni-, tor indi'pt. ndenee. W'r iinist all le- eolhc i, with w hat deli^iit w e indahcd ' hee ^mi- t a-ents at the jonnt.iins of classical Ic.tiim'u-, .iiul i''!io\-,t(l ihiMU (ait into r.etion in the instoiw <,;' :...:tincn, and illust rions s'.att s. Ihil-f l.-.tc, 162 MR. CHARLES GRANT. and especially towards the close of the last cen- tury, there seems to have crept into this nation a sort of spurious and barren philosophy, of which it was the object to decry those associa- tions ; to represent them as the illusions of ig- norance, or phrenzy, or falsehood ; to curb the original play of nature; to inculcate coldness and selfishness upon system; and to substitute in the place of all that foimed the delight of a higher philosophy, a spirit of lazy deliberation, conducted by apathy, and ending, therefore, in meanness and dishonour. It was this philoso- phy that taught, that those ideas of excellence had no antitypes in nature. It was this philo- sophy that taught, that it is not only more prudent, but more conformable to our being, for every man, in time of danger, to reason belbic he followed the promptings of true courage, to make it a matter of calculation, whether his country be worth saving, before he draws the sword in her defence ; to reduce it to a question of algebra, or a problem in geometry, whether lie should resist the efforts of tyranny, or bow before the yoke. It must be confessed, that the history of the past age, and especially the sleep ^vhich seemed to have spread over Europe, gave too much countenance to these pernicious maxims. But the hour is at length come, which lias exposed tlie fallacy of these speculations, JMK. CHAKLLS CKANT. Id 5 and rescued luinian luiturc iVoin the>c calum- nies. The cxpcrioiicc ol" the tew hist years has abolished, 1 trust for c\er, that heartlc^^ and hlo()dlcs.^ system, the miserable abortion ot" a cold head and depraved imagination, which never waked one noble thought, nor inspired one generous action. The experience ol" the lew last \cais has proved, that they were not tal>c and \ isionary, those high sentiments w hicli we\\eie taught to resj)ect, hut that they are founded upon whatever is dcTpe.st ami })urcst in the hu- man cliai'acter. It has proved, that true reascju is never at warMith just feeling; that num is now what he was in those distant ages, a crea- ture born, indeed, to act upon })rinci[)lc, hut, hoin also to act uj)on strong passions; i!i;iL wC ncNcr acts more nohl\ , more wi-t pcTsuasions ot" grand jxissions, subhmed and diiccted by lofty principles." 154 ) LORD GRENVILLE. January 19, 1809. In the Delate on the Address, " My Lords, with respect to Spain, it would be an idic waste of" your Lordships' time and patience for mc to declare my opinion as to the nature of the contest in tliat country. Of the base, and treaclierous, the atrocious and cruel invasion of the independence of tlie Spanish peopde, there is but one opinion in the country, but one opinion as to the cause in which they were figliting, against the tyrant who unjustly and cruelly attacked them. I have not, how- ever, m}^ Lords, ever wished to conceal my opi- nion, witli respect to the policy of sending a British army to Spain. I do not mean to say, that tlierc miglit not be circumstances under which it n^iiglit be advisable and expedient to send Bri- tish troo})s into Spain ; but I mean to assert, that, during last summer, there was no prospect that ought to have induced any reasonable men to send a British army into the interior of Spain. I am anxious not to be nhsunderstood upon this point. I do not mean to apph' my observation J.OHD (iRINVl : L! 1 ;> ') t') uwA ('n-opcr:iti<)!i, to tiic ii-.'mKm'!' st":;(!:n.; fl.'-'i \\i[]] tr';'<^])-> on ijoard to aiiH"\ j ,,: :;c;i!.:.- Y:a'^ of' tin- ''":.-t, to kc\'[) tlic ciicir.'. ::i ;i Cw!i- >tuit st;i:o ot' ciiai'-., and (;')t:iin |):ii'::;il ;!l\.i!i- t:i,L;cs, w :i:cl! mav br ot'c^-^cntial ^v'i"\ iri-. Ici ii- liiK' in\ S(.l;\o t];c iiri'icv <:' s^'iiilinj; ;: 1.-:!;.~m army iiit') lli? interior d' !^;)ah:. ;.::(! I v'>; '.:.;! 'i:ir t' 'ic V ..> !^'r tiiat pr.'-i: -lT \v\l-\: ( ' idi' ti lia\v i;u;''!'i(i rra-' ;.Jmo \r,c:: t > ;:.'\i .-i> >v'i)t ::!! ;ir':v . \ .; \';c!\' '^.r:" :::.\' i:i(.i;n. -!;;!;' 'S w'.iti: i'l'u'i 'i; :\\'\ ^(W'.'iiy^ ;i i);;t'!i ;:rni\-, i:) .^'.. : t o 1 1 i;:'. a- a !'; i; .-^l) ;j:m'. I;ii! -,; ,i!i a> an ar!i'\ a^ t iii:;' (Mi the ( 'd!;: I'lcii t, Id 111 act i !:c ^'. lailc (!i-p ;>.i!kc Pirac (;!" I'laaaa', wi'iimu!, i,a'. ii,'^- an'. d; \[]v '.'.laat p'lwc'is (-1 la'n'n;';,^ lair ;ia \ i!i .v 'i. \\ a'l ta;' l\ia'i;c\-5 unl^i' ki i, am! tl:.' Kini I'a- \'. . . i: la.i '> aaa,ii M uii ai a - (; la' >- ti.a! la ' \' v ii V i. '- . .:i! Ant '.'. a: j), t i. - ' \\a in ti.a i:; \ i.i Ii T' s: i'i ai--! , I \' t w r ^i ndi i a; ii ; d I !a- mtca .- r i if S;),!'n t;i:!;", < >v t'' a t \" t li' . ()(>(). I oau on!\' c n",a:;o >uch a nimourc to inc t'-ir-i"an. it d naaicli to Faii-, to w iiiaii it i> :\iil\' cajual in \vil(hu'^s and al)- ^inaiit\- It ;^ pcrrcctlv clcair, tlaat it numt ii t Wit'o liii- Sj.ain^li pca^plc t 'icir.-^cU't'^ to niain'^aa liuai' nida'aaidcnca-; and tlia! \sailiont tluit ^|'a:t. aan<)ii'4-.r ! licni^clvcs, no aini\ that \'. t' cadd ^( nd wouUi i)c' of anv a\a\il. 'idic\' ad'ij>ud a >v~toin. wineli wai^ publi-hcal :n the laii ly pai t 156 LOUD GRENVILr.t. of the summer, under the title of ' Precautions,* and which contaiucd a most excellent plan of defence, adapted to the peculiarities of the countiy, and calculated to harass and annoy an invading army, and to wear them down by a continued system of partial attack, without in- curring the risk which must necessaril}- attend a pitched battle with regular and veteran troops. This system was the best which could be adopted by that country, under its then cir- cumstances, and might have produced a great effect upon the enemy, v/hose troops would have been continually harassed and fatigued, whilst the S])aniards, taking advantage of the pecu- liarities of their country, would have incurred httlc immediate risk, and w^ould have gained a knowledge, and attained a discipline, which might have subsequently qualified them to con- tiu] in the field with the regular troops of France. This excellent system v/e forced them to abandon, by sending into the interior of the country a British army: it tlien became impos- sible for the Spaniards to leave our army to fight their battles by itself; our army would of course proceed in the manner, and according to the usual routine of a regular army; and thus the Sj)aniar(ls were forced on to engage in pitched battles, at a period when they were not compe- tent to contend with regular troopS; whilst the I.OIID ORF.NVir.T i. ^rlti^ll army, too small to cope with tlic L^rta? siipt'iioiity of troops brought into tl.e fnhi l)y Kraiicc, can only retreat. In thi^ \'a\, mv LokIs, I contend that the hcndinij; of a Ij;it.i>h army into the interior ol" SjKiin, has heen actu;;'lv injnrious t(j the cause ot" the jiatrit^N in tiiat conntiy. 1 NUiited anxioiislv towards tlic cioM- ol" last session, tor some conumiiiication on ll.c ^uhjcct ol Spain, which I did expect miuUi-^ \'. oidd ha\"e made tor tlie purpose ol ohtaiiaiiL; tlie decision ot' Parliament. H;id sucli a c(ui;- munication been made, I should ecrtaird\ ha\'e lelivered my (jj)inion as to the impohey ot' .semling Ihitisb troops into the inteiior ot'Spain. '' Either they did or did not know, tiiat a British ainiy. sent into the interior ot Sjiiii-, ^vould have to encounter the w hole di^po-;ddc t'oice of I'raiice. If the\- did know it, hv what int'atualHjU could the\' haw been inchiccd to j)lacc an :irm\ in a situation in which no rational men would e\er have tliou^ht of phiciiiu' it: jl'thcv did not know^ it, then tliev unist ((.nt'c-^ that thr} were wholly ignorant of thr rcsouicc- of France that they were m hollv i^aiorant llial the ruler ot' I'rancc h.ul the rexuirccs of t;u i;ri'a'er part of lanope at liis counnand tha' llie\ were wliolK i^iioiant tiiat ri;ini(' i'ad I fiiu;i- arniv which ciadd be bmuu'it i>' bcaj i'w,)ii ;ui\- L^ivcu jxtiul. With tii;-. \ !(, w ot" the 158 LORD G RENVILLE.. subject, it is, of course, impossible that I can concur in applauding the past measures adopted by ministers with respect to Spain; nor can I concur in supporting the system proposed to be ado|)ted for increasing the army, with the A'icw of sen(hng more troops to Spain, for this must be the object, or the expression means nothing; aUhough 1 do not mean to deny, that with the evils with which we are now surround- ed, the increase of our regular force is a neces- sary measure. To the approbation, however, which is implied of their conduct, and their wise and vigorous system, I must decidedly dis- sent, contending as I do, that there has been neither wisdom nor vigour in their measures.'" " In that part of tlie address which relates to the character and conduct of our army, I most sincerely and heartily concur. No language can be too strong, or too glowing, when applied to its deserts; and if the country is to be saved at all, I am convinced that its salvation can alone be effected by maintaining our military force upon a scale commensurate with the in- creasing dangers of our situation. Measures of vigour also will be necessary ; but these measures ought to be adoj)ted under the guidance of wis- dom and prudence, and care taken not to waste our resources in quixotic schemes, which it is impossible to accomplish, and w here failure is i.('i;n Gi;i.N \ 1 1 i f. 1-"' ) ]'ic';ii:inl with t-:ilunilt y. O.ir a.niy, I: ,,\ . :ir.(! wJl (ii>'jij;liiu il, and (.a[):i!)!c' as i> i. -\' ('^ 'iij; c\a 1'. thiiiL;- wlucli iiuMi can be cxpcc'c.i i / ]; :- tonn. uill, ill tlicsc linu ^, lini! air.j-.lL' c i..j l..\ w . ;!l 111 M'caii;nL:,-()iir own (Ic'i'ui* L'. Ini[irr>-i il \. . r. '.: . oMiiKon, il is with the iiccpc^t j;ain lluit 1 u;k t. u])(Mi the ac'tu i -itiKilic.n ol' so I;i; ' 'c a pi. i iM l:-- ii ot' ihc nii!i!,;r\- l"-i\\' of ilic coni-tiA-. w..;.toi.'y coimr,i:iLcl ,:i a lioju'lc^s rxntc-it, '.ii v,!iii'-i -m'- ' - cauiKtl 1a- ilic icuaici <;t' w.tov.r, ]:,.:i\cv c :a.:cnl. ai;(i wluTr a silc ittrcit i^ ;.:i (iiat l\\c. i.M)-! Ijiiiiiai.t (Xiiiiins can ic.;son;i!)i\' be t'x- prctcd to vlVccl I ! ' ' I iui^e no lic--ita;ion v, l;atc\"cr in dcv ].;; i'l.;- It to be i;iy n!o^t (keidetl (~piniur., ib.it ii'tl.e -\-tLiii iiiiluito actn! rj>on be lar! ; cr ] l;:^ll. d, aiiM tlu- \\!;<' an:.,;; .V: ec ot" t lie e. l::l^ \ ei.t in'o ti.e ::i'v';,:r d' Sp::in. tia' dv--: .i; ' !( n a' iiii> in-a,::v';y i. ;;..vi;..Mv ; ;.i!d lb.. I v, e ^b 11 ''J : c ii(i\ (! t ) 1 ' .e -ai;:e c 'labt ;i n w i' b biiiN^ia. and ibe c.-n.incr.d ^?^:U.^ ol' tl.e ('o;;':- J.L lit."' Ju'^UKry 2h, I ^o;.. /,. //,, i);L.:h cj; ih, Jd'lr,.^s oti the ' He \'va. i-cad - lo :.dnii;, ibaf at tlie ti .a tbc ' ili.rr w,.^ !ii ,'.e, lacr. wa.s no pi"''^pt<.'L e'!' l60 LOUD GHEXVfl.LE. i ts leadi ng to any practl cable negotiation for peace. The ruler of France had at that time arranged his plans for the achievement of an object, the most important to him of any that he had yet in vie\r ^that of completely subjugating Spain. A most horrible and atrocious usurpation had been set up in that country; and, unfortunately, the ruler of France possessed the means of car- rying his plan into effect; he went to Spain with a moral certainty of effecting his object, and no doubt, was sincere in his wish that a large British army might be landed in Spain, he hav- ing in his hands the means by wdiich the great object he had in view might be attained, and which he actually hac' attained in tlie course of two months the subjugation of Spain. With this great object in view, and a moral certainty of attaining it, whilst we on the other hand, had taken up the cause of the Spanish people against this usur])ation, and hoped to defeat the object of the ruler of France, it was impossible to ex- pect that any negotiation would take place. It would not be supposed, that he would give up his object; it could not be expected tliat we should gi\'e up our's; it could not be imagined that citluM- ])arty would relincjuish by a stroke of the pen, wh,!t each expected to obtain by force of arms. lUit iljough conxmred !h;it the over- ture was n^jl made lu the >inr.i oi' ^ race, and : o'li) (.1.! \ v ! : 1 r it 1 Ml,! t'l:.' !i. D.'^^'U !.r. ion c ul'i ii i\ c le ~.ii> , ,i :i. '-m :i. \(l lie could not aj)}l:iU(l liic ( onducl (,'t M;:ni>t(.i>, in the an-,\>, it which tliry ic lirii.d to il. 'J'h.cv ;i>,k((l of the I'ulcr ol" 1';:m!cc hi ilici ;iii>wcr, lo ni^'i' 'ip- -'^ :i pi'cl;:ni!;;ii \' toini;-"- tiation, the ino-' inij)orta;it (>i);''ct to;- which he 'A'lis cor.rv'-Mi:^- ; hccauM', caihni;" ufo!! iiiin v^ acknow l.'d^-c the per- >n,^ i'\ctc: >;!1l;' tr.e j;' \y:v nt" ('.i)\ ci ninci;! in "";:. in iii ii;e '.aiee ol l"ei\i:- 'laiid \'1I. w a^ rciji! ' nn'j; hiii.i to .,n.'e wp at oi:cc lii> ^!l'\^^ npMii t .:e ( jn\a i ;nne!it ol Spoi.-to '^lyc nf) tiic \'cr\ nl-ifct t>\' Jns alt:ick ui)on tii;it C(ninti\-. 'J'hi-. liiCKthic, hjc ' lea.: Ci rcnvihe; contend; d w a> ini[). htie, ;is pu t tinL" u> m 'd \^ (^f^- situation than we nh'.:;;it ha\e ()eer. \:i b\ resw.t- i))'j: to ;iii')iher n.o(K- ofycj'l' .' viit'.c .-J> siCi." 1 i.:,.riud to t'"r p;eai a' ae. I6"ijl T-ORT) GKI.NVrf, i,r. he alluded to their whole ('(nidiict since tluy were entrusted with the nuuiagenieut of affairs/' JanUanj :.'}. 1510. (hi movuv^; an Antendment to lh ^lddres}i. *' yiy Lordhj 1 have often repeated, imd must now repeat it again, that the true poliey of this country, under its present eireunistances, is the principle of hushanding our resources, and act- ing under a system of home defence. In the early period of the last 'i'ar, the system of policy which then appeared to be hest, was. essentially different. It was undoubtedly then of impor- tance to endeavour to raise upadetermmeil spirit in Europe, capable of meeting and counteract- ing the jiower of France. After, however, france had defeated and broken the confederacy aginst hei-, the scene of continental co-o])eration ck^sed, and our force became no longer available to any useful purpose upon the Contiiient. The same ciuiscs operated in the present war, and the late Minister:", acting uj)on tlie .system of policy which they thouglit the most advisable, deter- nfnicd to concentrate all the means and resources vi tlie countiy, for the purpose of placing licr in LOUD CKLX VlI.r.K. \6j :i jXj^itir.n in \vl)icli we miglit say to France, ' tnir si! nation is suci), that u'C are completely ficti-ndc-d aL!,ain>t any domestic insult, \\ hil-,t(jiu na\al supei ioritv will eflectuallv detVat the exe- cution ot" your tle>!i;ns ;i:^ainst our extern, il in- terests.' Tor tln> {)ur})o>e, a j)Ian was devi'sed, adapted to our linaneial system, under the ope- rations ol" w hieh we niij^ht ha\e i^one on to the pirit ot" an imbecile coniidence, of the di-uraee >u>tained in tlie character of the countiN j)y not a^^i^tju^ our allies, and that the ((Uiduc t i>t tin- picecdniL:; Administration should oniv he loi.'kfd lo a^ a heac(jn and a land-mark to a\(id tiic ^aine coiu'se.'' ' 'i I'.esc are not times t"or \'otes of coniidence, antl iiiij)lieit reliance upon Ministers. Parlia- ment must iKJW exert itself in this most immi- n"nt CI isis ot the tato ot (;ur eounti \ . \ ou i,an- not he i^-noi iiit, m\ Lords, ot" ihe situatii)n. thr t iCML-iido;!'. ^I'uati'Mi, 111 \'>'hich Nour I'ount i'\" \^ pii'.td. It:- (1 :iil;^-',i s are no |.,)iig(a' lo he ci\- f ''-^'it h'.cf "o iu'i;e>.". or ;;u:^^a\;:''d h\ di'MTip- ' ' No , 1810. In fJie Debate on the Motion for Thanks to Lord WeVington for the Victory of Tala- vera. '* lie never rose to perform his duty with greater pain than he ilid ;it this time ; but a pub- lic duty it was, and he could not shrink from it. The vievv h.e had of tbc subject was tliis fiom the fnst moment that it had been agitated, he knew that: it could not be regarded in tliat nar- row light as to make this the sole (juestion, wdio- ther emijient valour and even skill had been dis- played on the day of battle? No; he thouglit that the subject must be treated in a manner which would shew the i)roprietv of "ivinar, in the first place, the information which his Nobb 1.0 R I) GllLN \I] I ! . VI; ] ! :i'ii(l (I"., Ill (iro\) had ifcjunwl (mi a roiiucr 'i(ca^!(ii ic's|K\'lin^' llic (.'airipai^'n, ahd e -j.^'ci,.!! v K i itive to that nio.^t c:.'l.lIlllt()ll^ i'\'^'iit, tlit iiiaia h into Spam.'' " What v.'cic v:c to tiiiiik ot' our c()un.-iv'ls at 'loinc. M'hu li h;iil c'\])(tsc(l a Ijiiti^li arniv to so nuu-h J)riil, h\- (Icjic luiiiiL'; up in tlir cl!:far\' ot' Spanish co-opc ration : i"l;oii- I,. )rcUiiip> \vc\c tcM, I;. at (iiUKiai \'rnf^;;s h ,d !k t n pi c\ t'litcal I'loni I i-tipci'.ttaiL^- !)\ (' u'it( r-< iMii. I - I'o 'Ui thr Sj-ani'sh ( i"\ (. : M.'icn'. liv (\.'a(i then upon then Loid- -:]:p.- lo consider ui;,it llic MniistfiN had been doiuLi: I'or the hi^t two \cais; to consider how inueii di'pcndcni'c the\ hail in !helonl^eo^ that '.n'iC plarcd upon such a (io\ eminent as this. I'lieir L'udship^ would relleet, whethei- tlie\- would he justilied in ^uppol tun;' ihein in a eon iinuatnaiol I'lioi-. \\'r wcw \\n\v \(A>\, liiat th>; se'MiiK (il PortULi'.d \v i> not complete, huL t!ia' UH'.il rciianee \^.^) to he plae.d upon the eo- operation ot' the Poi I ipuiiv-^e wiili tiie ihitndi. ()[ thi> lie eould old)' sa\. ihal tlu \- ought tt> nidu'e of tiie tulure iroin iht- pa^l ; tiiat tiiey ou^hl to leet iieel the letrtat toi want o| ( n- o[i(rati()n, an>:!mlar to that m v. ii-ii i" was j)laeed In' it ad\anee to'r,di\cra. lhi^ ^e- > nu>>L ;5lionu;K impresscil on his uund, and ''a: cduld Kwt avo'd takni'j,- ud'.an'.uze 1 ihi-. 166 lORD GRENVILLE. opportunity to express bis feelings With regard to the immediate question, he thought that it could not be narrowed to the events of a par- ticular day. He did not attribute these disas- trous events to Lord Wellington. Sure he was, that nobody could think he had any desire tq do so. He believed that he was fettered by the nature of the service on which he had been sent, and by his instructions, and that the plan and its calamitous consequences were to be attributed to ministers." February 22, 1810. On moving an Amendment to the Address relative to the Convention with Portugal. *' He felt it an ungrateful task, a painful duty torecal their Lordsliips' attention to predictions formerly made to theni, but tben despised and rejected ; though now, unfortunately, too fatally fulfilled. He knew how little acceptable it was to anticipate, by a reference to our past expe- rience, a continuance of the same disasters ; but in discharging that duty, he did it with the more consolation, because it was not a mere barren censure of past errors that was his object, but rather from the consideration of those errors, to conjure them to rescue the country ORD (ini \\i I 1 r. I '.^7 Tmin siinil;ir calaiiiit ii'>, to j)a\- >i>ni(> iri;:;' tic \alu,il)It' \\\i'> < >\' rluir tcilnw (;,. n-, ,-... in ;i>k tlk'T l.()rcUi!![)s w lu-'lic; 1 Ik ' \. ''( (!',>- {)o>,c'(l to sit ill that H'UiNi' (l,.y,.:'ui c!,.\,;.i..l \i-ar alter vcar, ^piM tator^ (.t' w. .,:'.'!;! ixj'i;- diturc', aiid the ii>clc-s.s (.l]'a^!(:l .;' m> r:uu-l: ' 1 tlic best bhv)(l (>{' the cor.nli^, :,; '. ,;< a' -, (.li;;- JiKtoLis, and (li>L]^raeetuI ( t'lvjri-. - >'n:rii i.s '.:_; !,:> ^'hicrt ;!i ri-,ini^ to a'l(h;--s tlieir !. rd-. :;.-. he MilLiilt nieati to tlk'm tlit r.'.iiv'''i 'l\v l/.i[i>\\ a.n;\', wliieh .'iii^ht soon \rj wai:'..;! p ; (a'.; ou 11 salvt \ , and >hou!c!, lhcir:i;i\', i.n: ! r rx;.')-; ;i Ui wild. :nij)iaclic'abK', and u-'rio -, c':-.;ic,';'. i^n i. Wiiat return did their I,'irds!i:j)S th.iiilv wa,-) di/^ hieh it l:;id d'-phuee,: It w ;e, a .-^aert d (hit\' mnj^-ed wyr.w the;r i.-'ird- :e;i-, it :>ee that not one iwnw hie w a-. \\'.;-.;i;d, n.l c'C nioie ('i(.j) i;t hlood - \(1 I. ;'. e; . -!i; .1 ;\', \'. :;'.;.. ill) th:nh ne;- man eon id ^a\ , t ;a; h\' ; .:\ inin.:'. .i jios^ihdi' \\ sMv'h (hi'adlid -ae; ;!;;-; i- )'i!d i'e madewitii an\- [..ruse', ( <)\' .niv r, ';/.'..- tc ;:.e v'ountrv. C'l.nld ;t !;_ ai^ue.'.i^le t > t'air ! .( ! d- 'dii|)s to he ;l(i Iron; (h.\ to ('. ; \\:'.'.] \ : \". d" nnpii'litahle ~'nei'(S>e-> oi i:'e;e.o;,a! \ :''i\:,n- laL:'( s t > h'e leuned I)^ onr a.::'i>, 1^ ^r pii; ( , . (jr inr (/ur .dlii-^ :' Let t'.ieir ] ,> ; ('.-.ii'it^ ; '.. i.'kii;* sriees the (jue^tioi; w ;i.':. l,nie :'.i<\ n, .n lh.it heaid hiin, \".ti<, in h:> ( on--, ivi; . e. hehevni, l6S LORD GRENVXLLE, that even the sacrifice of the whole of that brave British army would secure the kingdom of Portugal ; and if he received from any person an answer in affirmation of that opinion, he should he able to iiid^e from that answer, of the capacity of such a person for tl^e government of this country, or even for the transaction of public business in a deliberative assembly. By whatever circumstances, by whatever kind of fate it w^as, lie must say, in point of fact, that in his opinion, he always thought the object of the enterprise impossible ; but now, he believed, it was known to all the people of this country, that it had become certainly impossible." *' Would it be too njuch, then, after all this, to ask of their Lordships, that one other million should not be wasted, where nothing short of a divine miracle could lender it effectual to its proposed object ?" '^ Would any one say, that m the present situation of aifairs in i'ortugal aiid Spain, there was the least ground of raticiKd exj-'cctation of success r In the fornuM- instance, (the situation of Portug;d in 1806) Fr.mcc was iuliy occu- pied in another quarter ; the situation of Europe was far dilfeient tlien, from its situation at the present njoment ; and there was, at that period, every reason to hojjc, that a manifestation of a determination to defend Portugal, would have LJIA) tii.I N \ ILI.K. U" t L'- ^ itcct. a^ ;t i'-all\ l.aii al I la' liiiu', ^t drl.iN :i:'^- 'he atl,;^ k 'ajH,ii llial k.n^dtjiii. \\ < i;Ul .i:i\ * nc -^a\ ill tia j).i-,;-iil ni.-.i aiit-f, tii:.t tia- IJ.it.-li aiiiiv i:: i'u. :iil';.iI. .i,...--I In liic ii:it.w \n:cc wliuli ii was now piopcocl to jjro\ loc toi bv a ,'5a!j>i(.ly, u cailcl \)C Milliricnt tu rcUiui, or tiiiaks to ri-s:st ^lKh an attark: What rLliancc coniil aii\' man place on thl^ .^uhsidiarN I'orce, unac- ca^tona. (1 to the n.>e ol' arms, unpraeli-ed m tiie ('iici:Ua;ns ot' war, and w holi\ iLinoiant i>i' miii- i >'.;'. (i.-ie,j)!i!ie, i xi'ej t tiie ht". le lhe\ mi'_ilil ha\ e ieained t'i(aii a tew IJritish oliieer^? Tnat Por- uiual could he detendial i\' ^uch a toree, was a thiiiLi' al)^olute!;" imposible ; and, thei-elore, iL uas, that h.e j;e!eei\ed with reuret, that a me;i- aire ot sueh, not un]\' (jue^tioiULhle, but delee- ti\e poiiev, .-liaadd lia\ e b'.en t he lii>t otbeiai a't. a> lie mi^lit \.'oif>;der :r, d' ii!> noble t.iciai ^NLii (jui> W elle>!o_\ .." It \'. a-i unPiC v'e-v>;ir\ tor 1;mm t.)d\'.-eli n'on-at ,(.u^th np'in tiu' m.anner in uiiie'a the nn\\>e and nnpoiitn' niea^uIe:5 takeai m rortu^al, h.al oteu eoralueteal. ];ut it tlio^e who bad the manauaancaii. ot [jublic allair^, had j'o^se.svcd ai.^ \'. i>cb)m, .mv ea|)acat\ tnv enlightc ntd jio!a\ m tiu' le^ulatitMi ot a na.tion"> inte!'e--t and eon- .>titi;tion, an\- i i^bt or sound teel;ni;-s with icu.iid (" the luiji)nies^ ed' tbeir tellow-eic- uu -. iieie, 170 hOllD OK EN VI LIE. most fbitLinateJyj had been a wide field opened to tliem." '' Their Lordsliijjs were, by the determination of thib question, to decide whether, in the present arduous and difficult situation of affairs, they were to place further confidence in such men. They were, by the result of that night's discus- sion, to shew whether the management of public aflfairs was to be entrusted to the discretion of men who had so conducted themselves, and so systematically deceived the public ; they were then fully aware of the determination that would be formed by his IMajcsty's Ministers upon any- great question of national policy or interest. If tlie subject of their corsideration should happen to be of a military description, their Lordships might be sure that they would consult military authorities, but they might also be convinced, that though every such authority should lean against their projected measure, Ministers woulc} srill persevere. It would be unavaihng for military men to sa}^, tliat an operation was im- practicable. His Majesty's ]Mir.isters would reply, ' you may think jt impracticable, but dont mind, go and try.' It would be criminal in their Lordships, therefore, so far as they might have tlie means of preventing it, to lea\e the admi- nlstiation of affairs in such incapable hands, V<)y his own part, he did Jiot so much object to 1 OKI) (. K I N V 1 I 171 . !ic (jilts t ion Un coil luc ted \i It h j)o' uual intiTc^I.s, ^r ;l^ ;l I'.uTi.' (iiiancia! ijiic^' i-ii ol" i-xpriuhtiuc ; bat. a-> it was likely to lead to liie -ae:iliee. tiie u>tdes><, tin.' uiipiotit.iMe saeritiee, ol'tlie iiw^ot' thousands ol" \u^ fellow .Mil)jeet>. He liad men- tioned this j)oint upon a lonner iii^lit, hut >o .stron.o- weie hi.-. t'eelinc;s uj)on it, that \\c did not. think he eould too often i(j)<.at ti'.e oloci \al h-n : It was lor th.eii l.iM(U:iip;. to eo!,.-.i(ier wlnti ci", undei all tiie einane^taiK a .>, lhe\ would hedis- ])n-^d aLS.iii t. 0' inn.il tiie Ihiii-u arni\' under .^ueli (ui'laiua s in Si^-ou and I'oituLial. i he <'ani[>aiL^ns in those e untru's had already cost thi.^ nation the li\cs of twelve tlKjusand (d" it> hra\"e soldiers; and it was now to he considered whelluT auN' furtlier ca.'-nliee was to !,e mcuiied ill the l:n[)rh s c;)iitesi. His nnhh' fiieial, ^^M.iiiji'.is \\'el!e:>le\^ had earneslK' hi--< ai^h? tiicir i.')i(! iiips to he.!;- jii iniud the hlood that iiad adoad\- !jeen shed, and the licasure that, iiad Im'cii expendech in oi dei to inchice I luin to :;i;i'ei' to his j)rojiosii ion tor niakiiiL!; fiother jaerikoi for ll'.e s.iine oh|eet. lie, too, woind eo;',ni(.' ilu'ir Lordshij)-, hut toi- a (hlfeiiiit oh'iret, to e.d! to Uiaul th.e loss( -^ that ha.ci hec n .iiistaiiaai, not tiiar liu \ siiould 'j^o (Ui iii li.e tVuitK ss [.ii'fii>i"n of lie(s ;md treasure, hiiL i);at tiu'\ siiould. whilst tlieie \\ as \ et tinu, .i.u^t -lie t.:ta! ni(i.>;ie.s5 ol" uaLioiial caianirt}' and das- i 7 2 1.0 II D G R k \ V I L r. L , grace. He sliould conjure tlicir Lordships not to hud themselves to such a system, in order that new millions niight be scjuandcred, thai fresh thousands might be sacrificed, but to take care tliat no time should be suffered to ehipse, belbre they obiigcd tlie Government to pursue such measures as would be best calculated to promote the national interest, by enhancing the national character ami lionour. lie particu- larly called upon their Lordships not to suffer the remnant of our brave army to be exposed to the same disastrous fate which had befallen the armies already sacrificed. He trusted that their Lordships would come to that determination, which all, who felt f jr the hardships of our brave army, who valued the lives of our valiant soldiers, who were anxious for the honour and true interests of their country, must approve; They had but to bear in mind the useless sacri- fices which had l)een made, without any pos- sibility of any advantageous result the desti- nation of S\Y John IMooie's army to the north, wlica tliat Crcncral was of opinion that itsliould have been sent to the soutii of Spain ; the loss of 6000 men in that calamitous campaign; the loss of 6000 more in the late campaign under Lord Wellington ; and all the fruitless waste of treasure that must have been incurred in both these disastrous campaigns. Were their LOUD MlINVllII. K^ Lt)!(!-liij)> to Itr t(il(l. alter all tli;;t iiui iiap- [uiu'(i, t'nat ai lu^ iVlaii'ht\\ }iliiii>t;;^ alone . lift 1 lamed any hope upon the re-^ult, tl;e\ weie I'll to ^o on in the in>'.ou. to exo' -e still nioie o; the Nahiahlc i;\'e^ ol ]h:i.-,'i tio()p> -"' lie ^va^ \\< l al".a:d to ,;-.>;it, 'hat :.:;:, ..;!-t a po\w; p()-,-s( '>.i.'_;' *.i:e \\\ ole n:>.- :!> !. >",:, ;:- he l.ai>t ^iipjM.ivi^- [] ; 1 .'i;..'.! '' i'." *.!. *!i.-^ jMoiiicnt, j'oi ! UL:,:d, >o I'jy ;";(.!>! I),':: i^ ijie nii-t deten-ihli'. was the iea-. (K k'l'.i.'j'c ot ai.v C'oimtiv 111 I'luope. li iad t.'e io;: ^'j-: iiiieoi" jiontur, eoinpaud \'.'i;ii ;ts ;i.-*i;!i LXtciit, o! >n\ otiKi nation; he-..,h-, I'l ;.; " lUiiaow i:e- -. i!^ I'lio t.t (.(Ttenre \'.i.i;',di !'e i; .':e !dx(!\' to he tiiineii; and ;tn in\a. m^- ii!;:i;\ v.iai'd ih' i\v- loea! .;d'. ,:n I,5i;i, > :,.' i i'> i .'\d e::cam>'ai ee^. Ai to the n;eiiL> o[ j,!.ie!;eai (hit nee .ilh; o'l d h\- it^ i:,oimta!n>, lie ^liouh! cnix' a-!^. w heth; : iie t Kpei u n(.'e ot tlie l;i-,t svAenecn \a'ais 1: (i lanL'ht liie\^oiId iiodimL'-- wiatl-t-i :.^ ln^tIal( :i\- hs^ol;^ weic udujliN iin'own a'.\a\ ' ' Di^'^U'-e it a-) hi^ Mije- !\ \ M mi- - ei'^ n, ;e- Ir. the ijue-^tiwii ie;iil\' \v'as. wdieiiua' tie ::\\\-\ n '"! tiiL!,-al w!^ to h-e s::enlieed a-- th,- aini\ 1 ai '' a-p. m ; 'u' loi nier in->tania'.'' 1 1 V. ... 'd :>^'k their Lm 'Uhii- \.\ x^ w^ :< 174 LORD GREXYll.LT':. be the state of tiie British army, if the troop? under Lord Wellington were to be exposed to the same fate as those of Sir John Moore oi of Lord Chatham ; and tliat, too, in tlie prosecu- tion of an object, in which lie would venture to say, no man coald possibly expect success." *' If they were influenced by a just sense of their country's interests, and an honest feeling for its character and honour, their Lordships would, in duty to themselves, to our brave troops, and to the public, exercise their constitutional privilege of carrying up advice to their sove- reign, and endeavour by such seasonable inter- ference, to arrest the imprudent and impolitic measures of hh Majesty 's present government." May 7, 1810. 7/t tke conversation on Earl Greifs notice of a motion on the State of the Nation, " The country saw, indeed, its difficulties daily increasing. Our dangers were accumu- lating upon lis, an )iiv,!ral incapacily, ;nul absolute ignorance of the constitution, of the principles LOUD CUIN Vir I.L, 17 rt" whicli their very tir-'t net, tlu-ir t.'iitr;r.vi' into I'oucr, w ;is a violation."' rdinanj \2, ISn. In tlw Dcfxite on ilir .4'la\ that it eontaii.rd a jdcdux', inutiaiA to the opinion he liad all alonL; cnt(.;- Tainei!, on that subject (;l" policy ; tontrary to tliat which he btill enti'itained, and v. hicii, whether inconsistent svit)i tlie general sentiment (.-r not, w licther pupnhir or unpopular, lie ^liould hetra\' hi> dutx' U) \\\> countr\- it he did not <:-,- t'MctK i'.\j)re>^. He liad nescr lui/aK'ed -o ah-urd a seiitiintMit, a^ t'lat :! was not hi-hiy i'a-ii.-hle dial all i\\\c r.s^i^fancc' ^luaild h-' i;i\eii to the (veitiousid" tlie !id!:d)itantN ot" tla l\nin- iiihi, in t!;e \ indication and niainlenanee ol" i iirir Mu'epnuk nee. No rational man could doid^t, that the i>^ue ot" that contest was not onl\ ni(>t dei'pU' lutei'e^t mu," to the fate ot the eiv- li/ed wajild, hut al>o to the in(le[)endcncc- oTtli- cdunlrv. Ihit tlie real tpie-tion V. a-, ' I- il ad\ isihle- that tlie nuxle ot' as->!>tai. cc tu !>> ;i au'd h\ t hi^ count i-\ . sh' add he to iL,.k.c ,)i;; . 176 LORD GRENVILI.r:, jiclves principals in the war, by embarking the Avhole of our disposable force in the issue of such a contest, -whcic our enemy could bring the whole force of tlie continent of Europe against us r" He did not hesitate to deliver it as his opinion, that in a contest so unequal, the money and resources of the country must be expended with certain loss, for it was impossible to expect success in such a war." *' The independence of Portugal was indis- solubly connected with that of Spain; and it was impossible to defend the former, if the latter was lost. Yet it had been said that our army was to defend Portugal, and that, at a tim.e too, when it was well known that our gallant army was reduced to tlie defence merely of tlic ground which it occupied. But with regard to Spain, he sliould ask what we had to hope for? In the course of the war, several opportunities had been presented to the Spaniards to call forth and exer- cise their energies, and effectually to resist the French opportunities beyond the most san- guine hopes of the most sanguine men. And what beneficial effect had arisen from them ? First, wlicn the troops of France were withdrawn from the Peninsula, and marched to sustain a condict in the uttermost parts of Geiinany, what advantage was tlien taken of this golden oppor* t'lnitv ? It was not his intention to enter into I.OIU) f. iU.Wl 1 I F- 177 tiir [1.11 ticular>, lait lie only called on llicni to look ul the result. ;\u-ain, when ih.e whole n[ tlic iiiunen>e tui-ce of the I'leneh mi Spam w as oceu- ij'ed >A ith the Ihiti^h aiinv when we look credit tor -^oleK cnLi'a'_;,inL;' their attention wlien >eo[)e was ^i\en to tlic Sj)aii;ai(i.-> tee w hat h.ad t!ie\- done ! Tile i-.-ull wa>, that cwn during ti:tt tune, the aiTiii^ of i'ranee in iwaay other ]):irt ot S]):iiii \\,id acKaucid, and (;ie\' wi'rc, at liie i^^ue ot' that content, in a niore tavannahlc iituation tlian at its coniuK ncemcp.t. lie d,d not \^I^h to (K'tajn thcii' i,or(Kliips nnnecc^saiilN', and should Ir.ietlv >,tatc, that upon a lull view (;l' the eaini)a:u;n. the ojhuhuu he h.ad torniciU laid on tiii^ iniportaiit MO'jeel, no {'.ir t'lon; heaii;- di>- ])io\;.d. .ipjieiicd to hlin t<' h( ( ( unplctc i\- \eii- l;ed. 1 1 ,( n; a e lie eo;' siOi ; > ( j iik ,. iM.e, t i;e la'i.e he ^ ;\e <-! ! iic i' i : ii i e o: 1 ne eoi . II 't'l , t ! u' nioi-e w a>, he eonliraieu m t he ^e i;; :na n t- he iiad hrloic ( ii(U'a\ laiK (1 to iini r. - Mjiiai their Loio- ship-i, t hat ot '. ,( r niodcN ( .1 mi. ooei oil;- : !;e !' inu- ^uia \",o'iid h'!\e iitcMi much inoir .i.!\ .urauvMai-. than that ol ni On nvj.- oui -I l\es 'I pri.r i ^ il in t lie. w.ii -a mode uiipiudeut ,:i'il anpi 1 1\ ,i h i. i^r I)i It Ol!, w I; hour heiii J,- eii'e rual'\- eo: oi.eiN e 'o tuc :,iiru-ii> o\ lua alhc.->. l! wmn ii '' i.![>r- . :a!_; Loin \ieA- ol' the i:i,.ttrr, tiial he i(.'.->e tv,^ 178 LORD GRENVILLE. protest against being- pledged by any words in the address, to give fiirtlier aid by means of a British military force, to the Spanish and Portuguese nations.'' March 2], 1811. In the Debate on the i^^oposed conti- nuance of the Poi'tuguese troops in Britiali pay. *' In tlie little that had been said upon the real question before them, there was one thing he should particularly remark on, as this was possibly in that House , the only opportunity they would have of considering it, the close of the session being near. The whole question ^vas agitated as if the assistance to be continued were to be only of the same amount as that voted last }ear. If he could banish from his mind all that had taken place duiing a formei discussion, he should imagine tliey were merely called on at present for a renewal of their vote, and ;is liiey then decided to give one million lo the l^oriugurse, that all that was now projjosedj was to keep up the same force. Would it be cor,f'c;iv;ible i)y any n^aii, wlio heard the sj^eech of i';i- Xoble Alar()ui^ (Marcjiiis \\'c!lesle\), that ihv}' were now called upon for doiibic that sum ' roiif) (. iiFxvi III-:. J 7!) 1' wa-. -^jiokcii of as a tliini;- ot' c( i;i^c. It was ,:il tlu\' \\(.rc a^l\((l to (In lUitlmiLi ii'-uc tl.aii not to withdraw tln'ii- a^-i^taiicf. '1 Ik- (jci.-,- '11. }io\\(.'\-c'i-, t(r tl:(ir coLsuIri at ion, was \ 1 1 \' 'i;l!ri(Ht. It wa-> not wlu. "her thcw v vvc to cohtimu' their a-.-:s'aiicc', hut wh/tiiLi', in l]\c ^itiiat:"!! oi' thiS coiinhw i; was ^alV oi- jjoiitu- to '.irant t\'.o niillioi:-, I'r; l!;r -app m t < 't" an a(!'htaa!al hcdy of P.ati:ui;i-c tino|,v: Of this ah.iiti'ai thcw W(!a t';hi iio'Jiin<4a La^t \luV tliiw W(,i(' told (ii-^' inc! !\- w ivit WMs to h^' the aj)j)h,cat:on of th' >u:n Noted tl:eic \\ai> ^uiwc- thiiig hkc a ^clllbhuu r of an i^tiniate liu'v wcic told that It wovdd he expended on a cer- tani arni\" ot' Portnu'iie^e tro(;j)> hn! n(n\' tiie>' weie ni^t c'\en told tiiat an ;.dditiona! nnl'doji V.'a> wanluh slill U'-^ \'. ( le ihey t^iUl h.ov^- th.at T,i :!h,i>n w as {<> hie d:-;;' i-e d o:. w iirtliei tlie]>'.v . 'n h^e M's, :ra.>ed. m wla^t wa^ tiie conti.d .a!(it 1' w iiu'i lae (Ji -!)ai >!, ir.rnt ot tliat expin- (hliiie \'.a^ t'> he |)I,A'e(h < )i" ;dl thi;-e eiieiun- .-tiiua-, liiev ware tdd n.wtiaaiL: tiuw weie lelL i)i ntn r iLiihnc-.^, and tla' (, nrlu^Mai w a> eun- itaNad {) hr i: ir->'i ddc, li'aL hreausc cne irii'- hoii wa> Lii.nitrd onr \( i;\ it Iiceanie neee-^.iiy .;- \ cai t't^r.int t\'. o n-iM ion-, 'liii^ ^\ sti in, ' H'nL'," .as it w a^ ['lI-i^t^l ni, wa^ hi u '\:\.\x i'\\\\\]\- wi^ii a(a_-Mn,'a'!t imj; r.^aieii*, to CM wia'ii ;L(ir.cd a!;n<'^t me wt:.h!c, 180 LORD GRENVILLE. It M'as not his object to give opposition to tills or to that particular grant ; he did not mean to oj)|>o.se the apj)lication of this or of any other particiila)' sum, but he gave his decided opposi- tion to tlic wiiolc system. The situation of the Continent, lie cod tended, was sucli, that with- out great assistance from the natives, it was im- possible, with any military efforts of ours on the Continent, to resist that power which had all Europe at command. When he stated this, it was necessary to guard against misrepresenta- tion. It was undoubtedly most desirable to this country to witness and to aid in the emancipa- tion of Europe. It was most desirable to keep this consideration constantly in view, that the moment might arrive when this country should again successfully resist, and might finally over- throw, the common enemy of Europe. But the struggle could never be carried on by this coun- try on the Continent single-handed. In confor- mity to the practice of our ancestors, this coun- try, whose chief strength lay in her navy, could not successfully contend out of her own clement, without powerful military co-operation on the continent of Europe, V/hen that sul^ject v/as first discusscdj lie had told their Lordships, that many modes of acting were open, without com- promising or committing tlieir army in vain ; and tliat the lire of cor.iuct pursued, required LORD ORFNVII.I.F. IS '^1 enter clloits than they wwc uhlc to (''ntiuuc. ( luloiihtcdlv, it" the tion M'a^, \\lKt''.(.r \[ was (Icsirahle that Spain and Portugal ^!:ouM I.v itlicvcd tVoni the \ okc, niininii> of tiaaMiic-, and the lives ot" lhuii?and>, couhl not he hettei' eni- phjyed than in ^o ncjhle an und(,'^tcd^i:l:;. I'-veiy emotion ot" tlie lieart w fnilc} proiiij^t lh lo jdmi iu ^'glorious a cau>e ; (.\c;\" tVeeinan \'/inld ii joi, c that so ni;i|uiton^ a plan ot --uh |ii^al.on -^houltl hr t'ru-^ti.iie(L A\'oni(l to God llial ^neh a pios- peet exi.-.ted ! No uuhvichial v/ould more ^c- I iou>l\- lejoiee at it than lie slionid. Ife would not only consent tliat assi>tanee --hould beo;i\en, hut he ^h()u!d \v\>]i that cA'cry >aerdice .should be rnado t'oi such an ohjcet. With rci^aril to I*ortUi;a]. i1k\- had, \\\ addition to tliai eonnnon lielniLj;-, t!:e Iop.l;- eonnnuanci' i>\ ticatu-s, and the stioirj^ -I ;m' ot' uiiit' d int^ p -sts lo iiiihiLnt'e iliian. I'tit ill li;e oon->id(Tat : n ol the pohlieal mtiTe-^t-i ot' a ^reat . a-, ii,,i nieiei\ wdiat wa-< di'^wahlc that ou_!,ht to \)c .idopteil ; tlieir I.oi(I>hi])> \vei> hound to ((msuici- and d;.^ tciinnie, in the fh^t in^tancw wdieilic r >tiu' pro- hahiht\- exi-^ted, that anv ollorts whuli it \v;is po-:^ih!e to in\ke, could he ^ueer-stVd ; or whe- ther, hy nii^u^iUL: tho-e (t]oit>, wiiuh, uudtr >i lii'.re ^ea>onahle applicaiiou ot' tlieni, ;i!i_;!it -lu - m], tiicv would not onl\- niakr th. i;i ii>iil;.t*e l'\'-' iinniethatr ohjcet in \ie\".'. hut a, o eont:.- 182 LORD GRENVILLE. bate to produce the very reverse of that which they were intended to accomplish. It uas not because he entertained an opinion, that tlie coun- try should abstain from generous, if only iiscial and possible effoits ; it was not because lie en- tertained tlie doctrine, tliat they were not inte- rested in tlie fate of Europe ; it was, because he saw no hope of salvation to tha country as lons;' as Europe remained under sul)jugati(Mi to France, that he wished her at present carefuily to hus- band ner resources It was not from selfish motives that fic wioiied their Lordships to act; it was not merely fron"> consicieracions of their own a(]\aiitage, but from tlie most generous of all motn ls, that tliey might at last be able to act with effect, and, in the great cause of all na- tions, to euiploy their whole energies with suc- cess. l'he\' were rold that ni LoidshV') \o b^/dln look to the sacriiices, to tue looses wl)K I) ]vd\c. been there sustained, in wild ar.d in;praeTicable projects, and see the situa- tion in V. iiich Sjjain is at tiiis moment. Look to the imnicdiatc object of lliis motion, Portu- gal : V. \\ it ha\-e been the fruits of the operations thcjc? AV'hai is now the state of Sprain? What the siluatiou of Portugal' What return has i.onn cm :\ VI i i 1S3 1;h II ina(!c to this country, what bcuc !li \vd> ->\.c ;!.\i]ic(' iVoni t!u' iiiinu'U^c c'.Ncrtlon-, that ha\ c been inadi', the enormous .^uuis thai ha\ c ahoa.(!\- hci'ii (.'\j)enc>s nmrt,' (,il t I'.c ( 'ant i\ tha.n t he li,1( aiud w liirh it actually ''Ccui>ir>.' '1 hi^ !>, all that i^ held out ti; youi Jj ''MMiips ic>|)i'Ctin_L;' the present state ot" at] a i is in that country. As to the Inluri*. not one word has been uttered to encourage our Iripcs, to (dictr our prosn^'cts, to al'iord the sli^htc^t consolation t'lr all liie etioits and s;u'ii!lee>, which ha\'e al- uadv bci'i liUilles>I_\ leadr in puisuit ol the s:iinf nil i; t.i.iiiMe Mbiccts. We aie not e\'(.'n tiiid, !!ia; ,1,1 th:s niDi mons L'\p(.Tise \\ill tend to di r^-ihi. and ulti:iiatel\- srcuia- rMrtin^al. The oni\ reason and t iieonraLi^einent with which we aie t'a\'ouied ill [ust ilivMt kui nt it is. that it is hoped wc nia\ Ioul;- c inainlani tliat narrow spoi ot L^round which t;uicc-i ot' our prrx. ii; >:; n;!i:' ii, t-,;i>i Ik; li/und iiDt onlv w lioiU i:n;.\ ,!ii:H_;- i'^ i i;i : r>, \/A[ liiiiliiN' iii|iin()us til > ;!! >(. \'c^. < On tilt' wIujIc, l1). i: i' n\\ ':,' -]; a;';! 4'-. c his (lc( idcd n(.'t;ali\c to tiu' motion, tucair^ .a (ll^- .i['j)i(n'i'(l ol" the w lio'v' s\>tini; I)C(.'ai^,c tiiicr l\ll.l|);ll^n^ iiad ni''ic aiul ino:c s'u'W 11 its iin- ju-i,c\ ; l)((.'au^c cx'iM' c'm\ uIll^t.!^(e w;;s at pic- hi'llt adWl -C to t li.' j'i ol>)i!_ it loll o! t !i(' t ' lltO^t ; l)cr,ai-~r In' b-.i\'/ ! !,'.' -\ -u Hi ila^t('^il!g t lie coil lit ry i .>' :ht() a LLiiiji';! of iin\-ital)lc' ruin; and hc- can^t, alllion_;]i at no time ju~-t itlabk', it was l)ion-iiI idnAard at a linu' j)crtc(il\' inc^'ular and nnparl'iMnentai \ , l-.ctoit' Pai liainent had an\ linoiniation as lo the actual :^'atr ot' the \L -iiiifo ot till' nation, or tiivii' a(L(|nac\' to no hi!_c an aduilional cxpcnthtuiw" Jaiiuani 7, \^\2. Iii (If O'l^'itr nn Otr ./(/-//(. " Considkiiiig' the etitical el^^um^t:lnee^ ol" ihr times. ;ind the present alamiing- ->tate ot' the i'ountr\-, lie would have hetu happy il' ll;e Ad- dress j)ropo>ed to the Ilou^e had h(( 11 >n woidrd lis to jUMrure mianinuts. on tin j)reM nt ui-,'ri-ed thai -ludi ;d luji heen the ease, Vvhen he lellceied, that 186 LOUD GREKVILLE. the framers of tJie sj)cech were tlic very men who, by their obstinate blindness, liad brought the country to the brink of ruin; and who, in the midst of the distresses -hey themselves liad oecasioned, still held the same flattering and fallacious language/' " No outline of intended measures, no view of future proceediiigs, had been submitted to their Lordsliips, and yet they were called upon to pledge themselves, for the continuance of a system, which had brought the country to the present alarming situation. He would give no such pledge. He vrould not indeed move an amendment to the Address; but he would protest most solemrly against giving such a pledge, lie would protest against a continuance of those measures, which had brought such calamities on the country , calamities so real and so momentous, that they must soon press them- selves, with irresistible force on their Lordships' attention, whether or not they were willing to give them tlie consideration they deserved. People might chuse to close their e^es, but the force of truth must dispel the wilful blindness; they might chuse to shut their ears, but the voice of a suifering nation nuist sooner or later be heard. lie still retained his objections to every part of the system he had so often con- demned; he still deprecated that wanton ^va5tc loiio (.rvrNviiM ]S7 nl iiioiu'V, aiul ot' all tiic j)iil)lu' n m)iii-;'('<, when It \\.,> nmu' m'cc^^aiA' tliaii twr to iii;>ha:ui t;;cin \uili the most ]>i\)\klc'iil caic." .V'(' ^lii'iil. tVnm the ( jMi.!' '11 h,e i;a( i !>.:.: :;.:, \ c v pie-^. d i 'li tile -uh- je. t nf ihe \v;.! i,. S;i,i,! ." ' A\ h. 11 \'v e tiis! te'-a(;-('l 111 the Peiun^ii- lar war, the (jiiestioii w a^ not what il was at ]): -(pj, il \eas not then a^ at [)re>eiit. a ([ue.s- tioii ill w iiieh ail j-'uiope w .is eoiuaaiud and e e 'j: I '.;''< 1 ; t'>r tiien. all th.e arniXT ot" Ihiropc \\o,c I >\ li.iil 1)1(11 la!el\ enL';a'_;eci aie!in>t this (oiin; r\ . ]'-; l' a o nii m -' ei ^ cniljai i^i. cl in the lani- tr-', tjtcrc t"i>ic. a^ l!:,(l been |ii^!l\' -tated hy the iio!)!o ,Mi:,|iii-> |^Mal(|nl^ \\\ lie^!e\\ ihi'V (ai'j.]it to ]!a\-e a--ked 1 hciii-i h.a > w liat was ilie (letliiiti' ohjeet tli( \- iiad in \-ie\v, and what w cie the niean> of at taiiii.iL:; it. ()iil\ oiu' ohjeel \sas |)lo^e^-ul. aed that w.:s. iho to'al exein-^ion ol tlie I'li'iudi lioni the Peiensnla; and wnliunL hi'iiL;- a Ji)-tn>-t a.^Mired of adecjiiate ineaii.> t'l eh(,( t that purpose, it wa^ (and and ha-e to 'Muh.nk tlie [xjpnlation ol" a enuntrx m so iidpe- -^ .1 eauH'. nierel\- I'or the sake (d" a little lein- 188 LORD GRENVILLE. porary advantage. But Fiance bad originally military possession of the country; and was it reasonable, or at all feasible, to expect at the outset, that her vast power could be over-mas- tered by the single efforts of the military means and resources of this country? He therefore contended, tliat v> hen the war commenced, he was justitied in holding the opinion that there was no chance of any favourable result from the intervention of the arms of Great Britain, or any aid we could afford the Spanish nation. At no period could our means be considered adequate to the contemplation of such an enterprize. How then could they have been reckoned sufficient, when France posscss'xl the whole resources of the Continent, and wielded the arms of Europe in alliance with her own ? Whatever, therefore, chance might since have produced, he con- tended, that the deliverance of Spain, in the view of a statesman, was originally beyond the utmost means of this country; and that this po- sition had been since established by experience.'* ' The ministry had not yet advanced one st{ [) in the accomplishment of their object in the Spanish war; ^\ liy then should he be ashamed to avow his Jbriner opinion, when this third ad- vance into the interior of Spain liad by its failure proved the correctness of the data on which that opinion was Ibundcd. Nor must the l.ORIJ GRLN V 1 I l.i:. \^J noiti I'.ail (tlu' Kail of LivcijiooO, think iliat lie ii ;(i ,iii>.u ( uil li> IK) Me iV If 11(1 w in' 11 Ik- NtaU-ii []\c i;u;iil>iT ot (;j>> on liic CoiiI iiu'i' t. oi' w iirii he mad'-' a l)t).".>t ol" liaviiiLi' dclut'icil .\Iuia!ll^la t'l. )in liu' rrc'iul). Tiii^ WaS an empty bea^t; lor no one believed I hat the release \va> nioie than tt:nj)()r;ir_\ , and that tiie lien^li army lould not i"e-(ncii[)\ the j!ii)\!nec \vhene\a.r tlu \' j)kM^ed." " It wa- the want of mean.';, tlie faihiie of >up- ]he^ and le-nneo. and iicjt dl^:lj>j)OInt ment in e.\j)eeti(l co-operation on the part of the !Spa- nutiil-) (a I'.opi' and expectation now clieribh.ed l"or the fiftieth time, and ;i.-> often pro'\-ed ab(^i- t:\e), which had k'd to the unp;odi;cti\'e re^nlt of all th.e-^e exertions. 'lT,e bkime (hd npani;ii(i^ weic ]!o! po->('-oe(i ot" tiic i;;:Jerial> loi- tiiis eo-opeia- tion; and tlie fault w..'^ \\'.:h i!ie noble J'.aii and 1,15 frieiuhs the laiu'ti.J.! mini,.ter-. wlio in th.cir ignoianee o\-er-rat.d ihe c(jiui'i ii)n of Spain, anii antu'ipatcd niore licm lici- llian >:ie \\.>. oi sM)dit\ b/ able to perhum. ^\^'r(' lie in the nobk' I'll'.'.- i'.i'a'ion, b,e xvould ra'iai- crnK's; the ma o':;e b>rwaul aiul .-iLiy la the end of the \ ;:ai, ( d.ai ' lijO LORD GBENVILLE. v\-e expected sucji tilings; but we have been dls appointed.'" " Wi li regard f .i -^.in, ministers were always too late ; and the noble Earl was obliged to recur to his last and usual delence the abuse of his ageii:, vhom he charged witli the failure of the co-operation from Sicily, which was expected by Lord Weil!::gion. As usual, they sent the force when ljo late to be of any service. Tliere v/as another point on which he expected some explanation. He expected to ])e informed, why ministers, with a revenue of one hundred and five .:: ;: ".5^, or n:iorc, by estimate, extorted by means most grinding and oppressive upon a suffcriug people, were yet in a situation to con- fess their inability to supj)ly the military chest of Lord Wclllugton. The difiiculty, however, did not arise from the deficient resources of the country, much as they bad been drained, but must be tiaccd to the noble Earl's real inef- ficiency, and to that of his colleagues. They mi:,ht d minis]] hy one half" the incon;e of every indiv:(i,ial ii^. thi- ountry, with as little eifect or pi'()!ni>c of ulfin.ate success, as h.;id uttended tlicm in iho c p' n nd >[)e u'ation--, v\T,ich led thi-.ii I.: CM (iil.i.c >; ^ ; c ..nd .i(hi derated cnr.reney in j)'.|(!-, niui ill (m;;i, thioiiiiJKfat f!ie nation. ^Vi(i. M.cl; Jiiui he ,; I!-. cHeel,>>; why not tij.ei.* lOKD GKF.NVILl.L. i'jy ratliiT ,sti"[) at liii-. moiiu'iit the contc-^t in Spa li ;' ' A^ li!> M::ic^t\\ n^.^i-tl'^^ l;,ul \\'>i iiku!;' v\i!HcH.'!ll (ii>C'l(.-AlH.'-. he (i:i! not \\ l-vh Id ])li.'^S llicin a' jTc-riit, with le^pcet lo our eoiiiicxinn^ with Su'i. il(.'ii. lUit he iiiiist >a\-, ihat in hi> cjiiiKon, much ni!L;'ut h.ave been done tlieii-, ahh(niL'h hltie had hec n dieeieih'" ^.,'.,n!nr 1. 1-^1.;. //; //.r Dihntc <,)i tlu- .hhli;>y '' The eri-:^ i> now :nii\-c(i, when the ni!i;-ii!y objtet. to wlueii our wishes lia\'e hem >o loii^- and -lO [a!hiiih\- (hrceled, i: ne;ii :l> aeeoniph^!',- iiiei;^"' " We t^L^ht i'l ih.it \eh'. h \' < all .h^'iig {)roll -- d l-; hah: h : ,. ; ..r,M t; ,i I i;al ihi \\ ha^di wi ail ah;;i:;' hi a- ad thai \'.\' ;aun.'(. we ha\'e man,! I, lied loi.' ownU-t lor thaa-^e oi^oi N I'or Avh: !: we ah^v.l\- cK\aa:od \" e maintaiued i! , \;z. a- 'i'.e on;\- pi. vd^a. Mode, oi a-.-a it ma'" tha I la 'a pei'ich nee tit othvi .lat(-, ;nid li,rou^-'n t.an iiu'a , .( ra.'i. ra.e, Mipj)(ai [uir (,nr ( ;\' n. 'J'iie i"'!:Mi ha^ 11'. a aiia.id. v'.hcn .dd laio'pe, wi'h. ' ;'! ; I "th oh uui a^^t,a ti 'U ; '-'. li'aii !l ij'_ Jiahad ]al,e, \(t, v.a'.h ta -f ih it \v:u I,"', la f''o J ,i.- lua 192 LORD GRENVIL;.E. the fall accomplishment of our great and bene- volent design." " It has been to us long manifest, that it was only by continued resistance; by the sacrifice of all partial views and interests; by a determina- tion to pursue just measures and common ob- jects, that the mighty fabric of French power (that had been long augmented by the ruins of neighbouring states), was to be demolished, and reduced to such limits, as were consistent with the security and tranquillity of the other kingdoms of Europe." " I offer up my h.uniblc thanks, with humble gratitude to the Supreme Disposer of events, that after so long a ])criod, he has permitted me to behold mv native land in such a commandina: situation as to be able again to pursue that which ought to be the only legitimate object of foreign policy I mean, the establishment and preservation of a balance of power in Eu- rope." '' If we may now hope to resume that influ- ence on the Continent which we formerly en- joyeil, to which the struggle of Great Britain long almost singly maintained, to wliich the powerful assistance she has aftbrded to the com- mon cause, to which the uprightness and disin- terestedness of her motives entitles her, we may vvith gratifying, but not arrogant self-compla- LOUD GREN-VILI 1 15)3 rciii'c, (li>cli:irgt' tlio>c diitit'^, uliicii, w tii!c tiicy jUdiiioto aiul Seville the j)eiinanciit iiUeie-^ts ot our ()\vi\ eouiitrw are not less conduce a' tu t!ie general weltaie aiul piosperiiN ol' Coiilmcutal I'.ill')j)C'.'' " I)C assured, mv IjM'.Is, of tliis (I nnjie you .>rc already as.^ureil ot' it), that thtie i-5 tor tlii:. country no separate sat'ety, no si priiate ptaee. There !.-> ncithier salel\- nor peaee tor I'.r.^hmd, !>Mt witli the ^aiety and peace ot" Ivarope. As tor eontinental Kurope, it is e(piany tie.e, t'.iat an ir.d;,>sohd)lc uni(jn, a lirm eonledeiation, in e(jn- jiinctirni witli this conntry, can c)n!y secure lor all, li!)eit}-, tranquillity, and happiness; e;in only (jl)tain jieace, nov/ a!nlo.^t bevond the nv^'Uiui v ot" I;\-:iil:,- man. 'l\\c plain duty oi" thii country, p'i.:(!nL;' il^ tiu-t in i'i;.\'idcnee, ;^ to iuipr ive, l)y e\(:\- poi-i!de vwiiuiu, t;ic In :_;ht pio-pe^t that lu - i'e;i,ieu>; \v\l\\ the enei i;;e.^ ot Ciieat I^MtaiU <;u!\ apphed, uitnnate -lucoesi^ n\::\ be 'jonlidently anru;ij)ated. \\ v nia}' nf)\\ look loi\\'uiai lo the speedy acco'nipii>hnienl (/i'that i^Teit jjuip(oe, i'ur the attainment ot" which \'.e have :;iiLaa\ sacii- lieed, p rl(;,n;ed, and endmed so ir.Uvh; and tor winch u c aie still ready lo saciilice, peitoiu], und eiKiuic.' ( 194 ) EARL GREY. Jpril 2\, 1809. On moving an Address to His Majesty-; on the Cmnpaign in Sjjain and PorlugaL "' It cannot be necessary to recall to the re- collection of the House, the universal sentiment that prevailed on the hrst nev/s of the resistance of the people of Spain, to an usurpation which, whether on account of the violence and in- justice of the act itself, or the fraud and perfidy with which, it was acjompanied, it is impossibh': adc([uatcly to describe. The sensation was unt- veisal; one spirit broke forth, without distinc- tion of ra!ik or party; and, what was far more calculated to insure the advantage of our assist- anee, was, that all the generous sympathies ol liiC nation, that love of liberty, hatred of oi}- pvc.-^sion, a sense of the blessings \vc enjoy, and a f(j)ccait of the struggles wc might have to niL'.scuc tlicm, consj)ire(l t(; excite in the bi'Ca'.t> Oi Ihiglishmcn those feelings, v/hicli I trust we never -.hr.l: v/ant when the coijtest is het"vvee:i _iu:;t:ee, liiv'di^ni, and pul^hc nulcpen- ticrce :)n tlu; ..ue sideband the higlie-*.: degree of ^.liOvity and w^pj)ression on the oilier. Accor- 1 \ f;i (, \:i',y . ].'' . 'luiv, tlic lrclinL;> (il tliccouiitu in raxiuiiof ^ijM'iii Wire uiii\'U'>;(l, and the vn::\- (>t" mddo- -;li')ii f.Mxnl. A liberal iiuluLnncc \. i^ '_;i\i'ii ' Illlin^r;;! ^ of \\\]d[ t!h'\- picand to (i; i ' :,i : ,( ! . -\li was '_;iwn liiaL tin \ a^kl(! I'nr, i.iiMrr llat iT-j)()!i >ilMlir\ wliic-h at;ac!K(I Id tliciii C'l ti.c fr;;th <;!' I'lic sratcMi'.ciit tluv he M t'lnii to liir J)iiM:i'. and loi tla- ^ulid'tx I'l" \\.r ^!i>an(i- ''" ' iii'-li ll'ivy artcd. l/ndiT ti.at, re -:>< m-i ii: I ' ; \-, ' vriy iImI'u- \'.-.;> ij.-Ianttal \\,V ! ] a' Mij. ;';!. nl" li .t I l^llt(_ol;^ cauM-, m \\!)i;li I'nc tavaii'iA- h .d ^D rnlliu^ia-t:call\ lanb.iikcd. 'I'lit; (!a\' i- r.>>\\' (ODic, wlicw we aic hmiiid to ;'.^k, in |n^t:'--j to (jnr>( l\c--, and tiic conntiw wiiaf" '':n;i> ii:.\;' ')ian di'iiwd troni lho>c ad\"aii!au\'> watli \\d.: .ii niai.>tu> >i.L ont ui i,ii_' can^c ol Si;a,i:. It .s n')\\ \() !,) slif)\\n, ilia! wlia.: ',. a-. L;r.!i:tt.d i.'.^-- ; il!\-. :ia> lircai (nij)ai\ ai ^'. !--v.\, :.\]<'\ \\.;n ;i \ i'4' Ui I lo] I' a I M male to t:.a n; ..L^aut i.di' i ! 'h'j trn- *. \\\ li,i\a' a ii_;lil to (.\j)c'c! t;oni nmn-tci's tin- -- lii'st, t(j ^'i',o\v ns tiK'\ liad ^uMitarn! and -!od-l';c- tor\ mtoi niation, t'ju-, :i;\ iiiMn in tin- li au , t!ic\ iuld (lul to n^ to aid t iu' It >: -lant v' crihc S|)ani-ii lialion -t\'"ndl\a i a.'.t lia\ 'n'.-,- ; ii..t ini'. a - ]i:alioa, and l)t an:'; aldi to -!a)\\' tla.' i.';un;a!-. r;] h;c;; ; iu'\' achal \\a |-.' ^: )1 id. Ina; lia ; n:.,:-a;(T 'TO pi I /[a )i til an d t' I : ia. Uid, and t , il '!a v ,: ;. d -til t . I 'J ' . til :; a;. -^. j i; ()!). m; It nda. ai'i i >-.in' aaa.' 1 '. a. 1 di :.[ n ;v ri:ii-^-d v. n n ;.,.va:-- 1C)6 EARL GPvEY. disposition to undervalue the resources of the country. Even after all our losses, after the losses of the last campaign, great as they were in hlood and treasure, in character and honour, even after those losses, I am persuaded, and I use 110 vain boast M'hcn I say it, that under an ad- niinistrationof prudence and wisdom^the country is possessed of ample means to bring the contest in which it is engaged to an honourable termina- tion. I trust 1 shall not be thought to talk the language of despondency, when I say, that in order to maintain the ultimate contest which is to decide for ever thi^ power and independence of the country, the true policy of those who govern it must be, to pay a strict attention to economy, to be actuated by a determination to concentrate your means, not to engage them in any enterprise or speculation, of which the event is doubtfal, but, to pursue the economical system of husbanding your resources, by which alone yru will enable yourselves to continue the coi.ttst., tiie cessation of which does not depend on }cii, but upon the injustice of your enemv^ 1 rcnu'tnijcr this policy so Vv'cll expressed in this senliaiL'ut of a cclcljratcd poet - ' DuKitc, td vosuiet TL'tus serrate sccundh." was niuc'i! ficridcd on a foi'iucr occasion ; but, n(;i\vit;!' rauding the ri(l:cuic^\ liicli was thrown oTi it, i think the counti v will one dav know EARL GRF. \ . lio'A' to appreciate the s}'5tcm which \va>> steadily pui>uc(l and acted upon by the lu'^t achninistra- tlwll. " I ha\i' ah'cadv said, it was not a >ufldeii ehulhtion t!iat shindd have led us to depart tVoni tho^e piiiici[)!es of economy I have so ol'tcn re- coninicii(le(L J I is .Majesty's nrmi>tci> shcuild ha\"e been sati.'^tieci, not oiilv of the exi>tence ul' a proper s[)int in tlie i)coj^!c, hut that there was a L:o\-cniinciit in lliat coimtrv v. hicli had ac- tpiircd a Miil'u'icnt authority to give it the neccs- >ar\ (. !ier'j,\-. It" neither of these thing'> existed, or it' the one exi^tt'd without the other, it was the very acme ol" ma(hie^s in hi^ Maje^ty'^ mini- sters, under ^uch eircum^fances, to lavi>h as they ha\e done tlie re-^ources of the countrv. It there was a ^jjirit in th,c peiiould ha\c been w holly \\ith- held, hut \\v certainly ^hoidd not have bcnt an arni\- wlure we had not the nece^^ary n;can^ to afVnr^l ^upplic> lu that arm\', or et- tl-ctual a^sibtancc to tho^e it was intended to ])!otcot."' " What a contract docs tlic conduct of 1;;^ ^hli(^t\^ jniniMc;^ atl'Mni, to that of the- c.^w- ^unlnlate general who>i' plans Umjv had to op- p- >->c I) ) \ on e\'er he.ir nf lUcmap ii tc :c,)ji init- iii ' Maiihal Ncv to iv)nin;aud an a:nr, and in 198 EARL GREY. the midst of an action sending General Soult to * supersede him, and tlien sending JMassena, or some odier general to supersede him? No; you liave seen iiow diflerenlly he acts. You have seen how the moment affairs took an unfavourable turn, lie kept his army behind the Ebro, where it might defy attack, and wait for reinforcements. You find liim, as soon as his picparations are ready, caiay- ing on one great and simuitaiieous operation. Whoever speaks of him. it is not possible he sliouhl speak of him witi^iout admiring him for Ifis fneat abilities, whatever mav be thoiight of his character in (Hher respects. In rapidity of exvcu''. ' 11, ;:e is onh^ conalled by his patience in preparing liie means. IJe has all the opposite qupJities of Fabius aiui IMarcellus; wliether you consider the country in which lie acts, the pet)ple Vvdth whom he lias to contend, or the means by which he is to subdue them. He ii\'als Hannibal in the application of the means, antl is exempt from his only I'ault, that of not in)]n()viiu.; bv past expoiience," ' His Alajcsty's minisieis on the l()th of De- cember, tiiought proper to advise Ids JMajcsty to is-Mie tluit ceieliiated })r()elamation, which ])!edged ii''.^ ^J;i)es*y to the nr.iversal Spanish nation, wii.c'i Ixjurid tins coiiritiy to ;i cause, Vvhicli, acc'()r(hng to evei'\" ini't.^ mation, was at the time actually hoj)c!v>-. i am ready to ad nut, that it uoidd je the inieiest of tlii>, EARL C.KLV. 1j9 ' rn;itr\', as it lml^t ijc its dispo^iiidn, to ni;iin- '.ill tilt' i'aii.>c ot" tin,' iii(li'j)CiuJtn(.r oi' Spam, .> ioii'^ .i'5 there coiiltl be aiiv ica^oiiabU t \j)cc- f.iti'MlOl' ^UCC"t'5.S. Dut 1 CaiHK 1 1 bu t (1 1 -^a] 'J > It )\ c "t" tili^ i.';ratinl(aiN |)!c(bj,'e, solcinuK' pioclamud tu 'be worhb iiiulcr mucIi circumstances a [)leilL!,c bicii coiiid not be ot an\ ^e^vlec to Spain, i:i(l iniu'ht be ot" (()n.>.i(lci'able ineonx cniencc 'o tiii^ coiiiil r\ . ' ' '[\\r nu-.tii^ ])ro\ idt'tl bv I'liciiiaparte tor tlie > '' ';rij)l.-lin,( i.l iii b:^ jai; p'ix.^, aic ^o well ':;.l);i!(.(l, and bi> objects -'j abl} j)i'osecuted, ,,.-, ue;,ei.td\- to !i,ive biiu a nini;il eeitaint\- ot" Micce-,- ; and \\bate\er nuu' be tliouglit of his total disreij^aici ot" the justice ot' iIionc objects. It I-. nnpoNsiiilc not to admire the abilit\" and wisdom \'vit!\ wdiich he eondjinc^ the nlean^ ol" aeconij'hdiinL!,- thriu. A jun-^on hi_L;h in od'icc I'a-. ill :'.nother phice, m ad\ei ' iiil:.- to tlll^ >nb- .'. itii a \ ;ew to ^licw that toi'une i;ki\ 1)0 ,'iitrolled i)\ wi>i' eoiiibiiiutioii^, and |'ei^e\c r- ng >j)ir!t. apjfhcd to it the eelel)rat(.-d (juolation ; XidiU-n num< ". i.i'nt -^ ,.7 I'ru.:\'.:. .,>:!:: ' X'j^ ti.i.i':cU- , I'jitnau, J >, mii ^(f,' '^:t iee, .-i'l'lv thiN cpiotat ion to linn- ! it', lie IS >aid to he Mipei --t It i( ui-^. to u-l\ < ii hi-. ;Iune. and to jdaec contidenee ni hi^ -lai; bnl, 200 EARL GIILY. whatever may be his disposition or his feehngs in these respects, he never neglects to provide all the means thcU possibly can contribute to insure success. It is not with him as with his JViajesty's IVhnisters. He never enters into an enterprise without any calculation of conse- quences ; he never exposes his fortune to risk, or the desperate chance of a distant possibility of success." January 23, 1810 i the Debate on the Address. " The Noble Earl (Ilarrowby) who spoke first, on the other side, was pleased to amuse himself ivith sarcasms upon the former administration; and in aiiswcr to the objection, that no effectual diversion was made in favour of Austria, it w as said, that no such (hversion on a prior occasion had been resorted to in the case of Russia." " lie was not surprised that Ministers resorted to such a flimsy and miserable expedient, indulg- ing tiic hope, that by directing the aU^^ntion of tlic House to otlxr t('pic's, tlicy would render it Ic..^ IK ces.rir} to occupy tliemseUcs in the diilicult tiisk of tlicir own defence. He was fully sati.-,fi'.(l, tliai the conduct of those with whom he had the honour to act at the period i:aui. (iRiv. cm .lliulid to, was hr-t c:tl.'al.itC(l t(, prrMiiotc tin; !:;*i-:(>t iiiul wt'.taro (jt' tlic rc)niiti\. W h.ir Lncl li !>;-on r It was to iiu^l).ir.(l tlu' ii ^ouicr- nt liic .s',i*(, that at a tiiiK- wiiiii ll.ry sliouul lu' iiiObL \\ai.t(ccuiit\." ' \\'as there not suilieien; L'.'i'ound loi' .^u->- ])'k ion ot" tiie litnt'-^ ei' .Mlnl^tl'l^ to (h^jo^e ol" the I'lieesor the nation, alter lhi(^ leneatcd e;'.Ia- nalic-- \' e iiad t \[)t la iic^ e - ( oiini if he niani- l,.iii( d that t lie I liai-e >tioe, ,d iif)r < , i upon t !iObC ]\Iiiii>*erN u ho had so lnl^u-^c d laii Im ,>l fe^oLU'ees \\} nioiicx' and m live^, and wlio waac iindei ^tood to he now sMKhiiL;,' ont tVi sh ai maincait > on phin> ('f|nal!\' inc le-is and \\^a^tetni - ()n^ht not the lIoLi.-e to dein.'rnd intoi ination tVom sueli ntiiiis- ti r>, a> to the actual -.tatc of our aiiny at hoini', in order to s(a' the tnll extent ol" oiir e\aK, ami tlie |).-^ihle (hin<:;ei- to which a career oi' errors ir/'U-lil snhicet u.> :" 202 lilAKL GKE^. Mcuj 7) 1810. On gicing nolifc of a motion jur an Jddrcss 1.0 Jlis ?i'I(iJsf\j on the State of the Couutnj. " Our situation was, nuiccd, such as must make it (k.^il:lb!c to gl\c support to tlic (iovern- niciit uucl Coiisliiution ot" the country, which were at present placed in a situation of singular danger. But it was far from liis intention to add to the evils of the connti'}' by rahying round, as it was called, or joining with the pre- sent administration, whieli was so mainly the cause of our existing dangers. Notwithstand- ing that report hail been pretty generally, lie lioped not mahciously, circulated, he took that opportunity to state to th.e House and tlie pub- lic, tliat it was xcry fdv from any intention entertained by him. On the contiary, lie felt it to be his dut}^ to arraign and to expose their gross mismanagement, and repeated and dangerous misconduct, to Parliament, and to the nation. To rally round tliem, entered not into his mind: hut he would rally round the Parliament and the Constitution. From the commencement of their ])o\\'er; ihe King's present ministers had continued to act woise and worse. They lived merely on a nfiserable set of shifts and expe- dients, calculated onl\- to meet or elude the passing events of the houi', but totally without r.AKi c;nr\'. .M.J iM.iii or tl'.>L:;i. (.)! an\' M'ttiid -\Nt(in Ih'Ii! t iii'j, iicii Nitii.iliDii. and te-iuiiiiL:,- id tiu' Mi\icc;ni(l lir.u'li: I ii liK'cri)\\n, oiot liic coimtiA a l hi i _:,(,. A:-i- Ijiiii^iDL; I ht.Ill^cl\c^ and llic ^.t.ur, l>y i:i'ir i)\vn gI<^^ lui^cond'act. ii.to I he ii,u-aU--l (hiiicuil ii;i and (htiiucis, t ht'N \ aini\-, weakly, a nil i.:-'!ii\- ihiHi'^lil thei!iic-i\ c> ai)lL' t') (.'nccuiiilci ail tia' pcrih-. Ill the ^torni, wilhoul charl or roin- ]) I---. ) pacif \ , a >; i 111^^- (. ( .MiiiiaaU' U.c n.nul oi thi' jtuhlic. At <>;,( t iia.i' the \' >! laiui'd ll:c- powcidt' (ii)\cv\\- nuiit lH\(M!d It^ pitcJi. and al anotiua' lha\- i'\j)i^((l tlic tVaiiiC of tlic ( 'onNlilution to the ;J,IX'at(^l (hiiiuTr. TlicA c'xhdjitc'd ii\ iha'ir roun- rh^ and condu'.'t a niixtmi' of wralsra"i> ai'al r,idino>>, ol' i'j,uora:ua' and \ inU ncr. In cxcrv |ail)lic act, thc\ onl\ triahai tailhcT tu i'i]i,T,d a::d l<> di^L'.u^ tin- pahhr iniiid. \m nam cnw d hnilx ii[)iai lia' st.tr ol (an alhuis nndri' tluar ni!-.iiiana^rtiu i; t, \^lIhol|t pai t uapatni^" ui tiu- anxatu's, and hcai's. iiiid indiLiiiatam \\ Inch 1 a Ihlt I'll the -nh|(a-t. W inic !;a sa\\- tha nacr-. :tv ha I*ai h.LaaaiL tahinu- tho >ni)aa't nit'i llua' nio ' siia)n>, con^idriat ion. ha' nni-it -a\. tli.! nnlr^- raihiniiait waif tioK' nr.pri's-ed \'itii a 'iaap sin>,r ol t!a' dnti(> th('\ wcic ^d nr-ia.iA * '-U i\ npoii to |)( 1 torm. he lah lil ' 'u i ^ j-a oi ' a.!ahiua tiuni an\ tlViat thai ia' l- idd ];.ah(.\ 204 EARL GREV. even though supported by the powerful aid of his noble friend sitting by him (Lord Grenville), to whose integrity, talents, and wisdom, as well as those of other noble persons, who entertained similar public principles and views, for saving the country from its dangers, and procuring for it future benefits, tlie nation must look up." June IS, IS 10. On moving an Address to his Majesty on the State of the Nation. " If I could assure n-yself that it was your conscientious and deliberate conviction, that the composition of the pi-escnt Administration was such as the exigencies of the times demanded ; that it discovered no signs of deficiency in the wisdom and energy so imperatively required by the nature of public events ; that the measures of the (rovernmcnt had been only counteracted by such obstacles as human prudence could nei- ther foresee nor control ; believe me. my Lords, under that persuasion, I should not on this day have ventured to importune you with any pro- position of mine. I could not h.ope to be suc- cessful in such a course ; and with so man}' and such strong reasons forbidding the attempt, I should only be disposed to question the sound- FARL GKKV. ': 5 lie tS ;.)f iiu' ou n judi^-uK'nr. iUit I caiiiii l ji;*.- N u:l iionii ni\ sell' to lluiik. t;;;it ^iicii au' (itlicr tiic ojiwiioiis or the ti.'c'lniL;"s <>i \(jt:r 1. >i i! >!wis. It \\(ili1i1 ill hrc'onic !iu', iiuici-tl it \',,>ul(i hr iii- c )ii>ii>tcTit with ;i diu' ic-^piTl toi tiu^ IIuum.', WLVV I to suppoM', th>it in \\\c \;ni()U> ili-eus- sioiKs whiich hiivv t:il^c'!i j)1;k'c' miu\' Pai haiiit r.l wa> aSM'ir.hlcd, liic N'otes ot vour J.ord-l.; j'-, ^\^.ll' not L'lMii ill tlir hchiM, tha" \ ou w u r d.-- ciMi'j.iiiijj tile (Uit\' \<'U o\-.td t'l \' ui;- caainl I . in till' iia)-t coil- eu ntious inaiuuM. I la.ii, i.;i\\'- cwT, i'a,i!\- co]:^-ri\\\ tha.', in;jac's->cd witli a -ciise of thf jji. lil ct' 1 iR' tiiin.->, a-jjoailnl hy tlic imiribcric- > ;j;(1 [)C'i])a.'\inL;' (hithei.'.:;c-> oi' thv- cniinrrw main ol" \ (;i!r I.o; ': ':[;-, waic ia.d'iciKad \)\ a -tiMiiL^' aM['i\ aua; -aai. til it an i :j>j.''h ii.';^' .t i. -a ;d. ^.d''y Il;'li t 'pi \- a'.:i ai7u::\'.i^. th. ('.:-'.. - c-^ ol' i!k' . ni- ]::'(; th.it \ ' >ti (h( ..ti^ d ie^t i iia d n: ;. is ii, wdiich \\c wwc ]i:\'>lvvt\ i;;i;;-'.t ho ;.:i.::.U'iru d in thcir extent, aiai aiiad'.a.Ltcd !:i t:;ci/ c ih'.'ii' ;i>n-> i.- iidts, h\ .[] a n '.ideal d;:iaj'[)ioha! M ai oj' ti;.' lata'.-iiie^ ! v ' \ c i nnu !i1 . ;is ir.iL'at lead, at . Jiiia.u'Ht hhe l..- ia^seiil, lO n i-'\\:\]\[sc m l".- eoiiiieii^ (d' lie' ^alv' ; aiai f e:^!! i.aja'in'' ti,,' !iiL iiwineiice ol -laai 'i.vha.a-' iiaiiead \'ai i'- "uppDii nu.t^ie -a d: .:a 1 1 . L'^n'i.d el..:i .'.e'l r '^d t d V. t { i w :,,ci. \ ai 'add imI iaiva d( i i\ ( d .' tell i.vli _a u.,;i] \d) d. a;" -. ;i' '" -i, :; die exjs- C!0() EARL GREY. tcnceofan influence sue)] as I have described, ]}()\\' else shall we be able to account (except on SiTounds which I should indeed be most unwil- ling to impute to your Lordships) for the extra- ordinary ap()earances exhiiiited during the ses- sion, now drawing so near its close? How else sliall we account lor the continued existence of an Administratioii, so generally leprobated, so lost to all public conhdence, so degraded in the estimation of the country, that although within tliese walls they have met a general support suf- ficient to rnaiutaia them in office, yet it is scarcely ])os-.ll)ie in any other ])lace to nKet an intlividual, and certaiidy not iiny considerable immber of persons, who are not actixe and loud in coniplainJng of their total inadequacy to dis- chaige the iinportant duties which they owe to the state ?'' " The independence of Europe is lost ; the balance of })Ower is de^tro^ed. The military greatness and character of Russin, Austria, and Prus.-ia, are anniiidatcd ; inc tj) ilde any longer to op[)osc, t'lU'V ha\'e bec(;mc uliolly subser\ient to tl.ir interests and w i^iics ol' fVanee, mIiosc ruler, at tlichead of a natu-n situated the best of all continental countries for o{ien:,i\c (jperati(jns, di^tiibutes at m-. \\ ill the nations oi'Cjermanv anil Italy to recruit hi:> nuiiieious amiii,-, at tlic tame lime that he liolu^ at his di-:.posdl tiie re^ KARL f UI.V -t\ ':u\>i)\ all tii(,-<' Hiaii'ji;,'.' |:m\'.\'^, \\ .,o, :i\ i :i:i. I tiiii'-. Ind c\c'li dl-^piiUai \v : . . . m ^, 1\ ^ > : rill j-ii'v' "i t!u' >iM-. i .. 1. : (' i;( ac' r .;i : ; v;'. v! iic A \'. :il he \)u>,b\\)\c \'' V ii> t > hi;, v- ..:1\' -bcr r->t!nKi!i' ct' llu- u T!;;-^ iij.iiii w \\.^ :i ,: v..::\ iic iMiNs.blc \n arrcpl i', 1 iiiui-ii U , :' u :.i l-v- roiiic ( ur (iui\' to CdiKi;;! pi>il:- l;,c li:;:'' : ; : - ^aiii of powiT ami r;.-ou; <> \v 1.,; 1; I':/.':- \' i I I, i:\a' tio:;i tiir Mil'|ULi;at :> 'U <>i '].: j.t i; in-o 'a . iVm:, ':a w'a'lo ? Jl . \[:\ tiiat, lookiiii:; a: til-' s;:!::''o:i (!' I laiii c\ at tiu' rx'c lit (.* it- l:.;^'iU- i: <,,;i;- ; '.;!- ndcriiiL;; tlio ^;)ii:t ny x'/ohli it i -^ (ioc-'od, n.a powrr i; l;a> (-btaiiKai, IljcIIai \\ \[\\ ''wc cli'- 1.U ;t'r ot il - ( i i,.\'> iii.aL i:!. ; ; ^ r:, :c r, ;. . h^ i . ; -latvd hot :o iIk. lu ;ai o! !';;.! -;-J;^; jf I'.,; ;. ^;\'. 1 Ol.tc ll;[)!at ai" .:11 tl;: O t \ 1 1 ' L' ' . O' \\ I . . . I f,.!; W V 'I'm ia/lliMi:'. ;:.'. i .- i o , iil..:^ d f ^ i;:- -'11' -,;!(; \ , i ail t !;r ( .11 \ a i ! a ! . . t ; * i^ ' a; on [ - '\'<^, aad oa I a! -cUa . aa -la , \\ ^- a : o t< - (L jx no. \\"c nniNt caalioJ ti;./ '.'.ao ;.i -'a:!i a in.oaii; .i 1 o! ) ,v . I ,; 1 .;in! ' ' .1 ! { -< a : (a \'> c n;n^: caia ilae'I i! a. a ' ,,ii:ia r \'. ' a'; -'ani 1 ,i\a~ ns nra:: I' oii' ;/ ;iait a\!a.' !o !;a : !; l.'O ; ] .: ' an M, >; i.\ai-i. a ;' .. ^de'i, nv ;"!aa- ; i- ' lainn ( ! .1 , L'' il !on oi t o ..tii- , a a' tin, ' o ' ( . - \'-> ' ' t.rd)iit;o\- \ a-, .da.o,a can . ^ -o * .a; i l')V. m'Hiiiiin.n' .".!:> n i.^ o on w-., ;;i v' pia la n-i' ai in ' aon \'. !i 208 i:,.'\RL GREY. Lords, to adopt tl}at wise .system of policy wliich shall enable us to support the most protracted Vvaiiuif, ill Oiiicr to secure our indepeiKlencc, tlireatencd by the war, but scarcely less threat- ened by tlie pro'haldo dangers of preface itself! Ava\ what policy is better calculated to resist the most formithible danger with wliich tlie liberties of any country w ere ever menaced, than the pro- vident systen; of husbandingour resources? This vital policy, 1 lament to say, lias not been pur- sued by the present advisers of the crown ; this v;as the policy, Oiice so reviled, of the Adminis- tration tv) 'rliicii they succeeded; of thatAdminis- tration, whose great crime it was, that they did not, during tlic j-i^glc } car they were in office, redceni the countiy tr.^ui th.e great and various difticulties wh.ich. bed been accumulating under the management of their predecessors. With the existence of that jMrnistr}', aU those prin- ciples of prudent Gox'ernmenr, which regulated tb.eir conduct, and uhieh liie course of events rendered imj)crati\e, ceased to be resj)ected The coun i V was precipitated ij]to a system directly the re-.eric; a sysieni, \\}io-,e liist liants we are DOW rcap.n;;" iii (hsticss :!iid in ii:-,honour, but of whose uhimate opera':! ;; lioliuuKUi sagacity can foresee tlic extL.fi. oi' \:\c Miseiiicfs. From that m(a);erit coniUiinced f'.e leign o^' \igour, the merits of whosC I'olicy aie lo be traced in those L A K L G 11 1 V "^9 t;ilal cxjiL'ditions w hich Ikivl' c\l:.ui^t(\l the rc- -oLiu (.'i ut the country, and coM'icii o\\\ ikUitanees and situa- tion ot' the eountiy; and tliat the system V) he preferred, was that most likely to hrini;- the con- tent in w hieh the conntry is in\t/iyed to a sue- ee^-'^t'ul terminat!';n. Mo-,t tiui\' that is the ijue,>tion, and I cannot h,e->it;ite to ixo to issue witii the N't'iileLoid on tii;;t p'wnt. I \'.'>nKl ask him '<> -tate, v, iietliei. ;ittcr ii,i\-'!iu n^ade hi.-s cxp' nn.(. nt, af.ei :!:i\":nL;' j^ur^ued hi-> i\,';c';n (ji viL;our, he lincU hii plol;:,-^ aeecK'ratnl to tliat .-nceessliil ternunation r I a.^k him to accjuaint \(Hir Loid^h'.jj^, w h.ethei that ohiert h,:is been ad vanec d h\" hi^s expedition",, .so unw I'^cK planned, and shamctLdly conduottd, so totalU delecti\e ni e\eiy thing-, with rc-[)eet to phice, time, aiul cir*. umstanee, that it w as> ab^ohitcK" impos^ddc thc\- eouUl lead to any other re.^nlt iIkui h i^ a.'- tended them ; a result which the Lfuin'rv i> at tins moment bewailinc^ and weeping m teais ot 'lO KARL OJILY. biood. Iliid his ]\Iajcsty*s IMinisttis given f,' the state of Eur(jj)e that coii.sick ration which a hound and salutart l^olicy would have recom- mended, had tlic}- been rdTet ted by its almost total sul)jeetion, it was impossible that they should not be convinced, that all tlie probabili- lies of success were in eonUadiction to tlie course they ventuietl to juirsue. They must have been struck with the folly and the ruin of endjarking in military operations against France at a time when there was no power in existence to give them an etiectuai co-operation." * As 1 have not availed myself of any former opportunity, when the question of the Spanish campaign was discussed, 1 cannot help referring to the conduct of the Ministers in the prosecu- tion of that war. And here I beg leave to assure your Lordships, that there was no man who sub- scribed more absolutely than 1 did to the feel- ings of the Noble jNlarquis (Wellesley), which he, on a former evening, so eloquently expressed for the purpose of inducing this House to perse- vere in its support to Spain ; the hopes of no man were more alive to that great cause than mine were; no one wa^ more mortified by the re- sult. IJut I cannot concede to the sentiments of the Noble Marquis the inference which his declarations assumed, that, in order to warrant this country to embark in a military co-op^era- r.Aiir. (.UKV. 211 t"Mi u itli S|);im, nDthiiiL:; more \s'a< iu'cc'^->iii a' tiiaii to >\[c\v that her cause was ju^r. In mv !i)iii(l,!in- Loids, in pa-^siiiLT judginent upon sucli a |M)lic\ , it was not enoui;;li tliat the attack of I'lan.'e upon the Spani>li nation ua^ nnjjiinei- pleJ, peillchons. and eniel ; tliat the resi->tanee ot" S[)ain was dietated hv every principle, and ^lnctiolKHl I)y evtry motive honouraljle to hniiiaii iia'iuc; tliat it made cvc i \ ]\,n'_;h^h heart hum '..itli a hoi\- /e;:l tn lend itN a-^^i^tance ;iL,rain>,t the opj>re^soi ; t.icie wercothiM- considerations ol" a ic^> !)nlliant and enthn-^iastie. hut not less neces- >ai'v and eomman(Ui]Li^ nature, wliich should hav(.' preceded tlie deteiiidnation oi"))uttin^ ti) !ia/ai(l the mn^t \aluahle intere-^ts ol' the couii- tiy. Ill-, no^ mv Lord->, with nations as with ind!\a(lu;ds. Tho-^e h( loic xai 'aie> winch >hed a l'.i>t re upon ind;\ i iual man, n;u>-t, :n their applica- finn to the cwnduct ol iiatnuis. he eha^tened h\' relieclin!i-> nt" a moie eauiions and cakadatmu,- ea>t. 'i'har ucner(-us maL;-nan::nit\- and hiL;'h- miii('n.'d (I .>!!! tc! e^ted.'-o^. pi ond distinct a )n> ot nal;"'ial \irtnr (andliaj.pv are the people whom the\- ciMr ufcri^(. '} which, w hi. n c\ercl^ed attlic n-dx ol e\(i\- jiC I onal mteiv^t, in t!ic pio-pectol e\'c!\ d Mi'i'.a, ;it the ^aciiticc even <s cannot, and i"i;'ht ]i"t. to h'. c(.n".!d. ,<,d ju.liliah'le niotiw^ ' t p"I.- t :ca! act aa; . h^c;iu^e i;;'.' m a-.^ c:j;!: /i ..'.iu'. l1 '.ahe 212 EARL GREY. chivalrous and romantic. Before they en- gage in any enterprise which is to be sup- ported by the exertions and the energies of the people, it is the duty of the Govern- ment to see, first, that there exist the means of rendering tliem effectaalj secondly, that there is a sufficiant policy to warrant the ap- plication of the means ; and, lastly, that there are grounds of probability to induce a hope of success. It is onl}^ by an attention to such pre- liminary considerations as I have stated, that the affairs of nations can be prosperously, or even safely conductcdo It ;s because of the entire neglect of them that I charge his INIajesty's Government with improvidence, and attribute to them all those national calamities and dis- graces, which are the natural effects of such incapacity." " Last year^ it was fully evident, and I need- not now go into any detail upon the subject, that before the advance of Sir John IVIoore and his army into Spain, his Majesty's Ministers had no account whatever of the state of that coun- try. After the experience of that unfortunate campaign, what but the most positive proofs of the probability of success sliould liave induced them to risk another army in the same country, in the prosecution of similar operations ? Yet, wiihout any proofs whatever to justifv the most EAIiu'cc^s, w itli the historv ot" tiitir rt'ccnt cxpediticjii ^ta^iIl<2^ iIrmii in the lace, and J'Hully ioibidchn*; the j)UI^uit, his M.ije.st\'i Miiii>tei> risked anotlier arnu'. at the ex|'.enseof nionnous treasures, and the sacritije ot ^onr best Idood, only to purchase mistcrtune, eahimitv, and disgrace- These, niv LokU, are the uiounds of my ohjeetion to the pohcy they ha\e pur-ucd. 1 aUeL;e it as a matter (t' chaige aL;ain>l thtin. that the\- ha\c mckilged t"e(.hng> ulueli, lio\re\er houDurahie \'. hen eiuisidejcd ah^tiaefedlw ouL;-ht never to hegratitied at the expense ot' a nation'^ inttst \aluable interests; that, in yiehhng to tlie intluencc of such leehngs, they have rashly em- barked in cxpechtions the most I'atal and di>as- tiou^, and (rom \^ hicli it was imj)()>sd)le to anti- (.'ii^ate or eflLCt an\ advanti^;j;'eous re>Ldts to the eountr\ ; that they liaxcdone tln>. tnc, in con- tradiction {(> that Ini'^banthnic and pie^er\ing ..ystem, lencUicd vitally nece.^saiy I)\ the exoi- bitant grow th of our exj)enditure, and w ithout a strict attention to whitdi, it i.^ ini])ossible, my J.ords, to hoj)e that our )e>(nn-ees will enable ui to meet the m(;mentous dangers with uhitli the country is threatened. Against tluse charges, hi-, Majesty's Miiii^Ieis ha\ e power! ullN'grounded then deh'iice upi^n the manvdangcis to be ap- pieluiidcd tiom the Nuecessful suJMuuat ion ( t !:>j)ain by I'rance. and the iuciea^ed p^wei ol the 214 EARL GREY. enemy which must result from that event. In answer, I ask, are these dangers diminished by their ill-judged policy? Is the power of Buo- naparte lessened since we engaged in that war- fare? Is the power of France reduced below what it was when this country embarked in a military co-operation with the Spanish people? I much fear, my Lords, that the contrary will be felt. I apprehend that the power of our enemy, and the dangers which we dreaded, have since materially increased, while we have to meet that extended power, and those augmented difficul- ties, with impaired resources, and diminished strength. If this be a true statement of the facts, and too true I ^ear it is, does it not fully justify me in charging his Majesty's Government with a line of conduct contrary to that which a true policy pointed out, and which the cir- cumstances of the country imperiously laid down?" " In the discharge of my public duty, I have this niglit, my Lords, arraigned his IMajesty's Ministers for pursuing a line of conduct respect- ing the operations of the war, and the external dihiculties we experience, wholly the reverse of that whicli tlie situation of tliis country, and the circumstances of the world rendered absolutely necessary. Not less widely dificrent from true wisdom and sound policy has been their marke(l >; \ ui GUI V . 2 ' ' jialtcntioii to liic jMst ( 'ii:.|):,ii;it ',! t ;k- p- .):''r ; lia'ii iiiditVcrt'iU'i.' tu the j(;:o;;c > 'i: : >i.:r i' w :i tinu'K' aii(i salut:;i\ ulcr.!!., i.'>; iiau-:\- mi \)).'.\- tcisot' cxpciKiit u;c, i)'it ol 'ii'i-.,- altii^i ^ :i, ,:..i- political ^XStriM. willC'il {\\' lap ''l" t!:!:;'. ..;. ! tlic illr()a(]^ ot" coia uMiinn lia'. c pii-Ii.c/'l. ' " He v.a.- rcaiis \n ;u;kii()\\ KcIl^c. tiiat (ui tlic .iiN'a-^iuii nt' 1\m til.;'..' 1)\" t!i'.' l'i\'ih-ii aip.):^'-, ai.d 111 the coiirM' {'{' tiic'.r jjro^ii'v-;^ he did autieipatc a \irv ctif'eier.t i-siie to the ';!ir,:);h;'jii iV"::: tliit whiieh had ->;iu'e hajipii;. t;h^all phue. Wi/.'-iuT the L;n)iiiiii^ uji'Mi \'. liieh he had I'aii'.i.l li:at opMMoii \'.'cie 111-' cr dv-;', i;-i'/h' -wea-li'ii tii- lea-Dii- aiid euii ;i ic; .^' : -.'^ whi.'Ii 1. .d ;;,ir; id hi 111 tn ((Uue t- . Mieii .. ', ijr.ciiiMnn, \\ i'; , \'. , ii ci dl lhLiii(le(h hail iik le or h-- the a.opi,ar:m> ' ' l" jnohvihlh; \' to ^llMjoi L '!:C.n - \\.u'diai [! I:.'.' f\ e ot' pnuU'iiee, (M' upon aiix p' ; .e:ph' '.' po','e\ , thee n.::;'h.t oi n; j.\\i not hr ^ :-e'-;)'. h ' C il' ia:-i:- huaition. he ilid nor niean lluai to c i.on ne. I;. ^^ ,1-- (aion conscaiMitions (/jenioii^. IK' h. 'd en en. pr - niiT iiibtaiua'. a nnieh iii'Mi' a- ;(,d'' tad. :<) i,>ii!o;ni, in I'xpie ^nij,- t h^; e.oan and -..;n.d -a- 216 EARL GREY. tisfaction he felt, that the event had not coricsr* ponded with the fears which he had entertained, nor confirmed the anticipations which had pressed upon his mind. 7'o their Lordships, and to the pubUc, this explanation might be of no impor- tance ; to himself, however, and to his own cha- racter, he felt such an explanation not only due, but of consequence; and he trusted, their Lord- ships would do him the justice to believe, that the opinions which he had formerly delivered, though now happily contradicted by the event, were at least, the sincere and honest dictates of his mind, taken up from no illiberal or invidious feeling. He had now no hesitation to qualify and retract them; and this very circumstance, perhaps, gave a value to his vote on the present occasion, which would probably render it not less grateful to him who was its object, and which would not have belonged to it, had he been one of those who anticipated success from the greatness of the means employed to attain it. Those who looked forMard to success at all periods of the campaign, were bound to acknow- ledge the valour and consummate skill of the commander of the allied forces; but that ac- knowledgement was still more amply due from those who, like himself, did conceive the diffi- culties in which Lord Wellington was placed to be such, as to threaten him and his army with EAKL GRIV, i:i7 Mic liTcatcbt. (lander, aiul urcatly to (liniiiiisli tlic iioj)ts of a bucccsbtul i-^Mic." ' l]ut, at the >:uuL' tinic that lie made thi^ oh- vcT\ation, lie inuht caution the llou.se a^ani.it tliiiikliii;- that there was no ground tor tutuie apprehen.sion. lie knew not what diveri^ion might aris(^ ot" tiie enem\ \ toice, tVoni troubles ju Holland, or from war in the north ol' Kuropi-; ^^ith |)io>j)eets of (lixci >^]on in tho^e (juarteis, he u.is not ac-(|uaiiitetr!(iiis coniniaiidt r ot" tlic {micts in ''i.:c couiitr}', on till- Mibji'ct. Xo jMit ot ...tDiKil [)()i:cv was more open to i(j)e:ile(l (li->- '.:-sioii. (r ir;orc CMl.'ul.itcd to cn^'cndei ;[ ducr- :;\- ot tipinion, than the nio.it proper mode of l pnncip'.e ui the j'o!iey (u" all wai^, was to mtiiet the utmost jiOvsiI;|e iiijiMA" <-n tlie t-i:eni\', at th{; (.\pt.nee tit I he least po^^ihie m ii;'\- to oiii>eI\es. Siu'M a (j';t.:viAn, thi'ia lure, ;.> that wiueh le- ,a'i (i [ii ihe ci'uiiiue'nia' ot liie pre.^cnt eonte.->c !M tile i\nin>uh;, (iepnidcd on a \aiietv of eon- si (!ti at ions, ai i-iiil;" out of ri'eent events, and the ei ''.:--(' jnent and reLitiw litnation^ ot' onr>el\es, lind oi tlic LP.enu'. In (ieuianming on the t\pe- (heney of any mej.sure (it' this nature, he was to he u'uuled hv ealeidations loiiiied on an extensuc eon.h'p.at .'iii, ;uul edUipan-i ai i.l: eii<-nniN'ar-e( s- l 'e ti'.'.i.Lili:. '.\\:A tfou^iit n'ost deeidedh , that. a ; (. o;i. t lOii I i lui c '.piaul II i:re \\ .1> t^'aUe'i fi'i Uv i(.t;cetii)!i> <'t U\c iiiO'.t ui '_;( nt and pow c r!ul i\.i;ii; and iie wiaild It t 1 it tn he ins (hit\-, hrtoie !a^ > ould a"'.ie to tile eon! iiiuan/e ui an\' cont;- iivn:ai iiitt 1 pr>es, hke llio^e in wliieh \;a' \\aie .\i)W cMiuaucd, to lake a \'. nii- sinN-e\' ot (Uiicwn lesoiii e''s, Id mc asure tlnar e\ tent, and the niean> o\ li.e;!' apj/lieat ion to tlie ohieets lor tiie attain- i;,', ;il (', jawniotp ai of w iiieii i hev v ere proposed t'l i-C (.XLiLLv!. It" the re>uiL ol sueh an i>ti;!.att -20 EARL GIILY. \v'ere to establish anytliing like a certainty of success in the schemes tliat were devised, all his hesitations and difficulties would be removed, and he should consider even the most extensive scale of foreign operations as recommended and suj)portcd by the princij)les of economy itself, lie hoj)ed too, that he felt as warmly, and was as willing to acknowledge that feeling, as any Noble Lord, the justice of that cause, which we were maintaining in the Peninsula. No cause related in the annals of mankind ever rested more entirely on sentiments of the most honour- able feeling, or was more connected, if circum- stances were favourable, with principles of national advantage. The spectacle exhibited was the most inteiiesting that could engage the sympathies, or the attention of the world; and it Avas impossible not to wish to afford assistance to the noble struggle of a free people, against the most unparalleled treachery, the most atrocious violence, that ever stained or degraded the am!)ition of despotic power. If he could but calculate on the probability of supporting such a cause to a triumphant issue, there could re- main no doubt but that the separation from France of such a country as Spain, containing her extent of territory, and amount of popula- tion, would be to augment in a great degree, our own national security, But those princi- EARL GUEr. Jl j)Ics on which the prosecution of that \\ ;r- ouKl be (letendcd, nul^t he rechicc;! to u nu re 5pecul;itive theory, unless ^upporteil hy ade- quate exertions from the S|)an:>li people and the Spanish government. Without that nece^^arv co-oj)eration, ad our cllorts must prove usei^--. With a view to tho>e advanta<>;e>, Me iiad un- 5uccesst'uilv hi tore contciuh-d in that veiv eonntry auani-t I-'rance, then much less puwo:- t'ul than at j>rcsent. He did not inean to say, tliat from the^e eon^ideraticjiiN, we wcie to withdraw our armies tVoni thic Peninsula; but he thouL^ht tliat. hetore we proceeded further on t!;e present expcnsi\e s\stem, the IIou-^c ^hould have tlie di-tinct opinion of the ('(MU- mander-in-chicf, a-^ tc tlie probable re-u!r. ot" !h( optratuni^; and ciupiire into the nu-an* of (aiiAiiit^ on the content, b\' a more liniitcti exjit i:(.cut uni ot le- motci interc^t^. ' " He was de>irous of adding a \'c\v word- up(jn what had fallen from the XobleJ.ord who moved the anvenduient, respecting what lie v, a> plea'^ed to call the e(jmjdete succei^ ot' oui arms, during the last two years. Vm hi-> own put, wlien he looked back to tlie evenl-> ot that pciiod. \', Ik'u he rcc ot" tliis boasted sue- ees> r Lord A\'eHing-ton. at the head ol" an ai'niv ot" 0''J.O(H) a> e(Veeti\-e men a> were c\er led into the field, had been c-onij)elkd to leniain on tlie detrii'v.N I'. With a Toree greater than tliat e(jni- nianded by tiie Duke of Maiibon)UL;h at the nlM^t >plcndid ei.i of our military lu'.torv, Lord ^\ elliiigton had found hiiii,->elt" limited to the l)ursuit of a dcfen>i\e s\stem, Ihc countrx liad i)cen told, indeed, to look at the exertion^ h Ciuciillas tor a substitute to the asMitanee of iet;-ular troo])s. in whleh tlie natiNts ol the 1\ iiiusula weie so drfieient. Ou this he t'l'Uiidrd no Li'i'eat hopo, \et he was not ai'ie, ii'iin waiil ot suttieiciit dncunients, to t-late ]>m :^tl\ the weii^ht w iiieh their assistaiu* Mil" hit lia\'e in the seaie. till' iniiniif^ ti Sui .ldntiiu>tyahiii\e operation in Sj)ain at that moment Mini-tcTs wcic |)articuiaiiv hound to ^cn(\ out auipic nican~> to Lo;d \\ clhii^ton t(j c-nahlc 1; KM licarrs' hi.-i eutci p: izing ])rojcct.> into ttlccl, an 1 tw crown the operation-, he was undci- takiiii;- v.iih hiilhant and uiujuiditled success. Jhi^ he would maintain w ;i^ tlu'ii (hity, audit was Micumbent upon their LoicUhips, u hen they ((Ml^!deled the heavy con^^eipicnccs ^t" their ];a\ing failed m the j)ert'ornKince oi" it. to insti- tute ail iiupairv into the cause ot" that, t'adure." ' Xeitiiei had aiu" tluiiL:," ]i.tj)penfd w liich iii(hi({.d hiiu to rej-eiit ot li!>, opiiiioii>, on ti:e ^iihitct ot" tlie Span!;,h content. It w a.>, iiis jjiiiioii th;it the etrort> ot' the Spanish people :iga:nsl Fiance could ahaie cn.djlc tiicin to uith- -tand that o\ er\\ hehniiiLC jjowc!. 'riu-,c scnti- i;;ciit> he had uttcrt'd uiulcr the >ii[!p(->:! ion th.:t lio otiuM' power would >,t;;iid ii[> :tL;aiii>t tif l''i\.ucli ciiiperoi, and that th.i* cnijicior would not (Irp.iif trorn the unitv oi counnl, nr.d (;i tio;!, 1)\ \\hicll fas the Xohlc M:iiouis li:;ii - iLcii'; the 'ic,itc-:)t succcs-jCs oi' til ^: rdci h.ul ii9.6 EARL GRLV. been achieved ; and, indeed, if with such a com- mander, and with such an army as we possessed^ and at a time wlien the army of France in the north had met with disasters greater than which never before fell on a h.ost assembled for the pur- poses of injustice and ambition, we had achieved so little in Spain, what, if one-tenth only of the force cniployed against Russia had been turned against us, would liave been the issue ? Wlien with Generals, each independent of the other, the ruler of France appeared to imitate the follies of his eneniics in their ill-timed and independent coalitions, tlum arxived tlie time for exertion. Tlie exertions iiad failed failed (he would repeat) almost entirely ^ souie (picslhnis to Mbiiafir'i v.-'itii j<.;:i)iii io i'lie Sirrdish Treaty. *' They were '.ovr come to a time when Sv.c()iiu' pln^Ic^^ in the tiiliilnicnt nt" tlu' cii^'a^ciiK'nts oii her part, lor \'. liitli \v c were to j),iy .so i;TCal a pii. c. Hi- asked, then, loi iiitoiniation as to the |)i;u t i^al steps whieli had heeu taken I)\ Swedrn, j)ur- suaiit to her eiiL^agenieiit^. ^\ hat (hreetlv (jjieii- .sive operation^ aii^auist the enenn >hL- liatl ecjir,- meiieed ? ( )i' w liether an\ uiiiu>Hlkdjie deki\' I'.ad taken jdaei' in tluit I'e-pee! r f<> hii: Luidshij)'^ (;/'t>/;. )?(.> r< .^jjictiirj; the .Su'f in:i;ni I'Xpee! ; ha', e(i'tain'i\, .Swecicn liad not i.ii^cai -neh dt ^ .>i\c ^'.cps ;l^ lu', and he hi hexed tne pnhlle 111 L!;''l!r lah Wouhl ha\e e\prelt.(l lio;ii (lie trims Oi this tieate. lie ^holdd jia\e e.\ ju'eted that S^'.'cahai woidd ha\e hcan pi( pared at the opHMiniL;' oi the eairi[):iii;ii, to ha\e aetn.ni. eo-(ipeiated m the war \\\{\\ je.nno d-^ ;i. \ja\, unh'>s he was kd)onrinL;- nndei a mo-l ex 1 1 :;o; (hannv dehiMon, nme^s all he liad htard on \u\-. ihji'et was ineo!;eet. tiie I'lcneii en'ijM :< r kao ' a;_^-i,t tun hatth^; tlu'\' \','eie -^nd m-Lto hu >'oi!(^s, [lilt, tht.' L.uiseo/iwnec ot the-,f ixitt;es 2^8 EARL GREY. was, that the allies had retreated to a consider- able distance. In these operations, the Swedish troops had taken no part. The Crown Prince had, indeed, at last, landed with but little more than 1 8,000 men, instead of 30,000 ; and was for- tifying himself at Stralsund, from whence, with such a force, he could not advance without tlie most imminent risk of destruction." June 18, 1813. Lt the Debate on the Address to the Prince Regent on the Treaty with Sweden. " The retreat from Moscow had annihilated the mightiest army which France had ever sent forth ; her palaces had been fdled with lamen- tations, and her lands covered with mourning; yet such were the resources of that man's (Buonaparte's) mind, such the power of the country over which he ruled, that he had absolutely re-created his army, and by two great battles, rendered his supremacy in Germany more complete than ever. The spring, he thought, ought to have witnessed some attempt at negotiation. Had such an eifort been made, the wdv might have probably been happily ter- miu.itcd. Tlic situation of P)Uonaparte had beeii such, that it was likely he Mould Jiot have retused to attend to moderate propositions, imd LARI. GKi V. cci; ; i;i (Al'vTs been in;i(K' ; and tcinis bcnctirial to cvriy power in Europe niiglit ha\ i- btcii obtaiiK'd. To the imbecility ut" Minister^ was to be a-eribc'd the eoiitraat betueeii the present MLiiatioii of Franee, and that whieli slie exhi- bited at tile elosc ot" the la-t eanipaigii. With his iKible l"Viend (Loid Holland) he ai^rced that an o[)[)onunity had l^cen lobt, never to be ceallecL" ( 250 ) VISCOUNT GRIMSTON. Alanh 19, 1812. O;; Lord Boringdons motionrespeding an efficient Jdministration. '' The address proposed bv the Noble Lord, did certain!}- impute blame to tlie Ministers of the Recent, for which there appeared not to be the shghtest foundation. He looked to their proceedings, w liich must be,, after all, the great standard of tlieir qualifications for the situation which they held ; and he must acknowledge, that for men so incapable as they were repre- sented, they liad done some very peculiar antl very fortunate things. His ^Majesty's arnis had been eminently successful under the adminis- tration of the present ^Ministers, during the time the Prince Regent liad been at the head of the government. During that tin:ie, the country liad to boast the conquest of the islands of Mauritius and of Java, the total expulsion of Mcis^ena and the French from Portugal, tiie rcj)u!sc of tlie enemy at Tarifa, and, lastly, tlie capture of Ciudad Rodrigo. Miiiisters, under wiiom the arms of the countiy had been so .Micccs.^ful, ought still to be required to guide \ i>coL\ I cm M- rox !J;Ji \.('\\-,^iI of the bl;ilc. He tlul Mot oncc'iNc ii'>c Micc(.'s^i'-> ti) be the eilVet^ ol ih mec, hut . r ilie eiRiL;etie j)(jhe\' of .Miiii-'.LrN. lie i';l:(.\r(l the eoiintrv wa^ ot' the same njiiuioii, .iiul (h(l Mot \\i'\\ lor an\' change of adin:ii'.-tia- I ;oi! at pie^ent." ( 252 EARL GROSVENOR. Febmary J, IS09. On moving for a Committee of the whole Honse on the State of the Nation. *' He was one of those who hoped the aOaiis of Spain were not desperate; but he M'as per- suaded, that tlieir suceess must depend rather on the exertions of Spain, than on any assistance we could send her."' February 12, 1811. In tlie Debate on the Address. ** The part of the speech which related to the affairs of Spain and Portugal, seemed to pledge the House to a continuance of those efforts M'liich had been already made for the Peninsula; and here he must compliment the noble mover of the Address (the Earl of Aberdeen) on tlie ability which he displayed, and on the ingcnnity with wliich he commented on this part of the subject ; but )ie must at the same time maintaiii, tliat the House had not heard rnouo:li, or ncarlv enough, on the affairs of the Peninsula, to satisfy those of their L)rdsliips w h.o were at ad doubtful on the subject of the pi()j)rifty .-f >end;ng further reinforct.nents to those countries." ]AUf. C.KOH', k.\OR. C i > ilc iiui-t c'oiUcikI tliat tlu ir I.' ^i (!->u;[)n \'tic nil'. (1 '() iiiucli muic ahuiui.Mil arid - ! >t;u:to' \- in;. ! i;. .' i"ii, Inifii- thc\' j)!i'ili!,'i'(l t!n,^l;^(l^t^ i,) n;c:c>i-r or contiiMK' luc.i' ctloiU 1:1 la\;)Ui (.1 >i>ain a, 111 Vol Uiual.'" .Ipiil 9, 1<1 \.()n t!u' : .,;.>/; Jul i\ iuf (> tlu Podujiusf Siijjt I fi s. " He v\iiai(l ;i-.K, w rrc t lu 11 T/iK'.Nliips rr:'.';! v" j)Uj 1 acd til take ihc wlntif itimlcn iijjoii tlaau- >ri\r^, and rxcmpt tin- PlJIt^gllC^(. a!l' >L:ct iicr tioin tlif hnidrii (d riiit A'liii;- tlicir own jH<)|)!t'r Jt \va^ a J)] iiicipU' as applicahlf to pu!)!;^' a^ to pyix'atc allaiis, that voii should i"' just to \(air ov\ n jniijilc l)ctui(- voii wvic i;anri(/U.'5 to ollici' j:at;oiis. Ilfkiuvw it would Ik ^nuTallv ihouiilit, tlia' l'm> vas a mauni fn < n t and i;i'_^h--(un;dinL;" ju ijt' ^li, and th.a tn > it ini^lit iKianni-nd it^ch I'lio hai hant V and at ro(at 10 (M xi; hu'h tla.' Id'Cin h had l)t_a'ii L:,aidt\ t<)u-ai(Kthi' 1*' a lugni >c. Tlu -o \ ot iho-iC \k\\u WlMO tllC o!i|COt- ot H." C3i ; VISCOUNT ha:milton. January :21, 1808. ^On moving the ^^kldrc.'-s. " We were not only oj)posed as man to man. or as nation to nation, against one of tlie most gigantic powers that ever existed in the world, but to a power A.vbich, in addition to its own strengtii, had succeeded in absorbing into itself abnost every other European state. The situa- tion of the country was, therefore, most critical ; it required the most vigorous exertions, it demanded tlie most liberal sacrifices ; faint-heart- edncss would be our destruction. There was no midway for us between success and ruin," ( ^J>^ ) LOfin ARCffiBALD iiA>rir;roN. Jmn: 17, Iv] _>._/,; IJ,,. I), had oil tlic lluil^rf. ' lit: (A j):i! latcd on tin impossilulit \ dt p'.ir- iing the present extended hyblcni t)t poliev ." ( 236' ) EARL OF HARROWBY. January 23, 1810. In the Debate on iJie Address. ' His Noulc Friend (Lord (ircnville) had laid down the line of policy to \vhich he said heliim- self would have adhered, and by which he thought his Majcst3''s Ministers ought to have been directed. That policy rested upon the principle of abstaining from continental expeditions; from making ourselves parties in a warfare which had long ceased to afford any hope of wl^at was so often emphatically called the deliverance of Euro})e. He had not the honour of being any length of time in his Majesty's counsels since a contrary line of conduct had been pursued ; but lie believed he might remind his Noble Friend, that such a principle had not been exactly con- formable to his sentiments on all occasions." ( -17 ^ MR. IIIBBLRT. Jtniuary 22, \^(^^. In the Debate on the llrport <;/ 'Ar '' 'Vwv. WAV M'as as>uniinL;- a new rlwiiactcr ot turM)u^ in\'( t .lat'W not tx:KiKiu\'(l :51111c the 'i;i:ci <:t' li:ii !m> iiiii. \\'a> ;t j)(I5-i1jU' that any "ue :n tliat Houx- could ici^ard with coinphi- cc'nc\- the privation^ arid the Nacrihccs winch thi.s new mode of way \\\u-,l inliict upon all ( laShcs ot" jjcople, not in the>c kiri!.;donis (n;iy. hut thr(;UL;hout all luiropc ' Ami was ;t j)olitij to suhject thi-3 rrjuntiy, both at, liun'.c and ahroad. to the imputation o! wanloniy .md un- n; c,r^^;'.i iK j)0 lonL^-iiiL!,- thi^ ui,i\-c-i>>d scouiL;-e - \\ \^ c could C't now cicailv make out oui- ca^c to he that ot drtrnMNC war. mu^l Wt.- not at kiNl ;i(lm::, th.al we (ontiiiucd '''e oontc-t ircrclv toi tin- riiancc <1 i'\'ents \\\ '.'< mi'jlii enable ns, at ~ome t!n;e (i olrci, (ii;d ki'.o\'v-. how 01 wlaii. to lu:ti oil tmns ol' mole ;.d\'antaL;e ? Jiut ;h idiim?'. ot ^\al Would he<:(Mipkd \', iih il^ i:u'\ tahlc t'\'j^, ill ou: calculation-, ; and it W"i:.d h.- i'ohl.c .'.Ko to consider what nil^ht oc ur iau.. ^'> '! \ <.A':ii. Did ptai:c pic>v-r.t im ;),', .'\\\'\^ 238 MR. HIBBERT. either at home or abroatl, wliicli might better our situation, and render us tiic fitter to cope with future difficulties ? IM !^';!it not peace loosen some of t'nose bonds in wliich tb.c states of Europe were enslaved, and ];> the foundarion of new aUi- anccs ac'ainst new encroachincuts?" LORD HOLLAND. /''////(/M/ JJ, I'^IO. /// til: Ddi/rlfoti the i'viiCf niiuii \nil I'nrtii-ul. III coui'i no: iMulcrsfaiid ihc spirit iii V. ' , .1 Xwi,',c i.M;i. \' t ; r w :lr.riu- to L^i\c llirir c i,;i;!t. luf t" Mri!.^!cr>, xviihoiit Iciiil!," asswicd t..:.L !!:>;i c 'iiliiJ^. :i; c \'. ;ts dt. .^ci \ i;!. W v wyic ' uiiu'.ii ill I'l.. Hour lo do \\'\vx\. \\\' f(;idd loi' Por- lii'^'d. \>, i!l:o;it iiiiiiry to (U..^cl\"c'>. In honour, ; r ; , : ; \' ~ 'iic (Hm\- inot i \ c t iiat oUL:.;it to m'l'- 'i-t ! ;.r o'c.w.^s, or <'xcitc tliC hearts ot ihi-, or . . ' i j i''[;dc. I'ul if wc wwv to (.ndjaik in ',.1. 1 ,r:u n to t'c I o ,\ :. W( d\i;t .--. A i:!'. .1 j .^.w wa^ met. i- -,j\ , I ''ijM',''' iKiilial m:i ; bm t.-i t n; ~, (jiiaii; '; s \',c:l' re ;u;-;!tv', wliii :i no na.n coidd l.oi.<' loi : a t-i:;l Miid-^lrx. .\ a' V. {,; 11 ;i I aiL' iiai'C' ; nai \' ; ria \", a- t '' adilit. -^^, t a :, , i . ', ll;v- J. nov\ :;.ii;^c. lia- j;'n li'- jai.;, I;.'' v. '!;.' 'all! -m 'ac--, m ^.a.!i a a.aiir ; lla I'aia: ' al ' aa. ; .oa 'dar^.t 'o ''!'' i,t, aiai i, a;^' a;^' 240 LORD HOLLAND. their hope on every weak and bending siip- port, that failed them in tlie first moment of pressure.'' June S, 1810. In the Debate on the Marrfuis of Lans- doiciie's Resolutions respecting the Campaign in Spain. " Those who disapproved of our interposition at all in the cause of Spain, and those who were interested in the success of that cause, must, in his judgment, be equally disposed to condemn the course taken by IVIinisters. If, indeed, there was any difference, it must be on the part of the friends to Spain, who must feel peculiarly- mortified by the disappointment of their wishes tlu'ough th,e misjudging policy of thoscMinisters; and he was one of those so mortified ; for he never knew of any event that created a more lively interest in his mind, not excepting the dawn of the French revolution, which, as well as the cause of Spain, he thought afforded a most favourable prospect for liberty." I OKU JIiM.L.W i,. 'Ji 1 yljutl J, IS 1. 5. On prtseiiliiiu^ scLudl P( ti(it))isji'i /*'ucc. *' lie had great hopes, alter tlie i^Ionous ^nc- cesses uttiiig' an end to the calamities ol'wai', i 'Ut tlie.^en('j;ci had now i)i>-onie nuieh tainter. He I'iild noi knmv v. hat o[)jortnn!tie> Ministers :ii _liit ha\e had ot' oj)(.niiig a iie^'oiialion, hut hi- V, a-> wdiini^- to behe\'e thai no lit o[)|)ort.unit\ hatl h.en ne^li eted. ]Ietrn-,ted, however, that thev rntertained no ehnnei leai notion olu letting iVoni 1 ranee what she had ae(inired ciuinig tht' hi>l twcntv \(.--di'->. <>v ot" Inmiiiiating tlie great Prinee \\ :;') [\')\v 1 uled tiiat count i \'. ./,., i -. \ -^ [^ 'Oi: vtnt nr^ (1:1 . I in- mhlu lit t ) t}u Aiitivt , l'< tic I'rciit t' Ji> '''i ;/. W'c ^'.cie |)i n!ing a ] iw ei' i>\ tlie ->:tle ([ \['A-^'[. Mill) inn^L -ooiiei'oi lalcr cuimeci her>e.l . :; ii I'l.m ( , an' i i\'>\ \. I'W ( ircal Ih Main.'' ' i;i" \'i\ 1 , 1 ci:iu>!,incrs \>. meo La Nm;);*.' i'. I . i ; !ii' 1 . clot I .i\ CI j-i H <:) :i..d ji; > >'d a> rca - -c. '^wad.'.i Wduid :>.jc. Mcc MK !. j'cnc. Ill <.t , c li. c''ivii\- {,;.) !i', \\-:ii. !i ,.v I /)] d 242 LORD HOLLA KD. Holland) was convinced she would ultimately sink into a state of dependence upon that coun- try. Looking at tlie treaty, therefore, in every point of y'lcw, and as far as he could compre- hend it, it was most unjust, most impolitic, and most injurious. If the Prince Regent's Minis- ters could make such a treaty with the scholar of Buonaparte, a treaty which abandoned all the substantial interests of this country, what might be expected of them, should they have to nego- tiate with his master? Would it be too much to anticipate that the interests of Great Britain would be completely sacrificed ?" June 29, 1813. On moving an Amendment to the Address respecting the Vote of Credit. " He should not discharge his duty if lie did not state (and that opinion he meant to record), that a great opportunity had presented itself to JMinisters, cither of effecting a ])ermanent peace, or of [sroving the rejection by the enem}offair aiui honouraijlc Lcrn)s, wliich would have pre- vented him from making the exertions he iiad made to renew the war, and which opportunity they had lost.'' " Had propo:-.itions been ofl'cred such as were LORD HO I. LAND. '243 r )n>iMt(Mit with the hoiunii aiul c-li;iMrtcr of the ((niiiliA , :it the time oi' the return of the Ihnpe- ]()i ot tlie French t(j I'aiis fioin his (h^a^t^()us canip.Linii in Ku^^la, eonid th.eie he a (i(aiht, eitlu'i' ihar pe.iee nui-^t iri\e hreii the r(Milt, oi' tiial It \^ou!(lha\c- hriai leniK-red nianitest to the pecplf of I'ranee that the war niil\- con; muetl :n eon^e(jU( nee of the anihiti(ni> jaieeets of iheir l.inpcoM ; and niu>t nut this eons action ha\'e proMaUed hnn fr(e a-^ioin^hiUL:; e\ei I lon^ he iiad made m the pia sent eampaiii;n r in^tead ot thi-^, w e had acted a^ laaauitino; Ser- jeant-, to the i'^mperor of the I'icaich ; and, hy l\\v ahienci' oi" tliat trank and manU' pohc\', had eontid)Uted to iWrll hi> raid\S.'' I), ^, film J'l, l-^l/.. ()' r-v (^ueii.:: nj .iiijn:i',:meut. " W hen I -.()ealv "f thi' eonfidcp. e i;ianted to Alini^tca-, I do not b\ an\ nK'an> projjosi.- to cen- sure that L;'iant, on the c.m*i:.;\-. th.ey have l,ad ni\ heart\', a.:thon_;':i comjiaratisel v m- i( lit. approbation, and that aj'jnohat kjii I do im? n.'.an to la'lract; indeed, il t lie eontider.ce d an .ndi\-Mlnal he ot an\' \aliie, jiid. ;u't'ordinLi' t' > 1 1 r- panioii of a Xohh' I'liend ot mine, '.li^ ai4L;;i- .: '' 'I iii(h\uhaal opiiiMn-, c"\:>'.i'\'.' ^ - n i\\'.-\ K y 214 LOilD HUI.LANIA AIimstci\s have the full value of my couficlenct.. Tlicv have obtained my coafidencc from the maiinei in wliich they liave contributed t*> jmprovc the general state of Europe, and from the language and conduct they have maintained in this country. There are, ii<^ doubt, many who can more eloquently describe I tic important change that has recently taken place in tlic state of EuropC; but. I feel conli- dent, that no one can derive more cordial satis- faction than I do from that most auspicious event; for I have been bred in a school of politics that deprecates every encroachment upon national independence, and the just liberty of mankind." ' It the sentiments of an individual are of coii- sC(|uence enough to ari'est your attention, it must be in \our Lordships' recollection, that I alvva3's approved of the interposition and perse- verance of Ministers in the cause of Sj)ain.- Whether that pohcy be attributable to a Noble Marcjuis whom I do not now see in his j)!aee, or toothers, I cannot pretend to determine; but the meiit of such policy appears, and e\er has appeared to my judgment, (juitc indisputable. The merit of it must now, indeed, be universallv admitted; for, aided by tl;e uncommon genius oS. Lord Wellington, that policy ha.>. produced the most importan.t results. It has driven the I oi;d mojlanj). 24 v:uin\' iVom that couiitiy ui ich lu- li.i> m* i(/: .; ami iiiiiciiiiUiiiUiV ()j)j)r( 5M.'(I. liut I!ll^ i-> ii-,: *iu' nnl\- advaiii-igc which the jMii-uii of ih i ]>oh'c'\' lias j;rni!,;c('(h It [>l('^l :ii . a ;!.()>" (.11- ('i:ia_Li-iii I.immj,-, "t what a ])C():)It.'. t'Xi itctl h\' f^j^nu s>,ji).i. n, acliic\'C. It M'lA c'-^. m.dc'tal, to ([n\][[' ;:,' nhol'.' cliaiacur (>[' the war, 1)V uii.li i-.'i. j; /. t .iat \\ hi'.h the .\()!iK' l.'iT' L t I ^'. ! .-r.! I I; .\ ,' : .- i'l;;' KU:rc(!. ^) I.:;;:\ .)iiic t\ t ra()i(.lin>ii'\ cm a:::-r;;iKa'>, a ]\\' --l ali'D- rioiis c; iliiinr.x laul L\\iMr.c cuimit iii Ivarop:', th:it the ( j()\a 1 nir..'H L Oi' till-. f()uiiu\- w ;i> alwa\ U'a(l\ til tli>; 1 ii;a;c its -ul) .i!!:i \'.i!li;i \;ew to I'll, hi nil !in' I'at.oi's ,ir 1 1 a' { '(>;! :iK ;;t, whii^' 1'. kcj)t i!> liw 11 |a"|>h' alii.:t' \\ :;>. t c drrU -I . I ja.Mhha ih .: hi'M)(!. iiu;:\' t'l -p,,:''' r -, i w i\ -;:!'_ aa'!- ; lai' ^tilh iKaii ' he hi.\ 1-:!, aKpi' ivaleii: , ^e!a 'h laaiau 1' i;i wiiieh -u!>-:hi.-> i'i\a he 'a ( . \. .sanialh,- -,-.i tr'.'ia this caiativ, one ea:'arit iiiaca \', MiiiiM ;[ th,' ex'-ttai \' oi ...j',, ; , __ himi)\ ,. , lii il I li i\a- : tated. .\ m i. 'h ;: , ^ - .(';; c:i\] c \a r ;i;iiii |)ia\'a;l ai l/a.'!'. i la- ' iliunav Iht^ hcan i tlla'Uiah . rei. [^ '! ' t!i 246 LORD HOLIAND, policy we have pursued with respect to ISpain ; for there we have not only given our money, but our men ; there we have given our money, not to excite the people, but to enable them to act; and we have seconded their exertions by a powerful army." ( '^'iT ) MR. HUTCHINSON. M'lj-M^ l^O'J.lu t!u D,h ( loseiiinK'iit, ulio roiinis'id to send <,iir ainiicN into the ficKi, al\va\ s cut ol'phiL'c and tmu'." Sir R. fi'rsnn. ' I(!;t(;ta!n no j)rtMidu ( . I |oin :n uolk ut' til*' \ iiiLi^ar caluiiHiic-i aL:,M;n^t the ^icat lulci' t ("leneial ot" aneK'iit or modern time>i ; and 1 hi_i;-hl\ esteem the iiati' n at w host' head he has had the m^'d ioi tuiu' to !)C' phieed. I make tins (leelaialaui 111 tile hope, that tlie opiiiii'ii wliieh I am .dioat t"i:!\e, ma\' not Ik' aserilied to tliat l)i-'itttal ilhherahtx, iinlnrtuiKitely tou jn e\ alent. I l;a\ e- 248 Mil. HUTCHINSON. little doubt, then, that, should it please Provi- dence to continue Buonaparte a itw years longer in the possession of that power which he has hitherto wielded but for the destruction of his enemies, and which power is every liour increas- ing in a most alarming degree, \vc shall have to contend with him for our very existence as a "joation." February 13j 18 11. On the Report of the Address. " He agreed in every praise that could be be- stowed on the courage and discipline of our brave army in Portugal, and en the skill and ability of its noble commander ; but he could not omit taking that opportunity of protesting against the manner in which his Majesty's Ministers had hitherto supported Lord Wellington and the British army in PortugaL He hesitated not to say, tiiat the efforts of our brave army had not been duly seconded by IMinisters ; the supplies of men had neither been effective as tostren"'th, nor seasonable as to time : the contribution, and the manner of contributing, wore all the fea- tures of that lingering indecision, equally inea- pable of acting or resolving. There prevailed througliout the conduct of Ministers all the vice C'f half measures; there appeared to be neither* .MK. IIUTC lii NbON '2^9. ..,.11 ViOi' principle, design nor nic'lini; rtui- ' I'ci-iiu'nts were sent o'.iL Iih) tiiilnru in he o. ;i'\- ii>e, ii;icl thev been .^easoiKiiile ; .imixct >o .!! iiMed. as not to h;i\e jjiove*! (t :nueh u>e. 'i;i(! t'ay bten Mirilc'ent !y l ll'ei i\e."" "' llcduln.i! \\\A\ to iiithilj,; in L;l;)()ni\' anli- <';patMns; ijiil. w iili rc.-ipeei b; wi. ..:.. .li pa-M-d, 'le inNi-ted. that ( )'.;r h;\.\-e I loi )p, h,.;. had to eon- triid, ui ,1 i>\:\\- \. .\\\ []:c a/tixi' ciainx" nj^p'-'^cd 'tlhin al'i'fid, hal ai-nw'.'h tlie iinhcaih tv, :: i -dh^it'.u.i, i'^ii..! .; I'.ee, an-l I'.e^^-ii'^-enre oi the .Miiu-tri > at h'ar,!'.'" " \\':.s It In- >Lieh caaitLinptiide ; h.:l(hen\ phiv a-^ t!:<.' eoiiu'rv had witne.^-.v. d ci the pait ni" M iiiin*( I's, tiiat t'u'\ expretcd I ) .stiike a (Ka i- ^l\c hi'AV :iL;;a'n-l till' t ! r; ; ,tai(l(ju> JoV>cr ';t' I'lai.cc' 1 1' thv'ic ml ni wai w t . (. of m) wi^t a ,C( 'pt\ w h\ dii aiiii I i'( I!.'.- 1--!;; ( -> taken m a\'ii\\ a d 1)1 ' -( (. II' .Mil (it !i:i-i!;i'e -'1 na an'\' l;ut(nt , ^ ') w K !( !l'. di\' (; ,-pI.' 'j:i a", 'ni):i ( : 1 1. < iv. t ', U' ot Jua' ii;;ii(h tiic >!:iiL'Ld'' \v.i-- in t!a' rnd to hr ahan d(aii,il a.^ i";iKA->, \v\]v fxiiaii^t \\\r nu in> oi .Mir dt l( luv ai truitirs^ spiM ipu n^ n\ Ihilid; hi ..^.a lA ^ ai'.", .r> '^ h: hliant. but ah.'. a\ r^ una\ a 1 i' _. 250 MR. IIUTCHIXSOX. June 7, 1 S 1 ] . On moving an Address to the Prince Regent respecting the Military Policy of the Country. *' From tliese examples, Sir, it is evident that Napoleon has left nothing to accident or cliance, but that (with the exception already mentioned, the Peninsular war) he has invariably acted on plans suggested by the wisest policy, and car- ried into effect with the most consummate nulitary talent." *'' What, Sir, would Buonaparte have done with our means? How would he have availed himself of such opportunities?" " Can we expect, A\hcn we consider the enemy we have to deal witli, that Lord Welling- ton, with his ])resent British force, aided I)ut by the inexperienced, however patriotic and gal- lant levies of Portugal and Spain, can continue this contest with any prospect of ultimate suc- cess, so long as we afford only scanty and inade- quate supplies ? In the hour of our success, we calumniate the enemy. Are we ignorant how highly the officers who led the van of the British army, applaud the skill and valour of Marshal Ney, and those troops which covered the retreat of Massena ? Do we already forget our own severe losses on the Duas Casas, and that still more sanguinary, though glorious conflict, of >iu. iii^i ( H r\"v(>\ \..M,;'-.l: 111 WIKlt 'it-itC lui\f li.C I Xcrti"!!- of JiL ciitinv ictt our arii:u'> at in ^ imjilc n: !oi .u '/i\c operation^ i\\ thv- l\'i;:!i-ul:i - Wi-ui'i r.ot . ^niali ii'iul'oiCLim'iit t" iii:n ;it I hi., li ;!:i'Ml n>tai.t C()iiij)(. 1 us iuist :i \' in iit iic to cuii lii;i ^ : ' ' Ale all our ]^.|(^^lnL;.^ to fud in tin -tha' Mus^ena liavinu' allianjtcd that I'or whiohlu- a|>[)car^ nnl to h:i\c had ^uthcicnl ioi't, has U'tn'cd hnim a had j)M-,ni(in in P"itUL;';d, tc* In- ll-^)Ul(^.^ ni Sj).nn. until it ^nall he hi-, rmn-c- \'icnca' With nicita^cd innnhcr^. and at a inoi* hi\nurahlc -ca^on. to irtmu: (.)ui pa^t and juc- .snnt nircuinltuati()n now in tlu' l\'ninsula, to what it \\a> in lS(s. A\dic]r arc the Spani-h airnit-i ol that \cdi: All- thc'\- not dr!'( atcd and di^- [u'l'.scd : In who^c ImikU a:i' the t'orticsv/^ thiai (jC( npK (1 l)\' t he S]ianiai(U .- Aic t in \- not ni ;n- cipaiix Ml ti'.c haiuN ot tiir tiu;n\- Wc h,i\'c ica-ioii now to (xuit, hut at wha.t " 'i'iiat the (.UK in\ ha^ not luth.cito ^uccta dud in cxprllin^- n-, troin Poitui^-al ! ( )ur -uccc -> ha.s tlii-> ex tunt, no more. Ihit Ikjui oui |iic'>unt fui'Uiun^s ouu nn<4ht he disposed to int(U- that w r had rxpuctud annihilation. Wdiw m JSOO, did liuonaparft- w ithdia\\' hinisclt' and his miards lioui Npain.' \\ as !t uot to dutuat Au.-^tiia: And (l;d iw u-t c wdl deign tortccept; and, jjrovided no hit her n; inidiscovered rock or pett}' i.^laiid attract our not'cc, we may send to -ome point of the C'l'iimiair. fir distant from "^he scciic of i.'-iion, :\m\ late in the war, a corps nieciual to eifectua! jmpicssion, but just sulli- ''!ej;t ;o rncouiage tjie (hduded people (iiatLirally h I I .11 [ \" -"N' _ : i ';:-^-();itk'nt' <1 \utii liu' t\ian!A' \i,i-'-: w urh x]\c\ t\;>!) t'> n^c :iia:ii!-; .ii.d, '.,;, i'- i ..lU'd lli'.iii l)\' our j) I (.-(.lice, ;J)aii(l( II lii'ii! i.i tiA-i; !(.', li:t\;UL:,- (.'xli:!!!-!! tl thnr c-ciiMt i \ , a "id i ^ ; ii>i .1 tiitiii to \\\v e'ha^t isciiKii t di' an iiaitati'd r.a-'cr. ll'iw Ir.iVc \()u Inlhci'n Incn wa.LU 4' n. :ii a Lia !!!! iJiaMiapai tc: P.N' c \ : :ai;-.t hil; \{-)i:i ! ; > \M!r\ , ;al diM'cui a'jaii-- cvc H \(i!i- own jHOj''.' b\ I ( -i' ^ai iMii^ ;iiri; I al fa diiia'% \' a: llattcT \()i '.;-( '.w- \ I ai are nial-.iii^a 'juait I'xcM 'nn, I'iaa;u-c hum n ;n!^ :. t la i :i,i ai- lU i.I ; i)iif w li:i;a d(.';d)! Ic-^, Niaiaic accxa'dinu' in tia'>, do \ on !lir!iai\- ad'vaira-a lau' :;uli t()\ra!(K liiintni;j,' tlic j)i)\\'jr "f J'iii'ata u incii. i!"'>iin"(.atal !'.) :ua'juirr -tr('r:'j;ili in the ran d in uiraa" it lia^ donr, w ',!! ^liakc Noni rni;aia, to it > :\\ Joandat a '11 ' luit \a)n inniaanc tli i \'ai air - tlr a" 'aaraa a; c \ cm ^o - \ mm ll:.\a'. i a. ;!a(.a', 'lia!- aL;c d 1 !'a in :: a la !o \ oni c ,;>' ^. aa- 1 ..'.!.. -; I ( . ,.ial c >- naaU -' \', i a\'. J'T. in a T' ^ d i na I a ! to I n I ' ; ! \ o 1 1 - \ 1 1 n a, . : d ' ; 1 a .^ a ; " ^ a ' - . av aiiia 1 ." 'L to ;,i> ir-> , ^ ol scan: i. 'a .nal ',.> o! a( 1 laa. .d ] a apaiai" .^ a,- ; ia ai' h - t !;n a! -> 'at \ ( Ml he' f\ ( da' t o! in', d In nina ,[{'. >a. !)a-- \anana lii^ ni:an-;, :a.a! u '>.'.^r\ \nn: o\.a', ' a-tta \ ' I ia\ (.' \a)n la^f In and la in I ar ,a -' ! , ;' 1 !:(' Ad: ,a ai; \a l iiat i lie ddaiu: s oi' i . . , a ) ca na ' ais na\'\' art; na.aa^^ ni . ' a a 1 ( a. s; \ t \ - a ^nr > a! ' ; i , t : ^ -- aai .na; ai a' ad I i ic i a'. - a. ; i 254 MR. HUTGllINSOX. most of the ports of EiiropCj it would be ' idle to question his ca])ability of rendering himself formidable as a naval power?' You have fre- quently experienced thcgallantry of the seamen of HoUand, France, and Spain, to whom those of Sweden and Denmark do not yield those of Genoa and Venice have also had their day; why not again? Greece and her islands have hitherto furnished abundance of seamen to the fleets of Turkey and Russia. All, or the greater part of these countries, arc under the absolute control of J^uonaparte." Januarys, IS 12. In the Debate on the report of the Address. " It was a fact which it was impossible to conceal or disguise, that the enemy had hitherto attempted nothing in which he had not com- pletely succeeded." Julij 1(1, ISl'J. In tlw DehiiU' on tlic motion for a Bill for the Freseriatlou (f ilie Fuhlic Peace. " Every evil under wluch the countr\' was now ;:ih(Mnii]o-. inii^ht be traced to that fatal system of MR. IIL ICi; 1 NM)N . 'llu p'i'iii V \>, liich had Ik. '11 inaiiitaii!; t! u.y tl.i' la-L t\'ciit\ Nf.^i^. '1 () alter tliat >\^tLiu. a.iid ua iir to ratiiral!) MiUiu! jTincijili ^ (/t ( i()\ c i mia, m. w :^^, 111 lli^ c'^t inailM '11, the 1)(.'.i'l iiuaii-^ (j1 ail,i\ iivj,' the (h^( nn;ciit>, ])\ i\iii()\ iiig t)r allc\aa! 1!!l;' the cli^- ties^cs ot' the people." Ji.'t/ Ji. 1-1J,_/. //., I), I, lie r-r/ M. Sii,:uUiu'<; nn.i'a^n ' 'j'he\' iiui'-t he ^reatlv i^-noiaiit. indeed, ot' the leal dauL^'ei to whieh Kii^^ia wa^ e\];o^ cd, u' the\ ' . . ' eoiiM eodp. m]>,ate liic j)U-ent >it;iatioii (,i Um' eiiijure w.tii an\ other -eiit imeMt^ lliaii tho>e ioii, and alai in. lie w as .iii \(,a^ til a\o',\ th.il 11" liii-sian ,-uh)', ct (oidd teel n.oic luti n's!ed 111 e\eiy tlnnu' eonneeted with tht wellaie of that great eii'ijiiie th.iii hinistit ; r.o: irajie de.^; rolls lor a su c (.'(.- st id teiiiiaial.oii of t he luineir.lous content in w Iweh she w ^s ri:!j,a_;ed lie iKid not the snmlK'-^t donhl tiiat hrr hi/.\, troops wonld ei'iitinne to sn^lam the Ioik ni ..lid ultjiA ol lua' ai Ills ; tli.U with \s h.il( \ a i d lii eaitus the\ iiii:j,-ht ha\e to sfiuLiuIe. tlic\ would n' I tail It. e\ mec their wonted palaai.e, i! -e - 256 AlU. HUTCillNSOv, plinc, and courage: be repeated that iie wibhed them success from his lieart, tlioughhc trembled for the result of the contest.'' '' No doubt, Russia had sufficient provocation for making war, but she declared it too late, and, in a tone ill-suited to her situation ; untauglit, indeed, by experience, nmst be those M'ho could await the issue with any other than the most fearful anxiety." " Finding Russia engaged in a war with France, we should no doubt be disposed to afford her assistance; but he begged to remind Ministers of the fate of the late King of Sweden, who ])t)Nsil)ly lost his crown in consequence of our li:i\i:)g furnished him with the means of persever- ing in a mad, une(|ual; contest. What had been Buonaparte's exertions ? We recollected his past achievements. Let us look to the magnificent military spectacle which he now presented to the view of astonished and degraded Eurojjc. He, at least, foresaw his difiicuitics, and ably ])rej)ared to jncet them. W'c seemed to have made aUiance Vvitli falseliood ajid foiiy, and to I'C bhnd to the dano'crs which ('\cn awaited ourselves, Wiiat Vv\MX' our objections to ticat now with Buouaparic - By tlie treaty of jViuiens we had abandoiu'd tl;;' Bomooii;;, ;iii(i recoinii^cil him head ol' tiiv' r'rcncii (iovei ^iinent. \v ; s it his title to the tlijone oi' France; 1\ j c'-Ujuerur had MR, HUTCHINSON' fvcr t>t;il)li^hed a better, (^r to all appearance, a iiioic secure one. He per<'ei\(.'(l that tlii> seiiti- nieiit was not popular in the ilo'.i^e, vet he rejjeated it, and would add, that he knew n) C'Mupiercjr ot" aneiiMit or nioderji tin;e>, \\'\\() had less exerted the L;-reat pow er he poed in the eo!nini^>ion of individual acts ot' oj)pre>^ion than had Huonaparte. J lere, aL::aiii, he t'-amd hin'.Sv'li intenujUed bv svniptoms oi" di^nlca-ure. but he would abide In- u hat hi' it id -.uid. A>; a eon- (jueror. the L,n'eatest e\ai known, he had, dnubt- ie->., to an-wer foi niueh (Hitrage and mi>erv ; to C'MKjuer, iinj)lied tlu'se and they niu^t be in pro- portion to the extent u''h eonipieits ' What ndl'.ions bletl, th.at Ca^^ar iniu,ht be i^reat !' Did ne I'oiLret ouro\^n eonduct in tiie iMstein woild ali>ne, when we liui-. ! *'u!!\ air.i:;4-iieil tluit of JJuonajjarte in luiiop.'- \\kM(- wr nidisjMi-rd to pruee tmiu tlie (kji^iriN .ip.d (hlih'aitu'-, in Wiiieli we r(jn.^;(ieied hnn at ]ia-.'ui ir.voUed in the north ? 'i'he\" were, iiid; etk ui'cat, hut it was to be t'eaied, n(Jt too i;!ea' ;()rli!:n to o\'ercoii:e- Was It hi:^ hauL:;htine-s t" ilie po\u is ol' the en n- t nent that displeased u-. : liad we, indeed, '("> h';irn, tiiat this (K nieanoiii' was. unicrtur elv, the too natui'.d. !iowe\c:" (jlteiiMxe, eor.c innitaiit ot' j)rospcritN-, unhnundcd as i.ad been hith. ito iha! ot this e\tr,.>adii,ai'v man - ()i we:e welor '111' orotue'tion ^t' thi:> conle-i. ni the \ .iin hope 258 MR. HUTCHINSON. of thus being able to prevent France from pos- sessing a navy ? Look to the map 1 Wert we for perpetual war, confidently relying upon our own resources, and tlie exertions we were mak- ing r Was it upon the numbers we brought into the field, that we relied? Look to their amount, and consult their distinguished and noble leader, as to their sufficiency for this ter- rible conflict, in which, howx:ver paradoxical it might appear, defeat seemed little to weaken the enemy, or the most brilliant victories to advance the cause of the Allies/' ( 2Jl) } VISCOLNT JOCEI.VN. . '.'('irv 7) 1 '^1 -' ^^" >iioviii^; ati (imcnclmint to ihr .IJiircss pn'postd hij Str Frnmis linnUtl. " liiE French Ikuc kiiullcd a IIiiik' in Spain, which they never can cxtingiii^l), lhe\ have iai>)e(I uj) a sjjii'it au-ain^f ihi'Mi-e Iw -, w lii(-!i they nes'er can ^nh(hic ; and wliatcNar n!,.\ he the '.'jiininn^ ot' Hon. Menihc.^ wilii icL^aid to the !'>hc_\ ot' the S|)ani:5h c.ui^e, whatevei- miv be the ^'cni'ial sentiment on t!ie suhjcct, it ahva\s n)n>t h(^ a proud ^en^ation to the iK'al't^ ot' the Ihitish pco])le, that Spain, goaih-d h\- insults, assailed hy treachery, and ahnost o\'ei\'onie by ])o\\cr, tound^ m thearuisot the ]h!ii>ii Uiitionj a ciiamfjiou tor lier t !(. edoiu, an a\"en'_;,er t't>r her m^uit^, and an udxocate lor her cau^e. Her a:in;c>, it i> tine, havt- \)cc\\ repuhech and >till n)a\ he .i::ain nwacoinc h\- the bet ter di^cij)hntal t!oo])^ ot I'rancc, her ardour nia\' for a nunu-nt be appaUed hythe vic'toi ie^ of her enemies ; but i trust there cannot he found an\ man able to per.-^uade the Ihitish naliiMi. that the Spanish people, I'ormcd in tlic -ame mould, ami spnuiL!," t'lom tlic ^ame ^toch as those heroes who bled at S;'.ra'j'oss;i and Cii'rona, can be tiaiiors to that jied eau-e ol' hbert\ and mdi'pendei:ce w inch \ I'.avc so 'lorieaisl\- eud)raced." ( 260 ) MR. LAM BE. February 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Thomas Turton's motion for a Committee on the State of the Naiion. " He entertained no wish to hold a despond- ing tone, or to think meanly of" the public jesourceSj but he could not perceive how acced- ing to the present motion, would be any con- fession of weakness, or betra^^ any marks of pusillanimity." *' If any combination of circumstances could be imagined to create a necessity on the part of the House for entering into a grave considera- tion of the condition of the country, such a necessity did now exist. To every other motive was to be added the consideration, that the country was now governed by a divided, dis- tracted, and inefiicient administration ; that Ministry had recently lost the talents of Mar- quis Wellesley ; and he was sure, that w hatever difference of opinion might subsist upon some of his measures, no man ^vouId deny to him the reputation of an enlarged and statesman-like capacity. lie thought, therefore, that the Minis- try had lost much of their strength by the seces- :.i i:. i.AM u} . i:6i ^MiiP .t' ti,c N( blc Mar(iui>, and was !)r>; k'-^, i athcr w i'>.'u. iu-'l In tile a('cc^-,iiii) i>\' ilk' Xnhu- J/nd ( ( ':'.stlc!r;iLcii). { /jn/J cri<.< cf' /war, //cur ! ) lie jiR'ant wo {)cr>i()nal ciiMC>j-cct ; bat trtjin a review" of t!ie })a-t (-ondiict of t!:e Xoble Lord, tbe eomitiy could not form anv tivourablc aiimiis' oi lutiirc triuinpli ai;d successes, and aiLijouij^h hv did not ah.aibe all tlie calainilous e\ents of ti;c !::iK--i to iii> colidact. be did t!::idv tlicN' b.ud h\ ;i 'ji (,;' ' '.- ;:_"'r,i'. .itcd b\ it." ( 262 ) MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE. February' 22, 1810. In the Debate on th-j Convcntitm icith Portugal. " Were they, after the melancholy experience they had already felt, again to expose the army to new disasters, while yet mourning the twelve thousand already lost? Were the remaining resources of the country to be entrusted to those who had wasted the former, and who now unblushingly called lor renewed confidence ? It was always bad policy to become principals in a continental war, and such we should be if the proposed force was to be kept up in Por- tugal." *' After our recent and severe losses, it was a question, if humanity, policy, safety, and future existence, would justiiV sucli an appro- priation of our army, when nc: a single Minister dared to say he tliought ihe measure would be ultimatelv trowned with success.'" .MARQUrS OF LAN^DOWNK ^65 tlw (.v.niiKU'j,!! i i SjKiiit. * I iihke tiK' (-oii(|iicror i)i" ilic t.\>nt iii'.'nt, who had uainccl cvcrv tliiiiLi; b\' coiK'iiilialini;- hi'^ tbrcc-^. and (hrcct mil;,- them to one (jhjcct at a time; our M iii'iNL, r:,^ in their vi^'our. would j)i()- M'eiiU' i\ei\ (>l)ii.'ct at lie >ame tiiiK', a.iid the ' \ant I. ad >!ie'\vn tlie \^ i-.dom (!' tiinr J)ohe^." ' No --iiree:'-. eould \)C expected m Sj)a-;n, liiidei siieii a ( io\'eriimeiit, or with an ar;ii\- m) C"ii^titiite;l. and so eommanded ; or in a cai'i> |)ai;^ii w here it was known MippUes couhl not he j)i-oeured to enahle the armv to aet. .Mini^tei.-i inu^t li.ive i^iio\\-n th;it no eh:;m;a' had taken |)ki( e ^mee l]\r \)]'Ci\-d:\\'j; \ ear, t< 1 Wcuaant tlimi in li^kiiiL;- the Tale of ar.otlicr arm\ on the ^ame <4i oil nd w Inch had [e;M\cd -^o ('.-J mu'.m. ^ to t lie U'a l.iiil Sir John ,\h;iiu- .^id hi,> arm\ ; ami without j)i-o\ ithnu' IT i"iiki;;-- to t lie lutui e, < t heiuLi,' warneil 1>^ ' ht' k.-iic!-, 'f' ti'.epa^t. U'a ; had [dun^'ed lieadloii;;' m to tia'->ame tl,'.n-er, :\\:^[ expel le need ^till L!;i'eaU r m;>t(a'I mm-, i i:c ! 1 .i\ ^. h)i '!( and lii> eninp:;!!;' '11^ in l;1"1 \', !;.!: 1.1 li i'> * Milacad their d\ iiiL;- mo.ni'uU wil li t',; iiai- mil- lion, that, tlmii-ii lr-\ ft, 11 -a a if.o. -, !. i'.-. . :-in;l>^ and ii:-,i:i,te;I\- > [' M:n; -: ^ tli'ai l';.\ \' .: e \v< [.]'[ i-; - ,. (w ful a ". .1: mn::' and 254 MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNi inculcate so useful a lesson, tliat no future Bn- tish General or soldier should be sent to perish in so unwise an attempt., founded on a trust in Spanish co-operation. Ijur, alas! even in the very next year after they died, Ministers, as precipitate and rash as before, again m'ouIu tiy the same experiment. With tlieni, dream after dream ensued, and every dream endtd in bitter disappointment, till the world rang with the vain sound." *' He did cherish the hope, and would cherish it to the last, that if ever Europe was saved, tlfis country would be an important agent in tliat great event. But it could never be accomplished by rash expeditions like these, without consulting the means of our Allies, and destroying our own force, by dividing it on different hazards. The desirable object was only to be achieved l>v a prudent use of the resources with which pro- vidence had blessed us. Such was not the use made by his Majesty's present Counsellors, and it was important that their Lordships shoultl he convinced of this, from the insufficiency of what they had already attempted." ( '^^>-' ) EARL OF LAUDERDALE. Ju^ic -^'J, l^i;^. //; tin' Ddxite cnt;nicnt he liad ulteiecL" ' He i'elt t!i:it tlic I'xecutivc (Jovcmnient \ his Xohle I'liend, had I'nahled tiie iiiii |- ot' IVanci' tu make tho^e t^aeaL .md NU(l(^^tul ( \(. I'tions t'M ;i n'ori' vilimiou^ pro- .>ecuti<'ii (tu//, which wcu'.kl iKi\C(!(iiu" iioiiour to llit: iiio.^t l;,Io- j'iou>i {)ci ;- .!> oi' lhi;r ln^LWi^, and whirh, y^Ci- liaps, U'c ic :: it to he cxj'crted under ti;c prc^- .^uic of -^i'.!:! Innriuhdjlc dit'licuiti'j.-. Surh a scene, c'\('i\ nnn iii liiat liou^e. ewiy man :n the i/oimti \", nui^: 'i;..i \\i'.ii liie h\a-'ie^t -a!:>!,ie- t:i)n; ;ind w ii.tt t vc r\' l;i n. i "U-^ he.ii t nni-t \\i-^!i shouUl he (L'lie in -upn ort (-1 -i<> u'Ii/Im 'M^ ; e.ui-e, his Maie>l\ '-. M:l::^tl :^. \^ idd I'l t 1 : t th( ir de ; \ lo do. With i< <4anl to \*h:!t intir'm..! : )n tiu". !i;ui reeeivecl ot the deSi^ai-^ or the i.oi (. > ni thi'-r hrave and ]\sohite niei', \* ho, n; di. !t-nee o.' I hiii eountr\'.> indej)eiuU'nee, wire ':\jo-;!v^- !!.,;; -eha'> toeNciv th.iiL;' \",hiieh a ]()\v *, : '. "e'l a-ni ^ .n LonnaiA' t\ i:'.nt eou!d de\'iM' and lo'hv:'.. :: C' .. .1 not heixpeeted \\c -I,Muid ni w iriii 'd '. Ih- Majc-it \ '>) Mmi-tej-. w i-n ['M\ -c-.-dle o! t;:e 20s EARL OF ilVKUPOOr,, extreme importance of tliis event; and he tiustefl they would be found to have acted accord- iuglj." January 1 0, 1 S09. In the Debate on the /iddrcos. ** With regard to the affairs of Spain, the address only went to give his Majesty a general assurance of support in maintaining the cause of that nation as long as they proved true to them- selves. In what way this support had been givTn, or how it ^vas to he in future adminis- tered, would he a suhjectof distinct and detailed consideration ; nor w^ould the House, by now- agreeing to the address, pledge themselves to approve of those particular engagements which had been contracted. All that they were now called upon to do was, to record a public avowal of their determination not to desert that cause which the government and the country had es- poused, and that they would not he so f^ir dis- mayed by those reverses which had been expe- rienced, and which were from the beii'innimj: to be expected, as to renounce that system of sup- port to which both his A[;!Ji st}' and the nation were most solemrdy ])lc'.]gcd, and in which it was, in consequence of llice reverses, cvcu be- come a more sacred duty to persevere. Hose f .\ iir. oi I I Viiu-ooi . -)9 will) iiitcneil tluit the cau-c w:^ (Ic-ju'i.itc, ricni tho-c ilisa^trrs which had ah'rady h>ij)N(. i;rc!, ;ia- ^(.IUcl upon a inost contKictid and nrj^iilcrl NK'W of tlic rchitiw situation ot ihc pailu-> cu- LTamd in the C(Mltt.^t ; and iic mtiaaud thii.v^c w ho were inclined to despond, hclnre tliey ij;ave way to their t'ear>. to con>uh tiic iccoitls (4 hi>- tor\ . and to icxiew tho>e ll'.^tanc^'^ ol nation> \\ iio had bet n compelled to strnixi^le tor their iii- lupeiidence, :n cIrenIn^tane in wli.eli tlie S[)ai:l;irds were nc)U' j)lace(l. Tlu-ie ;t wonld be loiiiuh that nation^, atter niaintain- hil; strnL:-'j;leb tor ten or twentv \ears, in the course of which thev had jieen ahno:^t nnitorndv >\orsted in brittle, h.ad e\ entuaiiy >ucceede(K m >pite ol" the ti!M!r.[irs of their ad\a. i ^aries, ni .>ecurini^ the oiiei't toi' w hit-h tluv contended. Il wa^ (littieidt to cor.eci\'e an\- -ituation u he/h \\ (/ulilbt. tti. r Wii lant hopt> ot' nllnnati' miccc , than that c)}'Sp;i;ii at ihi^ ddv. '1 ia- ptnplc \ei-rr i.iiiani:r.(;u^ m tlu-ir re>Ktanee to the ;n\-a(!(r; and It w ,15 the only inst.mee since the I'lerich re\ohituin, ni winch a whole pc^'jile had talaii up ai!n> m thii; ()\\n deUnce. The tenitor\- o; Spain was as laiLi.e as that of Fiance within ;t> ancient inhits. und tiu* C()untr\- possc ^ud ni;:!;;' hic;d ad\;int:iL:,c s \ehich \\ ere cxii enu 1\- ta\ ( ii:- ahle lo i;> uctencc- ; advantai;(.>, tlic \a';ue ot AcliK-h the Sjtaulsh Instoiy in t'oi r.u r times oii;^ht S:70 EARL OF LIVERPOOL. to teach us duly to appreciate. The Noble Lord (Lord Grenville) iiiight, indeed, say, that if their advantages, both physical and moral, were so great, the Spaniards ought to be left to themselves. Ought we, then, to risk nothing where so much was at stake ? The success of the enemy had, in many cases, been nearly in pro- portion to his risk ; and because he had gained a great deal by risking much, where we had much to gain, ought we to risk nothing ? The cause in itself was most interestino- to the best feel- ings of the human mind ; it offered the last chance of salvation to the continent of Europe ; and taken in a more contracted and selfish point of view, our own immediate security was in some measure invob.ed in its fate. He asked, then, if nothing was to be risked in support of .1 generous ally if nothing was to be risked for the re-establishment of the general tranquillity ; in fine, if nothing was to be risked for our own safety and independence r" Jpril 21, 1809. In Reply io Eurl Grey's Speech on 7iioving an yiddress on the Campaign in Spain aiid Portugal. " The Noble Earl (p],arl Grey) had censured liis Majesty's Government for precipitation ; he EAKL or i.ivrr.pooi . 271 ]\:\d (!cr!:ii; ' .1 to Ix.' his <'j.iiri> ottiic L.iU^< oj j)ati:ij: >^,i; iw >;i.. u. i.iL'ioiC tlll'N' fjfli'U'il IIr S|)aillli(U .:^-! 'iillt i". I'lus was a nio-5t rxlraouliii.u \ (ipiiimii. W ihit.! when the tV-clin;^ n[ ic'-^i^taiicc ami < ij)jirc--u)ii was ^() >trono- and so i^aiicia! 1:1 >jiaiii. would i' ha\c lic(n lioiiourahlc to \\\c nri;>li rii..; .k tci', had hi^ AI iic-^t\'> ip.iiii'>tri> told t;,c L!.ai!;i;iL Sj)aii;ai>L ill '.'.aiii (it l^ wi.ili' N'o.ii ri!i.it>aL 'jiiKiiirijiatioii i'W 111 iiit'.!i!c\ ; h'li w r wili drier our ;isNi^tai!cc uiinl \ (.u ;: 1 ' in lull >t la hl;; Ij, and need it Hot:' Had >>U( h hvLii ihr !:i:iLii: ',;;c laid Ijy ins Alajcsix's niiiii^.tca >. thi.\- would ha\(' 111- ci\fd ihc 1 cj)io!jai lou (.,[' c\u\ man in the Count rv, ' " Al'ui' Sir John Moon: h.:id c-onu- io ;i dclci- niniation of natrchni^L; into Span:, thiow,;'!! I'or- tULi,ad. iu' \va)n.d a>k l\\c NoliU- I'.ail how, in liis w;^(h)ni. \\c woidt impo! tanee to tiie (-au^e ot Sjair. atter ha\ n^.g elleetcd that oh'n'ct, lu' wouid a-i^, ^\(>uld it have heen ad\nsabU- to Kt tlie aini\ it- main in inai'ti\ ity, or to send them \rhcK iio- l\\i]\'j eouM be tlonc r Or w a^ it not lather the 273 KAHL OP LIVERPOOL. iiiipeiioiis fluty of tliose to wliom the power and the wishes of the country in that cause were at that time entrusted, to make an effort in Spain, for the cause in wjjich the hest feehngs of Englishmen were so deeply interested ? Would it he asked, have been an adequate and suitable evidence of the zeal and ardour that prevailed throughout the empire, to have suffered so fme an army to remain patient spectators, while their ally was bleevling in the cause they had been sent out to assist? Not that he meant that ministers at such a period were to yield im- plicitly to the cry of popular enthusiasm. He Mas aware, that sucli an enthusiasm called for a proportionate exercise of the coolest deliberation, and the most dispassionate judgment. And here he could not help animadverting on that part of the speech of the Noble Earl in which he in- sinuated, that that enthusiasm had been indus- triously stimulated by the government. lie for his part, knew of no stimulus greater than the common sympathy of freemen in the cause of freedom, lie was aware too of the indigna- tion such a sympathy was calculated to excite, m contemplating an usurpation as tyrannical in the design, as it was perlidious in the execu- tion. But he denied, that those feelings to any criminal excess were allowed to bias the cooler iud^ment of the government of the country, in KAHl. OF MVriil>(J01. iTJ lU'ciiiinij; on the I)c.->t and l^(>^L ctl'uMi uni^ iiian- iu'i I'l tli^posiiii;" <>t" our niilit.ai"\- imaii^ in mii'Iji;! L t't till.- Spani-h caii^c. Ili-^ MajcsU 's nlill;^tcl- ! ( mharkini; in that cause, wcic nui >-) wt-ak. (I Hn[)i<)\ ulcnt, ^o foolish, as to expect that tlie 111 -t etlorts of the S[)ani>h pcDple. coniendin^ With ^uell an eneinv. wnuM he eiowr.ni v.itii uncjuahtit'd -lua'e-^; that no di^ennititure^, n(j ch.L'ek-^, no (h^a-ter-, no irscr-c.-. would retard ad einhaiia^-> the eail\ and laiidv' 'ij)cialain> oi 'u;i(h-ei[dnied !iia\'ei\\ w lien hioULiht iio\ui into ' '[)'. 11 pkiniSjtoecjntend w itii ihesuperioidiM ij>hne. the bU[)er]or itrength, and the ^upoi ;oi- Lieneiai- -.hip ot "^ueh a power a^ I'ranee. Xo. \\\ak a- fhe Xohie laiil might, suppose niini^ter^, the\ wire not \et guilty ot' eahLdalniL:; with (a'itainl\ pMii unjio.>,bd)d ilie^. '1"1k'\- {\.i\ not e\[)cet tliat -uch a eau^e a-- th;' eau-e oi Spam, to hi.' tou^lit \f\ \v\\h ^u^h an tai; inx' as the itulrr ol' I'lanei*. .(I po--d)i\ h( lit li'i inmi'd m m^- ea.mp.iign." ' I niaiiii i!n, '^ ha!<'\ er ina\' \jc the linal lesuh* vU ih;- t(Mit('->t in w hi( h we a:e rm^-a^aah I'laiie'v' ha- 11';' \ c t Miia a II k'd m nu hd uing Spam. I afhmi it. Ijiionap:;; le has 'iOO.OuO im.ai iii t iiat ci aiiiti v ; liiaf li!^ tio'ip-. air ot' tilt' hr,i\e-.t,, and in- -aiie- raN anioii^- tiii' mo-l ^i^iilul in tiic wuiM; aiai ahove all. tliat lie lla^ hi. i n iiiin^; 1 t'at iIa ii In >.i , ' \ I l w ilh all t h;v, lie lia- n^t <',wt j. ' -i - a :: ; r K-\ I itni_\ than h.r laid laM \ r.a < >:i l\.< I 274 EAllL OF LIVERPOOL. contrary, he only holds such parts as in every war fall to the lot oF whatever power brings the largest army into the field. Even by the last accounts, he had gained no fresh advan- tages. I well remember what was said a year ago, that either Buonaparte must wholly suc- ceed, or wholly fail ; for that partial successes would never answer his purpose. What then is the fact? He has had partial success; and, not- withstanding, he has not yet got into his pos- session more than half of Spain; and the people l.avc evinced a spirit that may be truly called per- severing. I am far from saying, regard being had to the man and the circumstances of the case, that the Spaniards must ultimately succeed; but at the same time, looking at the spirit they have manifested, and at the actions that have liappened (particularly the defence of Saragossii, so gloriously persevered in), I cannot feel lukewarm in my hope, that their eftbrts will be crowned with nltimate success. When your r.ordsliips consider the great popular revolutions that have occurred, ha\'e they ultimately suc- rerded witliout great vicissitudes? Switzerland and Holland are instances of this; but, above all, America. In that latal contest with America, v/e had gained every battle, we had assailed and taken every town we besieged, until the capture tji" General Burgoyne, and yet the Americans KAKL ny i i\ i.nvouL. 'viitiiiiatrlv siu"cct'c!c(l in flic artiuoiis coiitLbt. Ill tl.e pirsciit iiiij)ort;Liit striig^K-. (Im not the <-\it.iit and nature ot' the rountrv alVoi-.l a h>-|)c' :' -uccc's.-) ' Doc.'i not its popuhit ion fuiiiid dc- sj^aii - 'l\\v Xoh!c Karl concluded li;s >j)l'c( h \si(h a censure on the I'onchict of l)i> ^^,lje^tv\ niinistcrs. The Xo neither do I a[)[)i'o\eof liis (oun^el^. I do not aj)|)r"\'e ot tho^c Mdjlimc oi)(.ralii)n^ m l".Li"\p!, at Miicn'>> A \ res, at Con- tantinojde, and tithei' jdaees, tluit emanated iVoni tlu^ wisdom ot' those witii whom the Xohle Karl hasl)Cin used toact. I'pon the uliole, I liavctiie satisfaction, in connnon with tlie rest of his Ma- iest\'s ixovernnunt, to rellcct, that whate\ei nia\- he the conieijuences ot" the struiXide ue are end)aiked in. we have not lo>t tlie conlidencc ot" the S;)ani^h [)(o]de; we know, that evei} true S[)aid->h heai t heats hii;h for thi>countiy; wc kno\e, that w liat( \'er may happen, tliey u ill not aeiaisc us. Suhmi^sion nKi\' he the lot they ;ire. fated to (luiurc in the end; l)ut tlie\ do not im- pute to u> the eauic ot" their mist'ortiines. They are >enMhle, that neither the thir.^t at'ler com- merce, nor teiiitor\-, nor si'curitv, is to he iiu- outed to u^j in tiie assistance we lui^e atioi ded ' tliem on t hi , nio>t important occasion. ^\ hat- \ei ina\ \)c tlie icsnlt, we ha\e ch^ne oui diit} , ^'" ha\e ni;t des[)aired; we have perse\ eicd , and 1 'i 276 EARL OF LIVERPOOLc will do SO to the last, while there is anything left to contend for with a prospect of success.'* January 26th, 1810. On moving the Thanks of the House to Lord Welllngion, for the Victory of Talaccra. " It is of the last importance that such victo- ries as that of Talavera sliould he rewarded by every tribute of honour and praise this House can bestow. If we refuse to reward the vahant deeds of our army, by every approbation we can confer, we take from them ever}' incitement to valour; we deprive them of those laurels which constitute the soldier's honour, and his fame; which lie thirsts after, not only for him- self, but because he knows they will be handed down with derivative value to his descendants. It is for this, that he devotes his life to his country's good; and if you refuse such a tribute to the transcendant merits of the survivors, and the glorious memory of the slain, you will act unjustly to the aimy, and disrespectfully to the devotion of those who are dead. In the exist- ing sliite of tlie Continent of Europe, it becomes us more especial 'y to consider the interest, to aninuite the courage, and to reward the services of cur army. l''raiice was under the old go- r.ARL 01 IIVI KPOOI,, \riniiicnt a grc;it military ])t)\\ci'; hut \vc sec I CI' a stiil move loi inidablc one in llii' j)ri>cut (lay. I'ndcr the inonarchv, not only tlu- mili- tary, l)iit <.'\-cry other protes^ion, \va-> eniinentl\- encouraged ; hut the revolution, which has clianged other estcd)li>hnients, lias altered the whole system of oUi I'ranee. and saciiliced c\ery thing to the interest ot" the arnu'. I'iie pro- te^Nion ot" the \a\v has heen de>tro\ed; that of tile cliurcii has heen (Acrturned; commerce and trade arc' little attended to, and noihing is coun- tenanced with honour or respect, exccjU the piotession of arms. Xo stronger inducement tlian the consideration of the effects of such a system can intlucnce vour L(>rdshi])S to luia- niniity. \\']ien the encm\' cndea\-our-5 to traduce our nati(nal character in cver\- other instance, tins is tlic tiieme ot" hi> oi,ten>dde uivect ivc, and il!^ leal prai>e. \\ c know he ha-, pronounced us a nation of ^hopkccpcrN. It has heen the good tortune of (neat Ih itain to unite a militarv sjnrit with our commercial [nii>uitN, and everv en- couragement i^ due btill turthcr to promote thi^ s{)irit." I'cb.iiaiij 22, I'-'IO.- /*; ''])'' ' I' I ' -J "le hi the Deua:e on itie Cunvention wuh i-'oiiiigao. " The motion of tlic Nt)lle Lord (Lord (Jren- ville") uci.t not only ro the lci.si.'l' ''-r removing min),>'^trs, i)ut even of obliging th..- country to abandon Portugal. What else was the meaning of those arguments tlieir Lordships bad just heard? What else was the meaning of that (ippeal, of ihat dangerous and impolitic appeal to tlic j)assions of tl:ic people, by dis})lciying to tliem, in aggravating colours, the losses, the burthens, they were called on io support^ lie would not deny, that in the coarse of the last sevcntceii years, circumstances had occurred, Avhich rendered an iuipiicit adherence to the generally received and cstcd)iished principles of our national policy, a question of great difficult3\ But nothing had arisen whicl), as far as legarded the ancient connection between this country and Portugal, would, in his aj)prchension, justify a aiuUlen departure from that line of conduct vvliich we liad observed for a century and a half towards that power. He considered it impos- sible that any Noble Lord, who impartially con- sidercd the circumstances under which the war btgan in the Peninsula, should not cordially ap- tARL OF I.IVi;UPOO[ 'J71J !):o\c of the pronijU and acti\e asNistaiuc that IkuI 1)(.'<.ii L;iwii by lus Majf^ty's l^ox tTniiiciil t>))ain and Portugal. Tlie feelings undn whuli the uar cinmenced there, I'ornied a gloiioiis ex cepiion to those that pervaded all the othei nations ot' the Continent. Spain v a> tiie !i;st country that tuinishcd an inst.iuee ot' a gcntial rising ot" its jiopulation, against the in\ a^!on and u>urpation ot" tlie Kider ot' Franee. The Fiench m other couiiti ie> had to contend with great and niuneKnis armies ; hut the moment tliey \\ ereo\"er- ^^hehned, the countries were concjuered. '1 ho people were every u here neutral, and unitorndy lemained tame spectators ofthe contest that was to decide their late. Jjut in Spain, there was the h()j)e ot' the support ot' a whole armed j^opu- latinn; a hojic winch was not deceived in the couise ot" two campaigns, l"ought under everv eircuui>tance ot" achcr^ity and disadvantage, rnc state ot" the country, too, was t'avouiable to the ex[)Cctations of tliat succcvs which the Xohle Baron had so confidcntK pronounced to he unattainable trom the lirst. It contained mure strength of military position than anv c/uinti\ in Europe. Besides, the state of manners, .so- ciety, antl morals, within the Penin>ula, held t"ortli the most sanguine })rospect ot" ag(.ie:al and obstinate resistance." "' It' the Xuhle Barcni was not uu hnctl to eon- 280 EARL OF LIVERPOOL. cur in the principle of the measure, let him declare it; not by a side wind, not by an indi- rect attack on ministers, but by an immediate and explicit motion to v ithdraw the army from Portugal. If the defence of that country was of that hopeless and desperate nature that the Noble Baron conceived it, tlie sooner the army was withdrawn, the better. The Noble Baron had talked as if war had not its chances and reverses, as if the risks in military operations were not always proportioned to the magnitude of the object; and had triumphantly asked, ' What had they gained in the Peninsula.-' What had they gained ! Why, they had gained the hearts and affections of the whole popu- lation of Spain and Portugal they had gained that of which no triumphs, no successes of the enemy, could deprive them. In Portugal, such was the affection of the inhabitants, that there was not a want of a British soldier that was not instantly and cheerfully supplied. Look to Spain. What was the feeling of the people of Spain, even iu that awful moment of iiatinnul convulsion and existing revolution? It was that of the most comj)lete deference to the British minister and government; and so perfect was their confuiencc in both, that they placed their fleet under the orders of the British Admiral. Would a cold, cautious, and phlegma- i..\ ILL '1 IIS 1. 1.l'i Mil . tj C^ I j.iMdl^ol MllljOllUticd (-' 'I'i'.i l'.;.C'' .' \\iM,:(i ii:(!il- t^'i lu'i,' li;i\ (.' pi'o'hii'fd t!i'.-i' - 1 1 1 Ml": .ii.ii -L'lU'.l jiM-Ml s (it' ;if]'t\'lii)ii : Wlvilcvc'r !i;i'_;i,l br tin- ; iic of tlk- coiitCNt in >j):ii!i. Im ti.;-- mi:!it;\ W'-aM ;il\\;i">s rc:r.:iin tli;; [,iiur,l -.iti-t .'' i' mi nf ha\;ii:'; (lonrit^ (lii'\-. lie ivi\-\(\, [i.cx v. < ,\\'n\ n(\ii- ahandoii Soum. ^(t I'ln:^- .> ;in\ ho|jc ici: i^ifd I.|):(Uiu|)^ \;';' l,(i!;l!(i, \'\ CNilA M'llllinriil (*t ii' iinr ;ir, (I uoim! ;a;'l:, to Niipji' i! a pri^plt' \', lio iiad L!,'i\'cii |M(;()t ct iioiK .111', (it L;i'<'(i laitli. anddl l)ra\(.'i\-, that had iMt luaai cxccctird l)y v.uy nation that liad cvlv c\i^ted/' ./n,i- \:'., 1-1(1. /;/ ih' Dil.^.i!. rn K,i,l Cr, tu>ii ' \]c unw |ii (uax'dcd ti) s|c:ils on tlif cnvairn- staiicc^ fit' [\ic war. \\ hatc\iT dittticnri' dl' ojHnKHi i'oi-nica l\' (\i^t( d on that suh|rct, \\c l)(.dic:\'('d ih;it anidiiL;- all siJui', latKMial men, hut. hal(J contrariety ' *' Maitnnmi riinanuih W'lu n ])ca(C could he hduonia'. .y aud athaulao-ei ud\ made, il would ceitainly he nio^ I'.li-ahle; hut, tliat that, could nol he etVected at tin i"- .it moment, Pailiament and tlie count ly ue;e juctty -euerallv ^.ali^tlech The Nol'ie L<';d J'.aii (.lev ) 282 EARL OF LIVERPOOL. had counselled the husbanding of their resources and the avoiding of co-operation as much as possible. On this subject, as he had said before, lie wished them fairly to consider the merits of the case, and to decide whether or not such a line of conduct would prove most conducive to the interests of the country. If, by the co-ope- rating system condemned by the Noble Lord, tlicv 2'aincd trade and advantas^es which would be otherwise unattainable, surely, then, it must appear to be a wise policy. He wished to ask the Noble Earl, if^ at the time a spirit mani- fested itself in Spain to resist the foulest and most unprincipled of all usurpations, he had been a Member of his Majesty's Government, whether or not he w^ould then have preached this doctrine, and told the country * we are acting on an economical system, and can give nothing to Spain and Portugal.' The manner in which the war had been conducted had nothing to do with this question. On that sub- ject he would speak presently ; but he wished to ask the Noble Earl, if on that o<^casion he would have reconimcndcd ^ total abstinence from all co-operation "" J-'i^t^ Noble Earl would not, at such -^ -' >sis, have pursued such a line of ^j^,i^^u He dared not do so. The country would not have borne it. The question now was, how far our exertions in the cause of Spain lAiu. 01 r I vriirnoi.. CbJ ;nil PortuLral had l)(.'Cii w Im-Iv iikuK', 'r!ic\nl)!c I.jI li.id hCt t'uiJi the ]!i:(tv-i m^- li]'. ( \p{'(lit'i:'"\ ot w itiidiawin:;' our !o:ct.'^ lioin file- l\ riiir^ul.i. Ill,' i\-a\ not w i:,1i t" J.rcc . \r liy lH)!(.lniL^ ' ''- tno s^ i,..'.i)!v' [o I,.' ;v.di/rd ; but \iC would s'.iS, ii;!.^ it tl.rv weic to withdiaw our tijicc^ tiOi. Mi>>i!'a now, li c;r (-Midacr v^'oijld he uu:\('rsaii , 'ii;.;r.:^(l. He ,; .1^ uiiwilliiij; to ^prak oii ttii^ -ul'n. ' it'cr t'.c clear .ir W'tlh blc\ ;. c\( ;\ wtird ol" wliifh mot \^ilh !iis cntiio apj)robat!oii. He, hov, e\er, wouM say, that tljo ^pi^lt ot' Spiiu stdl rtinuinc'l un-^uh- dLK'(L Sirj still possessed wi'liiu iieiselt the iiu.uis ol' making an cil'eo'ual resistaiiec. He did not mean iu say, that t!ien'-e it nert.^sarily I'oUowech ihat \\vv c'au.M' \rou!(l ultunatclv })c cro\^'ned with sii(ri-,.s. '1 hat niu>t in a L;itat mea>uie depend tjn tlie manner m wh'eh tho>e means were apphed; on theahdit\- and inteL:;ritv ol" those to whom tlic}' \\'ere enti usted ; but it' KuLchind ^'\ er g-ave her as^istanee to a eau^e till she found u Oo\ vv,,,^.,i{ .^\\ viitue and all wis- dom to solic'it it, slie woum ,),(,bably never ha\e au opj)ortunity of so exertini; heis.w yj^^^. ^(ni(r. de of Spain i'or her independeiue had bei .. ,,.,,_ tiaetcd, thi()UL;h the assistanee of (inat Ihilam, for two vears. The cause which >idl animated 284 EARL OF IIVKKPOOL. her sons was not the ciithusiam of success, it proceeded from misfortune, aud was perhaps more to be admired thus arising' from defeat, than if it followed victory. While such a spirit survived, they were bound not to despair, but to cherisl] it, and to strain every nerve in the cause. His noble friend liad said, that though the cause was such as to call forth our assistance from the noblest motives of genero- sity, yet, if it were only considered as a question of dry policy, a sufficient stimulus would remain. While France wanted a formidable navy, Eng- land was free. What sj)ot in the world was there that could afford France such ample means of contestino' the soverei'^-ntv of the seas with us as Spain? Leaving, then, out of their considera- tion the larger question as to restoring the balance of power, it would, from sclfish motives, be our object to fight the cause of Spain for our own sake, for our own security. While this spirit survived, there was, moreover, the chance of new hostility breaking out against France ; but, without any such chance, thev ^cre bound in honour and in policy, to r-^ntmue the contest to the last. If in th-^"^' it should be lost, even in that casp "^ thought the Noble Lord could ]in^-^-7 contend that the struggle had been of no advantage to England, as the lengthened contest, w^eakening and wasting the strength of our iARl. OK M V'l UI'OUI ^.-5.) eiittnv, ir.u>5t luiturallv \ia\c U\c (.llcft ot' iiu'ifaMiiL; llif >cciirit\- ot our (i(Mninii)ii>. IT j)iirsuiii>^ his economical .s\btcni, the Xihh' I'.ail \vouhl toiljcar to iiiakc Mich ctlort^ in a c.ai^c in which Ihit2,hiiiil couhl not Init Iccl so uirat an intcii'st, and expose the counti} to ah the con- secjuent clanger, then woultl his economical .system he the most rninou> and extiava^anl that eouUl he coneeiNed." /'/;/(.;>!/ IJ, 1>11._/,; ^'/, iJJnlli' I'll ll.r Ai'i'ht^ "' Theic v.'as one parauraph ot" th.c spe^'cli. .\.)\\ v\C:x, upon which it would he ncccssaix' lo." I'm to --.^x' a lew \\oi(!>; lie meant tliat wiiich icja'cd to the war m >[.aiii and PoiIul;-i1. II- (ould no; h,i\-e aiiticip itt 1 .iiu ohnction to liic ; lit I rxluct lOii (,; a siih[,\-t. w[)mii which l'ai!;a;ncr; had i(peatc(!l\- jinhjcd a.nd pronomccd it-, decided opinion. It was iut a new piinc;p!e ti.at \va> thiust into the ]icc. h, hut one w Iceli has hccii no\\- liciii 1\- t hiee \ cai s hcloie 'diccoe;: ti\". 'i"lie\- weic n-'l Called upun to cmhnk !i: i i.evv \',ai. l.'Ut to '-ant ;:(=n tlic cont imi.iiice ' ...nir.vnt had c:;j, i ,d v. ltd the advd'c ol 1 ',.: ; e: me;, t . \[ \v i. au.oi' that si;,i(|(_^ ([ cj.die^n ndidil Cxist a> to 'he 286 EARL OF LIVKKPOOL. policy of the war in the Peninsula, in the mode anf^l upon the scale that it was coinlucted ; but he was persuaded, tiiut u, vtry great majority of the people fjf tnis country approved of tlie prin- ciple of g!\iii^;' Spain and Portugal every degree of assistance iliat did not endanger our ti(,.ries- tic saiet}-. This being the sentiment of tlie nation this being a subject upon which the crown had so often committed itself, and com- mitted itself by tlie advice of Parliament, were they, by omitting so iiriportant a topic in the speech, to withhold from their brave and per- severing Allies, the satisfaction of knowing, that it was announced in the speech from the throne that the assistance from which they had derived such very great advantages was to be conti- nued ?'* " The memory of the Noble Baron (Lord Grenville) must be rather short, if he could not recollect that, in one of the discussions which took place in the course of last session, on the affairs of the Peninsula, there were certain Noble Lords who did not hesitate to assert and pledge themselves for the correctness of the assertion, that a very few months would bring home the remains of the British army from Por- tugal. Tin's prediction they founded upon the absolute hopelessness of making effectual head igainst the French ; a hopelessness produced, as FAKL ()> l.l\' fc.Kl'uOl . 287 tiity stated. I)\ the iiiadciiuacN (4' the Diitibli arin\ to niaiiitam the contest, and the iitu-r inMilhiic'iicy tor aiiv great and tr\ini^ mihtary enieigeney of the Poi tii<>;uese levies. '1 lie \>\c- dietion ot" the return ot' th.e Ijiitish tioops had lujt yet hecn t'ullillecL The prechction (;t" the iiisiilticieney ot" the Portuguese troops had been t'ully talsified by tlieir conduct, lie had the tesliinonv of tlie <2;aUant \'iseount who coin- nianded the allied arniv he had the e\ idence ot the ctriinent and meritorious othcer (Mar^hal Jjcrcsiord), under whose more innnechiate care they weie, and to whose .skill, talents, and activity, they owed the pertec-tion of discipline w hich they had atta.ined ; that they were in evt,ry point ([ualified to tight ^ide l)v side with Ihitish trooi's." n\iiii(r nt I'll ro! tu'^ucst' lYoops in liiiti.Ji pav, 'rhe\ had, in this instance, proposed the nlecl^u^c -^nhniiUcd hy the niotiun of his noble friend { MaKjuis WcliCsK'y ;, upon iio s[)t-culati\'e uroniul, hut founded (((leil the expectations even ot' the n:')^L -aiiguiur ; and tar .surpassed an\- caleulat l(ni> in \v liich he iiiniscli" had ventured to indulgt-. A L:88 EAilL OF LiVEllPOOL. to the general pcjlicy of subsidies granted to foreign powers, he had frc(juently before dis- cussed that subject with tlie Noble Baron (Lord Grenville). lie knew tliat it was tlie opinion of many, that they gcueraily tended rather to cramp the energies, tlian to call forth the resources of those states. He was aware that it was a common argurneiit to say, that we did not get the value of our money. But the present was an occasion which couid not be tried by any such princij)le; it was made evident that, in rclurn for tlic expenditure of the sum voted last year, we had succeeded in gaining greater advrintages than were anticipated by any person in the country." ^' He appealcdt to tiie policy of our ancestors, which had always regarded Holland and the Peninsula as those p.irts of Euroj)e with whicli it was essential to our best interests to maintain a close connection. In pursuit of tliis object, thus deenn:d of such importance, the best blood of our country was I;!visi;ed a century ago. That ILjusc had at one pcri')(I c<,;i'e to a solemn resolution, tliat thi-; conijiiy ii(j\cr could make peace with Hifely, so ]>:i- = a^ llic crowns of France ; nd L*)j):iin wCit; nniLod in one fimily. How dillcrcni, and ]\ and iiii[iru(lrnt to Iciid inciii an\' a^^i^taiu'c, w lu'ii il \\a> at th;' -ainr li;iic . !i (d.H'fr I I t:u' \^ i-c>t ji()'iir\' to ])ci-'j\iia- ni > \ ( r\- rfimt [ tn i-t" |>i' u ; a-al)- .M \ . ! !< aoiiii t:;.d it~ ni'.ji >i ta.iaa', luit (<)ii>,diiL(l (.'Xj-'-- lUa.CC a^ it^ i;f-t ti.'^t. Il tlu' 1 1 ! i - c loowrd !).A-k to tile; (.oiniiu'iict'inciit of tin,' conU'St :p. 1 7;;;;. iic l)clic\-cd it would he ini [)()> ;i:'la to nan:c a (.oniuncturc that iU'>aiitcal a laaai' jTo-pi-cl. '1 !/ 'v-ai:.jiaiLiai nt' 1 ^(,), wa^ o\ c i an thiaa ir.o;;t !.> ; oi ..^ ^i.-'an ^ .'A- wa. > to:!ra- !i;tti'd; and ill a. -till -laatoi, tia' rin^-::n 11,' irir, l)\ \'..o- (-\a : ! Ill o\\ n. It l''a'\ '(c.lo'o a ( ;' (!> \-, a- in >:)aa: ,,a.: iVatna a, ; : ' ! ! : aa:.-^c.\ (-. . a t a^- ' ii a o ycu" i 't :o! ..iir, :> ;!'. d ^la-oa' In 1 -Qo. I'l/ I! a^a ua,^ ' d ' !,at it w a- j'l : ',1 o:l\ \ai a ' > > . a: land ..>_;,iaa.-' nowii o! 1 ;:airi ; ;a !">;ii. to's ;aa'd:(a.;ai .- K i.-,.'rd, and, in 1^11, \\a'\ >\\\\ !-'.ad tlu ar.r a-~'. !'aaa>. IIo u.!-, 1 iv.a\,;, 1 -pi'^' l^' ''lit ! :.>:rc v. I-' la a , - aia'c jaMxaina' in "^;> a a 'a an( in\' i;ad v n i.a ta adai! ai t : i- a^ ara c - .-tod aut laji t \a d ;. a it.-'. ago EARL OF LIVERPOOL. compared to any other which tlie French had had to sustain, had heen great, had heen gigan- tic; and he was convinced that the mind of the people was yet unconciuercdj and, he bcheved^ unconquerable. It would be a new^ fact in his- tory, if a nation, ri-iing as Spain had risen, could be overcoir-e." January 7, 1812. In the Debate on the Address, '^ He was i'innly convinced tliat the system tlie Noble Baron (Lord Grcnville) had so mud! condemned, was the only one that savcil o? could have saved this country; to the conti- nuance of that system only, Europe could look for deliverance, and England for permanent i>ai'ety ; in short, by the merits of that system his Lordsliip and his colleagues were determined to stand or fall." March ]('), r:-li*. O/i inovhi'^ cm Address to the Pjciwi l^c-^Lid ri I'dlcv lo the P()rtugU(':^e Sidjsidy. " On siith an occasion, wy Lorrls, I tliink tlicic ca.i l;c but oi.c fcclii;g in tliis liousC; vv'iii^'h is, that as what has l)ccn gi\en to oui PAKT. or MVKRruwI.. '2<} I litiiliriil al!;^.^, who iiavc stooil ^m linnoi!ril)lv .iini '-U'.uliK" \>\ u^ nndcr llu' iiio-il ai(liiou> .lud ('itii u't ciministaiK'c'^. \'. a> an aid not '^i\\\\ m '. .11, lait, Oil I iH- coiitiarN', !::i^ ar.sw ciw! (Nri\' j.iii|'0-.r tliat was cNpcctt'd from if, \\t'o\'.'r it to tia'in and to i nu srl\ cs to contiiui'/ tliat .;-5-^i-r- aiu I'." iutiuu 1<>!' a ( nuiiiiittt'c til iiitfiiiii iido tJii Lijud'jit I'f thf II nr in liti J'Lntir--ula. ' 'J'liongh his Xohlo I'licnd >Ma!(jii!N ^\'c^ IcsIcn) had called it a tailnre and a (Lf't-at. i.;: woul'l -lid contend, that tiic cani[iaM^a! \. a^ the nio^t hnliianl achic\cd l)\- Ih it uli ai ni-^ dui ihl: tn.c la>t ( eaituiN', mi. .udccd, at any t''i;iA: pciiod (>t' oiii In-tMiA . " d !u- i;ua* oli'.i't t-i \\ h..h ;lic\ lad h\a n lool^aiLT \", a>, tiiat the wa.oii- I'oicr ol" S;i.;!,i ^ ' 1 should Ijc j)lai (-(! nndci the co:ii;i and ol' rwr iiuhiN idnril, and thai ind:\'ii!u"l, \:.r wh-aa loiac u[' the haiL'/h in ;..\' h^'. 11 [ihued nnd/i :!,c cna..;n j"! .n' tie ,d;Li ju;-, cjt' \\\ ii :ni',tiai, w i - > li,.d n!)t.,.n v > ! 1 . a: 'jinu h (iu\einnun! tiioe hae'iit'e' e'eeii ai:c^l. and lh>. tiM), ai va- \, i' .1 '.;, N'Mo 2P2 EARL OF LIVERPOOL. IMarquis chose to call an unsuccessful cam- paign.'* " He contended that every exertion had been used tliat could be made, both to send troops to the Peninsula, and to supply them when there. The success of the war was, he maintained, indisputable. Portugal had been not only res- cued from the enemy, but placed in a state oi security ; and now one third of Spain was relieved from their presence. Spain and Por- rua-al liad set the exan^ple which Russia had so h.appily followed. Ptussia, to all the advantages arising from tlie unanimity of the people in their dcleimination t(/ oppose the eneni}', added tlie great advantage of whicli Spain was unhap- pily deprived, of ha\ ing a Government in full activity to direct all the operations against the enemy, whose army had thus been overw helmed unci destroyed. The example thus set. and haopily followed, would have an cflect amongst ll'e otiicr nations of Europe, and, he trustee!,. ViC.ui r,.u.se their spirit, animate their exertions. a.ul u:..:-! tliem in what manner to resist o])pres- sii):; V. c.'uld teach the ni, tliiit a united nation, d< ti i ii)':.-.l to resist an in\-ader, c(.uld not be con- . Uv;k;':," r. AKL OF I i\-LKr-i)r. CiJ,> J tine i (j lb 13. -/// r<7)/i/ to Earl (tri.ifs (.^n^ ilL''ic< ]\>p,\i- iii'j, the NatcZ/vv/i Tixatij. ' Tiic (lay was not tar tiisiant wlien lii^^ M>i- jc^ty i ^cI\allt,s would haw an ()[)[)()rtunilv ot" (..\|)lainill^ t'ully the uTounds ot' the treaty with Sweden, and the \iew'N ot" jxiliev h\ wh.ieh they h.id ixcn actuated m i(.Li,\inl to the le-^t ot" our eoiitmcntal uh.tl>)li^. I]ut till the pKtper tunc a:i;\cd Im ^'uin^- that explanalMju. llu'ir Loid- >h!j)^ would, he \\'as ^at!^fie(l, subpend their judginent, and not eondenin eilhei Ministers or the tiueigai powers with wdiieh this eountrv was connected, until the whole ^ubjeet was betorc liiein." lie could iu;t, hoWc\ei", allow the p^e^ent oppoi lui;':i \ to jKi'^'^, v. ;tli'iut ^asuiL:-. that a^ tar a^ the Iinie allow cd, tlicit wa-- I he ino>t eonijdctc t'ulli'iiiient ot he 1 l iiLiagcnK nt^ on the part ot' Sn\ edeu." /"/ic l**. l^l/'. (hi vuii'ni^- 1 ninio eonijjk'tc ami zealou^ exertions than !'..id been ^.liown bv Sweden." 294) LARL OF LIVERPOOL. " The Swedish corps was then in the very j.ituation in xvhich it couUi act with the iiiosl effect towards ultimate success." June 29, 1813, In the Debate o)i the Address respecting the Vote of Credit. '' The Noble Lord (Lord Holland) had fairly stated the ground of his auieiidnient to be, the distrust wiiicli he entertained of his Majesty's government, and his behef that peace might have been obtained, had it been atten]})ted l)y JMinisters; but in oppo.iition to this opinion, there was better autliority than tiiat of tiie Noble Lord, and that Wc's the authority of the ruler of France, wIjO, after his flight from Moscow and return to Pai is, had declared, in one of his p:ipers, the terms on which lie would treat ; and he would leave it to the House to judge whether it wouhl have been consistent Mitli tlie honour and tiic interest of this country to have accepted them,'" Noremher 4, 1813. la the Debate on the Address. " We had seen, during tlie last tv/enty years, coalitions, whose size pr(;i)iJbed strengtli; crushed FAiir. OF J. I vi.urooi ~U'> M\ tlic power (>r the ciicnix'. \\'li;it, tlun. v, c "iii-iil I'lhiuirc, UM^ tlii-^ iicu" lite whirii hud L:;ivrii an l^ll^l^llhl(. iiiipuUc to the })resi'iU ooiireiie/ai v ot" thi' iiorlhern lKltion^.- The leehnLi: ot' Miuioiiul iiulependeiiee. th;it teehuLi,- which iinjjelled all men to >t;uul hetoic the lihertlcs of their eoun- tiie^. 'l"hi> teehiii^. \hieh hi\>t arose in the llatloll^ nl' the PeniuNnla, gave the war a nevv ' hararter, and idVoided ^TonncU tiu ho[)e not only t'T the (Kli\c ranee ol" tlio-e nat'oi;s, but ot' the I'e-^t (it I-.iiiopi." "'riir\- had hetore theni ni^tanee^ ol" persever- anee, nnt xanipled in any other cause but that of libertx' ; the\' had seen iKitioirs the least nulitary of Janope, become toiinidabU-, and succes^tullv re^i-t the best dl^Clplined tr(ji)p-, of France. Small a> thatc(aintr\ \\a> \i\ con)pan^on to some other nations ot' laiiope, yet the e^tal)ll^hIncnt ot" the armic> "l' Portugal was ot the vacates t con-ie((uenci', a^ tlu- toiindation ot the success of the allied arnnes m tlie l\annNula ; and aN it L!;a\ein additmn to the L^xauaal tv-ehuLj, a mihtarv tone, niulcr the nilluence ot" which the P(irtu<:;nesc troops had been raided to an eipnihtv with the British. Thev had sciii the Spanish armies eniploved, not onl\- on the (kl"cnsi\e, but in oifensive operation, m a niONt ciilical inonun', m which the\ had displa\ ed tiic L:,Tcaic-~t steadi- ness. Thcoe lia[)py etfects had sprung t'icm that- , 1 -IJ.- '() i ,/K. (;/;; Hu- .1'. /;.:,-. " 1 f i ) w !.'. ! i; j); --;);'i 'Hi-. iii;;miI il-.w l)(.rii (>;; (.tt.;rl--, h( ! .', ;;\ (", Mi'iii;.;], ii,;_:lit i;i\v' l'i,>;i (m:' - . i!M-i_, li^s. ;iiiil iK i^\ (.\ c; '-j)lc i.c :1 n;:L^.;! l:.i\( 1). ui L.v' u -;;!:-. it Ictinir u- i.il'r.ii ti; ;r,c:va^c' liliii t(i iiiax ;;i (Hii rxtl I lor.N ; KmI I'l,] llit, \\x\C ,;(;\ iiilaL!,c ot r.ii^Liud diiU', iuit loi' t!.i' ^:il\;:- \n\\ 1)1 I'.iil.'jiC. ]\l-t sUCCt.'s^L-> ^'.t;t pU'(lu(> tnl' fiu'lutuir. 'i'lit.' triiimjii> that liad altciKicd our iiiM^, w (. rr ,i>^ula!l(^'^ tlial pci ^( N'craiK'c' wonid a\"ai!. 1 hnc w cu' t!i')-~r wliu liai! tiMcljdiK'ti a (1:^111 il !^^lu tn our (l)^t^^t m li.r J'rii:!;- ul.i ; .'.ill timM^ii i'l^i-r ti-l ; IxmIiii^- Ik.iI i'tvli di^- ' jiMMiit- il i>\' I \ c lit -, \it t;ic\ \\ ( ';;'a! -;i\', iiioic Mill I I'inaii: rd lliucdl Id Ih ^\'^\^A . i ill 11 1 .Old -hi])- could i.ot I'limt M' iiia!.iio>t a tiath. aud th..' 1 oii!(.'in!)i\iiua' wi'uld ia)\\- Niiuiidat^' tiuni to 'j,i t. atcr and uohin I'xoi t a ai-." ' I oi t uiiatoK , t!io Miuiuaua' ot' t hi> hrdl laut. caiii|'ai'_^ii v.\ aN not oouiiiud to tia' l\aiin--uii. It had hiaai tolt iii tiio la naito-t cafiiua^ oi tlic I :i Ku>S!a. tiuA h,ad -i cai w la.t aii^iil 'o I'.ouo \\\ ( op.Ntaiuv' aud iaaM\( i.ou' : iiu' in a.ii, tl;,- Oniiull\ h,.d i'\ llimh o\ ;U1 aCtU.d Woi 29^ EARL OF lONGFOkD. and successful course, what might be done by persev^eiance, and the lesbon had not been lost on the Emperor ofllus^ia. In Russia, too, was ah'eady seen what might be achieved by a detcr- niincd resistance to tlic presumptuous preten- sions or an un])rineiplcd and ambitious foe. TliC EmDCrorof Russia iiad iH\cn ' MR. I.rSMlNGTON. Jdidnr^l i:'(/', 1^(". On ^noiid'i.i'j; llie .lii'ii a- '' I Caiir.nl 1)11.1 \\t.\ ;1jC ^tl)I!^( I (l('>iu\ tliut t!u IImu-i' i;i ;\ |' ;;) .11 mi .;1 j ! i;,,' t L(i and UIKiIi; M..i!--!\ -> |'(iiMn. :;i;(l ot l-'^aitv co nf^crai loii ui tia HI^t \ a'W > ot lil^ Li,i ALiiiiiM'n! . '1 u the cn,- (lial niaiiiu -tatioii of tiji -,; bi'iitinii'iit'^ <>'. t'oiiia i- arduous (aaa^a)n^, to the \';ij;('ur lhL'iai)V iii- lii^i.(l into liir nicasnii'^ (jf hi^ Maj(>ty's l;'o\(.'iii- nuaw. and lluau c li an^ni'i! trd to th.i.' iiaiion at hi 1 1^1', \i (.- owe il thiat .It tins naamait diaait; ihitani nar.a:r.-> -niuka an.a(i>t thic laation-. ol' the '. noh haw licen the ac- kn(j\\ hah_:,a-d IjenoliN I'Iowuil;- Iroin the nnittai voice ot I'ailianient on loiniCi oiaai^ions, as- .siiriaUv I cannot (ii m annei|)alin_L; a conhal concniTence \n the motion naule h\ ihc Iloin mover on this occasnjn, in\a)l\ in;j,-, a> it doe>, tlu' honour ot" the crown, the pkah^i'ed tailh. and ad the ^'enerous teehin^-^ ot" the nation, .nid the onl\ lemaining hope ot" (k'h\a'ian>-e to Spain, anil a!! th^^e nations uho lia^e Mn:ce>:i\cly 300 MR. LUSillXGToX. fvMcn under the violence of France, and their own concurring- su])ineness." " I trust, indeed, that the feehngs of tlie House, in this respect, will be as general as their determination cordially to support his Majesty in the vigorous prosecution oi the war in Sj.kuu; and such a declaration seems to me a homage which all panics must be not less anxious to pay to our national honour and faith, than to tlie principles they have themselves formerly ];rofcssed. But if we shall desert the cause of Spain, in the midst oF her reverses, even whilst the Spauiartls continue true to themselves, with what coniidcncc can ^\-e !\oj)c tor our own safc^typ So dcej) a stain, will, 1 trust, never fall upon this country; for Avith nations, as with indivi- duals, punishment follows fast upon the footsteps of dishonour."' Janumij 23, l!Sl(). In llw Debate on the .Mir,v.<, " As all classes of people had been once zealous for the success of S{)ain against hei i]ivadcrs, and encouraged ministers to assist her to such an extiMit, he (fid not like to see them abandoned, or public conhdence withdrawn from ihcm.'' (, ;i''i ) MK. M1LN1>. F,!^:!hjrii IJ, \>\\. ()i'.:i!..in:^tlu^.l,I,h..-. " \V\u \ l:c Inokcl t.) Sj)a;ii ,:'.;.: tl'( I'.-.ii!- -i.!:i. w ;.:: ;i'\( r m:L:;i' In; t :c' ( ij)i ti l')I'.^ ( 1 ir;;!,\- \\\i. ]' i ", : ^, .-Mr;'! ;;> to t i.C ] i il UA (T i !ir CI 'luiut't. i ".;!' ir:. I Li: \ cI'i-mIimh-, t iici c, he ^U'.\ Ijc ik\ rd, ;!iLir \'.':i^ ;i() person tii-iiR-l it.mI I'i l'o ti'.c k'ni;;!! !!" -rati n;L:-, lii.it liitlii'ito, at i^.a-^ li^rclr- _;':- r !;;; rii> i;:\ had bi rii t'l ii-tiaU'(i. W'IkiIh,-; '.I'-y wciv c'l 'htihi( i! wiiM il:r nii'inc^^ i4 tl\' 1 '.,;.-! I ..1 :i,^ w i.l! i M ; ;.c\ Ik i a \ c W t ,a cj';;' i- - lu:i,. ' : ' t^ ;_ ir.iiv': \^--' -;<<.[>. and K'ad;!iu '< l!i' ic -i:i I ' --lul ; ( : ' .1 \'.:c\ i.ail lui ii li::- I, !,.d i.i't I.: - t.it( t:) a(i:ii:l, tiiat liif- I'lMi.h ;..'. u ;:'.!. Ui! w.a^ ''.;-:,] ,m 'i ;''; d. Hal (-(Mi-^d, . d,'; i!: oda- ;^ ai;t :!.j..; d I . dj ; .iii;i d III {;.:'. i ( a' t ; \ ! ', 1 , . (. t , i ' \\a :a id ! ; .V(. : 1 (I I C' Mi; I a- 1 li. ].[:','- (a: \. a a -;a' I' d a!, pu -(.ait, \-. ltd '< . . p;- a : - ^ ! - ' -'. ^ d.:d MKta .\d t'a' r ,'. -. : d ! iiai ii' '](> da' 1 I'; ;(-. 1 1 'X > d-,! : w l.i; a -la- ; 1 I 302 MR. .MILNES. tiie I^'.Ionitcur-- from t]ie mouth of Buonaparte enslaved Europe liad been told, that on the ap- proach of the Frencli armies, nut an Englishman would be suffered to remain on the Peninsula. Tbe government of this country had jnirsucd a fiiffereut niode they made no such boast. Every sober and rational :):?n in Great Bi'itaiu supposed, that it would h'.'. a long-protraeted struggle that it nuist nece.ssarily be a warfare of long continuanee, a warfare of slow progress, and tedious and eoniplicated operations. The tin-eats of the French government, so far from having been realized, recoiled upon their own ar. th(/r. The British troops which were to iiave been driven from tlie Peninsula, still triunipliantiy maintained th.emselves there. And M'hen he contemplated tlie increased strength of tlie Britisii armv at eiescnt there the iral- lantry with whiich tlisy i;;id uniformly behaved, and the successes they had gained, he could see nothing that could h-ad the House, or the country, to entert.iin ar. / doubt as to the sue- ces^t'ul terniinatiou of their hitherto victorious caieer. ' (. :i>':^ ) VISCOrXT MfLTON. Mnlimi Jnr ii Iji'h to LiJifil' ti.r Mk.'i'I to i.)ii/ntr, r J'T I't'i'i f^'u Si nil i\ ' Aiiiii \.\]c (l;-:>\M-s Wiiich h.ul bcrn -us- tuiiR'd, lie a^k(.'('. w lu'llh ; ('\ I'M rlic' N('!>"n.' Lord could nicjn to -end aiiotl'.c:' cxpt du :oii toS];;i;r., to turn bac'v llic tide of >iicccs'> ol' luioiiap;:! tt ',-> ^. niv -'" " il;- fi.ii'd r.ot -^cc \.!,\- li.c Xch!',' [.Old \\"ai;*^d ;::'i',\' di-^iM'.'..,l.;t.' tro(.j.>. or [" w ! :'.l p.irt (.;' \\,i' \o,!(i In- c'oidd ^;Il(i tluiu \\\[\\ :..'.\:A\- T i'.c >') t!:( ( 'i;n!i\. IK (^:l;^ (ji'ii'd, li:-; ii '!ic; [liin-!!! -itir:';o;i ( \' ;\t],iii> iii I.;;r,ijci,iic;.t i\-. llial iii-'tad ot nr,;!:]):;- 1 ;^c arin.c-, t'l iiaaiiiii co'.'iit;u-. v. c ow.'ot lo -In;', oiir^ci v.'> U[ \', It!; ii o^;^^. !\a'-. ,; { li,:,'. i'l': :. d' - ; . j)t lo;, oi U); Ci' \'. ' :co ',>,'! i. '' \\\ - ^ ! ;-;... ^ 111 t \:r o ; . ! CO ol Oil! '':' {.['.::' \ '. . >.[r:]'i ' ; .a; '\:i \v ' :[ 1 1,L- t : M : ' - c ! I ' i > ^ , i. ' i . ! .' li: ^ dii^v t'.- L x; ; ^ : ; ' ' .- *.a' 304 VISCOUXT MILTON. present occasion; and lie could not consent to increase ti]e ijurtliens of l;ic country, for tlie sake of piittiiui: a larirc disposable force in the iicuuls oi" his Majesty's present ]):inistcrs/' F'.'hri'arij 1, 18 iO. On x^oviug cm Amemltnent fo llie Motion for Tkaiilus to Lord lVellington,for ihc Vivtonj oj Talavenu " He had voted for th.e thanks on account oi" the i^attlc oi' Vinicira : hut were tliat vote again to give, as exj>La;ned aiul i'dustratcd by the battle oi' Takivera, he slioukl pause before he would j'ive it i)i ihe -.ume vrav. The ambition of Sir Arthur AVedc&Iey was conspicuous in both; he seemed to have fough.t merely for a peera ;ir. and ji.ii t:ci;':M U' df :!.c :\Liii I.,,', j'! '1'" '^'^Ij \vl;..':i \\''>:i(l rw'ii\t;'l . s Mi.ii :^'~. 1,1 ;;.;. ' t" t in-^ -\ -tcm w u f .u : c d '1! Si-l\ r>, ! li 111 I'lr t 1, and wdi.ii dti;','(\' ')! ( IJicirn!' '/r '.\ wiic 'Ikv !d.(l\' to [( I m ^;i-,''i .1 II .'.'c-i .- {),;: Wi'li \'. I.il pit) - |)v iij) Ml iliv' l\nin-n!i, an\ li>n-rr |u-;>c\M i\- ,n >nrii a c(;ntc-^l : ^\ lili tnc I'lcnc;! niidL.' !:.( w.ilU of (.'a(i:z, and wilIi ad tiir >,di- <. un:- '.ancc- ct tiic I't'iiiiiMila in x'lcw, how could .'in\ n':.>()n;d'lc man he rcroncdcd lo \''jtL' a md- l;')n ct tlic pnhlic niont'N', tor t\\c j)n!jo-,c rc- ;cii\i! to 111 ihc inotinn.- Hut :t sur 'c^-- were (\'ii jnactii (!)!(,. \\';i-i iL \\ !>^ lo \\i\r viirii a <'l\ii.L \\.i -Uv'll a |>nij)o-e? It li ;d of;,-!! dcL'll !.i,c j I ;...; ill' oi i,.;> c'uinliA' to -nl)-:ii'/(.' loiM^ai r.io.j, ; li'.il hr i);'l;r\((i, liuil It. WCM'.' liL't'orCfll- Icivii t in ncad ol an\ 1 niL,n-sli >tatr>inan, to '.;-!anl ^.ld^!dl( ^ to ;t l^aIn^n^^^ 1 ';\'c'. to tho-i.' in tai.'t, ainoiio- wdjoiii the niaiciiaU Im- an .i:ni\ couM not Lk' ronnd.' 505 VISCOUNT MILTON. May 21, IS12, In the Debate on Mr. Wortley's Motion, rcqjecting a strong and efficient Administration. ' He, for one, considered it to be not only the province and riglu, but the absokite and boun- den duty of the House or" Comuions to interfere, whenever tliey saw n'.c:'. lues about to be pro- pounded, oran achniiiistration ibout tojjeformed, which were not hiicly lo meet the wishes, or enjoy the conndence of the people." " But a change of men woukl not be suf- iicient; ihcre nrast be ;i wliole change of mea- sures, to en.ibh: a mi.i.rury to stand with secu- rity to themsehes, :\ui\ a\ ith advantage to the pubhc." June 11, \S]-I.On moving an Amendment to Mr. IVort- ley's Motion, respecting the failure of the Negotiations J or a new Alruinistrution. ^' It w.i? monstrous to see men thus liekl u}> repeatediy to scoi'u and ridicule, brave public o|ji;iio:!, ;tiid return into power."' /'/'/"Mn/ 1, HIO. /;/ I'tr Del., if, nil I'r, M<,f..:iJ 'i'vlilksin Lmil l'>'u''t!:'ln!i h^r r.:.' l"n'--ni "l' '1'. \'i ; f . ' li had \n\i\ ;iIm) in^ctl. t'lia! [l.c v.'.'.'i'.cc^iw- (I'.u'i 111 .Min>ui^ i'.ul I/'.\'ii ;(k'i.:tiwii-r, W'iiat had been ll;,'-;' oiuhicl N'.ith ic-[)ccl t(^ Sj)ain: 'Hu/v ^a\v ;i !':;. i);iij)h; -triiL;-j,'iin^" tor their h!jcit\-, aiul \\\l'\ a'.i aiae. ;! \ N'huh. (.onrLiicd (111 l!ie:n llsc !r_d.e-[ ciedi!. t;.;\' (.;i!,c:a\i)iir('d lo -iipjiU' tlur-c i /t r,, i^i tc- w hieii weic iu''je--'ai y t( > j)i i i:;i ',. i;.l-.! >iivH\ --. ' Wht 11 iL w a- (Ul; 1 :ii;ii( d I !; it. a i!;d:! ;! v (,tV,eca- -i.didd he -eiil li > Sn.i:!!, ;.; :d i.'>i 1 \\d ':- i;:iL!tii!i h.id aiii\(d tli(ie. Me ve(!a!d ;i^!^, x-iai'd It he priideiil lor that (>!tiee; lo ;eir.a::i !ai\c;;p. ; ou tlk' eo,i-t. ai.d iio' eridea\ oii[- to d; :\ i- t !i eee- 1M\ iroiii I !:e la ill I .t I ::e eo':;i;: i \ : \'- :;^ h' t iuiiaiii ii':!eli\e, ^.r m what iiMiiiu ' wa- h, a (I 'a r .1 '. i 1 > -^ ; W .i .i i r r. > t c \ j : d : . i : " 1 i i '. ' - all 1' a 111 a eo-Mpci ' .- ai wit '; t iw '^ ' .o -. ' . ,.d he Hot ;elo|a -'i' h ida;,- a^ \\ .. :. ;:. -'. , '.. he atl.. uded \\ ! ' h idtiiiia'e - 308 MU. MATT1I\V .MONTAGU. Surely, if a failure took place in consequence of a want of energy and unanimity in the Spa- niards, such a circumstance was not to detract from the glory of Lord Wellington's achieve- ments, nor dim that lustre which the hrilliancy of liis actions had reflected on his military cha- racter. That gallant Lord was not answerable for such failures. lie could only rely on his own skill ; he set a iioble example to our allies, and endeavoured to instil into their hearts that spirit which could alone enable ihem to legist tlie despotism of a tyrant." 309 VISCOUNT MOUMJOY. .V>nJi IJ. K>1 {)._./,/ //' Driuitc i,n FmiI l)arnU>j's iiintioii /( [(litre to the rt ^ulur tuiic i-f th< kin-'xlom. ''inriii. \\\Yc ohjicts of li!_^li iuitrcst at -t:il\C'--~ii!uU)ul)tc'(llv, no ()])j)i)i !uu!t\' >liOulcl be '.'IllKUii "I ;i^^i-lMl^- ailil t'llCnillMo-||i^- tlic Spa- Ill, inU iiiiJ I'ort UL^MCNC. \\liciic\i r tlicv iiKuk' a stand and 5(.cinc'(I rc.'5t)l\ed to rc.>ist tin.' coninioii L'licmx. It" tlu' tr()C)[>s were dcstiiu'd tor tlic det'cni'c ot" Cadiz, w here eoulcl it be nioie desir- able U) ciiipley them than m the la>t hold oi' Siiaiiisii mdc'jx ndenec, than m a spot where the loval S[)aiii;i(ls iniu'Iit liaxe dc[)()>ited their rcniaiiiinu: tica.sure, and tViun wdiieii, in ea^e ot' ;i.n nna\ ailiPL!,' delenei', we nii-ht aid ihein in rtsenmLi- it Ironi the i^-noe ol a lapaeiuns eneni\' ? He .saw no po^^djle dan_L;u' that eoidd aii^e troni feendmu" tins lorec abroad, wlule it wonld be acting- ill eontornnt\' with the ])le(li;e w e had given to S[)ain, and m nni.^on wilh the ^pnit winch lirst prompted this eonntrv to opou^f the e.iusc ot' the Soanish patriots. ( 310 ) EARL MULGRAVE. January 26, 1809. In the Debate on the Address on ih^ ansicdr relumed io the Overtures from Erfurth. "If any man supposed that the cause of Spain was now hopeless, and that it ought to be abandoned, he for one, must express a contrary opinion. So long as the Spaniards continued true to themselves, so long would Britain con- tinue true -to thcni. It was the determination of his ]Mnjesty's prjsent ministers to act on this princi[>{e, and to consider tiic cause of Spaivi, though a distant, yet an important point in tl]c tiefence of these kingdoms. Though they did not (h^pute tlie notion that our navy jnigiit he equal to the defence of these king- doms, they did not wisli to hazard any tiling on a conviction of the kind ; neithiCr were thcv wjiling to inchalge in tliat narrow and schish fcehng, that we ought to look to ourselves alone, and to li\e within ourselves, tlicre to await the attack of hue cnem}-. They entertained more cidaiged and com[)i-ehiensive views of tlie sub- ject. They thought th:;.t the most vigorous assistance which we could pos.5ibly lend to tJie I MIL .'ii L I (. i;a \"[:. I'aii^c "t" Spain, and ('f an\- dt h'jr ci lun' ; \ (1>- j)(M(l to \\ltll^tanll liic Cdnini'Mi I'neuiw 'aij,li! to \)C alloidcd. 'lliat w c should ii^t, id-vi; otii.r po\\'(.'i>. scllisliiv lie 1)V tdl tlic cnrniy \va-,rcad\ to attack lis, l)iiL Niioidd cndcaN'uur, as t'^ir ;is in us la\', to tui tluT and promote an\- more distant rluH Iv which ini^'ht he meditated aLi-aiiist him. It" Xohle Lords on the other side entertained dit- leient views ot" the suhjeet iVoni the.se, let ihein ojunl\ and eandidU- expic-s them, and let the (oniif:\- iud_:;e hctwceii the two, \rho were iiioit ( milled to then" eonlidenee. or nu)re hhelv to 1)1 111^- the stiiiL^ule in whieh we were engaged to a suceesst'ul and hononrahle is>ue. Let the IIousc aNo iiidL;'e Ijetweeu Xot)le Lords on the otlier ^ide, aiul his ^Lliest\^s jresent ministers on tills ])oint, and il' tlie\' approved ut' the opi- nions and ^t ht linen ts o\ the tcM iner, m pre teieucc to thosr (,t' the latter, h't tl-ein at once address his .Maje-^tx to (hMm%'> his pie:.ent in;niblcr:5 lom his council-."' Jdnvary _',!, \>\0. /// the Ddxttt- - tl'is country, bur- thened and borne down as tlie peo})le were with taxes, to carry on a w ar in a (juarter, and upon a scale, v.iiicl], wliile it must he ruinous to our resources, was ntteily hopeless as to any ulterior object; and if, after all tlie ndseries already hrouglit u[)on tlie country by the endeavou)- to defend Pojtugal (S]>ain having been, as he undeistood, now abandoned) the same course was still to l)e persevered in, he could see no other result than an accumuiation of dani-ers O that must be fatal to this nation. lie warned the House against suffering itself to be drawn, by little gradations, into the support of such a impose. They had already the authority of a --1 K JOilN N R\V1Vm;1 . Z 1 -i ;!i'ai r.;i'.i!:i;\' oiilccr, tiic laiiu-iiud Sir .lolm ?\fo()i(', i]i;J I'ort ii the ( a-c: uiuicr the riu-ii;ii>iaiici's iVop; \\ iii'.i! l.{ (r.ill'.i'd liiN |U(lunu"iil, liow ii,iic-li more' iii)j)L;u'^> ii:i.>t siuii a jIf)^])('^t In- now, '.'. iiiic llu' ai iiiifi ol' J'lar.iT, (li^ciiu-ucd tVoni all ''tlic'i' (/n|(.ct>, and in po^-c-^ion ot Spam, Cdulit at an\' innc inanli -ucii a loifc into Poitui^a! as nni^t o\ ( 1 w lirlni an\' ainiv this connliN could nd t!:i:!/r! lie protrMid. t laact". .!i', auain^t \'<>^:\\-; an\ Imh^ci om Inu^a' tiooj.s lo the Ji-k 'i! hi'in^ (uit-nuinhfi rd, suhdncd, and, ])cr- ila!)^, can ('W. \'A Uiw tin'\- -h(.hiji .. He warned hi> M;'|cst\*s n.iini^'i'rs ai2,a;n<,t con- imnmLT t In-^ hopclc- -. conte->l . m conipliancc \s iih tlie udiini ci' lanc\' oi' the nohle person udlo^e alliance t!ie\' ii id lalci\ ohtameth and w ho^e hiothri' iidi d a k iid (^t \'icc ia)\ a! t\ \\\ Fortn"'al. 1 It' plcdL^ed hiniNtlt to opjxjvc s\\c\\ a pui'pOMC on c\ei\- rtii':^U''., he would not trust any more men to the dis])osal of Ministers, all whose measures, down to the j)resent hour, had been cliaracterized by a wanton waste of blood and treasure." 1)1 Ki: or NO!iroLK, "^\'(M;i[) ill'' ]\i>''\ ()! t ( ;k "i!r;:'_;\'ii.c 111 laA ;i---'^i :i'!i 'i' 1 : 1 1 1,'' ' ,'>'' ' " :'i ''' , /) '>^ I'l I ;i' <\\' ; ii ;: ' iii-i > . '^N '\ . 1 i>^ I 1. ; r^ta! li -1,. 1 111 t i,r ci MHi' 1 \ w:tll \\:: .: IM(\ (.' liiti en:!!,!,;;!) :c lic - \\(;p.!i1 tilt."." ir, I . CDiiiinoii c:!!,:-,' wiiii iIk' patriots ('t"S[':.m i)i't':ic tiir\ a-\'i ; ..'in (1 tlu' |)riiicij)li-> upon w'l.ich i1r'\ w ri\' ac; i'.i'j,', and tlu' t'luN which !ii!'\' were cihUmv (an iiiu.' to ;u\oni[)h-h .- lie owiiid !.,it tlniil-. It politic to i'!r,l),til^ ill suoh a c.M-C' \-, ithout ^onu' p>'.a'\ ani> know i. ,o\- oi' the (!('-il;ii- oi' ihi.' Spani-^li j.alii''^. x. I'li-'it -^onic nioiT (iclnn !(.' ( ! n laiiiii.il :oii ol the ^aniir. c!> upon Aehah tla\ \s'' le pi ocaa ih ml;.' to :u'l. lie hoj)C(l ninii^lns wo.diL ni tlic pn^^llI ca-e. tal^r :\ h'->( ii tVoni pa>t ( \]c'i ii'ina', and laeohei t thr n^uU ol' ihif niU'rleri. lice ol" thi.-^ ( oinii r\- m I,.i \'( mhae' M<::i 'J. \^()0. Iii III, J),l,iit. ,<,i Ills .U'//. >/./'-.' ,/,<--;. I ' 1 h:;t io\ iiediiion^ were ahouL t" i'C -ciU out 3J6 DUKE OF NORFOLK. was certain ; and it was not regular for liiin to j)ut any question to his ]\Iajesty's ministers as to tlieir destination. But, if it was in contem- plation to give any further assistance to tlie Spaniards and the Portuguese, he could not, although the Noble Secretary (the Earl of Liverpool) might rank him as one of the most extraordinary men in the kingdom^ approve of .such a disposal of our blood and treasure. No man more than himself lamented the fate of the Peninsula; no man more admired the courage and exertion of every Spaniard who had tried to regain the independence of his king and country. But,itmustberecollected, that the king for whom they fought was now in the custody of the French emperor; and that their own power w^as weak, while tliat of the enemy was mighty and formida- ble. Theassistance which could be granted by this country was so inconsiderable in the scale, that it could produce no ultimate good to the cause of those whom we assisted ; and he was appre- hensive, in sending out generals and armies to that part of Europe, they would be in danger of sliaring the fate of those who preceded them. The cause of Spain and of Portugal was that of an injured people, but it was that of a people comparatively weak, lighting against a powder of the greatest strength; and however we might lament it, the contest on their side must be DL'KE UF NOlirt): K. cvrUMuill}' iiiiviu-c'csil'iil. Ill llu.-c tiii'.cs \\ c h pity. " 1 T had been said tiiat the cause V\'as ho})elcss. He cicnicd it It could not be hopeless, for while tb'^rc was life there was hope. He asked if it became a generous i3L;wer like Eiio;land to abandon a fiiend in t!;e moment of distress? Gentlenien liad ar-.;ucJ; ihat our assistance could do no good, hut would not our relVisal of that assistance doconsidcriblc liarm ? The Portuguese troops had been giealiy abused, as men unwil- ling or inca[)-d)le c>f dv.fending themselves. Put them under soiicul, ih Irish oiiiccrs, and he would wairant they coidd be made something of. Let such men as tlie victorious Lord Wellington, or the gallant ^lai dial Jicrcolx rd, have but the leading of thcni, aud he \v;aiui plrdge his existence, that iu-d.er -uri; men ihev would never run awa\\ dr.egi;!:!! of iLself was wise, but at such a Ciilicai peiird i! was) indispens- able, and he slejuld I hcici^rc vote in sup[iort ol It. ( :;)N Mil. pj:i:i,. *' TmK ilLTL^K ^^:l:l, U-Ul [',.t i( Ml. .\li(l t\l\llill\' f./t HuolKiiv.; It-'. \v;i.^ lii;^ (illl\ -^lilnt il upon \\:.k!i >;'.! ; -I'tX^ Ulli'C;!. Inif !() l^-i^l hllll 111 li;> I r./; >\;c';!:!;ri;N ciiin'tiMllw i; lutii niiit y \^;l^ .i!M i'h'.k! \ rc\c^^ai\ ; ar.d tl'.c Kj.'iirr t the (nnr(.'>t 111 \\ liic!) \vc \\\w cnu;i^c(l. ifijuii c;l !ir:t t'\(,r\' hrarl ;mi(1 liaiid shiail(i he jniiifd lo L':\(' ^'rcp.u'li to llic cDirin'.oii c miim_'. \lv hnpccl > !;(. iild -till \)C al)lu .':> w (_' !,;.'i hilluito \hc\\, ' lulc in -atct\ I i,!('ii'.i'i tl;.- siiw;:; ti;,a l;::(l (!( ^;i i.\ C'd \[[c re ; ct Ijuopr; a;id t'.:,L w c V ' , ii'd - 1 d -- ! (.-tv'!] it), ; ii a 1 ::;i;d it> -^ii. ci ,; r t.i I-;- \v;.M ; \f:^ : . ;:l::-' ' :!;l'' 1 i: ii'r ;.:;-. .ii--l :'i-.i l> lii'- t.v;:d. !. and \'- U d II ^ iH 320 3IR. PEEL. eiitcrtainiDg a s;inguin(j expectation of their future exertions." " Caliiniiiy, iit.de, be conceived, in unison ^v'itii genuine Briiiib feelings, bad been hivisbed on tbeir fauhiul and persevering alHes. Tor 1:ls own paiT, lie niU:>t deprecate and condemn the iVAjdc udiicb bad been so industriously made use of to influence tbe public mind against Portugal, and to excite unfavourable impres- sions respecting tbe issue of tbe campaign in that country, by publications, of several de- scriptions, which were issued daily, weekly, and monthly, aye, and he could add, quarterly, from the press. They had been tauntingly told, too, that tbe Br'tish name was unpoj)ular on the Continent that while France improved the institutions, and reformed the governments, of Spain and Portugal, we made alliance with their weakness and corruption. France was represented as conciliating the affections of tbe peoj)lc by her works of regeneration ; if so, what was the return she had met with from tbe rugged and ungrateful people of Portugal ? They had united, heart and hand, in resistance to the invader, and were now in arms against him in greater numbers than had ever before been witnessed in that country." " Let tbe length of the war in Spain be but contrasted with tbe duration of those wars in .1 !;. I' i II. l;'j 1 i\ ]v,iM;\;p;u!c ll.ul :5tri <>'i r.iii'i!)". Ir. .iiiiicJ, it w ;i>, to 1)1' 111 'ul l!i:it 1;!-. !i..i:':i 1 > -i- f iMv-. ;iiiil t!:;ii {\\c c'lrp:. ; w i:;> ,i i: ill l)(.Tii iiiL^cil tiMt !!'.;:i' n;; ^t 1 't :;(!:;::: t;. ! \.i\ , t;..[t !.;!.' ( ' 'ii: iiuiit ii..il\';iii;;:ij;;\ lii.iii tlk' piL^Liit MTi.f cf niil:t:ir\- ;;/;io!i. 'i'iu- hnii. ^cntK'Uiaii i^Mi'. liWiVi:;!; t Ii'"^ li.iil ;iii;u.(!. thai tlk; (.'luiiu could c\i^il\- !(.[. i.ra c.u !V;it, '.'i' !(.; lit '. f au\ (li^.t^tiT tli.it iDiLili' !)(. la! li::!'. llr ; v'/ivai.iji 1 cai \'. !a 11 iiiarli I , ,il ])k rn -.. a i ill I ; i > ' : M -a. a.al ( -a l u! i: , ( >! 1 :a' iia a..! t lla- i. w! \ a 'i I \ 111 1. , i i.J !ia^' 1 1 a- ,;' '.aaaa ai oi , ,; . : 1 . ; I a \\a:-> i i a! ii .a ! ' - 1 1 a ' ,.r \v,-ii al ;. '-.. \'. iaa!i' i' l\] > ; li' ; a '.a;- CMp..aI(; 111 ( [, i'.i' aa; ! a;l ai (la-- (ia I a; a a. : \W: ];.al hvaid > .' ll." a.'.' ^i' S; t,, a ; ;i.c' ;, i (ai I ha I )aiiida ; ' ai! a, aia la ; : . - ' : \ a : - 'a I \:c h a . ( a ai.d r. a a- 1 al laa i \ hi ' a . : ' a la ' ^ . \\ .- I . a \ ii a a .la; > taa ; I 1" : a a .a a._\ i.Im' a tal :-M.aia w ia ;-: iia-; <" i tiaa; ^ 1 ; ' ) a. (' -' , 1 m; 1 ai ai d a >'. h ' a < ' y- I ! ( \'. , . '. ad , i. .... .; _'. .AIK. Pi: EL. wiiich to form n jiKlgnient of tlie conduct of tlu' war in Spain, he v/oiiid look to tlie columns of tiie Alor.KCur for it^j j)anegyric lie avouU! see in jis cillcrcvl t^nn-, in its transition fioni insult to respect, the cxtoi;:d confession of our gloiy aiid their re-)r')av]i .-.cd fie wouUl ask the House, ^\heiiier tiic y needed any otliev doeunient on which to fouiiil th.cir vote? If it did :ij)j)eai-, that \v!!:i (jsie-sixth part of oui own nrdiiarv force wc einj)l';ycd in Spain and Poitu- gal one-half of the cneniy'.-^ (hs[)0sab]e strcngrlu surely lie niight assume that it was the interest of tlic ctjuiiiiy to pcisist in the stiuggle, and to court the trial for an honourable issue." " Another adN'anlage had resulted from the cauipaigns in the Peninsula; Ibr it was mani- fested to Europe, that the chara>ctcr of the French army was greatly declined from what it had been; and he felt assured that the people of France did not look on it w ith the same confidence, since it had been j)roved that their career o] victoiy v,as intei'i!.p!cd/* " Pcr1ia})S at tliat very liour, while tliey were deliberating on tiie ^ote which they iliould give, Lord Vr'ellington might be pre- paring foi actioii; and v, hen he reflected on the \cnai abuse which had been disse.ni- natcd against that illustrious ch.nacter, he Pel: a hope, tfuil if a momentaiy irritation MR. I'EF.L .']'::5 .^lioiiid iiilik' liu tciMju'i- (ill srciiii;- iliD^,' mali- cioii, t-nn-i' )iiv. lu' Would coii-nK* liiiii-;': t' l)\' the m-';i lal t'l'C'lill'.i' \\ llK-!l cxi^Ud in lil> !'i\'mii; ; tor ilI^ coiiMtiA w.Miid iriiuiiilKr. tii.it lu- ii.^d rf-!Liiu(l cvivv coiiit-irt m ordi-r to I'lLiht lu i l);ltt!^^. and dttvnd liri' id)','iMc- ; nor would liis L^'IoiA In' tarni-lud l)\' tlic r;i\\ of ii\aU, or tli^- \o\y\' ot taction. lie (V.cii^hrd liu' vinii^aiino expectation, that t!ie (I,i\ \\(nild ^oon an!\e, \'. 'leii anoiiici t ranseend.>io , letoiA \vould ^i'.liici.' tiie tiin'_;ue ol (Mivw and tlie ea\'ils (*t paitv' an:nio>;r\- w hiai the lliitisli eoinniander would be hailed, l)\ thennannnous \oioeot In-^eoun- tr\, Willi the >entinuait adduN^cd on a nienio- rahlc (eea^ion to anotlua' illnsliiuLis (diaiacter ( 324 ) MR. PERCEVAL. March 3, 1808. In fite Discussion on tJie Petition from Liverpool against tJie Orders in Council Bill, '' He lamented as mucli as any man the pres- sure attendant upon the war; but there could be no general good in such cases without some partial cvil.-s ; and the interests and safety of the state would be sacrificed, if we permitted our- selves to be diverted from general purposes by yielding to complaints of a local nature." Man i);, 1S09. //I the Debate on Earl Temples Motion respecting the conduct of ^"^Jf'airs in Spain, " Had it not been for the di\ersion made by tiic Diitisli army, tlie I'lench would have got p^osscssion of the Soutli as well as of the North of Sj)ain, and the cause wouhl now have becrj iiideed rendered ho])elcss,'' MK. riRcr.VAr J.uuun-ij L'(t, 1' 10. In tlu Dilute I'H I'h. .Iddi ' I\(.-1iiil:, a^ lie did, tlic utiiic-t adinnation (,[' ilic >j>l(.'!i(lid Iulcnt'> aiul cUuiucncc ol" hi- liiuht ilon. tiiciid (Mr. Cuiiuiiiu-), and lliinkini;- ni().>t liii^hly ot thf ahUitics ol' his N'oblc tiicnd (Loitl C.'a>tlci\'aglO, lu'CcrtainU f'ck hnii-cil' hniind by ;i:(iiiial:oii ;iiid dutw to do cvci'V tliini;- tl.aL was 111 hi^ pow cr t;.) (h ', to i ciaiii hot ii ot liiein iii the Mi\'iL'c ot ihfir coiii!ti\'. 'ihi^ was his t\\\]\ o])- ic-et. iu\t_r ha\ ii'ii,' [)ai taken in aii\ Oj)inion ot" the inahdil\ ol" in> Noi'h' iViend, hut ihiid-ving, that he wa> as ahie, a-5 n^el'iih and a> iMinaent a ministef, a> the ol'liee whieh he lilU-d ever po-.- >e.-uh" With Rspeel to Spain and I'oitn^aL lie tljon^ht tir.ie ciaiid exist no dilheienee ot" opmi Ml as to t;;e pio|jiiet\- ol l:-;\ ni'j,' asvi^iancc to tjiosr ii.iuied iialion-, as l.Jii'j,- as tlie\ lilt the iiuiiiattion. ijv po-^e-srtl llie means (.)t' de- leiidiii^- thenisrU t s. ' '1 he Hon. ( I cut lei 11 an \', iio had seconded the aii'.c ndnietit (t lie Hon. .1. W. Ward), had, in his opinion, :n a most nniusiniahlr manner, eoni- ineiited upon liie eondnet ot s(.'\aaal oiiua rs dl ;i less elex'ati'd ranl^, w h.o had heeii oniplo\\d ii most important scrsarc-. m Spain, \v liom he had eliL'-en to lerin inilitarv nnssicjuant >, a,.d whose :\Q6 MR. PERCEVAL. interest he hud desciil)C(l it to be to misrepresent the state of Sj)ain, and tlie fechngs of the Spanish peoi)le. Suicl}-. it could not be sup- posed, tiiat gentlemen of high private character, and great prolcssional reputation, could feel any- thing like a personal interest in keeping up the delusion, as it was called^ Avith respect to the real state of Spain. But in the whole of the speech of the lion. (icnt. to vvdiorn he was now alluding, there was no part which he more sin- cerely regretted, than tliat ])art of it in which he spoke of the affairs of Spain, and of the exer- tions of the Sj)anish ])('opk\ Tliat the defenders of Saragos.>^a and (icrona should be represented as exhibiting no single trait of genoosity or en- thusiasm, was hurely not liberal. Well, too, might that Hon. Cent, censure what had been done by his iNbijcsty's government to aid the Sj)anish cause, when he said that that cause did not deserve success. I'or his part, he was persuaded, thrti neither in ancient, nor in modein hi^toiy, could such an cxanipk' be Jbund, of a country maintaining a contest like that w hieh this ' de- graded' Sjxiiu, and this degraded" Spanish go- ^ernn)ent, liad so loug supj)()rted. Never in recent times, had "JJOjOOO k'renchmen been in a country for such a kngtli of time without sub- luing it. Si)ain was not subdued; but what ''i'ect on the cjiergies of S])am such langnn^'C as MH. PEU( I VA I . :;v*7 had l)(,i'n used to-inid.L iiiiL;lit piodiicc'. it w .'.^ iiii[Mssd)U' Id jJiidirL It \\'a> iiaicli [< It 1,:- llii'lifrd. tliat lllc >! I liL;'i;l(' ill SjiaiU WoiiK! j ! i- lja!)l\- l)C ino-t sf ( !(. ; l"it tlii' d:t"!icii'ii a > llu\ C'llCdllUtfia (1, aiKi I'.A- la\\l^l^ lllC\' ll.ld sUs- taiiii'd. had iioi \(.'t liad the I'tl'cc! ol' ^uhicct iiil;.- thi' (ktcrniiiu'd k.-^i stance (A' thr Sj)al^l^h iialinii. .At c\aa_\ dcicat. a law arni\ ^piau^;- up; and (he SpaiiiaiaU. aiiiiiialrd h\ I'litai !:'i-tiiit\ to the li^iii'jai I'l thtar iiiihi-^, waniid iiKtiniaiii a dctcr- lUilud U -^i-taliCr t't tilC \..~A." F'ljrutini ], l^lD. Oil ntin-i,i'_^- thf llliliihs (^f ill, //o.'/^e lu " lit' cnihi. lint laha,!! I'loin cxpri -^;i;^- pain- fid n uict .it t hr >\ nipt('!n> ct" < 'ppM^i! ion \'. hich waaa iia. idcnla'iU nianiti'^tcd :m th,;t Ihai-e, and w liicii ii.id pir\ ;MU^1\ hiaai niaiiik'-tc d ri-A'whcU'. He \v'a> the iiioie L:iie\a>i a! tin- < >pj;i)Siti()n. be- eau-e he thought ite(ai!d not he dt iiied, that tlie aeiioii tor \v hieli \\r wa-^ ahiuit to niese their than!'v>, wa> one of llie nio^t. -pKauhd tiia' had ( \a 1 inaecil or (h->tini;ni>hed our inilil,ir\ aiinaU ; tiial had ever ^hed hi^tie u|)o:i n:c Jh'lidi aiin^. Wiielher the\' eonsi(Ki>d liir i;'n!ii)( r-, thi: hra\ei\', or the (h>e;j)line u[ i.:c' 328 MR. PERCEVAL. enem}', the more would iIrv be inclined to think higlily of that consiiminate skill and con- duct, and that invincible iutiej)idity, wViich ob- tained a \ietory over tlicin. If was not a victory such as Lliey ^aw gained by the French oeer ilie raw lex'ies ol' unarmed jprnish j^casants, bu.t a vie!:e-ry over the x-eterans oi' Fiance; men bred to war, inured to harib-^hijjs, aecuslomed to conquer, and led by the mosi able generals of tiiat country. At tlic present eri.-is, too, he hci)ed gentleuicn would consider the necessity cf establisldng ami maintaining the honour, en- couraging the .spirit, and reuarding the seivices of our gallant army and its commander. When he rellectctl how desirable it was to cherish the military sp'rit, by be>tov/;;jg on ability and valour tlieir due meed and reward, he conhl not help again looking for an unanimous vote on this occasion." FvliriioTij 1L\ IS'iO. hi roplij to flu: Hon. J. W. f]\[r(l, in iny D(hu!>' on Mr. F/f/Zt /-'n Mviiou for Uacc to J.rhi^^ in a liilljor I lit' (iLulilioii (i^fSifUt ure Vkues, *' Th'/ ict lin.cenud to be uppermost in ti'i' miiid of i!u' ii ,,. (icnt. (the lion. J. W . WiJ(l), Vva^, ihat \vhate^er nii^lit be the snbieet hi;. r'::> ,; ,. 1. , (t/n-..i;ri .' .> .11. ;i ( . .: : ,: \. , . ;." I') 1),- 'i,(iiiu!.; :'.:: i;..>t - 'N I . :,, .. ; . \ I j.u -! I :.i w.i-> 'j;;r 1 >; H , ' ", i ,i: : \ -:,!.;( ;'t I M lui;. . . 1 jk i . . t , ; I 1 .!. ( i ^ ., ' :l i),.ii I.' - )>;!. iiiiiii';': :\ l('"l-v (.,;,. 'I 11 ['' ' 111. . . . 1 e' .n.i^!:..t '\( 1 ". w ai iiU'U' ; aiH i ' ii: :'C, t i'.it : i ; .. ' . ! -, ;. 'i I>,C linn -." 1 1 t ! A' 1 lini -v' w..^ >: 1.1 nilhu ii\(l p', t ^ al ii- iMr >'. iiij' . I,\' \'. I;h\ 1 ! ,(! I,;' . ,;: [i ) - i si i ( m^j \ iiiWu-Uii iiuiii ill \'i:c *,;u-,' 111 il;r !^|).iii i.n (!> ^i:lic 1 111::' ii;l I'laiar. he wm- jwi aaiilad. tiat dirrr caiM r\isi I Id (ii-|M isi! K 111 ii; llir iitii.ir, It h ( tn if-^i-^t iii> imtKUi. lie ", a> wall awan', ai lla: >A\v.v tiiiir. liiat, I; iii;j,lit h' viid, tli.il llir i:.ra- iiic i.c li;ai [') j'i;>I' -^'a la 'L.ird no! to S[.:i:i!. i'liL t" l^.ltl!^^a!. lie a,ii^; (.olitclld. thai i.r :i;- tc !( -t., ,,|' l,i,t ii ((.aid Ilol he vi |, ,;,,!.; C . t h.I. 'i:.[r\vy >li(add he do:a- to :'-'w aiuiLi'ii to S30 :slli, PERCE VAL. Portugal, would add to the means of Spain; and that to provide ibr the defence and security of the former country, would be to promote the general jnterests of the Peninsula, and the par- ticular success of the Spauish cause. It was in- cumbent npoii him, however, to admit, that if France should ever succeed in establishing a se- cure and tranquil government in Spain, it would be impossible for Portugal. \\'ith even the assist- ance which this country could afford, effectually to resist the attempts of Fiance. Put if this country should still continue to hold Portugal, pending the struggle in Spain, and thereby menace the French forces in that country, he was sure it would be admitted, that we should by tliat means effectually promote tht- cause of Spain, and consecjuentiy the interests of all parts of the Peninsula." '' He was persuaded, even, that if tlie House were now, for the first time, called ujjon for any opinion upon the subject, so far from regretting their former opinion, they would be actuated b}^ the same sentiments and feelings, which were not more congenial to the chaiacter and honour, than conduci\c to the best interests of the nation.'' " As loug as there should remain a hope of success in Spain, it was obviously the best policy of t))is country to kvei) up the spirit of y.]\. i'--;c i \-A T . ;;:^I i"("si-t;iiu'c til 1 iv'ii; h ii^iirivit -, 111 i-.i Iiij ^:-.i,, Ii iiah' n. 1 1 ,- ;iiwri' I re cm: .1 1 , \ >; l>c con; j)L tcl \ CI ;; iM ;!U'.', (I'l 1 f 1 : \ -rt p i > i . i r.'c ye. I'liii ^ ( '\ I ' r 111' !i i ( IV 'ciii'v- * l' I ( r:ii:^c -() lollL,' a^ ''.]r S|i,ii:i-il li:tl;i;, sli-iiid riiH- tiiuic III i\-!-^l till i:m;i I',,: i>ai c;l' I'laH' '. .1 ^V^)ul(l In !ii IT- si: \ In.' !^,,.t ]'-. iT !i)(i::;cl .1 L:u:ii I'll jii ilidli 111 lt^ ^:!(i:'.:"li .A\A (i : - ' u i-.i i i k' InltT :l^,^',:-^! ^Mi'ii. Il \\ ..-. Ciai^CM"; lit !\-. ihc (1;;; \' ;;-^ w (11 a t! ;' ]' i!:i'\ ni' iia - n a-.m i \-, to ri'ihiiit : ii(! i.ta [) a!i\(' iii the 1\ 111 li^^ii 'a, tlial ^]):,:l, w !iia!i al'>i.c c'^aild ; ' ';! (a;t :a:\ h"|'i' ot' suc'ci -> to the caii^r, w li.ali nii^lit ihii-, ])i aaiap-, (.\-(. ntiiall\ hrc'diiir tlu'm'im ot' tiic i;!!cii\' ar.d im 1( I M ii(!'. iiL\' < ii n a- \\ 1)1 !(l." ' l ia' ; . :il i|ai">' a ai l') i K' ron-iJcKal. t licia'!; aa , \\:i>.\\ h t ;,(. i , !i; I" )--( ^>a a. : 111 T' a : ul::iI uiKin -ii; li 'l! a ai, la t ; ;i a to Mij'i'i'ii lliii-c w liM \V(av- (ii^jio-rd to I'l ip.l iP.ur Ilia ^l 1 r, t^^lr in t Ivvt caiunt i\a ( t, Ii\- w illul; a.\\ ill',;,' tl.a laiii-h aiiin, to !(a\a' tiuiii Id tlirir iatia aiul a'Miiilun tlkii caii-M,- altn^ctlirr : 'J lir (jiu'^l i< ai. la' -lani id la'pa.i!, i (.ali\ \\ a>, w iu'- tlit'i liiat 1 loiix.- -liould d.ic'i :r,i:a' lo ^ll-!ai^ the caUM' ot' tlir l\'iiii!su!a in J'oiIiiLial, (M, I'\ dc- .scrt mil;' it, k'a\'r t hat ta)uiil 1 \ tn lir'i\ii. 'an li\' I lir t iit'iiu ; in doiiiLi,- w liuli, t la \' \' > 'aid -aiic n- d' i lo I'rancc the nio>t cain\ (.ni'iil itatajii. and 3S2. MR. rEiiCLVAi. tlic most important iiistiunicnts of hostiiil} against ibis country. Was that a question which Gentlemen were prepared to accede to?" '' If they should now tliink fit to withdrav/ tlieirarmy if t'ney should, in this instance, not feel tliose sentiments which made tliem express to his Majesty their approb.ition of his having entered into a treaty with Spain isftcr lier reverses if, in the contcmplationoftlie present diriicul- ties, and \vithout a just regard to tlie prospective interests of thccause of the Peninsula, they siiould determine to abandon Portugal altogether, sure lie vv'as, that it would be in effect to abandon the cause of this conntiy, as \sell as to tariiisb the character and iionour of tlie n;iti()n. When he looked back to that feelini>- wliich induced Par- liament to aj)})rove of a perseverance in supj)ort cf the Spanisli cause, after the difficulties and reverses which had been sustained in Spain, he could not bringhimscii' to suppose, that any in- disposition would be shewn on tins occasion still to maint:iin the cause of tiie Peninsida. At ;i period Vv'lien the hoj)cs of Spain were so re- duced w h.en the cause of that countiy was to be sustained almost wiihin the walls of Cadiz, \v:is It, he wc'i'J.d ask, for the interests of the sur- viving energies of the Sjj.iiiis!] CcUise, or f(n- the innr.ediate advantage of ', he causC of tliis coun- try, that we should witlidiaw, or profess to with- Mi'.. [\ f '^l \ \,. u:;.\. t..r D.ilMi aii::'. !'n :.\ W : ' .! ' Wii.il cop.^t. CM nc'.'Ci'ulii i;-ui: !i'>in-;\ :i c i:: i.!;-it, the iiK \ ; ,.! ''v' ^i;iiiv>'' '''ii di SjM ;i ..,; 1 T ili;- l;'.'!, ;;iiil ti.c 111 ',\--^ 1) \' ..ir.;,!i!','ii!;it ; Ml 1 ! ti; t '.u'- in\ s nu ;;r. - ()1 l,^'^l;', :'\ ;il';.;i: ^; i ir.- c: 'iin m \ -' " Jlut \'. \i ;! \'. t .v' t::. \ to tl.'i.l^ ( l' t!;i' -,'i;ti- ll'i(.;lt^()t t !l()M' ( it'Ut Ic M'A'll W '.in w ( if ;;1\\;;\ ^ (,1 oiMii-'ii, l;j..t r. \'.\;- , :;:jMi -:''\' r-r>;'i'n to h' 'd cut ^" M'll'.,; ! !:c\ , \'. ho t' 'ill i ill- I I' ll^C ^1 I nl'tcil, 111, . L t !.c !..-.> \',\.^ ';: I" 1( ^- ;!;al i: \\;i-.\a,ii In M r>i <.:.t 111 ':-; !.. j- !o -ic-.c:' i!- -tli.tt il" Sj..cr. \' ,- 111 -'.. c\c(l at ..!,. -';; iiais! --iicccctl al ' iicc :.ii(l K.i't -;U' cciilri luvi r ir .iiilain a ; ; - tiactcd (filter* aua:i'^t t':>.; (li-^>"| '1 :: i 1 ai';,;\s :.r,(l cii' ii'i ,;s ic-ocua ^ i '1 I'racia : Sj);cii la.d c( :r iMi. (i ' :i:' nI ; iiLLi'c l.i " 1 -^ i ! ". ! ,< 'Wa \ u ; aic i ' !l.cc\a . ll.ili'i.t I'., tl.C uhi'C.x ;; cct d' li,; atcc 1 - i' ];;\--. CI, t .- ^'^ai-" '! l\.c ['.: ;;-cI.a ac- t , (I ::L' in ic- I'p.ii na.c 'C ,ij 1.1 '! ; I c >. it. vnai ^ c-:a'/ni: { i ! , > L t I ' (aiC - , I C , t . I . . . V : i I CI '1 u . .. i iCi! I.CC tn !C ll: SS4 3IR. PERCEVAL. occupy Spain with an annv, but her power would be confiiiecl within the hmits of her military posts ; and it would recjuire nearly as large an army to keep possession as to make a conquest of S])ain. There never had ex!^5ted a nation ca- pable of subduin;.'- a rjopulation i)0SsessinL>' the mind, and heart, and soul of tlie Sj)aniards. T]ie\' n.igiit sustain levcrses ; hut tlie very vic- tories aufl tlie trhiiViphs of llieir enemies would teach tlicn) discipline, and infu-,e into them a spirit wificli. v;oulil uirimarely be the r:iin of their ojjpressors. Under these circuuistances, he slioiddputit to the Uouse, ^vliether it would be prudent or w i le to .djandou PoituL;ai? The last AustrJan war h;id arisen in a !:;reat measure out of tlie conte:;t in the Peninsula. During the progress of tliat war, howe\'er calamitous its result liad ])rovcd, it would Ijc in the recol- lection of the iioi'sc, thiit one otlier day's suc- cessful resi:0::nce of the French army by the AuUnaiis, ioigot have overthrown the accumu- lated pou'cr (yf the enemy, liini such events nd;i,ht again take place, was not inij)()ssible. No man eouhl anticipate what mi^'!.!: arise of this (K'n ripiion io loc comse oi a -horl period, and uutler all tlio oi!cuo;stancr;> of the work!; but as long as the c cutest was oi- couhl be main- tained in t'iie ]\n!n'-odr, he ooiisidered it the best pr.lioy of this coioit'y to snppiort and jn'o- mote it.'" y. i;. ! : i;c : v 1 . .,,.., ; I ;. 1-1 1. ^' : :':' H *' It' (!!->ipj)i 'iii; II!, i;t lia> l).(.ii c \; ri ;; i;f( '! in an\- tM^c w lure l!i it Xohli' I .i 'i;i 1 .^ .: vi \\ >, 1. lis- ten) ii;t> \)i\\\ C'uh'L'i'iU'il. ;t i-. Iiu- (li-.ij):; .:ii!irn,': I ol tl'.c ciKiii \ ; l)u! ^^l 1 1 1 \ ! Ik. u c .. ii i-c no '..-.-; ]i- jwui.t nu'iiL 111' liir i:il:iir,,:i ii-^jUN llu; ,.i.\ ( Iiur |K-i M -u w .1, .iL n' 't; ! \ !o ( ;!!v i 1 ,,.!'. .\ ' > -; ;i." 1 : ,iU', low III!- I ;.i' I !i,-A- I ! ! ;-i > ' ' .:. ; !.. 1 1' ^!!. ' .t 11- tlcn.an (M'. W '; ' :v;;,i\ .Ire! ,: - .1 M .> li- u-0;, lliat c\ ( I \- J .ii-_; ; -:i ()!(!.( i' w a> ' u-'\ -^iilc r. i li.;^ c'ouiltlN' iiom llii,' 1\. i:>i;,,.. l)(-i>, hi,'. ii;ii>'i. {,'. iiow \\i>li that llu' I'l'.ni'.^u' I ^h; '['.vi h;.\r he i u ^u^u^ wliu h \\ (.' h,i\ f --laai i M 1 i ciu h fi iirji \ , i u ip !i tKaclu'i \ . and I'aii'ii mi-ukx i ; ; \ , Ihi'iuis -1','aihi ha\r had i.d -Ii,.;.- :ii ihc hta -^1 i aL;Lj,(r - D'as h,;- w '>h thai \]\ :!Mn^ -'a;aid iml ha\ i^ made a stand in the ^nK cdi lu r w :aa v ii w a^ [)(is-;hlc to ni lisn a s' uul .i_a. li--'. liic connn.un rau ni\' nt I'nr )|)n : ' l.rt u^ . i^ 1 y\- \ me n > ! hat n.tt.- ^n Mliin!; . .- ("a <\\v iiiM! ( 1 'tan I . - h n d -iU' h\- ;.ll I he i -; fs naf K iin, I ^ i .nn jc- ~ , , iia' I !.; r( ininu nia . . . : ' "\ i.f K \ ( inil \' nai \' wai ; f 'a tii.tt n;;; :. . .' n, 'h'Mi'in n.'W I'l a- ,,.w;e ih.ni I ' \ i .n - t ",(.i;au 336 Mil, PERCE,VAL. by tlie armies of Fi-ancc, Iiiis nc^er yet submitted to her foe, but is slill as uncoiKjueriiljIe in mind and spirit as ever. It i:) in tlicse means, and this determined Sj)irit of oj^posiiion, that our hopes of that country are foundefi ; it is by these means alone that an opposicion to France can be main- tained ; and I trust thyit, \\;i:le she continues in that sjnrit, slie will remain as invincible to France as ever." ..'v/er.Vi 19, ISll. Gn takings tiie Portuguese troops inio liililili pay. * In prv;poo!ng ihe measure originally, he liad to enceunie/r the dibcouiaging; representa- tions of those who eonsitiered it nugators', or worse tlian nugatory, mischiesous ; whilst ad lie had hi nisei i to urge in its support could at best iu)t go beyond eoiijeetujes as to its result; but as (lie conieeti.res ]:;e tlieii entertained and ex{)!.iir.ed to the House liad since been fully real;zed, ;md every e,\j)e< i.iiion whicli he liad lield )Oi!i. luhiilt (!, hi' trnsl'.d it would not now he cou.-ii'iOiS'l ;);' mucn lor the j^i'n.iiCs up;-!' \ ) inm to chum ciedit cii he then acted. Thoufih SOT: e Ilori. (uniienun took lather a gloomy view ol c.oc he n-nst sav, that the ii II. pm;( k\ a I.. 1:.:jH- (ill the oliicr liaiul w'cic a^ ^:mL:llI^c ai I'lc iKspili \\ :l> (ifcj) : !)iit ;iL ! !i !t t ;iiu' l!:r c'\ ( ii' :- uiimt.im ; tlic\' li:ul H''tiiir:; p.'pJiic t" tni!:i\- tiuir (t[)ii'M;il> lin lu't t' (;:_: ;m -^mj)- ](.,! (if" llii'ir a;-'4LmK'lU>. Now, i;M\'c\,i-, li.- v-a^c w a> alt(,i\(l ; the clian^c w!)i.'ii I'.d ';.!.! phu'c cnatjli'd tlicin to irta t^ \.ic cwi-.t. i i ()i(l{-'r to ^I'.cW" that i;!! tlu* arL;aii:.(M' -> mi ^':;'|'' ' ' I t tlu- t'l'iiiRi- Lii.iiit had \)cv\\ c>>]]:i>].' c'w ' ::- l.iiiitih '1 i.c i-\ jH rtat:i'ii> h(.'i(i t'atia hi:\\.-\aM ^aii^aii.r. li.'.d h( t 11 cxiaadoh lather tiaiii (h^- ajijMiiii : (.ah \)V the Ic^uit. L iid(.a' th.^.'^c (aiaaiin- staiu (-. tii(-'rr!();r, u lieii (,'X]i(.'i :(_aHa' had ])r<)\cdi the j) l);,i,->h ].a\ wi'idd. \,c {(> !(,a\t' iiDlhiiii;- Id liu' i^J^tUL>al; >f na'aai to do in t h(.' laaiiitt iiaihc o!' th'M o'aii ,a^i . I ,td tiiii'.ad <'Mt to he c'(|Uahv iir. li 'and; d witli till -II jia .. iii> a^ titiir(.;!! .v iir\ n; \]\c \'i i\r,j_\',c>r ; I ( . ,j)-., h ! ^^l^t(d th.tt; liu' (aMiar. !! !i-c ai.idd icathlx and ch.t \a I ii i! \ (.onc'a: in tai' inof ii ill ho h.id ti ) iii.d.ja " 1 lia coiinr. M tin nnol i)o tnh\ awaino'l t!,n inann.va m which t!ic w ai \\:!'- \'.a'^aal m Po!!n i :.. V nin>i !r *-(;. dih' !^ i\v i" a. >i : . ( \; ; t aa. inn ' h,c iaa;:f '' li !>'. ; '- : a o'ai-adta-.djh- poi t a n ' 't ' ; ' 338 MR. PERCEVAL. place to place, must necessarily have interrupted its resources and revenues ; and that it was not to be expected that Portugal, so circumstanced, could be able to make the same efforts in the common cause, as if no part ot^ her territory- was in the possession of an enemy, nor any portion of her means diverted from her disposal to the support of that enemy. If the com- mittee should be of opinion, that the exertions already made had proved beneficial to the cause, and were desircibij to be continued, it woukl naturally follow that they must feel the pro- priety of assisting Portugal largely." '* He was convinced that no doubt could be felt as lO one point at least, the propriety of still keeping alive in Portugal that feeling and that exertion which alone could afford any fair and rational prospect of final success in her cause. Different views, he would admit, had been, and might still be entertained as to the manner in which the efforts of this country, in support of the Portuguese, should ha\e been directed; yet, however ditferent the opinions might be as to the propriety of the course that ought to have been originally adopted, as v. e were at present so far advanced in a ])articular plan of operations, it nuist be allowed tliat nothing could be so weak, so unwise, so in]})olitic, as to abandon tliat plan at present for the adoption of any other, which, MR. PEHCEVAI.. 33(7 ti. )'.i:j:!i it iviiu-lit. have hern tiri'j:iiial|\- hctrcr, (')irul now he revolted to Inil uiu!'. r t'.iciiiii- sta!icc> ol" o;rr;tt daniiXT aiul (li-a(U";uil,i'j-c. lie 'V i- Mirr. tluTcti-.rc, lb.;it \\ lialcvia' iii-'lit l)c tlioiiL^iU i \' tiic lncMit^ dl llu'|)Iui 111' ('|>i'! it;on> iiDW 111 pi' 'JT-5S, no lloii. Mc!iil)(.-r Wdulil la'c'oin- nu 11(1 t',) tlivMi to rctu'ad !lic'r ^t^]).-^, and make aii\' al inai. loii ill tic ^\"^' cin hitherto act rd i.jxMi. lie w a> >iirc, i>]\ '-'.a: co;,tra;\'. thai it woidd he 'iit t h it l]\v\- \].i''. \)vc\\ 1 :_;ht 111 t iiv- >c;k'(.'tioii ot' the ^jM.'t on \\ hiu'li to ia!>c tht' >lainhud ai^ainrit the c '.icinv ; a -.i)ot upon whi'h \\c could he hc-.l cnahkd to Cari\' our (j\\ n op'cratioiis to tlic i;rcat('^t extent with es'ei'N' advanta-_:,-e, and which \\'a^, at tlie same time, ma pi/cuhar dc^i'ee incon- \ en a lit to the ( iieni\ , W ilh ail tla ir opmi- >ii-, tlR-ictoie, contirmtd !'V the e\ciil, and e\riv I'xpeetatioii deri\ed lioin the me, i^iiic realised, h:e couid iMt hiin;:; hmiNcd' to siijijxcc that the ci'mniittee \'.(ni!d not tlnnl^ it iil;1iI to lollove i;p liie p'lan ot" operation^ iiitheito ^o snecc>-it'iillv acted npon. Hut liere lie- i]m>t hci;" K'a\ e to adwit to certain nneaiuhd allusion-', winch it was the praetiee ot thv' ( ient leimai on tlu- oj)po- 5ite >ide to make to t Ju' t'ailuia- nt' i lie e\['n-c"M Iioiis supposed to ha\e hciai eiitcitaiucd i)\ nin- -clt and hi-, eo;lcai;aie> on tlie [irolj.duc !>>iie I'l !i!c f,.nipaiL;ai. It \va> nut t'air. he nni>l C' Uiti nd, 111 i;.L Hon. (aentltancn to -tale, tint (.aLlicr in* 340 MR. PERCEVAL. Majestys ministers, or those who concurred witli them, had ever held out the prospect, that in a short period the French wouhl be driven from the Peninsula; that a victory was considered as certain, or even an ultimate triumph confidently anticipated. Witliout presuming to throw out such confident vievrs of the issue of the contest, all he had ever asserted on this head was, what he- was still ready to repeat, that he entertained a confident expectation that we should be able successfully to defend Portugal against any probable amount of force v/hich the French miglit be able to employ or bring to bear against tliat kingdom. It was upon this impression that the actual scene of operations had been chosen ; and it v\'as in the full persuasion of the justice of this expectation that it was deemed wise to continue the operations there. All that iiad happened, too, justified the course whicli liad been adopted ; and whilst that was the case it was impossible for those who thought with liim, to alter the opinicms which thus had been formed upon the subject. lie besought the committee, then, to look to cver\- ])art of the subject to look to the ])r()gress of th.e campaign, and to tlic cxcriions winch had been made in tl:e course of it by Portugal ; and he would tluu a^k whether the result had not completely j".stiIiLd all the opinions which iji tlie last session HR. PLliCEVAL. oU he had a(l\aiiccd ? Kvcry public (h^putch, a>i \\ ell a.-5 L\w\- [)il\atc comimini'.atioii tVup.i the aiin\, C')iicui i\'(l in i<.prc.>(.ntinLi' the Poi tiiuik--c tiM(j|>>,, di^cijihntd hv nriti>h otiicci^. as woiliu of ihc ]iisti iicli<)n> lhc\' iccc'ivcd, and ut" the example that \\ as .'^et to them."' '* W'itli respect to the character of tlie cam- paign ah-itractedK . what, he would ask, could he a hettcr proof ol its supt'rior merit, and \aiuc. than ti.e lar.^aiaue cmplovcd 1j\' the enemy- ^\'hat a iiighcr tiibutc to it'^ merits iIkui the alteration ot' tone bo manitest in alL tile' recent j)uhi;cationi ot" I ranee upon the sub- ject vt' thi^ campaign - ^\'c were not now told that the Ijritish army ^hoLfld he driven in a short: P'criod ot" time into the s^a. It w a^ not now hi.soK'iit !y asserted, tiiat tlie allien weie to be suddenl}' brushed aw a\ on the lii'st apjx arance cd" tlie I'uncii ai'iu.cs in the field auMinst ihem. i l:e laiiguaL!,'e iio\a- held on the c(;ntrar\, wa^j, that the ohieei "\' lt;e enem\' w a^ to bi' acc'oni- ])hshed not \)\ (hcisi\-e aetiou, but b\' j)rotracted opeiat;on.> ; not l)\' stuldi n ;'.iid \iL;-oious itforts in the lield, but bv ( lulc a\ ours to draw down mm u[)on our liopes, br the proiMCss ol' time, and by the eoni>ei|uent aecumulal lou of e\peii-c -. 'i In^ language desiLiuated tiie alleicd eliaiactir ot the campaign; and upon this ^lound they ''\ie jusLilicd in ili()Wc'cl oil all hands to Ix.' iiu \ital/i\- Id he cai- iivd un ; a war, ii'it V()liiHtar\- (iii nin- |iuii. Imt HiipoNcd on II- \>v the injustice and auuiei-Min ot' the cncin\ ; this was the .scciu- nio-t ad\an- tagcous for n^, and ni.:i>r in^'onvtuiiiu toitiic iMU'niy, in whicii to cuntinne it^ u])t'!alion>. " " \\ hatc'vcr may he the iCbuit ol' the war in wliieli \vc are engai^ed, whatever niav he tlie rcMilt of the rctnvit of .Ma^^eIla, whether ^a"=; It j)r()niiM.s t'roin e\cry ealeuhition \v e can a.t i>iChent niakt) it turns out to he a ivtical w ith- uut a return, or \\ ht-'thir. as -^onie ha\ e {n)- j'^^^'d to hehew, the eiioiiiicu.'. i)owcr of jlu'MKijiai tr mar again ^u]>[)!y lij> tiooji^, and cnahU' them to ictrare tiirir sti'p- ; wMate\-i"r be the event, thi> measure must he hrnelleiah l>y iiitaneini;' the advantage of DiitiNh eonneetion a> eoni|)ared with I'reneh as^i>tanee. Tiie truth vstah'.ished hv thii> me-i^ure may oper.itc not !nerr!v in the Peninsula, hut throughont I.u- :0|)t' and the \\ orld. It mav not men ly pioduee 'Aiv ( lleet ot' eonriiining one ]iM\ei:. hut ol Muniating all puwei^ to le-i-^t thr de poti-jin vt' 344 MR. PERCEVAL. the French ruler, and it must have the effect of proving how falsely England has heen calum- niated, and how fittie truth there is in every tlhng coming from the same source by which her ciiaractcr has been traduced." Jpril 2G, 1811. On moving Thanks la Lord Wellingion for the Dejence-of PortngaL " The advantages derived to ourselves from the result of tlie campaign are by no means inconsiderable. This country. Sir, may be con- sidered as divided into two opinions with re- spect to its own pov.'er and prosperity. Those Vv'ho liavc thouo'lst that Great Britain never stood higher in those points, are gratified at seeing tiieir opinion confirmed; those, on the contrary, who have entertained the desponding idea, tl^at the sun of BritJsii glory was for ever set, must now^ congratulate thcmsehes, and the country, on the proof that our militarv ciiarac- tcr never stood so liigii ''.> at the present nmment. To them the recent occurrences must be infinitely more gratifying than to us who were more sanguine (m the subject. No longer c:in any fears remain, that should the Trenrh .m:i. rr.iK i % a seek (uiv h]ii)ri.'> w c .sli.uild ii^t Ik- a\^\c I') nux'l till III. \\\' 1k;\'c ;i, IlnliMi ann\ , rdiiip. s^d ot ;i i;( ;'.(.;. il Wi/) l;;i- ()UI-'.:t:ici .;1 'v I llicii^. and ti'Mi'iiN i)\ \\\(irii llirii ti'ioj's Iii\(' hi ( ii su!)- (liu'(i. A> ti> ill',' ciii'ct ot' tli:~ cui j):ii'_^ii (li; tlii: cnc'im, wiial l:i> iVi liii'j,-^ ii.i:--l \iv. a.tlu al! li;-5 hi-a.-^t^ and tliuaN a^an^t '>:< llnti-^h ai ii ^ , !rai\ l)r f;.^il\- ' oia. i i\a d. W 1:>. ;t ^ i llrci^ ii.av ]>'.-. i\]'rvi::\ .v. on l;.ii:i-c. I will w 't \ v iil a; n lo j)ra(l:cr 11'. \..v ; ,.:{ i\: -i-'rAil'/wir i:i I'oi - ti.'Li'ai in,;\' jMit an ( lui t'l tiia daln.-'on. iha! cx- ttait lA dMniininn !^ txtcnt nt' -t-anL'*l; J. 'W \\\y il nai\ ojinn the t \ t^ oj iju' IVam li to t''.c intolrrahif and di^u'i .i^'t- t'^il ts'i'a.n.nx I)\ winri; tlic\" arc at prn-iiit o|)|)K'>>n(l. t nl nic rvcn.t ^ \\ i,[ di^rlii-c. \\ nil lCL;-:ii(l to tile 1<. >1 ot' tllc' \'. mid to jaiiopr itwid 1)1' an u-clid K --on, p-infinu' out t lir ond\ maal lu -; < u: .1 \a"' Sir. !i \'. a- iinji' --I'lK- to -iijijio^n. that it C'udd hr the d;\!nn inltnti'M! ol lho\ iiKau'o JoiiL:,- to |)(;in:i t he C' intinnainac ot' th,at >\s!iin id' o|>]M ( --ion and uMii j>a; ain, nndci w na'h i'ai- ioj)(' h,:d ;-o lonii' L;ioatu.d. It naiw ju'iha]'-. I'tt he jirc'-ninptucai^ in n> tn haipo. that \n 'iia\- \)c \\]r iiistrnincnts ol dch\riini:,- tha' \\iald Iioiii iK thiaidom. JL li not iul[)o^^d)!l. in the '!!-j)rii>at lon^ of I'l (;n idi ma', i)nt tli.it m Hiat '-I'v IViijii-nki ill xvhich the i\iann\ "1 li.ana: 546 MR. PERCEVAL. has been so cruelly manifested, slie may receive her death-wound, if not licr grave.'* JimeJ, iSll. On moving Tliaiiks to Sir ffm. Bcres- ford, ^'c. for the Victory of Albucra. " He bea'ijed the House now to allow him to allutlc to the moral consequences which must result from this victory such a victory, occur- ring at such a time, and under such circum- stances/' '* He could not but consider it as opening new and flattering prospects to us in the Penin- sula. He was aware that some gentlemen were of ojnnion that there w^as no limit to the means of the French Emperor, and that he could have no difficultv in sendin"- three or four hundred tl'iousand men into the Peninsula. For himself, he should say that he did not think it so easy for him to send any large force thither; parti- cularly wiicn there was a ])rospect that he might have employment for so many of his troops elsewhere. JJul e\ en if he should be able to place his force in the Peninsula on the same footing as before, he would find the allies better prepared to meet him ; he would find, from the >iK. ri:iuh.\Ai . .147 j^^lui'mus cxanipk' set 1)\- the S|),ini-,h tioops at Alluicra, tai" ditlcicnt (.'UcmK -> to conteiul with. \\ iirii \\v looked to the l;;i:c\()\is ^il^:l|)|)()|llIJn(nt. ol the lu'jx..^ iii t!ic riKiiiw he I'oiilu not think he ente; t:iiiietl ;iii\' ex a Liberated (.oulicKnee in the operations ni' the wdv ; their l^5lle vv ^^ in other hand>. \\'hethei tlie j)lea>.inL!,' hojx^ he cntei tamed wcie weil tonnded. under ah the eireuni^tanee>, .he ^hmihl U'a\"c tiie |)nl)h*; to i\(\ ide ; Inr, w iiateser niii;lit l*e tlie |i >nn(iaJi()a '.Vi hi> i'\j)LeIa'ii"n>. he [naN i'(l that (iod, lu \\lio,,e (h^po^al thi' i>M.ie ol all I'onte^ts \s a^ placed, would g.'aiit that they bhuuid i)e lea- Ji.ed." Jinir'J, \^\\. On Mr. IIut>fi'ni>(in's .l/o//'.,,; jy>;;,7/;/- thr Miittiiri^i i'o'tciiiij till Cnitnlii/. '' If there was an\- wliere a peeuliar oppor- tunit\, and a nioiT ta\ourahle pio^peet than another ot I'e^i^tinL;' the eiiinn', if w a^ to he tuund in Spain and P<)rlULj;;al. It wa^ then' he e(ineei\ed it to he tlie ])araniount mteii^t of the eountr) to maintain the stinuule. ^\ iih re>peet to what had l)een said ot' the wantol' leelinij,- displayed h\ tbmentinu' and kcCjunL; ii\o tile war in the Peninsula, in liib oi>iniou. 348 :\IR. VEKCLVAL. no calamity that mio-lit be inflicted on that Dart I/O 1 of the Continent, by a protracted warfare, could be equal to the cvii of French doniinion." July i, ]Sl].-li reply k) Mr. Hliitbread. " Irresistible as tiie course of Buonaparte had hitherto appeared to be, if we indeed thought that Providence superintended human events, we must be convinced that in that course he would yet be checked. This country might be chosen as the instrument of arresting his mighty progress of deducing good out of the evil which had liitherto existed. What vv'as there, he would ask, in the march of Buo- naparte, which ought to induce us to suppose that his ultimate success was irresistibly decreed by Providence?" January 8, 1812. la reply to Mr. JJliilhread, in the Debate on the Report of the Address. "' He would commence v/itli noticing the misconceptions of the hon. gentleman with regard to the affairs of Spain and Portugal and tljc characters of hopelessness and desperation in which he had described the war. And here ii n. ri.ia :-.\- .\ i .'VJ ]\" \y n\.\{\ W'.Ai to 1)1 111.:,' back to llu' UTi )',lri't ;i)ii ol li.C H ;!(, tlif stale I'.l Ulilvil l!;CVaI sIoimI it lie i)r':;i;iiiiii:,- ot' la-^t s. -ion ; ne w .uiM w i-h to hi.r.L;" iiaek to tlieir lerni'.c-t ;( m. I::r I'fiii <'i\-, aiio tc.:r>. and pioi)licr;e^, ot' tlie hoe. Liuit k'- iiiaii. and to iiiticat lliciii to ((/l;tI^i^t t..e ; o s- j)ect lie then diew. \\ith t'.e ie;dk\- ot' thv' j-: ;_ >ent -^eeiie ; th.e\ x'.ou'ei t'u.d, i i; -iieh a t v'ln- jioi^ ;i, tleit ii;-, t'eai > \'. ere niii'^aia!', : k thai h;s ( \ ; ee'.o .ini^ w.ie t.kibwi (', t'.;,.l \.:> [: ('j)i;ceies ^'.aae t. ; , < an i ai - ; a,,d \.1 ;!.e ]\> a. l'^ n: 1 'in.ai ^va-^ o:\ : I'd e[)on the - leae ua. ;:i.d^ ' 1 aep'f'- ia n>a):i, iui:ne!\a the I)oa^'> <-. Iki' aao- .: ! a, ''* : ejicat lli^ piojiiiLei*. s str, V i;.c t'' < f . : 1 V . ; I , Al U 1 -a^.i i iia;;r , ' a' w , : : ; :, . . r lk'.uiii;kt ! ;:e !.! 11. :. .li! k ;e la . , . r k. tate(! a' e' " a aad a .: aa\ . ai. d :o kokh tk,,l < . :air > 'k-' c .:.;. \ ,.a:\ d la- \\ on!d d , ; : I la a' 1" 'a ; i:-:' * il, aaiaraa aad ^! to la ! a a \' ' 'j* t" da_ a tie- M;,a!l (aa[ l cf k la a. k A' k- :\''''.:i^. ;) ::. a! ;;a' ; ;!, !!, k > n k ; d < a i \- ! : M k d 1 k a k a . k.' ( ;:(a., . ; kat t iaaa \; i - :;a. >,:\ a, ; *.. ' . :.. lJ.I l'-! :,a an Ia- o; -aajn'Oit ',' . . Alia - aecn.Li. ' ' a wa. w. i- \<> \y ?.: ;\ -w S50 MR. PERCEVAL. into the sea, and wcie not to have a foot of ground in Portugal ; but instead of these boasts- being accomplishedj or the gloomy apprehen- sions of the hon. gentleman realised, we hac^ not only rescued Portugal from the enemy, but maintained her in security against liis utmost efforts. Since this had been achieved, iudeed, a new light had been discovered, and it was found that it would not have been the right course for the French to drive us into the sea, but that they should fust conquer Spain, and leave US to be swallowed up at the last, after we had been permitted to waste our strength! Would any man believe this? Would any man believe, that if it had been in die power of the enemy, they would not have driven us from Portugal Those who held the opinion that Buonaparte was irresistible, and that it was in vain to op* pose his designs, wondered that he did not at once crush this army, which not only acted in every point to the frustration of his design, but remained in opposition to him on the Pe- ninsula, to his disappointment, to his vexation, and to his confusiou. Would he, if he could have prevented it, even by directing against it solely and entirely the whole of his force, have suffered this? No man could think it. He would have left every thing else to accomj)lish our expulsion; but his power was not equal to >1R. I'KIU'RN A I .".,) I lii> (l(*>irc ; aiid liic country he ruled cnultl \\(>\ t'luni^h Inin with llic niCiins nco >>;ii"\ to ilVcr! Ill- ino^t ;iii\K)iis purpose. l)ut lluuLil) tlii-> w a-^ his oj)inioii, \\c would not, thcictoif. wit'ii iiKtt p)lc^umpt ion with which 1r' cluirmd ti,*,' cp.iiun, sa\ that, thoui;-;! hcrcti 'toil' baiilcd and drliM'rd. lie ndf^ht not at -ome futuie penoil acco;npl:-h that object, in atU'iv.ptinu- which he had h; c a ->') se\'erel\' I'oilcd ; hut lie thouL^ht it niii;i!t tai.U he ar'jaied, iVoni a ri tro^peci ;\e \ ivv. , that \\a' i;;iL:,ht eoiitiiuic to nKiiutaiii ou;>ei\cs in I . c lVaiir;--u!.i, lait oiiK- to dvieat In- pihiPo ot' an;hi- ticni. hut a^ a standiui;- t-onir,.-! to the ha^e-.l villany e\er exlnhited in liie world! \ e>, hiC maintained, that on all <.l" tlie^r jxMUt^, tl'cie never \^a^ a nioie smkiinj- C'>i;i i\ivt, than ti.,i' which appcred in tia' conduct ol' the runeli and ihiti^h '4n\-( runient ujxii the IVrmi-uhi; :iiid It the man \\ho ran-ed ; l had aii\- \ :l \^ to elho.utt lor ainhil a 111. it mu-I he ii:> leo^t e.ir- iie->t laie and iui-iiir--, h\ e\^i\ nuthi'd and invent aui, to Km ]> il iin; (ud\ lioin t::e i \r u[ the reiMM^uli, hi,L 1)1 ; ;.. w Ol Id. I lahi lla^e CM I iine.taii'-e-, he couM h\ i', il le hao' iioi i:;jmd. iiut ! -', ri;'o" .1. -:\\('r tlic lu'^Miinini;- of the ]: ^1 -: - "P. tlay la' ira>ai I' i {''.>'.. [ iw.od. (P ._.:io:\ >.;'.d fJ^xJ MTw PEE.CKVAL. sariguinely, and to indulg-e in the liope he had often expressed, and which lie saw no reason to depart from, tliat the enemy had touched the i.ojnt of his ambition, and wouhl here find for it :; jirave. But the Hon. CJenileman opposite hehl (itlicr opinions. lie dccnietl Buonaparte in\in- cihle, and that ail his apparent disasters were only t;'e result of a design to concpaer Spain, ^ind reser\ e tlie British, as it were, for a ' bonne 7 753? Fdmiary 'Jj. In] 2. In ihe Debate on Sir Thomas- TiirtcKi^s v'iCtioK jcr a Comruiltce oil the State of tlf Natioiu " Ilii Jsohlc riiciid fLord Castlereagh) had been char^' ,v' vA^h arensarkabic convenienee of priiiciple. for eons,:uth]g to give the assistanee of his talents to tiie Adaiinistration. Great conve- iiientj of pi";'jciple 1 And from whom did this eharge pro'jeed ? From those persons in tiie party ot l];c Noble Lo.^'s (Lords Grenville and Gre\ i a!:o. m ]i;:3 (^omion, Lad sljewn as much cons'^Mi'jac.'j as \V:V\',\ aj^plieaiion, at least, of prine.j))!.' t': tmies ard eireanistanees, as any statesni:ai \:.v.\X c:-:" li\u(h if convenienee of piineijjle U-. . ;i (ju'.ib'.y to be found in public !iien, eoii,\jn:.:n:-c oi' piinci];ie in tiie sense of ilK. Pi. U(. 1. \-A I . :i:>r> .ip[)!\ m<_>- pnufijijc (lit'lorcutly at (iillrrciit tiiiic^ to t!n- >anu' (jUL'-tii>n, he thought tii;it (iiialit \ \'.'as n scrxicc, with ail th.o^c j.r.'iudii ; - \'. liich, at tiu- c'oiiin;riic'c;ii''n! ol ;!;r Rr-j-aicx . hid htaii ^! luhi 'II-'n' in-^tiiltd iiiio ii'-. lhi\ ii 1 Iii;lnK'-^v'^ miihl a-.;-ain-L [\\c K!:ij:"^ M'lwiras, ami uhi.'i piL-|U(lac"5 wvw conxa'x ad to lluni II! an opui. tV.ink, and. ihf icl'-iw (on^ohltol \- manner ; \ct, at tlic caid ot" th;C limited Ui'ucnew ^neh an expeiienee had lu' I'i tlio^c 'i. namt >, so ao pioduetue ol l;1oi\, and honour, and htni'fi*. tliat hi' liad ihe ii:a.;n mm;:! \ t > a\'o\v tht' ehanue tliat had t dsi n j'la a' m h> senti- ment^ n.sj)eetiiiL\ them, .a:d to s:.j,nii_s li!-. [''ei- >i!H' ih.it lia\ ai.oihd I'Milmue to admin:>t(.a : la' .'ti'ii' s (.n the cmati \ . ' .'Ij'ir \A. I^IJ. On ih: linrrnck L, and vmder all eiia um-^tance>. and t-; ih;. i-t >. \ II ianit\a" \ a ( S54 ) MR. PONSONBY. February 20, 1808. -Jji the Debate on Mr. Whiibread's Resolutions respecting the proffered Mediation ofRussh and Austria. " No step had been taken by Ministers to get the country out of the difficulties in which their own conduct had contributed to involve it. How did they mean to continue the war?" June 15, 1808. In the Debate on Mr. Sheridan's Motion relative to the Affairs of Spain. ** In such circumstances, neither he, nor any man as ignorant upon the subject as he acknow- ledged himself to be, could attempt to advise his Majesty's ministers what course to pursue, when their course was ultimately to be regulated by that information of which they were exclu- sively possessed. He therefore could not divine the object of the motion of his Right Hon. Friend (Mr. Sheridan). He denied, for himself, that it would operate upon him as a pledge of his future opinions upon the conduct of hi Ml:. roN'soNiiv. 35 ALijcst)'^ niiiiistcrs in tliis iiDpoitant crisis; a>, until he h.id w itncsscd it, lie could not posbi 1)1 \ judLic ol" it." January U>, l^O'J.In the Debate on th>' .Jtldie^i. " Hi> Majoty, in his ^J)ceeh, inti;iiatc's to its, that the c(->ntcst in wliieh we are en^-ai^ed has no hkeliiiood ot' heiuLi; hrouL^dit to a eonehi^ion t'a- vourahle t(j the intere-st-^ of this eoantiN', or oi' our allies, without a vigorous and peise\eiing continuation ot' the eirorts of tlie British nation. I do belie\e that his Majesty may iia\e formed a very ju>t estimate of the situation of thi.^ coun- tr\', and ot" tlk- re^t of luirope, in sosaxini;'; but I cannot hut lament how (leej)l\- he i^ likcK to feel the disappointment which inu^t [)n)hahly ensue fiom the conduct of tho^e to whom he ha.s entiu>ted the counsels ot' the nati ot' hiin^iiiL^ the ])resint conte.Nt to a iaxouiaole cl;e^of tliC country in their I'ulure cfi'orts, eilhci 1:1 our A a '2 356 MR. PONSONBY. own behalf, or in that of our allies ; for never,, I believe, since Great Britain attained and sup- ported its present rank among the nations of Europe, has its public force been directed with so little skill, so little foresight, or so little success." " By v.'hat fatality, I ask the noble Lord (Lord Castlercagh) is it, that all his characteris- tic energy seems to hnve set upon the present state of things ! li this the testimony which, under the adnrinistration of the noble Lord, Great Britain exemplifies to the continent of Europe of her- military powers, and of the strength and coniprehension of those mIio ma- nage her resources? Lideed, if their effects had not proved most lamentable to the securitv of Europe, and the character of this empire, it would afford a most prolific source of ridicule to review tlic ministerial operations of the noble .ord. ' The most miaterial considerations, liowevcr, are tlie employment of th.e British force in Spain, tlie dikiLoriness of those directing it, au-d their total want of capacity. If it 'were wise at all t(^ send a British army into Spain, that opjjortunity lias l>cen lost Vvdiieh appears to have been the only fasourable one that presented itself. - In giving assistance to the Spaniards, there were, as I before stated, two modes oi" proceeding. What MiC. I'ONSONBV. i J , i:C "jMii.oiis of the Spamards thcl^^ll\^> aic. [ pii,ilV5-> ir._\ aflt' totvill\ i^t,Miuraiit. 'I'hc I'.u-I i<, l.iaL tiii> Ignorance dues iK^t [)r()(,i,(.(l I'l iii .my want; of (hliMcucc on ni\' [)art in niakiui;- nujui- JK^; but lor want otany authentic .souifr tiuni winch intoiinalion could be pi'ocurcd. D\d the Sjtanlards make ap])lication lor a ieij,idar I'oicc to be ^cnt into tlicii countr\ , or tor uioncy, aini^, annnunition, cl-itinni:-, and ad otl:cr nccc^^arie5, to ciial)lc tlR-ni to ])i(i>ccu!c ihc \\'ar a^'aiust ^ucii annio a.-^ 1 ram c iiad tlic power ol'pouiniL; into liu'M' countr\ ' I a^k tlii> (juc-^tuMi. bct-ause, il Spam, witii ^ucii a^^i^tancc, could not c.irrv tlic j)oint ot keeping out an\' iVc^li rcnilorccnienti, there was little j)robab:lit\ ot' prc\ cut mil;- that countiA' Iroui beini;- o\-(.-i-run. In i:;\ c^ti^at ing tills matter, we should h.i\c i(ai->idt red what \v ai the amount ot t lie disposable ti in^c- ot 1 i anee. 1 u Liuide Us in repaid to tlu^ point, we li i\ e a i ceeiiL document to icier to ti a lutirmal kui. In papers \'. inch w cie laid bcti-K P.n hament m t he bei^innmi^ ot' the \ ear I hc', just at ler tlic t'ailuieot the tinrtl (oalitKjn, then' ajspcais a mcmiMi- tium tlieC'ouit ot' \'ienna to that ot' St. PctcasburLili. statinu" thi anidunt ot' torce winch I'ranec could pioti.dtl;, briUL!," aij;anist the allied po\^cl^. I'lom this do- cument it appears, that tiie I'li-ncli torcc \v ..s tiicn estimated at ,;()( ,()()() men, cxolusivi' ot the nnpciial i^uards, winch consi-,t(.d "l l:)/i(^Umcn_ 358 MR. PON SOX by; This was the opinion of the Court of Vienna be- fore France had overrun Germany and Poland, and some other countries of Europe, and pre- viously to her connection with Russia. The disposable force of France must, therefore, have been since considerably increased j and it was, consequently, most material for this country, before it adopted any measure wliatever, to con- sider well the propriety of employing her troops in Spain, where there was a likelihood of such immense numbers being brought against them. Never, I believe, was sympathy so strong as that evinced in England in favour of the Spanish cause. Yet, though such had been the enthu- siasm of the nation a', large, and however ardent the people might be in lending assistance to support such a glo^^ious struggle, it was the duty of those who were entrusted with the manao-e- o nient of the national forccj to consider, in every point of view, the piopriety or impropriety of complying with the popular feeling. That was, perhaps, the feeling of the moment ; but Minis- ters were bound to consult for the j)crmanent interests of the public, and it was, therefore, their duty to investigate and ascertain, by every possible mode, \\ hether they ought to risk an Enlish army at all in Spain, or confine their assis- tznae to the supplies I have mentioned." jjii. PossoNur. 3iM January 31, 1^09. /m ^/if Debate oti tJu .-hJiIress oti tht Ansxar returned to the Ocvrtunsjwm ErJurUi. *' With ic.sjK'ct to Spain, there was no man in that House less connnitted than lie wa-. A XohU' Lord (Lord CastlereaglO, liad charged him with throwing cokl water upon the enthu- siasm of the Spanish eaubc; it', hoN^'evcr, that NohU^ J.ord liad hccn le>s enthusiastic upon that suhjeet (^though ceitainly enthusiabm was not his constitutional \ ice), perhaps our atlairi would not be so circumstanced as they then \vere/' Frhrtiary 24, 1S09. On inviin'^ a Rtnulution respecting the CiUiijmii^n tn Spain. " Ministers sIkhiUI ha\e been aware of the responsibilit\ attached to then otVice, and cau tif)us upon what iei)rcseiitations thev acted. They should ha\a' been alive to the rellection, that in their haiuK were |)laced the me.ms not only of a^^i^ting Spam, but of defending Lng- land; that the\- were not only to consitler the j)robpects oi" Spam, but of tlu'ir o\sn country; that called up(;n to atlmmiirer the affair* ot a '360 WR. POXSONBY. nation involved in an arduous contest, the dura- tion of which no man could calctdate, they :niould not unadvisedly risk the means of that nation; that tlicy should not send out it> aini}^ or its money, unless where effectual resistance couKl be made to the enemy." '* Ministers could not ha\e been insensible to this reflection, that great as our pov/er con- fessedly is, and has been at sea, the whole dis- posable force of the country could not alone make any effectual stand in the Spanish cause, or justify any hope of a successful result in a contest against the stupentlous military means of France." " 1 am not disposed to speak cHsrcspcctfully of the Spaniards, but history does not represent them as a people lemarkable for that daring, enthusiastic, high-spirited disposition, which prompts and qualifies men to make a great struggle for fd^erty and infk'pendcnce." *' Do not let us forget this, tliat although we have obtained glory and renown lor our ndlitary biave.y, EngLmd has for ever lost it^ fame and cliaracter as a mihtary nation. "\\'e!e } ou to ])r<;p()Sv' to send vour soldu rs again, as an en- couragciiieiit anc! an aid to otlier foreign powers, upon ajiy future occasion, ^\]lat would be the answer? It would \)C, 'No, no' your troops are good and hra\e: xoiiv office r> aie skilful, in- MU. TON ^.)\ L\ . j' ' U'lli^H i)t, and toiirai^cnws; but. tluMc i>. ^oiiul .1: .: . Ill the i'nuiuMl> of' l'"n<_;la!!(l, or in il.r la'iiu :.ud ir.ainu rol" t Ik' aj>[)rn'ali''n n! Iic'i' hw >( , t i,:.t : ri;- (K'M !t 111'. ])()--i.i'k' c \'(. 1 to pLu c am iciiai.v c i.ii 11 li(/i' inihtaiA' as^i^!all(c'. ' N\\Tr can \vc icl\ a;_:,"a;n n[)oii tiic C( lili- kiic'c of an\' j)o\v I'l ('t the C'MiMnrnr, in < ',.; niilitaiA' i,\(. 1 ; !"ii-^. iiii'.'. (_'\i.a n ui. ai t:u'\ -.w.il i'i;i- >C'l\a"^ n.av ui\ (.'. (air nuiiil inr tllia;-. !:;> caiin j',,:ua!. I >a\', w ; i i 1m\ c an : uliariua- a pwu l;:e ciiar,i>tt.a ol' JaigLiiui l"ng .;l'it.i ..li -'aiil (a'a>t' to ii\'c.' ' I a^lv tilt' Hou t-- had t.. inc laaicl' that tl.c cam -c /!' >j)a;n is dc^jaa'.i'i ."' "Whth rt'uaiid to Porii.Lial and Spain, wc lia\a' ah(aid\ so tai i nLiaucd oi;r-r:\c-> w a : n :..^'-c 'antiir^, Lind ha\c;i(tcal with th;in -'' ^'aij;; .aa\e' L::\\ai the 111 si, una n 1 ni ui a^i n.i. n'. and 562 MR. PONSONBT. arc so bound by stipulation and alliance with themselves and their cause; that it is impossible to retract, or that any one can say that we ought not to leave the money at the discretion of ministers, to bestow upon those powders as it may be necessary, and they shall think fit.'* May 31, 1809. In explanation during the Debate on the Report of the Vote of Credit, '^ His decided opinion was, that if far other measures were not taken by his Majesty's minis- ters, France would ultimately subdue the Penin- sula.*' January 23, 1 8 1 0. In the Debate on the Address. " This is Ro time for half measures. I do think, that it is a crisis that calls upon the House of Commons to put forth its penal powers; it is no time for civility; it is no time for ceremo- niously waving the best interests of the state in courteous compliance to the feelings of those, who have either betrayed or endangered them; the present is not a time for shaping amendments :o the imaginary niceties of those gentlemen. MR. rON i!k* time to sj)Cak out, and j)UI^nc with iip.wi .ii icd zeal, public defaulter^ ot'eveiy tal)l:sh oui' mditarv fame, without sending Loid Wellington to hazard tiic ti'casure of the countiy, and t':e valu- able live-. ()\ tlu'ir soldiers, \\ heic no ])0>5ible LTood could re^ult frcjni it.'' February \2, ISl I. In tJw Dthatc on the Address. '' M'ith res{)ect to the atlairs of Spain and Portugal, he should say but lit'le, anxious at tlie oanu' time, that that littU- should not be mis- understood; it was sim])l_\ , that the speech a()- 364 MR. PJXSONBV. peared to him to imply an entire approbation oi' the conduct of our affairs in the Peninsula, which nnqualificd approbation he was by no means then prepared to give; but neither was he disposed to express his decided disapproba- tion. He waited for fuller information, before lie could give so decided an opinion as the speech seemed to him to cull for. It was his anxious wi^h to avoid saying any thing that could be painful to those present, still less to those who could not hear his statement; but it was necessary for all persons to disengage their minds of every prejudice on this subject. It could not be denied, that there were many hopes fondly indulged in at the commencement of that struggle, which had not since been realized; but this he should not now go into." " My opinion is, that the contest of Spain and Portugal will wholly fail of the wished for success, and that the power of France will be- come as completely predominant in these coun- tries, as it is over any other part of Europe." March 11, 1811. Gnthe slate of Commerdal CncVi. *' The Spanish contest had made a new diversion in favour of our commerce, but whai .Ml;. po\soNB\. :',[)', j>ri)sjHi.t u;is llicrc that mu-'ii cnc n'o w^tu'.d a'j;,iiii L.kv place:" MarcJi IS, 1811. /;; t!;i DJuit, <'n < ni.i'n:nirr^' I'l, 7*.,;- tti'j:!ic>\ tioiijK in Unlink I'at/. ' '1 he lac't i>, {].[' cur Muaa^^ (:>'i in h.A-'.ui:: h)vt al;i;!-s: i lie \-. la I;- o! Toi I iiLJ:al, aiid liai (-III' , ,:; \ i>. la m,,- o iiu'a;!. J, (I'laiituail i:i ln'*'.\((.;! !,>!). ai ami C"::'a\'t. (an an\ nam v,\- [\..,[ tiial i> la-' a t'.aa : .\ia! cam tin.' Uil;!;! ll'in. ( iant icaaiii call li I-) t naiaii.iLiin;;- (ai: cxiacrations, ;;i!.l s;i\-, ti.,;! ( n nikIi a liioiiral \'.i- 'a.(ail>i nn\v >j\vr :i -uh-ai\ ot' \^:> nuiiani- la-ttad (I ( 'a' iiMi,,(a..- ])(:,^ ha i^'.i.r" nj.'M) ' t ' r,i< ((';!'!<* i h >w \' n;;- c.a Iiic ( ' -ap. '-"I '. \:.\^ V \i'anH ; I )' a ^ i n- k r.o\'. : 'a,' I \ ; :. : -a i a >(. nd i}^ 1 1 1 >. )jo (. i I 'i a a a;;::i ' ] )''.. r.: !: ", taa! tia aa a, a ! > la' , ./,:;'. up.ai (, \ ri\- ./; a'(* ^ai!t fM ;ha! a-a: n \ - I ^..\ , liar, 'laaa' aa*iai'!\' i- ^ : ;. a !' >, ..:, . 1 (al\ a:i_v man t'l i ;n*r:aa''i a . !! ' i tit." i;n.aiian.; ./l7". !'-ad V, !i(;n !' i' ; :v,.:_.:\ - 1 1 i- p a.\ tl.a ( nc i.a.i m at "', a . la; ca, ia i h.di mi J '. . - tuLiuc-a ] .; ;'a I J'C h^' I ! .. ' i' n a- a ! :. .^ ; 'i'l ; ; d: ;a; ait' ' " 1? . iu' . ,';: taciC '.a . ; . : . aial .^ :i'_'a a l^j'tT 366 MR. PONSONBY. price ? Has be considered these circumstances, and does he think it is possible for England to continue long- to do as we are doing? Does he reflect upon the report of the committee lately appointed to investigate the commercial embar- rassments of our country ; and do^s he recollect that wc are passing a bill just now, to relieve, by a grant of six millions, those who have suffered by such embarrassments? Does the Right Hon. Gentleman think that this is a proper time to submit a vote of two millions to Portugal under such circumstances? He says the tone of the enemy is much altered that instead of boast- ing they will drive us into the sea, they have now come to this, that they are making the war a contest of time and money, and that nothing can be more ruinous to France. The Right Hon. Gentleman, indeed, must know many facts M'hich I can only judge of by conjecture, and therefore my assertions may prove erroneous; but I believe tiiat nobody knows wliat policy the emperor of France has in view. Does the Rii>ht Hon. Gentleman know for certain that it is not the intention of the French to send a greater force to finish the campaign ? If it be the intentiuii of the Frencli emperor to send a greater force to terminate the campaign, he may accomplish it easily, for I am sure there is, iu his dominions, no deficiency oi' force. Frr.ncc AiK. 1' ON SON BY. ;o7 a'loiic call t'uinisli 400 OOt) troops ht -^.J.^ tlio>,c already m Spain aiul Porlu^al. I ^j-cak w itliiu bounds, ami 1 liave particular nicaiis ot know- in Li" it." " \'oii have iiKulc Portugal the tlieatie nt* war, and w liy sliouUl you ha\e done so- l)o you think you ean prevent I'lanee from over- running Spain, hy eontinuiui; tlie war in Por- tugal ? \\'as tliere no othei mode b\ which we could think ot attaining sucre,^,^ ? 1 >a\ , that neither m Spam nor m Portugal, liar5 aii\ thing happen.ed that can giN'e u-^ iea>on to hdieve that: the war there will terminate to oni ad\an'age, although 1 wish it sincerely.'' " \\'ith(.Hit making anv calculation ot' the iorce ot' I'ram-e, I only ui->h \on to rellctt h.ow l(,)ng we can go on tliii^. It v/e \vv\v likelv 'o reduce the le^ouices (.'l" Irancr, then we migl.L make a L'leat exertion ; hut we au- \\'<\v tluow- mu' awM\' our money in M-aieh o! couijue^N tliat V. ill he ot no leal \'alue to us when acijuiied. It will he a monstrous wa^te' ol iiioiha' to puL gar^ls(;n^ into an\ towii> in Spam or Portnual. L j)on the w hok', i lio thiidv tiiCsc possi'>>;oi:s ap[j( ar actually \aliielc ^, iii conp..i;son \\'t!i the e\[)t use aitendiiig lliem.' 3GS MR. POXSONDY. January 7, 1812. In the Debate on the Address. " The second topic of the address was that which related to Spain and Portugal No per- son was more inclined than he to give a cordial tiibnte of applause to the troops and generals employed in the ])rosccution of the war in those countries ; but he could not go so far as to pledge himself by his vote that night, to sanc- tion \\\c granting of those supplies which might be proposed hevcaficr aa necessary for its con- tinuance. Tiiat oi;r army had behaved with extraordinary braverv, he would willingly agree tn ; he was even sure that the lionour of the country nevcf was better supported by any other army ; but tiiough no one doubted this, yet doubts might be entertained of the expediency of jjroceediug in tiiis great contest at the vast expense which it continued to cost us. It was certainly true, that in (;ur smaller enterjjrizes \\'e were h.ighly sucressful; but in our greater ones, it was C(]ual!y true that we were eminently unforliii.ate. If itsl.Hud appear hereatter, that to prosi ciiie tlie u.ir, evcM at so vast an expense, was a wise systeu) of coiuluct, and if he sliould see the necessity aiu! {\\v useiuluess of granting" such enormous supplies, tiicuhc woukl not only -M K. ['0\-'.)\ I V . w;j au-'i'o to tiit'iu. l)ut U(>iil-i -i\, is V'lV- X'.itli th.it clicoi I'ulncvs wliK'ii aiw.iv- ImIIvw .-(1 con- ' ["'II "-- urouKii^ Were I\i, ii;:;-:u^':r ^() he ^.it i-iit( i \'. .fli !i;> a(in,ii'.i-ri,;'i(;n \\ \i- ii uyow it^ btrLiiu'i!; .I'.id c;'t;>'iriu'\ - C.'r; uiirn\- ;.nt."" VvrrnJitT .re, 1^1 _._/; //;, I)..',,'!, o': !;u' .A'./';\vV. " Ivii^^ia h.'.d li''t (K'!ii:;l!(ir(l i-f l|^ tn niiix^ aTi\' cxcrt'oii iii iiri lulialt mi llic iioil'i, h,'! in Sj):.;ii ; a^ cx'i'inn^ im,m:.- I'\- u^ liicic \V'-;;l(i In' ni<)i\' l'f!i( ill i;ii I') 1 : ; and t^ r.iii' pc. l!,:(i, then, the N'l ''.'c I .'id I j >:(K'a^* lcicj'_;i)V\i:(! !.;n j.'i)nt'auiii'-^. d")i.- ;!i >; '.n ,!1 ;ha' \::k' )i'-";:rtN i)t' I'.iiLilaiid adow ( (i t lu 111 !i>i:>i; .\\\'\ -'dl Wr;'," air [)i(i-)jt(''. ! - (Ml tie i\ ii'i:-;;:.i ]'. < !m ''jhti i lliiii dic\' liad rrj)iL-(iit- d tiuTii ;" I'c . i\ >, m wa- a ->(!( ^> ;. I ( ir; \' t ii: i m r an i; i; i-: I'l' ,d a r :.' -' . 1 1 \va> ii-rK'ss t ') \\ i>l|):i,;i, a'.iil w !ioc\cr loola'd lo tiic .icUi.il ^iUl:i^Ol; (,l",ul;ii-, ill tli:it c ai!;' i \'. ;r:ul tlio iialiiu di !!.(i-c ()L\'ur: r!ie\-^ tlui! l(,i! to tile ''onnci't mil w iiii our o\'. n, w oiiKi a^rcc witii iiiiii in liio j :o[)iAi\ of II (iiioiiiL;- luti- j;r.irtio.il im* t!i:it c'.\(\'ik';il i!KiMiii, to-.L \il;o:\^u> war K'd r.K'St (IcoMU'dlv to -:,;o ai,{! lione-urablc jicr.re. ();;r i.'oiiiu I't U)\i ^.\ i th >] ki: n w u> tni ninl im l .\c jui r- [)o-r 1 1\ r\,:\\)\:n[<;\;cv to l^'-l^l llio t \ I'.Mir.oii^ ii-ui"- iKiO'Ui oi' IVaiifo, t!'..' ini'i-' oc o! whioli fo'.;M ;lll\ l;0 ('(liKol-'d r'\ the [''u/.U (>; t'O !r,('at!S ' Hi j lii i\ ( (1 ] ) aciom j)l 1 [' tin ('r' >! ii)io dr^ojii ' ' >iin l\, iiM >iL'iit ( oiiUl lic nunc' ^ir.iiiil aiiil aiiMiialiii^-, th,;ii ^iicii aja'.'j'lo, wImj^c t .iaiaotei tor .I'j^t 1 had h<"ai ;,aii(.'(l I.t in U'\' \iiUic> , lid iiohl',' (jiiahtu'i. ii^iiiLl' ;i'.'un^t luirii:.! m I'.i-' ;i o, I\iaini\. and oppre-^iol!, irNoiva'd to he i; liv- priidont, <)] i(i pciish ;n tiic nIiuu!.:'''- ^ '"I'd ^\ c wond( 1' a! tlif ^\ in pat h\ \\ h :- h I : ic p, ^ ] i.e I.!' Ml'- .,ai!iL;v hit, at tht:c.KTuy \utn wh.i; [ b 'J 372 MR. ROBIXSON. tliey came forward, and at the glowii:;j; partici- pation oi" sentiment which they expressed in a cause so like their own?" " The cause of Spain had lost none of its first interest, and Britain was still bound ta extend her mighty arm, to succour and to save." " The contest we had iiiulcrtaken was arduous, but we were not on that account to despond. If so, we might have long since sat down in dumb despair, and have submitted to France. He trusted, thercfr^rc, that, notwith- standing the surrounding difiiculties, with our assistance, Spain would yet triumph over her misfortuneSj and confound her oppressors ; ii 'O^ Per darnna, per cct^des, ah ipso Durit opes an'naumque, Jerro." Fehru^iry 27, 1812. In the Debate on Sir Tliomas Tar- ton's /notion for a Comvxitiee on the State of the Nation. " Was it by adopting an offensive or a defen- sive system of warfare, tliat the country enjoyed tlu; surer jjrospect of succeeding in its objects ? It appeared to liim that the former was the more advisable policy, and it had been well charac- terised, in contrast to the opposite system, by one of the ablest writers on our military relations Mit. KOUIX^uX .J I > aiid resources, as u sv;ir ctt' lidpi- :l.-;.t:Il^t ;l w.ir kI" tear.'" '' He tiiinly hi lieved that llie I'lc i!( h lanj^aMOi was never engagetl in an\ >iruL;-L;,!e dl' uhieli \\c i(j heartily repented a^ ot" the war in Spain. Ihere weie leatures in it that rcndtii-d it \ki- feet!y in t.\c;r\' t)thei' eunntrv, \". iih hi^ ach;c\ enu-nts iu the Pcnmsuhu In otiier eonntrirs, i\srl\-e iiiontii-, hail Liaaieraliv' Ixen r'uind Mitlieient to annihilate the armed j)0]julatif)n ; he had nou' been engaged t'i)ur vear^ in the \ am at tempt ol" .-subduing the Sj)ani>!i jjeople. \Viiai had heen hii predirlioiis during that pu'i"ch ami \\o\v had tliey been aeeoniplislied - lie had hoa-tcd a! one tnne, tliat \'. ithm a trv/ niniiiiis, \un a >;iiL;le village sh(.ni!d he ni a state ol iii-.ai leetHui iie had \'aiinted that the lliili^h leopards should he drl\'en into the sea, and tl:e rrt-i:eh i^i^les p! mted on the t()\';efn ol' I.i-I)mu; hut oi, tl.c anni\er.-5arv ot" the day ot" that boast () h;ipji\ eomuiemo- ration !- -on tlie S27ili ol" oip[fnd)er were liis veteran legion^ (iNenlnowii at Iju-aeo, h\ tlie [)rowc>s ol' i]iitish ti'oo[*s, ami the energies ot Ihiti-^li eo-(/j)tratiou. I usui n-et umi u.ls shll .,!i\"e and a<-ti\'e in Catalonia, X.t^Miie, A.iagon, *'.\d liibea\' ; but it' our a^sistauee shoviUl be 374 MR. ROBINSON. withdrawn, was not likely long to exist. Some Gentlemen bad deiiianded wiiat wa.s the effect produced by a British army ? lie would beg such Gentlemen to look to Portugal. Wi tliout British assistance, would the Portuguese ha\e been able to redeem their long-sunk honours ? Without vSuch aid, would a Portuguese aruiy have exisced capable and worthy (as Lord WeUington ex- pressed it) of fighting by the side of British troojDS r Nor was the possession of Portugal so iinavaihng, or so little conducive to the defence of Spain, as had been stated by the Flon. Baronet. The presence of our army there compelled the rrcnch to collect and keep up a mighty army to meet us, whenever or wherever we moved ; and this, too, in a country vvhose desolate condition afforded such scanty supplies for the maintenance of large armies. The Frencli had, in general, sup- pcn'ted themseh es by the produce of the con- cjuered countries ; but owing to the fatal ambi- tion of the French emperor, of whou), according to the advice cf the Hon. Baronet (Sir T. Turton) lie woidd say nothing harsh, but content himself v.'it!i a reference to his actions, Spain was so C(nnplete!y devastated, as to furnish no means of sustaining the armed forces which overran it. Nor, lastly, should it be forgotten, that Buona- paitc had some time back, by his own confession, expended 400,000 men, and 00,000,000 franks :.IR. R"l5I^^'l^i. ,)/.) towanls the sultjiigatioii ot" Spain, miil liail not ^llCC(.'^.(lc'(l. Yet the lloll. I'.,li(iKt ucinii- nuMuK'd the w ith(l!:i\\ iiiLl," ''t" nur ;r. m\ Uo:u Spain, (A''. /'^', /I'ci/i Sir TlioDias Tio'ti'ii.) lie kncu' that the Hon. IJaronet had not ^aui so: yet, it" his arg-nTnent> had anv nR'an!nL,^ such was thcii direct tcndcp.e\-. I]v Mieli u'lluhMwinu-. we sliould lea\e the Sjumiard^ to tiieir late ; tof thouL;-h tliev woukl, no douhl, pro\e tuiludcait and nnniiv suhje^'ts to thicir eon:uLi;ni4; luUr, yet he eoneei\ed lhe\' niu>t l)e eoncpacred ; and ^vould not ^ueh ahandonnient eon\<.it tlien: lV(Wn ;"iatelul iVientU, into nio^t vin(heti\ e eneir.ie- r Would it not ruin our ehaiaeter in the eyes ot' I'uro])e - Would it iK/t :j,i\'e colour to thee(ni- inon a>^eitioii ot" lkiona])arte, that the I'li^li^h break their I'aith as soon as the\ aiC j)1ism d hv eircaiinstances ' Would it not induce ail n;.t:on> to (ond)ine aL;-ain>t u> m one cominon ttloit, to precipitate our iu:n? And it' luin did clique, should we not Tail without pit\- Po.>5tei.tv wt)uld >av, lliat Mn^land u a^ onet*, nuleed. a iiohle counhN', and iield her>eir out as the pio- tcclie>s ot' tlie libeit\dt' the world ; vet, atla-t, viie disapp'ointed the hopes ol' nations ^he ;4:i\ v; wav to her tear^ ; for the >ake ot" i^-noniiniou^ sat'etv. she abandoned her couiage -her honom -h.cr Taith ; bhc consented to ie-i:;n all tiiat 37^ *iK.- KOBINSON, makes existence valuable, ' ct propter vitam *vltend't perdere causae.'' The Hon. Jiaroiiet might, perhaps, call these sentiments magnifi- cent chimeras ; he might ask, what, if we should fail ? To this, he would answer " But screw onr courage to the sticking place, And we'll nor fail." t ^/7 ) LORD ROLLE. SoVtrnfiiT AO, 1^12. Iiitlw Jhbatc on t/u .IddrLSS, ' TuF ^\^tciii ;i'l()|)tc'(l ])V ]li^ Majt'sly's <;n\criinic'nt \v;i^ prodiictiN c ot CDnNCciiicnccs, wIikI), \\c agn'id uitli tlic Noble J'.aii j^Lord LonL^tbrd) in tliinkiiiL;", woukl k'ad to the dcli- \LTancc ot" Kuropc tVoiii llu' tyraiin\ and oppics- .^I'jn iMulcr ^\hull it ''loancd," ( 378 ) MR. ROSE. May 6, 1811. Zn the Debate on tJie Report of the Bullion Committee. " It is now thirteen years since I ventured to represent, ' that on Great Britain rested the hopes of returning happiness, independence, and security, among nations ; that she was the bul- wark against the flood which threatened to overwhelm the woild/ That bulwark, God be praised ! has stood firm ; my anxious hope is, that it may not be shaken ; and my earnest intreaty to the committee is, that whatever injury it may suffer, may not be the v/ork of our own hands." ( ^79 ) LORD sficrncLD. Janunnj \*J. 1^'V*. On snondnv^ the Jddrc^s. 'IIis ?.l:itr>lv <4iaci')ii'^l\- ;iL'(i',iamt^ us, tliat i]c li.i-i rnu'wcd lii.> ('ii'.';;;i;'fiiu'iit^ w ith >'|>>.m, and <,'!j>cr\-c-^, liial tiuTi' i> no liopc (>{' ^a^ct\ but iliioii;j,!i a \|^n^l;^^ a.iid jicrscxci ini;' piosciaition of tlif war, ot" \v iiicli. I flatlcr invsCit", thr I'.iLat ina^> of tli's (oiiiiliN' is ])Cit"tcti\ coiiv i.,^ cd ; and It ;nu->t he lii^hlv cdnsoliiH!,- to ali [',!" '>|)f to Icaill. lli.it lub M:iH'^r\ !> i{Sn'\-^',; sli\iui- uu-l\ 1(1 Mippoit the (M'l-c > iii' own t'au^C ; it is llr c. u^c' ol ]-'.:'i i|H' . iid )! ['lo world; and w c caiiiii'l !)ii' c )-,icui :n ajtiil/.nd iiii^ thr dc'tciiniiiatiiiu ot the SjiaiiMrd^ to pci.x vcre to th(.' \:[>\ c\ti\n]\\v \\\ the i^hnioi.s content f conntiA' li:t\r Inii.cito cont'iitcd i1]ciii.-l1\('s \".-itl\ iiibhlin:^- .ii fhi- rind."" ' I w'l^U, Sir, to let Sj):;;n knou', tint t!;c cmii- fiuct w liicli w'c iia\f|)i!r^L;c(! wcwill not pci.^ewic in, but tiiar v , ,^, . _ '.iv to stand iij) {'()[ thf .s;il\-;itinn oi' lun'Mpc. TIk' nr.\i; (ltM;\:r,d I li;i\-L' to niaise. Sir, i^. tliat it a co-op-- rati^n with Spain he cDn^iderrd expedient, il blionld !)e an etlecUud co-operation. I lepeat, thiit 1 am far tVoni j^roniptini;- lii> iMaje^tv's government to engage in anv ra^b, i(>mantic enterpn^e; but il", upon ascertaining the state ol the [)'ipular mnid \\\ Spain, tlie\' tii,d it is warmed bv a jjatrit^tie and en' hu>!a^tie ardour, then, i!'ir, allIa^k is, that that liehng >i;ou!d be mi't here with eoi responding tneiLi\' airi enthusiasm. liUonapMite has hithiuto rue. a u.o^t \]ct()ii(.)us laee, lIithLito lie ha^ had to contend against Prnu'es \sitiiout dignitx., ami .Minister^ without wiMioni. He has lought .i^'ainsl euniitries in whieli the people ha\e hi < n mditleient to liis -.ueeess ; lie has \vt to li'ain what it i^ to lii;ht against a eountr\- m which the jK'ople aie aui- niati'd witii one spiiit to legist iiim. So tai. Sir, tVom biinging forward a motion | laina- Luitl. to ewib:\rras^ hi> .M;iie-st\\ L\-)\\':r.:i <^rA , 38a MR. SHERIDAI^. I soleouily declare, tiiut "f fne opportunity to whicli i have dllvjU-A of a vigorous interference on the part ot ^_,Land should aiibC, the present Administration shall have froai me as cordial and as sincere a suppc^rl as ix the u)aa vv iiom I most loved were restcrvcd to life anci power. Is this a vain discussion? Let those vvlio tiniik so look at file present state of Europe. Vv'iil not the animation of the Spanish mind he excited hy the knowledge, that their cause is espoused, not by Ministers alone, but by the Parliament and the people of England ? If there be a disposi- tion in Spain to resent the insults and injuries, too enormous to be described by language, which they have endured from the tyrant of the earth, will not that disposition be roused to the most sublime exertion by the assurance, that their efforts will be cordially aided by a great and powerful nation ? Sir, I think this a most impor- tant crisis. Never was any thing so brave, so generous, so noble, as the conduct of the Astu- rians. They have magnanimously avowed their hostility to France, they have declared war against Buonaparte, they have no retreat ; they are resolved to conquer, or to perish in the grave of the honour and the independence of their country. It is, that the British government may advance to their assistance with a firmer step, and with a bolder mein, that I have been MR. SllEltlDAX, 38: anxious to atTord to the British Parliament tills opjxjitunitv of ex prevail! l:; the Iccliugs which tliev entertain on the occasion." Manh 2-^, mil.O// the Vntr of TJcinU to Cncrnt iiraluiiii, '\< .J'<'r the l"u tcyj '_>'' BuTru.^a. '' It thiie weie any wlio thoii^-ht we (ni^lic ne\cr to ha\r einhaiked in the eonflirt in the Peni^^ula, or ;'i kast. that our w i^clonl and our policy should iia\e limited (uir a^.^istance to the grant (jt'nione\ and bupplio which opinion he never entertained ; if there were othei>. who, atter we iiad in\olvr(l our faith and honoui' in the Spanl^h ( au>e, thought thuic was an oppo]-- tunity ill which, cousi^tentl\ witli tliat Jaith and honoiii-, wc could ha\e witluliaun which upp(rtuuit\ he could nowT sea- ; if lluia was a thiid cla-^,^ taud to his le^act and ^uipri.M', tl.eie wi-re s de^crijjtion, w ho^c Jiiuh au- thority he much respected) who tlauiuht ilKitlhe PntiNli nation could now withiiojd its aid tVom ihcm lie diliei'cd more than from tiic other two, l!ut let tiicm think a^ they niii^ht uj)t)n these points, tiiev could not po^^ihly diflcr on the <)Ui;.t':u'i bctuie them.'* 384 MR. SHERIDAX. July 21, 1812. On moving for Papers relative to the Overture Jor Peace from France. "' He must hear some very strong arguments to the rou',ri! I i; I I' AN'. .;^.^ i''tiir;:i(l im ;ii!v\\Tr. Si iinc |)( < iplr -. ;i , -!ii pi i-cil 1;.;-. Ii ii\ li'i iiU'an> >iii[mim'(1 iiiiu. !',; -ki- ir \ iT cMrd li '1' air. :-.. >v\-iT !n i.i ' : :'n J j . j" -.; i' '1!. 'Ilk' Lift w .-. Iii.it \\\., u ; . i" j); 'j. 'Hiioii 1' ,1-, I) Af\'\ \\c \' :i> 11! ill'-' .,,.1' . ; I ;ir_;-(jt!al .1.11 Witii tlic !iii->iaii 'J. iWiiwiw.U aiul tri .lii^- thai ill'.- !i(. L!,'^ i' la! Mill 'a:.-> n I .:, >.\j; oii -o -iirci ^-Uii' \ a- 'i;i- cduUl w;-']. ill' M ;ii :. i ( i : i .i!: 11: ' ,;,!i ; :;; < i\ it! iiU' w ii:. il \' r ll . ; I ri\': . aJ, ii' a ; a; : ii .1 .;a : a, ja\ --: n ;,.\'. air.i:>, ,' ; - > ii: . \a'>'. -, uiiaii' In' laaijc mi \:,c lia-^^aai lai: la.'l, w , ri. a;'\ - ;i' ailil ; aa 1 ; i, it I ) o' .[a ai j'.r.ii.a' \\a I ii ia,u!,'ai!l. i:-' >/. a'^ wiiliiiii' ii' ! In |>a-ii t'u' i"aia,- (!ai\ (jt ia- (i'aiiina)!!^ Iic^' 'ad : .: !'\ raiaa -. \<) t aa II'.- 1; prn. .< . .\ < a ha ': al ! oS6 Mil. SHERIDAN. that power, I will desire the acquiescence of Great Britain in a pretended negotiation for peace. I want 150,000 men out of Spain. I will tell England that 1 wish she would release tlieni by withdrawing her troops, that 1 may use them in my designs against Russia. The answer of England will be ' VV'liat is your quarrel with Russia?' I reply ' Because she inexorably re- fuses to assist me in destroying that maritime sticngth, ;!nd those maritime principles, on which al(>ne your existence as a great nation dcj)cnds. ]>ec;uisc Russia w^ill not join with me ]u destroying the sinews of ^our power, I make war ui)Oii Russia; 1 asic you, England, to lend me \our assrstancc; c'nd when 1 have achieved my object, I will come back to S})ain, and shall be \ery niucli obliged.' For his part, he could see no proper answer to a proposition wliicl) veiled such intentions as these, but precisely that which the Noble Eord had oi\en." "' If ever there was a time at which C/reat Britain might and ought to make a grand struggle, it was tiie present." " it was a hbel false as hell, to say, tliatCJreat Britain ever foully asailcd herself of her maih- time superiority. If there be those (continued ^iv. S), who think that any portion of these lights nfiglit be advantagcoirsly surrendered. I tell them, that I for one. and I am sure tha' -MK. ^11 1'l;; DA \ i .mi only (* lidiiiLi,- tlic mmi! iinciit- '.f the Hom-','. N'.'i'illil r Ului -cw; lir t ',i^ K!.;ll(! di' I'.ii'jl, i ii, ;:ii 1 !''''' It III lj( ] .\ < ( i i^ ;: - :'^ 1 u ii:i ii li;i- aj)j)(. !'. k (1 In :!_ ; iic -< ,;i m;' p ;- " ns till.' L^u.j AWU ; I ';" i ', i\ '(:..: v. ;i: . , 1 :n t.i:'- li _:'' -'r i; .^mi { -r- i :.y ( ; tiii- i- .\-ii. ! Ji his M.i:,.,, r< ,. . ' ^ V 1 1 line : 1 : l( 1 1 1 1 ; ! II \ v j 1 1 | ,< , ' i . \' : i s 1 1 > t ! ) \ . :.ii:u > ' -'... I -li' :' ^, ,.i,il I 1 ". i. -. ;.;;.l c.^ , ^ -^i \' ' " .1 '1 I llvlC \\ t ! r ;i !:'/;' ' i '.iih c, >! 1 i I j.t . c'.u i! li' 1 ;.. .;^-;-: ;i r, \\ c - . ,^ diii i -(( 111,,! I ' \\ ,1 1.1 'l I' HlMili I : 1 .;i ; r '. ' - f ,i^ I ; ,' iii'-'i i t I 'I 1 i 1 : . . ' > ' ; ii ' ; a'^1- ' aiu'i', !)ill f '11 till- j); : i M I 1 > - I ! i i ...i . r ! , .; I' 1' ( \ ; -- ( i; v' - 1 ! I . Ill i ., ! K (.:, ; 1 . . II i .i 1 1 ;^_' i i ri . ; . t \ ' ; -UC( (- ~. \V I M I i. 1 I If 1 i. . ;;!.( ;i>. 1 ,v' I ! 1 1 ! 1 : r 1 ! . , ^ ', I .r 1! ;' : /I; W .;^ IP i! (.( 1 1 - i ' ! ; s i t' > IP' '!I,:! ( U'-' (! . : hilt to t','_;i:: li: i\ i-i \ . :.!:(! I. > [in :-: i '- : 'A',:^ -M. And -I. ii Hill-', ! > ; i.t' I'X.i ' . . ' 1; . 'l..k, I :; (MP(li;i-:i ..f .;.:'. , y. ' : ,ul .> iail: -. ai... \v ; i 388 Mil. SHERIDAN. that ever existed in an\' nation. Take our con- stitution, A\'anting, certainly as it did, many re- forms, yet practically, it afforded the best se- curity that human wisdom had ever given to man. Yet with all this to content! for, we might not be able ultimately to command success. E\en Great Britain, f(jr her righls, and her honours, might spend lier treasures, shed more and more of her best and bravest l^lood, and yet at last might fall. Yet after the general subju- gation and ruin of Euro])c, should there ever exist an indepentk^nt historian to record tlic awful c\ents that produced the universal calamity, let that historian, aftci' describing the greatness ami glory of Britain, iiave to say, ' Slic fell and with her fell all the best securities for the charities of human lii'e, for the powei- and honour, the fame, if.e glory, and the libc-rtics of herself, and the whole civilized wovUl," ( -s^ ) < ()L()m:l siiipli:v. M'i I : .r.ii I . :!;: juii-;' i v' .;- :A-n lltr [U ;iu jilr, '.!>; \ ,"!i i;ii- v. a^ iIk I !i: iiiii and ui.il.iij,' [) ; i;c:i a( ; llu \ -;i jijxm ; i i ! comihk iiT 1)\ thio'i'i iiiL;- ( \a 1 \ !in[)C(lin!(.nl iii :;^\ia\; \\\c\ L'xal'cd ti.r arnu h\ ciUm! ip! m /ii. and iiv in lain\: t!a\^ lai^id l'.n,uLin(! ii\ di pu ->ni';' Ihc ^pni: '^r !,Li pc..;,;. ; and . < n. iL .h.l h. 1 aid I i\ |)n:t'r._;' l,i;'.vi!r\ in ('tlhr. .n:d di(d.niL: ''ni inl'i- Irraiicc i n l.nii i i-.. ' - \\ ia ^t \ ( 1 I' ' ':. a i(\ "( , I a' !-; I \' .1 ia>I ; ,;i ^' , a 'L^at ^. \\ m i! , d \n ;nn,i/t(l l.'iai t^'Had- ,ain:-tr''! n- -' ('nniuait r.iuid aa^Niin ti.r --an a; nai iMii ; I air :aiMnni -' i , 1 m in, ( nt m a-, mih aii: ; o cdi!- aaha I nc < >! ai i ! ^ . n )(a .c 1 1 a' ii ain 1 1 \ ; one - na, ''n tl.r ^mid \>,a^ia - anil appi ' Jtal aai di' .(, pa'^ilc, lai- oihei al'lcCana' I'J tlr-pi-r l.a n. ( 590 ) VISCOUNT SID^IOITIL January 2\, 1S08. In the DebaLc on liie Address. " Here was no ground for calling in question tlie {'iisposition o[ ministers to make peace, when it coukl be ck)ne with security and lionour to tlic country. The \v'ay to restore peace was, to ach.'pt a plan of expenditure that should enable U.3 to cany on the wiir, and to c(Uivin''e the eneui}- of the iiopele^sne.^s of hi.^ j)ursuing it with a \ie\\ of ruining our fniances. It was in \ain to l()(jk tor a s.'cure peace, unless a military ^ystem sliould he adopted, that would be avail- able in peace as well as in war." Fchrnar-j 22, 1810. la the Debate o)i tlio Cunvejilionicith Portii;^-a[. '' lie shotdd feel nmch reluctance at with- draw ing our succv)urs fmni Pojtugal, if without too grciit a risk we could assist lier with any ])ro:>pect of success. Her long attachment to this countr\, the sincent\ of which had been so \rsroL"\'T '^iDMori J''l ]i iicibK c'\ iiicrcl at (liilcii'iit pci'pi!-. -iid inMst, j)ai t u/iihii 1\- ill 17"'J. w:i> >UL'ii. thai xtt'n-.i-ht to \'cv\ ll lllClimbl'llI UjM Ml 11-, t'^ aii'ni (1 lui ( \ ^ ; y a^-l^!allc^. in our. power, lie wa.s uiiw iliiiiL:,- lo acccdr lo tlk; aiiiciKlniciii . a^ \\c t,hou'_Llii it w'ouM he 1111 |u^l ill, ihic to \\nh(h'a\'. our iriu)[iNj he'torc such :i iiiL-u^ure Ijccainc ahbolulcly iic- 3!J^ ) MR. WJJXTAM SMITH. Febritcmj 2D, ISOS.In Ihe Dehale on Mr. IV hit breads liesolniions respecting Ike proffered Mediation of liusmi and Austria, *' He conceived that ^^lisiislcrs, !)y their own showing, gave \ciy little In'ipes of })eacc. lie thonght tliat it Vvouid be acting more coii- si.^tentl) with the honour, the interest, ami the dignity of tlie country, to enter into negotia- tion now, than at any future period," January !iO, IbOD. On the Rejmt of the Address. '' lie condemned tlie levit\ wiUi whicli the >uljeets of S];ain and J\)rtiigal ha(! hist night been treaied by the gentlemen opposite. Those g'.aitf. men did not think tlicy eould !)0ssibly be called npon to answer tor their conduct as culprits. AVdien tlie day of in\ estigation should come, lie hoped that they ^\ ould be able t;- M i:. wi i I 1 \ '.: NMi.il. "uli':it(,' ' lu'iM-ii\'r- ; iu!t :! ii t M;il 1 r,c T' Mil;; 1 \- \\ .> 1, :: . i I \ t'u ,;L c. d, .!:.;' \ - il tl'.L' i'<.'>;;U ^iii'iiiii It i! i" : ^ ii' 'iir !;iu>' a:!i!!iN tiiat !i:i- r.nil!' ;\ i;;, 1 i. \ w' |jMa->t. w 1 1111(1 I'f (! ':;i]c!lc(l l . > \):<' ' - I ! u n . 1 1 ; u I i ! ( > l i I ) Ii . I ! ' : \' , ! ; w . u ! d I > . i > > ; i; i ' , i i i ; , i ' 1 ; i ol MiimiN iii\T.->l ;_vil il 1.:. \. laii.ir thr l.iiill l.i\ \. \[\ [\\< <'C y ll') [li .Mill tl (T \' 1 il t !.i '-f \\l,it fi , ' i ; \.tv \-) I'M ( -t t ii^ ','..'.(.- ;l 11 m:;: ,:!n all,,.!!.- ( 3<)i ) EARL STANHOPE. March lOj 1808. Tn llic Conver.^atlon on Lord Auck- land's Motion relative to Exports, '' He advised Ministers not to provoke com- parisons between their own conduct and tliat of their predecessors. In tlic conduct of tlic latter there was every thing- good, in that of the former^ notliing but mischief." :)!>.^ ) .MR. st!:i'Iii:n. ,/ 11.: . i:'' . ' III n;;i.i!taiiu'il. liuit tlir l:ni^ii;i'_;'(' lalcl\- ii^rd m Pal ii,iiii(.iit \',,i> tMiv'ulaUd In iiUiir.idatc and dis)ii!it []\c pe'dpir t'loin hcaiiiii;' up aij^aiii^L ^-iif -lMrii;> w ilii w liicli Wfwcic llirraU iR'd." ( S96 EARL OF SDITOLK. Jinie}3, IFAO. hi ike Debate on Earl (ireyn Moiim resj)ccibig the Stale of the yal'um. ' IJe entered into a (iiscussieni upon tlic coiuluct of ]\Iiniste]'3, with respect to the way M\ \\\\\q\\ tiic \\::c: wa^ carried on in Spain^ and cxpres'-ed Lis appreliensions tliat it was not hkely to succeed ; not, he tliought, from any v/ant of pubhe spirit in t'le Spaniards, ])ut from the want of that wliich of all other motives induced men to stand forth in defence of their country' namei}"j constitutional li- berty."' :''!. ) Mil. >[\AA\\y. I-! 1/: ' n ' /; /' W :;. _: , :; i: i' ,.:i';:. ;U ' . i. ' :;;' 't ) ' .ii:r iv 'M ,. It :; ; . :.:: ! ! !>. I! :M l'( ! ,! t-i ill. Ill- v' tin' ':;!'' .;.::- 1 .\-:i:i ir-ri;' lit' tin- I.':!'!;' K ;i l'> \'.\: r ii;.(l (,-' m'u' ' 1(1 ; : ' Mil Uiidi -r'!'\ . I I' ' >: ill t :, 1 '.-' > , ,- , ;;!!,.( r hi::::' i . ', 1 , : , ,' r;- :i ! f I i: -;i.' ] V 39S ) GENERAL TARLETON. Juiic 7, l"-0'J. On (lie Third Jieuding of llie Vole of Credil Bill. " rslixibTERs luul sent another army to the rcnir.suhi, and wliat was the prospect? The cnihusiasin of tlie Si)aniar(ls was not so great as at first, and since tliey were unable In-forc to chive the enemy, consisting of 8(),()0() men, from beliind tiie EI;ro, what hope was there that tfiey wouhl now be able to expel from tlicir territories an army of nearly 100, 000 men? It seenred ilie niost liopeless plan that could be imagined to send men to the Penin- sula at |-.rcstnt." Jauuiirij 2,5, JIM (;.-//( Ilic JJchalc (ni Hit /idiirest, " He dihercd enliri^iy (Vcjiu the o])iiii()n ])io- nonnerd hy ;>. Xubk Lore', that Portugal could be delended," (. r \ in \ [. ! .. !;i I 1 1 1 \ ,;()i-i <- ijii'\ ' r,;i. lie : -].n\ \\\\ . Ill la -i > oi !.: '!! r, till' lln I ,' - ! I :,^' y\y..c: -[]' 'ilU! I:o! !)(, MKjii'u (1 iMi') >;-^ a llKitlr. I i4 :'.>:;, -r. .,- Wa-. iii ;i <^id' Hit .;-iH\; ! llr j-hilt ill I .:. li,.\ \ : 1 !' Ind l)',..Ill' d I.'';ii \\'rlii;,.r:> '11, \vi:c,: : u-Mil in !.., I il.iii-c, : I 1 1 J > ( I 1 1 \ 1 1 ; ' I ' ' i i ( ; ( ' ; 1 i ' ; , . t w . l - > i : ; 1 1 i ; \' a^ ,>lii.i -t cm; : ' '\- I" at' I ,i)iiu .'. 1 1/ now 1)1, ;:n; (1 i.i:': ;' -i li; ^ ; ,. -!i :\-\\ :..;.\' :i:;' i >|'..!ii. lU iKiLiiii li;L\r !.;.'.\\:i t!,,.' i" w.i^hi-' hrrc'v- - , I r \' ^n L ( M u ; ii e - 1 1 1 : 1 ' 1 ; ; - . 1 l ' ) ; 1 1 \ ..c t : , I \ > ( ' ! i I aiu V till II' )\\ . ;;r:ii'u'- rt mid no: iiia' aii ai .d li-!;t w i' i,'>\\\ ( al M!.:. 1 Ic ^i.(U,!i! I!l;l,i^ ! ^a.t hi- lia.l 11' > (!i)iK li: ' :.i: w ii' lie li .i! i" a >'.,,;t ,i t !u -r 'M,:iii()ii->. I la a^ !ai ' !i d t la," t la' aa ia\ li,ai 'aaiiK'l a'v it u! a\ ,;t l.dla^^aa ^. . \ i r \ , - t !aa ( a lM > alia (i;-,a i\ ' : a.t . i j'.i . , ' '. , i i ;;' ihif, ji.il itaii la aiai i^ . \' !. ,i.^ wa.ua! ri a;--l ::;;'(. ; l,U' axtaa n :a r ( .1 an ai" a \ . 11,.: ' i!a C: a. ;(a .a! i ai t la ( II an ai ', .i-> a ' ''ad \ ('.>:;;! v' iii>;(i> ;,;; .^la all'! :]).;! al. a^a iif l)i,aaa. ,. /' ' " ' I. I Hi.- -/ /; .,[, ,,, / ''.'iii \\ I i.ai'a'iiju a-jijaaa.c'i I'j inai t'^ !: ,\ 4(H) GENERAL TAllLETON. advanced into Spain npon liis own responsi- bility; and be would ask any Hon. Gentleman who lieaid him, whether he had aetcd the })art ot" a prudent General in having done so." " ile next came to the accounts of the action contained in tiie dispatches of Lord Wellington, whicli were, he must contend, vain glorious, partial, aiul incorrect. A'^ain glorious, as every man who read them woidd perceive ; partial, because, thougli the}' contained some praise of the Spaniards, that praise was not adc(iuate to their services; and incorrect, because almo.'it every line contained a statement which the cir- cnmstanee^ of the case did not bear out." Marcli 4, ISll. On Lord P ah ners lane's niotionrespccintg i.lu: Army E.stimalcs. It i' my intention to attribute to his IMajcs- ty'.> ministers full credit for patriotic designs and xirtuous moti\'es. They concci\-c a war npon lliL' Continent will lessen the militar} oov.t'j- of ljuona])arre, v;dl protect our allies, the Sj)an'ri.iti>, and the Portuguese, and will delay, or ultimately defe;;t. ihe invasion of the British lslc>. On the contrary, 1 contend that sueli opiujous, with our limited population, speaking (.: \ i.iiA ;. T.\ !; ; ; : n. i oil! j) ii\ii i\ cU !)i i; \. i; , ; i".'/ j' iji.i!,, ! ,i)!i (,; 1 Jill '[)(., \uii < ::;v 1" li j". a^ :;.; 1.'- ^ J . \ \ :< ;li(' li.'-^i M'l(i:ri> ol liiKa'.ii ; 'o i':i ii:-; ,^\ ..! ui'.i- iiKil'-'x' ;ii I !ic' (Ivli'iica' ( M niii alhc-, a-!..' :ii:^- U!i!\ lit nrili>h ii'^ourcc'i Ciii ai'-..! j,;\o u-- pic- ^I'li' ; ,"aiit\ ; and, 111 a iiujia Ii'II.dU' (l._:e^, aiiiiii a |)w:iit and l)ra'.'>';i n'. i.il!\ .unl itUvii'iJ- li'iii to l;k' j 'ro-* 1 at (. n.;:,.a;^ ( a iain^j''; ami !!ial \' .c ('\ j 'and, ; uic li nar i)ii\*.' ha ii. ai.d 'V :.i.afai"\ ic-'^ aiicc > npiai t .,a v in'i;a:,:. ".id ' I I 'I >. . ill' \', >; a 'v'.l^ aiii ':la)n> t,ic !:', ..-^ >: laaa:- n.i|i:ii If, .lad nju n a i)a>^a_L^f at an cai aaa jua id, and \\it;i n.oic n.(.;dt\. Id cjnr nanud and nna'- Icaatr cnrniw J'l\[)ci icnrc- and cdaa.u'.on -(.ai-c (ili.>dl\- (-(ailirni ti;e M)nndiu>> .aal Wilaiilv rl lla r ' 'pin :i )!;-. h an\ in/nun i n .rr; ,.:^i' a liac I/! na ! ;!.i; \- i)j) ! /i hui l)i Nnra I ; o nic ..! -. i : . > aa- pai at ;\ c\\ ^n v. \[\\ t a.i i^f nl \ iu' (a;i ' > . l...- ii ^a ! ! ir n^t na ! a i ,i. i \ pi udncc a n.r.. . ; 11. ; i,al inn. C )n l ..a p: f-ani .a^'a^i , 1 I i: I ...in^ .aa- p i\ --aadK' i a ai, ' : . i-ia-av ; in \ a'w , I ii ; t t lie pi a\ .a. . ^ ai ,a a. Ii taia ': d i n I ! . I I AWil in i^t.ik-a aial fa ' , , . . \ a . - iii\ a , d lo d!-,--lt r and di sir.ial a ! "\,\\ nad.v- : a, >c >t..u mi n; . 1 . - )> . 't d ds r.' ! ^, ti> piii\ (. t :a '' , ' a 1 a ^ ,:dni!ni>I lat :i 'ij. ' '1 I a ^ I "!i iiuaa.d i \pva iiia ill d' I I.I- iH "j.'lc (1 laia a, t ' - 402 GENERAL TARLETO^'. from the silence of his Majesty's ministers, and the known ambition of the tyrant of Europe, that the reinforcements arrived in Portugal, or expected by the French in tliat quarter, will be commensurate to tlie important ol)ject committed by Buonaparte, to the arrangement, vigilance, and charge of Marshal Massena." " Within the precincts of this island, every- thing has been gleaned of a military descrip- tion, to advance the Quixotism of Ministers upon the Continent." '' Laying out of the question the hazard incurred in all the quarters from whence troops have been drawn, what have you achieved, or what can you accomplish r" *' Massena and his master are no\y bringing to a close the downfal of British resources, and, with fell and malignant joy, are already contem- plating a mortal blow against the unprotected vitals of our empire and constitution. In this advanced age of the world, and in the present state of society, few occurrences, or even difli- culties, can present themselves, in aid of wdiicli wc may not derive advantage from history. You had the power of investigating the conduct of our ancestors. Hume says, ' The English never entered upon foreign wars, although too much addicted to that unwise course of pro- ceeding, except when a young king of genius, to GFX I KA J. 1".\ Kl.l I .V 4" 3 icad I nc ariUK's, presented liini-elt t' ) t':.'' iiatioii ; U'lieii (li^Iiactioii j)ic\ ailed a:n()nL;>t their cno- jii'C^. ai;d l:i(.' it allien \\(.'i'e )ead\' t< > c i-ope; a'.i' Ml t'l'M di'sii^n-.' Tlic (Mndi*a>n ot' lunojic, a.iid liu' tailen ^ta!e d Au^tiia, niiL^ht lia\c <'\liiliiled to lii>Ma;e>!\^ iidni^ters a saUitaiA' l('>so!i with i'('>pect ft) the Peninsula. li'aneieiit ."!-!()r\ i> \\(irth\- i' \(ui:' ci m-ideiMt .on, look at ihc ;.or (!' (aitlii'j.e a coii'inei'cia! ai^iin.^t a !': ht.iiA \]-j<\' ,;. It' theiL ( io\ cninK lit hid not d< ^ ; ':!- d t :!o h. a, rr ol it> ;ii ni\ f. a' l!u> ir.vade! > ' t ha! \ , t h,r o'.T'it iii'DW and dest re. ei i ai ;n AtVnai n::_iht ha\chien rtaialed or ui*inia.tel\' a\'e;U'(L I5ut it, i> m wiiii lo cite instanees iVoni h'^t 'vv t''i yon. \\ \ on are not a(hnoi!ished h\- \oiir own oi;o!-. \i)Li oiiL^hl \o lii\e rt in.rndna ed !h(f hiNt dhplannrd expeihti'Mi tVoin S.i'.nn.ir.e.i, ((jniinittrd to Sir John .Mooie. \ on oii^li: ti^ ha\(. rcni( ni:)errd i\\c cnteiina-e <;:reolcd a'4'i.n.>l M:idrn'. nndci tiie an^p'.eos of Lord WediU'.;- foii. 1'm?;i th.c^e awiul le--oiis aie writtiai m the blood lit \uur he^t ^o!dler^ ' a.nd \a'l \oai !nt( !nper;ite!\" wi'j^c !;; \'!nr eoiii-^e ot t'oll\- and radmt ^s. and ia\- ojx n tho | ist tli^|Hs;il)l(_' arin\ ot I.nuhmd, to (hin_i,(n- 0,1' that ex'ciit and ul inn, as ^e.oh a piceious stake on^ht not to he haltlo to. oxccji! upon (jur (\\ n siaaa-, and :n (! '(,nc( o! Iw:f>h Idnitx' and inden."" !( (1. a;!(i c'l ''.- li i ^ (1 I, M -\ ^ir... .. i: ;),'.i-!t.' ilKikC ii iiiii ^: - ,;! ( il' ii : 1 ! < i t ! i :. \ r i,.-. ! -m ., i l!^ nil j\v:\ \\'( ) 11 ! ( i , Willi M ^ \', ( 'Jit. ;j. , I i i ! 1 1 - ( ) \',' 11 1 U . , ( i , ,1 1 1 ( 1 I ill' Kiiii;' I 'i i la! \" I) :.ii < :'a:c , -1. i !;. I i lu' a!i',ai> (; ti.r war \\;.c v.nl \i\ i',;i;^:^(!. Jlr i I ii-U ' 1 '<\\''.' I .Ml (1 W I iMi^L;t( '11 \\ uiiUi i c -luai - I'al ill .ii.M.i ii-' t '.r \\ iiiiisii !a i ai!\ i 'Mi ! m! i'u;' iia' iii,.'-:l' a:i i Hmi ! !i,i la i (Ka;'/. i,a 44)6 GENERAL TAKLETON. January 8, 1812. In tJie Debate on the report of the Address. '^ He could not conceive in what respect our affairs in the Peninsula had in the smallest degree been improved. If we viewed the efforts of our armies, in what had they succeeded? What attempt had Lord WelHngton made in which he had not been baffled ?" " Lord Wellington was obliged to fly, to desert th.e level country, and to take refuge in ravines and mountains, wliich sheltered him fiom the successful foe; and when all these circum- stances had taken place since the last session of Parliament, how could it be said, our affairs were in a more prosperous state now, than then ?" '^ That celebrated statesman, the late Mr. Fox, had wished for the pencil of Cervantes to depict, in their true colours, the alliances against the French Ilepublic. How much more would he desire it now, were he alive, to represent the futile contest in wliich we were engaged against a nation much more powerful than it was at that time, and whose resources Vv^ere at tlie disj)0sal of a ruier, in whose experience it eoniided ; and who at the Game time knew, that he enjoyed this conlidejice GKNICRAL TARI.ETUN-. 40; tor what but a knowledge of tlic good wi^hc^ ot' the J-'icnch nation, (.ould have indnri'd Ikiona- j)artt- to ho absent from \\i> capital foi more than si;eu months .-" ( 408 ) EARL TEMPLE.^^ 'MuTj 9, 180.9. Onriiovhig Rcsohiiiorts (ondcriviing lliceot:- dnci oj'alfalrs in Spain. '' 'luLY were to (leeide upon those persons only whose incapiveity and niiseoniUiet w ere the cause \\])y even British valour had failed of tsueeess ; why the energies of freedom and ihc spirit (jY iVeenien liad heen inelfeelual in the arduous eon test in whieh the eouutry had ciiL:.ai/ed : hy whose niiseonduct the last hiilhant spark that lirigered of the spirit of Juirope iiad been stilled ai;d extiuLniislied." " Buona.jiarte always t!e\v to his ohjeet upon the w Ij];,;s of tiie eaL';k*, vhiist the Nolile Lord (Lord Castlereagh) erept on the baek of atoi- toise to oj)pose him."' The present ?\rarquis of Buckingham, t"' ) \V:\. ":\".i\\i:\. .1,1 .,r:' !!'. |-nv._/ ' / ), ;,;, ,, / '- - ./,/./.. ,,, '':'. :;- l.ii- I- ;.,!, 'I . t ' w.:i. ,1 1 1 i ' ^..' 1;' I (i i::>'m' ! \' :i! -!- t (" ;. 1 , , ;: I al- i ; > . . v:i >.(1 V. ' \\ 111 .' i \ I ' M ;: I' ! I 1 I- > I ( li i:i ' i!!r,l.l .:\l' . ' . . . ' ;: 1 I '; ! iiil:' r ^i-M:' ,1, .:1:m 1 r , ^- ,- ..,: :s ,.>> i Mi \c' ncv'; 1 liU'i w ;< ,! MM :i. , ; , ' V ;,;,, \- , ,> > \ ; : ;ii cd 1 ; ,1 - .1' . ' ' ' : M ( :'':'' P '1 r j-.i ' \\ ,;n, .. ( '...:'. . ' : :".! i ' -.. . ^,. ;;-. NwW. .";^;, , ' !!/!' i I' ' . ,nv'.t 1 I ( V :,ii(i mis (,.!! li'j,' ol \ I'i vl. ^ ' !:; l; ! ', t I 1( 111. ( i ( 1 : t '; I I n . I ! 1 , i . I \ ' . I i m r 1 . ; i 1 1 ; ' i ; ' M '('!.", i 1 1 li ! 1 1 \ I I ' > (ir iiu ( 1 ; I, , i',i;- 1:' . I ( :ii'i;'il li( !; - :;(i\ i-niu' t iii K , !.! I ! Mi. ( ir;i! I; '111,' II. ' '! ' re ' C ;i i; m ! :,mm > iiiit il : ,1 : ( ^- !'. ' !; 1 1' 'M, 'm |.mii --iic .1 (iit''> 1 : 1; : C' i' 1 m', .;iiM In r 'li til: N' ii:!' ' it lur Iml' !i r : i '' ' ' "^ .mt !,. 1- ;.'(- t ; I 111 1 1 !' >.(' i I , wl ! )- ,11 1 '. : ( ' : ,1' r \ j M (ii- ' '.' )\\ 1 ' I !'' Ill'- il wiis 1:111 !'.'! : >i'- I 1:." 410 MR. TIEKNEY. " What is the view of men in office in Lisbon, ]]e necessarily knows better than myself, but what tlie disposition of the people of Lisbon really is, I think I have as good means of know- ing as himself. And from those means I do assert, that the people there do not hesitate to declare that they do not like the English. But of this argument, as it is termed b}; the Right Hon. Gentleman, of retreating upon Lisbon, even if it were admitted that tlie inhabitants would receive our arniy with open arms, and grateful hearts, I will dispose by one singie question: will the Right Hon. Gentleman assert his credence, that any man thinks it now possible for the British army to march to Lisbon?" '* I merely touch on this subject, and do not intend to argue it, because the matter must here- after be fully discussed. There will be, I dare say, many subterfuges attempted by Govern- ment, but they have now pledged themselves to meet the question fully and fairly, and I hope all the circumstances will be laid open to the })ublic view, so as to enable the people of this country to judge of their conduct, and until that day arrives, I shall say no more on thf subject." MU. TI I i.Ni i -Ul ^ I. '','.' Ill tlu- Miiitid / c/;n//t;/'. ' li: !. " H >;i\\" IK) (K'c;iH()ii Inr iim iiicn-a^f ot' (Mir tOic\' I'.C^tlllcd Ujl tuU'lLill -l'l\ !i(.', till [\\C il<'ll-~C blioiild 1)1' iului ii,(.(l \', !i;iL was riic iiatiiK.' t>\ tiu' i'i'rciLi:n -ci\icr I'.i which thc\- iiiijj^iit h.' t lu- |)lc\ r(i. ' l'ti(/If l;i' CCiw'Ul COllMUt to linpn-C lljx 11 the j'Cdj'U- the a(i(h.tu)nal hiiitlicii \\ iiu h thi.- iiuM^uic' \\f)ul(! create, he musl I'c ^a'l^licd net x)iil\- that a t'lirthcr iciiuhii toi'cc was r.cco^arv. ImiI that the haiuU iutu which l\\v (ii^puMtioii 'il t!,,il Jiiicc ^\a^ In \)c cutiu^rcch wcic c(jiial tn the <'(ii;lul( nci- ie[>o>(.(l in tiicin. At j'UMiit, all lic kiicvv' ell the >iiiject \'.a-. that t:,e aim\ liad hi , 11 l:i^)^t >h.ametiih\' \\'a-reil h\- th( Xohie I.'iiii I ."1 (1 ( a^th u au'h ). ^\itholll iricaiiiiiL; tn cast tha sji-hti it Icth'Ctlnll nil nu 1 '^al hill t nl ficc I ^, w ';in-e >kin and \.dnur ciiiitUd then, nii \\c cniitiarx . t') the ii:^;icsi ]>iai>e, !ic wa^ cnii\-inced thai the House aiul tht' cniintiA must dct-p!\ tWl, tliat t in' niiiitars power ni' Ihiulaiuh nndi r thi' ausj.icc s (if t he Xnhh' I .nrch had cxpei n ma d a innrc (hs'^iaeet'ul (hiscomtit nic, th.aii ,in\- to whuc'ii it had e\er hithcito hi'cn cxpn^ih lie ..uadi' ;1k'-c ch..vi \ atiohs ni: i\r' nujcnt oec.i- 412 MR, TlIIlNIiY. b'lOB, at this early stage of tlie bii3i}ie.ss, to guard hiinselt" from being supposctl to assent to tiie proposition, that his Ivlajcr^tv's ministers had a claim on tl^e country to liave a furtlier force ])laced at thicir disposal, Avitiiout having first accounted for the wa\ in wliich tlvv^y liad eniploycd that already entiustcd lo liicm."' Jauitanj 23, 1810 hi the Debate on the Address . ^^ He challcniied any one to denv, thai in whatCNCr company he had heen, liigh or low, the present Administration was spoken of in terms of contempt."' Fehriiarjj 27, \S\2.I)i the Dthalc ;\\ faiiilil, and li\iiiL;hi iMrk .li.iiii Im iii> did \Vi>i I-.."' " In tlir I'.'iic (if .M:. I'ltt, llu- iiv.il ;n>\'. ( ; --l.itr Ml t Ik Hal I'tn w a^ ip 't !i i h;- tw nn i ; .i i ', In-- I'.aiM- liir (,u,,i:tr\' cr.nliiKd Ml l;'r .M;.:;^\r lii i I. ' [> -iijM. I , t , li l!i'' ' ' ':n! : , ^\ '^t:!'! hr i (,i:;;l,\ II 1 !i' l;,^i;(l^ I : l! , ^ I ' ! ' - l ll'J ii -iird -! ,r.', - 1 .:i I ^ ' : ic 1 ; \',',, -, r iir I r \'. :i^ I I ( d a;.d i)'i' ;i >:;;(!. i M: IVi' ; i^a ^, . , Jt tw iu' j)!'' - ^ ; ;.;i ;. 1 !u ' . i v\ ; l.a' ; c j-' - c- i d t it i i i lu> crc- (;:l 'ii- !,'> !aK';:is " llf did iici ;li'id. tli.tt. ;! c Ui'aii; !IiM!. liK' ( 'ii::;.L\ I'ur ( l' i!k' r.xt'i'C ;uu'\ , p.i I'd^ actt'd wi >i'l\' or 1. ir,di\' l'\ ;,n;i. ' :i : ';, u^* - :.,; ^ r .d \ .; :u .. i : v . , ,.. , \ , . \]. .: \\,- V,;- buL a -: !r-i.:aii > l' l!'.. x.u^ ^ 1 :. !! i;,.d n 'I \ i ' . L 1 1 d ..1: ' ' 1 ' [ ' - ' . -( > i.:,d d> 11 I.N \I-. ]' , ., . , , liii I, i : . ,; ,i ' \f' i (a . I. ,i: .1 . ' ' I . i:... ,; !'; j)' ',. ! 1 . 1, ^'. 1!;', ' ii , !**, ill -I I' ' ' , . 1 ',''!..: ;.d V ( 11 [< > ,aa'ti,^ , , u,,: ! .; - ,; \[ ^ :\': a cv u - .i ;, !:i 1 1 a d I ) 1 ; ! : ' d i ; j ) ' a ! i ! . <. ^ . ,' I u ; i ! r , W la I. a; U ] a.l\ : :;^ W ' 'a : , .r li; . ;! - a' ; : ,_; \'> a-, ,il ai-I -.'-,, re, I ac, 1 ,ii,d 1 1 - i !i '/ i v d c. '" 1 () ! . t' -' I ' a rt 1 1, ( I a \\ ,a '.a 1 .rd . .-iKi r> irl iiL'^d. da \'a adi ' iir s ! a d ( : . ii a-M iii.ai vt , , a' '' I. I dMM ( , 414' MR. TIERXEV. tliat it could be conducted and directed by none who did not feel a violent enthusiasm in the cause. His (Mr. T.'s) opinion was, that the mea- sures were to he limited by th.e means ; although there could be but one feeling in the nation, that to the utmost of our means, die common enemy of the liberties of man was to be resisted. If, indeed, the government of the new Regencv were united, if the recruiting service, from the re-animation of the country, were more success- ful if our finances were better managed, and if, above all, the wliole population of the empire were conciliated, additional inducements to more vigorous efforts would he supplied, lie desired to be distinctly understood, tliat he never main- tained, that it was necessary to withdraw the British army from the Peninsula ; all he re- quested was, that the subject should be soberly and deliberately investigated, and tliat the House should not be led away by the enthusi- astic spirit which the Noble Lord had so much admired/' March J 7, 1812. O??, tJw Motion for continuing the Gold Coin and Bank Notr Bill. '' Let the Right Hon. Gentleman, then, (Mr. Perceval) take all the responsibiJitv of this pro- M u. i I fc rtx : \ . iCvilji^;^ 1*1 liiiii>(.-lt ; liL' i> kiunvii t^ pliMic mmii- bflf iijjdii Ins ^toiit n(,',>>, and lii^ coiat iiij)i o;' n:..- jo; i(i{"s and ii'.mkm il ic-^, and Iw lias L!;!^ d,i\ ;:%( d a [)]( tt\ l;i lod c.j ni"-t ot it. 1 hclit \ c tint nu dt l;t^ Mlnl' tcr \'. i)u!il !ia\'c' (land lo conn' dow n toll,:, lIouM', and [)l()|)0^c to make the pionMs-n; \ nnttri ot' a foi'poiatc 'aimniUi-Ml bcd\ a Il^m.' tender. I.ct the Iv 'u lir I ! !;i. ( it n; !';naii. t ':mi. ennlmui- to ad\ i^c on! \ v\iin In^ tail iil'nl diia-'-- Tdi-^; 1 .'iii.dl ^i\a' liini no liiillur oj.'j.u-ition, ])ccan^c I la'iii.\t it t.) In' utlriU n-rlr-^. ] ^liail, tiici I'.oie, i.'o;;. iiide l)\- di > hii lui;-. In'l'o.c Cjdd, that I sjH'ak not iioin tlie in.lliu'ncc ol' pait\' views wJRii I la\- niv hand upon my he;ii;, and express it as tlie -ettled eoiuaetion of ni\ ni.nd, that the measure now pro'v.-cd will ope- liite lo h'a.st toi t'\er the eiadi! ot t'e.e h.aik, and the lln.aneial -eenrit\ ot liiecoanti\, a:.d I .^!t(i()\\n NoJeiiinU pi oti'^t mv; aiean' ;t ..en,:'.- ii'.ih. .' ^ -iK> ) MR. TIGHE. FihriHir]! 27, l''-^l:2. Ou !<<.a.nidhig Sir Tlionms Turton'i Motion for a Connnltlee on the State of t lie Nation. '' ill wished to iiwaken tl'.e first Lord ol" the Treasury (^Ir. Perceval) from the golden dreams ^\ iiieh visited liis ])!iL0\v', and to achnonish him, tluit it' ever there was a time when it was incum- hcnt on us to look wiili a steadfast eye on our re.>50urees, ic was the present. All that the Uig-lit lion. Cientlem: n seemed to think the House had to do was, to furnish him with the m a} s and means for the supplies he v>'anted. If the Cicn- tlemcn who sat in that House were indeed the representati\'e.'!. of tiie {.leople, they sliould duly inquire whetlier tlie people were really ahle to aiford tliose sums of wliich the\' were chained by ^otcs of tiiat House, without the least attentiou to economy." ' \Vc could e-nrcrtain lillle liope oi' ultir.r.itely gaining that for wlfieh \\ c had heen lighting, and tiicre was no prohahuitv ol' the contest l)eim/ i)i(>Ui>';U to a c :'.: -, uul it i:. 'I t"i)! S'W, a^ : in-itrci i'\ i-(,ii:-,'. that lho>i' 11:111;. U is -!;m .^^'i !(. : iS ' ;:' ;' , *:< > ! la 1: iju! - ' Aia! il' M;'-h nu .1 v". na :'-, ;.i i.a- 1 l-aM- til lalt : , " . . !w '.Jx i-,a> ' . - ai a''N -1 lif^'.':: 41S SIR THOMAS i'URTON, January 23, 1810. i?i the Dtbace on the Addo^.-if. "' He was astonished to hear of a tVe.sU ariny having been sent to Spain, after the ili-^asteis whicli liad befiillen tlie foi)iu;r, which had a nuich fairer prospect of succe:>i.." Vehruanj IJ, iSll. hi the Debate on the Report of thf Address, *' He wonld not pledge himself as to the trans- actions with regard to the Peninsula ; but he (Hd not indulge tliose expectations of success which some other gentlemen it appeared entertained. The contest might add to the glory of our arms, but nothing: more, he thought, was to be hoped for. Its termination would, probably, be the grave of our commercial prosperity, and of every thing but our honour. He had always main- tained, that it M'as idle to contend with France on the Continent." .^IK TlluMA-. ILKKJX. 419 MniLh I L 1 >! J . On tlw Annn F.AiinaicS. AtUi ail, it \v:is inij)o>siI)lc lor u-) to coii- \v\\{\ (Ml thf Coiitiin'iit with ail cncin\' wliose j; ([nilalioii w a^ (iliinated at ti(jni ^\\\y to one liuudicd iiiillioii^ ; he, therctorc, was of ojjiiii(;ii, 'ii;it the iiiilit;ii\- {\)\\:c ot" the C(juiilr\ uiiglil to hr icdiutd to a K'\ cl w itii its plivsical v':ti;:>lll." l-'ilinuuij I'J , 1-1 J. On Dioving Joy a Coiiuiuttce on tltc Slate oj' tit,' Satio)i. llr -liould rnd(-a\our lo i,\]C\v the House v\ Kat !i[.;!(.-aicd to lum [o l)c llu' awrullv alarni- .ii:^,' -talool tlic count I \' ; and w hat, m li:>. ir,ind, \\';i- iM'i I ho U'a>l ah-irniinj,- -\ in pi' 'in , the Ic- i)ar;.'-\' *'l that llcnM- fur m> Iohl;- a I nnv and V, iali' Muii c\a iits woio pa-j.^iiv.:. Hc^hi^uid oa!l ::|)on tiaai;, in thi' ininie (1 tin, n i- )un.Ii-\ . to , '' ( i.fjni then toijioi, and a.-k ^ wvv unprcju- dac i ::,a!i. it', rca'ij';- tho oi )n.h ; a)ii to wdiah 'h:'^ v.aar at hi>t ladncoch ha o(aiId i' >;i-.oa-n- 'aa.' ', jo i,iN hand iioon !ias 'aant aia' - v, ':! !' . ; a'-t ~i;;i'. :an' l^O'Ij: <\ ! i' \\ '^na :nto : < a nafar. 420 SIR THOMAS TURTOXo " He blamed not Ministers for the errors of the Spanish government, but lie thought that they were responsible to the country for not providing, as far as they could do. against the possibility of those errors defeating our co- operation, or rendering our assistance altogctlier nugatory." '' Tlie armies of Spain were not improved-r- her government had not improved. This situa- tion of affairs aflbrded no great probability of success : and to subject the country to sucli enormous expenditure, without a ])rospect ol' terminatins: the strurj-Q-le to the advantap-e of Great Britain and her allies, was not certainly the part of wisdom.'" " lie, for his part, could not consent to anv further assistance to that country, unless he saw some pro:^pect of success. It should be proved, that our resources were not likely to be thrown away in a fruitless struggle." ^' He should be told, tliat this \v\as a v.ar of an unusual charactei', and t'nat it iiad become ncce;^sary for us, in a great measure, to make uiiiscU'cs a militaiy nation. He iT^rrrrted lliat it was so; ;;nd he was sorry to oh vi'\e. tiiat, while we \\\ re deehinLi,- our \>;iriior.-, with l;ui- rc's, \\ c i);ul al-o too ircoueiii: (;crasicii to pbmt 1i.i;;r graven Willi cypres*. He i rf^'cd lo press (..a the eoub.ciLialioii oi' the Iloir-e. tliut thi-? K I H O.MAS r\. UION I CI \^ .1- .[ war wilich couhl he ^iipporUd nulv ]i\ (X'oiidiMw ;i!;(l !)\ !ui>b:iiui ; ml;; i;(uj\- W'Us N'v'tli liiiii, ;:.,it the counliv ^va^ d^aiii-L liiiu, :r,.d (ii(l ii'it \\ i-;i iliat the CcUi^<.' (jf Spain shouhl he abaiu!<:;ie|)aii;^h c^aiu^c etleetu;;! M'i\ ;ce.'" "lie \\ :.-. ai: \Ml^l^ v.i^f t u (' an jji\)ini>e, in tlic ^in.il'; -t (it ui ei. , the h' anaii and inteiJiaitN ot' the 'i.anuv; !i,,t ^t.il he eu'dd n^a aL;iee, lliat the jiie-;i;l -\ -leMi >h.iaud he (a a ^i'\ c led in. without an (-iidea\(air to ><. u wiml could he done to- waiaU [a'oeuraip,- {)eaee." It '.' a-> one ' a (ill ; W' M -t .s\ inj)loni>. that the [,,{]<. ol' ilie ' )niili\ and oh tint IhuiNewas -d nun h eh inm-d. 1 h;-^ i:e attiihntcd lo ine \,nl n: lea^e nt' (jiir nid:tar\ ( >ta!)M dnr.c nt^ ; hut that c ia;-:(i(a ata ai .-honhl nm d^'ur lain, ,in\ naae tiani It uUL^hl .in\ ollai' meiijhv i , t nan (h^eh,a u ni_; a:- (!ni\. lie \vai^ ^aI pi i-^cd [n i;r,ti :t ^.ni, teat .eenoihi/.ii'a" ^^au -,tai \ una; can ' [n i a; .' a;-. ^\ .;> 4S2 STK THOMAS TURTON, there no difference between hesitating at a vote of two millions, and abandoning the war? Was there no middle way of proceeding ?" June 1], 1812. In the Debate on Mr. Wortley's Molion respecting the Failure of the Negotiations for a nevj Administration, *' The salvation of the country was at stake, The present ministers had conducted the natiou to the brink of ruin." ( ri3 ) MR. \'ANSirrAR^J\ ]U^(S^alV In OiiahU' us to Mippnit tlu'anliu-u^ -.trau^l(' Ml wliicli liljril\- and iu-^iicr lui.^ht a;j,-am^t t\-i-:,iinv aiitl artifice; and if tluv w eie called ! T. lie \\'a< -o liianh.' pei^uaded ol" l!ic j)ul>lie >j)irit ef tjic penplr. tliat he was sUiC (licv \^"uuld iit'vei he Ijackwaid to siipj)lv tlic niean^ \nv con' inn en.',' the t.'iimiph.^ ni" niir tlee;-. .ind a! niic^.'' ^olr/,e, , 15, Ky|3._rj //;. 7't/'//o -/ f. , Ax'. '" 'ihc I'cvt'uue i)i' \,\-' 'i'r;r';T had e\pe- rieneed a C()nM(k r..' ile inereaM' t)iat ijuartei e\C(tpirfii;:J)lyer'"iph)yed, hut unnecessarily cxposecL Lord Wehiiigrou mii^ht have learned more discretion froui the experience of wSIrJohn Mooie's incursion into Spain; lie might have deri\cd salutary information from the recorded opinions of that great and justly-lamented ge- neral : he ouo'ht to have been nrevcnted from a precipitate advance into wSpain with another ihitisii army, by the example of tlie disastrous consequences, and unfortunate circumstances, of the retreat to Corunna.''" " Ik' was not, howe\cr, tin- deserting tiie Spaniards aliogciher. lie would \'.'ish to send \v'.\r\ e^ery ti);ng u'c could assist them with, -xcci)t a ihitisli arnn .'' 1 .! ', ) Mil. J. W . W'AiJi/. ./. n /.' ;.; :\ \' !,' I !i..i I. t'l :;' i iir a;"L'':::;.'i.' > * .'^1 . .111! ! Ill !'! !\- , (l\-;.iu'{'i! i {. -;n.' * 1 iiij; I '. l' lV..i:cr >M;(i h: . . ;r\v-. i;!:!);!), d li\ (.' u.i.i !i;' 111' '. > ..;i !-,.;i I I'l'^ !; '.,,:, >-> :; >'.-. \ I : n f' ; ;; : ,: I ' ; . '-r w \i' < i: aI iii'',ll;!t(l i 1 r, :!;-i !\'( ^ \'llil (1: ("'Mli-^ I il \ : 'Ini \- .;!. V'l^UTlil/, a! J'!M, .!l.l ;' l'\ !,,'(. 1..; 1 110\' 11.' " i; ii! 'it (1 111 ; :ict. ;ili( ! (< ;;il(l ]\. , \]]i <.C i. \ j m C ', 1- ' niiitr l UfiDL,' j !vi;n :n r^ril"; ai'.'-i t ' .;' ci; rinii^t.'.'.irfs ul 1' all' a!rf;;:!\ l)i-i'> tuat the If'i'i-c :> (\:'.\ r,' w in a .^ilua!; a {<< ur.n) a cnnijKttii. 'aw.ai'Ci.l um-ih tia- ii.c:;tN of' it> a'aliur^. i lu" (1.,^ (iilluulrx' ('yn;ist> iii ik-- (''"a:itirij^ lo: ilic rfaulurr nt" thr Cimx c; m;.: ;.' upon an\' rolciahlt.' tniwiN \vli,ittr\('r. 1. a . ! i , I niu^t t'airU cnnfi'ss. flait I " \. * > , ,\ (.i..-.i;l'- to s.a :::y -j:^ rd i\ a-^a, -. Lat l , ; ' a .i an.ibla In -^ac an\' ira^oii^ a.; a'l. ti, it r' a.a ;. \c n;- (iu( ' (1 !ii> M .;ast \ "-. a.i!;>t'a' ^ to ( .:, ;a<' "m Hii^ >ac(iaii tanii jJiiaii. li -^^vaa- lo l,,i\c aarii nndai- l.-i-van !ii .-^in^'ail.ii' (!( ii laca' ol ai! iho-a piaraa- \>\c^ that ()iiii;iit to (aiua- into ill!" (oiuhict oi allaiiN."' ' 1;, auUa (1, tiait -[Miiuiiih l>Mt idral ])U'- tu:i.- wli a, at ilii' !ti''4aiiaiii'a "! 'lie Spanish rc\'ohi t :i ;!, >''n.;c [)'a:>a;s la ria> i'iaiiiti\ had joinical X'l MKai.. ", a , in 'k- u.ii nai mniiil; \\p un laa.- a;an ai cii triicv is I's hhcalv", lia\ liani 'a the hour ot" flan need; it' X'.'c !;j' ''>.ai'd thani aniinaltd h\ an aidiiii. aii'.I !i'a \t al_aI-^lladl'; (!', irol nat ( a..d iutiajHaul; la ., ''' 'aMaiUil t > make ;tll tho.c 4-b 2iiR, .K w. v:aud, bncrificcs wliicli were ncccssaiy, in order to aflbrcl the slig-hlest chance of success, iu so vast ;!.ikI so iinecjual a struggle; wliy then, Sir, it would liavc perhaps hccn right, and certainly tlie best feelings of our nature, compassion and tlie love of iVeedoni. would liiive jn-onipted us, in spite of failures, iuid in spite of misfortunes, to make one more effvut in behalf of a gene- rous, a grateful, and a sulfering nation. One sliould ha\e felt some consolation for the blood that had been already spilt, antl one might, uitliout a cririiC to the country, have con- sented that vet more sliould be slied, in what th.en fairly might have been deemed a sacred cause. But the conduct of the Spaniards soon dissipated this illusion, and made it our right, and our duty, to guide ourselves by the prin- ciples of a colder and more deliberate policy. Instead of gratitude, or enthusiasm, all we met with was a bare preference of England to France, in a choice of evils ; a mere inclination to expel their invaders, if it could be done without the expense and trouble of ado])ting tlie necessary means ; all we obtained from them was the gracious, though somewhat tardy, per- mission of the Supieme Junta, to waste as many lives, and as much treasure, as we pleased in their defence." '-' As to authority, that too, as far as we i;. .1 . \. . \. A ;. :\ 4':'; 1]:[\ r tic ir.r in> ( '/ 1. ! i > > \> i p. _-, ,.L-:'in-: thi;.. Misl,;>,^\ In i .;-'. I)., .re. ri'i-, ;jM -,,. (-1 tn;' ahW ^t n, ;!, t!;. c. .;ii,; I's' < \tT i>: >' i:ir;.'(l ; >\ :..), -u all lU' > .'i!. ;;i :i!i ! a' (!i(i. 111 all \'.c \\]\>{c. :\\ \\\> i:ir, aihl b;. l;:^ (li'.itli, }>():a' ini.[i";ii U'^^l:l;Ml\ :iJ,.;a^t tiic \'. li'.iji' -\staai oi (k [ar.w. [aj; u.. .a I la.' .Nj>aiaii(U. -(I la a i-la;:'- sp.aa Uv incaii^ ol aa .aaix [d r. 'aaiviad ii;ti i\ c naiiiar o; ilic ^'amtixa ' 'ac wij". d Jaivc aiai'j,'. ^ i, tiiat t'aa ojan^ai oi' 'i a aaia. i:|.(ai -I'.'i a (la^^tu)n, wciaa. ia.\a' :a ,. . :^ a;>;\a , \>. an oj j. , d 1)\ li>)li anu '4 iija.ii a. a'i*. Ilat it" aii\- ])(.a's,- '.'. :liii:a' t" i la ba' .' lai .M'laa. i".'" ' la it la' \\ a> ' aw i c..al,a'>, '.:Ci Ml'-. L;a (I. li I'V a |a'il!a!:o a! t..; ,.a aai I I' 1 I '/aiM a tnj. 'ji- ;a:a i taailar \' .a'! a: a , l... a Ia.it: i.i a.ia. , a .i I .:^ laa , tai \' La i-">> ('l' laaa, .| n :a, !!:> !,a y. [-. ^ !'.'. \'> ca .c^ ^ n t aat cyl tl.a M a- !i' aaaiai ; iic il t !a.'. v. ' . an p. a (1. naiaa and -ccj^l... aa ha (!>;ul)a:^l ll. ' / ai ' ; t !a la.i.il^i'aa' ( m ,\ u'r'd, a;al t . i. - . a>a ;, i'A a ! i.-r 4C0 jfu. .1. \v, WAj;!-. blackeii the mcinoiy oi'tiiis !llu:5trious njaii. who fell a victim to t!ie folly and impjacticabiiity of the cichig;!] in which he was eii;'/';'.2"C(l. Ijut set- ting him abide, what were tlic opinions of all tlie otiier officers who served upon that expedition? They suiely were not all incapable of forming a judgment; they did not all hibour froai begin- ning to end under tlie inilaence of in\incible prejudices, and incurable despondency. And did any one of them, if they were consulted, ad- vise a second experiment? I do not speak from certain information, but I believe not one." " Perhaps, indeed, one may form some idea of the nature of the information upon whicii his ^Majesty's ministers proceeded, from that of the agents whom they spread over the tace of the Peninsula, and who were understood to maintain a correspondence with the government at home. These niissionaries Vv'ere for the most part, mili- tary men, not very high in the profession; and who were of course deliglued v/itli the honours they receivxl, aud the consequence they derived from tlieir situation, as the agei-ts of die Biitish government. It was natural enough t]:;it j)ersons of thi^ description, and tliat too w'itiiout impu- ting iw (l.;:'na<\vei !min:d ni- (hi'])' ;ate d*.relicrion of their ciuty, should, represeiiv, ( ;>' v ih;- i'-ui side of thiitgs, that they should Ovc ii little colour- DiT to whatcvev was '-ood, and tiaeiiuatc nil that Mil. J. W. V. A UP. V. a^ (li-courauiniz;. Indeed, one cdiild not expect. (->() lonu' ;;> it was debiiable to put a t';.\()Ui able ingle riy ot' hoj)e) tliat i1k\- nIiouKI ti.iu-nnr lionn' ae(' unt> w lii( h would not < nl\' iu di^:.- p,aee..lii to tiieir eniplo\ei^, but t'alal io tiuir own ])i()>peet.-> ; and the etlVet ol \>',i(b tl.e\- n.;_;bt rea^onabl\- ajijjii oend wou.d be, to put: an cwd to ;dl their aeli\!l\' and ;!n})o)i:iU('e, ;ind ireall th.en; at oiu-e lioni th.e thL^nilied neeuj):!- t;on ol eoMipo^iiiL:; ],i-oi Liinatami anil di^patehie-. to thv' iiuni!)le rt)uli;ie ol' reuiinentai dut\. 1 do I'Of w isii 1(1 speak l',ar.'>h!\- of per'-ons wiio aett'd to the be^t ot' their serv niodcrale abiiilie>. and. wh.o ou'j-ht not to incur an-, ^h.ire ot" i:i..* !'i.',n;e V, h.ielii^ e\elui;\'(I\ (ha- [> ih.e '^on ca aoncht ih.aL einj.loyttl tfieni. ihi'v ^y< .: dr-eive pra -r I'or then aeti \ i! '. and ^pli i!. \i[.' 1 nad\ beh-.x , . '.iiai out of the wLoii' iiauiii.': . ''...' ^.a^ -e..: liu' liaiioa^ C ' i. ( iu.rnalh.- \v\.\:i. \:'. \ ^ : .; appi'.ii-. lii:-i !..( autli' v.lv ' ;' :!!>, .vi.;hane;' wta^hed naic w r h In- A! ^t-,'- n, : ,-*^.l^ (>upj i -a.a. tlu n; to irive j).ad ai^s ! v ; : h ' ,; i thin !t;. . ; .;!! , ilian tiia; ot" ail ;h..-' ] - ;> who- r I ','!!; ate. da- n; ti. I e-'l ('d o ji, a , , u . ! he e ,1 ai' a > ; a^ c ; -. aa d tna n o a ' ! ' , li " ^ .; . --a 1',. ni :ha S' .a.i.a.'- 4S2 W. WARD. iijjon afUial service, and llic actual trial of that ex j)Ci'inie;V., v.iiich tlicy were about to repeat, Tiic o[)iiKO!i or Coi. Ca.ro] stood on oi^e side. the opinion ol" Sir Jo'in JMoore stood on tlie i-tiK'i'. aud they prcrc^rcd Col. Carrol.'' '' Tiic only w ;iy jii which they can justi(\ themselves h)r undertakii'g this :-.v-c(;!5(l expe- dition will be^ by si.ewiug, that soiiio such clumgc had taken j):ace in the situation of Spain, n. t'.c d:~gracctul peculiai-ity of which w;-:;. ihat itii^.d not p-'odciced a single individual cnhxcii;. either a^ a schiier or as a statesman.'" ' ] hid i;. :K;i brconic every day more e\ i- (kx;t, tiiat liic Lii.)anish go'.'ernnient, choked up i)V the huniicr (.f its anei(-nt nistitution:> and ih:.v.'-, ha^l siitx. int' :..h-iiau-gy iVom whic!i it '.:,.' ix s:xx ( ihinl; o'" r(.xi xx;-' '.':': Had we not ;_ I, ixau. th-:x; eiior,^ wei'e Jiot (.;!.:. :-N axd i'px XXX c. but tiiat X- i' : ii. xad xxxc d -ex if iu the ihc^e ;...;.'-'.. .iea palriek-, c^xl com- t :; V 1 ll X ': JMii. J, W. \VA\t.l). 41; j)kU(l tlu-ii ip,ca|);u-ii.y tor all useful :u\d <;c-nL'- lou^ exertion - And that nur lunuMe i> wricin^t the only inini-,tc;> in the W'.iM thai \'.eie think- ing!; ot their o\\ 11 inti-ie-t^ and leennns, when thiAou^ht to ha\'e ijeiii Iiiuikiuu- huw to -ix'i' n l.illinu,- .-^tali.-: Xo thani'e ( ouid he expi-eted 111 >uch a L!:o\ ernnient, e\(.j;l lioni -onie gi'(.Mt cllort of tiie [;( u[;!c ir-elf. And w liat .s\nij)toni \\'as their, that a [)t"pie (l!\':.;ed into I'lixinees, (iitieiinLi' iioni e,;''h o'.iiii ,-0 n.ui h 111 manners and lt(l;nt united, .md the nlo^t enlig'hteii- ednatiuns were hardU' eaji.ilju'; tliat the\' would he ,ahk' at onec; to [uati'iiu the (haihle ta>k of e.stahlishmL': a \ iLronais e.\o(.aiti\c i^ ee! ninent, and ot' e\j>clhnL;' an em in\ Imm the lie. lit oi their eountiy -" ' Sueee>-e->, nj)on whieh the hi'_;,hest honoius and tlie hiLdiist ])ane_L:;\ ludN-. had keen he.sto\\- .(!, were attended with iio peimanent ad\ anta'4"e-> \'v liate\-er, \\u\ iel't thi' eaiisc ot' Spam and itt l',ui"pf iust as di^p^a ate a . thi \' I'ound it, and m thiii' (nnse(pienees the\ le-enihled not \a-toiie-, hut deteal-. I'"' h\ wdi-tt mole disa- 1 1 > 'n-, e- n- -c (;;u-m es O' a' Id o ii .^r ha\'; h.' n ' !, ' ;. ei I)\- a I'i ee i-ilale ; : '.:\d^ ; i e, i ; . ; i ; ' . 4S4 MR. J. W. WARD, thousand men, left to the mercy of the enemy, upon that spot upon which they had just fought and conquered, hut fought and conquered in vain; that spot which as it were in mockery to them, we have endeavoured to perpetuate in the name of their o-eneral? Bv what worse could it have been followed than by the loss of all foot- ing in Spain, the ruin of another army, and the virtual renunciation of all the objects of the war? As this species of glory increases, our real power and resources diminish, and by the time we have gained a few more battles, and elevated a few more generals to the peerage, our army will be fairly worn out, and not a spot will be left on the Continent of Europe, on which an Englishman can set his foot. If the battles which our ancestors fought a century ago, and by which they ^'indicated the liberties of Europe, had been attended with consequences like these, and if such had been the nature of success in their days, France, instead of being- humbled, would have become tlie mistress oi' the world, and England, instead of dictating the terms of peace, would have sunk under the weight of lic-r own victories. But they were far otlier men, ;ind guided by far other maxims in foreign and i;; doir.CNtic affairs; in j)eace, and in war/' ''- If ve liad possessed a wise government. .Mil. J. W. WARD. 4?. skilt'ul in {)roc'iiiiiig the i)C^t iiironiiatiun. aiut firm cn<)Lijj;li to act upon it. in-^tcad (4" calculating it> nicaMiro upon the N'ul^ar. iLiiu^rant ci'\ ul' t!ic n'.iiiiirnt, w c piobabK' niNcr -ihoultl lia\L' iicaid c\cn of the lirst canipaiun in Spain. I'ut ^ujpo-inL!' that another opimon nuLi,lit ha\c hia n ica-^onahl\ cntc! taliinl uj)oii thai .^uhjcct. ami tha! !t \',a- nccc-^ai\' hoth \\>i their own ^ati>- h;ii.'';i. and ]')V the >ati'^tact imi ot" tlic eountr\', to {i\ at lea-t U'iietiiti a l5riti^h arin\' MiiL!,lit not Iku'c been enipi<)\c(l with etle^'t ni aih ot' the SpanMrtU; ^tiil v. iien the hi^:o^^ and result ol mat eanipaiiiu ua^ kno\\ n, and \v'ii( n the no- velt\ (jt' the ca^e, and ignorance ')\ l!ie real state ot the conntrx', could uu louLi'er he pleaded a-s an excuse, how an\ man should haw ad\"i>eil a becond, i>i almo~.t umntelligihle. It' indeed the plan had pi oia ed( d tri im so:i:e ul thaj^e rouiantic |)er^')n->. tor ^ueh the re are, who^e iina'4";nat imu ht'.iUd upnu ti);> ^nh|(_al, lia-^ ei'iiiplettU e.\t;n- ii.ui-m d .1 il 1 i a: oi her ta' ui! :e- ol tlan Uiuuh.. (iUc >houlil nnt liava- ht'cn ^l!iprl>( d. ))ut tha'. f do them in^tua', w a-> neit iit r t iie eli:;i .letei n^ir the Iteliiius ot' lii-^ M.i]iit\ .-1 ui;ni>Ui-. h a^t ot" all tor :ll^!ane(, ol' the Nohle laud, wlri rlu ;j p;e- ^aled o\i I t I'O \\ .a (K p ii l na iii ; a Ui;;'. ; ot a a.wiii i;,iml, not ha! I'o a> I Isi.ow-, I" ha lu- I'eated w it h ! iie colli ;a : n , nt p ipaia a:; ' im -:,;-m , ,.ot a jK! ~ou u horn tia- u.:'i e u.ia.e ot pati aal:-in 1 '.' 436 MB. J. W. WARD. was likely to transport into any acts of impru- dent zeal, or who niiglit be expected to make immoderate sacrifices in the cause of national independence. We nnust therefore look for some other explanation of the conduct of the Noble Lord and his colleagues, and the expla- nation of it, I believe, is to be found, and to be found only, in that vague determination to do something, no matter what, and to keep the public force employed, no matter how, which formed one of the main principles, and let me add, one of the most mischievous principles, of their administration ; that principle too, upon which tliey were most directly and most ostentatiously committed against their oppo- nent;,. It is this wliicli has been to them instead of prejudice, instead of cntluisiasm, instead of folly, and which has precipitated them into all those acts which more rescni])le the desperation ol" a losing gamester, than tlie deliberate plans of a (u')\ernment." ''It is impossible to considei- these things uitliout ftx^ling some compassion for the peoj)le i;f FngKind, doomed to biificr under such great and, complicated e\ ils; an-.^ yel I :i;n;-t fairly own, that th.i^ sentiment if; very mi;:.:]] weakened, in n\y mind, when 1 iccollect how much their own pei veisrness li'is contnlmtcd towards tiieir ruin. I cannot forget that the au(hors> (^f tlicse cal;i- rniiic^. ill-' ihv nnin ui"ter tiudi o^nhcur!. \vliom MR. J. \V. WARD. 4:J; tliey rciniccd to set- callctl td j)lav tlicir liut .^takc, wlio^c return to power, and tlic rc\ aval of \vho>r toifign policy, U\c\ liaikcl as the cer- tain ouuns of ^lory and success), 'llirv wcic tiix'd of a languid war, they were disgusted with a system of economy which would ]ia\c cnahled them to continue the c^^tc^t, till the time shouKl airivc w hen it might he tei ininati-d witli houour and security. The \(jkc was not galliiiLi; cuouigh ; their hurthens iWd not increase suUiciciuly ta'^t. They were anxious tor new mcu and lor new measure.^. 'i'he\' wished for an active stiiriug administration; a Crovcrn- ment that would do somethiug, tliat would not let the torci' of the country lie uucuiploNcd, thaLNsould fill tlie ua/ettrs, anil crt'atc titles ; people who. il they could find no ol)ject^. would make >onie; wlio, it' there were no po-nts of atlaciv, would \\a>te wiiole aifiiie-^ and na\'ies upou th'i^e that, weic unat tackahle ; wwd w^uld send all o\cr Ihiiope, ca.n^'a^^iug treacherous or unw illiug allies, lo ieia';\ f our imn and n;onev ; and wlio would exhaust our h^st mean^ of 'letcnding ourscU'cs at home, in tottering an iuiaginarv spirit of re^i^tallcc ahroad." ' 1 would put il [() the conscience of a;iy (ieutleman^ whether he thinks that Mich a Ciovernmeiit a-^ thi-5 i.> worthv oi toutidencc. If lie dues, let Imn vote fji the oiigmal address; 43S ME. J. W. WARD. but^ if he does not, be must, I think, support the ameiKhiient of the Noble Lord. Let liim consider its history and its composition ; let him recollect how it arose out of the dissensions of the last, how it was born, as it were, in disgrace, and a cripple from its infancy ; let liim consider how the great offices of state are filled, and, above all, let him compare the Government with the state of the country. There have been times, indeed, before the new order of things began, and before that system which had pre- vailed in Europe for so many centuries, yielded to the enormous influence of one state, times of security and repose, when even these, or any other persons of modjrate understanding and attainments, might have governed the country, though not with credit, at least, without much danger. But now that the whole power of Europe is concentrated in France, and the whole power of France concentrated in one man, and that man the greatest General and Statesman the world ever produced, and the bitterest enemy England ever knew, it is an absolute infatuation not to have resource to our best means of defence, moral as well as physical ; to the wisdom and union of our councils, as well as to the strength of our fleets and armies. Sir, I do not appear here as the blind admirer, as the indiscriminate partizan of the Gentlemen in the bench below MR. J. W. At'ARI). 4:>j nie, and their political adhciLiits. I am boiiiul to thcin 1)V no tics ot" hope, oi pergonal intcic>t. It is not tor their own sake^, hut Ini the -^akc ot the f-oiinti\- tliat I wi-^h te) sec tlieni leluin to ollicc. Indeed, 1 know not whethci m tiie pre- .sent.^iruatinn ot thinL;^, olticc, wliich, under n.orc fa\'ouraMe ciieuni^Iancc--, i>, no doubt, a natural objcc t ol aini)it iou, is to he wished t'oi' as a henctit to an\ set ot nu n. Thi>. at ica^t, is not a hed of roNC^. TlicN nuLiht escape !)l;une. but thev could not po>sd)lv acipine anv i'ej)Utation ; tlifv would succecei to snattered linances, to unsuc- ce.s-ilul arms, to (lis<^Taced counciN, and to a war, tlie close or tlie continuation ot" which, it is alike impo>sible to contemj)late witlujut alarm; they \sould succeed to ditlicultics tliat mi I li>>pe thev look, not Old \- [u tlh'm-^cK es but to tluMi lUiiti \ ; to future tame, a-i \cell a> to present power. Pcrhai)s it may be alreacK" too late, and we mav \)C sliortlv destined. j)aitly owing to our nwn ibllies, and partly owing t(; tl!o^e awt'ui e\ cuts which we could not contrcnd, and whh ii lia\c made our times the beginmiiL;' of a new leia in tile world, to :;haie the late of the other nations 440 Mil. J. \V. WARD. of Eurojv:'. Perhaps \vc are already in a situa- tion which ddies the cfU^rts of the wisest and best men among us, and wliich would have defied the efforts of those wiser and greater men whom we have lost. But if the country, shorn of its honours, and humbled as it must be, can still be preserA'ed, sure I am, that its preservation cannot be the work of those by wliom it has been brought into its })resent situation, or of persons who proceed upon the same system M'ith inferior abilit} . It cannot be preserved by the wreck and remnant of a ministry, by something weaker than that wliich was already supposed to have attained the utmost possible point of debility ; persons, whose defects arc notorious, and whose very apology is shamefiU ; who offer us their intolerance and court favour, as substitutes for all the qualities that ought to belong to an English administration. If we are not willing to bear every thing, this is not to be borne. It is time to try some other remedy before the last agon}' comes on. If this empire is to be dcstroyerl, let it not be under the reign of these Augustull. Let its end be worthy of a state which has achieved great actions, and produced great men. If we fall, let us fall with dignity." .M r.. w . \\ .\i;i' 441 i l.t i'.^ \v,.,s !:-' ,1 hiv':i\- Ml I i'.f whole nation tii.it .'..I- I'. ! ^uririiii^ ui' ;u" li.i' I onvcinu n( I ^ ot :;! .: i> > \v i; '^-'i: ;.iil i c ^l:l 'cd 1 1 c-in tiK sy^!,i ,.i,il h .! \)jr'\ jvi-iu'ii: !;.!\, lu' ^iioiiUl add, tliai tlu'i'i'was not an iiaii\ iil.ud ni tl-.o (.'ouiitiA, ^^ll() w;is not alive to tiie in: >toi iune>. Jic'cossai il\' aiibing lioni lia\ niL;,- tin; adinini^lra- lion ot the CJovernincnt cfMnniittcd to snrh incaj)al)le men, ^^ lio pni >ned a course of condiiet C(jiiall\ ineonsi^tiMii Willi common principles and conimon ^ln^e."' 'J here was no aitu le ot cxpenM- .so i;rcar, a> an obstinate and weak, hut proiectniLT niinis- ti-}'. Such hciiiL!,- his seutinuiits, hcshduld con- clude with saxiiiLi-, that the Hon. (ientleni.an who liatl hiouglil loiwaid this motion, would contiihute much more t( ceononu- l)y givin;;^ one sini^'le \ote ai^ainst the autliois of such accuinulated cahuniues, thau 1)\ makiUL;' mot ions ol this kind, which would he rejected t ven hy the ver_\ persons, whom, uii olhei cicc.i-on.s, iie * oiitiibulcd to bavc.'' 442 MR. J. W. WARD, March 16, 1S12. In the Debate on the Address respecting the Po) tuguese Sidjsidy. " He was one of those who originally thought that we should not have entered as principals into the war in the Peninsula ; he still thought so, but he conceived that there was a great difference between such an opinion, and that which he might entertain after that war had been so commenced and continued for years. \V'hether they should have entered into it on the scale they had done, and whether they should now abandon it, were quite different questions, for the policy of abandoning it might be a great deal worse than the policy which induced us to commence it." May 21, 1812. //J the Debate on Mr. Worthy's Motion respecting a strong and efficient Administration. " There were two grounds for the adoption of the motion ; the first, the danger of the country the second, the acknowledged weak* ness of those who were entrusted with the management of public affairs. No person doubted the dangers and difficulties of the .M n. J. W. \\ AKL;, 41. t.'Ouiii.\', Ijoth a^ to its cxtciiKil ulatioii', and its internal condition. In -^pcakinLi' < '1 tin- p: I'^cnt adnnni^t ration, il would In' a nl'^t di^aun c:!!)^' ta>k to Li'c tVoni oft ice to oliicc, and jiiint > .;,l t lie inconipctcncc ot" indi\'idnaU ; and tlii> l,;>k lie should spare hiIn^eIt'. It. indeed, um^ a matter (f ])uhlic tcernnj^, and (ient leiiKii could no! but be in >oine measure aw;ii J o~t tlie' scn^e ot' the public on this (pic-.t ion. l".\-cn beioie the death c)l' Ml'. Peic( \al. It was (;b|ected that theadnii- iii^tration \','as h;ir(!l\ strong- enough, hut it \\-a> tlicii aiiswiied, that siu'h was tlic ability ot"' Mr. l\ne\al, and >uch his charactei. both in and out ot" thi- Ibjusc. tiait il conipcnsated for the weakness and inclliciencv of his col- leagues. 1 he\-, therefore, who oavc this rea'^oii fill tiieir con.fidence in the adiiiinisti-at n-n, would pav a poor compliment to tiie inemoi\ ol" Mr, Perce\al, it" tlu'\- c'mtinut'd to place the same confulence m j)ersons so ht tie cahailated tocarrv c\ei) their own principles int'.> ellect." ( 444 ) MARQUIS WELLESLEY. January 2G, 1810. In the Debate on the Motion for Thanks to Lord Wellington, for the Victory of Tala- vera. " He perfectly agreed witli the Noble Lords on the other side of the House, respecting the necessity of a radical change in the government of Spain, and his opinions on that head, he believed, were not unknown. But that change could not be the work of a day ; and were we to make no one exertion, nor risk a single soldier in the Spanish cause, until Spain had attained the full pcifection of a free state? It must, no doubt, be our wish to see Spain con- nect the action of the executive power with the spirit of the people, draw forth her own ener- gies, and assume a part worthy of herself and of her brave and generous ally ; but it surely was not to be expected, that she should reach at once the vigour of a free Government, just emerging as she was from that dreadful oppres- sion under wdiich a wretched Government had broken down the faculties of her people ; emerg- ing as she was from those inveterate habits, and ancient prejudices^ which had so long contracted MA UQU 15 \VI I I.L>I.I:y. 44. hcv \ icws, and letanlcd !iit iinprovcnu'iits ; cnicruint^as .slie was tVoin thai di-CDinicction aiul disunion hctuccn her (htlricnt [tiovin. cs, anioni; which, howcNcr thev niiuht loin in tlic hatu'd and detestation ot" theii common enemw no coidial harmony had j)i"e\'aile(l in otlicr ie.>5[)ecls. 'i he thing was ini})os,sihle ; hut wi'ie wo, there- loie, to ahandon tiie Spaniards to the meix'v ot" then ciulI iiiNadeis ? \\ eie we, theretore. to deceit them in ihi-^ ciisis of their loitune^'"' ii ''/(( j/i/ -.'2, l>lo. On )n>iv'iii!r the .4(lilnss yehulvc tu the CiinrciituDi utlh I'uilu'^dl. *' lie really was at a loss to coniecture wliat ( iMild lie the nature of tin- ohicetions tliat w ould he lai^cd to the jjie-^enl nu)'i(Ui. The airan^'c- ment whu h it reconnnended, proceeded on the <;\'neial iiimciples ot the pohiA' \\ Ineii had so loii<^ and .^o uiiit countiN towanh I'mtu^al. It proceeded not (jnl\ on thM-s^ ^iiu r.d plllulple^, hut also oil the jn I he; pie \'. i:.eh iiow iiuluerd u-> to sue (our Spam, and on t;',e i)l,tii ( >t.ihli>hed of mak- iUL-' Hie (Ut'iiha; of I'oilULi^d au.\ihar\ to tia- deleiK'c 1 1! ">! I- -a. pM leeeded on I ne piin c: jjle ol an m;>; t le L' ." r, d coiidn iiiiiLr ! : :; ( th a : > ol (air alJK-i m llic pi iis( -lo ;, )ri d' iho .ad^loll^ Conic -,1 ii: \', laci; l,a\ ..nd t,.: c nn;i\ wai<, :'. 'V, euLr.i'ie'!.'' M6 marquis wellesley. " If then, their Lordships had not abandoned the whole system of tliat policy upon which this country had hitherto acted towards Por- tugal, if they were not prepared to desert both Spain and Portugal in this crisis of their fate, what could new induce them to depart from the principle even of encouraging Portugal to make exertions for her own defence ? He must again say, that he was wholly at a loss to devise what arguments could be adduced in opposition to the present motion. He heard it intimated, indeed, not long since, by a friendly voice (Lord Grcnville), a voice which, he trusted, would always prove friendly to him, but which never cor Id prove more friendly than when, as on the present occasion, it afforded him an opportunity of vindicating the good faith and honour of this country; by that voice he had heard it intimated, tliat circimistances had recently occurred, which rendered the whole cause desperate; that it was in vain to continue any further aid to Portugal or Spain, and that, consecjuently, it would be useless to concur in the present address. ilc wds ready to admit that great disasters had lately bellillcn the Spanish cause; lie admitted itv, ith pain and regret, and no person could view ':^-iem with deeper concern tiian lie did ; but still, they were far from sinking his miee.i into despair. Still he MAUQUIi WEI.IESIKY. 447 would contend, that it wiis nritlirr politic nor iust to nianitcst any inlcntion it' ahandiniing I'ortui^al. And lure he would ( all upon their LortKliip^ di.stinetU' to sii\. \\in.'!lur tluy were })rei>aied to withdraw the luiti^li tiooj),s tioni I'ortugal, and thus dis[)lrit th.at eouiitr\, ami induce her to relax lu'r elioit^ tor lier own detencc - What a(l\ant:i^-e could he deri\-ed lV(jni thus castini:; owr our own coMnt:.U. and the lioj)C5 ot' I'oituual and >j)ain, tiiciu'.e and coin- jdcxion of cR^j)air- To tell tiit in th.it the liour ot" their t'atc wa.s ariUvd, that all attcnq-ts to n-Mst thcni, (U c'\tn to nispnil tlu'ir exertions in their own ck tcnce, w c re now ot no a\'ad ; that, the\- nuist how the neck, and Md.Mi-.it to the\ok(. of" a nic:cdL-> in\adcr. 'i hi>, Muhid. wcu'.d !ji' t', -trcw the conqucroi 5 jjatli w,;:i tlowcr^; lc> |nc|)are the wa.v tor h'>. truiiMdia, luaieh to the I ho aie ot l'..e t\'. o kniLjd' '!ii>. Jun. i>, l>|o. /; i'r I),'mte ,-;. th, M,ryns,,f Lam- " '1 la' \i 'oie Mai.pi^^ (^l.:jil ii'i liT ^i:r' ! li \ '.\]'_>; ( < .w r ii ;,i :i .'. f [.] I )\ ( (1 ! J- i; .i\' ii'.if'.'i ' i\\.\' : ^ A \ 1 K I; -^ * .> . - 1 I ' ^ 'i v;' I ' 1 1- :. . V \. ; ' . i;: > a .; : !i >' : i: i' .:!i:i;uii c:!^;!) v, '^^">i.i :.'! -:i.:i ;i ri'-';';i !:.\i' !);! !'.i\ rd c\'ctv . j!)'c ji! M;rij -;;, wi- lu > ;;ii.l i 'Ui , .\ ( (L -.!'; 'li!:; (!' iu' ! I ; il' 'i;f I ;' >,i .1!!, ,!^ ! Ki p - .\ \ rr 450 MARQUIS WEI.LESLEY. alarm, the whole of these maritime means pass into the hands of a man, the sworn enemy of this conntry, in whose grasp they must hecome so formidable, not only to lier prosperity, but even to her very existence ? Such an opinion, if it were really that of the Noble Marcjuis, migbt. doubtless, denote great intrepidity; but it did not argue an equal degree of prudence. For hi> part, he saw matters in a very diiferent point of view, and convinced, tberefore, he was, not only of the propriety, but of the necessity, of renew- ing every effort to assist and encourage Spain, and to keep alive and foment the spirit of resist- ance which, she still continued to exert against her perfidious invader, a resistance by which alone we could hope to succeed in keeping out oi the hands of France the naval and commercial resources of that country. On these principle- it was, that his Majesty's government agairt endeavoured to assist the Spanish people in theis noble struggle, and on these principles, he con- ceived that such an endeavour was perfectly iustified." ' lie \rould ask the Noble i\far(]uis. and tbci; Lor(l^hi()Sj wh;it it was wliicli oiigiiiaUy induced luighuid to espouse and pioinote the cause of Spain ? Was it not because her exertions in vin- dication of h.er in.'icpendenee were felt to opeiate as a i>'>\\ eriul (hveision in fa\'our of the power-. 'r.uwri^ V ;.;) t!..' ('>;; Mit III, tiirn in ,ii i::- ;:- 'ii-t !':;uu-c ^\ J- :t 11^ it ' '(AMU-;. ' hr-t.' I MM t ; ;:n i i S;);.; . v.:;; '.i'j,/ ( ,t' 1;C1 ( -opt". :i' . : . ' ^ ' l..;! irv i h; ;'.l Ii ^"-c ;i:I:I:; f- '<; ii\r::i -!|-,ai'! ;lit! W'^iiiii C' ;::c a:!!W(! \':::i all []\v li(ii\' \,,^!,:;.i- ol iii^'c. I .\t: \" tiiiiiL:; \'. !i a li liic i:(.\u'i - ! -;;v :; i in. ui ^'' ;;'.(1 ( lit I i\ (- I ;; 1 lu" a; 1!! t'\i.A u: i . \\ i.i'i i i '. c^ ::.' i.i.v .i ai '1 r-i.r, at.Atrd li.tn 'au- ^ ..-r .:;" : t, aa! ::...'. ( !]ti ar' ,1 ai ^ il tla^ r ^aa! i \ . 1 Ta-. ^\ :^ 'ha u'a it j>!M,i"j'lr \Oi,'!i aataaad t!a- la-*. aa"li r- ' ] tiia 1 'i\ a .'li i i VI .!a; ;i a. I ,a\a i >a! t! aaiai' a w - : aa 1 ! : , < a i . i > a . a a a : \ i ; - , 1 i i a . a . , a a ' a \'. . - . .,: a a ' a,!>! a^.a' a aa to ! . ta; aiai i a' a.'. \ : a ii ( I 'aai an.c a' , I)ia , t a :- ; i a-, a. a,., a', a.' t ;a . -; jaat to ^', hall -aaii a a,! ad ;'^ j li.(a,.a '.'a II' ^ -a >,.. ;it a^-air' . I'a^ l.iad a!' aa' ^t' uI in a ,; \v \ cf ' '''' ' >iaara' -a' : a > ''.;. .a !'. a aal i a 45< MARQUIS WELLESI.rr How, then, were tliesc daring projects to be met ? How, but by cherishing, wberc^e^ it might be found, ])ut particuhirly in the Penin- suLi, tlie spirit of resistance to the usurpations of France." * For my \r.}\t, niy Foids. I can discover nothing in tlie aspect of Sp;inish affairs tliat wears any tiling like the fiue aiid complexion of despair. If. indeed, it liad appeared tliat thi-> spirit bcLTan to hmguish in tlie breast of the patriotic Spaniards, if nfiscarriagcs, cHsasters, and tie feat:-:, liad been observed to danip the aidoiT. and bitak down the energies of the Spani^ii mind, tlien migiit it be believed, that furtber assistance to the Spanish cause would pro\e unavrdJing. But, fortunately for this country, my Lo.ds, not only is there life still in Spaiii. b:U her patriotic heart still continues to Ijcat lii^dn The generous and exalted srntl- irst prom])ted us to \v.Uil our aid to iicni ,; ]. f rlic cause of Spain, slunild therefore be stili inaintained in tidl i'orce, and sh( uld ^till in- -j/oitus to continue tiiat iiid to the last moriient <;f hci- rchistriiice, 'i'he striiggle in w hicli Sp;iin !S iio\'; (.;:;2;:;;.:^ed i-. u(;t inertly a Sj)anlsh strug!j,le, Xo, ]; y .L(ii(':,, iu that ^nu:>glC are ccnnmii ted lu ])c>i', li;e \crv \;lal iiUcr^sts of i-jiii'lanch "With li'c fate of Spain, tl;e f.le (;f England is iiu\: in:;!'; ai Liisl v bieuvicd. Should '\vc nor JUARQl'I^ wr [ I ! - ! I \' 4:'rJ tiicrctore. staiid l)v livi to i!i'- i.i-t r I'm- iii\ i):iit, p.iv Loids, a- an a.iUi-Li <>\ [lie ( r(;\\ n, 1 ^!ia!l not cca^c [n ic.-ninnirin 1 tuniN' S )\-(.'!riun. to a-^i-^t Sj)aiii to tlic !alc>t ino- i;:Li!t ot her rc^istaiK't*. It. ^h()lllll not (ii^- Ik'aitc'ii u^ tiiat Spain aj)j)('aI^ to be in the \cr\' (ri^i> ol Ikt t'atc ; wc >h(uihl, on the contraiw extend a nioue anxious c'.iie o\ U' hoi' at a mo- ment M)(i;"it sti uu-Lj.le. thcielote I woidd wateli hei hi.^t aLi,'o- nncN ; I wonh! \va^h aaul heai her \\()uncN, I ^/.onUI ] mvc hiei' p.iitMiL;- hrtiile I woidd ealeii and oh.eiidi the i.:^l \ilal spaih oh hoi- e\; irniL;' pat r:ol i^n; ; \ ( -> I) i>.^ ^ i'u'n-r^: . /'/''' iJ': ,:.;,". \oi K-t thi> he deena_'(l a n:i'ir oUioc (it paai-^ nantx'; no; an e\a'_''i;aa at; d lopic^entat eai ot iii\ 1( (-hnu^-i : nor an o\riclia:urd piolnrc ot Hi.; oil^al!n,^ta!lee-- that eall tiiom lorth In 'he ;anNe ot Spann the t'an^e ot lionom ae.d I't mtore-1 i^ i'([!i,dl\' in\(ii\a'(h and mMpii;d)!\- aU;vM! It !-> a oan'^e m ni\'oni ot ^\hieh the 45 -i U A R Q U 1 S ^V E :. L i: S I . i: V . finest fcciings of ilie heart uiiitc with the sound- est dictates of the undcistaiKiiiiLr." 3jarcJi2l, 1811. On proposing tltc Conllimance of the Portugju'sc Troops in Brititli. Fay. ' The exertions made by Portugal, inde- pendent of tiie aid she reecivcd from tliis eoun- try, were of tiiemsehcs eonsiderable ; but liow nuich more cfucaeious tliese n sight be rendered with due assistance from tlfi.s countiy, nnght be inferred iVon^. what was now well known to ti^cir Lordsliips to hive resevltcd from the lud ah.eady afforded by us to Portugal. She baid liceii stimulated thcrjbv to a (k^gree of exertion before unknown in tlic annals of the country, and these eiibrts, assisted by and combined ^vith those made by Britain, h.ad produced a tide of success iin])aralleled in the histoiw of any country in Europe." " Tlie only remaining qn.estion to l;c eon- sideied, then, was, whetlicr the projvyyed aid towards the defence of Portugal should i;e con- tiruied, or wlietlicr h.e would not u jC a stronger term we should with ;m untimely hand, after rousing the slumbering energies of this people, . damp the spirit whieii had been thub createil, MAKQL'IS WVl.l.l il I y. 4J- i!i>tca(l dt' tccdiiiLi,' it, and re iic\v'iiiL:; ilb \i<_:,i)iu - ^Vhctllcl w c ^hiuild lint -stiinulutc lla cxci- tKJiis, (.ii(:()Ui;il;\' llic Impr-^, and t'uiiii^h aid, to llic patriotic cllDrts ot" a coiintr\ iiohK ^truL;- ghni;" tor her iiidi'pcndciUT : \\ licthci Me should not knd Iki' additional a-si^tancc tu ^[rcnL;-tlicii and irniuoiatu llin-r powci 5 ^^dlich alrcadx cxi-^trd. and w ric in a tram ot' ^Ul.'cc^j, to iin;)io\c th'>>,t.' !j,i\at :\ui\ incalcnlahlc :ids an- tau'c-^. uliicli >uch a tiaiii ot'^ilcunl^tanc(.^, and Mirii a -tatc ol' thing-, natni'ally and ubvioublv i>i'c-cnt( ( 1 -" Jj'ni 10, !^l!. On jiroiidsnij^ RcJ'tt-f lo the I'uftugtuie Siilim It, ' llic con--t'(iiuiiC(,> t-l" tlic cxanijilc of I'oi- LU"'al nn^ht piosr a.- hcnctu lal to other nations ot" F.iirop,!,-. a^ tiicA had hitncit(j hc(.u \\>i her own (U'loma. Tin- ineavuii', thcioloie, he wonld repeat, -lood upon tiie L'lound i>t the il, suh^taiitKd pol:e\' ot cneeairauin^- what pro\'ed -o ad\vtnlaL;,i()U-^, and not MnijiK' of <;!d a! ' lehinriit . tiiend-hip. and aUianeo. It st(_H/d on the ground oi thie oiiU hope ol aehu'\'- ing an\' rhmg 111 the bliape ot' >('enrU\- !< r an\- p. lit ot' l.'iiopr. It eoinhincd piinujU>, in 'Aliieh ancient aUunee, and ['.irncular and ge- iiad 456 JIARQUrS V\-K].Li:S].LY. iicr.;] safety, were cciually conccrnctl. lie was sat!:5ficd that tlieir Lordships \\,)u]d Tiot rcini- (liatf tlv'Se grounds ot'acli'ni tiuit ihcy would not repudiaic such old aiui iidiu'ttcd jMinc'plcs of national cor.vinct, ^^l)u:il were in such j)ei{eet consonanee t{>cv\iv (ln:late oi' iii(;i\ils and ol ic- ligion. 'Idle j!rine!|des ed' our niea.suies in Portn- gal were not to be eharaetensed as t hixalious and roniantie; they were eonneeted with evei-y scntin^.ent that was dear to iiritidi liearts, IJitlierto we had g'i\en our aid li be rail}, and there were tiie best rea/^ons lor our continuing to do- so. It was tVesli in the reeolleetion of their Lordshij^s^, that they liad ;ieted on a Isroad, fair, and liber.d scale, lie liooed he had not lived to see tiie day, >]icugh lie had s(>met;ines been suipiised by hearing sonietJiing like ir, v/hen it shouiil l>e said, tliat ancient faitii, long- tried atUiclnnents, and close coii nee t ions wdih our allies, were eircunistanceb to he discarded fioni our cunsideration ; and that tl:ey si;ould ]>e saei'iheed and abandoned to tne n^.ere >iig- gestioL'S and calculations of a eold pohev." Novanhcr ;iO, \i>]2.-Jn I'he Dilictc on the Jddrc^s. " Ii,s great purpose was to enquire and to in- stigate thei]' Lordships tc* en(juire, uheliier tjie M .\ K'M' 1-^ '. : ! P.; w ; ! . .ii i 1 : . : ( 1 \ . . I ; . I I \ 11 -w.-n ,!- t!; i 'i ' 1 I 1 t , i j , . , j 1 i 1.' \ 1 1 . ; ,.i; ! .. : I" :;;.;' V t li)- U\'t I .. hi., 'i ( ' M,! -> W :;>, Mill i ; !11\ I , \ .-li I I ,r ( .- ; ' !'i iM I .M I": cMrli ::i i.tir^ i'; ::! >; ,.!i. '! . '^ - I : ,; I i.ii i: ai;' ; j.i ..c! : ;i ' ' c' . i \, ,. - ; . .:''( ' ' - 1 ; :i ':< i .. .;:;;!! Hir'r 1, '^ :- . \\ : 1: \'. l . .,: W /N i;, < 1: ','' 'i :..,'! I'^ ^ ii (' :ic ' ;;l M . l' i; j).:-;.!!!; :il . ; , : :i \\ : : I ; - ;. d. \>r ',[' '.ill i t : . I I .1 ' '1 I' I I \ . \S : -' I '. , ,;iM 1 ,'.',( ' ' ' . " > M . , . ^ , 11 .i: ,-:,:. ..K '.,.. !!: ;t \lr l'( : , , II ~;i 1 t ; ,. I 1 M I li c.il uil Mil II. .i . c ( 1 U : 1 1 ( 1 < ) I ! : ( I ) 1 1 ( ! ! 1 1 ' 1 1 ' ; I i ; '. ! li . 1 -'..(. (1 ,.-'!:(, 1 , i;v ,iK:l II :ii... 11(1 43 S MARQUIS M^ELLESLEY. must reprobate and reject was, that plan of em- ])]oying the resources, of exposing tlie sinews of our strength to lioarly danger, hearing liaul upon our finances, yet accomplishing neither oliject, but falhng dead as it were between both. Such a pian as this cvciy one must concur in condemning. It was essentially hos- tile to thiC principle of economy; it was expense without fruit; and yet tiiat was tlie system wliicli iiad been [)ursued during the last, and during tlie preceding campaign. A vast expense of blood and treasure had been lavished, and oar resources enfeebled. M'ithoiit accomplishing any one definite or precise object. Wheie it was to end lie knew not; but it would be insidious to call upon Ifiin or any one to say how closely calamity nfight tread upon the footsteps of erroi-. Wiieii France was meditating fresh wars in the north of Europe, and when we saw Russia pre- pared to resist her ambitious designs to the last extremity, v.'hat more vigoi'ous or effectual as- sistance could we have irieen to Russia, than bv prosecuting the war in Spain. The best succour Ave could afford to that country, the most essen- tial aid that we could bestow, was by carrying on the war in the Peninsula upon a broad and extensive scale of operations. But it was not so carried on; and he charged upon that system tl>ercfore, m the first instance, a defection from 'I.\ l;iH i .^ w I i I i.^i..- V -l.'.'< tiic r:iii-r (,t Uii-^wi. li( (I;<1 lint iii(l:r(l i)\ au IM (ii-[)iit '. t:i:il the c\c'nl- d "Ik ,,,-t i,j,;j),wL'n had :.')L hcLli hriu ti'-ial t'^S, i.i.; i.u' iii^ <-!;- |rrl ,1(11 *'.:>, t h.il liio-^C he i.( :,; ^ \'. 1 : c- iir. I I i !- ,; 1 V .5CLurt,'(l. .iImI tint \\\i v ci,'.;: i \.ii[ h.- (.]".;!(; l) he |)v'i ii'iiiUciit. ()ii nil ti.'. . ! ii);i:;(i , . (';;-!i'i.,'i - 111 'J.' ;ri;m>tcr-> a-, c. :! ,..h!; .ji \'. ;i :,;ii "Ith; _ i, ri ;l i,l -~uj)])h(.'-, ht-l(;rf !::_ C'r,;!'. ,iu.!( ii' t:,>;' p.i! ('i Ihc-^pir^'h \\ hie h -:)'>!.(' I 1 I ; .c (>.(,:,'.',-.( 'i L,c Sj).i:.l^h intliMI. i,r Iliii-t i;; JiiiwMl.id whilC iilC hc'iu III > ai imul:' (.at. ' m die -c exert ii)ii-> \\ l ic to he' ! ' 1 1 1 1 i ( L ' l),-m:^^iiiLJ,' tiu' !op:c '.t'thc 1\ iiiii -iiKiT \v'.ti\ he adw 1 U'(i to liic hojH .> hrhi out ol' a '. r(h'U 111 l,',\our ()! ;:,c ( ';)ei at l^)ll^ ot ic CDisal ii'it comaixa' an\ti:ii'._- more ciiohe.ai^ in j.''>he\', (ir in co-opcu;; ;o;i. 'lain "he hlH" ot coialllr; [ail-;iil Witil u^.^rd [n tll..^ j.owaT. .\n a aj;jaaud to i.i- iniiid, a le.ao e.x- 1 , aoii 1 iiM;\' aot oi (hij'i'aii; e\ i, ad in \aa' o.caiicil tl t u a' \' w hiaai * lo iiiiin-Ie i -^ h.al c^ ai- ( huh'd Willi tia' -oxtiiiiiaait i-t SA(d,(ii. \\ u as a ':ei1\ w iiieii pioiiiivt d e\t;\' a(!\allt.l^e to S\.ed'an, N^iliuail miaraii t( ^ ai'j,' :,ii\ t( l"iii:iaiuh 1 1 w a-^. in taet , a lie at \ iii w '.aeh, a-- iL 1 i.id he i u (aieo >'. !M;r--;e'ai'\' oh>ei\cdi iij^oii a ^iiiular r..ii- ti.iar, t !u' ; eaajMooitN ^\a-,;dl on one ^ido. 1 or \'> v' haw eii'_;:me(l to alVoid Swadni ,id the a^-i^t- , . i ;;) Ol!' I'o", el, '.:\ he.r ope; alie'iis a'-aiiisL the 46~0 MARQUIS M'ELLL.SLKY. enemy, or for her own protection, wliile notljing aPDearcd likely to be done for us or for our al- lies on her part." Mfirch 12. IS 13. On moving Jbr a Connniltec u)i tlie con- duct of llie fVar in the Peninsula. " ?v[y Lords wh'dt secret cause amidst the splenchd scene that has Ijcen exhibited on the Peniiisula wiiat malign influence, amidst the lejoicings and aecl.imations of triumph., has coun- teracted the brilliaiit:. successes ol"our arms, and has cOineiieci t lie glad feelings of a just exulta- tion into the bitterness of regret and disap])oint- mcnt? With au army, in discipline and sjjirit superior to any that had evei l)een assembled ; uniting in itself (paalities so various, as never to have entercii into tlie composition of any other such assemblage of force vvith a general, pro- nounced by the wliole ^vorid to be unsurpassed in ancient or modern times, the pride of his country, the refuge and hope of Euro[)c with a cause, in whieii Justice \ icd with policy, com- bining all tluit M'as ardent in the one motive, with all that \\"<\s sober in the othei-; with the eyes of Europe tixed on our movements, w ith the admiration of the worki excited bv our M A i;i:i IS \' : 1 ; I -^1 ; r.' ht t 11 i\.i-m1 ()iil\ to I).' I i li >':,.'>.; 1 1"\\ i > il t hat \\ ( lia\ r 1 i. \ li a. 1 ! i\\ (. i. ! ; ^ . i; ( \ [ (V'- t.it :i)i! I 1 a!! .!!','; . i.u ;mil: > .< ; ' >^, < 'i.i \- t" lui.i .!(i ! \.c li* it 1 c'-. I '- : ^ : i; lit ('! (Hir \'. .vK > ? W :,\- ii.i-, a >\ ^U :;; < ;' ; ^ \ .: ; 'rr - im!- (U l; !\' ai;(i i n \ ; ;..; ..\ d. ^ .. > . \ . ; : i : in ' a \ ^Icw] { \i \u.i' : \\ , V ...'* ii. .!\ -;; vIIl; I . . ail I i; Ir :^' i;!M ! ., .- ! ' a' _ a i K ai > i::i at ; '. 1 , (. I ( a-. : a, -arpia: \\ >. :..a 1 ;c laah a . . . ; ' a 1 s 1 11 < i a : i.i ac la . !. ( '\v 1 .: ^- a>, h,.s:, -. -;i ai ' :\' i!, - .! (a:; iia:!!..- y ; !..; i! \- ai.c ( ! I; ( mm; :\ , It ' ' a J 11 II I. 4Cy2 lAIARQUIS WELT.F.SLEV only honest o1)ject, tiie only great object which v/e could pursue, or hope to obtain by our operations in Spain), was, the exjHilsion of the French, or at least a considerable dindnution of tlicir power, with a view to the heedoin of the peojijc, a:Kl the iri(lc{)cn.(leiiee of tlie Sj)anis]i inonareliy. Tiiis was certainly tlic nKiiii object whieli we oup;ht to have contemp]atetl; tlie ulti- mate obicet of the jhatish nation was certainly by tb.e (ieliverance of the Peninsula of Spain, to lay a st;lid foLi^sdation fer the establislunent of a perniavieiit and honourable peace." " Wi at I ha\^e contended is, that tb.e efforts we liave UM-A^ have not been equal to the resources of the country; that Uiey have not been such as the niaj^nitude, the infudte importance of the cause demanded, aiul as the hivonrableness of the opportunity particularly called tor; tliat we liave not made even a laint ap/j)roximation to the object of the was the expulsion of the French from the Pen'nsula l.nit that the French ha\c been en liled, by oi>r reverses, to consolidate tlicir power in S!)ain, aiul to svstenuitise the moral and mifitary suhjup;ation of tlic country. We oughi: 11) have called fhrth all our resources., and we have made i!0 extra-.rrd'nary sacrifice; wc ought to have -trained every nerve at this ino- inentoiis crisis, and ^.ve have remained little better ihni idle spectators oi' the fate of Spain, M A IIQU IS \vr [ M SI I V. -4!).* (;iic';ilati()ii> nt i \pc'ii-~'.\ \'.:;r-:: :.], h ; t. a^ t!'.r il'ivt ill t :;f !i.ilaiu.\'. " V, I, I ~1S. /, '.. I),h^!tr o 'ir .11,1.1. ->. ' 1 ! \'. .-:u !i to - Litr iKl'Tf lic -at ii.u'n, \'...\ t,.at .lI : -t ,ii't ! Ill \' ;, ch 'ir lei' :;i rM-i^niuii \\ ill I f l;c- *.-n;, iil I ; :,! !..: v'. \'. ,,- '.\ I'll ii: ilj ;; ])X\\\- V ij'ii^ and I'm . ~c;:ti;!\ ^!. 1' '.\\.- in l -o iiuicli !)ecMi:-c Iiic-'.- '. \ ( !i' '".i'l :,.!^,!l t i.' i:iMi;>ii\ la'- putal:'-:; of lii;- C()a;.:r- aiid fii' 'a;i ail:i'>. r.\- j.i\A: - (\ \\\..\ 1.1 ;,iv i,d ;: ;\ (.i-;.^t In wlanii \ ai lie :ii li . ^ ( v -- 1;.;';;,;J !< dt i i' u .-.c::-.d . 'd, td ..l.:i (da. I -.'.._ a \\ dad lac li aiu'-^L . 'c 1 :k' \ We ! (. t lit- .i. I . la.- r:,i.a;-;iu s, a I a' (.1 \ .L;(iui', I ' i;. !;! ii.it .. Ml .iiul aid 11', t K.,|. idll- t at -lb aa - > d\' II; w . a I i d n ' a I; 'a aia< - ; l;i'i I, a I, i,c- V, a- r. ill V ,;,. id ! ; , ' ' ! \ I : I < V. i ( d i ii ; ,;i l.c > 401 MAKQU lb WELLESLKY. in ti'.c Xoiih of Kuiopc, were to be traced (o the iy the Ciovernineht of thds country. Thon .>;!] i!;c,m: counsels iiad not always imrne- di,;leiy proj^uect! the rcsalls. that were expected b}- tla-c wi\o r;i;crtained them, they were not the lc:i ihe cause of wiKit had ultinuileiy taken pl.;c.a T:;e h.-a.; p-r-cverance of thii countiV sho\r..d in I'le n.c-it convincing nuinner, the d!spo^i '(;]. wh.eh {;er'-'adcvl all I'ank^ and condi- tions 01 its iniiah;:;-*!'.). \fhde \vc were en- dea\ou)a: ^n cai- h tl,e hi-t Ineatfi of expir;n<^ opj)osiru)i;, ciud Lxcrl-n:; ourseUes in a stru[;L{le ap]);.r(a!tly I'op/iess. . :i:at i.e)n;ent, the j)uhi!c conn'ch of t'hs c-a:nl;'i' \re;e cd' tlie utnu-st, importance to I-hoe; .'>av hb^rty; lor an onpor- tunitv was ihub ;.,:\an to tiie rest of Europe to lecousuier -;e:r ioiia^r crioi's, and to learii that Liteat les,-oti wlw/U the example of JJrilaiii at}br(ied tlieC'. X;):id';,;- .culd 1)0 more true than toe hi^t word^ \\ h;ei: th,.l ;;reat statesman, Mr. Pitt, ever (ji. i ; v'er;_'d in public, " iliat I-bui;- land bad sa\a'd la v-^ili hv la r in aoie^s, and had saxad Mthcr ;aO:'a.> hy her cvaicplc ' Wdiai a 5;at;ot;iC('_;r-." an(- c ,. ^aicc ]"''u: ;': i.-n it. wa-^lor us, that lioni t!., .;..ind aa.;!;in t'le :i:u.'icil wa'^ers i)i JJl.^d. :;:; acd [:\ip:'. .;d i!a: :.;; i ,it>.-\f jKOt of Ihiropc; that to the {)crsevei iaj pirit of this counti-\- i! MAliQL' I> WKI I F.SI i;V. ttjj \ra> nwiiiL!,' [\\di olluT n:iti'ii> weifat la^l aiii- inalt cl ti' (ic'!.il> \V(Htliv i'\' the nuhlc c.ai-f iii wiiicli t;.-. \- Wire t.'nL^au,c(l, and ol' ll;c Li'icat cxaiiiuu' \\ linh wa.^ >l1 Lo IIk'hi." H tl ( 466 ) MR. WELLESLEY. February 12, 1811. On seconding iJie Address. '* Buonaparte had essaye(] all tlie arts of his policy. Gentleness and security were used in their turn, and equally without effect. Nothing could unbend the resolution, or crush the spirit, of the Spanish people. If such were the effects of that magnanimous zeal which first prompted that gallant nation indignantly to spurn the yoke of a foreign despot, what might not be expected from her future efforts, now that she had the best incentive to exert, and the most gratifying recompense to reward them, namely, a constitution according to law? The Cortes has been assembled, and possessed the confidence of the nation. Thus was the spirit of freedom now endjodied in a representa- tive Government, and directed by deliberate wisdom; nor could the attitude which the great council of the Spanish nation now ])resented fail to remind them of tlie ancient Roman senate, who sat in the calmness and majesty of national deliberation, while the enemy were at M K. Wf.i I J SJI \ . tlk' \ (.: \- fill's of Koirc. 'Tin- Clltl.ll^M^t iC patriot !^In of tlic Spaioaid^ \\ a> i-\ a i \ w he la- in acli\it\'. Tile Ino^t \aliialiU' iiiai 1 1 ara' pi m- Naiucs ot Sjiaiii. Miii'cia, (laliicia. aiiii \ aUai- caa. waaa-, \\ v.\\ tln'ir own populahon, al)k' to keep in awe the i('>j,ai!ar aiamcs ol" Jviiopc; \\l)iUt. ti,r intiaior ol" tlir foiiiitiN', a:al f\ rn tlu' pauicc I'i tilt' usmpiw. at Madiid. l):ai i.ol !)(aai -afc Irom ihc iiuaif^ion ,iiul alt;' k ol' ,'!> \'u] aal^ ljiHla'> ot pai t !>aii-^.' I 408 ) EARL OF WESTMORELAND. April 2\, 1809. In the Debate o;; Earl Grey's Moliort, for an Address on the Campaign in Spain and Por- tugal. " The Noble Earl (Earl Ore}) ^aIio brought forward the motion, vj\d those who folio svecl him, had been pielt}' liberal in their een.siires on Government. According to them, Ministers were wholly unfit to hold tlieir places, lie did not doubt b'tit thev knew of persons who, in their opinion, rni<'ht be bubstituted with o-rcat advantiige. lie thouglit at tliat kite liour it was uuiiecessarv foi' him to eon:5ider what pre- cise line of comhict I/ngland ouglit to have pur^iued ; but tliis lie would sa} , tliat h(;nour, jasrice, and, al)0\e all, pobc\-, caHed upon her to hup>p()i t the S;.)uni6h cau.>e l}' every meaii>- in her power." t.'.-- ) MR. \\'iirri;ui:Ai). !' ./' / Jl. h-'-. / : /;, 'il,' , :c t;u ,/;./;, yy, " 11 . ,1 Willi cw'.ici 1 P. !u' I 'ii-; r\ . il t ..,-!; tiirir \\\i^ ]]i) ai'iiiMoii wii.ilcN .1 11! li.y -jiLcr'i U) ,1 pl'i-jKTl (il j>:m,t. ( in; I .' ir.L II w^ii- ;,: jnjs. -i - ; Ml it i.> -> 11' 'iiir::! ~ i,; ii \\\c vi,;,,, cl d' p< ac( ; aii'.i l.i' w > \\\c lo uj'C.iL i!;.iL i;; the llC'L;'(;t KllKUl \\'li;Cll ll.ul t.ikc 11 ji'.itV !.ilc!\ Wltil I'l.tiicc. t h ;t ' iliK'c't WM-) !()-', i;>;i I iriMi; --r l-';-;::;.'r \". .^ al '."..; \ > wi'i;.^". l);il !iv*'.iii-r 1 ,;i^"i;iiii \'.\i-j iVc'jiM.'ii! !\ \'.ii '.!_, ai.i! ;i;il :!i,;!.\ I 'jM.'>'. ; i;i.i:.v :j I il (.'tire! i;i'.'' jir;i T i, I'l i-; . .; 1 -' , " 1\':..T. Ml li: - I 'I'll. 1 '11. \\ .;-. lU'Cv -^:,; \ t( . t !;; -.M \ ,1! : I'.i I t l;.r > ' u n ", i \ ; '>:i t 1 w . u; :il Mlii.i l!ia; III; >. ''i;i;:\ -.. -i.'d ]u:'-:i, t:i.::i >iii;- llill t, :i (h -;: 'M' iir. .;/!. p. ..' ." \\:-u ( i>'i;;^ :i,i 11 ! .[\i \ '; i 'u' i':i-j-ri\t v I i'l I . ;(' ] r. ( 1' i 111 ; ; \n'iu --^ ( 'I 1 .!. i i> 111 ; , >i i i 11: ; "^t.ii c i ^ ! > i: i -:^. ^^ ii-tii;!- .:i ii'.! in, ' . : \^ 1 >:;! i;, ; i i;. .' > c Mi 1)1: m1 >r.':: : " \ I Inl i....\ !; \' ii!'! !\'\ vi \\ y ii ,. ^ ' : .: ':;.:. \ ^ .m> a._\i!';^.': dl t . .( (.'( ;';;i I i \ . .,11' ! ; > ; ,H'i 'liir-t,. \ . .'.Ill , i.'M.i;i.-c- lu \, n;M \',\: I \\i iu!( : !; ' I'i T'l 470 Mil. Willi BU AD. France, and reduccil all tlie powers ot* Europe, except Sweden, to a btatc of subserviency to Trance, to a power, the greatest the world ever saw, and governed by an individual as able to wield that power as any person the world ever produced."' February 29, 1808. On moving resoluliuns- relative to ilie proffered mediation of Russia and Austria, ' At various epochs of the w^ar, persons speaking in this and the other House of Par- liament, have used the epithets, alarming, dis- astrous, tremendous ; and each has appeared to be appropriate to the period at which it was spoken, till at length an accunudation of events has brought us to the crisis of our fate. It still remains to be decided whether that crisis shall lead to the destruction or salvation of the empire. I profess myself to be of a dispo- sition rather sanguine umler the pressure of political dilhculties ; and I am so, not only from constitution of mind, but also upon the prin- ciple, that no man ought to enter into tlie business of common life, without a determina- tion never to despair of the public welfare. Such is the power of true wisdom, when once 31 U. WHilUllKAD. 471 rippiiL'il to tlic C(Jiitliict (;l" hun)aii uiruirs ; buch is w IklT iii.iN 1)0 tt'iiiicd its lis tncdicatrir, that no .Mtii;iti(ui call be iinai^mccl >(j desperate as nut to admit ot leniedv. It i.s al)S(jiutely necessary, lnnw\ir, to u^e the lime u liieh yet lemaiiH 'A nil d.x'reticiii, and we are iu a situation in uliu ii IK- licsli error can be eoiiiniitte paitieular moment, to biiiii^' tt/ fhc leeul!. i' I .;i ot ' he 1 buise, t lie transactions (jf tiie Li-^t U'vv i.M)ni':is, and to j^ropo-^c the expies- s'oii oi an (.j'i'iion upon the coiuhiet cjf Mmis- *< Is wi;ii KL^viTtl to our loreii^n relations during 'lie time tlie\ base been in power, and a mode ot ()i"eee(lin^- tor the liitnre. 1 am not pre- -VIII, plu -u- euouL!,h to imagine, that wliat I shall >uhmiL !o \our eoiiMdciatioii will pro\c au intaliiole k n.c.(!\- ; hut at lue same time, I liavc a ight to hopi' that in\- adv.ee, if adopted, inav piohihI\, or |M)-s:bl\-at hast, h-;ul top(;liIieal -aI\at;oii; \\i\ the expennunt wliieli 1 ha\e in s le V I..!- I.t c Ii ;,it iiei to ab-Mu;tei\' uiiliietl. We aie a' ;vc-tr.r, m iii\" ^lev^ and estimate (.t 'hinij,'-, Li,'i ' i\ riiiii'j; in tiioi. 'i iir eountr\" i^ in a -.'a'c (! dciUMon, \', huh \sa-5 at the first ;.i t.U' . ,l:y t uj) irtiiii ; :i;e to riuit' ti>i' interested j)Ui[)o-i>. thl ,i'. ! I \ \..<: '.'. i 'i!e eomiiiunitN" ap[)r,ii-, t.) be, ;ii an 'iiiii: iir (ic.orc, ttie toi) wllin ' shi^e of it^ 472 MR. WHITBREAD. own prejudices. Afy object is to dispel tlicse clouds to lead the House and the country to tiie true knowledge of the circumstances in which w^e stand; to a:^ccrtain whether our ruin be inevitable, and our salv^ation impossible ; to induce you to act with justice both to your- selves and others ; that if it should please God that this great nation sliouUl at last be over- come, we uvdy meet our fate with the resolutioji of men who had done all which depended upon them to avert it ; and that if we do perish, we at least may ])erish in the liglit of day." '' The circumstances in which we stand are rendered more alarming from the spirit and con- duct of administiation. Putting; asivle for the present all consideration of the means by which they obtained tlieir power, I look only to their character wdiilc in power; and if I contemplate the repulsive arrogance of their communica- tions, their destructive activity of enterprise, their |)erp!exed and crude eflbrts at connnercial regulation, mixed with the symptoms of narrow- minded and cruel policy which 1 see in this House; if il^.e fate of the countiy be really doomed, it a-ppear.s to me tliat thev ;ire exj}ressl\' d'.^ignatt'd tni' it-, consunmiation." " 111 the place of tliat political v^'i^dom whicli is expert at seizing tho-e more,en!s whicli foiiv overl(K)ks, and in(iiscietiv!U neglects, the whole M K. Will I r, tn A /). 47.5 in;ii(l (I'l till' aditi :i:i>t 1 :it nMi is t'liip.MN 1 1! m ali-urd ( ii-!ni i-iii)iiM' 1 cmi! 1' !Mii>. \\ h;cii i,r\ci (ill i.'v" rxrriilrd, hiil W I i i <>\\\\ Iciii.Mia I1,(<1U1- iiK'iit i)t t li', 11 jH lU; I, a! w r,iisiu'-.N '' ' \\ ill ic is i! ])()^NiMr ti) iiKii^r au\- inipu's- ^')ll llj;''!! liaiRf: W in IC ( 111 \n;i (iiiHL' ill miitact Willi iu'i- \]y \\ iial l',u'all^ oi in wiial (i:rt_'cl icn can \i>\\ ii -^ xmir ain.its ti-i the jaii- j)i >; ''I !; ,. !v ; r.L; I ( r ( :i> , i > a:-> < 'i | a a'a' : It c',,n he -.;;i!. ': ..! Ihc -i .r ;-;;;;'.;m' oi tiK \', a;i' made ii\- I'l .:,:.,.d ia;^ d.eii lia' nhtainmu' o: ;i - I . : ( .A\'\ ii; 1 m.aia'n'i i ( .la . It it l.ad. t lie iM^ii' iai\r !;'. 11 laji'l'MJcd 1im;._i- aLi'n. 1 1 d(a d, l! l!a( li !,a\ , a !,a\a' liarli i; l: dca t a!a U. " K . M -,i a a . ' a I a ;>' aac '! !k.t i.a- . : he ' UL 1 ' a . 1 i ( a . ' j '( aa- '.: , , a , \ ,' ; I ^ 1 1 ' / 1: (, ' . nit .-xa r !.c <;''.. a ' , I - \'; ; li \'. hadi ca ! all. , -' ' /W 1 , lat j' aua' iai-. M ':i .' ai' a. ' li la i a-t ai d !h ! \'.a v n i a;t ,,ai ai"; f ' w d. la \ . :^ '- aa' t iM- : tn , ' 'i' a, ! ( ', (!:. a^a.- .-. - a"iiiP-.a:, I ,ai V .: 1-. 'jial ; I ' 'W ; Mf I;. . \'. , , . a 474i niu vvHrriiitiixvij, you arc secure in peace - If you wait until you can have security that tlic peace which you make shall be maintained during any given period, you must -abandon all hopes ol' peace; but I should enter into negotiation, expecting that it would terminate in peace, and hoping that such peace would be permanent and secure,, or as much so as at any other period v/ith any other Government.' '^ Sir, we have now drunk the cup of expe- rience to tlic diegs ; and 1 think the most infatuated enthusiast in politics can no longer look to the Continent for any hope of curtailing, much less of destroying, the power of France." ." It is not consistent w'ith the policy or the dignity of a great nation, to approach anotlier power with a manifestation of feelings of dis- gust, of suspicion, or personal antipathy. Such, nevertheless, have been the maimer and feelings with which the emperor of France has always been approached on the part of England. There has been no period in which the conduct of Eng-land towards him has been wise or conci- liatory. There lias been no person employed on the part of England, M'ho, in my opinion, has understood the character of the war. At no time has he been treated with the consideration due to the situation which he ocrupcs, and to the achievements which he luio performed." M li. Wll rn'.KF A D. 47 '' Sir, it will \)C obic'ctrd liuit Mich is the iiinrdiiiatc aiiihilioii ol" 15ii(Mi.i]);;rIr, there can be no hope that he will be >ciic)ii>i\- iiu-hiicd to jjeaee. 'iliai hi^ ambition i^ L;'ii'atiab!e, anil, disda.n iiL^- e\cii tliC si;_.|iU'vt control, luiriicd inm to 1)!-, luai-, Init tiie ambiti'iii ot" Ila'aiapn ;' ijas ;,.'ea' - been suh-'i\;cnt to Im ' If, 1 l:c n. np '11 a rc\ leu' of" t ic w i,./,'; of iii , (:<;. dii'l, I pt :c' :\c thai us |H,iir\ h.i-. cdiitK.llcd hi> aiiih.t a '!!, .lud ha- aiia\ t d. it not ex t inLiin^-hed h.is tliirst ImI' ie\en \S'()ii'd ai 'cii p! t'' ip'.n a nf.;o; !,t' a ai :- in)' \\'. 47 6' MR. WHIT CPE A I). tinied, or improper. Sir, I am no apologist oj" duy crimes wliieh be may iiuvc committed; but I am aware that I may be represented by my opponesits as tlie apoiogi-it of tbe French empe- ror; I know that I am not so. I am endea- vouriup; to do ^ome degiee of justice to tbe character of tliat cxtraoichnary man, in order tbat Minisrcrs may do ju--tiee to the country." " Bat is it tlic powei of France that wc now contemphite r Sir. 1 maiataiu tbat it is not tbe power of France, but the power of the Frencli emperor. Ihe ndglirv mass of dominion which you in your attempts to dicstroy bim have placed witiiin bis gras]>, iie al^nc can wield; none but IJlys.jts can bciid tr.e bow of Ulysses. But, as in the course of nature, his life must at length terminate. (God forbid it sliould be cut short by any improper mean;-) tbe power of France would tl'.f'u no l(nifrcr be wliat it is now. Nay, even suspend ioi a Uivc tlie operations of war, and tbe power of the French Emperor would be no longer wliat it is now. I]y your resist- ance you create{i, aiid !jy continuing to resist, yon consobdare tiiat j}t)wer. It is tjie contest of the iii;: tlie tempest of ,;i-;tv'r all tiiorjc ties . iciit powers of the :;C L^iiial influence X to (hsunite anil to wind and the ;.un ; by ni war agaii^st bini, \( whicb iiave o'a/i.d cartb undci' his e;;.; of peace w; !:!:! [end (fr^voive tbeii!/' M K. V, 111 r r. i; ! -47 '' W r CAW I'i'i i(i'.'_:rr 1, !>]). ' ::i' t ik' cDunl i u - \vlii( !i ill ii i -(''..: ;i. u (i \'- ; '1 ! , - : ;i < ..'!'; u ,il II' i^-. ;.'.(1 \' !,ii i':\ !1U;! if'.W c.HX' !i\ l:.C I n , I - - , ; . ; ^ I ' 1 I : ; > 1 1 oo i i > . ' 1 ! m r \ i > . i ; 1 1 1 1 * i ii : 1 1 1 tlb - I ,-. > ''ii-- !u c'!i in ,i!i'. :;i;(l t ,.c [ ; i i ii t i"P ^ ol *!; ( :i''-ii: 1 ..li'i tO(ij-l p;')[);:( t . who t'l ^' > ! ' ^1(1 t i u ^ r ami ;;/. , i '- . ' c v : , i ( i ' i . j M r I c I \' iM-Mi 'I. 1 !,i . :; .' ; 'i'\ ( 1 ^ (iT t lie ( iiii' iiuii! til .!;..!: ^ M ; ';':: i' i'. :.!'' J'l;'. I K juMl th.it I /.: >, ' .' ._;!-t (,' [':..' c \ I aui Mu ,iii\iK\i!c lit I'lV'La.ii. I \\ .'.'\' \'! -!.c\\ 1 1 ; I .: I - I 1 1 1 1 1 I i . , 1 1 ! I ! > ; \ I ' ( , ' : r ; 1 '. I ' n I \ c ! \ : a ' i' - ' i : 1 1 t.' ill i\c jii tar. ai;;l :'>--. i'!a to ir. .:!;t:ii!i i! ; ami tiiat lllc;^!-' v\ 11; ) w ( 111 id >t 1 1 1 iiKJiiaa u> tn hv iu \'C Iiiat, tliru 1. aiiN ]ii.i-[w,at i<\' ' !)! aiiii ii'.j,- hcttiT t; ' ir.- ' li Ml \'. v' (\A\ la .'. ii..\ a, ai ai;\ 1 ii'iiu' |)aia)ii, '_i!'-i;ii:i((i apiMi ai.\' i-t ll ' ai ai.ini a.i- [i|,icc tMjja> waiii iaa.a |i-tii tiwali iij''Mi pa -m n,:iii\- Nial.^, ilaXC r,n iiHiin! \' < '' '- r Miail a>^Cl I K m^.' A> ha I. a! uii:t'aaii\ aiaai^iitd lac inca-ii re- ol taa [a(^llit ai 1 ill ! ii i>t I at a Mi since tlic\ a.aac iiitn ' '!!i. a, ,;^ Jir laad mill' a i!il\- \\ inapn to i.y;\ c tiiena l:'I ,aa; ton-! \a li> ai inlidi la-o np' ai a l;: eat ;i';d ino-t nnnoiLMit ciis;-. Ai I'lie siitne time. 478 MR. WPilTBRKAb. he was positively against giving the information required. He had often heen reproved as a man too prompt in calhng for information: in the present case, he knew how to draw the line. It was, however, a topic of national feehng ; and he was well aware, when his Right Hon. Friend, like another Timotheus, seized the golden lyre, what an enthusiasm he would excite; but he doubted very much if such enthusiasm might not he productive of more harm than good, if prematurely called forth before the brave Spa- niards were furnished with the means of resisting their formidable foe. When he heard so much said, in the usual tone, of Buonaparte, calling him the merciless drspot, severe tyrant, plun- derer, common enemy of mankind, &c. he wished from liis heart that England could come into the cause with clean hands." July 4 f 1808. Spain. ^* When this subject was submitted to tlieir consideration on a recent occasion, by his Right Hon. Friend (Mr. Sheridan), he had felt it to be his duty frankly to state his objections to the impropriety and inexpediency of then agitating M K. W H \'l Kl; FA 1). 47 f> it. a> lie ua- iippiiMK'nsivi' tii.it ?;ic ...>cn--i(n at liiaL tiiDc ii,'L;-i:t \i.ivc ])U inaturi'U' (;i)r;i:r,n ltd r! (! \vb."li.' Sp'.ui^ii nation witii Ti. .:!.(. S:iic-c ili.it ;.;'. si. ii.i\w\a'r. tlu' fa-.c w a- iiiatcMalls al'civ''!. t';a' >:i;iiii>;i natinii \\a>> now coiiiinittfii watli l-'iai;C(,' ; i/. \ri \\cit.' a people tai^.-'mii in a inoif arduous and Im'^uiui .iM." -! ii- '.'.(', and i.v pr :i\ I'd ( I! m' t ) ( [Wi\ ['::< A v !!' I I > \'. I ' W A -UCCCm.S .IS l;na! j- t i.ei: t li i t> \\ e; c _,: a ioa>. ' Jd'ciu'ii 1!\ iM.a. /;. /'m /)c,'>,':/. .-/i //ic Jd'Jrc.i.s: '' lie conid net i;e!;) noticing- and eondrnminir ti.e l;^lit :a;d '..m it d n,;Mincr m wliudi the Noiiic L( i\i (I. '1(1 C"a>t i'-^ea-li) li.id sjioken of (a:i can;[;a.ui; :n >j)a.e. 'n i,; n i t. \\ a.-^ ( < aiMileu d tliat one id \\:c g:vA'r-' aiinies \^ Iik li tlii^ ' ('untiv !;.id cwi- -ep.t i';!') the hJd wa- i,i.\\ in Sj..;in; t:.at i' \^";;- uin! t an otlieer ot tlie Ih^f n 1 e !" : [ i n n i s i a ' > t e ^ - : ' a i . j o - m - v n 1 1;- 1 1 1 e e* > n 1 1 d, ( n i e oj tne ( ioN c I link 111 and liie eounrix ; and that. i.'\ ( r'JKae^^. it ^va^ under the ne(a'^->it\' ol : et 1 (\tt iiP'; ; wluai i' was c ijii>ideua!, 1 1 ai t law - In.d .i;:i\t'd thi-^ \ar\ (!..\-, t' Phumi ;pa! t r, uii'h 111 a;nr. t'-.ui- t ma ^ siipti :.ii , ho\ e: .;:_: :<.;; it, : i.d t i;;ea!eii:nu' I's i !ij;;il wiiii;, .i]\d \'. la n :t \^a^ ai-o t ei.-Kiui d, til ;l p(ihap> hcloi^ the Ihai^r 480 MR. WIIITBREAD. should break up that night, it was not impro- bable tliat inteiligeuce irhght arrive of still o-ieater calamities ; he did not conceive the Noble Lord was justified in talking so lightly of our operations in Spain, lit must declare that the country Vvas now coining to that state, whether by the mismanagement of Ministers, or by the force of events, that party considera- tions must cease. The hour would, however, arrive, when the House would call on Ministers to render an account of the use which they had made of tlie immense power which had been put into their hands power which, perhaps, if wisely used, might have led to the most glorious events. He should rejoice much to find, that IMinisters could clear themselves from any charge of mismanaging the resources of the country, and prove that all the disasters which had recently happened, had proceeded only from the course of events which was beyond their con- troul. If. hovvever, these disasters should appear to proceed from the misconduct of IMinisters, he thouo-ht the House should demand condis^n punishment on their heads. He could not blame the Ministers for sentling a British force in the first instance, to co-operate with the Spaniards ^ but since then, they had had time enough to con- sider whether the sending of a British army into Spain was likely to be of any service, or whe- M U. \\ 11 ITI^UEAD. 4S1 tlicr, on the coiitiaiw the leticat ot" it \\'(;ulcl not do a iJo.-?it;\c ini>rhu'l, 1)\ (ii^iicai '.cihul;- the Spanish j;atiiot>. It Wd^i\<>v, doultMul \s hether wc had not heen pKH'i'cahr.u' on I'lUe mlwiniat ioii all aloni'-, i.iotii with rc^pift t<< Spam and l'(n- tiiu il. W i'vv our tioo|)> a^^-iccah'.e' to l\:C \!ci>\Ac ol Poi'iigil. nr \'> nc wc not ohli^ed to krcj) acei- ta;n loiet.' fhi ic\ loi tiic pwrj 0-,^- ot Lctpin^' tlic pfopK' (|tii(t, that 1-, to .-^tiikc tii'ioi' nito oLir liiciid^ m-itcad I'l th,c eiK nr, : W Cic our t loops (/! w crt tiu'V not wck'oiiK- t(; t he pe(;j)le ul' Spain ' J Ii- had n i-on to douhi uNo tiiat taot.' (nal loihio that we -iiouhl ahandon tiie Spani-ii laii^e w hdc it \\ a-> po^^lhle loi us to supj)Oitit with any pio->pcet ot" ^ueee^^ ; hut he wa-> t.n' lioin hcin^- -mc that tlie time niiuii' not come '.' Ik 11 \ee ^iiouui liaN'i' to lu-at witn IVanCv" aiU'i' -lie -^;ioidd totaiie iia\c ^uhdu; li Sjiam.'" '' WIk'H the Spaio.^h I'at !:(;!-, wire >;l(\\^^:ed hi^t -iimnu-r. notiiin^ wa^ -^pol^cn (jt. (-i tiiou^ht ot in tiii-> counlrv, hut tiu' uttei lum i.'l Da-aM- pai'i'; and iiiui\ j^ohtuianv ot \:,^- l^r t ! u o o u n t I \ t o he 1 r d - o 1 a 1 h \ c \ i 1 \ t ; d e o i >4-( o d -iK'vt -. He \\:i-> Ilicd ot tiK' \ aimt lini c N ;'0'- ^ion> wl.^aii ill- had \irc\\ [[-(i\ I i iiia: m tl;i* Ihai^e loi the hl^t -sixteen \: .i-^ a'.'-ML ;: 482 MR. WHITBREAD. destruction followed, as they uniformly bad beeii^ by the aggrandizement of France," January SI, 1809. On moving an Amendment to the Address on the ansu:er returned to the overtures frovx Erfurth, " Buonaparte was progressively advancing in his career to the subjugation of Europe, his power was by no means diminished." " lie repeated it, we must finally treat with France. The conduct of this country in reject- ing so often on good terms what it must finahy take on inferior terms, brought to his mind the memorable incident recorded in ancient histoiy. when, in the earliest: age of Rome, the Sybil came with her nine books, and proffered them for a price which was refused. She afterward.^ tendered six of the nine for the same price, Avhich being refused also, it was at last thougln. advisable topurchase the threeremaining volumes at the price for which the first nine had been originally tendered. He hoped this story would be no illustration of our future destinies." " It would not be easy to say, when we might calculate upon even as good tenuis as in the late overture we hud been ollercd. We knew not what the next news from Portugal might brinji iLy; perhaps, before this, Portugal was re- con- ,MU. \^'im JiHIlA D. 48;; (jUCictl. 'i'hc hiihblf with rc^[iCL't in tlic rcc;;j.>- luif of Macliid 1)\- the Sj.;uii;ii.i-, IkkI ah i'a(l\ hiiist. J)iioii.ij);ii !(. was ha^t( iiiiiL^ to t'uilii all his |)i"<)|)hrcit.'s ; )t" \]c had wnl aha'a'!\- ciov, ncii hi- hn^lhrr at ^hl(hl(i. ]\c \ct had thr pi'wcr ol crow iiiiiij; liiin ; lie liad ci. i taiids howcx'cr gloiKju.^iv tor tlic l]iiti,-di anil- hi- had \ci in t-tlcct, ohlii^L'd us to c\a> ualr Spain, aiuh j)cr- Juip>. \^ a> iio\v' (HI hi- wa\' to ])lai!l !:!> ca^ici on liir towcis ot Li^hoii. \\ nil 0--j)oci to Spain, he- ronlcs>C(.l the li'>pc'> he once iiad were iieaiiy lioiie. and that the xarious repnrts t'loin dilierent wa.iiL ol' enthusiasm in the oriL!,aiKil, as sonic sa.d, w: asotlieis more [)ia;i>ibl\- -aui, tli.iL tiial enthusiasm ]\:.i[ -u!j- sided, ]\v hal not \ct\ saiigume hope > o'. the -iicccss (,i; Siia'.n. IkU t,f a^:,ri'i^ ty th, nn,)''! nt the I .lU >'t' ('>. J'i'., " He aLi;rerd that it was iiL-ht th.it .Mi:oste!s Juadd he xe-ti'd \''i*ii a jio\\(_r to a--i^L ^pani Mid I'o; tui';^! ; lhoU'j,h lie douijt'd mueii. tujin I 1 'J 484 3MR. WHIT BREAD. appearances, and from the exaggerated state- ments both of our commander and Ministers, that the contest would terminate in the subju- gation of the one country, and in the other being wrested out of our liands. He did not wish, however, that Ministers shoukl have no power to afford to those countries such assistance as they thought proper and miglit be necessary. While tbcre was life, there was hope. The Peninsula was engaged in a glorious cause, and after the share we had taken in it, he could not say that we ought, till the very last moment, to abandon men who were fi<>htin2: for what was as dear as life itself liberty and indepen- dence. He could not agree with a member of administration, in another place, that the cause was as hopeful as ever, but still he did not wish it to be abandoned without another effort." " He would still assert as his unalterable opinion, that as from the events which had already taken place, and from those which he thought would certainly take place (God g-rant that he miglit be mistaken) it was probable that Austria, as well as Spain and l?ortugal, would >hrirt!y be criisbiCd beneath the power of France, and we alone should have to \v;io,e war with fearful odds against the enemy, our resources ougiir to be most rarefull}' lius I Jimded, that wc ;;.ightbe enabled to make the l^iiner stand." MR. WHITBRI AD. -IS 5 " He could not ic'lVaiii iVoin rcnr.rkiiiu-, lluil of all iniMcjJicsciitarions. lluil w::-^ the ba.sc>L whicli Hincas(jiKil)l\ fk'xatc'd tiic puhlic iniiitl. hv linldiiii,^ toitli the expectation ot' happN- ic>ult>. ^vhlell ne\ei- could be leali/ed. A ^-alhtiit (ithcer, to wlifjin, w he ther a!)>ent or present, lie ^luudd pay the sineere-t tiilnitc ot' ic^pt'ct, (Sir A. ^\ eilesley) had ^'one (Uit to ['(jilug-ah and in the 1 lie accounts icccivcd tVoin hun, had certainly made some exaL^'^-cratinn- ; hul liic^e \\a\c iiothiiiLi,- when eoM.jKiicd to t!ic t'\aLi'u,'ciations contained in tiu' iclki- ni" a Nolde Loid to the Lord .Ma\or. on the -^uhjcct ot" that communi- cation. In fact, it had been .stated by that Niiiili. Loid, that Mai>hal Soult was xampiishccl in tiiiei' .sucecs-iw battle--. In hi- opinion, our arm\" was unl\- cn^aua-d u'llli the icar ^naid ot' tlu: tiiLiiu, and j'.ot w :'.\\ il -- mam Ii(kI\- under Sfiiilt. i le would w ;>h t(; a^i^, \> hat twrce (ni our part \vtuld be cliicicnt lo insure ultimate -ue- ce>s, it' not maiiil\-, ami m principle, .supported ])\ the pcuple to whom we were L!;l^lnL:; assii- tviuee.- Within a tew da\ s, a.ccounts had ^onc abroad ot a second e\acualionot Madrid; but he ually behevi'd no dimmuticn ot' the I'u iitli t'oree in Spam liad taken pi, ;ce, on account ot the I'lemdi emjxrors attention hem l:," c. died to Austin, (ju the contrai\, he coi.c(l\'ed tlieir turce in that cwuntrv to be n;u^ h nK>re tliaii 486' MR. WHITBREAU. equal to the resistance opposed to them. The Hon. Gent, remarked on the dissensions of Spain as attended with considerable danger to its caiLsc, and particularly adverted to the ac- counts latel}' received with respect to dissolving the Junta of Oviedo. Were we not compelled, he would askj to husband our resources for the last contest we might be engaged in i'or the pre- servation of ourselves r" January 2S, 1810, In the Debate on the Address. " He now turned to tlie affairs of Spain, Even with all his respect for Lord Wellington, he could not approve of the battle ofTalavera it had no good tiu\, and onlv tended to establish what was never questioned, the superior valour of our soldiers. Our victories, indeed, were this night the particular theme of congratulation; and Maida, Corunna, Vimiera, and Talavera, were held up as monuments of our eternal glory. He beheh.l them only as so many gladiatorial ^'"xhilntions. None of them were liappy in their consecjuences. or beneficial in their results." " The Right Hon. Gent, had said last session, that a battle ought never to be risked in Spain r:ntil there was an efiicicnt i^ovcrnment in that 5in. WHITRKEAD. 48: (\ninti\ ; yet lie uow recanted the principle, bv c name. IIi^ eonducL in Spain seemed the result ot" intatuation. ' ' There \va^ not a man m tiie counlr\-, tVoin the <_^rkne\ ^ to tlic Land's end, x'v ho did not j)ro- nounre him (Mr. l\ree\ah, and his admini^tru- tion, weak, iiu'apahle, and incllicieiit. Kveii ^^ ith the addition ol the two colleagues, who liad desertcil them, thcv were teeble ; but then the\' >tood on a principle, or lather in op- position to a|jmuij)le; but now, rejected h\- all v/ho were woithv, the w eak, and old, and inlirm weie e(jllct'ted iVom tlie hedges and hiL!,'h loads, andcons(jrted with tor w ant ot' better, 'i'he motley comb mat ion ^\.L^ dulv appreci ited b\ the people no one ie-j)ected tluiii -tliev miLiiit now ex- claim ' 1 he cluireh l^ m dan^ei,' but e\'er\ one would know liu \ meant, ' My place i> in dan- ti;er. Now the time \\'as come when it would be manit'e^ti'd that lhe])eo[)le had a voice as u ell as the ero^^n, and \\'oul(l not he imposed on b\' a set ot ad\eiilui(.M ^, who had UMirped the cToveinment, Mippoited b\' nt)thinLi,- but thela- vonr ot the ciowii.'' " He L;a\'c :l a^ his sincere acKice ; let an cconoimcul retorm be instituted, betorc tiie last 488 MR. WHITBUF.ACc ounce was exacted, and the country reduced to despair. Let a government be removed, to which the people had refused their confidence. Let our rehttive situation with the enemy be "well considered. Let the policy of succouring Spain be also weighed under the existing cir- cumstances Austria gone the French force concentrated, and that country tlieir only ob- ject. It was said, that we miglit defend Portu- gal with i30,000 men; but would not Buonaparte know our foice even to a drummer, and where we had 30,000, lie would have 60,000. Who would stru^'iile against such fearful odds? Our remaining some time unmolested in that country, should be no argument for our continuing there. We remained just at the will of the French em- peror, anfl at his option he could drive us out of it. But what could be expected from such a ministrys or rather from a single man, for the Chancellor of the Exchequer was now alone alone, after soundinghis ineftectual war-whoop alone, after fully ex])0sing his Mcakness, and shewing it exceeded only by his rashness." '' Peace should be the cry of the nation. Peace particularly because tlic fliialdoni of millions of our fellow-subjects was the tenure by which this inca|)al)le junta held their offices. * It has been said by our enemy (said Mr. W.), b.'',t the genius of France guided our armies. M !i. WIl 11 iili : AD. -IS J AlasI il now prc'^uU'- 111 our v>tl),;n,'r ; for suvi-l\-, wl.clhcr \'. c (' >ii:5i('.(.'i' their iiiibcriht \-, their bigotiA', or till' tatc with \v 'i:;e'h Pio\ ulcncc viMt.s all ihrir iiic;i>urc-^, our ciirniN, luui lie the r.or.u- iLiliiiii, could not ^clcrt. UR'H more suitable to h,^ tiuK, oi more peMucHuis to oui interests." FJnililV'.l 1, l-!lO. In tf.t' I)r!;illf DH tJh' ^fntln^} foT ThauLs tn L.'ia HWlihdn'i^Ujr tli. iutorj oj lala- ' \\c \'>vHil(l not aL;ree \o L;'i\n.' a premium t<~> i.ishue:,'-. 1 he S])aiiKh eiu^e \\m> now more hoj>i.lc^^ throi e\'ei. W here, then. \va^ the ad- \aiitaij,-e of the \ietor\ - lie could not a^rec th.it the arm\- \^a^ broonu' >! iDii^ia ^iiice, than belort' it~< lo-^^N; and it^aided mir late conti- nentcd (iri'it^ a- e';ileuialed to -,in!v llu' n'ulitaiy charaetci oi IliccounliN, thouL:,li the\' had failed that oi the soldiery, wiio-e Li'allantiy wa^ indis- putabii'. 4Q0 MR. WIIITBREAD. February 1 2, IS 10. / the Debate on Mr. Fuller's Motion for leave to bring in a for the abolition of Sinecure Places. " The Right Hon. Gent. (Mr. Perceval), talked of ministers being the defenders of the crown, but he denied their title to that charac- ter ; they ought rather to be called the tools of the crown, instead of its defenders; when, in defiance of repeated majorities m that House, in defiance of the contempt of the whole nation, they still continued in administration." March f), 1810. In the Debate on taking the Portuguese Troops into BritisJi Pay. *' Buonaparte, it seemed, knew, to use the language of an Hon. Gent. (Mr. Jacob), the period of despair, and proposed tojineet it. We should ])rofit by the lesson -fas est ah liostc do- cerf ; let us know when all further efforts will be a fruitless waste of blood and treasure, and cease to continue to make them." " What, in the name of common sense, was the object in keeping up these troops in Portu- gal? Was Portugal chosen as the arena in which XI R. Wfl ITPTir-A n. iwl tlu'v were to (i'j;li! (i\cr a^.iiii tl.c IcU^'.v's lor tlic Iilx'ltKs ot Luroju..' (>i \Vi;i; ti;i-. i.ad hecii iftascd iiiMit i iictiLi" aii>]>,<'''> \V( I .' t'ni.\- to impc to ^^tlil uiiii^l tilo>c t!i;H \:\ W I( s> l'a\'oiii ,i!jk- - 'i'\\c Jli^hr 1 1 Mil. t iu' CIkhiicHoi- t^.t'tlii' 1'. \clK(iiici had talked ot'tlu ln'iirllt ol'aii .\ii-!i':in Wa:. \>\[[ he >ciiiud to ior;;rt tiMt liic >! ! iiat w 'i, ot I'll; < >[)(. wa'- ciMiiutd -lh.it the r.rw I'lra id iiiai i ;;;lC(.'^ and ttt(^ dii'W t !u' ((Mill, ctii ii oelwccii l:ancc and Au-tiia cio-;,;. ai.d iikkU' it funu'i': tliat M'liat Au-tri.i If'-r l)\- thr war. ^iir w a-^ liarlv to ^aiii 1)\ i1i:n inairiaLi'tL'; an e'\aait so loi tuiiatc. for luT lirokt n down condition, that it niii;ht well be >aid, ;is it had in a tbrnuT instance ot' the -\u-ti i.iii 1 oii;aiinLi.- I'aniiK', ' Kt rh't, M .^ < -.-jnt a'iK, I'tilc'i u:U til: /'.;.;.' ' 'l'h(,'\- liad lir;ii(l a u- the ])(opleo{' thi> eounti"v \'. ere. that jiatieiiee, hke e\u\- thiiiL:- human, h.ad its hunts. Tlie \ iL;'onr ot this \ iuoidus achiiinistiation, nii^ht wwai out at ki-t. l!iit. it' ihe\- were to N'ote ihi- nidhion ot'inoiRy. he w-hed to know wheie it wa^ to ue lia(k 49^2 MK. WIIITBREAD. Jime 15, 1810. On the third reading of the Vote of Credit Bill. " In the course of the session, then nearly at an end, many events had taken plaee which \verc wholly unexpected. But tliere w^as one, and a most important event it was, which, though at one time daily and hourly expected, had never- theless not taken place he meant, the dissolu- tion of the present administration (a lai(gh from the ministerial benches). As soon as the gentle- men on the otlier side had recovered from their expected smile of derision, he would take occa- sion to hring some fev circumstances to their recollection, which would shew, perhaps, even to these Right Hon. Gentlemen themselves, that the expectation of their fall was neither idle nor extravagant." " The Right Hon. Gent. (Mr. Perceval), called for three millions, it would be desirable that he should state, to what point of Europe he could direct the application of any armament he might fit out with that sum. The House must be aware, that on the one hand, every power in Europe had been reduced to subjection by Buo- naparte, whilst on the other hand, every thing had been tried unsuccessfully by us. A con- siderable addition had been made to the navy MK. Will rr, ui- A n. 40 J tliia \c'ai\ and a wia' Iai"'j,c c^tal/ii-hniiMit \nfti! tor llic aiam. \\ hi'ii lliiif \'. a- llaitlMrf no poiiU aL:;ainNl which an cxpcdi'Mu cduM Ih' directed, and when a \c'r\' ccii-idci ahlc iikk a>(' 'o tlic .strciiL^t h ot" the ainu- and na\\ had h( en a!- rea(l\- amjtlN piovidcil tor, lor wlia.t othci- pni- ]K)sc conhl the Kiulit Hon. (khI. want thi- money, hut to enah!e hini to [ait ciV the nni'iiiL; of p II haiiuait to a (h-tant d-;\ ' ' ' He inn^t he ann\v-cd to Li/ixe w:.\' t(j an. ( \- prc>;sion of' \\\-^ leuatt. that ihcie iiad no! been ill that llon-^e. .n the w hc'lc eoni-c' ct the ^e-^;on, an\ [)cirt icidar (h^'au^ion upon fhe al]all^ ol' Sjiain.' '' It \von!d hi' endues to ennmerate all the Mi^taiiCi'-- ot tl;r (hploi.ihjc wea.h I'.e^s and the ei m.inal nmconduc' ot' the l;o\ ei nineni ot' Sj).iin. I nder Mich iinhc( dit\' and iiniioUiicr, :t w a^ liiipo^-iihlr lo lo(k upon the eau^e ot Sj.;.in. at an\ jjciiod ot !t, otheiwi'-e than hop(.-h'>^ ol >uccr^^. and <,( rtaiii ot" ultnnate ^nhi(\; ion. ' ' At the time the Sjan'ivli nation tii^t hn;^L loith lilt" aet;\-e ie-^;^t:;nce to thr u-nr[>:i;:on ol' ]'f\i!K-c, he w a-5 u\id_\ to a\o\', liiit iu' t'cit san- !;u;nt' in their caii^e, h^eau^e he e- nhnhn! !\- (\- j)CctLd lllat in ll:C p TC ; - (0 U 1 1 o 11 ol' I '; ; (,;;',>! the\- Nwa.id t..ivc dl^pl::\^d the > ;!; e ( la i :_'. ic-. ihc --au'c ucncouiN a.olonr. the ,:;e i.,,"'o VphUiiClLr which .. ,d hem the i oaid di 'ir.ct.' ;; 4S4 ^IR. WIIITBREAD. of their ancestors, in ihc btst periods of their history. The result, iiovvcver, had frusti-ated his fond expectailoiis, and, with whatever rehietant feelings, h,e found liiiyiself eoustrained by the ir- resistible fcrcc of facts, uncontroverted and un- controvertible, to cxchani.>:c tlie ao-reeable an- ticipation of the ultimate triumph, for the melancholy certainty of tlic present desperation of their ciuryjf' *' For his own part, as he considered the con- test hopeless, he was of opinion, that the sooner the question was decided, the better : and under that ipipresfeioii, lie wished sincerely that Lord Vy'ellingtnn and his brave army were safe back. If that Noble General, however, should be at- tacked in the position he occupied, he had no doubt, he would obtain a most glorious victory. l>ut ]]e feared, like the victory obtained at Tala- ver.'i, it \vo\dd prove barren and unproductive. It would g'ive the French another specimen of J3ritish valour, but he must deprecate such a waste of JiLiiiiaii iiie for the mere purpose of l:cwing what had iieen so frequently and fully demonstrated/' " TlioMgii VvC might find resources to con- tinue to .^end ;:ut men to Spain, and succeed in pi'otiacting tiie struggle, yet it Mas not an) assJstaiice of ours v.'hich could, in his Oj)inion. -prv^vcnt the final subjugation of the Peninsula. MR. \\ Ml IT.r, F.A n. Uj5 It liaci()hiK' and t'tVicicncx , hiiL tiicii ^ tea lines'!) was _\c't to he tried ; and t \'t.ii >nji|)>i- l:^ tneni ('(jnal to Ihitisli tiDOji-, \\ ;;al clianc^' wnuid ti'at l:i\'c ot' an\' jh"(>l;ic>.s m Spam .- ^\ a.s any n;an so ahsurd as to iniai;i;u', liiat il' th.c I'ilTic Ii were onei' c.-on:]iletei\- nnis'iu- nl' Spain, the !i'K-e no\\ !n Pditn^'-d w < nid he sufli lent: to n-amtain [)()>>-(, .x;,>ii , \' that eountrv' ri^ainst the \i hole conee ni ratid pow or tl" I'ooiee- lie tiusttd ihic \- >h(inid lal >()i'\\ au am hear of a !> arc(I\' t(, \.[i\c heen snpp(_)>ed, liiat >neh an event would ha\"e so soon oeeniii-d, alter the ; .tal (.xpeiirnce ot Sir John Mooir s cainpai^in 'h!;e exp't 1 mu !.' , how e\ er. h ad ;n_i on ht c n t: ied ; I. Old ^\'climL!,ton not onl\' .uiNancad mtt)Sp)ain, ijiit staid theie. nntil th.e u.nt. i ' .ol stipjdios olii'Ued :..m to \'. :thdia\\: it w,- tohohojKah fheiatoir, tiiO Oio l',o'>h a.in\ w oiiid ai^ain he St. n t o.t" ^ji .m. 0:0 d 1 I ;:\ -leai -I (MO ;t \ ul ihu n (. c s s , o \' s 1 1 j I p 1 : 1 ^ V I : ' a I . d i ; e o h t i m ( d . ' ' A- th:n^- ]] ,\\' s'- d, ."sp,*,!] w ;., C'olll- pleti'-. (' -(_d ,:'J0!!-1 liv. >.j j':j; 1 1010 hiofMliLr to .Oiv O'o.Of. ^i [\]i ]':. tnr i-ai ain,-, 111 >j>A II. :a; 1: ' . d w ;!ii(jii'. a \\ , ! loi^ ,' , , '/ .n I \ jH I ' i:;^ li'ioi; icii t .0 1 1 \ , t i);; 49^ *1R- WillTBREAD. fidcnt would be glorious, though he feared it would be barren; and which would be the re- result of any attack upon the British army on the Portuguese frontier. Were they not ap- prized that Massena had arrived at Salamanca, and taken the command of the French army ? Was it not known that he was concentrating his force to make an attack upon Lord Wel- lington ; and was it not likely, that Lord Wellington would consequently be committed with the allied army against superior numbers ? Whatever nnght be the case, he had no doubt of victory attending the British arms; but he was no less sure, that such triumph would be fruitless, and that the British army would be compelled to embark in the course of a very short space of time after the achievement. What must be done at last, he thought ought to be done in time; tiic sooner, therefore, the British army should be withdrawn, the more it would be for our benefit. Operations in Spain were quite out of the question. It was not upon the arena of Portugal that we could fight for F.urope, and if VvC sluuild be mad enough to attempt it, the final redaction of Pcutugal would necessarily follow the subjugation of Spain."' ' Though he had stated strongly his con- viction that the cause of the Spaniards was Ml{. W 11 11 I',U] A I). -i'X h('l>i:lr^>, and rlic uhiin.itc MihjiiL^Mtinn of the \^"h()ic 1\ niii>iilu bv the i'lciu'li, lie liartd \s a^ but, too cc'i tain ; lie pJaiiiK' ^uw , ho\vc'\-c'r, thai the iVciich had ^till iiuich to do mi Sj)aiii ; it would \)f a iiio^t uii(.ai>v j)o>^c^bi(Hi ; it" c\c'ii they couhl Nurecfd in the ieiluetit)n ot" Cadi/, the eontt'st uoa'd w^l he over, nor would then" woik he coni[)hlc'. Hut thib coii->idei'ation aUne \ra^ Hot ^.>'j:eit.'iit to indiioe the eouutiA to ex- haust it^ roouiee.s hv i)ioloiiK'al energies ot" the people, at a time \".hcii I'rauce, diseii^'aL^ed Horn otlier (;l)|eet$, \va> at hheitv to emj)lo\- all lier va^^t military re^ouree> fo)- her Mihjn^atiou. With all his iieait and >oul. therefore, he wi-^hed the I'ritish aiinv \\'as safe out ot' Sp;i!n and Portugal; tijr lie eould nt \cr aliow, tiiat the protractiin^ ^''^ i)eiiod of the:! final coiMjuest, for a >hort time, v.'a^ < t' .in\ \aUie wian compared w it!i the \\aste ol" Hie'm^ and ieM)nrees \viiu-h would he : *<;. ;ii i 'on - ; ( 'ueuce ( 1 the ninieitak '.nu'. ' 49^ ^'^^''' WllITEilEAD. February 13, 181 1.- On the Boport of the Address. " Should even a brilliant aiul decisive vic- tory, such as that he had alUided to, he achieved, lie could perceive hut faint hopes likely to result froui it of the final rescue and deHverance of the Peninsula." May \f 1811. On tlie Question respecting the Sicilian Treaty. " He would take this, the earliest opportu- nity that had been aiforded him, of expressing his regret that he was not in his phice on Fri- day, when the thanks of the House were voted to Lord Wellington. His absence was occa- sioned by avocations of a public nature, to wiiich his attention was indispensable." '^ He particularly regretted the necessity of liis absence on Friday, as he should liave con- curred most cheerfully and most cordially in the vote of that day. He should have bccu enabled to bestow praise e\en on Ministers a praise Vvh.ich they had never before receive! 1 from him for their selection of a General M ;; \' li 11 i;ivi \ :>. 4D'J wl.n-c (mIwi.! ii;i(l v, luii\ j;i-;i:i,>i '.in: c-n- l"n!cir.\- tii.il li -d i)vcii it;<;-.'(! iu iui:i. He -liiuiM \i-!) li.r.v- i'.\'n nu|'])\ nil i.i.i: (Mc.i'-M in to >la'c-, iii.i". ir i; w I lii-'jiul.i.^' llic U')iil);> \'. l;:c!i It^t.i loi iiK i ;\ ( \;n!c'iI 111 i!l^ Uiiiul. a 1 1 - . 1 1^; ! 1 1 ' III 111- l;: ili;I aiuc <>l' ll.c p.ilt iciil.il b oi J.'.'Kl Wi.i- ! .:iL;lwi)',-, j-.HK> '.(ill! , , ni i'.r' 11^,:'., irAwith- -laKuiii:; i!ij i,CT:l i;,i)ii wi.:. ii tii>J^L (iiji.ii)r> liatl nccu^ J aui!. 1:01 v\ l'J!^t;;Il(i:iiLi he l.ail KuiCicd i;.al -lonif j)ai '^ of Iik'^'j |)|-(>..'i'. (Im'Jt wcic ijuci- t!')ii>iM(. i.uw tliat tiic \vl)()lc \v'a^ tic > l iupcd, ami |)i<)\t(l In '.; liic coinl'M'.atior.s ri" a iiia.-,tL! !y j/iaii, !,(. 11,11^1 w V;;:iil;!\ aclNiu) .'. Uai^tai llif Ni>ljic l-nid'.-, L'-irat Liiciit^, ahd pa'nl l:;in ihc 'u-^t li liuitc ol lii> ;:(l;n::Mtiwi!."' ' At l'.':C >:::\:i Mir, a.iui lie*. \\ i' li^laiid mil;" '!.> -j)!rhdi 1:1 ' r \W:-::[ L\cii;>, Al :ii>'i.a > c)ML:lii- i'< cciidiu'' I !u'i;;-c U c- w i ; ; 1 llic im '(IriMtiuii uiiU'li i)(.\ai..i' -.uw-i-, aMil iii'Nr: l<> \r,^c -iL'.il u: t he jii .ii'.'ij.'.c' a jn ;'.. ;.'.i' w ia m lie iiad v \a i T! aiii! aiii'.ai. ;i',d v.M.c.'. !;r -li'iiid cwr ;i.,i!ii- Ki:i' :l;al t',c v)hl\ K'l^ilaiiatc ol'Ua'* o\ l\^\\ '. al, and n! tlii^ ;i!; -\>- .'ii o'iul' \. .ll'i-- a 1 1 i-i;i-il \vi:i( ii oiiuh' I') !). i::a iiraia'-t aiid 'lU- (!' aw'-t i( ( I \ a ; laiu-.it ,11 1 i.c" pia'scn! ('j)iii\ .-! lal : ' l 1 1 .. I < I 1 i il : \ and ( , .c \'. . v ! i v\ .1 > ]'''.-'\\ l.\( i\ I lali i" ' ar 'aj.iii tu \)r n: m'i, !' i: idea ' iir late -aiw-- ^ a\ a;!.'!dc ; > t ,a:f (.1.-!. i ! ' i , 1 i I i ( 1 ')('-: I; , d 1 1 ; f .. .; , \\^,i J ; a [.:.,. [^ . i ( : : - -idor; hut ii was his sincere feeling that it Wa>, a contcni[)hiti()ii which ought ever to be upper most in the minds of Croverniiicnt." " There had been many op{}ortunities in the Course uF the war when the Emperor of Trance nfigfit, in his opinion, have been suceesstulls approached with o\e]turcs ot' peace. It might he a visionary prospect, but lie conld not help thinking that the present was a most auspicious moment, and tliat it ought not lo be allowed to pass wilhout some pacific cli'ort on the ])art of the British government.'' June 5, J fell. (>;/ the l^ule of Cred'd. " lie should not hesitate still to say that he wished the advantaoe nnoiit be taken of the present favourable postuie of affairs, to try whe- ther peace was practicable or not. He knew that he was charged with being ready to accept any peace at any time; but he trusted that he would be as unwilhng as any Gentleman to accept of peace on terms tliat were not honour- able for this country. He was ready to pay the warmest tidjute of his admiration lo the merit which had heen displayed l)y Lord Wellington. Xothin;; wiii.'h could happen in future could ;. v.ii n ii!.i:.\ p. /,01 i!-iiv<." liiin !i-ti:;ct lliat |>:aiM- w ircii ];{' had Li-i\-cii to w li.it I.nid Wcilin^N 1! li ul a!:;'u!v d'-Mic ; l)ur, looKip.i^ at tiu' nian\ uloiaai.aiul >ai\ii-niiiaiy i. attics w hicli h^-.d latrh; t,l'^rIl p!arc, hr >a\v IK) L;!wii;id tor (.-oiilidwai: i\- an ; ;. : ji.iiir ^ ;i ta\()uial)Ic re-^idc to ll:t' uai'. I !; thought it \'. d-> : ia-')i). ', K ''11 t' 1" III;!" to i;\ w K li' t>.()l, -.lie t ' 1 ./'."/ 1,1^1 1. ')o ,.:'i--j; tiir atltuti.r: ,1' Mi,,i^t'/ ,''(/. :.i?i..; ir.l ?.; !h, n^.s(us.-iU(itio': Oj JilKJU'ljX,! \ , " Witii rf>j!i'c' ;> Cc i.ii.vidiiai 'Alai \\ais U\t ::iinicd!atc olijicf ol 'lu -c aljoiniiiahlf dot,'- tiiii.'-. was it to i;t' iuia.wd tiiit I^i o\ .driicr, ^\ ho to; in>rriitahii' |)Ui I'o-', -. had i a!^('(i up i ii it ex t I'ao! diiiai \ man, had 1; d !i,'!i m -al' \v ; !ii 'inuh daiiL^ta s <>\ i-\ c; \' (h'^ci ipl: >]], w \)^) laui pi c-t i \ c d h. ;; Ml l!ic la ill ot' hattlc, and ^a ho n,.d ^incld;d him tiom liie l-.nifc ot {\\c .. : -^in - \\ ;> it 'o !\ hchiAi'd t-hal Piov idciua' \N on.d, ahox'v ;[ ohjcrl to hr I'i u-^tialcd l)V the |>un\ t tlort- ol Mn h >,hort -M^litrd l)(.a!iL;^. w ho^r \>i'i\^ 'l^ '>w aid }?c j> I'l uilh'^.-^ a-> tnc\- were rrimm.d."" 502 MR. WHITEHEAD. January 8, \Bl2.~0n the Report of the Addrcaa. '' Kno'A'iDg the disposition of the coiintiy towards the cause in which tiiey were cin!}arkcd; knowing" that no effort which Ministers couhl make was Icfc unmavi.e ; knowing tliat no voice iVom one end of the kingdom to the otlier, cried out against supplying, and supplying in abundance, tiie means whicli were necessary for such a purpose; and seeing tiio.-e means entrusted to one of the best officers of ids nation, an offjcer capahle C/T coping with the l)est (ienerals of .France seeing ti;is, and then looking to the present state of the Peninsula, he could not agree to hold out to the Pnnce Regent and to the country, a language, which his experience must tell him, it was rash to use, and which was calculated to excite hopes which nuist in the tnd be defeated." " For i]is part, he did not see wliat hope could be entertained. The more he allowed the merits of the cause, tiic more lie allowed the i^eal of the invaded ; the more he allowed that the whole heart of England went along with them in their resistance; the more he allowed the abilities of Lord Wellington, and tl)e valour Mu. v.nniiiti.A n. nlld (il-^( IpllP.C of I'l iti>h -MKi:( IS ; tllO IJMlc UM-* liC lilclllU'd In (li -^jxyp.d, to (It -[):'. II' "t viic-'T-^ oil lookiiiu' t" t'lH' icsull oi a'l iii(>(.' ;'i\'oiM.\!)!(' 0'M)i|ji;i ,t iOIlv." I;.:i' O'i '' . }lil,-,:,i: I\'::..it,s. 11 -M,.,: <:i,r._i-. ;i i'\j)ciivc'> C' '111 iiHU'il t ^ .ivi'iri'iih'.'c. >,; (1 ir,c',;i;> io (im.mi^ii, t!u'\ imi'-l look i n ; . !;ri to a pc'icr with 1 1n" ( minw ; [>r;a i' w 'icii ]ii> mcaMirc^ had i riulci'cd ii!Ki\ oid d)h-. 1 ii thi- ! ; aii^at'' lon^ ot past \ cai.-^. \\c ^nw mkiIU' urcit a.al noli do^M'ahu- (aniui t mjUt I'i pracc. a> ini^iiil 11 '.\a' horn ohi, oucd .M an\' loinua pmi'iU: 1 iic i^iL!''o ihai. ( i(. i!t hanaii !)oa-tfd ot' oui itcaiL;' 1 ac '_'HMt and oni\' hai ; .cr to Ihnni i jkii Ir - ih'-iir o: nn:\aa^.d (ha!,aiiini. ()n tli -> , ';ni lliiac could 504 MR. WHITBREAD. be no dispute. Why were we so ? Because it was the pohcy of the authors of this and tlie preceding war which liad made us so ; which had first made Buonaparte consul for life, and afterwards, in alHance with his own talents, had made him emperor, and had enabled him to trample upon every hostile state. The same errors and fiillacies were still circulating, and still believed ; one day Prussia was said to be arming against France, on another she was described as uniting her force with that of Trance, to assist in crushing the only indepen- dent state remaining on the Continent. It was his duty, then, to ask the people to be misled no longer by the fatal policy of Ministers; and he would ask the Right Hon. Gentleman himself, not to become the victim of his own infatuation, by bringing the country to the end of its (f sources." July 10, 1812. J the Debate on the Motion fur a Bill for the preservation of the Public peace. " There v/as but one remedy for all these evils, which must unavoidably be borne so long as peace could not be obtained. But peace ought by ail means to be obtained, if possible; MK. WHlTUUtAl). 5(iJ ior tlu' count r\- ^\';l^ LioiiiLC proi^rcs^ivcly into a state ot linuLi;"^ iVoni uhich cvciv thing was ti ])c trarcd.'" " Peace was the onlv remedy tor our internal ^rii \a:'/(>. and t!ie onl\ remedy tor our external m,r\aice-) ai-^o. And, 'n hi^ ('piiiion, a more ta\-oural)le occasion for a L^cneial peace never existed than we had at that tinu\" /w/;/ 1,"), I'-^IJ. fi: th( I)il)utc on the :^~rri)ud rcadlv^ n^' t.'u- jiti'srn-iiltnn nj tltc Puhlu' pracr lidl. ' The abolition (;t' the Ordms in (\^uncil liad done nrnch to !'e>.lore trancjudlitN-, hut the iest<"- ration of a general peace would do nsore ; and iic reconnnended to Ins Majests's nnni.stcr> to lake this oppoitunit v ot" ascertaining whether it coui(i n>it he made on ta\onrahli- term>. He 'iinuglit this a most t'.iN'ourablc o]portunit v. Soulier, Ik'W cv (_r, than make peace <'n an\" othei than honourable terms, he would risk the exter- mination (,)t the British empire. IlekncN'. that it the iiu'.nutac-turers u ere convinci'd that the delay in makicg peace was not the t"aultot'( iovernment, but o! the enem\', the\ would -^it (lo\s ii con- tcuLcd uiuk 1 ail their sutlcrmLT--. Jhe Hon. (lentleman smiled at what he ^aul ; he hojied it 506 MR. WUITBREAD. was not tlic smile of disbelief. lie must repeal that it was tlic bounden duty of Ministers to make an atten)pt to procure a general peace for the world. He never knew a time more pro- pitious than the present." July 21, 1812. In the Debate on Mr. SheridMi's motien for papers relative to the Overture for Peace from France. " Of this he was certain, that if the opinions just expressed by his Hon. Friend (Mr. Sheridan) prevailed, if the House gave way to the elo- quence with which they were urged, if the pub- lic at large adopted them, there must be inter- minable war between England and France. It would be impossible to make peace, it would be impossible even to treat for peace between the two countries, as long as Buonaparte lived." ^' He was not the defender of the political immorality of France, any more than that of any other country ; but he contended that the present was not the time to inflame the })eople of England by diffusing political errors, by nourishing a feeling of false honour a feeling inconsistent with the real interests or the true policy of the country." ilK. W lin llKIA In V)7 It ( rit;uiil\' (iui aj>jH-.i; t" li.in, lliat tlic L;!.c occa-^iMii w;;- one in \\ iiitti aii ainnij); ,it ni i^o- tuiTKih nil!, lit lia\c been iikuIc wkh L:,i(ai( i' i.-.o- !i .'' ii'\ <'t ^ncce-'S rliaii al aii\ t>)jir,>-i jk rioil. lie 'ki;. ,'. lie i ui alua\^ leen eon^icieini a> au rnliUiMa-t I'll tlie >ul)|ee(: (A [eaee, aiui he undonijtedK did reeolleet inans in^tane^.^ in \\ Ineli r iitr\- -v ;!^ _;:- r lea- > -n In llwiik a l.iii open- iiiL^ a; [eai, A 1 ,; Me'.jt lalion. ll innst i)e ;ii liie r.ieni'>;\- nt t'.i- iltni>e. that al I.ie eoii;nu'ncc- nient nt ilii war m S|)ain, he had iCL,Mi(kil lliat .l^ a 1 .^'uuiahie moment, when t li!-> ( ioxe; nnunt ini^'ht to liavf b( nl a Miin'^tiT to ili'.onapaite at J)a\onne. W hen, too, after tour \i'ars ol nn^UL- ee^-itul \eai. on the part (jt l-'ranee, Spain lemamed iin>uh(hie(h and 1- ranee heeanic eneum- heii'd h\ a eonie-^t with Au-,tria, he ti.ouL:hl that was :niotniT opportiinitv whKii on^ht r.ot to haw heeii lost ot al tt mpt in^- t o negotiate \\itii llnonap.ii le. At tlie pie^enl nii^ment. a'.^o, \v iieii \i\c L.m])trni ol JiaiKC was (hsiraettd with am'tiiei war, when he wa-. (hsappomied iii \]\> lehaiiee ujion the pt i>on w hoin l.t liad e>ta- hiish(d as the' exaailnal hen to the eiown of S\eei':;n, \\l:en lie was he^et w itli ditheidtas at luam- -Miniai lo tiio-e' whu'li disturhed , and lii.it It w>aild U,{\L l)een piiiiient m MiiiK-^leib, 508 MR. WHITEHEAD. had they even advised the Prince Regent to send a direct proposition to France, for the purpose of opening a negotiation on the basis of good faith and sincerity.'* " Were Ministers prepared to proceed to any negotiation? If not, if it was their determina- tion to wage incessant war while Buonaparte continued the ruler of France, let them declare it in the face of Europe, let them shut the British ports to every flag of truce, and refuse every overture that might lead to peace. But if this was not their object, if they wished, on the contrary, to give repose to this harassed country and to the world, if they did intend at any time to proceed candidly in the business of peace, there must be some terms in their own minds upon which they would be willing as a basis to treat for peace. Now, looking to the recent offers on tlie part of France, what was the fair inference deducible from them r The Emperor of France had conceded all the points which had been the subject of former negotia- tions. He had left an opening for further dis- cussion on points on which difference of opinion might exist. And was the conclusion just, that the whole was intended for delusion? Was it not rather to be inferred that, finding himself pressed on all sides, unsuccessful in Spain, about to plunge into a war with Russia, and harassed MR. WHirHHFA I). ^(H) \)y (lonicstic diti'icultic^. the I'lnptior of France caiiu torw.Md at biich a crisis, and inadc pio- j)()^al.-; to fills country in the icmI >\>\\\\ ot" sin- cciity- Iiuh'cch It was his linn ()[)ini()n, that IVancf h.u! alwass l)et'n .^iiueix' in licr (n*. i turrs Inr la'acc. He knew that thi> was \'cry unpo- puhir (ioe'triiic m tiiat Ih)u>e; he teaia-d that it \va> unj)o[)ular doetrine m thecountiA. Ihit Nueh \\a> hi^ decided opinion, and lie woidd never hesitate to declare it." " Tlie \sai- had now histed -o h)no-, that inend)eis of' tha.t llou-^c who wilne-^sed its coni- ineneeinent, iiad l;iowii old during its eonti- nuaiiee. For hi^ part, he knew not \ehy it wa> onnneiieed, he knevs' not wh\- it had Ijcen iC-eouiuit iiiad h\' tlie rut)tuie oi tlie peaee of AuiiLiiN ;oiii i;e knew not wii\ a PCL:;ot i:it ion toi its tu-ni!iia;. ion vhouul not r.'-w 'c euteieil into. A-1 to the \ lolent liitred ;'l;-;;M1>i tli:- eounti\', wh:e!i h ^ il'Lflit IhMi. Friend a ^ Mhed [o Xapo- ieoii, no i ;, would (.\i.\\\ tna' :t could i,i't lie ^*iol,^e^ lli ,11 ()i!i> ;;_; iiu-t Inn). A-^ it li ijijaned in. I he ea-v o'l Foan- .\I\'t In ollierwov /,, ( r nuid Mi'>iil>iju< , cseiv pel>on ill t :u> ( o:in.t I \ seemed k.'cix ;o lni\ e a .-oil oi pei-^oind iiuMiii \\ ,[b. Ik.i' n. ijM : te, an.d to ic'L^ard Iniii :;s a pni^. ii',,.| Miein'. . 1(1 teed thi-- nation.'t! enunite. t!u' w.o Imd heen e.Mne'l on , \\ w;i^. i.e\-ei ! iieie-^. \)[i'. .. ' \ uiisa; !-!'.. 'o;\ f. (Fiiin' 'o o!>.<; J. in .1 n a' ion. 510 Mil. WUITBKEAD. and had better be repressed, as leading to inter- minable warfare. No one would deny that Great Britain had made the si^eatest cftbrts against France by leagues, by subsidies, and by the direct assistance of her arms. No one would .". as l^t.l!)Il^ll(.'(! upon lliclhnuu' i m' Sj):'/!!!, ;iinl even oil tiiat ol' Xaiilrs and >:ci!v. ]'.\:iiiij>u > "l" that M)it (;iiLi,!iL to tcacli 11-5 liic Ic-i-^uu or cinbr.'.cm;;' piopo^als ti.ai i.ad t!u' a.j'juaiaii'a; "t' ^a;Im'^-^; lor 1)\' a:i!;in;;' at loo iniicli n\'i in!_ht lose !,'\"ci V tiling."' Miiii^ttT-,. however. M'C'ii.cd to ha\'i' been iir.i>ic.'[>a:(.{l Tor th.i,' 1 11 j)t n;a- ijet ucn Ku>>:a ami I'i:'.nrr. l.'ird i.'.t'i'iirt v.'a> now al.'out to .>eL out as cind'a^-^ador lo the Uu^.-^ian (.-'.uil ; hat/Uot hc'lni;- (juiic -^o .'ani;"a:n': a> ->onu^ 1 Ion. (icntKancn. he ^^Mia \\'.^ ^hould n.;t he' sui piiscd if Ijuonajiai tc aniwd at i\-U'i.->!)ni'<:'h h. toic hi^ Lorddiip. And w hat \',;i^ to \)c ^anual b\- ihc content : W iial \\ as iIr- .-i:tuati{jn ot" the- Ku^>iaH linr.iua'-^ - W as it to \i'j aLiaaii [Jiojiosfd '.hat n;oiu'\ siioulu be (haiiud fioiii our jioc'kcts? Was tiic v .:v > 1 (T'adit to he (.xp'jndcd i\\ subsid sini;' Swiale n and Kus-!a' .IndmnL!,- I'loni tlu- t >. lua '.encc of the- \j.>'. ueic sahsuhts hkchv to ; fi'e r an\- I ;;:i;^ te)\\aid- liie' atlainnu-nl ( 1 a. pea Miaiie'Lt peMe'e': 11'' \, (jiild 1 I! la i' till" coi;!)! 1 \ should p; I isJi i hau -ubn.iL t(,d'i.:n\ t hmu' di-'hoia ai:,d>!e- ; but let it r.ot pt'n-.h,, Iv.-: It riot bfeiaiu- lliv secure. t' inlia- n.d e'on\ ul- ion, tiom a tal-e no! au) ol hoinaii ."' ' I iiti,) w nut a sea ne wc'i e v> e [d ani;; !!.. ! .1 i.aA' eoahtion I aanui^- a'^auint Tiairaa ;.nd > n o -,ti- na! a ie-t\i>al on 1 'ur pa: t te) ii >' i a f o < \ . : \ o[!; '' aac' 'Una. ulaiLi- an" 512 JIK. WH! J iiK]^^iy, November 30^ 1812. On moving an Atnendment to f'j- Address. ^' If ever there was a time when enquiry and information were called for, it was tlie present ; when topics of so great and vital importance came before them for discussion and decision. Hewould ask, whether the House recollected the lamentable situation in which the Executive Government was placed? Were they not informed that the recovery of his Majesty was hopeless ; and that the frequent paroxisms to which he was subject, rendered his life so precarious, that the existence of the present Parliament was likely to be of very short duration, unless the Noble Lord (Lord Castlereagh) should think proper to propose, what he had heard was his intention, early in the present session, namel}', an act for the continuance of its sitting, notwithstanding the demise of his Majesty ? Whether so bold an experiment was to be tried he knew not ; but if such an infraction of the constitution should ever be attempted, he would oppose it, if alive, to the utmost of his power. If, however, such a proposition was not intended to be made, the tenure of their existence was mx-r-isarily preca- rious j and it behoved them, theiei'orc, lo take MR. WUITBKKAi;. 13 tiie ea^lic^t opportunity y pretence \eould neither hr ollered nor be received as a ground tor witiihuUhiig tliat iiiteHigeuce from Parlia- ment, wimh he e(jntended to be >o indispensable to their taking a right view' of the political interests of the country, externally and inter- nally." " 'i'he\- u'cre toKi that the piosj)erity of the eoiintiA' wa^ impi'oNcd, and that the nation was m a gioiiou> and u^ranil situation. W hy ? P'lan^e Diionapartc w a^ on his ri-treat to liis i{--oui\e- ; his force not annihilated, though ccrtaiiiiv ill gieat (hiiiger. Tins wa^ what the Hou>.t weic to c( Mu'iis ! It" tii;-, situation of alVairs cii th.e ("oniiiieiit \\ a^ gtjod tbi aiiv thiii'.;', il wa^ this til.;' ; hi- Pm{MTor (jt" Prance leaving failed in his '.il'"';', in on;i' ii iunit\- wa^ n(nv (jttcred when it L I 514 >1R. VVUITBREAD. would not be inglorious, and when it would certainly be liigldy useful to propose to the enemy some arrana;enient (oi{)eacc. The Noble Lord liad by no means satisfactorily answered the question put to him by the Right Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Canning), respecting Sweden. It was, indeed, surprising, that this country siiould become so easily tlie dupe of every state with which it ha|)pened to be allied. Great expectations were entertained by the Government of this country from Sweden; but he saw nothing in the connection but fresh sacrifices, and fresli disappointments. The rear of the enemy Mas to behaiassed by the Swedish armj^, under that great French captain (as he was called) the Crown Prince of S\\ eden !"' " As to the state of Russia itself, and the result of the present campaign, lie differed altogether from the Noble Lord with respect t(< the resources and population of the Russian empire." " If, however, the efforts of Russia had bceu great (as great, tliey certainly were), how stu- pendous nuist have been the power and flic efforfs of the Empeior of France ; wlio, without being necessitated to carry his arms into Russia, and having" tlie war of Sj)ain already on his liands, began tiiat great undertaking, penetrated to ]Moseo\> , and would, in all probability, have .\i i;. Will IV hi: \i>. :tcC()m;li;^^!^.^l }ii> puipnvc, l)t:l loi the ;i\vl\il act i III/ (..;'>. >f t*; >j',l!!l s(\'i)l;'(! IKU <') ll()[)dl,;l .'!> t!lL N :>!'.(. LiimI ]]:>a\ (.'ilDM^U lo l\'])!\'^Cllt it. \\ if ii 1 '^ai (1 Id {\:V c li' 11 1 s \'. hicii li-ul Ihhii !!;:i'.ic ill till' j iM^t cii;i./;i ot' ti^!^ war, \\c liad to oh^vrvc. tii.,t w . .:, " ar was r::'.ai(a! i-n iii any rn;ni;;\. I'.A-iv \-. ., > ;; )r a (!';a!)t tl'.it tha iiuist \ uoi"i:> (1^(M!^ \\\a v- 1:10 iiK^^t l;\i '\ lo ioad to a-~;Ka(i\ lai aiini! a)ii. 1 Marc \'. ,s t a 's d; ii' rciffa Ik'I '\a (ai an mI; ai-: > < a;al a 'Ka. a ^:\ c ^\ ar tli"!: an Mtni:-:\a w n 'ni..'!!t a.iw a\^ lo l^a , "/a.i ot ^p.i.t- \', i.ai \ :'. .r.'a,. -, -Ii'm:-, I'a..- ; la, v.oc i('-)o!\ial ;) i'c inaiia in ^jaan, tiitaa r:.^i.' ' ; he iiM i!n..r t.) r!,al\aaaa!a la't an aj pla'ai ion, ! unci i a (.a a naiMa t(( t ,.a riaiua ila-^ai;r. U' is now iV'aji iiiui vva, :!u"; 'la- iriaiit--t p' :!);. i:-c had liCt 11 made !'- .\l ., ^\ :-. -^l tna inaans w ilh waiicjl t i:r\ \, va a ail'! a-'; 1 : 1 a a a ' \ : !' a "^i ! ' :e war, hat'av' a in : _: ''> a <:ca:-, )i\ on ta^ laaia's ;it .Mllll^^ca-. ( r i ac (; lail >: li ' \ (a ti'c ua: . haina' ii> i '' '''^' ca;;..! i-nx'. I'li -aiar^-. i'j waa^ tai ti"'M w.-iaa^i;- lo ;a!i;-a .Mira-'a.-^ tlic means maa -.^ a \ lo aoiix > n tia- oopacst m w lii'.ai wa wa:r eni^iaa'-i ''> ; ^aaa, -.-tnl ;^-la; lai(, tr. liiU', i'l ti'C ;(', 'ia. u^oaian ; niaiai' a ai- i;, 11 la! id iiiii I Ian -, aid I iiira'an; d w a ii die .man- ( :,d ;.la,'' :a- . i' ti.a Ui-iit IJMa. ( uailiiaiani c'anoa.a, la' ^aoa 'lit iha Ln'. ;avjn!aa> ^t' tiia' 5 16 Mil. WIIITBREAD. country should not be granted, without sccurity that they should be properly apphed." " Under all these circumstances, he was desirous of imploring his Royal Highness to take into consideration the measure of enquiring whether or not it was at present possible to bring- about a pacification. We now stood in a situa- tion in Spain, glorious beyond example, in so far as related to the sj)lendid achievements of our armies; though with respect to the main point, the expulsion of the French from the Peninsula, we were not so near our object as some people supposed.'* " He knew he should be told, as he had always hitherto been, on making such a proposition, that the interference of Parliament on such a subject,would cramp the powers of the Executive. But when he saw that one Ministry after another took no advantage of any favourable conjuncture otiered them for tlie accomplishment of this object, and that the moment a victory was obtained, instead of considering it as instru- mental in leading to peace, the end of all war, they seemed to be immediately filled with the most frantic and unreasonable hopes, he was i'onvinced that no Ministry would ever volunta- idy enter upon negotiation ; and that the House v.erc tiieielore now called upon to interfere, ilKit an event might at last be brought about of ilK. V.im I^Rh AD. j] 7 >o much importance to this C')iintr\-, aiul to tiir world. Witli ti c>.f imprcsHoiis, and consideriii"-, lastly, tliat in tcndcrncvs for tlic Sjiarward.-. our aihcs. \vc shoiiid allwu' ihcm some time to sctt'c their form ot' (i(ncinnu-nt , he luul no hesitation 111 saving, that, without (kha^inL^ tlie (h_initv ot the coiintr\, we miu:hi take sunie ^li p-, \<, ascertain wiiethcr or not I'Vance wa^ i'>j omhI to h-^ten to pacllic o\ertures.'' Dccembtr i, 1 81 J. In tl^e JJcbali on tlw rci.urt of tlu Addrtas. " I'hey must all recollect that, the 'j)ec\]ies tiom the throne, dunn^ the l.i>t tM-enty NcarN, contained in general, a pa^'t.age e>:j)rLv>;\a- ni" a desire to conclude a [)eace with France, and with all the world, if it could he i)iocurcd on tcrni< conimen^uiatt' uitli the sat'elv and diLinitN- ot the country. Hut noN'v there w a^ a t(jtal silence on that point ; and he wished to prevent tli.tL bare and naked expoeition ol the ^tate ol' the ( (jiintry ; lie wished to prexent tho-^e distresses 'dhich the war had pri)duced and nui-t conliiiue to j)!o(luce, being hlazoncd throiigiiout I.uiope. jlc wished to save the c(juntrv t'lajin bem^- placed m a siUiati'tn sirniiar to th.at \\\ whi' h slie had 518 y^R. WIIITBREAD. been plunged by the repeal of the Orders in Council w lien it was too hite ; and this could be clfectcu only by a timely [);.eilication. No man was more ready tlian himselr' to endure privations for the public good ; no man would feel more repugnance to endeavouiing to pre\'ent the peo- ple fiom niLikiiig any sacrifice Vvhich. tendcci to n])li0ld the honour (^f the co'untry ; inr w lien he saw tlie Governnient placed in hajids which lii; R;g!U Hon. iM'icx-.d (Mr. Punsonh3) was not himself dispot^ed to support, u hen lie saw a Govt inment possessing power hut without con- iidence, when he saw the infatuation which prevailed in tlie countr}', from the prriod of Mr. Pox's motion in i793, for opening a negotiation with France, down to tlie present hour, he thought lie acted coricctly in endeavouring to check the evih lie wislied the Prince Regent to he informed of the true state of the country, before fitsh exaelioui, wcic placed on the peo- ple, that n)easuics might he devised to prevent their necessity ''" *' J3u(;napa!ie Va as at present in a perilous situatir-n, an.l e\ery e::erlion ought to he made, bv taking acv.uitage ol" ir, to procure a peace. But a feelnig se:med to })ervade the minds of certain per^oi.>, Jiat a peace should not be con- cluded witlj tiiat man a feeling which lie \vi;dic;d to eradicate from this countr^. Por in. M l< W li 1 I r,U! A I>. ,) ':*) <'hl!U((l [n 111, , la' j>c:aT witii hilM. I.vl liim, t li'.Tcl' i.'T. I).' sr;it ti> Dpi t:l\ ,iii(l in:iiifu!i\ . 1 !). iatc (>t t lie ill>^;'..i would !iL' -1 cedi! \ kiiow ii, ;iiul llie !->U(' wcuM l)c ;i com lei .' ill ow tlie ne.nd ot' e\eiy (,o: k ol'jK.iee. Siure tliena L:;i"e.ii "\eith.iow ol' tlie iihii" o; i :,:!ua; had tahi n jdaee, >ii -ii a> couid r.ot iMNe !)ten exiu'ctid i\' ^o;i;!r,,)ii nieaii>.'" " lleo\'.a-i ot !'i ea e he . ; , i^ ex- h.ea^ted, I's lu'.er iiad hrouLih; l'";'Aaiid a t^'iee iiMie L;iuantK- th.an an\ w h; :i had h^rn pro- dnci-d b\ thai eoimtrv -inoe t ,v l';.:, h ie\oh'- 520 MR. WHITBREAD. tion. The allies, though once more concentrated on the Rhine, had certainly been compelled to retreat beyond the Elbe, and almost to the Oder. Once more terms of negotiation seemed attain- able ; and it appeared to him ahnost impossible that this countr}' should not offer terms of peace, when the Swedish treaty appeared to frustrate that expectation. Before the vote of credit passed, however, at least as soon as it did pass, he should, in terms as moderate as possible, put on record his opinions as to what ought to be the conduct of England at tliis important pe- riod. The allies, in the present contest he did not believe to have at heart, one more than ano- ther, tile real benefit of mankind, or a sincere desire to establish peace on the Continent." November 4, 1813. In the Debate on the Address. *' I do not rise, Sir, with any view to disturb the unanimity of the vote winch the House will shortly come to; but rather, if tliat were at all necessary, to add my cordial approbation of the address moved by the Noble Lord. There may, hideed, be one or two exceptions to my entire approval of that address, but they are not of suf- ficient weight to induce me to dissent from it m M li. W Ml 1 lUlhAD. 3'Jl my vote. 1 will tVcc'l\ own, I dul not expect, oil an occasion like the pre'^ent, to tiii'i in the speeeh (4 his Ko\ al Hii^liuess the Prince Uc:;ent that inotleration of sentiment, and that iVeedoni Ironi aii\' intoxication of langna<;e, which it di.^pla\ , and so far, therefore, tlic nuinucr ot" it has niv entire a[>prohHtion. Xor w.Il I he lu-- tra\'cd int(j an^ dehatc b\ toucliiiiL:: npon st'.eral topics introduced bv the Noble Lord who moved the addicts, and b\ the honourable and elocjui-nt Member uho seconded it; butattlie srmie timr, it would be unmanlv in me, and unbecoming that deep and rooted conviction which I feel, ii I did not a>.5ert my lirm disbelief of one thini^ in j)avtieular that has been advanced, tliat the delnerancc of Europe, and thesj)lendid acliievc- ment^ recently passed, arc to be ascribed to the jM)licy l)egun by a Minister now no more, and to the foUowiuL;; out of tliat policy by liis .succcss(.)is. CJreat, I admit, that Minii^ter was ; but if the counsels of his j^rcat adxer.sary had been li^tcned to, Europe would never have been pluiii;rd into that disastrous state from uhich she now seems to be emeri;inu;, nor uoukl the dic.idful carnage of the pre^ent campaign have been necessary. So far 1 feel it nece^sarv tosa\-, from the hone-^t conviction of my soul ; and I also l(el it necessary to sav. that the proud exultation of this dav is haded bv no man in 522 MR. WlilTBREAD. th's House, or in tlie country at large, wirli iiioie tnthusiastic feelings tlian by myself. I cannot, however, help adverting a little to tlie JDConsistcncies of tlie nol)le mover of the ad- dress, and the seconder of it. We have been told, tlic'it ]\Iorcan Vived for the liberties of Ku- ropc; if he did so, tlien has Great Britain been fighting against the liberties (;f Ivtirope : if, too, Ecrnadotte, uliosc consunmiatc abilities I wil- lingly acknowledge, and to whom, fov the exer- tion of those abilities in the way they have been exerted, the whole world is indebted, has, on every occasion of his life, fouo-ht for the liber- ties of Europe : then, I again repeat, that Great Britain has been fighting against those liberties. Upon this point, however, I will toucli no fur- ther than to express my entire approlruion of the magnanimity with which the Piince Re- gent's Ministers confided in the co-o])eiation of that personage ; a magnanimity so nobly and so amply rewarded. I give great credit, also, to the present Administration, and to him who was at the head of it, till removed by the foul deed which every one deplored, for the great and steady confidence which they placed in the ta- lents and genius of our noble commander, the Marquis of Wellington ; and 1 can assure the Noble Lord (Lord Compton), I should feel as happ^> a:> he would, were he now among us, to -M u. wii n i; k!:a d. ciiJDv tlic i'liM'^of 111-. Lii-".!!-, apji '> '!c-t.ii', with that cl'iill('llCt.' \\ hu'h. ]U(1'I'M In 1,1111, thr ^plt'iuhd ^llt\^.'-^t^ wiiicl: ii.'.\r ' r^i I !( ('. ' *' I raucc. ill l!u' coui">c ut hrr caici r miuc f':C tc'\'iihiti '11, (hNtuihfd ami <)\ t i ' h.rcu' liu- aiUK i.t iiiuii.ti .1:11^ ujifu tiif iti;.tr\t lit t!;(. ,1 t\r;;iMy and dc>j)()ti-m; but whin th'^c static pa-^fd inuici t hi- ]). iw u of I'laH'c, \\ an w a^ to I d)i a atf tiuan r 'r,.c\- tramd ihi !!'.m.1\ ^'> Mihtati ai to a dc'-~j>t)t l^'al >till nana' odioii^, t.) a t..i";h!om stdl ira'.ic iiis'i] jioi lahic. 1 nc l'.ni|a i own i'->.th > and L;ai;-ant ic anih;: ion ia)nhi havc i a dma-d h.i;.." " Willi ia--j,aual to tlic aid and a-MNtanta- w In h aic to he atloidva! to t!c alhatua- h\ t':;. I'l an: ' r\-, I (hiiik tiicv -'nould ha\-c noothaa liiia.t hat liic po'.vii ;int! ia>ou;aa > I a ! il' c nn', i'. .'-ra : to tiu' ntiiio-t \'.r ( an li'o, with ..''.'. '> > a;nl\a'^, to thiat c\*;nt wanwd 1 \vi--!i to '-i a ^ 'aply a{]Mid,d.'' ' \\ ::h thc'M' views ot' tlic ])i(">iaif [awrnia- of alL.is. I -lad! i^ive n;\ >n[ijMiri to tia- addu'ss nio\(,'d hN'thc Nohli J.oiai: i!;c (a\'sii:,w- Adiiii- ni>ti al 'ill air entitled, 1 think, to e\ (i \ jir a-c ; ami it h\ a w :^]\ it \\ere ]hi>-.d)lr t^a' ire to c uate an\ ehaiiLic in the Ihiiiee ite^(a;l\ Maa^ids^ i xia jit . pi 1 haj)-., ti I Mieiease a hi I ie t laai .stien^t h Ml the (jiic-ition 1 ha\-c jn^l aliiuKd to 'yllic 5i!4 MR. WHIT BREAD. Catholic question), that wish should be un formed." December 20, 1813. On the Question of Adjournment. Though I agree with my honourable and learned friend (Sir James Mackintosh) in all his general principles, and concur completely in his wish to oppose long adjournments, I should con- tradict the opinions which I have declared re- specting his Majesty's Ministers, if I concurred in opposing this motion of adjournment. If any thing had occurred to diminish my confidence in them, I might be justified in my opposition to the present motion, but, instead of any thing having occurred to diminish it, the adoption this night by the Noble Lord (Lord Castlereagh) of the splendid declaration, dated at Frankfort, De- cember 1st, has increased that confidence." ( 520 ) MR. WILBERIORCE. JuJij -1, \^0^. Si,>iljil!tv tiiat it could le nii^takcn ; it u a^ ^o noionous, tiiat fvcrv I'ritoii joined in cIltlul^Ia^tl( piaNi'is ti) the great ruler of events, to 1)!cts uitli its merited .succe>-5 the struggle of a gallant people in hehall'of every thing dear to the clMibtiai), the eitizen, and the man ; and in- deed tlie iiotoiiitv )t^ell iiad heen ^o extensive li.^, perhaps, to super>e(ie the iieee>:5:tv ol" any lor- iiial aiii;uii(i:'.t ioii on ihc ])a!t o\ tiiat Hou^e, upon a hiuhjcet eoiu (, rii.iig \v;.:/ii the po{)ulation ot the cir.iM'e enlei t.wued !jut one sentiment, U'leat and geiieious ;;s ilic >j,!,i:n'Us eau-^e that ilAW !l 1)11 il." ( 526 ) MR. WORTLEY. May 21, 1812. On moving an Address for a strong and efficient Administration. " It was notorious, that an Administration was now upon the eve of being formed, which no disinterested man thought adequate to meet the exigencies of the times an Administration which was so far from b'' ing able to conduct the government of the country in any way con- ducive to the safety and prosperity of the em- pire, and their own honour, that it was to be apprehended their continuance in power would only serve to plunge us deeper in tliose difficul- ties from which they v/erc utterly unable to res- cue us. For himself, he was free to say, that he tliouglit it a more manly part to resist m lim'uie the formation of such a government, than to look idly on while it M'as forming, and after- wards commence a systematic opposition against it. A speedy and determined manifestation of public feelinix, mio-ht lead to the formation of an Acim'uistration entitled to the conlidence of the Mil. \vo;:i I.: ',' Cf)'iiit:\-. III.' u I- s;;i\-, lii.it !" \'.\c rr .! - .1 -r , t !u' jif()| I',- \\ :,(( M\ f\ (,>!'."' '.< Viw . K J I'.t t i:iiutL;!i t!U':; ci '.^r i;ut : '.. .1 ( .i__; ; ii ir.y- i N . > of ('MMii',i!s, |ir>i\ 'P'j,- ti.r a l:c\ n ':!r.i.'iil lu'ttcr <\;'l'i; i,tt( (1 I') i.:trt ;iic cii.an^ ot tl.c j-.t^: r,t .'.A In I ciisi^ ::f f(.!t N:[f isti"',l, t'';il if .slid) ;;ii ..:thc>s Wfic I- . ! 1, ,!, ,: imi-' '.;:. u >i;it(,'ti\' tn the I ; iiicit 1011 Di' a .> ' r ai, i r.r .:!)ir iDiii!^' r\ . I Ii' diil r.dl 1;,' .lii :.) j)!(,i. M' ; . a' 'i'MM- 1\- iht;; | aa-cnt \()!f I(, vc ;; ! the iiaa-^iin'-. (>\ caii tia' jMc -cnt Ad- i!ai;isl 1 al loii. \\ a ir I la n' t;) ron; iiair. lie nicaii*' iia:i'i\' to call \\\" n that IIo;..i' to a(hlia".ss has ]ii'\al 1 1 .'_:,hi:' s. ji.i\:h._; han to :\r:-\ an (t:i- ( .(i.t Aiiiriiiii^t la! a 11 ; t:(';ch\- i ip.pl \ !)i'_j-, tiait; r ta J.' 1 -'ai > I ! '.'. a''(- . . \'< he < ,.' ,c(i to. and to i a* ((Mi! a Hit ii ai t hf adinm; ,.t a)n 01 jjiaa ir ..il'iir--, 'hi i/.' ]' -' -^ ll.c cor.lai: la a ' I ta" r aintr; a S^'t ; . '! ]..-. ( h|: c! ; la' ^:'ah,'l nuw -Mf;,' I I a ' a ! ' a a ', s ( ; 1 \\ i a ( 1 1 lie i : - ' ; i 1 ! a ' j : . ^ a n t na )t a 11. ( I 'f n a ^al mm ' ' t 1 1, ^ k i;ai, ha' li.oii'jht t'.i'.f (.(( \' hfMic^t la. 01 1. laj.t \i.a'l I a' liatc (]a(^';ais !, ii;> (on>(aia'( 'a-i. waa a h' I , ;:t I '. r jii ;-a n t a . a ^, an ( n.i n nl J'. .', ( : nna ii*, j-o-- -.^uil:^ tla ii:ll (aaitidinca' ot' t la' ni'oi.la, \vai^ a' ' .i!)>o!ut J\ nt ( ( -s.a \ : Tla- a!a n.-ai.i!lN la', .iai ih-- 528 31 R. WORTLEY. present government possess that confidence : And the thiid question was, whether all had been done that might be done to form an Admi- nistration eflficient, and possessing the confidence of the country ? On these three questions he ap- pealed with confidence to tlie judgment of the House. As to the first proposition, he thought it would be a waste of time to say a word upon it. To enable us to continue our strup-ole, wc must have a government in which wc could con- fide as a guide. As to the second proposition, it might certainly be thought by some more dispu- table, but in his mind it was ecjually as true and certain as the former. He admitted, and was proud to acknowledge ihe terms of personal friendship upon wliich he was in the habit of communicating with leading persons in the pre- sent government, and the relation in which he stood towards some of tiiem; but that conside- ration, however strong, should not influence his conscientious judgment of their capabilities as part of the present Administration. It would, however, ill become him, so circumstanced, to re- sort to any language that could indicate towards them any thing like an irritable feeling on his part. He felt none ; he thought, however, that they of themselves could not supply the place of that eminent person of whom they liad been so recrntiy de{)rived by an act of unparallelrd out- Hn. r/ORTLY. .-529 ia^c. lie never in t!ic coin>c of his experience III tlial. House, ni'jl with .'i iniwi nime tornKcl to u'viide ii.> proceeding's witJi temper, 'ji^ood >en.se, and a 'oneilia'ory ^pirit, th,.in [\\c hUc ^li. Vt.u ceval ; hnl it' tlie present lioverninent were not ^ ( r y ^^trong, even with the aid (jl"iMr. Peree\;d's L:,rcat i;:!eius, they uerc ceituinly ^vor^c than v/c.-ik v/ithoi'L th'-iii.'' ; 111 ( 530 ) MR. YORKE. January 22, 1808. In ike Debate on the Report of the Addre^c;, " PIe declared it as liis firm opinion, that there was no probabiHty of obtaining from the pre- sent government of France any terms of peace compatible with the honour and security of the country." January 2d ^ 1810. /n the Dehate on the Report of the Addresii. " The country was said to be in great dan- ger. He thought it was, and that the dan- ger Avas much nearer home than was generally imagined; it was in our intestine divisions, and that j)arty animosity that made us hate one another more than the common enemy, and in the exar>'(ierated manner in which t\ery thimr was staled against tlie Ibrtuncs of the country, and in la\uur of tliose of our enemies, indus- triously circulated a:, such exaggerations liad been by those who were enemies to our consti- tution, both in church and state.' Gidi^c SidncN. I'linlcr, K':'itliu!ubciiiuid-hU(.(-'t. Stiandc ^:'ri:( ur^ r \'.\\:\.\ www. , : i;,. v\ Ml 1 \\! \^ ]\\)\\ \\i ; , \,i,; 'i ;. ; .1 \Mr^ I ( )\. I . I .' Ill ;',; \i: \ : ! \ i ) \ < li^M. W M.I.! \\' Mil '^. tir >,', ,-11(1 i:.!i .ii (.1. n\i;' . ; !; : '.-.I !. f Mi'Mi ii, > .1 .i r i.'ri; iV, \i>Mi\i^>'i'i; \ i "' \ ^ii' !:< >; I :^r \. \i.i'( o.i:. i , . , , .'. > , :i i:, w I: .M ( MX! . \: \, I', i;. -. !". \. ^>, \', ^ !' w :;.. :nM i: : , , , ' r :' , |.:i. I .. 1 J-. 'i.i i: . /. Mi \h 'ii;^ ..1 :m, KI\( ^ . ^! . !i li - i l',t )> i; r,( )\. ,1, II, , , ':'' I ' . , I 1 1 1 ' I ! \ UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. i'oni; 1.9 15;/t-10,'48 (BlO.'J'.J ) 4 14 !^I\i- MiA, \ &.Q. ii'i till