Sayfadaki görseller
PDF
ePub

4261.; Lord Valentia's Travels 5771.; Costumes of the World 5321.; Hodges's Views in India 462l.; Salt's Views 300l. 68.; the new editions of Dugdale's Monasticon will be 1,430 guineas; the new editions of Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses 770 guineas, Daniel's Voyage to India 1321., taken from an infinite number of works of great expence lately published and now publishing, of the best copies of which, such as required by the statute and the determination, frequently only fifty copies, and in some instances even a less number, are printed, prove to the House that the petitioners are not complaining upon frivolous grounds; and praying, that leave may be given to bring in a Bill for granting relief to the petitioners." Ordered to lie upon the table.

TELLERS OF THE Exchequer-LETTERS FROM THE MARQUISSES OF BUCKINGHAM AND

CAMDEN.] Mr. Wharton'presented the following Letters of the marquisses Buckingham and Camden, addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer; relative to giving up a proportion of their net Incomes as Tellers of the Exchequer : as well as all Proceedings of the Treasury thereupon.

No. 1.-The Marquisses BUCKINGHAM and CAMDEN, to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

No. 2.-TREASURY MINUTE, 24th No९ vember 1812.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer lays before the Board, a letter addressed to him by the marquisses of Buckingham and Camden, dated 21st inst. in which they state," that under the impressions which they entertain of the encreased sacrifices to which the country will in all probability be called by the pressure upon its resources in a moment of unexampled expence and difficulty, they are anxious to express, through him, their desire and intention of contributing their voluntary aid to the expences of the war; they therefore request him, as the regular official channel of communication from the Exchequer to this Board, to signify to us their intention of paying, in aid of the general services of the year, and in quarterly payments, onethird of the net profits arising from the salary and fees of their respective tellerships of the Exchequer; and that they propose and intend to continue this voluntary contribution for and during the present war; and to commence it from and after the present quarter ending the 5th January next."

My lords read the 218th section of the Act of the 43d of the King, cap. 122, directing the mode and receipt and appli cation of the voluntary contributions for the purpose of carrying on the war.

buting one-third of the net profits of the salary and fees of their respective tellerships of the Exchequer, in aid of the geing to them respectively copies of the neral services of the year: and transmit218th section of the said Act; and requesting their lordships will be pleased to give directions that the said voluntary contributions may be paid into the Bank, from time to time, conformably to the provisions of the said Act.

Exchequer, Nov. 21, 1812. Sir; under the impression which we letters be written to the marquis of BuckMy lords are pleased to direct, that entertain of the encreased sacrifices, to ingham and marquis Camden respectively, which the country will in all probability expressing to them the high sense which be called by the pressure upon its re- their lordships entertain of their public sources, in a moment of unexampled ex-spirited and patriotic intention of contripence and difficulty; we are anxious to express, through you, our desire and intention of contributing our voluntary aid to the expences of the war: we therefore request you, as the regular official channel of communication from the Exchequer to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, to signify to them, our intention of paying in aid of the general services of the year, and in quarterly payments, one-third of the net profits arising from the salary and fees of our respective tellerships of the Exchequer. We propose, and intend, to continue this voluntary contribution for and during the present war; and to commence it from and after the present quarter ending on the 5th of January next. We have the honour to be, &c. (Signed)

NUGENT BUCKINGHAM,
CAMDEN.

No. 3.-GEO. HARRISON, Esq. to the
Marquisses BUCKINGHAM and CAM-

DEN.

Treasury Chambers, Nov. 30, 1812. My lords; the Chancellor of the Exchequer having laid before the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, your lordship's letter of 21st inst. stating, "that

No. 4.-The Marquisses BUCKINGHAM and CAMDEN to GEORGE HARRISON,

Esq.

under the impressions which your lord- | tificates for the same, acknowledging the ships entertain of the encreased sacrifices payment of such voluntary contribution; to which the country will, in all probabi- which sums to be paid as aforesaid, for lity, be called by the pressure upon its re- which such certificates shall be required, sources, in a moment of unexampled ex- shall be deemed and taken to be volunpence and difficulty, your lordships are tary contributions of such persons, body anxious to express, through him, your de- politic or corporate respectively, towards sires and intention of contributing your effecting the purposes of this Act, and voluntary aid to the expences of the war, shall be applied as the other monies paid and therefore requesting him, as the re-into the Bank of England by virtue of this gular official channel of communication Act may be applied." from the Exchequer to this Board, to signify to this Board your lordships intention of paying, in aid of the general services of the year, and in quarterly payments, one third of the net profits arising from the salary and fees of your respective tellerships of the Exchequer, and that your lordships propose and intend to continue this voluntary contribution for and during the present war, and to commence it from and after the present quarter ending 5th of January next;" I have it in command, from my lords, to express to your lordships, the high sense which they entertain of your public spirited and patriotic intention, of contributing one third of the net profits of the salary and fees of your respective tellerships of the Exchequer, in aid of the general services of the year; and I am commanded by my lords, to transmit herewith, a copy of the 218th section of the Act of the 43d of the King, cap. 122, directing the mode of receipt and application of voluntary contributions for the purpose of carrying on the war; and to request your lordships will be pleased to give directions, that your said voluntary contributions may be paid into the Bank of England from time to time, conformably to the provisions of the said Act. I am, my lords, &c.

GEO. HARRISON. (Enclosure.)

"And whereas his Majesty's subjects, residing out of Great Britain, and others, may be desirous of voluntarily contributing towards the purposes of this Act; be it further enacted, that it shall be lawful for any person or persons, body corporate or politic, and at any time or times during the continuance of this Act, to pay or cause to be paid to the said governor or company, or to their cashier or cashiers, or other person or persons to be authorised by them, any sum or sums of money, as and for a voluntary contribution, for the purpose of carrying on the war; and in such case, to require a certificate or cer

Exchequer, Dec. 3d, 1812. the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, Sir; in consequence of the desire of signified to us in your letter of November 30th, we have this day given the necessary directions that the voluntary contribution of one-third of the net profits of our respective tellerships of the Exchequer, shall be paid by quarterly payments, from time after the present quarter ending on the 5th to time as they shall accrue, from and of January 1813, to the governor and company of the Bank of England or their cashier, in the manner directed by the 43d of the King, cap. 122.: which we request you to communicate to their lordships. We have the honour to be, &c.

NUGENT BUCKINGHAM,
Camden.

No. 5.-The Marquisses BUCKINGHAM
and CAMDEN to the CHANCELLOR
of the EXCHEQUER.

Exchequer, December 11, 1812.
Sir; as it is understood, from the dis-
cussions that have taken place in the
House of Commons, on the subject of the
public revenues, that the expences of the
ensuing year will probably exceed those
of the present, we think it right, in expla
nation of the letter which we had the ho-
nour of addressing to you on the 21st No-
vember last, to state to you, for the infor-
mation of the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury, that if in any year during the
present war, the net profits of the several
fees and salaries received in our offices in
the Exchequer should exceed those of the
current year, it is our intention, in every
such year, to pay as our voluntary contri-
bution to the public, in addition to the
one-third of our profits as stated in that
letter, the whole of such excess beyond
the net receipts of the present year.
have the honour to be, &c.

NUGENT BUCKINGHAM.
CAMDEN.

We

No. 6.-TREASURY MINUTE of 11th De-form my lords, that if in any year during to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to in

cember, 1812.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer lays before the Board, a letter, of this day's date, which he has received from the marquisses of Buckingham and Camden, as follows:

"Sir; as it is understood, from the discussions that have taken place in the House of Commons, on the subject of the public revenue, that the expences of the ensuing year will probably exceed those of the present, we think it right, in explanation of the letter which we had the honour of addressing to you on the 20th of November last, to state, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, that if in any year during the present war, the net profits of the several fees and salaries received in our offices in the Exchequer, should exceed those of the current year, it is our intention, in every such year, to pay, as our voluntary contribution to the public, in addition to the one-third of our profits, as stated in that letter, the whole of such excess beyond the net receipts of the present year."

My lords read their Minute of the 24th November last, and the letter written to the marquisses of Buckingham and Camden in pursuance thereof.

My lords are pleased to direct, that letters be written to the marquisses Buckingham and Camden, respectively, acknowledging the receipt of this communication, and of their intention still further to extend their public spirited and patriotic contribution to the expences of the war, and requesting that they will be pleased to pursue the same course with regard to this excess, as with respect to the original contribution.

the present war the net profits of the several fees and salaries received in your lordships' offices in the Exchequer, should exceed those of the current year, it is your lordships' intention in every such year to pay, as your voluntary contributions to the public, in addition to the onethird of your profits, as stated in the said letter of the 21st ult, the whole of such excess beyond the net receipts of the present year;" I have it in command from my lords, to acknowledge the receipt of your lordships said letter, communicating your intention still further to extend your public spirited and patriotic contribution to the expences of the war, and to request that your lordships will be pleased to pursue the same course with regard to this excess as with respect to the original contribution. I am, my lords, &c.

GEO. HARRISON.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

Thursday, December 17.

The Bishop of Chester presented a Petition from the clergy and certain inhabitants of Manchester and Salford, against the Catholic Claims. His lordship stated, that the Petition was signed, in addition to the clergy, by 1,000 respectable inhabitants and several dissenting ministers.The Duke of Montrose presented a Petition from the corporation and inhabitants of Grantham, also against the Catholic Claims.-Ordered to lie on the table.

INVASION OF RUSSIA.] The Earl of Liverpool presented a Message from the Prince Regent, expressing his royal highness's desire to render aid to the people of Russia, suffering in consequence of the invasion of France, and recommending to No. 7.-GEORGE HARRISON, esq. to the the House to concur in that object. [See Marquisses BUCKINGHAM and CAM-proceedings of the Commons].

DEN.

Treasury Chambers, Dec. 15, 1812. My lords; the Chancellor of the Exchequer having laid before the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, your lordships' letter of the 11th instant, stating, "that as it is understood, from the discussions which have taken place in the House of Commons, on the subject of the public revenue, that the expences of the ensuing year will probably exceed those of the present year, your lordships think it right, in explanation to your letter

His Royal Highness's Message was ordered to be taken into consideration to

morrow.

INFORMATIONS EX-OFFICIO.] Lord Holland gave notice of his intention, at an early period after the holidays, to present a Bill relative to Ex-Officio Informations. The noble lord stated, that he should not have again pressed this subject had his former Bill been under the consideration of a large portion of the House; but the fact was, it was brought forward at a late

period of the session, when the attendance was thin, and therefore he proposed to renew the measure at an early opportunity after the recess.

HOUSE OF COMMONS,

Thursday, December 17.

PRINCE REGENT'S MESSAGE RESPECTING THE INVASION OF RUSSIA.] The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the following Message from his royal highness the Prince Regent:

"George P. R.

"The Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, having taken into his serious consideration the accounts which he has received of the severe distresses to which the inhabitants of a part of the empire of Russia have been exposed, in their persons and property, in consequence of the unprovoked and atrocious invasion of that country by the ruler of France, and of the exemplary and extraordinary magnanimity and fortitude with which they have submitted to the greatest privations and sufferings in the defence of their country, and the ardent loyalty and unconquerable spirit they have displayed in its cause, whereby results have been produced of the utmost importance to the interests of this kingdom and to the general cause of Europe, recommends to the House of Commons to enable his Royal Highness, in aid of the contributions which have been commenced within the Russian empire, for this purpose, to afford to the suffering subjects of his Majesty's good and great ally the emperor of Russia, such speedy and effectual relief as may be suitable to this most interesting occasion. G. P. R."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Message was read, proposed that it should be referred to the Committee of Supply.

Mr. Whitbread said, that we ought to begin by relieving our own starving manufacturers, as he saw no reason why, in this instance, charity should not begin at home. Sir F. Burdett said, that this Message was not only extraordinary, but insulting to the people of this country.

Mr. Stephen differed much from the hon. baronet, and thought the grant recommended in the Message advisable in the highest degree.

matter of complete novelty. Though some of his friends might have done so, he confessed that he had not, as yet, formed his opinion on the subject, but said, that he should do so before to-morrow.

Earl Temple said, though he had not as yet decided, that, at present, the strong inclination of his mind was to support the grant.

Mr. Lockart spoke in support of the grant, and was hostile to the remarks of the hon. baronet.

The Message was then ordered to be referred to the Committee of Supply tomorrow.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

Friday, December 18.

SLAVE

EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. TRADE.] Lord Holland expressed a wish to put questions to the noble earl opposite upon two subjects to which he had adverted in a former session. With respect to the African Slave Trade, six years had now elapsed since the two Houses of Parliament had united in a wish that applications should be made to foreign powers to procure the abolition of that inhuman traffic. He lamented, however, to observe, that the trade still continued to be carried on under the flags of our allies, Spain and Portugal, but he feared with a large proportion of British capital. He was anxious to know what steps had been taken, making use of the influence which we must naturally have in the councils of those allies, to procure the abolition of this disgraceful traffic, and whether, after the lapse of so long a period, any negociation upon this point had at last been nearly brought to a termination? He did not mean to impute neglect to his Majesty's ministers, but it could not escape notice, that the majority of the Prince Regent's council was now composed of those who were hostile to the abolition of this trade. With respect to an Exchange of Prisoners, he was also anxious to know whether any steps had been taken subsequent to the last negociation, with a view to the attainment of this object; and whether if it was found not attainable consistently with the honour and interests of the country, it was not intended by ministers to institute an investigation into the causes which had prevented the attainment of this object, so essential to the in

Mr. Ponsonby said, that the Message,terests of humanity? whatever might be its propriety, appeared to him, or rather came upon him, as a

The Earl of Liverpool stated, with regard to an exchange of prisoners, that

every effort had been made by the Prince Regent's government, consistently with the honour and interests of the country, to effect an object, which, in every point of view, was so highly desirable, but unfortunately in vain, That no proposition had lately been made by the enemy was to be accounted for by the events which had occurred during the last six months. As to the Slave Trade, however hostile he had been to the abolition of it, nevertheless when that abolition had become the law of the land, he became as anxious as any one, that foreign powers should also abolish the traffic. He assured their lordships that this object had not been lost sight of by any of the governments in power since the act of the legislature. There had been, however, great difficulties to encounter in the progress of the negociation, but with one of the powers alluded to, the negociation was in a train to lead him to hope that it would speedily be brought to a successful termination. With the other power greater difficulties had occurred, from the unsettled state of its government; but the object had not been lost sight of, nor would any effort be wanting on the part of ministers, to bring the negociation to a successful termination.

PRINCE REGENT'S MESSAGE RERPECTING THE INVASION OF RUSSIA.] On the order of the day for taking into consideration the Prince Regent's Message respecting the Invasion of Russia,

The Earl of Liverpool said, that in rising to move an Address in answer to his Royal Highness's most gracious Message, he should perhaps have thought it only necessary to move the Address, leaving to that feeling which he was satisfied actuated the great majority of that House and the country, to express a concurrence in an object, which embodied so many sentiments congenial with, and characteristic of genuine British feeling. Understanding, however, that elsewhere some sentiment had been expressed hostile to the purpose of the Message, he felt it necessary to draw the attention of the House to the circumstances which gave rise to it. A greater exertion had been made by the ruler of France against Russia, than he had put forth against any other power. He had entered Russia with a force of not less than 360,000 men, including 60,000 cavalry, and this at a time when, from various circumstances, not now to be entered

into, one of which, however, was the delay which arose in making peace with the Turks, which detained a large portion of the Russian force in a remote part of the empire, the Russian army was numerically inferior to the invading army of France. Under these circumstances, the advice was followed which had been given from various quarters, but particularly by the gallant commander of our armies in the peninsula, to act upon a defensive system. In conformity with this system, the Russian troops retreated, but in a manner that gave birth to the most sanguine hope of the events which ultimately followed. During the course of the retreat not a corps was cut off, nor a detachment made prisoners, except in partial conflicts. At length the opportunity arrived for offensive operations, and the events that followed were already before the public. To give effect to this offensive system, the greatest sacrifices had been made. There was no example in modern warfare of so great and magnanimous a sacrifice as that of the burning of Moscow. Look at a population of 200,000 persons, voluntarily quitting their homes, and sacrificing their houses and their property, in order that Moscow might not afford quarters and become a place of arms for the enemy. It was not merely, however, at Moscow, that these sacrifices were made, but hundreds of villages were destroyed, upon the approach of the enemy, by the inhabitants, who, after making this sacrifice, in numerous instances, retired into the adjoining woods, and returned with whatever arms they could procure to encounter the invaders of their country. In every other instance of an invasion by the French arms, except in the peninsula, the people had stood for nothing; in Russia they had stood for every thing-actuated by an universal spirit of patriotism, they had voluntarily made the greatest sacrifices, they had offered up every selfish consideration, every sentiment of mere personal enjoyment, every private object, at the shrine of their country. In these sacrifices, and in such a contest, it was evident, that much individual misery must have been endured. To contribute in some degree to the alleviation of that misery the generosity of Britons was called upon-a generosity which was characteristic of British feeling in all its warmest impulses, where no other consideration intervened. But here, to the feelings of generosity, every consideration of interest was added. Why did

« ÖncekiDevam »