did not carry on war by the destruction of non-military buildings; but that the demolition of the American capital was merely an act of retaliation for what had been done at York. With respect to the observations he had made on the existence of an army of 40,000 men on the continent in the time of peace, without any regular communication being made to parliament of the fact, the answer of the noble earl was not satisfactory. He had said that the peculiar circumstances were to justify it, and that it was not likely to be made a precedent. But it was this that made him desirous that a distinct declaration should be made to parliament; for it was thus that all vicious precedents were established. A proceeding that took place on the ground of peculiar and pressing circumstances was suffered to pass; and by-and-bye it was referred to as a precedent when the circumstances which formed its justification were forgotten. He therefore thought it was the bounden duty of parliament to suffer no such important departure from the regular course of parliamentary practice. The motion was then put, and carried in the affirmative, but with several dissentient voices; and the Address was after wards voted. LORD WALSINGHAM.] The Earl of Liverpool said, he had to mention, with regret, that the state of lord Walsingham's health would no longer permit him to fill the office of chairman of committees, which he had long held with so much credit to himself, and advantage to the business of that House. He now gave notice, that on Thursday, he should move an address to the Prince, praying, that he would be pleased to confer some mark of his royal favour on lord Walsingham. Lord Grenville fearing he should not be able to attend on Thursday, wished to take that opportunity of saying, that lord Walsingham bad conducted the business before the committees with a degree of ability, assiduity, and impartiality, that had never been surpassed. The Lord Chancellor also observed, that having had the honour to sit in that House for the last twelve years, he could not feel satisfied without bearing his testimony that there was hardly an individual to whom the country was more indebted than to his lordship. His unremitting labours and impartiality had given a character to the legislative proceedings of the House, in regard to private property, which it never had enjoyed before. HOUSE OF COMMONS. THE PRINCE REGENT'S SPEECH ON OPEN. ING THE SESSION.] This being the day appointed for the assembling of parliament, the Speaker took the chair a little before two, when the Black Rod appeared and summoned the House into the House of Lords. Upon their return, the Speaker repaired to his private apartments, and the House did not resume till a quarter to four, when several new members, among whom we noticed the right hon. Wellesley Pole, took the oaths and their seats. The usual annual Bill, relating to Clandestine Outlawries, was then read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time tomorrow, after which the Speaker proceeded to read the Speech as delivered by his royal highness the Prince Regent. When it was concluded, Lord Bridport said, that on rising to move an Address to the Prince Regent, on the occasion of his most gracious Speech, he had to regret that the undertaking had not fallen upon a person more capable of doing justice to so important a subject; at the same time, he should make his observations with a full reliance on the known liberality and indulgence of the House. He should proceed to take notice of the different topics contained in the Speech of his Royal Highness, and he trusted the House would listen to him with attention. With respect to one part of the Speech, he was convinced that every member in the House would regret as deeply as he did, to learn that his Majesty's lamented illness still continued; and that, after the lapse of another year, there should be such little prospect of his recovery. He should not occupy the time of the House, by taking a retrospect of the great political affairs which had occurred since the commencement of the last session, except so far as to contrast the present situation of the country with that in which it stood twelve months ago. Events had occurred since that time which were greater than the most sanguine imagination could have anticipated. Certainly, at that time affairs had begun to assume a brighter aspect; but no doubt could be entertained that, had England stood alone and unsupported in the contest, she could not have subdued the gigantic power of France. But, on the other hand, it was of Washington, it was in retaliation for equally certain, that without her pecuniary the atrocities committed and repeated by aid and her judicious counsels, the allies by them in Upper Canada. He had also could not have succeeded in their grand to congratulate the House on the sucand magnanimous career. Our successes cesses of his Majesty's arms in the more had been attributed to the insatiable am- northern parts of the United States, where bition of Buonaparté; but the praise for they had gained an extent of territory to the conduct of the war which had so the east of the Penobscot; an acquisition happily terminated, was most justly due which could not fail to be of considerable to the Prince Regent and the Allied Sove- importance. He could not help viewing reigns. Our cabinet council of that time it in the most favourable light, as one were most truly conspicuous for their more proof to the Americans of the hopetemper, their firmness, and decision; and lessness, on their part, of a continuance of the House must see, with the highest the contest. But while we had ground to satisfaction, that to such temper, such rejoice at the victories of our arms on firmness, and such decision, were they in- every part of the American shores, our debted for the present situation of the triumph was damped by having to lament country. If we took a view of our actual the fall of an officer of the highest talents condition at home, we found ourselves at and the brighest promise. In the death peace with all the world, with the excep- of this gallant commander our country tion of America. Who could have anti-had sustained no common loss. cipated, at this time last year, such glorious successes, such unparalleled events? They were, indeed, beyond all human expectancy and calculation. The next topic in the Speech to which he should allude, was the present war with America. He could not but lament, as the whole country must lament the continuance of hostilities with the people of the United States; but it was highly consoling to know that the Prince Regent had assured the House, that nothing should be left unattempted which might bring this contest to a speedy termination. It was America who stood as the unprincipled aggressor in this contest; but we might reflect with pride that our successes hitherto had been unvaried. He could not bat congratulate the House on these successes; for they proved that our navy and army, when united, were capable of performing prodigies of valour. Yet when had they been so united-when had they found scope for their bravery and enterprize-without performing such prodigies? Their achievements in America were worthy of the great character. The Americans had now to lament the destruction of their flotilla in the Patuxent; and the defeat of their army, which allowed a mere detachment of British troops to take the capital of their States. Yet those brave troops had been basely calumniated by Madison and his adherents, who had charged them with the plundering of private property. But never was a charge more groundless. Undoubtedly the stores and ammunition were destroyed; and if we did also destroy the public buildings He felt that no eulogy could do justice to his distinguished merits. He could say much more on this affecting topic: but he was aware that whatever he might add, could but ill describe the sensations of himself, the House, or the country. After enumerating all the signal achievements, all the glorious deeds of his Majesty's arms, in the contest with America, it was not without regret that he must notice our late reported disaster on Lake Champlain. Much had been said on the misunderstanding which had prevailed in that quarter; and he could only wish that cause might not have existed to merit such animadversions. But although we had sustained some loss in this scite of our operations, might we not recover it? Yes, from the known bravery of the troops which would be ready to take part in the next campaign, there was no doubt in his own, or, he should think, in any mind, that we should gain the most signal advantages. A great portion of our forces were, it was well known, dispatched as soon as possible from Spain; yet they did not, from unavoidable causes, arrive in time to give that preponderance to our efforts which their earlier arrival would not have failed to produce. His Royal Highness had informed the House that the opening of the Congress at Vienna had been unavoidably retarded. The day which had been fixed for the meeting was indeed now past; but even the delay might be productive of ultimate benefit to Europe, not only from the united deliberations of the members of that body, but from the known abilities and tried talents of the noble lord who, on the part of this country, took his share in the discussions; might we not have the best grounded hopes that the glorious peace would be so consolidated as to give a lasting state of tranquillity to all Europe? His Royal Highness had directed the estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before the House. At the same time that we were called upon to make the most vigorous exertions in the prosecution of the contest with America, we had the important satisfaction of learning that the revenue and commerce of the country were in the most flourishing condition, and in a state of evident improvement: and when it was considered that a long protracted war in Europe, in which this nation bore so distinguished a part, had but lately been brought to a glorious issue, and that hostilities with America still continued, there could not be a man in the House or the country but must feel the highest satisfaction on learning that the revenue, in one branch of the taxes alone, had increased within the year, 2,600,000l. Was not this, indeed, a subject for exultation? On adverting to the conclusion of his Royal Highness's Speech he could not but observe, that the war which had just been terminated had this peculiar character, that it had affected the interests of all the countries engaged in it. But this had ever been the natural consequence of all wars, and it must therefore be expected that the state and claims of those countries would require the utmost attention. This it was certain they would receive, under the combined wisdom and unanimity of the Congress; and he trusted that meanwhile the House would be convinced of the necessity of adopting those measures which would be most conducive to the public welfare. His lordship then added, that he was aware that he had failed in doing justice to the important task which he had undertaken: he was aware that he had not merited that great attention with which he had been heard; but, deeply impressed with the partiality of the House, he would conclude with moving, "That an humble Address be presented to his royal highness the Prince Regent, to thank his Royal Highness for his most gracious Speech: "To express our lively participation in the deep regret of his Royal Highness at the continuance of his Majesty's lamented indisposition. "To assure his Royal Highness, that, while we lament that his Royal Highness is not hitherto enabled to announce the termination of the war between this country and the United States of America, and although we are satisfied that this war originated in the most unprovoked aggression on the part of the government of the United States, and was calculated to promote the designs of the common enemy of Europe against the rights and independence of all other nations, we gratefully receive the assurance of the sincere desire which his Royal Highness has never ceased to entertain to bring it to a conclusion on just and honourable terms: "To thank his Royal Highness for the information that he is still engaged in negociations for this purpose, the success of which, we are sensible, must depend on his Royal Highness's disposition being met with corresponding sentiments on the part of the enemy: "To congratulate his Royal Highness on the brilliant and successful results which have attended the operations of his Majesty's forces by sea and land in the Chesapeake : "That we have learned, with the most lively satisfaction, the destruction of the enemy's flotilla in the Patuxent, and the signal defeat of their land forces, by which a detachment of his Majesty's army was enabled to take possession of the city of Washington; and that the spirit of enterprize which has characterized all the movements in that quarter, has produced on the inhabitants a deep and sensible impression of the calamities of a war in which they have been so wantonly involved: "That we cordially participate in the pleasure expressed by his Royal Highness at the equally satisfactory termination of the expedition directed from Halifax to the northern coast of the United States, the successful course of which has been followed by the immediate submission to his Majesty's arms of the extensive and important district east of the Penobscot river: "To assure his Royal Highness that we cannot advert to these events without rendering full justice to the valour and discipline which have distinguished his Majesty's land and sea forces; and that we join with his Royal Highness in regretting the severe loss which the country has sustained in the fall of the gallant commander of his Majesty's troops in the advance upon Baltimore: "To express our satisfaction in learning | cordial co-operation and assistance of his that his Royal Highness availed himself Royal Highness, in every measure which of the earliest opportunity afforded by the is calculated to contribute to the prostate of affairs in Europe, to detach a con- sperity and welfare of his Majesty's domisiderable military force to the river St. nions." Lawrence; and that, notwithstanding the Mr. Graham rose, and addressed the reverse which appears to have occurred on House, in a maiden speech, to the followLake Champlain, his Royal Highness stilling purport:-Sir; in offering myself to feels a confident expectation, as well from the amount as from the description of the British force now serving in Canada, that the ascendancy of his Majesty's arms throughout that part of North America will be effectually established: "To return our thanks to his Royal Highness, for informing us that the opening of the Congress at Vienna has been unavoidably retarded; and to express our firm reliance on the earnest endeavours of his Royal Highness in the negociations which are now in progress, to promote such arrangements as may appear to be calculated to consolidate that peace which, in conjunction with his Majesty's allies, his Royal Highness has had the happiness of concluding; and to re-establish that just equilibrium amongst the different powers, which will afford the best prospect of permanent tranquillity to Europe: "To return our humble thanks to his Royal Highness, for having directed the estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before this House: "To congratulate his Royal Highness, on the flourishing condition of the revenue and commerce of the united kingdom: your notice, for the purpose of seconding the motion for an Address to his Royal Highness, I feel it as a satisfaction that the several topics contained in it have already been fully laid before the House by the noble lord who has preceded me; for although, on that very account, it may be the more difficult (particularly for one totally unpractised in public speaking like myself, and feeling, as I do, a considerable degree of embarrassment) to offer any observations that may prove worthy of your attention, yet I shall receive this important benefit, that the House being fairly in possession of the subject, whatever imperfection may attach to my remarks, they will at least have the advantage of being understood. In alluding to the first topic of his Royal Highness's Speech, I am sure there is no person in this House whose feelings did not beat in unison with those of the noble lord, when he expressed sentiments of regret at the continuation of his Majesty's illness; but, Sir, we have at least the consolation of reflecting, that, if it were permitted him by Providence to behold what was now going on, those measures which he had always pursued, to oppose the encroaching power of France, and to restore the ba "To assure his Royal Highness, that, while we regret the necessity of a large expenditure, we are sensible that the cir-lance of Europe, had been pursued by his cumstances under which the long and arduous contest in Europe had been carried ou and concluded, have unavoidably led to arrears, for which this House cannot but see the necessity of providing, as well as for the continuance of those exertions which the war still subsisting with America renders indispensable: "That we are aware that the peculiar character of the late war, as well as the extraordinary length of its duration, must have materially affected both the internal situation of all the countries engaged in it, and the commercial regulations which formerly subsisted between them: "That, under these circumstances, we shall not fail to proceed with due caution in the adoption of such regulations as may be necessary for the purpose of extending our trade and securing our advantages; relying, with perfect confidence, on the (VOL. XXIX.) successor, and had finally brought about those objects which he had always held nearest his heart. These measures have produced peace in Europe, honourable to ourselves and the world-a peace which has rescued whole nations from the grasp of oppression, and restored them to security and independence. But, Sir, though we have restored peace in Europe, the flame of war still rages in America-a war into which the desperate ambition of the American government has unfortunately hurried us. In vain, Sir, were all our efforts to avoid this alternative -vain was our forbearance for several years, to all the aggressions of that country. But, Sir, I hope that the negociations at Ghent may be able to bring that government back to a just way of thinking, and that the spirit of conciliation which we have uniformly set an example of, (D) will be imitated by them. But if these negociations should fail, which I hope to God they will not; but if they should unhappily fail, we shall then return to the contest with the pleasing conviction of having used our efforts to avert the calamities of war, and put a stop to the outrages on humanity. And, Sir, in confirmation of our spirit of conciliation, I appeal to the whole of our correspondence with America, I appeal to the unanswerable declaration of his Royal Highness at the commencement of the war; nay, Sir, I appeal to the violent proclamations of the president, and to the time at which he chose to declare war against us. When the late ruler of France, actuated by the most inveterate hatred against this country, was meditating a deadly blow at our maritime superiority, by the invasion of Russia; when surrounding nations stood astonished and dismayed at the immensity of his preparations, and already beheld in idea the subjugation of that vast empire; nay, Sir, when many persons, even in this country, thought her resistance was impossible; then was the time that the government of America, like the assassin who steps forth only in the darkness of the night, insisted upon claims and pretensions, which, at any other time, she dared not even to have whispered; expecting that this country, encumbered by the weight of the continental war, and almost struggling for her existence, must necessarily consent to all her conditions. But, thank God, Sir, the firmness of his Royal Highness's ministers delivered us from that necessity: they would not desert those principles which had raised this country to such a pre-eminence: to those principles they adhered, and by means of those principles they had the satisfaction, not only of having saved their own country, but of having restored liberty to Europe. But what, Sir, could have been the object of the American government at that time? By what spirit could it have been actuated? For the position of America, remote from the seat of contest, unmixed with continental politics, would have enabled her to have profited by those peaceful arts which would soon have raised her to high rank and consequence among the nations of the world. But the crooked policy of her government, instigated by the superior cunning of Buonaparté, un generously taking advantage of the difficulties of Great Britain, endeavoured to wrest Louisiana from her allies, with the further hope of adding Canada to a territory already, perhaps, too extensive, made her desert those principles which her interests, and almost her very existence demanded. But, Sir, the mere envy of our maritime superiority caused her to desert the only principles which could have insured prosperity to her states. And is it possible that the American government could be so regardless of the interests of its country-so blind to her future prospects-as to wish to break down the only barrier which protected her from the power of France? But the president of the United States hoped to build his greatness on the ruin of Great Britain. He expected to succeed to her superiority-a superiority which has been only exercised for the defence of the liberties of mankind; but he might have seen that the ruin of this country would only have been the immediate precursor of his own, so immediate, that he would not have had the time to indulge in those vain dreams of conquest which seem so much to have dazzled his imagination. From these dreams he did not awake, till our successes in the Chesapeake, and the victory at Bladensburgh, roused him to a dreadful reality; he awoke but to behold the ruin into which his fatal measures had precipitated his country, and see his capital abandoned to the mercy of the conqueror. And I cannot conceive any thing more dreadful than the feelings of that man, when he beheld the triumphs of that country which he had been endeavouring to degrade; when he beheld his boasted battalions, which were to have covered him with glory, flying before inferior numbers, and leaving the boasted seat of his empire to all the horrors of devastation. But, Sir, though he who ought to have protected and defended his capital, had deserted it in the hour of danger, yet the conqueror, indulging those feelings which are ever inseparable from true valour, checked the fury of his troops, though still eager for the battle, and glorying in the heat of victory; thus affording a memorable example of British discipline and British humanity. For this victory was not sullied by any of those ordinary, snd sometimes almost unavoidable excesses attendant upon war; but it was distinguished by a spirit of forbearance and humanity, so conspicuous as to draw forth the applause of the enemy himself. I allude to the dispatch of commodore Tingey; and I have the greater satisfaction |