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lation; on the ground, that the matter was one solely for the decision of a court of law, and not for that of Parliament. However this opinion might be combated; and it was carried by a very small majority; the inference was obvious. In consequence, his royal highness had prepared a petition of right, which was submitted to the lord chancellor, and his claims were ready to be finally determined by the issue of a solemn adjudication, when now, administration as if fearful of the result of such an inquiry, and desirous of quashing all farther proceedings; came forward with a specific proposition, (or rather compromise) for increasing his royal highness's income, by an annuity of £60,000 per annum, for three years; specifically, however, premising, that this sum was given, in order to restore him to the state and splendor belonging to his rank; which it was well known he had for eight years voluntarily foregone, by the diminution of his establishment, more than one half, in order that his creditors might be finally satisfied. In the same spirit of acquiescence to the king's government, which had already distinguished in the course of this business, the whole of his conduct, and now, as then, equally averse from the indelicacy of a suit with the crown, the prince cheerfully announced his acceptation of the proposed sum, with eagerness and with gratitude; and waved for ever an investigation, which it was the decided conviction of himself, and his great law officers, would have placed him in the desirable situation of appearing, what he really was, the creditor, not the debtor,

of the public. But, in the ассерtance of this increase of income, his royal highness wished it expressly to be understood, that in consequence of the reduction he had submitted to for more than eight years, some incumbrances had gradually increased upon him, which, superadded to the payment of those debts not provided for by the arrangement of 1795, but which he found himself boune in honor to discharge, would yet farther delay the re-assumption of the state and dignity of the heir apparent to the imperial crown of these realms; unless parliament should enquire into those embarassments, and adopt the most effectual means of relieving them, as speedily as possible, and that therefore the sum, which he took in the same spirit in which it was given, namely, as a satisfaction for the foregoing the farther prosecution of his claims, was still insufficient for the purposes, for which it was alleged to be granted, For this purpose the motion was made, which gave rise to the debate we have just detailed, and which was supported by all the talents, wit, and ingenuity, in the house.-Mr, Addington, however, brought the usual strength of the ministerial numbers, to bear on the subject, and it was lost, there being 328 members in the house, by the slender majority of forty-five!

-Nor did the minister retire from the contest with any increase of credit or reputation; it was not forgotten, that after driving the prince of Wales to the necessity, (which he actually deprecated, in the face of the nation, by his minister's declaration in the former session) of a suit at law with his

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royal parent; that he deliberately checked the course of public justice by the offer, of, what could only be considered a compromise. Nor was this all; far from allowing it to be, what in fact it was, the price of the relinquishment of a legal investigation, which was dreaded; he sought, under the specious pretence of a boon to the prince of Wales, to call it, the means by which the splendor and dignity of this august personage would be restored; yet, when the fallacy, and utter impossibility of the attainment of this desirable end, being accomplished without an inquiry into the actual state of the prince's affairs, was stated; he obstinately refused to entertain such inquiry; and persisted in giving the appearance of increased obligation, to what was, in fact, unjust in its principle, unsatisfactory both to the prince and

to the public; and totally inadequate to its proposed ends. Such however is the usual fate, of the half measures of little minds.

Contrasted with this line of conduct, the people observed in the whole of that of their future monarch, dignity, equity, and moderation; and when it was seen, that at the critical and awful moment we have already alluded to, he declined giving any farther trouble to the great council of the nation; that in such a moment, he could not think of adding to the burdens of the country, and that he declared himself perfectly satisfied with the liberality of parliament; gratitude and admiration universally prevailed; and his future subjects, beheld in this meritorious and exemplary conduct, ample promise of the greatest blessing providence can bestow-a patriot king!

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CHAP. VII.

King's message.-Probability of immediate war.-His majesty's message taken into consideration in the lords.-Address moved by Lord Hobart. -Debate.-Earl Spencer-Lord Grenville-Earl of Moira.-Address of thanks carried.—And in the Commons same day.—Address moved by Mr. Addington.-Debate.-Mr. For-Lord Hawkesbury-Mr. Windham-Sheridan—Grenville—Dr. Lawrence.-Address carried.—Message for the embodying the militia.-Motion for 10,000 additional sea-Debate.-Mr. Francis-Chancellor of the Exchequer-Mr. Dent -For-Burroughs Lord Hawkesbury-Mr. Elliot - Canning -Trench.-Increase agreed to.-Remarks.

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N the eight of March, a message from his majesty,* was brought down to both houses of parliament; which was received all over Europe, as the signal of the approach of war between Great Britain and France. The sensation with which it was received was great beyond description; and from the moment it was delivered, every man of common sagacity or political experience knew a rupture to be inevitable. In this message, it was stated, "that considerable military preparations were carrying on, in the ports of France and Holland; and that it was therefore expedient to adopt additional measures of precaution, for the security of the king's dominions: that discussions of great importance, were carrying on be tween his majesty and the French government, the result of which was uncertain; and therefore, relying with confidence on parliament,

to enable him to take such measures, as circumstances might require, for supporting the honor of his crown, and the essential interests of his people."

This message was the fore-runner of the war; whether his majesty's ministers of the day were, or were not justified, by existing circumstances in sending it down, is a matter of the greatest importance for the historian of the times to consider; but here as a parliamentary transaction we shall confine ourselves to speak of it, from the effects it produced on the legislation. The further discussion of the prince of Wales's claims was abandoned indeed, at his own request; and every minor interest and lesser consideration, were absorbed in the great question, "shall we have peace or war with France ?"

On Wednesday the 9th of March, the order of the day for

Vide State Papers.

taking his majesty's message into consideration being read in the house of lords;

Lord Hobart rose to move the address. He thought there could not be a difference of opinion, when his majesty had communicated to them, that great military preparations were actually making on the coasts of France and Holland; and that important discussions were pending between him and the French government; the result of which was very uncertain. It was the carnest wish of ministers, that the tranquillity which subsisted between the two countries, should not be interrupted and he relied upon it, that the country would enable them to preserve it, consistently with the honor and interests of the nation. He then moved an address, which was nearly a recapitulation of the message.

Earl Spencer rose, not to oppose the address, as he had been always a friend to vigorous measures. He rejoiced to find, that ministers were at length sensible, they had gone the full length of concession and negociation; that they were now determined to act a manly part. There was no other chance of saving the country, but by shewing the first consul, that we are not afraid of meeting France single handed," and that rather than suffer the smallest particle of the national honor to be tarnished, we were ready to recommence hostilities. He should wish however to know, whether the discussions alluded to in his majesty's message, were new, or of a long standing?

Lord Grenville, perfectly agreed

in opinion with the last noble lord. He rejoiced at this first instance of sound political wisdom in his majesnty's present ministers: they had seen the consequences of a system concession and meanness; and he hoped they would act with due energy and perseverance in that now proposed. The reasonings of thes day, were warranted by the experience of the last eighteen months, and he therefore cordially assented to the motion.

The earl of Moira delivered a very animated and impressive speech. He wished however to be satisfied, that sufficient cause existed for this appearance of energy; this sudden change in the conduct of his majesty's ministers. He hoped it was not a mere bravado, intended to cover some farther concession. The communication which had been made, had created a very general alarm, and materially affected those who had property in the funds. He hoped ministers would be able to shew at a future day, that they had not done this unnecessarily. He wished ministers would speak out, and not be afraid of offending the first consul of France: as for his part, he had no notion of talking longer with compliment towards this new Hannibal; who had sworn on the altars of his ambition, deadly and eternal hatred, to the interests and prosperity of this country. If we would consult our most im mediate interests, and uphold our national character; we must shew that man that we are not to be intimidated, by the menace of conse quences. We must, in the language of our immortal bard,.

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Be stirring as the time, be fire with

war

"fire; "Threaten the threatener, and out"face the brow "Of bragging horror !" We must boldly look our danger in the face; and be prepared to meet it in its worst form.-No man could more sincerely wish for peace than himself; no man regreted more as a great calamity; but constantly to submit to the domineering arrogance of an implacable rival, is positive ruin, to which war in its worst shape was preferable! He considered, that an uniform,consistent, manly tone, might prevent war, by throwing all the blame upon the transgressor; and there was no man, however great his power, that was independent of public opinion; and above all, of the opinion of the people he governed. Whoever considered the history of the man who now governed France, would not consider attempts impracticable, because they are difficult. We should prepare our minds for an attempt upon this country. If it could only produce mischief and confusion, the person at the head of France, is the man who would coolly calculate upon the total destruction of an army, to accomplish a mighty mischief. But when he said, that England was not able, single handed to contend with France, where did he get his information? Was it from the noble lords near him, whom he was proud to call his friends? (lords Nelson and Hutchinson) or at what period of our history was it, that he discovered England was not able to grapple with France? Should the enemy land, they would undoubtedly push for the capital; and certainly a pitched battle would be

fought, which should end in the destruction of one army or the other, before he should be permitted to reach it. He concluded by ex-horting ministers, in a very forcible manner, to make a common cause with the people, in the defence of their common country.

After some observations from lord Westmoreland and lord Auckland, in support of the motion, the address was carried nemine dissentiente.

On the same day in the house of commons, after Mr. Erskine had, as already mentioned, given up on the part of the prince of Wales, any farther demand on parliament, in consequence of the situation of the country,

Mr. Addington rose to move the address to his majesty, in consequence of the message: he felt convinced that the appeal made by his majesty to the wisdom and public spirit of the house, would not be in vain. Although the armaments now preparing in the ports of France and Holland, were ostensibly for colonial objects; yet, as there were important discussions between France and this country, the issue of which was very doubtful; no one could foresee, whether those armaments might not be diverted from their original object, to the attack of this country. He hoped still for the continuance of peace, but should that be impossible; every communication, that could throw light upon the subject and bring it level to the judgment of that house, should unreservedly be produced. The whole object of the preparations, which he now recommended, were for precaution and internal security; and not directed to

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