usher of the black rod summoned the house by the lords commissioners, the members to the house of peers, to hear the commis-separated. Thus ended the first session of sion read. On their return, the Speaker the fourth parliament of the united kingcalled the members round the table, and dom of Great Britain and Ireland. having read to them the Speech delivered [MILITIA TRANSFER BILL.] The fol- fines in those places, where the required lowing will be found a more correct report quota of men for the army of reserve had of the Speech of Lord Sidmouth on the not been raised. This, he begged leave to 12th of August, than the one inserted at say, was not accurate either in reasoning, page 1181. or in statement. If such an example was Lord Sidmouth said, there were a few injurious in its tendency, which he acknowpoints to which he was desirous of ad-ledged it to be, however unavoidable in verting previous to their lordships'final deci-the particular case, the argument was as sion upon this bill. It had been acknow-strong against a ballot for the militia, as ledged on a former day by the noble secre- for the army of reserve; as the remission tary of state (lord Hawkesbury), that his of the fines afforded the same encouragemajesty's ministers, after having determi- ment to neglect in one case, as in the ned upon the expediency of augmenting other. But, in fact, the observation did our military force, had balanced between not fairly apply to the ariny of reserve at the present measure, and the renewal of all. It was true that under the act by the Army of Reserve. He had himself which that force was to be constituted, pemade such a comparison, but, for reasons [nalties were to be levied where the number which he had before stated, he had come of men required to be raised by ballot, had to a different conclusion. He indeed re- not been procured; but by Mr. Pitt's Adcollected, and with great satisfaction, that ditional Force bill those penalties were all the members of his majesty's present transferred to a failure in procuring a government, whether in, or out of office, number of men (equal to the deficiencies in the years 1803 and 1801, had sup-in the army of reserve), not by ballot, as ported the measure which he now prefer- under, the Army of Reserve bill, but by red: and in the spring of 1804, when, in con- voluntary recruiting, through the agency sequence of the high rate of bounties oc- of parish officers for a limited bounty; casioned by the number of men (195,000, and it was one of the numerous objecexclusive of volunteers) raised within 13 tions to that measure, that it inflicted pu months, he proposed only a suspension nishment in cases where there might have of this measure, that proposition was re-been no neglect. This injustice had been sisted by a large minority of the house of illustrated at the time, by comparing it to commons, and particularly by a right hon. that of directing a person, when wheat gent. now unhappily no more (Mr. Pitt), was 7s. 6d. per bushel, to purchase that who declared that he should recommend the quantity for 5s., and to fine him if he compulsory principle of that bill as the ba- could not procure it at such a price. And sis of a plan for the increase of our do-what in fact had been the operation of that mestic force, and for the permanent supply bill? Of the intended and expected numof the army. This intention was indeed ber a small part only had been raised, and afterwards abandoned, under circumstan- of that part not a moiety by the means. ces, into which, for reasons which, he required by the bill, notwithstanding the trusted, were obvious, he did not now official exhortations of the noble baron wish to enter. But even after this change (lord H.), which had the obvious and reof intention, the army of reserve was corded effect of checking the ordinary highly and continually applauded, and he recruiting service, for the purpose of giwas convinced that if the life of the distin-ving ostensible success to this favoured guished person to whom he had alluded measure. It failed however in all respects; had been spared, that he would himself and it would have been the height of injushave recommended it to the adoption of tice to levy penalties where there had been parliament. But the noble baron (lord no misconduct, and where the fault was Hawkesbury) had stated, that the chief not in the agents but in the measure itself. objection to the renewal of this measure, The remission of the fines must therefore was founded upon the remission of the be admitted to afford a striking comment on the inefficacy and injustice of the Addi-five years continuance; and that the tional Force bill, but no argument whatever country would be made weaker for a time against the renewal of the army of reserve. during war, for the chance of being renBut the noble lord had laid great stress on dered somewhat stronger, than it would the advantages which would arise from the otherwise be, on the restoration of peace. possession of a large body of militia upon This argument, however, appeared to him the restoration of peace; as in that event to be a feeble attempt to support an exall who had served 5 years would be dis- ceptionable measure, the execution of banded. This, however, has a contingent which, even if successful, would, by disbenefit: if the war continued 5 years longer, turbing and unsettling the militia, impair, it would not occur; and the reasoning, in the first instance, our actual means of upon which it was founded, went the defence, and afterwards afford an augmen length of asserting, that such a measure tation ill suited and inadequate to the preas the present, with all the inconveniences sent exigency, and to the perilous situation attending it, ought always to be resorted of the country. to, when hostilities had been of four or LIST OF PUBLIC ACTS, Passed in the First Session of the Fourth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and in the 47th Year of the Reign of his present Majesty, George III. 1. AN act to continue, until the 5th day of July 1808, several acts for granting certain Rates and Duties, and for allowing certai Drawbacks and Bounties on Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, imported into, and exported from Ireland. veries suffered in Copyhold or Customary Courts by Attorney. 9. An act for granting to his majesty a Sum of Money to be raised by Lotteries. 10. An act for encouraging the Export of Salted Beef and Pork from Ireland. 2. An act to revive and continue, until the 11. An act to provide for the Recovery of expiration of six weeks after the commence- Penalties under certain acts, made in the ment of the next session of parliament, 47th year of his present majesty, for sethree acts, passed in the 37th, 45th, and curing the Rates and Duties in Ireland in re46th years of his majesty's reign, for carry-spect of Dwelling Houses, &c. ing into execution the Treaty of Amity, 12. An act to make further regulations with Commerce, and Navigation, between his respect to Licences for the Sale of Spirituous majesty and the united states of America. and other Liquors by Retail in Ireland. 3. An act to indemnify persons who have advised or acted under an order of council for making Regulations with respect to the Navigation and Commerce between his majesty's Subjects and the Subjects of the united states of America. 4. An act to enable his majesty to grant a certain Annuity to major-general sir John Stuart, &c. 13. An act to suppress Insurrections, and prevent the Disturbance of the Publie Peace in Ireland. 14. An act to repeal certain Duties of Excise, and also certain Stamp Duties in Ireland, and to grant certain new Stamp Duties in lieu thereof; and to amend the Laws relating to the Stamp Duties in Ireland. 15. An act to provide for the regulating 5. An act for empowering the Commis-and securing the Collection of the Duty on sioners of Kilmainham Hospital to make Gold and Silver Plate, wrought or manuRules and Regulations for the Payment of factured in Ireland. Pensions to Soldiers on the establishment of that hospital. 6. An act for raising the sum of 3,000,000%. by Loans or Exchequer Bills, for the service of Great Britain for the year 1807. 7. An act for raising the sum of 1,500,000%. by Loans or Exchequer Bills, for the service of Great Britain for the year 1807. 16. An act to grant to his majesty, uctil the 5th day of July 1808, certain duties on the Importation, and to allow Drawbacks on the Exportation of certain Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, into and from Ireland. 17. An act to amend an act made in the 46th year of his present majesty, for the re gulating and securing the Collection of the 8. An act concerning Common Reco-Duties on Spirits distilled in Ireland. 18. An act to provide for the Decrease and Suspension, in certain cases, of part of the countervailing Duties on British Refined Sugar imported into Ireland. 19. An act to continue until the 29th day of September 1808, and to amend two acts, made in the parliament of Ireland, to regulate the trade of Rectifying Spirits. the 25th day of March 1808, and amend so 20. An act to enable his majesty to ap-litia in Great Britain, while disembodied. 33. An act to continue until the 1st day of point the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for the time being in Ireland, one of the com-June 1808, an act of the 45th year of his premissioners for executing the office of Lord sent majesty, for appointing Commissioners High Treasurer in England, without salary.to enquire into the Public Expenditure, and 21. An act to continue, until the 29th the Conduct of the Public Business in the day of September 1817, an act, passed in Military Departments therein mentioned. Ireland in the 13th and 14th years of his 34. An act to make the port of Amsterpresent majesty, respecting certain Annuities. dam, in the Island of Curaçoa, a Free Port. 22. An act to continue until the 29th day of September 1817, an act, passed in Ireland in the 36th year of his present majesty, for the Improvement and Extension of the Fisheries on the coasts of Ireland. 23. An act to amend an act, passed in the 43d year of his present majesty, for granting to his majesty the sum of 50,000l. for building Glebe Houses in Ireland. 35. An act to indemnify such persons in the United Kingdom as have omitted to qualify themselves for Offices and Employments, &c. 36. An act to enable the Trustees of the British Museum to exchange, sell, or dispose of such parts of the Collections, and under such restrictions, as are therein specified. 37. An act to revive and continue, until the 25th day of March 1808, an act of the 46th year of his present majesty, for altering and amending several Laws relating to the Duties of Excise upon Malt. 24. An act to explain and amend an act, passed in the 39th and 40th years of his present majesty, concerning the Disposition of certain Real and Personal Property of his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and also of the Real and Personal Property of her Majesty, and of the Queen Consort for the time being. 25. An act for the more convenient Payment of Half Pay, and Pensions, and other Allowances to Officers and Widows of Officers, and to persons upon the Compassionate List. 26. An act for defraying, until the 25th day of March 1808, the charge of the Paylonies, to the said States. and Clothing of the Militia of Ireland, &c. 27. An act to authorize his majesty to permit the Importation of Naval Stores from any place in ships belonging to States in amity with his majesty, and navigated in any manner whatever. 38. An act for permitting, until the 25th day of March 1809, and from thence to the end of the then next session of parliament, the Importation of certain enumerated arti cles into the British Colonies on the Continent of North America, from the united states of America, and the Exportation of other enumerated articles from the same Co 28. An act to enable the lords commissioners of his majesty's Treasury to issue Exchequer Bills, on the credit of such aids or supplies as have been or shall be granted by parliament for the service of Great Britain, for the year 1807. 29. An act for defraying the Charge of the Pay and Clothing of the Militia in Great Britain for the year 1807. .30. An act to amend several Laws of Excise in Great Britain, relating to the Duties on Salt, Soap, Paper, Coffee, Cocoa Nuts, Spirits, and Glass, and for restoring Seizures in certain cases. 31. An act to revive and continue, until 39. An act for more effectually charging Public Accountants with Interest upon Balances; and for other purposes relating to the passing of Public Accounts. 40. An act to alter the Practice of Courts of Equity, in Suits in which Members of Parliament are Defendants. 41. An act to enable the East-India company to raise Money upon Bond instead of increasing their Capital Stock. 42. An act for more effectual Administration of the office of a Justice of the Peace in such parts of the counties of Middlesex and Surrey as lie in and near the Metropolis; and for the more effectual Prevention of Felonies. 43. An act to revive and continue, until the end of the next session of parliament, an act of the 46th year of his present majesty, for suspending Proceedings in Actions, and other Proceedings relating to the Woollen Manufacture. 44. An act for transferring to his Majesty, certain possessions and rights vested in the Sierra Leone company, &c. 45. An act to enable his Majesty to grant to her majesty the Queen a capital messuage called Frogmore, &c. 46. An act to repeal certain provisions of an act, passed in the 46th year of his present majesty, for enquiring into the state of Windsor Forest, &c. 47. An act to grant certain duties on Callicoes, Muslins, Cotton Yarn, &c. 48. An act to continue until the 29th day of September 1808, several acts for the better collection and security of the Revenues of Customs and Excise in Ireland, and for preventing Frauds therein. 49. An act for allowing a Drawback on Certain Lineus exported from Great Britain to the West Indies. 50. An act to amend an act, made in the parliament of Ireland in the 5th year of his present majesty's reign, for erecting and establishing Public Infirmaries or Hospitals in Ireland. 51. An act to revive and continue, until the 25th day of March 1808, an act of the 39th year of his present majesty, for the more effectual Encouragement of the British Fisheries. 61. An act to repeal certain duties on Foreign Goods, Wares, and Merchandize exported from Great Britain to Ireland. 62. An act to suspend, until the 1st day of May 1808, the payment of all Drawbacks on Spirits made or distilled in Great Britain or Ireland, and exported from either country to the other respectively. 63. An act for repealing the Duties and Drawbacks payable on Silks, and for granting other Duties and another Drawback in lieu thereof. 64. An act to allow the Bounty now payable on British Callicoes and Cottons exported to Gibraltar to be paid on the same articles when exported to Malta. 65. An act to exempt Sales of West-India Produce, by the West-India Dock Company for payment of duties and charges, from the Auction Duty. 66. An act to make more effectual provision for the Prevention of Smuggling. 67. An act to permit, until the end of the next session of Parliament, the Importation of Swedish Herrings into Great Britain. 68. An act for the better Government of the Settlements of Fort St. George and Bombay; for the Regulation of Public Banks, &c. 69. An act for discharging from the Claims of the Crown certain Real and Personal Estates belonging to general De Lancey, late 52. An act to repeal so much of an act of barrack-master-general, and vested in Trusthe last session of parliament, as relates to tees for Sale. the Payment of Duty on Coffee and Cocoa 70. An act for maintaining and preserving Nuts when exported from the warehouse in a Military Canal and Road, made from which the same shall have been secured. Shorncliff in the county of Kent, to Cliff End 53. An act to enable his majesty's Post-in the county of Sussex. master-general to open and return Letters: 71. An act for the speedily completing directed to Hamburgh or other places abroad, the Militia of Great Britain, and increasing and which have been or shall have been re- the same, under certain limitations and returned or not sent. strictions. 54. An act to prevent improper persons from having Arms in Ireland. 55. An act for allowing a certain proportion of the Militia in Ireland, voluntarily to enlist into his majesty's Regular Forces. 56. An act for increasing the Militia of Ireland, under certain limitations and restric tions. 72. An act for raising the sum of 500,000%. by Treasury Bills for the service of Ireland for the year 1807. 73. An act for enabling his majesty to raise the sum of 4,500,000. for the Service of Great Britain. 74. An act for more effectually securing the Payment of the Debts of Traders. 57. An act for allowing a certain propor- 75. An act for suspending the operation tion of the Militia in Great Britain volunta- of an act of the 36th year of his present marily to enlist into his majesty's Regular Forces.jesty, for the further Support and Mainte58. An act for encouraging the Expor-nance of Curates, &c. tation of Salt from Ireland.. 76. An act for granting to his majesty a 59. An act to amend an act of the 46th certain sum of money out of the Consoliyear of his majesty, for the better Regulation dated Fund of Great Britain, and for apof the office of Receiver-general of the Post-plying certain monies therein mentioned for Office in England. the Service of the year 1807, and for further 60. An act to give further time for pur-appropriating the Supplies granted in this chasing the legal Quays and Warehouses, in session of parliament. the port of London. APPENDIX. TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. VOL. IX. PARLIAMENTARY PAPERS. An Account of the Amount of all EXEMPTIONS granted to Foreigners, in respect of the Duty on Dividends, in the various Funds of Great Britain, and on the Dividends of the East-India and South-Sea Companies; under the Property-Tax; to the latest Period to which the same can be made up. This Account contains all Exemptions granted upon the Dividends which have become payable since the Duty was stopped at the Bank of England. Previous to that Period, the Agents to Forcigners entitled to Exemptions did not pay the Duty, but omitted, for the most part, to claim the Exemptions in the manner required by the Act. Any Account of the Exemptions actually granted upon former Dividends would, therefore, afford no criterion to judge of the Exemptions to which the Parties were entitled. The Total Annual Amount of Exemptions may be estimated at nearly £. 63,000, being double the Amount of the Exemptions granted upon the Dividends payable on the 5th of July and 10th of October 1806. Office for Taxes, 24th February 1807. } VOL. IX.-Appendix. WILLIAM LOWNDES. EDWARD MEDOWS. HENRY HODGSON, THOMAS DAVIS LAMD. |