by no means subvert it, as had been main-had the honour to propose. Such, howtained. He, however, could not approve ever, was not the opinion of that great of the present plan, and in particular ob-man (Mr. Fox), who was now no more, jected to it on the ground that while it and whose extraordinary talents added called for a supply of force from the militia, such authority to any opinion he expressed. it proposed to fill up the deficiency created He thought it necessary our military force by an immediate ballot. He thought that should be raised to the utmost pitch, and the proceeding implied an opiniou in those such as should surpass the proudest periods who proposed it, that the militia was not a of our military renown. Let us compare, proper force for home defence, for it was however, the dangers of the country, even for home defence only the present measure at that day, with what they now were, and could be thought necessary, as the country how would they appear increased? when already possessed a sufficient force for fo- the powers of the continent were so much reign service. less able to assist us, and when we had an Lord Castlereagh could not forbear enemy to contend with, so much more conmaking a few observations even at that fident of victory and flushed with new late hour of the night. He lamented to triumphs. Besides, our disposable force meet with such opposition from different under these aggravated difficulties was quarters, and on such different grounds. rendered less available by the late adminis Some did not think the en.ergency so ur-tration, who had scattered it in so many gent as others, and therefore were for directions, and who had made no preparaadopting no measure at all. Some weretion whatever towards averting these danfor making greater, others less drafts from gers. On the 24th of January last, the mo. the militia; while others again deprecated ment when they should have been prepathe touching it altogether. The militia ring for some active enterprise to open the was allowed to be in a higher state of per-campaign, they dismissed from the public fection, and to be more complete in officers, service every transport that was not absothan at any former period for these 14lutely necessary for the ordinary routine years. Why, then, did it not furnish more business of the Channel service, and nofacilities than at any former moment towards the object which it was now so necessary to attend to and to accomplish? Our military force was now more scattered abroad than at any former period: it was therefore more necessary to feed and compact that force than before. He did not flatter himself with a nearer prospect of peace than the gentlemen on the other side: but this he felt, that our military system should be adapted to both situations, and partake of either prospect. When so calculated, it Dr. Laurence expressed his surprise, might be framed and kept up at a smaller that, after his majesty's ministers had de. expence. As to the right hon. gent. who precated all personal allusions, the noble spoke last but one, he seemed to lose sight lord should have made charges of a nature altogether of the dangers which he former-similar to that with which he concluded his ly dreaded from France. His apprehen-speech, and should have taken the opporsions on that score seemed wholly to have tunity of making so uncandid an attack, vanished, and all his faculties seemed now when all the members of the late adminis to be absorbed in the admiration of his own military plan, which he seemed to think had succeeded beyond his most sanguine dreams. Still, however, all that happy result was yet to come. We were to look for it at the distance of two years; and in the interim, it seems, were to expect that Bonaparte would become grey, and be no longer anxious for any thing but peace; and then we should be able to defend the country without any measure like that he thing was left for offensive operations. Whatever expedition, therefore, it might have been prudent to undertake, not a shadow of preparation was left to support it. By the former administration, not a single exertion was made to rescue Prussia; she was suffered to perish before our eyes. Such was the situation in which they had left the present ministers, with nothing to inherit from them but weakness, difficulties, and distress. tration had spoken in the debate. What ever was to be regretted in the distribution of the public force by the late government, he contended was the necessary result of the impolitic measures of their predecessors. He also remarked, that before they could be justly censured for any of their measures, they ought to be permitted to disclose the general plan, of which those measures were perhaps only parts. He did not pretend to have a knowledge of what had passed in their councils, but this much, to the propriety of agreeing to the bill, after however, he could say, that he understood every attempt to amend it had been rejecthe late administration had an expedition ted. He was particularly astonished that in contemplation, that would have been the house had negatived the amendment on worthy of them and of the country, and the duration of the bill, and asked what which the present ministers would not dare the people of this country would think, were to look at. the Mutiny bill to be passed for more than sary as this bill could possibly be? He, however, acknowledged that the great weight of the authority (Mr. Grattan's) which the house had heard in support of the bill, induced him reluctantly to vote for its passing into a law. Mr. Windham stated, that the late mi-one year, though it was doubtless as necesnisters had left to their successors a much greater number of transports than had been received from them. If the noble lord thought the late ministers had failed to do their duty in any particular, he wished him to bring the matter before the house, when they might have an opportunity of vindicating their conduct.-The question was then -called for, when a division took place, For the second reading of the bill Against it. Majority.. 97 Lord Milton was decidedly against the bill, and was determined to oppose the motion for passing it. 187 Whilst strangers were excluded from the gallery, the bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed. [IRISH INSURRECTION BILL.] Upon the gallery being re-opened, we found Mr. Brand opposing the Irish Insurrec-I certainly did wish, and mean, to have setion bill, most particularly on the ground lected the fittest occasion for giving fully that he could not think it advisable to con- my reasons for the abhorrence I feel for its - fide to the hands of any man, however re-principle, and the contempt I entertain for spectable, the power of overturning the de- its provisions; but circumstances have cision of a jury. since embarrassed my judgment, and I will state them shortly and sincerely. When I find the principle of the bill admitted on the plea of necessity by all those to whose Mr. Whitbread proposed to restore the clause inflicting a penalty on magistrates who shall omit to give a return of those who act under them in cases where any sub-judgement and information I am bound to ject may think himself injured, either in -person, property, or family. This was not admissible, consistent with the forms of the house, unless an engrossed clause were ready for that purpose. pay the utmost deference, when I find I cannot oppose their acquiescence without arraying my knowledge of the fact of the real situation and temper of Ireland against their superior means of information, I feel Mr. W. Smith proposed that in conse- the presumption and hazard of taking upon quence of the lateness of the hour (nearly myself the responsibility of an earnest enhalf-past four o'clock), the further proceed-deavour to persuade the house to reject a ing on the 3d reading should be postponed measure which I am almost single in retill to-morrow. Upon this, a division tookgarding as the worst, the foulest, and the place; we could not learn the numbers, foolishest measure that ever solicited the but the motion was lost by a considerable sanction of parliament; but still more am majority. By this time the clause was eugrossed; upon the question, that it stand part of the bill, there was another division nearly the same as on the last question. Sir J. Newport.then moved the alteration of the duration of the bill from two years to one; upon this a third division took place For the motion 25; against it 112. A long debate next ensued on the question that the bill do now pass. Mr.J. W.Wardexpressed strong doubts as I influenced by observing in my attendance on the committee, where I avow to have shunned taking any part, washing my hands, and absolving my conscience from meddling with, or tampering in any attempt to mend that which is so hateful in principle that it is perhaps best that it should carry with it all its unequal proportion of deformity. I say, I cannot but have been induced to forego my first determination, by observing that so many efforts at modifica tion, moved by most respectable charac-stood was usually given in messages of this ters, and supported by the most unanswer-kind. In the message relative to the loan able arguments, have been rejected and re- to the emperor of Germany last war, the probated by insulting majorities. amount of that loan was expressed. The Mr. Grattan re-stated, that he had been message was fixed for consideration to-morinformed that there were held in Ireland row.-Lord Hawkesbury delivered another treasonable meetings, for the purpose of message from his majesty, (see the house organizing a force to assist the French. of commons,) recommending it to parliaThe bill was to put down the French in- ment to make provision for such measures terest in Ireland, not to oppress the Irish as might be necessary to meet any emernation. He did not mean to accuse his gencies during the present crisis. In reply countrymen of treason or disaffection; to a question from lord Holland, lord Hawbut he was certain, that there was a French kesbury said, that it was merely the usual party' in Ireland; it was against them, message delivered at the close of every sesand not against Irishmen, that the opera- sion, in order to form the foundation of a tion of the bill was directed; and sooner vote of credit. This message was also or than run a risk of losing the constitu- dered to be taken into consideration totion altogether, he would take upon him-morrow. self his full share, in common with his majesty's ministers, of the responsibility which would attach to the measure.-The house then divided on the motion that the bill do now pass. The numbers were, Ayes 106; Noes 8; Majority 98. Adjourned at half-past 6 on Tuesday morning. HOUSE OF LORDS. Tuesday, July 28. HOUSE OF COMMONS. Tuesday, July 28. [MINUTES.] Mr. alderman Shaw offered a petition from W. Spurrier, who had been ordered to attend the house, to an swer as to the detention of the Poole writ. The petition went to excuse the conduct of the petitioner, who prayed the indulgence of the house. The Speaker [MINUTES.] Lord Hawkesbury brought suggested, that it was informal to redown a Message from the King, announ-ceive a petition from an individual or cing that his majesty had entered into sub-dered to attend in his person. The insidiary engagements with the king of Swe-dividual would have an opportunity den; that his majesty's minister at the court to offer his excuse in the course of his of Prussia had advanced 100,000l. to the examination at the bar.-A new writ Prussian government; and that his majes- was ordered for the county of Kinross, ty had furnished arms for the Prussian in the room of Mr. Adam, who, having army, to the amount of 200,000l. more. been elected for Kincardineshire also, bad (See the message in the proceedings of the made his election to serve for the latter.house of commons.) His lordship moved, Mr. secretary Canning presented at the that the message be taken into considera-bar a copy of the treaty of amity, enterred tion to-morrow. This motion gave rise to into between his majesty and the king of a short conversation. Lord Holland and Prussia. The right hon. secretary stated lord Lauderdale expressed their surprise that this treaty had been framed at Memel that so short a time was afforded, and on the 28th of January; but the ratifica thought that parliament could not be ex-tion of the king of Prussia had not arrived pected to give their approbation to the ar- for many months after, and the events rangements with Sweden, until the treaty that had since occurred had entirely superwas produced. Lord Hawkesbury remark-seded the provisions agreed upon. ed, that all that would be proposed by the [KING'S MESSAGE RELATIVE TO ENaddress to-morrow, would be to return GAGEMENTS WITH SWEDEN, &c.] Mr. thanks to his majesty for his gracious com-Secretary Canning brought up a message munication. His majesty's ministers cer- from the king, which was read from the tainly did not mean to call on their lord-chair as follows: "G. R. His majesty ships to approve the stipulations, the con- "thinks it proper to acquaint the house ditions of which were not yet known to" of commons, that he has entered into them. Lord Lauderdale said, that at least" certain subsidiary engagements with the the amount of the subsidies ought to have" king of Sweden, copies of which, as soon been mentioned in the message; that was 66 as the ratifications shall bave been exa species of information which he under-" changed, his majesty will direct to be 46 46 66 66 minions, and to maintain the honour [COMPLAINT RESPECTING THE POOLE WRIT.] On the motion of Mr. Jeffery, the house went into the further consideration of the Complaint of the delay in the delivery of the Poole writ.. "communicated to the house. His ma- before parliament, that the money might "jesty also thinks proper to acquaint the be provided for by them. He moved, "house of commons, that his majesty's therefore, that his majesty's message be "minister to the king of Prussia has, in referred to the committee of supply.consequence of authority from his ma-Ordered. jesty, and of the urgency of affairs upon [KING'S MESSAGE RESPECTING A VOTE "the continent, advanced to the Prussian oF CREDIT.] The Chancellor of the Exgovernment the sum of 100,000l. ster- chequer brought up another message from ling; and that his majesty has, in the the king, which was read from the chair course of the campaign, furnished to the as follows: "G. R. His majesty, relying "Prussian government supplies of arms on the uniform loyalty and zeal of "and other military stores to an amount" his faithful commons, and considering 66 not exceeding in the whole the sum of" that it may be of the utmost impor"200,000. sterling; and his majesty "tance at this arduous crisis, to provide "trusts that the house will enable him to" for such emergencies as may arise, re"make good the same." "commends it to this house, to make Mr. Secretary Canning said, that in mo-" provision for enabling his majesty to ving that his majesty's most gracious mes- "take all such measures as the exigensage be referred to the committee of sup- "cies of affairs may require, in order ply, it might perhaps be agreeable to the" to counteract and defeat the intentions gentlemen on the opposite side of the" and plans of his enemies, and to prohouse, that he should shortly state the na- "vide for the safety of his majesty's doture of the treaties mentioned in the mes- . sage. The one was a subsidiary treaty" of his crown."-This message was also with the king of Sweden, by which we referred to the committee of supply. had agreed to pay for the furnishing a further contingent of men for the defence of Swedish Pomerania aud of Stralsund. The number before employed for those purposes, for which this country paid, was 14,000 men, and it was proposed to make an addition of 4,000, which were to be paid for at the same rate as the others were. This was not, however, the contingent to which he had alluded on a for-ton, at two o'clock on the same day in Fenmer day. It would be recollected that a question had been put to him by an hon. gent. some time ago relative to treaties with the northern powers, and he had then mentioned that there were contingencies which were not then finally settled, which prevented the necessary communications on that subject being made. Those contingencies were certain subsidiary treaties which his majesty's ministers had en tered upon with the king of Prussia, and Mr. William Spurrier was then called in. which the unfortunate circumstances that Being verydeaf, the clerk was ordered to stand had put an end to the war on the continent, by him and repeat the questions that were had prevented from being brought to a con- put. Being desired by the Speaker to address clusion. Had they taken place, the his answers to him, he said that he could not 100,000/. paid to the king of Prussia would see him [a laugh].-On examination, stated have been included-and something less he had received the writ on the 30th of April than 200,000/. in arms and ammunition last. He delivered the writ on the 17th of furnished by his majesty's government to May, where he was satisfied the sheriff rethe king of Prussia would have been inclu-ceived it. His ignorance was the sole ded in the sum to have been granted; but cause of his holding over the writ so as those treaties, from the circumstances long. No person at Poole knew of his before alluded to, had not been concluded, having the writ. The sheriff of Poole is his majesty had ordered them to be laid his relation, his wife's brother. He knew Mr. Jonathan Brundrett was called in, and on examination stated, that he received the writ on the morning of the 30th of April, and delivered it to Mr. James Wes church-street, in the presence of an old gentleman, who, he afterwards found, was Mr. Spurrier. He recognized Mr. Spurrier when he went to Poole to ascertain the delivery of the writ. He arrived in Poole on Monday, the 18th of May, and saw Mr. Spurrier, who told him the writ had been delivered. He was satisfied on hearing that it was delivered, relying on Mr. Spurrier's veracity. was evident that the obtaining and delaying of the writ, had arisen from some motives not perfectly correct, he thought some animadversion should take place, though he was of opinion that any punishment the house should think proper to inflict, ought to cease, as soon as an opportunity to ter minate it should be afforded by petition from the individual. The Speaker suggested that the first pro ceeding ought to be a resolution, that Mr. William Spurrier, in unduly detaining the writ for the last election for members to serve in parliament for the county of the town of Poole for 17 days, had been guilty of a breach of the privileges of that house. The question being put on this resolution, of no enquiry after the writ till the Satur-case, he did not think it would be right to day before he delivered it. He never press hard upon the individual. But as it knew that the writ was cried at Poole. He knew of a person who was not of age at the time he received the writ, and who was of age at the time when he delivered it. This person could not have voted if he had delivered the writ immediately. This person was no relation of his, neither was any of the candidates. He thought that person would have voted for Mr. Garland, but he voted for sir R. Bickerton. He was in London, and took the writ to take care of it, knowing it would be in safe hands. He did not deliver it, because like a bill of exchange drawn at forty days sight, he did not think it right to deliver it till the period when it should be obligatory to make the return [a laugh]. He paid 30 guineas for the writ; it was what he was asked to pay : Lord H. Petty felt it was quite impossi he was not repaid, nor did he expect to be. ble to refuse his assent to the resolution, He knew from the beginning, that he was but from the universality of similar prac. to pay money for the writ, but he did not tices, of which some instances little short know how much. He was prepared to of that now before the house had been compay what should be asked of him. On a municated to him very recently, he thought question from the chancellor of the ex-the individual now under the animadver. chequer, he admitted that he had heard there were to have been other candidates, besides those who stood. On being questioned who, he answered sir Home Popham. His (Mr. Spurrier's) son also was expected to have been a candidate [a laugh]. He admitted that he knew of a person who arrived with the most urgent The Chancellor of the Exchequer said, an expedition from Ireland, and voted for hon. gent. on the other side had proposed Mr. Garland. On a question from Mr. to introduce a general remedial measure, Jones, he admitted that his principal rea- which he was sure every gentleman would son for getting possession of the writ was, be ready to support. He intended to that his son intended to have been a can-move, that Mr. Spurrier be committed to didate. He did not look for a receipt of the custody of the serjeant at arms; and the writ, because he relied on the sheriff's though it was not parliamentary to speak honourable character. Neither the sheriff nor any other person in Poole, knew that he had had the writ, till the proceedings on the present investigation had been the meaus of letting them into the fact.-Mr. Spurrier having been then ordered to withdraw, sion of the house ought to be discharged as soon after his committal as possible. He urged the propriety of adopting a general remedy for the abuse; such a remedy was essential to the honour and character of the house, in preference to severity in a particular instance. of an understanding to that effect, he was sure, that as soon as a proper submission should be made, the house would give the relief required. Mr. Barham urged the propriety of a general remedy, and, with a view to obtain some information calculated to promote The Chancellor of the Exchequer said, it that object, proposed to call in and examine had been universally admitted, that some the messenger of the great seal as to the ge. remedy was necessary in the present prac-neral proceedings about the issue of writs. tice of issuing writs. A remedy was to be Mr. Rose objected to the examination of proposed by an hon. gent. où the other the messenger of the great seal, who could side (Mr. Barbam). Every gentleman would lend his aid to render this remedy more perfect, and when it should have received the concurrence of the other branches of the legislature, he hoped it would be effectual. With respect to the present speak to nothing beyond the practice of his office. The messenger of the great seal was particularly instructed to take no fees but those that custom had established (perhaps without right); five guineas for a writ for a borough, and twice as much for |