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-for he stated, that, in consequence of the French decrees and our consequent orders in council, the produce of the French customs had experienced a very serious diminution indeed, and the minister consoled the nation for this, from the consideration of the vast diminution which they supposed must have taken place in our exports.

After some further conversation, the motion was put and carried.

[DEFENCE OF PORTUGAL.] The Chancellor of the Exchequer moved the order of the day for the House going into a committee of supply. The House then resolved into the committee.

of all parts of the peninsula. He begged in this place particularly to refer to the feelings which had been excited in this country by the first burst of Spanish patriotism; and here he did not mean that general and ardent spirit of enthusiasm which glowed in every British bosom on receipt of the intelligence of the congenial efforts of the Spanish people, but that more deliberate judgment which was contained in the recorded opinion of Parlia ment. In the Address of that House, at the commencement of last session, he found the following paragraph: "We congratulate your Majesty on your receiving from the Spanish government, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in sub- the strongest assurances of their determitting to the committee a proposition mined perseverance in the cause of the for granting to his Majesty a sum not ex- legitimate monarchy, and of the national ceeding 980,000l. to be applied in pro- independence of Spain; and that, so long viding for the defence of Portugal, should as the people of Spain shall remain true have thought that vote so consistent with to themselves, your Majesty will continue the feelings professed by the House on to them your most strenuous assistance former occasions (had it not been for the and support."-These were the sentiobservations thrown out on his notice), ments which that House entertained last that he should not have expected any op- year upon the subject. In the Address, position to the motion. If the House was at the commencement of the present sesstill influenced by that noble sympathy, sion, they had said, "We cannot sufficiwhich had hitherto so strongly interested ently express our satisfaction, that the them in the cause of the Spaniards suffer- Spanish government, in the name and by ing under the perfidy, atrocity, and the authority of Ferdinand VII, has deterusurpation of France, he was persuaded, mined to assemble the general and extrathat there could exist no disposition in ordinary cortes of the nation. We confithe committee to resist his motion. He dently trust, this measure will give fresh was well aware at the same time, that it animation and vigour to the councils and might be said, that the measure he had the arms of Spain, and successfully direct to propose related not to Spain, but to the energies and spirit of the Spanish peoPortugal. He must contend, that the in-ple to the maintenance of their legitimate terests of both could not be separated; that whatever should be done to give strength to Portugal, would add to the means of Spain; and that to provide for the defence and security of the former country, would be to promote the general interests of the peninsula, and the particular success of the Spanish cause. It was incumbent upon him, however, to admit, that, if France should ever succeed in establishing a secure and tranquil government in Spain, it would be impossible for Portugal, with even the assistance which this country could afford, effectually to resist the attempts of France. But if this country should still continue to hold Portugal, pending the struggle in Spain, and thereby menace the French forces in that country, he was sure it would be admitted, that we should by that means effectually promote the cause of Spain, and consequently the interests

monarchy, and to the ultimate deliverance of the Spanish nation."-When the House therefore had expressed such sentiments in their recorded votes, it was not too much to expect, that the committee, with a view to confirm the principles upon which those sentiments were founded, would not oppose the measure he had to propose a measure taken in direct conformity with the wishes of the nation, and the votes of Parliament. He was persuaded even, that, if the House were now, for the first time, called upon for an opinion upon the subject, so far from regretting their former opinion, they would be actuated by the same sentiments and feelings, which were not more congenial to the character and honour, than conducive to the best interests of the nation. If they were to look at the question in this point of view, then, they would find the measure proposed not alone due to

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the honour and character of the British | important instrument of hostility against name, but upon considerations of sordid interest, find it equally consistent with sound policy as with national honour and reputation: no less dictated by maxims of prudence and interest, than consonant to every principle of public faith, national policy, and liberal conduct. It would not be doubted, he was convinced, that the cause of Spain was now the cause of this country; and that the longer we could make or enable that country to resist the strength, and exhaust the military resources of France, the more we should promote the interest of this country in the existing war. As long, therefore, as there should remain a hope of success in Spain, it was obviously the best policy of this country to keep up the spirit of resistance to French usurpation in the Spanish nation. The power of France could never be completely confirmed, or really secure in Europe, until that power should be es tablished on the ruins of the independence of Spain: because, so long as the Spanish nation should continue to resist the usurpations of France, it would be necessary for that power to direct a great proportion of its strength and disposeable force against Spain. It was, consequently, the duty as well as the policy of this country, to foment and keep alive in the peninsula that spirit, which alone could hold out any hope of success to the cause, which might thus perhaps eventually become the germ of the liberty and independence of the world. It was not then a question to consider, what where the best points of the peninsula to which our succours should be directed, or whether Spain was under any circumstances to be supported. The fact was, that we were at present not only in possession of Portugal, but that we were in great strength in that country. The real question to be considered therefore was, whether, in possession of Portugal, under such circumstances, the House should adopt the proposition, either to support those, who were disposed to continue the struggle in that country, or by withdrawing the British army to leave them to their fate, and abandon their cause altogether. The question he should repeat, really was, whether that House should determine to sustain the cause of the peninsula in Portugal, or by deserting it, leave that country to be over-run by the enemy; in doing which, they would surrender to France the most convenient station, and the most

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this country. Was that a question which gentlemen were prepared to accede to ?^ Would the Committee deem it prudent or politic to leave the British army in that country, and not avail itself of the support and additional strength which was to be derived from the Portuguese army tended, by the measure he had to propose, to be taken into British pay? If they should be of opinion that the English army could answer any useful purpose by remaining in Portugal, surely it must be desirable to take advantage of any accession of force which the means of the country afforded, and which'would consequently enhance the ultimate prospect of the cause. But if they should now think to withdraw their army-if they should, in this instance, not feel those sentiments, which made them express to his Majesty their approbation of his having entered into a treaty with Spain after her reverses-if in the contemplation of the present diffi. culties, and without a just regard to the prospective interests of the cause of the peninsula, they should determine to abandon Portugal altogether, sure he was, that it would be in effect to abandon the cause of this country, as well as to tarnish the character and honour of the nation. When he looked back to that feeling, which induced parliament to approve of a perseverance in support of the Spanish cause, after the difficulties and reverses which had been sustained in Spain, he could not bring himself to suppose that any indisposition would be shewn on this occasion to maintain still the cause of the peninsula. At a period, when the hopes of Spain were so reduced; when the cause of that country was to be sustained almost within the walls of Cales, was it, he would ask, either for the interest of the surviving energies of the Spanish cause, or for the immediate advantage of the cause of this country, that we should withdraw, or profess to withdraw, the British army from Portugal? What consequence could result from such a course, but the inevitable subjection of Spain and Portugal, and the necessary augmentation of the enemy's means of hostility against this country? But it might be said, that by still retaining possession of Portugal, we should only be able to occupy 30, 40, or 50,000 French troops in that country. Even if that were the true state of the case, he would ask, whether that would not be a material object, at a time, when the French army

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isted a nation capable of subduing a population possessing the mind, and heart, and soul of the Spaniards. They might sustain reverses; but the very victories, and the triumphs of their enemies, would teach them discipline, and infuse into them a spirit which would ultimately be the ruin of their oppressors. Under these circumstances he should put it to the House, whether it would be prudent or wise to abandon Portugal. The last Austrian war had arisen, in a great measure, out of the contest in the peninsula. During the progress of that war, however calamitous its result had proved, it would be in the recollection of the House, that one other day's successful resistance of the French army by the Austrians, might have overthrown the accumulated power of the enemy. That such events might again take place, it was not impossible. No man could anticipate what might arise of this description in the course of a short period, and under all the circumstances of the world; but as long as the contest was, or could be, maintained in the peninsula, he considered it the best policy of this country to support aud promote it. Under this impression, therefore, he should move " That the sum of 980,000l. be granted to his Majesty, to enable hist Majesty to make advances to the Portuguese government in support of its exertions in that kingdom, by taking 30,000 Portuguese troops into the British pay." He had only to add, that it was proposed to make these advances pursuant to an arrangement made with the Portuguese government, and not by a treaty which would be binding on the country, or take the expenditure out of the control of parliament.

was likely to be fully occupied in Spain? Was it nothing, that, if the French should think of invading Portugal, they should, in order to give them any hope of success, bring an army of at least 100,000 men to act against that country? Or, should Portugal be left, by withdrawing the British army, in such a state, that 10,000 men would be amply sufficient to over-run and subjugate that nation? Such a sentiment he did not expect to hear expressed in that House. Indeed, so convinced was he of the wisdom and policy of the measure he meant to propose, that he should not have felt it necessary to make any observations to recommend it to the adoption of the Committee, if it had not been for the manner in which his notice had been received by the gentleman opposite, and which led him to think it would possibly meet with opposition. But it might be asked, whether any person could be sanguine enough now to hope, that the Spanish cause could succeed? If he were not sanguine enough to entertain such an expectation, still, it was his opinion, that the cause ought not to be abandoned. But what were they to think of the sentiments of those gentlemen, who were always of opinion that it was impossible for Spain to hold out so long-they, who told the House so often, that the cause was hopeless-that it was vain to send out British troops to sustain it-that if Spain was to succeed at all, she must succeed at once-and that she could never maintain a protracted contest against the disciplined armies and enormous resources of France? Spain had continued the struggle hitherto, however; and whatever might be the gloomy aspect of her affairs at present, the cause of the peninsula, according to his opinion, ought not to be abandoned. He was sanguine enough thus far to think that it would be extremely difficult for France to establish a tranquil dominion in Spain, unless Great Britain should separate herself from the cause of that country. But a secure or tranquil government France could not erect in Spain without much difficulty, nor easily make any effectual application of the means of the peninsula in her hostility against this country whilst we continued to assist its efforts, She might occupy Spain with an army, but her power would be confined within the limits of her military posts; and it would require nearly as large an army to keep possession, as to make a conquest of Spain. There never had ex

VOL. XVI.

Sir John Newport observed that the latter part of the right hon. gent.'s statement had relieved him from much difficulty, as the advance was not to be made in pursuance of any arrangement that could fetter the judgment of that House. He was surprized that the right hon. gent. could have supposed that such a motion would be agreed to without opposition. If any question could provoke opposition, it must be that which would make them continue efforts in a cause, which every one but the right hon. gent. considered hopeless. The hon. baronet then referred to the documents, to shew that the Portuguese levies had not been expedited as they should have been. He did not think the embodying of 30,000 Portuguese B**

ing the efforts of this country, its cause would have triumphed, and there would not now be a Frenchman on the Spanish territory. He could not conceive why any gentleman could think, that the British army should remain in Portugal,

troops, at the expence of nearly one million, could prop the hopeless cause of Spain, now confined almost within the walls of Cadiz. The right hon. gent. had relied much upon the recorded opinion of parliament. Whilst the Spaniards were true to themselves, parliament was pledg-without taking to its aid the important ed to support them. But he denied that accession of the Portuguese army, or renthey had been true to themselves. If dering the spirit with which it was acthey should be obliged to embark the tuated available to the common cause. British army, as he supposed they would, The Portuguese army had been greatly what was to be done with these 30,000 improved; and that was owing princi Portuguese troops? Were they to be pally to the spirit. industry, exertions, and brought to this country, and added to the activity of marshal Beresford, whose indealready enormous foreign army in its ser- fatigable efforts and attention, under the vice, or were they to be sent to the Bra- direction of his very superior talents, had zils, or to be left fully equipped and ready raised up a most respectable military to add to the military force of Buona- force in Portugal. parté He trusted, whatever the right Mr. Curwen should not have taken any hon. gent. might say of the difficulty of part in this discussion, if not convinced of establishing a tranquil French govern- the very serious importance of the quesment in Spain, that the means and re- tion. He had listened throughout with sources of this country would not be the greatest attention to the hon. gent. wasted in encouraging an intestine desul-who had just sat down, because he extory warfare in that kingdom. As the contest was now hopeless, he would not trust any more men to the disposal of ministers, all whose measures, down to the present hour, had been characterized by a wanton waste of blood and treasure.

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pected to have heard something from him, which might induce him to continue of the same opinion as heretofore respecting the Spanish cause. No man would be ready to go farther for Spain; but when ministers themselves said, that there was Mr. Villiers said, that in promoting the scarcely a hope remaining, what thinking transactions which had been pressed upon man would wish to continue the struggle? his attention by the government, he had When they heard the hon. gent. say, that used all the energy, warmth, and activity Spain had not done its duty, that was no which his frame was capable of. He had time to think of hazarding a gallant army laboured with all the zeal and industry in in the peninsula. He could have wished, his power; and had the satisfaction to that in enumerating the vigour of the goadd, that he had laboured with effect. As vernment and of the departments, the to the question under consideration, it was, hon. gent. had made some mention of the in his opinion, not a question whether one energy of the people. As the Portuguese million was to be expended upon this ser- people had suffered a French army to vice, but whether they were to leave the over-run their country, without any reBritish army in that country without avail-sistance, he was not for placing much reing themselves of all the assistance which Portugal could afford in support of it? He could not think that any gentleman would be of that opinion. With respect to Portugal itself, he could assure gentlemen, that the government of that country was administered with great energy and vigour. Large supplies of money had been raised to meet the public exigencies -the old military constitution of the country had been restored-the finances of the country were ably administered and well collected-and the war department conducted with much energy and ability. As to Spain, he must say, and it was his deliberate opinion, that if Spain had done its duty equally with Portugal in support

liance upon the Portuguese troops; and he really should think our gallant army in an alarming predicament, if exposed in that country, under such circumstances. He could not imagine that there was any rational hope of success. Since we had first undertaken to support the cause of the peninsula, a great alteration of circumstances had taken place and considerable additions had been made to our burthens. If the enemy could point out what he would prefer that we should undertake, he was convinced that his first wish would be, that we should undertake to defend Portugal.-It had been argued in the beginning of the session, by an hon. gent. (Mr. Huskisson,) that retrench

should pause before they carried their confidence any further. If ever there was a moment that called on every reflecting and independent man to make that pause, and to consider seriously what they were doing, this was the moment; and if now neglected to be made use of, he feared the consequences would be most dreadful and ever to be regretted. Bounaparté could not receive more cheering hopes of his ul

was engaged, that he would derive from learning that the present ministers were to continue in office, and that the House of Commons still persisted in placing a blind confidence in them, and thereby enabling them to enter upon measures which in their inevitable result could not fail to an swer all his purposes. Buonaparté knew this country; was acquainted with our resources; and he was afraid he depended more on the prodigality which now prevailed, as more certain to work our downfal, than upon all the efforts he could make against us. The right hon. gent. opposite had talked of not forsaking our allies the Spaniards, and of driving the French out of Spain. No man could more sincerely wish success to the Spaniards than he did; no man could be more anxious to assist them, whilst there was à probability of doing it with any effect. But as to our driving the French out of Spain, he was afraid the notion was absurd; and he thought the vote of the House this night, against the measure brought forward by the right hon. gent. if the House should decide against it, would be more important than if we were to take half the French army prisoners. Under these circumstances, convinced as he was of the absolute necessity of retrenchment, he should certainly vote against the motion.

ments in our financial expenditure were necessary, and he (Mr. Curwen) was perfectly convinced of the truth of that position, but he was sorry that the hon. gent. had not entertained the same opinion when that subject was brought forward last session by the hon. member for Oakhampton (Mr. Wardle). If the hon. gent. had then stood forward with those plans of retrenchment which he had so ably recommended since, he verily be-timate success in the struggle in which he lieved we should not have had to lament the disgraceful Expedition to Walcheren, and the profuse and lavish expenditure of blood and treasure that accompanied it. He assured the House that in uttering these sentiments, he spoke from no party feelings whatever. He spoke the plain genuine sentiments of a man most anxious for the welfare of the country, which, if great care was not taken by that House to check the profusion and extravagance which had so long prevailed in all the departments of the government must be soon reduced to such a situation that he trembled for the consequences. He begged the House to recollect that the constitution had undergone a very great and extraordinary change, and that the situation of that House had become very different from what it formerly was. When the present family came to the throne, that House was universally looked upon with the highest and most unqualified respect its members were then considered as the real representatives of the people, and no minister would have dared to think of keeping his place one moment after he had lost their confidence; but now ministers, in defiance of repeated and considerable majorities, kept their places, and seemed to look for an acquiescence in their measures, notwithstanding they had been so repeatedly told that the House was afraid to trust them any farther. He could see no reason why the House should be called on to vote so large a sum of money as was asked for by the present resolution for the purpose of taking into our pay an army of Portuguese soldiers, when the country was already so heavily burdened. But he was by no means one of those who despaired either of the exertions, or the finances of the country, provided they were administered with prudence and frugality. Neither of these qualities, however, were possessed by his Majesty's present ministers. They had long been too much confided in by the House; and it was now high time they

Mr. Leslie Foster rose and said: My right hon. friend has, I think justly, connected the present proposition of his Majesty, with his past conduct towards the cause of the peninsula. It is but a continuance and extension of the same spirit of British assistance. It is now, however, open to the reprehension of two classes of politicians, of those who think we never ought to have committed ourselves for the salvation of Portugal and Spain, and of those who, although they approved of that committal, whilst the event appeared at least to be ambiguous, think that the overwhelming power of France, has at length brought this tragedy so nearly to a close, that nothing is now left for us, but to es

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