Note; the perfonal dispositions which ere faid to prevail for the conclufion of Peace, and for the future observance of Treaties; the power of infuring the effect of those dispositions, supposing them to exift; and the solidity of the system newly established, after so rapid a fucceffion of Revolutions-all these are points which can be known only from that teft to which his Majesty has ha already referred them-the refult of experience and the evidence of facts.

With that fincerity and plainness which his anxiety for the re-establishment of Peace indispensably required, his Majesty has pointed out to France the fureft and speediest means for the attainment of that great object. But he has declared in terms equally explicit, and with the same sincerity, that he entertains no defire to prescribe to a foreign nation the form of its govern ment; that he looks only to the security of his own dominions and of Europe; and that whenever that effential object ean in his judgment be, in any manner whatever, fufficiently provided for, he will eagerly concert with his Allies the means of immediate and joint negotiation for the re-establishment of general tranquillity.

To these declarations his Majesty steadily adheres; and it is only on the grounds thus stated, that his regard to the safety of his fubjects will fuffer him to renounce that system of vigorous defence, to which, under the favour of Providence, his kingdoms owe the security of those blessings which they now enjoy.

(Signed) GRENVILLE,

Downing-ftreet, Jan. 20, 1800.

firion has been affumed the power of deferring the putting of the contingents in activity, and the accomplishment of its other constitutional obligations. A heart truly German and patriotic, and a mind enlightened by such sad experi ence, cannot abfolutely commit such imprudence; fuch conduct would de. prive us of the only means of concluding a speedy Peace upon terins just and proper, and which may prove solid and permanent. We ought not entirely to forget the maxim, that we should prepare vigorously for War, when we wished for Peace, and we shall obtain the latter much the more soon, and on terms the more advantageous, when the enemy shall fee us in a state to continue the War, should he be disposed to continue his imperious tone, and to prescribe once more a Peace that would bring with it shame and flavery, or infallibly lead to them. Too often has the hope, ins dulged with so much precipitation, rea specting France, proved deceitful, to fuffer these new events to seduce and lull the State into a false security. It has been seen uniformly to the present hour, that every new faction in France has spoken a great deal about Peace, not for the purpose of concluding one upon equitable terms, but to gain popularity: that they have often the word Peace in their mouths, and are continually commencing new Wars; or that by the word Peace, they have meant nothing but the extermination of their enemies. The event which has taken place in France, on the gth of November, confidered in a near point of view, is not of a nature to be able to afford us, all at once, a fuil confidence. Some of those who have poffefsed themfelves of the fupreme power are the fame men, who so often, by their principles, and the whole course of their public life, have sworn mortal hatred and eternal enmity to all other States not conftituted like their own, who have overturned some, and perfidiously subjugated others in full peace. The spirit even which manifefts itself in the public writings of France is not so pacific; it is there frequently declared, that this new Revolution has no other object but to raise the Republic to the rank which it ought to hold in Europe. The late Directory is blamed there not for having commenced War, but for having carried it on unsuccessfully; for not having conquered new provinces; for having lost several. In their Proclamations they

ther Degin always with speaking of victories, and they afterwards talk of Peace; a clear indication that circum stances do not appear yet sufficiently favourable for the latter, and that they would wish still to try the fate of arms before they would think of concluding it.-The Minister of War openly announces, that he is employed in reinforcing the army, and procuring it every thing neceffary. He adds, that he will take a part himself in its dangers, as foon as the season permits the opening of the campaign; and that he is preparing for it new triumphs. There has not been yet on the part of France any relaxation in the preparations for War to justify the Germans to relax theirs; but, on the contrary, a new corps is to be formed in the four non-united de. partments. But even though we might have no grounds to conceive any distrust respecting the views and objects of the new Rulers of France, the new Revolution is not fufficiently confirmed in its feat to inspire a full confidence that it may not be overturned like the rest. -Finally, the question is not here of fuch a Peace as every convention of armistice might be called. The question is safety; the conditions for which we effentially contend; conditions which the honour, dignity, liberty, the integrity of the Germanic Empire, and inviolability of our dearest Treaties de

mand. The question is a juft, fit, and durable Peace in the sense of the deci fion of the Diet, which may secure Religion, Property, civil Order, and the Constitution of the Empire. I invite you to weigh maturely thefe these considerál tions with the patriotic sentiments with which you are inspired, and then you will certainly agree with me, that prudence imperioufly requires that you should not be seduced into inactivity by the reports of an approaching Peace and principles more moderare, or to lay down your arms until Peace shall be figned. You will feel with me the neceffity of not delaying the measures of defence; but, on the contrary, of redoubling our efforts, augmenting our forces, and accomplishing with the greatest activity, and in the most serious manner, the decifion, renewed and confirmed by the Resolutions of the Diet, for the common defence, that we may be able to oppose an energetic mass of efforts to the views of the enemy, what. ever they may be. It is only by an im pofing military force that we shall be able to prevent the enemy from making new devastating attacks, abridge or terminate the evils of War, ameliorate the conditions of Pacification, and finally accelerate a Peace that may deferve the name of one, and recompence the multiplied sacrifices by which we have for a long time since sought to procure it.

T

HE House met purfuant to adjournment; and the new Bishop of Ox. ford having taken the oaths and his feat, Lord Grenville faid, that although it was not usual to give notice of a Meffage, yet, as he saw many of their Lordships present, it might not be improper to inform them, that probably to-morrow he hould bring one down, and lay certain important papers upon their table, when he should move to take them into confideration on a future day, perhaps Monday.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22.

Lord Grenville brought down the following Meffage from his Majesty, together with the papers therein alluded to, the former of which he moved to have read:

"GEORGE R.

may judge neceffary under the present circumstances for the several branches of the public fservice, and for the vigorous profecution of the War, and his Majesty has given directions that the proper Eftimates for this purpose should be Jaid before the House.

"His Majefty has thought proper on this occafion to direct that there thould be laid before the House copies of com, munications recently received from the enemy, and of the answers which have been returned thereto by his Majesty's command. [See pages 56 and 79.]

"His Majesty enterrains the fullest confidence that those answers will appear to this House to have been conformable to that line of conduct which was required from his Majesty on this occafion, by his regard to all the most important interests of his Dominions: and his Majesty, having no object more ar heart than that of contributing, as foon as the situation of affairs shall render it practicable, to the establishment of the general tranquillity of Europe, on a fure and folid foundation; and of providing effectually for the security and permanent profperity of his faithful People, places a firm reliance on the continued fupport of his Parliament, and on the zeal and perfeverance of his Subjects in fuch measures as may best

T

This Message having been read, his Lordship faid he had another Message from his Majesty, which was alfo read.The purport of this was, that a number of Ruffian troops, which had acted as auxiliaries in the expedition to Holland, at the conclufion of the campaign, had been brought to this country: -the latenefs of the feafon, and other caufes, having rendered it impossible for them to be conveyed to the Imperial dominions, his Majesty had therefore given orders for accommodatiors to be prepared for them in the Islands of Guernsey and Jersey, and which he thought proper to communicate to their Lordthips.

Lord Grenville then obferved, that he had yesterday entertained thoughts of moving to have these Metlages taken into confideration on Monday next; butas he understood that Tuesday would be more convenient to fome of their Lordhips, he should now move for that day; which motion being put, was ordered accord ingly. Adjourned to Tuelday next.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21.

HE Speaker read from the Chair three letters received by him from the Commanders in the late expedition to Holland, acknowledging the receipt of his letters conveying the thanks of the Houfe to thote Officers, and to Sir Ralph Abercromby and the Army, viz. from hs Royal Highness Field Marshal the Duke of York, Commander in Chief, and from Admirals Lord Duncan and Sir Andrew Mitchell. The letter of the latter attributes the failure of the expedition to the weather and other phyfical caufes; and adds, that, on the part of the Executive Government, the whole was planned and conducted with profound wifdom and policy. The other letters are formal and complimentary.

Colonel Stanley presented a petition "from the Debtors confined in the gaol of Lancaster, praying for relief.-Ordered

to be iaid on the table.

Mr. Sheridan rose to give notice of a motion which it was his intention to

make relative to the late Expedition to Holland. He understood that an Hon. Member near him meant to move for a Call of the House on Monday the 3d of February next; and, as fuch a motion muft bring a full attendance, he would be regulated by it, and would therefore name the 3d of February also for bringing forward his motion.

Mr. Tierney faid, that certainly he had thought of moving for a Call of the House; but, confidering the importance of the interests expected to come into difcuffion, he did hope the Minister, or fome friend near him, would move for it. At any rate he truffed he should receive the fupport of Gentlemen on the other fide to fuch a motion.

Mr. Pitt had no objection to a Call of the House, but was of opinion that, as had taken place heretofore, Gentlemen would attend from a mere fenfe of duty, if the importance of the business should fuggeft a neceffity for their doing fo. On every motion he was extremely detirous

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of a full attendance of the Members of that House; and here he would take an opportunity to obferve, that he expected to have it in command from the Throne to bring down a Meffage to morrow, reIative to the "Overture of the Enemy," accompanied by several papers connected with the business of that Overture, and which he should at the fame time move to be taken into confideration on Monday

next.

Mr. Tierney then gave notice, that he should make the said motion to-morrow. Mr. Long prefented several public accounts relative to the Finances, which were laid on the table.

Mr. Abbot moved for several Accounts of the Produce, Expenditure, &c. of the Public Revenue; which were ordered.

Mr. Tierney moved for the following Accounts, viz.

No. 1. An Account shewing how the Monies raised by Exchequer Bilis, on the Votes of this Setfion, have been applied.

No. 2. Shewing how the Money given for the Service of 1799 was employed, diftinguishing the application, &c. and what furplus, if any, remains. No. 3. Amount of the Debt outstanding on Exchequer Bills, to the 5th of January, 1800, distinguishing, under different heads, the Funds chargeable with the Payment of them, and the Funds remaining to fatisfy the fame.

No. 4. Amount of the actual Produce of the Tax on Income, to the 5th of April, 1800, distinguishing the Amount affeffed by the Commercial Commif fioners, as far as the fame can be made

Out.

No. 5. Income of the Consolidated Fund, and Charges on the fame, for the 5th April, 5th June, and 10th October, 1799, and 5th January, 1800.

No. 6. Amount of the Contribution raised in Aid of the War, and of the Duties on Exports and Imports.

No. 7. Of the Distribution of the Sum of 2,500,0001. voted for the Extraordinary Services of the Army in 1799.

After a few words across the table between Mr. Pitt and Mr. Tierney, thefe feveral Accounts were ordered.

Mr. Terdey next moved

"For an Account of the Advances made by the Bank of England to Goverument, on Account of the Dauties on Malt, Sugar, &c. and alfo the Amount of the Advance to Government by the Bank on Government Securities, for 21st Sept. 21st Oct. 21st Nov. 21st Dec. 1799, and art Jan.

Mr. Pitt objected to the general nature of this Account. After Tome converfation between him and Mr. Tierney, an amendment, leaving out the words "relative to the Sums on Government Stcurity," was moved and carried; and the Account, in its amended state, was or. dered.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22.

Mr. Pitt presented his Majesty's Mer fage (fee page 59), which was read, and ordered to be taken into confideration ont Monday next.

CALL OF THE HOUSE.

Mr. Tierney rose to make his promifed motion on this fubject. It was not his wifft, he faid, to harass the distant Members by calling for an enforced attendance; but he would ask, whether there was, in the recollection of the House, 2 Selfion of more importance than the pro fent. An Hon. Friend of his (Mr. Sheridan) had given notice of a motion for an enquiry into the conduct of the Ex pedition to Holland. It would, in his opinion, have been a fufficient motive for a Call of the House, to afcertain where the blame of that difastrous expedition should be made to rest. This was of itfelf a very important question, but there were others of equal magnitude. There was that of the Union with Ireland. He concluded by moving, that a Call of the House should be ordered for the 5th of February, to whichday he was authorized to say, that Mr. Sheridan had agreed to postpone his motion.

Mr. Jones faid, he should certainly fupport the present motion, though he should be left in a minority of two, as he was on a fimilar motion in the early part of the Seffion, when it was asked that the Militia should be broken up to ftrengthen the forces in Holland. He was then told by the Minister, that the Expedition was bottomed on principles founded "in human nature!" That Expedition, however, had failed, and the propoted enquiry certainly demanded the collective attendance of the Horse. The war and its calamities called for the at tention of the National Affembly (a laugh)

he meant the National Reprefentation: he had not the fame command of words as fome Gentlemen had on the oppofite fide.-He thought a coercive Call was neceffary, as he had never feen what might be called a full attendance of that Houle but once on a Partridg Bill.

The Matter of the Rolls was against the motion. Mr. Tierney replied: after which the House divided - ayes 32noes 115.-Adjourned to Monday. SPEECH

I

OF

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,
HAVE received his Majesty's com-

mands to affemble you in Parliament. Upon a review of the important and glorious events that have diftinguished the period which has elapsed since I last addressed you, the most gratifying and encouraging reflections present themselves to our confideration.

By the brilliant course of victories achieved by the combined Imperial Armies, the various kingdoms and states of Italy have been delivered from the ravages and the tyranny of the French, The Throne of Naples, and our friendly connection with that kingdom have been restored.

The French Expedition to Egypt has been checked in its career by the exertions of the Turkish arms, aifisted by a small detachment of his Majesty's forces, and the gallantry of their heroic Commander.

The hoftile plans of the common enemy in India have terminated in the total destruction of the Power which had been misled by their artifices, and through the timely, vigorous, and dechive counsels of the Marquis Wellesley, and the confummate skill and valour of his Majesty's Generals, Officers, and Troops; the British possessions in that quarter of the globe have been beneficiarly extended and effectually fecured.

By the defcent of his Majesty's forces and of his Ruffian Allies on the Coast of Holland, the Dutch Fleet has been happily rescued from the power of the enemy; and although the season, pe culiarly unfavourable to military operations, produced the neceffity of relinquishing an enterprize so fortunately began, and prevented the complete acsomplishment of his Majesty's views, yet the refult of that expedition has been peculiarly beneficial to this kingdom, in removing all fear of attack on our coasts from a quarter whence it had been so often planned, and in enabling his Majesty's fleets to direct their vigi Jance exclufively to the single port from whence the enemy can attack this country with any hope even of a temporary fuccess.

My utmost care has been exerted to carry into execution the extraordinary powers which you have committed to my difcretion, with vigour, and at the same time with moderation. All tendency to infurrection has been effectually repressed; but it gives me true concern to acquaint you, that the pain. ful neceffity of acting with severity has been too frequently impofed upon me; and although public tranquillity has been in a great measure restored, yet I have to lament that a difpofition to outrage and confpiracy still continues in several districts; that much industry is used to keep alive the spirit of disaffection, and to encourage among the lower classes the hopes of French affift

ance.

I trust that the recent Revolution in France cannot fail to open the eyes of such of his Majesty's (ubjects as have been deluded by the artifices which have been unremittingly employed to withdraw them from their allegiance; and that it will restore and increase the love of constitutional order and of regulated freedom, by demonstrating that the principles of false liberty tend ultimately to depotism, and that the criminat struggles of democratic factions naturally close in military ufurpation.

So long as the French Government, under whatever form it exerts its influs ence, shall persevere in the schemes of destruction and projects of ambition, fubversive at once of the liberties of Europe and the security of his Majesty's dominions, there can be no wife alternative but to profecute the war with increasing energy. It is by great exertions alone that either their views of aggrandizement can be fruftrated, or a folid peace procured. His Majesty has therefore availed himself with peculiar farisfaction of the cordial and great assistance which has been afforded him by his faithful Ally, the Emperor of Ruffia, and has thought right to make every exertion for augmenting the difpofeable military force of his own dominions; his Majesty therefore has been highly gratified in accepting the services so generally offered by his English Mi