Stanhope, Holland, Erskine, and Lauderdale; and defended by the Lords Chancellor and Ellenborough, who nevertheless admitted that some amendments in the committee would be necessary.

On a division, the second reading was carried; the numbers being Contents, 17; not contents, 7; majority, 10.

24. On the question for the House going into a committee on the Indictment bill, Lord Erskine, in a speech of impressive argument and great eloquence, opposed it, as a measure uncalled for, and trenching on the vital principles of our constitution.

After considerable intervals, first, Earl Stanhope, and afterwards Lord Holland, followed on the same side, each of them expressing their astonishment that the arguments of their noble and learned friend, if they were not admitted to be unanswerable, and, of course, destructive of the bill, did not receive some reply. Ministers chose, however, to allow the measure to pass, on their part, sub silentio.

On a division on the question for going into a committee, the numbers were-Contents, 15; not contents, 6; majority, 9.Immediately on the division taking place, Lords Erskine and Holland left the House.

Earl Stanhope, though he commended the conduct of his noble friends, who would not be present while such a pernicious bill went through a committee, stayed himself for the purpose of seeing what should be done in it. He submitted several amendments in the committee; all of which were negatived, without a word being adduced in opposition to them. His lordship then hastily quitted the House, exclaiming, that he would leave their lordships to account for their conduct to God, their consciences, and their country.

25. In a committee on the Assessed Taxes bill, Barl Darnley suggested, that instead of continuing trifling alterations in the Game Laws, they might be much improved by making game property on the land where it was found, and legalizing its sale.

Lord Hawkesbury observed, that this plan had formerly been in contemplation, but was given up, as leading to harshness and inconvenience.

On the motion of Earl Stanhope, the third reading of the Indictment bill was fixed for Monday, for which day the Lords were ordered to be summoned.

27. Lord Grenville, in a long and able speech, submitted to the House the claims of the Roman catholics of Ireland. His lordship was supported by the Bishop of Norwich, Lords Moira, Hutchinson, Stanhope, Erskine, Holland, and Suffolk, and by the Duke of Norfolk; and opposed by Lords Sidmouth, Mulgrave, Buckinghamshire, and Auckland, and by the Archbishop of York and Bisirop of Bangor.

At nearly five o'clock in the morning a division took place-Contents, 74; not cou

tents, 161; majority against the petition, 87.

30. Lord Sidmouth complained of a report of his speech on the catholic question, which appeared in the British Press of the following day. He did not coinplain of the practice of reporting, but of a gross misrepresentation of his sentiments. He reserved to himself the privilege, if he thought proper, of again submitting the matter to the attention of the House.

On the motion of Lord Auckland, certain papers were ordered to be produced, with the view of shewing the actual state of the trade and commerce of the country since November last; and on the motion of Lord Bathurst, similar returns were ordered to be inade for the two last years.

The Assessed Taxes bill was read a third time; as was the Indictment bill, after some porsonal altercation, principally between Lords Ellenborough and Stanhope; the numbers, on a division, being-Contents, 13; not contents, 6; majority, 7.

31. The Duke of Norfolk, objected to some amendments in the Irish Glebe Houses bill, on the ground that they might endanger the rejection of it in the other House. On the question for agreeing to them, a division took place-Contents, 6; not contents, 2; majority, 4.

JUNE 1. The Interment bill was read a second time, after a few words from Lord Lauderdale, who thought the present an unnecessary addition to our Statute Book, and that the cases alluded to might, with great safety, be left to the feelings of individuals.

3. The royal assent was given, by commission, to certain public and private bills.

8. This day the Lords met after the Whitsun holidays.

Several bills were brought from the Commons.

9. On the motion of the Lord Chancellor," the bill of Divorce applied for by Mr. Bland against his wife, was rejected; on the ground that the petitioner had not come into the House with clean hands; it being proved that he himself had lived in adultery with a. strange woman.

MASSY'S DIVORCE BILL.

10. Evidence was received at the bar, which proved a distinct act of adultery by Mrs. Massy with the Marquis of Headfort. Miss Mathews, a young lady, stated, that in the year 1804 she had occasion to knock at the bed-room door of Mrs. Massy. The Marquis of Headfort came from her bed; and, upon the witness's being alarmed, he said, "What the devil are you afraid of; did you never see a man in his shirt before?" Shortly after, she went into the bed-room, found Mrs. Massy in bed, and helped to dress her. The House was perfectly satisfied, without requiring further testimony, which could have been produced from other witnesses. After which the bill was read a second time.

MAY 9, 1808.

SIR T. Turton presented a petition from the debtors confined in the King's Bench prison, praying to be liberated on giving up their property.

Mr. Dickenson presented a petition from the members of Sion College, London, against the Curates' bill.

Mr. Rose moved for an account of the land revenue of the crown in England and Wales, with the pensions and other payments defrayed out of it, the sums approphated to the improvements of woods and forests, and the sums paid into the Exchequer. These papers would clearly shew that the public did not suffer on this head. The hereditary revenue was regularly applied to essential branches of public service, which must otherwise be defrayed out of the civil list, and the net surplus, which did not amount to more than 1,900l. was paid into the Exchequer. This latter sum, it was ob vious, however, could never be made the ground of an arrangement to defray 21,0001. a-year, as contended for by Mr. B.adulph.Ordered.

Colonel Wood moved, that the log-book of the Royal George, Admiral Duckworth's ship, be produced, for the purpose of ascertaining how far the excuse made by the admiral, of his having been prevented by the state of the wind from executing the orders given him by Lord Collingwood, was well founded.

After some conversation, however, the moron was withdrawn til after the decision of the general question respecting the Dardanelles.

Mr. Calcraft brought forward his promised ruction, as to the causes which obliged our blockading squadron under Sir R, Sirachan fo quit its station off Rochefort. These, he contended, appeared, from the documents on the table, to be, a short supply of provisions and water, arising from a culpable delay in the Admiralty in sending out reheving shups. Though acquainted with the state of the fleet in October, they did not think of sending relic tilt December, which did not arrive ull January, when the fleet had not thurteen days' provisions. He concluded by moving a number of resolutions declaratory of his statement, which he would to low up with a vote of censure on the Admiralty Board.

He was supported by Sir C. Pole and Mr. Ponsonby; and answered at considerable length by Mr. W. Pole and Mr. R. Ward, who ascribed the deficiency of supplies to the tempestuous state of the weather. Mr. W. Pul concluded by moving the previous ques. tion, which was carried by a majority of 77, the numbers being 146 and 69.

10. The Hon. C.Johnstone and Mr. Holmes were declared duly elected for Grampoand. Eurep, Mag. Vol. LIV July, 1808,

In a committee, a duty of 21. 3d. per lb. was voted on all ready made corks imported.

Mr. Perceval brought up a message from his majesty, recommending to the House to enable him to make good a provision for his sister, the Duchess of Brunswick.

Mr. Biddulph moved for a committee to consider the act of the 3d of the king respecting the demised revenues of the crown,

The motion was opposed by Mr. Rose, and negatived by a majority of 25, the num bers being-Ayes, 12; Nors, 37.

On the motion of Mr. Perceval for recommitting the Curates' Bill, Lord Porchester objected to it, and moved, that the bill be re-committed this day three months. On this a long conversation ensued, and a division took place on Lord Porchester's amendment, Ayes, 11; Noes, 94; majority, 83.-The bill was accordingly ordered to be re-committed for Friday.

11. In a committee of supply, a resolution was agreed to, granting an annuity of 10,000. to the Duchess of Brunswick; also a number of the miscellaneous services were voted; among others, 25,0681. for improvements, parchase of bulámgs, &c. about Palaceyard, Westminster.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer obtained leave to bring in a bill for better regulating the collection of assessed taxes, and of the duties on property, trades, and professions. One of the proposed regulations is, that these duties shall be collected half-yearly, the assessed taxes on one quarter day, and the property tax on the following; so that the public may be relieved from the inconvenience of paying both on the same day.

Sir F. Burdett called for the advice of the House how he should act in regard to a verdict given against him in the court of King's Bench at the suit of the high bailiff of Westminster, which he conceived to be a breach of the privileges of the House.

Mr. Perceval was of opinion, no relief lay but in a legal appeal.

The Speaker advised the hon. baronet to wait till some practical consequence arose from the decision, and then to apply to the House.

Mr. Barham, in an able speech, in which he pointed out the propriety of soothing rather thau irritating the catholics of Ircland, at a moment like the present, moved for copies of the correspondence between the lord heutenant of Ireland and the secretary of state, relative to the propriety of appointing Patrick Duigenan, LID. to be one of his majesty's most hon, privy council.

A long discussion ensued on this motion, principally by gentlemen friendly to its object, who exerted themselves powerfully to rouse Mr. Canning and Lord Castlereagh

Н

West Indies in British shipping to certain parts of Europe.

16. Sar J Newport moved for ler ve to bring in a bill to the equal valuation of the frst fruits in Irlad, and the better regula

tion thereof.

17.

Afr. Wharton brought up the report of the committee of the whole House on Mr, PalIt's clutin.

Mr. Bankes said, he should ill discharge his duty if he did not declare this to be one of the most extraordinary and unjust grants of the public money he had ever witnessed. Mr. Palmer had been a useful servant to the public, but, in his opinion, he had already been sufficiently recompensed.

Alr. Windham said, the question had been decaled both by the private committee and by the committee of the whole House on the most in lependent grounds, and without regard to any consideration but those of pubhe justice and public honour. Gentlemen on the other side even difered as to the fact, whether there was or was not a bargam. Solae of them admitted that there was a bargam, but alleged that Mr. Palmer had waved n by accepting of an office. By looking at the terms on which that office was granted, however, it would at once appear, what part of it was a reward for services performed, and what part a salary for official duties. As a ward for his original invention, and Che services then rendered, he had stipulated to receive 21 per cent. on the increased proș fits. When the office was conferred on him, he received a salary of 1,500L a-year, be des the 25 per cent. So there could be no doubt that his original bargain as to the per centage remained entire, and that the 1,5001. was the recompense for the discharge of his ⚫ official duties, and of which alone he could bejustly deprived, on forfeiting his office.

Mr. Fuller, Sir T. Turton, Lord Milton, and Sir F. Burdett all agreed in thinking the original bargain wise on the part of the public, that it had never been departed from,, and that it was now due to the justice and Honour of the country to see it faithfully performed.

Messrs. Rose, W. Stuart, Long, S. Bourne, Holford, Marryatt, and Samner spoke against resolution; and

Mr. Sumber moved an adjournment of the question fill to-allogrów sennight, with a view to refer it back to the combenitce to take far15* *dence."

On this a division took place--For the adjournment, 87; against it, 137; majority,

30.

pre

It was then settled, that the accounts of the proceeds of the Post-office, up to sent time, should be pro-iuced, for the parpose of asc rtaming the amount of arrears due; and that the sum die on this head, and also the annual sum to be paid in future, should be fixed in the committee of supply. The Assessed Taxes bill was read a third tume, and passed.

17. Mr Huskisson obtained leave to bring in a bill for continug the powers of the commissioners of unitary inquiry.

Sir T. Turton brought forward his long promised motion, relative to the deposition of the nabob of the Carnatic. In a speech of upwards of four hours, the hon. baronet took aa historical view of the progress of the company's interference with the Car.atic, from the beginning of the war that ended in 1754, to the treaty of 1796 with Omdut ul Omrah, by which the payment of a certain kist wa secured to the company. That treaty coati nued to the death of Ondut ul Qurah, n 1801; when that transaction commenced, which a right hon. gentleman (Mr Sheridan) had not coloured more strongly than it des served, in declaring, that a more inhuman, a more atrocious, and a more shameful act had never disgraced any government. The hon. baronet proceeded to state the seizure of the young prince, the son of Omdut ul Omrah, immediately on his father's death, on a charge of treachery on the part of his father and grandfather, in carrying on a correspondence with Hyder Ali and Tippoo Sultaun, and has subsequent deposition and death. He contended, that there was no evidence of the treacherous nature of the correspondence; but, at all events, that the prince was inuocent of it. He would not take on himself to assert, but he beliced, that the prince had beca murdered. Before sitting down, he conjured the House, by the national honour and faith, of which it was the guardian; he conjured his majesty's ministers, in the name of the national character, of which they were the protectors; he conjured every man, in the name of that eternal justice which was the foundation of our happiness here and hereafter; to consider the importance of the vote winch he was to give this evening. He was confident that it was essential to the security of our Indian empire to declare, that the British legislature never would anctien any unjust-or tyrannical act. He concluded with moving a series of resolutions, containing a recital of facts relative to the assumption of the Carnatic, reprobating the deposition of the nabob; declaring that the British parliament will never countenance an act of injustice and oppression m India, end stating the propriety of appointing a committee to inquire into the best means of indemnifying the family of Mahomed Ali,

and of ensuring the safety of our Indian possessions.

Mr. Wallace passed a general panegyric on the system of Lord Wellesley's adininistration; as tending to extinguish the hopes of avarice, and to disarm the hand of rapine. Mahomed Ali was indebted to us for every thing that he had: by the successes of the British arms he had been raised from the dust to a throne. By the treaty, the nalob was strictly precluded from all correspondence with foreign powers; yet scarcely was it signed, before it was violated by his entering into a correspondence with Tippoo Saib, the sworn enemy of the British name and interests. He concluded a long speech by moving the previous question.

Lord A. Hamilton support. d the resolution; and Colonel Allan the amendment; when on the motion of Mr. Windham, about one o'clock in the morning, the debate was adjourned till a future day.

18. Mr. Lethbridge presented the minutes of the evidence taken before the committee on Mr. Palmer's claim. He then moved, that an account be laid before the House of the per centage due to Mr. Palmer on account of the net revenue of the Post-office, above 240,000l. from 5th April, 1793, to 5th January, 1808, together with an account of the sums which Mr. Palmer had received.

Sir J. Sinclair objected to the word “ due” in the motion.

The Speaker informed the hon. baronet the House had resolved that it was due." After a long conversation, Sir S. Romilly obtained leave to bring in a bill for repealing so much of the act of the 8th of Elizabeth as related to taking away the benefit of clergy from those stealing privately from the persons of others; also a bill granting compensation in certain cases to persons tried and acquitted.

In a committee on the Local Militia bill, the blanks as to the age were filled up with 18 and 50.-Reported progress.

19. The Poor Settlement bill, introduced by Colonel Stanley, was thrown out on a division, 114 against 11.

Lord Binning rose to move, that the report of the sugar committee be referred to a com mittee of the whole House; being of opimion, that substituting sugar for grain to a certain extent in the distilleries, might be extended, not only without injury, but even with essential service to the corn interest.

Mr. Coke opposed the measure: there was no scarcity of grain, the price of which had never been more stationary than at present, in consequence of there being no importation.

In this he was followed by Sir J. Sinclair, Messrs. Curwen, Chute, Fitzgerald, Ponsonby, Foster, Windham, Laing, W. Smith, Sir J. Newport, &c.

Mr. Perceval, General Gascoygne, and Sir A. Wellesley supported the motion; and on

a division, the numbers were-Ayes, 122; noes, 108; majority 14.

20. The bill to prevent Child-stealing was passed.

In a committee of supply on Mr. Palmer's claims, Mr. Lethbridge moved, that the chairman be directed to move for leave to bring in a bill to secure to Mr. Palmer, for the future, his per centage on the net increased revenue of the Post-office, according to the agreement made with Mr. Pitt in the year 1739.

Mr. Bankes wished to know if the present bill was to embrace all the compensation? If not, he felt disposed to object to a plan by which the other House was to be deprived of its right of deciding on the agreement in question. He also wished to know from what fund the grant was to be made.

Mr. Lethbridge admitted that the present bill was not intended to include all the claims of Mr. Palmer; and as to the fund from whence these claims were to be made good, he thought none could be so fit as the Postoffice revenues, which had been so considerably benefited by Mr. Palmer's invention.

Mr. Bankes renewed his objection to the division of the proceedings; besides, in the present motion there was both a prospective and retrospective advantage. He moved that the word future be omitted. The committee divided on the question, that the word future stand part of the resolution- Ayes, 63; noes, 21; majority against Mr. Bankes's amendment, 42.

The original resolution was then put from the chair, and agreed to; and the House having resumed, the chairman, Mr. Fuller, moved and obtained leave to bring in the bill accordingly.

Mr. Taylor brought forward his motion re lative to the Dardanelles; and concluded with a resolution, that his majesty's fleet under Sir J. Duckworth had appeared before Constantinople on the 20th February, 1607, and continued there for ten days without doing any thing; and that it was the opinion of the House, that arrangements had not been made by the then ministry adequate to the occasion.

He was ably answered by Mr. T. Grenville; and after some farther discussion, the motion was negatived without a division.

23. Mr. Grattan presented a petition from the Roman catholics of Dublin, on behalf of themselves and others of the same commu nity, praying toleration and relief from their existing disabilities.

General Mathew presented a similar peti❤ tion from Tipperary."

Mr. Palmer's per centage bill was brought in, and read a first time.

In a committee of supply, the following suus were voted, viz.-For arrears of army extraordinaries from November, 1806, to November, 1807, 147,1891. 7.-For army extraordinaries for the year 1808 for Great