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for to them, was contrary to the constitution, and full of danger to the rights and liberties of the people; that it was the duty of Parliament to investigate these accounts of the droits of Admiralty, and to appropriate them to the public service," &c. &c.

Mr BRAND seconded the motion, which was opposed by the ministerial side of the House, chiefly on the ground of the antiquity of the droits.

On a division, there appeared for the resolutions, 38-against them 78 — Majority, 35,

An amendment of Mr Tierney's was also lost on a division of 94 to 36.

Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Mr LUSHINGTON brought up the report of the distillery suspension bill.

Sir J. NEWPORT objected to the clause which prohibits the importation of spirits from Ireland, as a breach of the union.

Mr SINCLAIR opposed the bill altogether, as hurtful to agriculture.

Sir G. CLARKE wished the Scotch distillers to be charged with duty in the same mode as in England, and brought up a clause for that purpose.

It was opposed by Mr Perceval, and rejected.

Thursday, Jan. 23.

The bill for preventing distillation from grain was read a third time and passed.

ECCLESTASTICAL COURTS.

On the motion of Lord Folkestone, the petition of Mary Anne Dicks, now imprisoned in the gaol of Bristol, in conse quence of a suit in the ecclesiastical court, was read.

Lord FOLKESTONE then rose to submit his promised motion relative to the Ecclesiastical Courts. The inquiries which he had made since the petition of Mary Anne Dicks had been put into his hands, had convinced him that it was not a particular grievance to which he should direct the attention of the House, but to a system of proceedings, from which similar severities were daily emanating. His Lordship entered into a detailed history of the rise and progress of the spiritual jurisdiction in this country, and then cited a variety of cases of individual oppression, resulting from the perversion of the sentence of excommunication from its avowed purpose, which was pro salute anima. He concluded with moving, "That a committee be appointed to enquire into the state of the jurisdiction of the Inferior Ecclesiastical Courts, and

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to consider whether any reformation is necessary to be made therein and to report their opinion to the House."

The question having been read from the chair, a debate ensued, in which Sir W. SCOTT allowed that some abuses had arisen in the inferior courts; but contended that it was impossible to prevent them in every instance.

Sir S. ROMILLY explained the dreadful consequences attending a sentence of excommunication. It prevented the parties affected by it from being witnesses or suitors in courts of law, and thus deprived him of all protection for person or property. King James I. had sent a message to Parliament for remedying the evils then felt from excommunication for slight offences, but from that day to this nothing had been done in the business. The case of the petitioner was fully sufficient to prove the oppressive effect of this mode of punishment. She had suffered two years imprisonment for applying a vulgár epithet to a woman who kept a house of ill fame.

After some further discussion, in which Sir J. Nicholl, Mr W. Smith, the Attor ney General, and others, took part, Lord Folkstone withdrew his motion, in consequence of Sir W. Scott having undertaken to bring in a bill for reforming the proceedings in the Ecclesiastical Courts; and the consideration of the particular case before the House, was deferred to a future day.

Friday, Jan. 24.

The House went into a Committee of Supply, and the following sums were voted:--L.1250 to Captain Manby, for his Life Preserver.

L.4699. 4s. for the repairs of Henry the VIIth's Chapel.

Mr Wharton then moved, that L.10,057 should be granted towards defraying the expences of erecting a bridge over the river Eden, at Carlisle.

Sir JOHN NEWPORT rose to object to the grant. The people of Cumberland had no higher claim to the public money than any other county.

Mr WHARTON and Sir JANES GRAHAM observed, that strong representations had "been made on this subject to the Committee by the Scotch, and particularly by the Irish Members: and the purpose of the intended bridge, said Sir James Graham, was to facilitate the entrance of the Irish Members into the British Parliament. (A laugh.)

Mr WHITBREAD, in reply to what had fallen from Sir James Grahamn, observed,,

that

that it was curious that the bridge, which had been allowed to be wide enough for the passage of Scotch Members, and Scotch cattle, should be too narrow to admit the passage of the Irish Members. (A laugh.)-These latter gentleman were indeed of great weight, but he had not been aware that their breadth was such as to require a bridge of ampler dimensions than the Scotch. A laugh.)-At any rate he could not conceive why the county of Cumberland should be particularly favoured; and the present principle, if extended, would put in the hands of Government the erection of all the bridges in the kingdom.

After some discussion, the Committee divided, when the resolution was carried by 35 to 27.,

Monday, Jan. 27.

On the motion for going into a committee on the royal household bill, Mr Tierney opposed the Speaker's leaving the chair. He argued against the principle and various clauses of the bill, as unconstitutional, and also injurious to the honour of the Prince Regent. In these censures he was joined by Mr Whitbread, Mr Ponsonby, and some other members.They were answered by Mr Perceval, who was joined by Mr Adam, the Prince's Chancellor, and on a division, Mr Tierney's motion was negatived by 141 to 59. In the committee, Mr Tierney made several objections to points of form, which were overruled by the proper messages, and the consent of the Prince Regent ; and all the clauses, were passed, with only one division of 105 against 33.

Mr ADAM explained the origin of certain debts which it appears the Prince of Wales considers himself bound in honour to "pay, although not legally compellable; and to this purpose it is intended to apply the 70,0001. per annum which is left to his Royal Highness, by his exchequer revenue. The Honourable Member concluded by saying, that this last duty to his Royal Master was the last of his own political life. Affairs, it was of no consequence to the world to know, drew him to the labours of his profession. In taking

his leave of that House, and of the public, he hoped it would not be considered presumption in him to say, that he believed he had acted with honesty to the public and fidelity to his Prince. He felt he could carry with him into his retirement the proud but delightful consciousness of having acted right.

Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Mr SINCLAIR presented a petition from the freeholders of Caithness, praying for an alteration in that article of the Union, by which they are entitled only to be represented in Parliament alternately with the Stewartry of Bute. The petition was ordered to lie on the table.

Wednesday, Jan. 29.

On the motion of Sir John Newport, leave was given to bring in a bill to ascertain the population of Ireland.

After some opposition from Mr C. Hutchinson, on nearly the same grounds as those already before the public, his Majesty's household bill was read a third time and passed.

Friday, Jan. 31.

Mr LOCKHART brought forward a motion for a Committee, to inquire if any and what persons becoming bankrupt can sit in that House, which was negatived without a division.

An animated debate took place in consequence of the rescinding of so much of a former order respecting the return of Police Magistrates, as required them to give in their present qualification; which had been adopted on the motion of Mr Secretary Ryder, on the ground that each Magistrate, acting without such qualification, being liable to a fine of L. 100, it would cause many of them to criminate themselves, which was a principle unknown in English law. Sir F. Burdett, in moving for the restoration of the order to its original form. contended, that there had been many very improper appointments of Police Magistrates, and conceived that this was the only way to rectify the abuse. The motion of Sir Francis was lost by a majority of 57 to 7.

HISTORICAL

Historical Affairs.

I

EAST INDIES.

FINAL REDUCTION OF JAVA.

Nour last Number we inserted the official details of the capture of Batavia, by the British troops, under the command of Sir Samuel Auchmuty. Dispatches have since been received, announcing the capitulation of General Jansen, with the remainder of the French forces, and the surrender of the remaining part of the island of Java, eastward of Samarang, to the British. The dispatches containing these accounts, were forwarded by Governor Farquhar, from the Mauritius, and were brought to England by the Phoebe frigate. The details were published in a London Gazette Extraordinary, on the 20th January, but they are so voluminous that our limits will only admit of the following abstract :—

General Jansen capitulated on the 17th September, and surrendered all the country, not already subject to the British arms, to his Majesty. The Europeans in the service of the enemy are prisoners of war. The native troops were dismissed to their homes. General Jansen did not retire to Sourabaya, as was expected, but retreated to Samarang, where he endeavoured to collect the remains of his scattered forces. On the appearance of Sir S. Auchmuty before that place in the Modeste frigate, with a few transports, the French commander evacuated the town, as he before had done the city of Batavia, and took a mountain position at Jattee Alloe, about six miles off, on the road to Solo, the residence of the Emperor of Java. In this position he was at tacked by Colonel Gibbs on the 16th of September, routed, and pursued for 12 miles up the country, most of his forces and artillery taken; and the next day he surrendered as above stated. The British loss in the attack, was only 2 rank and file

killed; 1 serjeant, and 9 privates wounded. Sir S. Auchmuty took 56 pieces of cannon, and ammunition in proportion.

All the other places held by the French fell in succession, as the British frigates and marines were landed. Cheribon was taken without loss, by Captain Beaver, of the Nisus, and there the French General Jamelie and his suite were captured, on their way to join General Jansen. Sourabaya surrendered without resistance on the 22d September, and Fort Ludowick, containing 98 pieces of heavy cannon, followed the example. A detachment from the Nisus marched 35 miles from Cheribon to Carang Sarabang, and seized a large magazine of coffee, &c. valued at 250,000 dollars, and made about 700 prisoners, although their own number was only 239. Not one man was hurt. They also seized 9 waggons laden with silver and copper money at Bongas, with a great quantity of arms. gal was taken possession of by Captain Hillyar, of the Phabe, who found the Government stores capacious and well filled with coffee, rice, and pepper.

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The greatest resistance was experienced at the fort of Samanap, which was taken by Captain Harris, with the boats of the Sir Francis Drake and the Phaton.

By Captain Harris's desire, the fort of Bancalang was taken possession of by the Sultan of Madura, on the 10th of September, and British colours hoisted. The French governor, and all the Dutch inhabitants were sent prisoners on board the Drake. The whole of Java is now in possession of the British forces, much to the satisfaction of the natives. Lord Minto concludes his letter, which is dated from Batavia, Sept. 29, by saying, "Your Excellency will observe with satisfaction, from these documents, that the final pacification of the island has been hastened by fresh examples of the same spirit, decision, and judgment, which

have marked the measures of his Excellency the Commander in Chief, and of the same gallantry which has characterised the troops since the hour of their disembarkation on this coast. The Commander in Chief will sail in a few days for India, and 1 flatter myself that I shall be able to embark on board his Majesty's ship Modeste, for Bengal, about the middle of October."

The Emperor of Java is spoke of in the capitulation as a vassal of the French Government. Sir S. Auchmuty detached Captain Robinson with a small escort to his Court, to announce the change that had taken place; and also to call upon the residents, Van Braam and Englehard, to continue, agreeably to the capitulation, the exercise of their functions in behalf of the British Government, and to secure carefully the public property.

SWEDEN.

On the 7th January the King of Sweden resumed the reins of government; on which occasion the Prince Royal addressed a long speech to his Majesty, which, after congratulating him on his recovery, proceeds thus:

When your Majesty decided upon embracing the continental policy, and declaring war against Great Britain, Sweden had got clear of an unfortunate contest; her wounds were still bleeding; it was necessary for her to make some sacrifices, at a moment even when she lost one of the principal branches of her public revenuesthe whole of that produced by the customs being nearly annihilated. In defiance of the insular situation of Sweden, she has performed, for the interest of the common cause, all that could be expected from a people faithful to their engagements; more than 2,000,000rix-dollars have been expended in recruiting the army, and placing in a state of defence our coasts, our fortresses, and our fleet. I will not dissemble from your Majesty, that all our commerce has been reduced to a simple coasting trade, and has greatly suffered from this state of war. Privateers, under friendly flags, against which it would have been injurious to have added measures of safety and precaution, have taken advantage of our condence in treaties, to capture, one after another, about 50 of our merchantmen; but at last, Sire, your flotilla received orders to protect the Swedish flag, and the just commerce of your subjects, against piracies which could neither be authorised, gor avowed by any Government,

"The Danish cruisers have given much cause for complaint on our part; but the evil decreases daily, and every thing leads us to think the lawful commerce of Sweden will not be any longer disturbed by them, and that the relations of good neighbour. ship will be more and more strengthened.

"The cruisers, under the French flag, have given an unlimited extension to their letters of marque ; the injuries which they have done us have been the object of our complaints. The justice and loyalty of his Majesty the Emperor of the French have guaranteed that redress.

"The protections given by friendly Governments have been respected, and such of their ships as have touched upon our coasts have been at liberty to continue their voyage whatever might be their destination.

"About 50 American ships driven upon our coasts by successive tempests have been released; this act of justice, founded upon the rights of nations, has been appre ciated by the United States, and appear relations with that Government will faci ances promise us that better understood litate the exportation of the numerous piles of iron with which our public places are now filled."

[The speech then goes on to state that Sweden was on the most amicable footing with Prussia, Russia, Austria, and Turkey. That Swedish intercourse had entirely ceased with South America, owing to the civil war that rages there. That he (Bernadotte) had adopted measures to encourage the manufactures of linen, the growth of hemp, &c. That the army and the finances had been the object of his solicitude. That by measures of precaution the course of exchange on Hamburgh, which in March last was at 130 sk. had been reduced to 81. That great attention had been paid to the state of the public hospitals, religious edifices, police, agriculture, the works of the Canal of Gothland, &c. &c. That in consequence of the harvest having proved defective, he had provided for the importation of corn, sending salt in exchange.] After touching on other minor points, the Speech then proceeds

"I have carried into execution the solemn resolution of the States of the kingdom, sanctioned by your Majesty, regarding the national armament; but, careful not to deprive agriculture of any more armis than are indispensibly necessary, for the defence of our country, I have merely or

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dered a levy of 15,000 men, exclusive of the 50,000 which the States had placed at your Majesty's disposal. The most direful errors manifested themselves in Schonen, where violence and a public rebellion threatened for a moment to oppose the exes cution of the measures ordained. Already did our enemies, or such as are enemies of our repose, begin to rejoice at our intestine divisions, but these are now suppressed by the united force of the army and the laws, and were succeeded by the return of national sentiment, and obedience to their duty."

After noticing that the vacancies in the new enrolment and national armament had been filled up, the regular army recruited and clothed, together with the reserve, which is supplied with well-conditioned arms, manufactories of which, and of attillery, as well as of gunpowder and saltpetre, have been established, the Speech continues :

"Your Majesty will deign to perceive, by this statement, that, notwithstanding all that the detractors of Sweden have insinuated on this head, as that it would take 60 years to organize an army of 60,000 men, yet this will be apparent in the month of April next, both to the friends and enemies of your Majesty. The intent of this augmentation of our military force is merely defensive-without any other ambition than that of preserving the liberty and laws, Sweden will have means of defending her self; and she can do it. Bounded by the sea on one side, and on the other by inaccessible mountains, it is not solely on the courage of her inhabitants, nor in the remembrance of her former glory, that she has to seek for the security of her independence; it is rather to be found in her local situation, in her mountains, in her forests, in her lakes, and in her frosts. Let her therefore profit by these united advantages: and let her inhabitants be thoroughly persuaded of this truth, that if iran, the produce of her mountains, culti vates their farms, by ploughing up their Selds, that it is likewise iron alone, and the firm determination of making use of it, that can defend them."

The Speech concludes with noticing, in terms of approbation, the conduct of the different Swedish Authorities and Mi fisters, during the indisposition of the Xing.

By a recent mail from Anholt we have accounts of the occupation of Swedish Pomerania by the French. This event took February 1812.

place on the 26th January, when 6000 French troops entered Stralsund, having previously desired quarters to be provided for them. The object of this movement is not explained; nor does it appear whether it originates in hostility to Sweden or Russia. The politics of the north of Europe seem at present to be wholly involved in mystery. It was generally imagined that, when Bernadotte assumed the government of Sweden, the resources of that country would be wielded for the common objects of the continental confederacy. This does not appear to be the case. Bernadotte, as far as we are able to judge, from appearances, is guided by no principle foreign to the interests of the country which he governs, and it is possible on this account he may have incurred the resentment of Bonaparte. It is also stated, that Russia has been long uneasy under the fetters of the continental system, and has manifested an inclination to resume her former friendly intercourse with this country. In that case, these military movements of the French may be intended to overawe that power into her former state of subserviency to foreign councils.

In support of this opinion, it is stated in letters from Paris, that the Emperor intended setting out on a journey to the Prussian States about the end of the present month; and that he would then demand of the Court of St Petersburgh, a full and complete adoption of the continental system in the Russian harbours of the Baltic, and the admission of a French force into those ports, as the security for an unreserved compliance with the stipu lations and restrictions of that system. To support her bold pretensions, according to these advices, France has nearly 100,000 men in Dantzick, the Prussian fortresses, and the adjacent country, with an equal number at Warsaw; 125,000 men on the shores of the Danube, to obstruct the return of the Czarine forces engaged in the Turkish war, in the event of peace with the Sultan, and hostilities with Napoleon.

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