Mr. Whitbread then moved, that the reso Intions of Monday should be read. The house ordered that the eleventh resolution only should be read, and it was read accordingly. "That the right hon. lord viscount Melville having been privy to, and connived at the withdrawing from the bank of En"gland, for purposes of private interest or emolument, sums issued to him as trea"surer of the navy, and placed to his ac"count in the bank, according to the pro"visions of the 25th Geo. III. c. 31, has "been guilty of a gross violation of the law, and a high breach of duty.". Upon which,

agreed to the Innkeepers Rates bill, the English Militia Reduction bill, the Spanish Trade Licence bill, American Treaty bill, Neutral Ships bill, and Alien Prize Ships bill, without any amendments. After which, the speaker, pursuant to a summons by the black rod, attended in the house of lords, where the royal assent was given by commission to the foregoing bills, the Edinburgh Police" bill, and several private bills.-Mr. Lee gave "notice, that on the 25th of April he should move for leave to bring in a bill to allow the same advantages with respect to the issue of small notes to the country banks of Ireland," as were enjoyed in this country; also for a bill further to regulate the mode for receiv- Mr. Whitbread rose, and expressed himing small debts in Ireland.-Sir W. Scott self in these words: Sir, the notice which moved the order of the day for the second has been just given by the right hon. gent. reading of the Prize Courts bill.-Sir C. over against me cannot have been unexPole expressed a wish that this measure pected by any one; but I confess that, by should not be hurried through the house, the notification now made, I am by no but that the hon. member would consent to means satisfied; I think the public cannot have it printed, and that sufficient time should be satisfied; I think, nay, I feel confident, be allowed to the parties concerned, to con- this house will not be satisfied; I am sure sider the several clauses which it contained. the ends of public justice will not be saSir W. Scott proposed to have the bill read tisfied, if some further resolutions are not a second time this day, and committed pro adopted, in consequence of the proceedings forma to-morrow, after which he should on the report of the naval commissioners. move to have it printed, and after the holi- If the issue of the debate of the night before days recommitted, when as much time as last was a mere personal or party triumph; the hon. gent. should deem necessary should if it was only our own feelings which were be allowed. The bill was read a second concerned, we might be satisfied, because time, and ordered to be committed to-mor- the noble lord who was the object of the row.A message from the lords informed accusation which I had the honour to bring the house, that their lordships had agreed to forward, has thought fit to retire from a the Irish Militia Volunteer, the Irish Spirits situation of responsibility, dignity, and emoPermit, the London Bread Assize, and Bow-lument, at least from the first situation in yer's Lottery bills, without any amendment. Mr. Rose presented several accounts relative to the Isle of Man, and the case of John Duke of Athol. Ordered to lie on the table, and to be printed.-Mr. Giles desired to be informed, whether it was the inten-tuated by personal or party motives: bun tion of his majesty's ministers, to bring forward a bill for continuing for a further period the Commission of Naval inquiry; as if not, he should feel it his duty to submit a motion to the house on that subject, at an early day after the holidays.

point of dignity he held and as far as any triumph over an individual can be concerned, this has been most complete. But, sir, I was not actuated, and I am sure those who voted with me on the occasion were not a¤

dertook a great cause, in which I had the satisfaction to succeed I shall not abandon the cause I have undertaken; but I shall still urge the motion of which I gave notice on the former night. If I know any thing of my own heart; if I know any thing of the [PROCEEDINGS RESPECTING LORD MEL- feelings which actuate me, there is nothing, VILLE AND MR. TROTTER.] The Chancellor I trust to God, of a vindictive spirit within of the Exchequer, as soon as he entered the me; and having accomplished the end of house, rose and said, that he thought it his disclosing the conduct of the noble lord, and duty to acquaint the house, that the noble having the verdict of the house, I should lord who had been the subject of the discus-not, for the mere sake of ulterior punishAsion on a former night, had since made a tender of the resignation of the office of first lord of the admiralty to his majesty, which resignation nis majesty had been most graciously pleased to accept.

ment, think it necessary to press the subject farther; I should here stop, and desist but let us consider the situation in which we stand. The noble lord, stigmatized as he is by the vote and proceedings of this house,

has not been dismissed. He has done that If I did not think there was a pervading senwhich any honourable man may do on feel- timent, that the motion with which I shall ings of his own. He has tendered his re- conclude would be approved of and adopted, signation. Is that enough? Lord Melville I would not urge it but from all I have may be restored to-morrow; he may again collected, not only from my immediate be made first lord of the admiralty. Is it fit friends, but from persons divided from that that should be a possible event? Is it not party, with which I am proud to rank mynecessary for the dignity and honour and self, and who have opposed that partyfeelings of this house, that it should be im- from what I have heard from every descrippossible he should be restored to the situation of persons whose sentiments I have tion I have described. Reflecting on the pro- endeavoured to collect, I find a generally ceedings of the other night, I think no man prevailing opinion, that it is necessary we can view them without the deepest gratitude, should proceed further in this stage of the without experiencing the strongest emotions business. Ulterior proceedings, with reof joy that such was the event. Many ference to others, undoubtedly must be had, instances have occurred in history where a and we must tell his majesty in the most :faction has triumphed over an individual, solemn way we can, that it is necessary lord where persons have been pursued by large Melville should be removed from every office -majorities of this house; but what is the he holds under the crown, and from his situation in which we stand? Can there be majesty's presence and councils for ever. I any page of the journals of parliament which should like to ask the right hon. gent, oppowill be looked to in after ages with more site me (Mr. Canning) whether some prepleasure by the true lovers of the country,liminary measures have been taken. Has Mr. than the page which records the proceedings Trotter been dismissed? (Mr. Canning of the house on this momentous subject? answered, yes.) Has Mr. Wilson been disWith an attendance much larger than is missed? (Mr. Canning answered, no.) usually obtained, the point was equally If not, then I say all that is necessary to be balanced, and it remained for you, sir, sit done has not been done. There may be ting in that seat, which is the seat of im- particular circumstances, and I am far from partiality, which is filled, I may say, with-meaning to say they do not exist, which may out paying any undeserved compliment to you, by a person in every respect qualified it remained for you, to whom no party spirit can be imputed, of whom no partiality can possibly be surmised, to decide between the two parties, which was in the right. Your decision did immortal honour to your self; your decision was looked upon, is looked upon, and ever will be looked upon 'with joy and satisfaction by the country. The popularity which flows from deeds like these is the greatest satisfaction a man can - receive. If we see in all persons whom we meet; if we read in every countenance, in every expression, the congratulation, the 'self' satisfaction; the approbation bestowed on the representatives of the empire-if out of this house:

make it necessary to retain such a person as Mr. Wilson in office a few days. Is it the right, hon. genta's intention to dismiss him? (No answer.) Then I say he ought to be dismissed from his office. He is not fit to hold a situation in the Navy Office, or any other office under government? Yet, even if both are dismissed, ulterior proceedings must be had; and,, in order that it may not be necessary for me again to trouble the house, I take this opportunity of giving notice, that it is my intention, immediately after the holidays, to move that his majesty's attorney-general be instructed to proceed against lord Melville and Mr. Trotter, for an account, in order that (agreeing as I do with the commissioners of naval inquiry) the public may receive back what has been "We read our history in a nation's eyes,”. unjustly taken from the public purse, and we have good reason to applaud ourselves; that the profits so unduly made may be rebut we shall not have such cause of exulta- funded. The way of obtaining restitution tion if we stop here, and do not render it I shall leave in the hands of the hon. and impossible his majesty should ever restore learned gent. There are other proceedlord Melville... At the same time that I thus ings necessary to be adopted, in consequence express my feelings that I give the house of the Tenth Report, even if the question the strong bias of my mind, I mean to speak I shall propose to day should be carried. with an assembly, which has conducted it- That it will be carried I can entertain no self with so much honour and respecta-doubt, it would indeed be an inauspicious bility, in terms of deferénce and respect. dawn of our labours, if the house should 0's to agambesorg bus stor si d

reject-it. I hope and trust that the career as well as other circumstances not included of that sun, which has just begun to diffuse in the report. I adverted on a former evenits warmth and nourish the hopes of the ing to the conduct of the bank, and meant country, will be brilliant, and when it sets, to have returned to it, but my recollection that it will set in glory. It will be ne- failed me. Upon the evidence of the chief cessary that all the proceedings, both of lord cashier of the bank, it appeared the Melville and Mr. Trotter, should be enquired bank had not sufficient vouchers for the into and sifted. The time is come in which money issued. I have been given to underI shall, as it is my duty, propose every practi- stand, that the evidence was not correct, cable enquiry. With regard to that part of the but that the bank were correct. If that is subject which you have already investigated, the case, let it be set right. Do not let no enquiry could have made it clearer; the imputation remain on the bank, if it is but there are other matters contained in the an unjust one. In the course of what I report which are dark and mysterious. On offered to the house the other evening, I them I must throw a light. It was my in-intimated, from conversation and rumour, tention to have proposed a resolution with which I stated to have been founded on ac regard to the transfer of the public money curate information, that the right hon. gent. from one service to another, in violation of (Mr. Pitt) was not without. blame, I the law, but I collected from gentlemen do repeat that charge, and it remains for with whom I conversed, that those transfers him to exculpate himself. If he cannot do might have been made without such evil in- so now, I shall move for that part of the tention as I attributed to them. To one subject being referred to a committee. I transfer the right hon. gent, opposite me has do charge, that he was apprized of the iracknowledged he was privy. The transfers regular mode of taking the money out of the might all of them have been honourable. I Bank of England, and placing it in a private shall proceed, in conformity with the wish bank. The rumour is, that he was acof the house; but it may be necessary for quainted, from the most direct and au me to mention, that it is my intention, thentic source, and that as prime minister after the holidays, to move for a select com- and chief financial officer of the country he mittee, to enquire into all the transactions took no step to prevent it. This is a point referred to in the report; for I am convin- which must also be referred to the commitced, no subject of deeper moment can come tee. There are other circumstances, parti under the consideration of the house. It ap-cularly the circumstance which relates to pears by the report, that money voted for Mr. Jellicoe. This is one of the strongest particular services has been applied to other features of the case, and has made a strong services. What a precedent does this set impression on the public, and every person up? What a door does it open to fraud? who has heard of it. It is not only lord Melville During the whole of the treasurership which who is accused, but the commissioners of preceded, and during the whole which suc- the treasury. It will be for them to shew ceeded lord Melville's treasurership, no ne- upon what ground they granted a quietus gotiation of this kind was ever fouud ne- to Mr. Jellico, to the amount of 24,000l. To cessary. It was only during the administra-persons who are in the habit of constantly tion of lord Melville that any such practices talking of millions, tens of millions, fifties, were ever carried on in the treasurership of and hundreds of millions, and who could the navy office, according to all the accounts make a mistake in supposing that to be 186 we have of the manner business was trans-millions which was only 134 millions; the acted. In the course of these transactions a sum I have mentioned may appear trifling; particular circumstance will come to the re-but I wish to know why a quietus was given collection of the house. What I allude to is, the papers recording them having been destroyed, papers which ought to have been carefully preserved. If such transactions as are stated in the report took place, they ought to have been secretly recorded, in order that, if innocent, the justification of those concerned might appear; or, if guilty, that they might be condemned. There are other parts of the Tenth Report which it may be necessary to refer to a committee,

for 24,000l. If it was only for 24 pence, the grounds, ought to be enquired into I believe it will be found, that the lords of the treasury were to blame, and that it was obtained under false pretences.—Lastly, sir, there is a circumstance on which it is par ticulary important the house should have information, if it can be obtained. How it is to be obtained I do not know; but things often come to light which, we despair of developing,. The most important point

on which I'dwelt so long the other night, both as it affects the public and lord Melville, as well as his connections, is, whether he was or was not a participator in the peculations charged against Mr. Trotter. That fact is material to be ascertained, and if it is possible, the commissioners will ascertain it. The suspicious circumstances I stated on the last night-they have made a deep impression on my mind, and there has been no denial of them.-It is stated, by Dr. Swift, that two and two do not always make four. I am sure, according to lord Melville, four and four were not always equal. His lordship had, as the salary of his office, 4,000l. a year; no duties attached to it, but it was clear of all deduction. We heard lord Melville state how he was oppressed by public business, that he had hardly time to rest at night; but that it was necessary for the administration of public affairs they should not be entrusted to other hands than his own; that it was necessary he should continue to be president of the board of control; and that he should have the management of the war. But was it necessary too that he should be treasurer of the navy? Undoubtedly there were always persons willing to receive the emoluments of office without doing the duty as well as his lordship. What does lord Melville do? He gives up 4,000l. a year of his income, as secretary of state, and takes 4,000l. as treasurer of the navy. What does this prove, but that the one was better than the other; that the one promised to yield more in future, that the one was male, and the other female, the one fruitful, the other not; that the one produced only 4,000l. a year, and the other was productive of a great deal inore. This is what, on reflection, more and more strengthens my suspicions, for suspicions I admit they are, and must be till they are confirmed: but whether they are confirmed or not, perhaps I do not feel that they constitute the principal article of charge. The principal article of charge has been substantiated, has been acknowledged by the noble lord himself, under his own hand, and out of his own mouth; the house of commons has decided on it, and where there is ground of suspicion that he has swerved one hair's breadth, one scruple beyond his duty, it is necessary for the dignity of the house of commons, and for the satisfaction of the people of this empire, that he should not again execute his office, and that others should be deterred from acting in the same

way.

With this view, I shall move an humble address to his Majesty, praying his majesty to remove lord Melville from his councils for ever, and from all offices held during pleasure of the crown. The noble lord is not the only one by many who has given in his resignation to his majesty. The right hon. gent. opposite has heretofore done the same. But if lord Melville is suffered to retire with his dignities and riches, his re signation will not afford a satisfaction to public justice; and beyond that I do not wish to proceed. As to the punishment of the noble lord, if the public was not con cerned, I would say, "go forth, let us hear of you no more.' That which he has suffered by the disgraceful situation he has exposed himself to, is infinitely more than I wish him to feel: but the end of punishment is example, and unless he is punished beyond what he has already suffered, he is not sufficiently punished. We know that lord Melville, down to a very latè period, has had the confidence of the crown; that the confidence of the crown has been expressed towards him so strongly, that, since the last administration, an addition of 1,500l. a year for life has been conferred on him. It is on the table, printed and known to the whole world, that after lord Melville's having retired to Scotland, I should have supposed for life, he was-by the exigencies of the country? no, but by the circumstances of the right hon. gent. opposite, called from his retirement, and given a situation of the greatest responsibility the crown had to give, except that which the right hon. gent. himself holds. He was to receive the emoluments of such office. That was not enough; he was to have 1,500l. a year more. That was not enough for in case he retired, he was to have a grant for life-a patent office; for so long as he should hold the privy seat of Scotland he was to have 1,500l. a year. This is a man therefore under no ordinary circumstances. At the time of this advance, which perhaps it may be necessary to enquire into, there was also a grant to lady Melville of 1,500l. a year of the money of the public, for which no service has been rendered; granted, if not in a clandestine manner, at least in a way that those who affixed the seal to the patent did not understand the nature of it. What office lord Melville holds during pleasure, besides the one which he has resigned, I do not know; I do not know that a pension of the kind I have stated can be valid; or whether, supposing a ser

vant of the crown to have misconducted him- | sign the high office which he held in his self, such a pension may not be revokable? Majesty's councils, and yet this ready com. If it is, it ought to be revoked; if it is not, pliance with your vote is stated by the hon. so much more the pity. Having taken up gentleman as an article of aggravation in the more of the time of the house than I at first charges against the noble lord. The hon. intended, I shall not longer intrude upon gentleman has made that act of the noble their attention, meaning to conduct myself lord a ground of accusation against him, and as becomes me towards the members of the seems to have considered his deference to house, and particularly those who agreed the authority of the house in the light of a with me, and trusting that those who dis- subterfuge to evade or disappoint justice. agreed with me on a former evening, will What would have been the feelings and the agree with me this night, because there may animadversions of the hon. gent. what his be many who will now imagine, that the expressions of indignation and resentment, house, having come to the résolutions found- if the house had met this day, lord Melville, ed on the report, ought not to stop short, instead of bowing to its decision, still con and may therefore concur with me in the tinuing to hold the office of first lord of the vote that lord Melville should be removed admiralty? (A cry of hear! hear! from the from his majesty's councils. In this hope, opposition benches) Would he not have and with this view,, and not meaning to be made that the ground of farther and increas led away by my own suggestions, unless ed invective? (Still a loud cry of hear!) I they should be supported by the house, and take for granted, from the symptoms on the without any desire of pressing the house to other side of the house, that the gentlemen a division, if it should appear that it is not there assent to these assertions; they would actuated by sentiments similar to my own, have considered lord Melville's continuance I shall conclude by moving, "That an hun-in office as an aggravation of his guilt; and ble address be presented to his majesty, yet they now condemn him for his prompt praying that his majesty will be graciously acquiescence in their wish. What course pleased to remove lord viscount Melville from all offices held under the crown during pleasure, and from his councils and presence for ever."-The question being put,

then is lord Melville to pursue to avoid their wrath, if what he has done, according to the notification of my right hon. friend, be made the ground of invective against him? Mr. Canning rose, and spoke to the fol- and is this to be taken as a specimen of the lowing purport. However strongly the fairness of the motives upon which gentlehon. gent. who has just sat down has ex- men boast of acting, and of their impar pressed his desire that the house should on tiality in acting upon them? Sir, the hon. this occasion attend merely to the call of im- gent. has applied to me for information partial justice, and however desirous he may whether I have dismissed Mr. Trotter from have been of disclaiming any other motives the employment which he held under me in for the course he has pursued, than what the navy pay office? I have told him that I proceeded from a wish to establish an exam- have done so. After the decision of the ple, such as may effectually prevent the re- house on Monday night, I could not have a currence of the like mischiefs and irregular- moment's hesitation. Some gentlerien ities in future; I cannot help thinking, and thought proper on a former evening to aniI am pretty confident that many of those madvert in terms of severity on my having who have heard the hon. gentleman's retained Mr. Trotter in office, after the ac speech are of the same opinion, that, not-cusations, relative to which the house have withstanding his professions of moderation, decided, had been published against hinn he has introduced such topics and spoken in But of my conduct in that instance, I trust such a tone, as prove him to have been ac- every candid man will approve. Mr. Trot tuated by something more than the motives ter I considered on his trial, and whatever alleged, and indicate something much my own opinion might have been of the na more bitter than appears to be warranted by ture of the charge against him, and the de the nature of the case under consideration.gree of his guilt, it struck me that it would Gracious God! what measure of justice be extremely unfair to prejudice the public would the hon. gentleman deal out in this mind against his case, by dismissing him case? What is his object? In the interval under such circumstances. He stood in that has elapsed since the house last separat- such a situation that I could not feel it con ed, lord Melville has, in deference to the sistent with públic justice, to fix a seal of decision of this house, thought proper to re-infamy upon the man by dismissing him

.