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if we should be forced into a war, mens approved of the neutrality hig its termination would be honour- majelty's minifters had hitherto obable and advantageous to the Bri- ferved, and of their determination tish name and people.

to avoid a war, if it were possible, Mr Powys considered the poli- consistently with justice. This, he tical intentions declared by Mr. fully trufied, would be the conduct Fox, to be peculiarly baneful to of administration. If we should this country, and that his amend- find ourselves compelled by the ooment tended to alienate the people ligations of folemn treaties to enfrom the executive power. Nego- gage in war, as men of conscience tiation appeared to him to be im- and integrity we must submit to practicable. To whom was an am the necesity; but nothing less than bailador to be sent? Who could be this necetlity could juttify the measure that they who had proscribed sure, and he begged it to be underour king, would accept an ambas- ttood, that it was on this ground sador from him. He approved the only that he felt it his duty to fupspeech and the address: they breath- port government in their present ed nothing but the faithful prefer- measures. vation of our treaties abroad, and The amendment was negatived the security of our internal peace.

without a division. If he had his with, he would draw On the following day, December a line round France, to prevent the 15th, after the House had returned spreading of her infection : he from presenting the address to his -would avoid meddling with her; majesty Mr. Fox rose to make hisprobut if she meddled with us, no mised motion; by which, he said, he choice remained for Great Britain. did not mean to imply any appro

Mr. Wilberforce faid, that he bation of the conduct of the exifte should vote against the amendment, ing French government, or of the wild Eldar not as being determined for war, proceedings which had led to the attracht but because he believed theamend- present itate of things in France. ment would by no means tend to His object was fimply to declare deron peace. He frankly declared, that and record his opinion, that it was as, at all times, war ought to be the true policy of every nation to ad deprecated as the greatest of hu- treat with the existing government man evils ; 10 there never was a pe- of every other nation with which is riod when it appeared more likely it had relative interesis, without to be injurious to this country than enquiring or regarding how that would the present. He could not feel the government was confiituted, or by force of the arguments for war that what means those who exercised it might seem to have been suggested came into power. This was not by what had been said concerning only the policy, but frequently the stab the difirefled fituation of the practice. If we objected to the French, and the flourishing fiate of exilting form of government in 24 of Great Britain. He preferred to the France, we had as ftrong objeca che be amendment, the language of the fions to the form of government sert address, which, concurring with at Algiers; yet at Algiers we had said the speech from the throne, plainly a conful. If we abhorred the crimes declared, that the House of Com- committed in France, we equally

abhorred

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approved of the neutralit y's ministers had hither , and of their determine da war, if it were

ntly with infice. 11 rutied, would be the com ninistration. If we rselves compelled ਇਹ ਤਾਂ 15 of folemn treatie a d war, as men of can

tegrity we mua lingua Feility could jutily the 1 he begged it to be used hat it was on this ga ?t he felt it his duty to vernment in their part S. amendment was negara

e following day, Decor cer the House had retur

abborred the crimes committed in that it would be better policy to
Mrucco ; yet to Morocco we had meet it than wait for it. That the
fiest a consul. By these acts we difturbers of the world, when they
et neither fupposed to approve had over-run other nations, envy-
ti che form of government at Al- ing and dreading our prosperity,
dies, nor of the crimes committed would not fail with double force
a Morocco. From this mo:ion to visit us.
so opinion was to be implied, but

His lord ihip concluded with ap-
Lie opinion he had ttated.

It proving the promptness and vigour would have been better, if what of the ineasures that ministers had

be proposed had been done sooner, adopted, at the same time he disaplity ; but nothing line and there were circumstances that proved of what appeared to him made it less proper now than at an

to be an unjuftifiable interpretation carlier period. But this was not of the word insurrection. In his upputable to him. The earliest opinion they would have done period was now the best : and this much better, if they had acknow

as the earliest opportunity that ledged that in consequence of some the meeting of parliament afforded uncommon danger which impend

him. It would have been still bet- ed, they had for the public good a division.

ter, if the British minister had not laid themselves under the necellity beco recalled from Paris ; but had of applying to the legislature for

continued there as the ministers of indemnity; but that he had not obsenting the addreis ad

ione other courts had done. He jected to the address, or supported Ir. Fox rose to makes concluded with moving, “ that an the amendment, because he would otion; by which, he leather banble address may be presented not seem to countenance the

many w his majesty, that his majesty mischievous principles and suggets

will be gracioutly pleated to give tions which had been heard in that ch government, or cu

directions, that a minifter may be 'house the two last days from the ags which had led to

fetit to Paris, to treat with those mover of the amendinent. ate of things in France

persons who exercile provisionally Ir. T. Stanley exprefled his aft was fimply to decide the functions of executive goverri- tonishment at what had fallen from d his opinion, that it ment of France, touching luch Mir. Fox during the laft three days, policy of every matica

puinis as may be in discullion be- aud hoped that he inig!t be prethe existing gorer

iwen his majesty and his allies, vailed on to withdraw his motion, -ther nation with whe cad the French nation." The mo Mr. M. A. Taylor defended the lative interests, with fica was seconded by Mr. Grey. character of Mr. Fox. Mr. Grey

or regarding how to Lord Sieffield role in great agi- role for the fame purpose. Their nt was constituted, as utisa, and not only reprobated in arguments went to the same obas thoíe who exercik the most pointed terms the object jedis; to the purity of their own power. This was a

of the motion); but declared him- motives, and their confidence in licy, but frequently the fci to be alınott alhamed of his those of their right honourable If we objecred to the former enthusiasm for the right friend. Mr. Grey delivered himself erm of government is bonourable mover of it.

with great energy. It was atked, e had as ftrong obic ipect to war, he believed every said he, if Great Britain was to e form of government

Dan wilhed to avert it; that the theak and crouch to France. No; yet at Algiers we had

fureft means of avoiding it would neither treak nor crouch, but newe abhorred the cries be by vigorous preparations for it; gotiate like a great and high-fpiin France, we ecuali and, if it could not be avoided, rited nation, and if redress was re. abhorred

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fused of any injury offered, then tion as an encroachment on the denounce• war. We are asked royal prerogative. again, would we treat now under Mr. Jenkinson was of the famo all the circumstances we know to opinion, and opposed the motion be exifting. I say, yes certainly; in a speech of considerable length. for though I adınit that the time is He dwelt on the flourishing stateof not the most favourable, the fault our finances,decried those of France, is not with us, but with minifters, and represented the present period who let the favourable opportu- as far more favourable for engagenity pats away, and by their supine ing in a war with France than the negleet lott an occasion of prevent- year 1787, when there was a proing many of the crimes committed spect of hostilities between the two in France, and perhaps of averting countries.Hebelievedthattherewere that act of injustice and impolicy difaffected persons in the country, (the execution of the king) which whose activity made them dangerwe now at this moment fear is ous; but he was of opinion, that committing. We are told by a war, instead of encreasing their right honourable gentleman (Mr. power of mischief, would Jessen it. Burke) that to treat with men The French knew that we were ftained with so many crimes as the engaged to protect Holland in the present rulers of France, would be navigation of the Scheldt, and their disgraceful. Let, says he, the pre- infolent threats of opening it, in eo sent guilty men pass away, and in defiance of guarantees and subfiftthe mean time let us fight a little. ing treaties, must be considered as What difgrace is to be avoided, or an intentional insult to this coming honour to be acquired by fighting country, which could not be overfirst, and then treating afterwards, looked without the imputation of which we know we must at last, I a cowardly and base submission, do not comprehend, nor how the The ambition of the French he object can be worth such a price. stated in strong terms, with their If a war the most dangerous ever conduct respecting the king of Sarundertaken, is to be avoided, we dinia and Geneva, and justified mis on mult treat now, and I support the nisters in not having endeavoured motion as the only nieans left of at an earlier period to conciliate 2013 averting fo great a calamity. We thegood-will of France: for where you are not here to be hurried away by persons and things were every day siel our feelings, and our indignation changing, where all rule belonged against the perpetrators of the to robbers and affallins, in what crimes committed in France. We quarter were they toapply? whatgoare to decide on national policy, vernment should they acknowledge with not personal feeling. I am for where there was no government ? in maintaining the national faith How could England recognize a and the national honour; by conftitution, which the French whoin have tiney been tarnithed? themselves were every day violatLet ministers answer the ques- ing? But, thank God, England, fo tion.

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long distinguished for her faithful The hon. Frederick North and and sacred abierence to her treaMr. Loveden considered the ino- ties, would not forego her respect

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I, then tion as an encroachment en asked royal prerogative.

able and useful alliances for any parties in the contest with France, ow to opinion, and opposed the mute jakinfon, in confidering the par- did, is any nation bound to its own Mr. Jenkinson was of the firfuch allies as the French. Mr. Jiminary negotiation; and if they

se allies whatever ; and least of all he asked if they preclude all preainly; in a speech of confiderable le scular moment when this embaf- destruction. He concluded with time is He dwelt on the flourishing fari fr was proposed, exclaimed: On requiring, that such ferious mat· fault our finances,decried those of Frac, bis very day, while we are here ters should be seriously considered.

under lifters, and represented the prefent

eating about sending an ambal- We are as much bound, he said, to portu- as far more favourable for eso lidor to the French republic; on debate and deliberate now, as we upine ing in a war with France that is very day is the king to receive may hereafter be to act with vivent year 1787, when there was intence, and in all probability, it gour and decifion. nitted spect of hoftilities between them as the day of his murder. What is Mr. Erikine could not affent to sting countries.Hebelievedthattheo then that gentlemen would pro- any one of the argumenes which solicy disaffected persons in the con pole to their fovereign ? to bow had been cımployed against fundvhich whose activity made them

dneck to a band of fanguinary ing an ambasador to France, while ar is ous ; but he was of opinion,

trafians, and address an ambassador he agreed to every reason that had by a war, instead of encreating to a set of murderous regicides, been assigned in favour of such a (Mr. power of mischief, would leat whole hands were still reeking measure. If war was inevitable men The French knew that we to with the blood of a llaughtered we must boldly meet it; but where the engaged to prote&t Holland in monarch, and who he had previ. is that war to end? Were we, be d be navigation of the Scheldt, and cuy declared thould find no re- atked, resolved not to terminate it pre- infolent threats of opening isi fuge in his dominions? No, fir, until the French had, in our opid in defiance of guarantees and fit the British character is too noble nion, formed a government of mottle. ing treaties, must be confidend s to run a race for infamy; nor fhall deration and of justice, or perhaps !, or an intentional infult to time be the firft to compliment a set what they would never have, a goting country, which could not be con of monsters, who, while we are vernment equal to our own ? Were rds

, looked without the imputatiad agitating this subject, are probably we to plunge into the milery and 1, I a cowardly and base submibe bearing through the streets of Paris, horror that await a war, merely bethe The ambition of the French & borrid spectacle! the bloody victim cause we cannot, from a nice puncEce. stated in strong terms, with the of their fury:

tilio, send a person to France to ver conduct respecting the king off Mr. Francis complained of the represent the dignity of this counwe dinia and Geneva, and justified n manner in which the opposers of try? so that the reason which preEhe nifters in not having endeavour the motion conducted the debate; vents us now from sending an amof at an earlier period to concilia bot by appeals to the under tandbafiador to France, might preVe thegood-will of France: for wheting, but by exciting the paflions, vent our bringing the war, when by perions and things were every de ud agitating the feelings. He we fhould think it necellarv, to a on changing, where all rule belonged turked the unjustifiable conduct determination. On she subject of ne to robbers and affallins, in what d the house, in addrefling his ma- war he quoted some very beautie quarter were they toapply? whatgo jelly for the ftri& neutrality he had ful paffages from Dr. Johófon, and 1, vernment should they acknowleda preserved, and for his affurance of then entered upon a very animated r where there was no governmen! maintaining peace by a firm and eulogium of Mr. Fox, whom he 1 How could England recognise : temperate conduct, and that no- represented as formed by Providence

conftitution, which the French thing thould be neglected on his to guard, invigorate, and preserve - themselves were every day violat part that can contribute to that our constitution, and to remedy

ing? But, thank God, England, important object ; while no fteps the vices of the times. He conlong distinguithed for her faithful whatever are taken to prevent war. cluded with a recapitulation of his and sacred adherence to her treau As for the treaties which have sentiments concerning the war, and ties, would not forego her relped been urged as motives to become declaring his belief that the motion able

of

26 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1793.
of his friend was peculiarly calcu-'the combined armies from France
lated to avert it.

which he looked upon to be the
The Master of the Rolls, after most fatal event that had ever
proposing to Mr. Fox, or some of happened.
Nis trie:ds, to go on this embally, If he were to be asked, whether
made a very humorous compari- he would fubmit to an evil, or
son between Barlow and Frost, wait for a neceflity, he was not
who had already been received by quite sure that he would not wait
the Convention as deputies from for compullion, and take that for his
1ome of the societies in this justification. That Great Britain
country, and an ambassador from thould be the firft country to be
the king of it. He fuppofed that lets Shocked with massacre and
or such an occasion the latter murder! That the should be the
would be alked by the French ru- first country to evince a want of
Jers, do you come from the king of fceling, filled him with anguish,
Great Britain ? If you do there can and with horror! That the thould
be no business for you here, as we be the firit to preclude herself from
have vowed enmity to all kings. forming a part of any confedera:

123 You may therefore be gone. tion, was disgraceful! If fubmif:

Mr. Windham contended, that fion to France must be the confe. those who argued against the re quence, neceility thould firit jula cognition of the republic of France, tify that submission. Well did the were not only fortified by experi- House know, that no inquiry could ence, but by higher principies, by be made into the origin of govern, the interests of nations, and by the ments ; the greater the space of dictates of humanity. Thus very time, therefore, that elapsed from *** powerful arguments ought to be that origin, the smaller was the used, more powerful, he said, than crime incurred. Evils, by mere anythat had been brought, toinduce time, become less; by time the the house to aflent to the motion government of France might be, 2.0.1 of his right honourable friend; for come less thocking, and less wicked. um by recognizing the republic of Mr. Whitbread made some geFrance, what consequences would neral observations on the propriety Great Britain produce ? The com of the motion, and then proceeded plete alienation of those powers to observe, on the doubt exprefied with whom she was at present by Mr. Windham, whether he ? ? allied ; not whly the alienation of should prefer the hazard of an evil allies, but by giving the whole from future compulsion, or receive weight of her character to France, it by immediate submillion. “ The the would place all the rest of hon. gentlenian has said, that it Eurpe in a situation deplorable would be a degradation for us to indeed ; she would arm every fub- negotiate with the French at preject, of cvery kingdom, against the fent; but that the timemightcome powers that governed those king. when neceility would compel us. doms; me would produce conte- What then did we say to the quences as fatal to the future French by this ? You are a parcel : interests of the world, and as much of affaliins; but if you aflatlins to be lamented, as the returi

negotiate with

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