a Jepson, Denham, Scott, David read a third time to-morrow.-A bill was Joddrell, H. Scott, Hon J. introduced by the duke of Athol, to divorce Jollife, H. Scott, Sir W. Frederick Touche, esq. from Elizabeth AtherJones, Walter Scott, Claude ton, his now wife, and to enable her to mar. King, Hon. E. Seymour, Lord R. ry again, and for other purposes therein Kingston, J. Sinclair, Sir John mentioned. On the bill being read firit Lee, E. Sitwell, Francis time, the lord chancellor quitted the wool. Leigh, R. H. Sloane, Hans sack, and called their attention to the proLoftus, W. Smith, J. A. minent consideration of the bil. It was a Long, Rt. Hon. c. Smith, Spencer measure originating with the woman; Longfield, M. Smyth, Rt. Hon, J. circumstance which uniformly rendered that Lopez, M. Sneyd, Nathaniel Louvaine, Lord house very cautious in entertaining bills of Somerset, Lord C. Macnaughton, E. A. Somerset, Lord R. E. the kind. There were, unde ubtedly, some M'Dowall, w. Spencer, Lord F. precedents of such cases, he believed two, M'Kenzie, F. A. St. John, Ambrose and one of these so late as the year 1801 ; Nanners, R. Stanhope, W. S. yet these were countenanced on the extraMay, Edward Staniforth, John Mildmay, Sir H. Steele, Rt Hon T. ordinary circumstances and peci liar speci:IM tford, W. Steele, Robert ties of the cases. He felt it appe. red ra her Montgomery, P. Stephens, Sirp hirl to say any thing unfavourable of a bill Moore, C. Stewart, Sir James of the kind, on the occasion of its first readMorgan, C. Steward, G. T. Morland, w. ing; but he must observe the bill was one Stopford, Lord Nepean, Sir E. Strachey, Sir H. which deserved their lordships most serious Neville, Richard Strahan, A. consideration, and anxious attention, when Nicholl, Sir J. Strutt, J. H. it should be read a second time. The duke Norton, J. C. Stuart, Sir John of Athol observed, that part of what had falOdell, w. Sturges, Bourne len from the noble lord on the woolsack, in Osbornc, J. Sudley, Lord Ormsby, C M. Sullivan, Sir R. a great degree anticipated what he proposed Paget, Hon C. Spencer Smith to offer. There were avowedly precedents Paget, Hon. E. Talbot, Sir C. for bills of the kind, and he was aware that Patten, Peter Thelluson, G. the present case, must stand on its own parPatterson, J. Thelluson, P. T. ticular merits.--Adjourned. HOUSE OF LORDS. Trail, J. Wednesday, April 10. [MINUTES.]—The royal assent was given Pr ston, Sir R. Ward, Robert by commission to the Militia Reduction bill, Pulteney, Sir J. Wallace, Rt. Hon. T. the Spanish Trade bill, the American Treaty Rochfort, Gustavus Welby, Sir W. E. Rosc, Right Hon. G. West, Hon F. bill, the Foreign Prize Ships' bill, the Bengal Rose, George H. White, M. Supreme Council, the Innkeepers' Rates Russel, M. Wigram, Robert bill, the Edinburgh Police bill, and six priRutherford, J. Willet, T. W. vate bills.-The Irish Militia Reduction bill, Salusbury, Sir R. Wood, Mark Sargent, J. Wortley, J. S. the Irish Spirit Permit bill, Bowyer's Lottery bill, the London Bread Assize bill, and some private bills, were read a third time, and passed.--Lord Hawkesbury laid on the HOUSE OF LORDS. table, by command of his majesty, copies of Tuesday, April 9. correspondence between the admiralty and navy board, and an account of the number [MINUTES.] The bills upon the table of and carronades on board of certain were forwarded in their respective stages.ships, pursuant to addresses of that house.The order of the day being read, the house resolved into a committee on the Irish mili Adjourned. tia erlisting bill, and lord Walsingham having taken the chair, the various clauses and pro HOUSE OF COMMONS. visions of the bill were agreed to by their lordships, without observation or amend IVednesday, April 10. ment. The house having resumed, the re- [MINUTES.] A message from the lords port was received, and the bill ordered to be informed the house, that their lordships had a agreed to the Innkeepers Rates bill, the Mr. Whitlread then moved, that the resoEnglish Militia Reduction bill, the Spanish lutions of Monday should be read. The house Trade Licence bill, American Treaty bill, ordered that the eleventh resolution only Neutral Ships bill, and Alien Prize Ships bill, should be read, and it was read accordingly. without any amendments. After which, the “ That the right hon. Iord viscount Melville speaker, pursuant to a summons by the black having been privy to, and connived at rod, attended in the house of lords, where “ the withdrawing from the bank of Enthe royal assent was given by commission to gland, for purposes of private interest or the foregoing bills, the Edinburgh Police “ emolument, sums issued to him as treabill, and several private bills.-- Mr. Lee gave “ surer of the navy, and placed to his acnotice, that on the 25th of April he should “ count in the bank, according to the promove for leave to bring in a bill to allow the " visions of the 25th Geo. III. c. 31, has same advantages with respect to the issue of “ been guilty of a gross violation of the law, small notes to the country banks of Ireland, “ and a high breach of duty." Upon as were enjoyed in this country; also for a which, bill further to regulate the mode for receiv- Mr. Whitlread rose, and expressed hina ing 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 notitication now made, I am by nó 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 contident, 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 nota 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 recómmitted, 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. point of dignity he held : and as far as any -Mr. Rose presented several accounts re-triumph over an individual can be concerned, lative to the Isle of Man, and the case of this has been most complete. But, sir, I John Duke of Athol. Ordered to lie on the was not actuated, and I am sure those who table, and to be printed.--Mr. Giles desired voted with me on the occasion were not 20to be informed, whether it was the inten- tuated by personal or party motives : I untion of his majesty's ministers, to bring for- dertook a great cause, in which I had the ward a bill for continuing for a further pe- satisfaction to succeed: I shall not abandon riod the Commission of Naval inquiry ; as the cause I have undertaken; but I shall still if not, he should feel it his duty to submit a urge the motion of which I gare notice on motion to the house on that subject, at an the former night. If I know any thing of early day after the holidays. my own heart; it 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 이 lord who had been the subject of the discus- not, for the mere sake of ulterior punishsion on a former night, had since made a ment, think it necessary to press the subject tender of the resignation of the office of first farther; I should here stop, and desist: but lord of the admiralty to his majesty, which let us consider the situation in which we resignation his inajesty had been most gra- stand. The noble lörd, stigmatized as he is ciously pleased to accept. 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 situa- tion 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 bad, 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 (Mír. 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 make it necessary to retain such a person as you, by a person in every respect qualified | Mr. Wilson in office à few days. "Is it the -it remained for you, to whom no party right hon. gent.'s intention to dismiss him? spirit can be imputed, of whom no partiality (No answer.) Then I say he ought to be can possibly be surmised, to decide between dismissed from his office. He is not fit to the two parties, which was in the right. hold a situation in the Navy Office, or any Your decision did immortal honour to your other office under government? Yet, even self ; your decision was looked upon, is if both are dismissed, ulterior proceedings looked upon, and ever will be looked upon must be had ; and, in order that it may with joy and satisfaction by the country. not be necessary for me again to trouble The popularity which flows from deeds like the house, I take this opportunity of giving these is the greatest satisfaction a man can notice, that it is my intention, immediately receive. If we see in all persons whom we after the holidays, to move that his majesty's meet ; if we read in every countenance, attorney-general be instructed to proceedi in every expression, the congratulation, the against lord Melville and Mr. Trotter, for an self satisfaction; the approbation bestowed account, in order that (agreeing as I do on the representatives of the empire-if out with the commissioners of naval inquiry) of this house 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 proñts 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 leare 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 alopted, 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. svith 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 deference and respect. dawp of our labours, if the house should ز 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 acregard 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 ir. acknowledged 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 aume 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, partiunder 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 24,000). 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 for 24,000l. If it was only for 24 pence, is, the papers recording them having been the grounds ought to be enquired into. destroyed, papers which ought to have been I believe it will be found, that the lords of carefully preserved. If such transactions the treasury were to blame, and that it was as are stated in the report took place, they obtained under false pretences.-Lastly, sir, ought to have been secretly recorded, in there is a circumstance on which it is parorder that, if innocent, the justification of ticulary important the house should have those concerned might appear ; or, if guilty, information, if it can be obtained. How that they might be condemned. There are it is to be obtained I do not know ; but other parts of the Tenth Report which it things often come to light which we despair may be necessary to refer to a committee, of developing. The most important point on which I dwelt so long the other night, way. With this view, I shall move an both as it affects the public and lord Melville, hunible address to his Majesty, praying his as well as his connections, is, whether he majesty to remove lord Melville from bis was or was not a participator in the pecula- councils for ever, and from all offices held tions charged against Mr. Trotter. That during pleasure of the crown. The noble lord fact is material to be ascertained, and if it is not the only one by many who has given is possible, the commissioners will ascertain in his resignation to his majesty. The right it. The suspicious circumstances I stated hon. gent. opposite has heretofore done the on the last night—they have made a deep same. But if lord Melville is suffered to impression on my mind, and there has been retire with his dignities and riches, his reno denial of them.- It is stated, by Dr. signation will not afford a satisfaction to Swift, that two and two do not always public justice ; and beyond that I do not make four. I am sure, according to lord wish to proceed. As to the punishment of Melville, four and four were not always the noble lord, if the public was not conequal. His lordship had, as the salary of cerned, I would say, " go forth, let us his office, 4,000l. a year; no duties at- hear of you no more. That which he has tached to it, but it was clear of all deduc- suffered by the disgraceful situation he has tion, We heard lord Melville state how he exposed himself to, is infinitely more than was oppressed by public business, that he I wish him to feel : but the end of punishhad hardly time to rest at night; but that it ment is example, and unless he is punished was necessary for the administration of pub- beyond what he has already suffered, he lic affairs they should not be entrusted to is not sufficiently punished. We know other hands than his own ; that it was ne- that lord Melville, down to a very late cessary he should continue to be president period, has had the confidence of the crown; of the board of control; and that he should that the confidence of the crown has been have the management of the war. But was expressed towards hiin so strongly, that, it necessary too that he should be treasurery since the last administration, an addition of of the navy? Undoubtedly there were al- 1,5001. a year for life has been conferred ways persons willing to receive the emolu- on him. It is on the table, printed and ments of office without doing the duty as known to the whole world, that after lord well as his lordship. What does lord Mel Melville's having retired to Scotland, I ville do? He gives up 4,000l. a year of his should have supposed for life, he was--by income, as secretary of state, and takes the exigencies of the country? no, but by 4,000l. as treasurer of the navy. What the circumstances of the right hon. gent. does this prove, but that the one was better opposite, called from his retirement, and than the other ; that the one promised to given a situation of the greatest responsibility yield more in future, that the one was the crown had to give, except that which male, and the other female, the one fruit- the right hon. gent. himself holds. He was ful, the other. not ; that the one produced to receive the emolaments of such office. only 4,0001. a year, and the other was pro- That was not enough ; he was to have ductive of a great deal more. This is what, | 1,5001. a year more. That was not enough ; on reflection, more and more strengthens for in case he retired, he was to have a grant my suspicions, for suspicions I admit they for life-a patent office; for so long as he are, and must be till they are confirmed: should hold the privy seal of Scotland he but whether they are confirmed or not, per- was to have 1,500l. a year. This is a mari haps I do not feel that they constitute the therefore under no ordinary circumstances. principal article of charge. The principal arti; At the time of this advance, which perhans cle of charge has been substantiated, has it may be necessary to enquire into, there been acknowledged by the noble lord him- was also a grant to lady Melville of 1,5001. self, under his own hand, and out of his a year of the money of the public, for which own mouth; the house of commons has no service has been rendered; granted, if decided on it, and where there is ground not in a clandestine manner, at least in a of suspicion that he has swerved one hair's way that those who affixed the seal to the breadth, one scruple beyond his duty, it is patent did not understand the nature of it. necessary for the dignity of the house of Wiat cffice lord Melville holds during commons, and for the satisfaction of the pleasure, besides the one which he has re· people of this empire, that he should not signed, I do not know ; I do not know again execute his office, and that others that a pension of the kind I have stated should be deterred from acting in the sune can be valid; or whether, supposing a ser |
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