important subjects. As to lord Grenville, answer them himself, by which means he every one would allow him to be an able had always enough to say. A man might politician, and this he would say of him, very easily be affluent who coined his own that he had disapproved of the Spanish war. money. There was no want of words, The noble lord opposite had said, that after where he had a manufactory of epithets. the negotiation had broken off, an army The right hon. gent. went on briskly, for should have been sent to the support of Prus- he rode verylight, and carriedno weight.— sia; but Prussia was then at war with us, and, He then shewed the difference between the after the battle of Auerstadt, the winter season system of the last ministers, as to continenrendered it impossible to send any expedi-tal affairs, and that which was imputed to tion. Where could meu have been, then them. They had not seen any proper opsent to co-operate with the Russians, even portunity for a diversion, or they would after the battle of Eylau, which he still have made it. They had made no promise looked upon to have been disastrous for the and neglected it. After various explanaRussians? It had been said, that Prussia, tory remarks, he begged gentlemen to preby joining the coalition before the battle of fer their charges fairly and seriously, and Austerlitz, might have turned the scale, he would meet them. He requested the which he did not think would have been the house to mark the right hon, secretary's recase, but she neglected that opportunity, ceipt for making speeches. He put all and had brought herself into her present sorts of ridiculous things into the mouths situation, as he had before said, by her of his political opponents, that he might insane rashness. Here this country then make out his speech, by answering them. was without an ally. If the late ministers He made them something like a second had brought it into that situation, a charge person, in a dialogue, who was made to ought to be brought against them for it, talk a good deal of nonsense, to set off his rather than by misrepresentation, to impute opponent in the argument. But though he blame to them. Even at this late period liked eloquence very well, he could not of the session, he should think the enquiry praise the respectability of the right hon. might be gone into, and he hoped that gent.'s arguments. The resolution was there would be no objection to the produc- then put, and carried. tion of all communications, with the Prussian government. The right hon. gentlemen opposite, when after the dissolution they had arranged every thing for the election, then turned their attention to the continent. The expeditions they had sent out he wished might prove successful, but he hoped they would not prove an example of that dispersion of the disposeable force of the country, which had been charged upon his right hon. friends.

On the question, that 15,000l. be granted for Inspecting Field-officers of Volunteers,

Mr. Windham contended, that even in the opinion of the volunteers themselves, these were useless. They might be inspected by the generals of the districts. This had been a project to answer election purposes. As it had done all the good it could do in that way, he thought the ministers might give up the matter, and save some expence to the public.

Mr. Secretary Canning said, that it was no more the duty of the present ministers The Secretary at War wished to know if to bring a charge against their predecessors, the inspection by generals of districts had than it was the duty of their predecessors been practised during the right hon. gent.'s to bring a charge against them. He administration. The number of volunteers, thought his predecessors wrong, and that he believed, was in many instances greater they had ruined the continent. But as the where there were no general officers. As conduct of an existing government might to the idea of a job, he asserted that the involve the country in disaster, if the inspecting field-officers bad in general, or gentlemen opposite thought them wrong, rather without an exception, been re-apthey ought to bring a charge against them.pointed, without regard to the degree of Mr. Winaham rose to clear himelf from interest they might possess. It could, theresome misrepresentations of the right fore, be of little consequence whether the honourable secretary of state. He liked re-appointment had taken place on the eve his ingenuity and eloquence very well; of an election or not. He contended that But did not think his arguments the the volunteer spirit had greatly subsided in most respectable. He imputed opinionsand many counties since that right hon. gent. assertions to gentlemen, that he might had come into office.

Mr. Windham admitted that a relaxation to the old tune," No pay, no Swiss." This in the volunteering spirit had taken place; but maintained that it had manifested itself some considerable time previous to his coming into office.

wonderful relaxation of the spirit of the Scotch volunteers, was to be attributed to some diminution of the former allowances. If, however, the number of the Scotch voGeneral Tarleton said, the volunteers in lunteers was much diminished, it must be the district in which he had the honour to allowed, that this diminution began long command, could never have reached the before he came into office, or had any prostate of discipline to which they had arrived spect of coming into office, and therefore but for the exertions of the Inspecting Field-these gentlemen must have had the gift of officers. If an invasion had taken place second sight, to know both that he would two years ago, they would have been able, from that district, in the course of two days, to have produced 30,000 men within ten miles of the metropolis.

come into office, and what he was to propose. He had often objected to what was called the volunteer system: but as to the individuals themselves, it was impossible Mr. Calcraft stated that before his right that any one could pretend to turn into hon. friend (Mr. Windham) came into office, ridicule the population of England, Ireland, the Volunteer force had decreased from or Scotland, or that proportion of the po◄ 400,000 to 318,000, and during his ad-pulation which evidently appeared most ministration they had fallen off in a much ardent in the general defence. As to what less proportion, not having decreased above an hon. gent. had said about the disgrace 20 or 25,000 men. He remembered that he of crimination and recrimination between himself, as a volunteer, had been inspect- the different parties, he agreed so far in that ed by major-generals and lieutenant-gene- opinion, that he did not wish unnecessarily rals, and he did not see why that practice to indulge in it; but if it obviously occur. might not be continued. The gallant ge-red in the course of a discussion, he was neral (Tarleton) had now his head-quarters not content to pair off. at Bath, and it was a great pity that the Dr. Laurence said, he recollected a very parliament did not sit there, as in such a different history respecting that corps. case the gallant general could reconcile his They were a corps that wanted greater al senatorial duties with the duties of com-lowances to be made to them than what nianding officer of the district, and in such was usual. An hon. general (Tarleton) case he might again honour the volunteers had, in his explanation, accused an hon. so far as to review them. friend of his of gross ignorance in military General Tarleton said a few words in ex-matters. The house would, however, replacation, and imputed to the hon. gent. great military ignorance.

Mr. Rose retorted the charge of a job, by alluding to the 300 surveyors of taxes, proposed to have been appointed by the late administration.

collect that about a fortnight ago, the hon. general had exerted all his military calculation to persuade the house that Bonaparte. had advanced so far in Poland that it was next to impossible he should ever be able to retreat. After so recent a promulgation Mr. Beresford deprecated the system of of his military opinions, he thought the recrimination which had become so much house would not believe that every military. the practice of members on both sides of man was completely ignorant of his profes the house. As to the subject immediately sion, who might differ in opinion from the before the house, he felt himself necessita-hon. general.-After some conversation, ted to say, that the language held in that the coinmittee divided: For the vote 84; house by the right hon. gent. and the mea- Against it 24. sures adopted by him, had such an effect A vote of credit, amounting to 4,500,000%. on the volunteers in Ireland, as to make for Great Britain, and 500,000/. for Ireland, at least one half of those who had been most zealous in the service, turn their backs upon it.

was also proposed and agreed to, after some opposition from lord H. Petty, sir J. Newport, and Mr. Windhain. The Chan The Solicitor-General of Scotland spoke cellor of the Exchequer, in answer to the in praise of the Scotch volunteers, whom observations against the amount, said, that he also stated to have been very much dis-there were many exigencies which might couraged by the language of Mr. Windham. call for the employment of the surplus. A Mr. Windham said, the arguments of the case, for example, might be supposed to last hon. and learned gent. were merely arise, when it might be necessary to call

out the volunteers and place them on full] pay. The several other grants having been put and carried, the house resumed, and the report was ordered to be received to

morrow.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Monday, August 3.

Mr.

Mr. Frankland argued against the prin ciple of the bill, and thought that the mili tia had many advantages over the regulars, The man that was good at the foil, could not be unskilful at the sword; and he thought the illustration applied well to the militia. The latter was a more settled and compact force, and were less liable to the ill effects of a constant succession of new officers, than the regular forces. The hon. gent. dwelt on the importance of uniting, as much as possible, the character of the sol

a most constitutional body, and ought not by any means to be discouraged, as would be done by the present bill. He must also object to it as going obliquely to undermine the system of military service introduced last year by his right. hon. friend, while it was not directly and manfully brought under the consideration of the house.

[PUBLICANS' LICENCE BILL.] Sheridan presented a petition from certain publicans, &c. praying the aid of parliament, in alleviation of certain grievances with respect to the granting and revoking of Li-dier and the citizen. The militia force was cences. The petition was ordered to lie on the table. Mr. S, then rose and said, that the petition he just had the honour of prepenting was signed by more than 1,000 persons. As to the abuses of which that petition complained, and the remedy which he proposed for those abuses, he must at present decline entering into them. He contended that they could be satisfactorily proved upon the most unquestionable testimony, at the bar. He said that he had made every enquiry into the alledged abuses, and had no doubt he should convince gentlemen, to their astonishment, of the cruel and grinding oppression which in many instances had been practised towards that body, The great object of his endeavour to relieve them would at least be, to have it made certain by parliament, that the bread, the livelihood, the very means of existence to those people and their families, should not depend on the will or the caprice of any two magistrates, without an appeal to some of the courts of judicature. He concluded by moving, that leave be given to bring in a bill to amend so much of the 32d and others of the king as relates to the granting and withholding licences from ale-house keepers, &c.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer had no objection to the motion, but did think that the right hon. gent. should have distinctly stated the instances of cruel and grinding oppression be had in such very strong terms complained of. If any of the magistracy had been guilty of such a breach of their duty, it might be made the subject of a criminal action. He could not approve of the line of distinction the right hon. gent. seemed to draw between the magistracy.After a few words between Mr. S. Bourne, the Marquis of Titchfield, and Mr. A. Cooper, the motion was agreed to.

[MILITIA TRANSFER BILL.] On the order of the day, for the further consideration of this bill,

Mr. Whitshed Keene rose and said; In this late stage of the important subject now before the house, I beg leave to trouble it for a short time. I ain one of those that voted for the measures proposed by his majesty's ministers, not that I thought them complete for the purpose, or that they were the best that might have been devised, but because, after having considered every thing that has been thrown out on the different sides of the house, (who all agree in the end although they differ as to the means) I thought this mode preferable, from a persuasion that as it was apparent a large deficiency must exist for some time in our military establishments, it was the interest of our country, under the present exigency, the deficiency should be thrown on the militia, rather than on our regular force; both on the probability of that deficiency being sooner filled up with trained soldiers, applicable to every purpose, than by any other mode proposed; and again, on the probability of that deficiency in the militia, being made good in an easier and more economical manner, than it would be if it existed in the troops of the line. The length to which this session has been protracted, by the circumstances which have occurred, may, perhaps, justify the officers of government in not proposing to this house at present further measures, which possibly might retard this measure, which promises expeditiously a great increase of that force of the country adapted either to offensive or defensive operations. As government has the best means of judging how far the danger may be more or less imminent, on them

lies the responsibility of thinking no more acceptance of their services. This Frenchi need be done in the present session. How-detachment after some success, and having ever inconvenient a further attendance advanced considerably into the country, bemight be, that inconvenience would pleading disappointed in their expectations of a but little, should any injury to our country faithful, numerous, and zealous co-operatake place, which might have been pre-tion for which purpose they had brought many vented by further measures. I trust they arms, surrendered. Had they not been disapare not mistaken, and I have the satisfac-pointed in this expectation, it is not easy to tion of believing from what has fallen from appreciate the important advantages that ministers, that they intend taking the ear- must have resulted from this patriotic act of liest opportunity to ameliorate, extend and the British militia; the act of the legislature organize a more complete system of de- however in its progress through the houses fence and offence; it would be wasting he of parliament met with much opposition. time of the house, to occupy it, in endea- In mentioning this, I am far from intending vouring to prove an imperious necessity, to impute any blame to those gentlemen which must overrule all minor objections who made that opposition. I am persuaded to such measures as may put our internal they acted, according to their view of the security on the best footing, and also afford subject, in the manner most conducive to the best means of preserving our external the best interest of their country. Gentle greatness. Every thinking man's mind be- men will also recollect, that on the renewal ing naturally employed on those great ob- of hostilities with France, when Buonaparte jects, may I be permitted to submit to the lined the coast opposite to ours with his house some Suggestions, which I humbly legions, and began to assemble his flotilla at conceive are well worth being considered, Boulogne, many regiments of the Irish miand that they may be so modeled as to litia, seeing England threatened, seized the promise to effect this great object as far as opportunity of testifying their gratitude by the physical powers of our country will ad- offering to come here; at the same time mit. They are the Suggestions of a man, some regiments of English militia again who having served many years at the head volunteered to go to Ireland: at that moof the militia of the county of which he was ment, some most respectable leading cha also lord, (and had therefore better means racters in that service, thought proper to of being acquainted with the bearing and publish Resolutions expressing strong dis operation of the militia laws in the different approbation of that measure, and stopped situationsofour country,) and during several it. I cannot help lamenting that they of the campaigns in the American war, in ma- thought it their duty so to act, as it is obny of the last war with France, and in various vious that the facility of mutual defence. parts of Great Britain, employed a strong was and will be thereby embarrassed; and understanding in weighing the advantages what is of no less importance, though not and disadvantages attending this service, so obvious, that it prevents the intermixaccording to the different circumstances of ture of a considerable part of the populaour country. Sir, I apprehend, however tion of the two countries; a measure which great our gratitude ought and must be to would go further in seven years to render those enlightened and provident patriots the union not merely nominal, but real, who introduced and established this most than the present mode of proceeding will important mode of national defence, how-do in fifty. Sir, I know too well the zeal ever competent it has proved to its object with which the gentlemen of the militia during former times, yet no man will con- have acted, the privations to which they tend that, in the present state of Europe, have so long submitted, not to be per(which it is necessary only to allude to) suaded that they on that occasion also actthe same system must be applicable. I ed according to their views of the best intehere must beg leave to advert to what many rest of their country, and that; bad they gentlemen in this house must recollect in thought the exigency required it, they 1799, when a French detachment had land- would readily have gone there. At the ed in Ireland; many of the regiments of same time that I think so highly of their the militia of this country volunteered patriotism, I am not less persuaded that their services to the sister kingdom, with from their good sense they would raan alacrity and zeal never to be forgotten. ther meet the enemy in Munster or ConAs the laws stood and now stand, an act of naught, than in Yorkshire or Kent. As these the legislature was necessary to legalize the latter considerations do not immediately

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belong to the question before us, I shall say | force, the embodied militia, to be carried no more on them at present; if it was per- to the extent of 80,000 for Great Britain, mitted for so insignificant an individual as giving annually a recruit of 20,000 men to am, to mention himself, I would say, that the army, and establishing a force commenhaving had the honour to serve several surate (as I apprehend) for the ordinary campaigns in different parts of Europe, purposes of the kingdom; thereby leaving having had the honour to serve 39 years the whole, or the greatest part of the reguin this house, and having attended all the lar army, a disposeable force.-3. "To discussions on these important subjects, enable lieutenants of counties to accept I presume to think myself not totally "the voluntary services of as many men incompetent on them; and concurring, as "from the local militia as would fill up the I do, in the soundness of these Suggestions, "deficiency occasioned by the drafts from and persuaded that great national advan-" the embodied militia into the army. lí tage may be derived from them, I will take there shall be a deficiency of volunteers the liberty to lay them before the house." for filling up the embodied militia, that They are as follow:-1. "To enable Vo-" deficiency to be made good by a ballot, "lunteers to propose to his majesty's lieu-" without exemptions, and deficiencies in "tenants of counties, to form themselves" the local militia to be supplied annually "into local militia, to be regularly trained" by a similar ballot." The object of this for 28 days, with the same establish- clause is to make use of the ballot only when "ment, in the same manner, and un-indispensable, and then in a manner little "der the same regulations as the old burthensome.-4. "To enable lieutenants "militia used to be in time of peace. To" ofcounties to employ the staff of the local "leave their counties only in case of inva- " militia in training the men intended to be “sion or imminent danger thereof." The" transferred to the embodied militia, duobject of this clause is to establish, at little " ring the time such staff may not be actuexpence, under command and under officers" ally on duty with the local militia." The of some experience, a large body of men, object of this clause is to have the embodied which may be speedily applied to the pub-militia complete in members acquainted bc service in case of emergency. I would with the use of arms.-5. "To enable his wish this source of supply to be extended to" majesty to direct lieutenants of counties, the number of 160,000. It may also, if it" if he should see it proper so to do, to shall be consonant with the wisdom of " employ the said staff of the local militia, parliament, to adopt the next proposition," when not otherwise employed in exerbe made a source whence may be drawn" cising the persons bound to serve under a supply of men to keep the embodied mi-" the provisions of the Training act." The litia constantly full.-2. "To enable his object of this clause is to give farther effi"majesty to accept the voluntary services ciency to the Training act, which is admi"of one fourth part of the embodied mi-rable, as giving to the crown, the positive litia annually, to serve in the regular ar- command of a large body of men in case of my. And if the men to volunteering, emergency, but which in its actual progress were put invariably into the regiments amounts to a muster of men.-I humbly "that are reputed to belong to the counties conceive that it is no small recommendation "from whence the men came, whenever of these Suggestions, that at the same time, "those regiments shall want recruits or be that if adopted together, they would draw "augmented; if ensigncies were sometimes forth the physical powers of the population "given on the recommendation of the lords in a most efficient and in the least expen"lieutenants, to young men of those coun- sive manner, and mutually strengthen each ties; these two measures could not fail other, they may be applied with advantage "of adding much to the facility of keeping separate, without adopting the whole. The our regular force complete; but as those one, to which the greatest objections would two last arrangements are within the be made, is that of enabling his majesty power of the commander-in-chief, that to accept annually so considerable a number illustrious personage will certainly adopt of volunteers into the regular army. This whatever on consideration shall appear is not the moment to discuss this most im"calculated for such important purposes." [portant subject, I shall not therefore intrude The object of this clause is to give (as is longer on the time of the house. obvious) a regular supply of efficient men to the regular army. I would wish this

46

The Secretary at War thought the present measure might have been assented to