de la Belle Alliance, c'est un honneur dont nous sommes profondément pénétrés, nous nous sentons extrêmement recompensés pour nos efforts par l'approbation d'une nation vaillante et éclairée, et nous esperons avec confiance que la victoire commune de ces deux nations, contribuera bien puissament de consolider encore de plus, d'une manière nullement troublée a l'avenir, les liens entre elles. "Nous n'ignorons pas, mylord, que la relation de votre Altesse, sur notre conduite du 18, a été la cause que les deux chambres du parlement ont pris la résolution si honorable pour moi et pour l'armée sous mes ordres, et c'est moi qui vous prie d'agréer nos remerciments pour cela. return from his people those heartfelt congratulations which such tidings would eli cit from those whose invincible spirit and perseverance had attained so glorious a result. It was also a matter of regret, that the continuance of his Majesty's indisposition rendered it impossible for him to participate, as he would otherwise deeply have done, in the universal joy of the present times. But he would pass to the more pleasing subject of congratulating the House on the blessings of peace. This was a sound which had long become a stranger to their ears, and when the documents connected with it were laid before them, if they were as he was persuaded they would be le-of a nature to add to the character and honour of the country, then the terms in the Address with which he should conclude, would not be found to have overrated the great advantages obtained by the nation from this measure. The House would permit him to call to its recollection, that for the last two years the great object of the councils, not only of this country, but of Europe, was peace, and peace alone. Ce sont les sentiments du respect plus fondé et d'une fidèle fraternité d'armes, que j'ai l'honneur d'être, de votre altesse le très-humble ami et serviteur, (Signé) BLUCHER." "A Saint Cloud, 9 Juilet, 1815." THE PRINCE REGENT'S SPEECH ON OPENING THE SESSION]. The Speaker reported, that the House had been at the House of Peers, at the desire of the Lords Commissioners appointed under the Great Seal for opening and holding this present parliament; and that the Lord Chancellor, being one of the said Commissioners made a Speech to both Houses; of which, he had, to prevent mistakes, obtained a copy, which he read to the House [See p. 1.] Sir Thomas Dyke Acland then rose to move an address in answer to the Speech from the throne, which the House had just heard read. He began by observing, that it was not his original intention to apologise to the House for the duty he had upon this occasion undertaken. It was one connected with the most flattering public considerations, and introduced on the proudest day that any member of that House had had the opportunity of ever witnessing. Since, however, he had determined on accepting the honour of making the present motion, he was more forcibly struck with its importance than at first sight he had been, and, consequently, more impressed with his own inability to do justice to so glorious a theme. The session now happily opened with the assurance of a lasting peace-a peace not alone for Europe, but for the whole civilised world. He sincerely regretted that his royal highness the Prince Regent was prevented, by indisposition, from making this pleasing communication in person to parliament, and receiving in (VOL. XXXII.) This was only to be ob tained by the renunciation, on the part of France, of that unjust frenzy for conquest, which for the last twenty years had spread desolation over Europe. It was in this spirit of sincere pacification that the Allies first entered the conquered capital of France; their only security for the attainment of this desirable object was, to remove from the throne of that empire that man, who was no less the scourge of his own country, than of the rest of Europe. It was true, and also to be regretted, that the Allies had not then availed themselves of the facilities which their means afforded," of removing the works of art, which were the spoils of other countries. But their policy was more than liberal upon that occasion; they met France on an equality of terms; they left her a greater extent of country than she possessed before she sent from her bosom that fire which had nearly consumed Europe. Even the national rivalship of this country sought no more than what was strictly and honourably right, and limited its views to the forbear ance of the allied powers. Such was the feeling which pervaded the Congress assembled at Vienna to heal those grievances, and to repair that disorganization which France had wantonly caused, and yet she was herself summoned to take part and to co-operate in those (C) important deliberations. The potentates | was always a painful sight, and one could there met in good faith, to restore to each not refrain from moralising at seeing Buocountry the undisturbed enjoyment of its naparté seeking an asylum in that nation, proper possessions. They were not long to the annihilation of whose interest he employed in this generous and pacific had invariably directed his worst hostility, work, when the disturber of the world and at the same time pronouncing her burst from his retirement-not captivity." the most constant and most generous of He appeared again in France, and re- his enemies." The course pursued by entered Paris with a sort of military ova- his Majesty's ministers upon that interesttion, triumphing, in fact, over the apathy ing occasion, was a fit object of praiseof the people, and haughtily showing to their bitter enemy was in their hands, and indignant Europe the sad spectacle of an they treated him with all the kindness of unprincipled army, whose insatiate lust which his situation was susceptible; they for conquest was still in full action. The did not, indeed, forget the public safety, people of England, of Europe, saw this nor overlook the proper caution, which proceeding; they felt it as became men of made it true policy to guard against the honest minds, and cordially united in the revival of any hope, either in their prisoner common cause. They used their best or his adherents, of again having the exertions to put down the military system power to disturb the repose of Europe. that re-appeared in France, and adopted the manly, energetic, and eloquent sentiments of a right hon. gentleman, not now in his place (Mr. Grattan), who had spent a long and honourable public life in endeavouring to establish peace abroad, and to conciliate contending opinions at home. In adopting such a rule of conduct, they acted wisely; and thanks to Almighty God, who vouchsafed to crown it with success on the plains of Waterloo! It was that sort of contest, in which the genius of good and evil struggled for pre-eminence. The one party animated by honour, the other led on by despair. The conflict was, doubtless, dreadful; and, perhaps, there was only one man, and but the troops of one nation, who were capable of achieving such a victory. The duke of Wellington, upon that occasion, added an unfading wreath to his laurelled brow, and surpassed all his former glories in the splendor of his last action-(Loud cries of Hear, hear!) Seldom, if ever was there a battle attended by such important advantages. It replaced the king of France upon his throne, and restored peace to Europe. It drove Buonaparté to a second abdication. He disappeared; and even then, although his abode was unknown, and no man could assure himself, that the chieftain might not again burst from his retreat, and convulse the world-even then this victory was declared matchless in its value. But what did it not become, when the object of our hostility alone appeared, not indeed with war and terror in his train, but as a prisoner begging admission into that country which had ever been his deadliest enemy? To a generous mind, fallen grandeur Such was the course of events soon after Parliament had last separated. The principal object in which Europe was then engaged was the restoration of the Bourbon family, and the completion of such arrangements as were likely to ensure the general tranquillity. The honourable baronet then called the attention of the House to that part of his Royal Highness's Speech which referred to the precautionary measures adopted by this country on the continent, in conjunction with her Allies; some circumstances connected with which were, he thought, fit subjects of congratulation. The person now on the throne of France, was one whom we had yet no reason to suspect of bad faith, and whose character at least afforded us a prospect (though, God knew the experience of the past ought to repress all sanguine expectations!) of something like a lasting peace. It was, however, desirable to have more solid security than individual disposition, and at the same time not to require more than was strictly necessary. Experience showed the necessity of leaving no loose power in France, and of retaining in our own hands a sufficiency to repel any attempt at re-action. It was also essential that the cause of justice should not be forgotten. In this view the restitution of the pictures and statues which had been rifled from the nations of Europe, in direct violation of the practice of modern war, was become a duty. Those trophies were to disappear, which we had not the courage to take from a haughty soldiery at the first occupation of Paris. This was due to the Allies, but more especially to France herself, who was thereby prevented from having before her eyes the fruits of her conquests and unjust, years. This was a happy omen in their aggression. When the papers connected present prospects. The only point of difwith this restitution were laid before Par-ference between the parties of that day, liament, the country would have reason was an opinion maintained by some, that to applaud the firmness of the British better terms might have been earlier comnegotiator. It was extremely natural for manded. Would any man in that House the veteran leader of the Prussian armies hazard such an opinion on the present to have said, on his arrival in Paris- Treaty? Assuredly not. There was one "Those works are now mine-no matter point which he had nearly forgotten, in what were your claims or titles to their alluding to the former period of our glory. possession the right of conquest has It was to that part of the Treaty of Utrecht made them change masters, and they no in which England stipulated, by the Aslonger are identified with your property." siento Contract, for a slave monopoly of But what was the conduct of the British thirty years. What a gratifying contrast Government on that occasion? Its repre- to such a stipulation did not her recent sentative, in his intermediation, maintained conduct present, in which, much to her on the part of his country a high-minded honour and character, she for ever wrested disinterestedness. He became the honest the traffic in slaves from France, who advocate of the weak and friendless. Of all seemed inclined to prolong it! It was imthe wondrous works of art that formed the possible not to feel a proud gratification at plunder, and any of which would have been this happy change in the policy of Enga splendid ornament for a nation like this, land, in a measure so vitally affecting the not one was stipulated for England-a best interests of humanity. hint would have been sufficient to ensure the present, and the minister nobly disdained to give it he satisfied himself with giving to France, in the words of our great Commander," a moral lesson," which she wanted, and found his reward in administering justice to the real owners of the plundered property. It was scarcely necessary to remind the House, that in all the measures taken to ensure the Peace, England put in no claim beyond what she had stipulated for, and obtained by the previous Treaty of Paris. She sought safety, not aggrandizement; and it was therefore, that he did not hesitate to call for the concurrence of the House in the congratulatory Address to the Prince Regent, which he was about to move upon the arrival of so glorious an era. They would, he was persuaded, agree with his Royal Highness, that the history of the country presented no equal moment of proud record. Perhaps the only period which could at all be brought into comparison with the present, was during the reign of queen Anne. We then, as on the late occasion, obtained glory for our arms on the continent; we then, as on the late occasion, opposed ambition, and in the same country. A British general was also the undisputed hero of the field, and his prowess had led to general peace. It was worthy of remark in taking this retrospective glance, that the peace effected at the glorious epoch to which he alluded, was followed by a period of tranquillity for twenty-five The hon. baronet thought, then, that he had laid sufficient grounds for calling upon the House to address the Prince Regent in terms of warm acknowledg ment, at the happy era which had now arrived. He was convinced the general sense of the nation would echo the voice of its representatives, in paying this just tribute to his Royal Highness. There was one point in the Speech of the Prince Regent, which certainly called forth the manifestation of universal sympathy- it was that which referred to the commercial and agricultural difficulties and distresses which at present prevailed among the community. But these embarrassments were the natural result of recent events. Besides, when the public considered the present crisis, they could not fairly judge of its character without looking at the tremendous evils from which they had escaped. Suppose, instead of standing as we now stood, an earlier moment had been seized of making a treaty with the late ruler of France, would real and bona fide repose have been the consequence of such a step; or would it not, to use the language of the right hon. gentleman already alluded to, have been " an apparent peace, and a real war?" If such a peace had unhappily been made to suit the interest of Buonaparté, this country would soon have had reason to repent its misplaced confidence. Let the country look fairly at its present situation, and calmly contemplate its whole bearings, and reflect, that it was not the part of wise men to complain, that the blessings they enjoyed were sometimes loudly called for it. There were many intermingled with alloy. Bad as the most involved in serious and great distresses in desponding amongst us could make it, be the different classes of the community would hardly be got to make an exchange who were entitled to immediate relief, if with any of the other powers of Europe. any such could be suggested. Among Could we look to the present state of those were numbers who had long contriFrance in search of a superior portion of buted to the maintenance of the war, and happiness? Was it in Prussia, Saxony, who were now, from the removal of that and the north of Germany, that we could capital which the government had had so cast a longing eye; or did the finances of long under its disposal, thrown out of their Austria and Russia present a more grati- regular employments. There were also fying picture? But these moments of those whose friends and relatives had temporary distress were not new in this fallen in the contest, and who were not country; the close of the American war without their claim for public relief. The was marked by a far more general depres- hon. baronet then warmly repeated the sion. Could the minister of that day necessity of reposing confidence in miniscome forward like the present, and say to ters who had already shown themselves parliament-" Our revenues are flourish- deserving of it, by the firmness and modeing?" Of a very different complexion ration of their career. He called on the was his communication; and yet we know, people of England, in animated terms, to that by the aid of an enlightened minister, bear, with fortitude, that pressure which a ten years sufficed to retrieve the national long series of warfare had naturally creatdifficulties. What reason, then, was there ed. They had shown, throughout a confor ill forebodings now, when the state of test as unparalleled in its extent as it was the country was in a firmer tone, and glorious in its termination, a degree of when a few, very few years, would, he firmness which had scarcely ever been distrusted, bring about a better state of played by any nation. He hoped that things for the general interests? Let us, fortitude would still bear them up, and exclaimed the hon. baronet, look at our prevent them from being oppressed, under situation fairly-let us recollect what the the new situation of the country, however people have steadily endured during the unfavourable it might appear, by a dislast twenty-five years, for that which they trust of their power to remove every difficonsidered a good cause a properly un-culty. He trusted that ministers would derstood policy. They bore their state do every thing in their power to relieve with unexampled patience, because they and to mitigate their distress. It was true believed the interests of the country re- policyquired a sacrifice, and that it was the duty of a good subject to make it, in the hope of ultimately obtaining a durable peace. They had shown a boundless confidence in the measures of those who have at length concluded an arduous contest. Those ministers would, he was persuaded, feel their responsibility in an increased proportion with the unrestricted confidence of the people. If we confided in them when the risk and stake were greater, why not continue that confidence when both became so much less? The great object of government had been to aim at vast and important results. This policy necessarily led to heavy sacrifices-success had attended its course, and the struggle was now terminated. It was, he was convinced, the inclination of ministers, as he knew it to be their duty, to give every relief in their power to the pressure of the public burthens, consistently with 'the existing state of Europe. This was the general feeling-the public interest At tu, oro, solare inopem, et succurre relictæ. In casus omnes. He trusted that the more general distress that was complained of, would be found to be merely temporary and short-lived. After returning his thanks to the House for the attention with which they had honoured him, the hon. baronet concluded by moving, "That an humble Address be presented to his royal highness the Prince Regent, to thank his Royal Highness for the gra cious Speech which he has directed to be delivered by the Lords Commissioners. "To assure his Royal Highness that we deeply participate in the regret expressed by his Royal Highness at the continuance of his Majesty's lamented indisposition. "That we receive with the greatest satisfaction his Royal Highness's communication of the restoration of peace throughout Europe; that we have wit 2 nessed with joy and exultation the splendid and decisive successes obtained by his Majesty's arms and those of his Allies, which led, at an early period of the campaign, to the re-establishment of the authority of his Most Christian Majesty in the capital of his dominions; that we receive with satisfaction his Royal Highness's assurance that it has been his most earnest endeavour to promote such arrangements as appeared to him best calculated to provide for the lasting repose and security of Europe; and we trust it will be found that, notwithstanding the difficulties which must have occurred in the adjustment of these arrangements, by moderation and firmness they have been effectually surmounted. we were engaged has been brought to so glorious and speedy a termination. "To assure his Royal Highness that, fully sensible of the heavy pressure upon the country which such efforts could not fail to produce, we shall be anxious for the adoption of all such measures of economy as may be found consistent with the security of the country and of that station which we occupy in Europe. "That we learn with satisfaction that the negociations which were in progress in the course of the last session, with a view to a commercial arrangement between this country and the United States of America have been brought to a satisfactory issue; and, we trust, it will be found that the stipulations of the treaty, "That we are fully sensible that it is which his Royal Highness has been grato the intimate union which has so happilyciously pleased to direct to be laid before subsisted between the allied powers that the nations of the continent have twice owed their deliverance; and are deeply impressed with the importance of maintaining in its full force that alliance from which so many advantages have already been derived, and which affords the best prospect of the continuance of peace. us, are such as will prove advantageous to the interests of both countries, and cement the good understanding which so happily subsists between them. "That we sincerely rejoice that the hostilities in which we have been involved in the island of Ceylon and on the continent of India have been brought to a suc"That we acknowledge his Royal cessful conclusion: that we acknowledge Highness's goodness in directing copies of with the utmost gratitude his Royal Highthe several treaties and conventions to be ness's gracious acceptance and approbalaid before us, to which we shall not tion of the support of parliament, and the fail to apply our immediate attention. perseverance and public spirit of his Ma"That being fully aware of the extra-jesty's people, to which, under Providence, ordinary situation in which the powers of Europe have been placed from the circumstances which have attended the French revolution, and more especially in consequence of the events of last year, we shall proceed to examine the precautionary measures which his Royal Highness has been induced to concur with his Allies in adopting, with every disposition to cooperate in such proceedings as may be essential to give effect to them, in the hope and expectation that they will be found to be dictated by the principles of justice and sound policy. "To return our humble thanks to his Royal Highness for having directed the Estimates for the present year to be laid before us. "To express our satisfaction at the assurance that the manufactures, commerce, and revenue of the United Kingdom are in a flourishing condition. "To congratulate his Royal Highness on the effect of the great exertions which he was enabled to make in the course of last year, by which the contest in which he is pleased to ascribe the success of those exertions which have brought the extensive and momentous contest in which we have been so long engaged in Europe to a close, and which have exalted the character and military renown of the British nation beyond all former example. "That we rely with confidence on his Royal Highness's constant endeavours to maintain, by the justice and moderation ofhis conduct, the high character which this country has acquired amongst the nations of the world, and we cordially share in the hope expressed by his Royal Highness that the same union amongst ourselves which has enabled us to surmount so many dangers, and has brought this eventful struggle to so auspicious an issue, may now animate us in peace, and induce us cordially to co-operate in all those measures which may best manifest our gratitude for the Divine protection, and most effectually promote the prosperity and. happiness of our country." Mr. Methuen, in rising to second the Address which had been proposed, felt his |