casion to observe, that a plan of the intended riod. With respect to the question, though, improvements and alterations, including as affecting the interests of the islands, of those proposed in that house, ought to be great importance, it was still of greater, as it laid before the house. With respect to the might affect the commercial intercourse and beautiful prospect of that venerable edifice good understanding between this country the Abbey, which the openings now making and the United States of America. He de would afford, he expressed his hope that precated every thing like a narrow, selfish, they would not be closed up by newly erect-commercial policy, with respect to America. ed buildings. On the whole, he thought Ministers should consider the circumstances the subject worthy of the consideration of and situation of America, the great impor that house. A number of bills were broughtance of continuing that good understandup from the commons by Mr. Henderson, ing and extensive commercial and friendly and sir J. W. Anderson; several of them intercourse which now happily subsisted be were private or return bills; among the pub. tween the two countries, and to which their lic bills presented were the Dublin Paving common origin, language, and manners, so bill, the Irish Infirmaries bill, the Straw very fortunately disposed them. One of his Plat bill, the Spanish Red Wine, and the objects in coming forward was to give an Thames Funnel bills. These were respec- opportunity to his majesty's ministers to distively read a first time.-The earl of Suffolk claim any such notions or principles as actu took the opportunity, on the reading of the ated their conduct with respect to the restric Irish Infirmary bill, to state his opinion, tions on the trade and commercial interthat the system adopted with respect to In course between the West India islands and firmaries, and the Medical treatment of America. It so happened, and fortunately, the Poor, greatly required improvement; he he thought, that our West India islands adverted to something like the principle of could not be adequately supplied with arti the bill for Ireland just read, as advantage- cles of the first necessity, except from the ous to be adopted in this country. United States. He thought this was even[TRADE BETWEEN THE WEST INDIES tually fortunate, because the important conAND AMERICA.] Lord Holland rose to sideration to which he adverted would opebring forward his promised motion for some rate as an additional inducement with the goimportant information on this subject. He vernment of this country to cultivate a frienddescribed the proceedings which had takenly understanding with America. He advert place in some of the British West India ed to some ineffectual attempts which had islands, particularly in Jamaica, which in-been made under former administrations to duced him to think the present appeal to the supply our West India islands from the Briwisdom of parliament necessary. They arose tish dominions in North America. Advertprincipally from the conduct of the governors ing to the incalculable importance of the of those islands, with respect to the discre- American commerce to this country, he ob tionary power exercised by them, relative served, that any attempts to exclude America to the commercial intercourse between the from the trade of our West India islands, islands and the United States of America. would be worse than the conduct, as related He alluded to the suspension of the Naviga in ancient fable, of the dog in the manger, tion Laws, in one point of view, but more whose determination was comparatively wise especially to the restrictive power exercised and liberal. It would go to remind him of by them, with respect to the importation of the fable of the two petitioners to Jupiter, to American produce; so necessary for the sus-whom the Godhead said, that whatever he tenance of the islands, and the shipping of gave to the one, the other should have douthat country. The line of conduct to which ble; then, said one, in a paroxysm of folly he referred, either in a political or commer- and malignity, give me blindness in one eye̟, cial point of view, was of the most serious that my neighbour may be blind in both eyes? importance, and still more, as it affected the So would it be metapho ically, did this counsupply of the islands with articles of the first try wish to exclude America from our West necessity, as lumber and provisions. The India trade, upon the narrow principle of inhabitants of Jamaica, in particular, felt it commercial jealousy. His lordship took a so strongly, that their legislative assemblies view of the policy and effects of the Naviga made repeated representations to the governor tion Act, in its different bearings; and ar upon the subject, who, in one of his answers, gued, that the changes in the system of Eustated, he could not permit the importation rope, and the relative situation of this counin neutral bottoms, longer than a given pe-try, rendered the policy of acting upon it very different from what it was at its first, enactment. In war, generally speaking, it was impracticable. He wished the affairs to which he adverted were placed on a liberal footing and permanent basis; and it was im portant they should declare what line or system of conduct they intended to adopt, respecting the intercourse between America and our West India colonies, in time of war. Through the whole of his speech, more especially towards the conclusion, the noble ford expatiated upon the great national im portance, either in a political or commercial view, of maintaining an amicable intercourse and a close connection with America; and repeated, that one of his principal objects in coming forward was to give ministers an opportunity of disclaining all notions of narrow or selfish policy, with respect to the intercourse in question; a circumstance which would give great satisfaction to all parties; and with respect to their intended system in future, he thought they should be explicit. His lordship concluded by moving an address to his majesty, "for the production of the communication which took place between the legislative assemblies of Jamaica and his majesty's governor of that island, touching the intercourse between that colony and the United States of America, from the commencement of the war with France, to the 21st of May last; also for copies of the correspondence between his majesty's secretary of state for the colonial department, and the governor of Jamaica, on the subject, within the same interval; also, for various documents, respecting the quantities of provisions, &c. imported from America and the island of Jamaica, at certain given periods, distinguishing those imported from British America, and those from the United States of America."-The question being put on the first motion; The Earl of Camden, in allusion to what had transpired on the subject on a former evening, observed, he had stated that no counter-orders had been sent out to the governors, The orders which were sent relative to the conduct of the governors, respecting the subject in question, were precisely to the same effect as those sent out for the same purpose during the last war. By the act of the 28th of the King, he observed, all goods and commodities were prohibited from being imported into the British West India Islands from the United States of America, with the exception of certain articles, as provisions and lumber, in cases of necessity; of these, the respective governors were generally constituted the judges. They were to act upon their responsibility with respect to the admission of these articles, and bills of indemnity were passed, when they had acted contrary to the laws. The noble earl adverted to the extensive nature of the information called for, and the propriety of accompanying these documents with others which were necessary for the full illustration of the subject, and which, in this very advanced period of the session, it would be impracticable to produce. He, therefore, submitted to the noble baron the propriety of withdrawing his motion for the present; or, in case he persisted, he should think it his duty to move the order of the day upon them. Lord Harvkesbury said, that his objections. were not so much against producing the required information, as against producing that alone, which would give a false prejudice upon the subject, and would by no means put the house in full possession of the case. Under that conviction, ministers would feel it their duty also to move for a number of additional documents. With respect to what was said of the restrictions upon the trade in question, he had to observe there were many representations made, from respectable and important quarters, of a direct contrary tendency to those alluded to by the noble baron, and reasons adduced, that government, instead of imposing unnecessary restrictions, were, in fact, too indulgent, with respect to that part of the trade of the United States, to the great detriment of the British merchants; their lordships would, therefore, see the propriety of the proposed additional documents, in order to afford parliament and the public an opportunity to decide and judge thoroughly of the merits of the question. He admitted the subject was one which any noble lord might fairly bring before parliament, but the advanced period of the session rendered the production of the necessary documents impracticable. was, therefore, of opinion with his noble friend, it would be preferable to postpone the discussion to another session, when all the information proper to be laid before parliament could be produced. With respect to the line of conduct intended to be pursued by his majesty's government, relative to the subject in question, it would be regulated by their conviction of the true interests and character of the country, and a due respect for the principles of the navigation laws. With respect to what was said of their views, in regard to the trade of America, they would be regulated by no sentiment contrary to those just and liberal principles of commer. He cial policy, so well understood in the present day upon principles, founded not only upon the true interest of their own country, but even with a proper regard to the interest and prosperity of America herself. The Earl of Stanhope observed, that his majesty's ministers had not given a fair and honest answer to the question put by his noble friend, as to the conduct they meant to pursue with respect to the colonies during the recess of parliament. They dealt in nothing but generalities, and every statement they made was full of ambiguity. He wished their lordships to consider what might be the consequences of starving those slaves whom injustice and inhumanity had torn from their own country, contrary to all the laws of God and man, He wished his majesty's ministers would take an example from the great and wise man who was at the head of the government of America. In a late speech he had drawn a comparison between the situation of the nations of Europe and his own country, in which a tax-gatherer was not to be seen from one end of it to the other. How different was the state of this country! Admiral Vernon used to say, in a rough seaman-like way, that this country was more taxed than any other on this side of hell. Were the worthy admiral living now, he certainly would find it necessary to make use of still stronger language. Lord Suffolk supported the motion, and vindicated the motives which had induced lord Selkirk to go to America. The Earl of Carysfort contended, that the system of which noble lords on the other side had talked, and upon which they acted with respect to the West India Islands, was in fact no system, as it went to encourage the governors of the different Islands con. tinually to violate the law. Lord Harrowby briefly vindicated the conduct of ministers on the subject in question; and he deemed them sufficiently expli cit in their declarations. Lord Holland spoke in reply, and contended that ministers had not been explicit; their declarations were mere generalities; in allu sion to what was said of the emigration of a noble earl (Selkirk) to America, he referred to his late work upon the subject, which he regarded as full of useful information, and vindicated the motives which induced that noble lord to go to the country in question. He warmly reprehended the idea of noble lords being told, when they openly and freely declared their opinions of the misconduct or incapacity of ministers, that they should leave their country if they did not like it. No, it was the duty, as his noble friend well observed, of persons in their situation, to stay in their country, to watch over its interests, to endeavour to rescue it from destruction, The Duke of Montrose saw no reason for and to abide its fate. Such was the duty of the boisterous speech which the noble ear! members of that house, and they who asserthad just made, unless the heat of the weathered otherwise knew little of the duties of had so inflamed his imagination, as to render legislature. it necessary for him to deliver the observations with which he usually favoured their lordships, in a series of speeches, at this season. A noble earl (the earl of Selkirk,) who entertained similar opinions with the noble lord on the other side of the house, had sold his property in Scotland for the purpose of settling in America, but had returned without carrying his intention into execution. He would therefore recommend it to the noble lord opposite to him, to go to that happy country he praised so much, and he would probably return in better humour with his own. The Earl of Stanhope said, he would not have it said by any person that he was not in humour with his country, merely because he was not in humour with a set of the most ignorant and mischievous ministers that ever existed in any country. The Earl of Limerick observed, that if a general importation was permitted in the CoIonies from America, the greatest injury would be done to the Irish provision trade. The Duke of Montrose said a few words, in consequence of what fell from noble lords opposite; he would not be dictated to, as to the line of debate or observation he should pursue. He would adopt that which he thought most likely to conduce to his ob jects; it was not his practice to rebuke others, neither would he be rebuked.-The question being loudly called for, a division took place. For the motion, 8—Against it, 14-majority, 6.- Adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS. Thursday, July 4. [MINUTES.]-Counsel and evidence were heard on Moore's and Gardner's Divorce bills, by which the marriages and adultery were proved, as also the Judgments obtained in the Court of King's Bench; but no order was made upon them.-A message from the lords announced that they had agreed to the three Exchequer Bills bill, the Isle of Man bill, and several private bills.-The Irish Revenue Regulation bill was reported, and ordered to be read a third time to- mor- At the time Mr. Trotter was appointed row.--Mr. Huskisson moved, that à mes- Paymaster of the Navy, it appeared that sage be sent to the lords, to acquaint them viscount Melville was in possession of a that their request to communicate the reasons balance of 10,cool. which had not since and evidence on which a sum of money was been satisfactorily accounted for. There voted in compensation to the duke of Atholl, was another charge, arising out of the adwas contrary to the practice of parliament, mission of viscount Melville on the floor of and that the house deems that a sufficient that house, when he was making his defence, answer to their message; which was agreed that he had been possessed of 10,0col. navy to, and Mr. Alexander ordered to carry up money, the application of which he declared this answer. The Pilots' Regulation bill that he never would disclose to any human. was committed, and ordered to be read a being, The committee, therefore, agreed to third time to-morrow; as was also the South- make that the ground of a specific article. ern Whale Fishery bill.-The Paddington Besides these, there were the sums of 22,cool. Coal, the Scotch Assessed Taxes, and the advanced to viscount Melville, without inConsolidated Fund bills, were read a third terest; 22,000l. also, for which it appeared time and passed.-The Irish Duty Collection that interest had been paid; and from 10,000l. bill, the Irish Distillery, and the Irish Mili- to 20,000l. which went to what was called betary Survey bills, were reported, and ordered tween them "the mixed account," and which, to be read a third time to-morrow. hitherto, was altogether inexplicable. He [STIPENDIARY CURATES' BILL.]-thought it right that this explanation should, The Attorney-General moved, that the Lords Amendments to the Stipendiary Curates' bill be now taken into consideration; which being agreed to, when the Speaker came to that which altered the quantum of money, he reminded them that it was of such a nature that the house could not, consistently with its peculiar privileges, concur in.-On the motion of the Attorney-General, the further considered. deration of the bill was therefore postponed to this day three months. He then said, that as the session was so near its close, and as his motion might be productive of some discussion, he should defer bringing it forward till early in the next session. [IMPEACHMENT OF LORD MELVILLE.] Mr. Whitbread brought up the report of the committee appointed to inspect the Lords' Journals in respect to their proceedings on the charges adduced against lord viscount Melville; which was ordered to lie on the table. The hon. gent. next brought up the report of the committee appointed to draw up the Articles of Impeachment voted by the house against lord viscount Melville; which being shortly read, pro forma, he stated, that when he moved a resolution in the house, that the noble lord should be impeached, he was prepared with the articles which he proposed. He then considered the balances lost, in the case of Mr. Jellicoe, to be of serious importance; but as that opinion did not seem to meet with the general concurrence of the house, the committee had thought proper to limit it. The charges, which he first intended to confine to three heads, now consisted of Eight Articles, in which there was only one which was absolutely new, and not included in their former resolutions, VOL. V. in the event, be given to the house; and moved, in the first place," that the report do lie on the table, and be printed for the use of the hous:;" "which being agreed to, he moved, in order to give gentlemen time to examine the Articles of Charge after their being printed, "that the Report be taken into consideration on Monday next."-Or The following is a copy of the said Articles of Impeachment. REPORT FROM A COMMITTEE AP POINTED TO DRAW UP ARTICLES OF VISCOUNT MELVILLE. The Committee appointed to draw up Articles of Impeachment againt Henry Lord Viscount Melville, have, pursuant to the Order of the House, prepared several Articles accordingly: which Articles are as follow, viz. Articles exhibited by the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, in Parliament assembled, in the name of themselves and of all the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, against Henry Lord Viscount Melville, in maintenance of their Impeachment against him for High Crimes and Misde meanors. Whereas the office of Treasurer of His Majesty's Navy is an office of high trust and confidence; in the faithful and uncorrupt execution whereof, the subjects of this kingdom are most deeply interested: And whereas the ancient constitution of the said office of Treasurer of the Navy, and of other offi ces concerned in the receipt, disbursement, and controul of the Public Money, having been found to be highly inexpedient in con 3 B sequence of the increased expenditure of the country, did become the subject of frequent long and serious deliberation in Parliament; And whereas by an Act of Parliament made and passed in the 20th year of the reign of His present Majesty, and by several subsequent Acts of Parliament, for appointing and enabling Commissioners to examine, take, and state the Public Accounts of this Kingdom, and for other purposes therein mentioned, certain Commissioners were constituted and appointed for examining, taking, and stating the accounts therein particularly mentioned, and also for examining and stating in what manner, and at what times, the receipts, issues, and expenditures of the public monies were accounted for; and for considering of and reporting by what means and methods the public accounts might in future be passed, and the Accomptants compelled to pay the balances or monies due from them in a more expeditious, more effectual, and less expensive manner : And whereas the said Commissioners did inquire into and report upon the Public Accounts by the said Acts referred to their examination, and did discover and point out various abuses in many of the Public Offices entrusted with the receipt and expenditure of Public Money, and in particular in the office of the Treasurer of His Majesty's Navy; and did propose and recommend sundry good and wholesome provisions and regulations for the reformation of the same, and particularly for preventing the Public Money issued for navy services from coming into the possession and custody of the Treasurer of His Majesty's Navy, or the officers or persons employed under him; for depriving him and them of all opportunity of using and misapplying the Public Money to private purposes, and thereby exposing the same to the risk of loss; for making the Bank of England the sole place of deposit for the same; for removing, from thenceforward, all temptations and inducements to applications for more public money than was necessary for the public service; for preventing all unnecessary delay in passing the public accounts of the Treasurer of His Majesty's Navy, and in restoring to the public the balances remaining in his hands: And whereas the House of Commons having taken the Reports of the said Com. missioners into consideration upon the 19th day of June, 1782, did (among other things) resolve, that some regulations ought to be adopted for the purpose of lessening and keeping down the balances which appeared to have usually been in the hands of the Treasurer of the Navy; and did further declare their opinion, that from thenceforward the Paymaster General of His Majesty's Land Forces, and the Treasurer of the Navy for the time being, should not apply any sum or sums of money imprested to them or either of them, to any purpose of advan tage or interest to themselves, either directly or indirectly. And whereas, for the more effectually carrying into execution the said Resolutions of the House of Commons, His Majesty, by warrant under His Royal Sign Manual, bearing date the 22d day of June, 1782, was most graciously pleased to augment the income of the Right Honourable Isaac Barré, as Treasurer of His Majesty's Navy, and to add thereto the sum of 2,150l. that the said income might in future amount to 4,cool. which His Majesty was then graciously pleased to grant to the said Isaac Barré, clear of all deductions, in full satis faction of all wages and fees and other profits and emoluments theretofore enjoyed by former Treasurers of His Majesty's Navy: And whereas by Letters Patent bearing date the 19th day of August, 1782, His Majesty was graciously pleased to give and grant unto the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, now Lord Viscount Melville, the Office of Treasurer of His Majesty's Navy Royal and Ships, and Receiver General of all sums of money appointed, or from time to time to be appointed, and payable for the support, maintenance, and reparation of His Majesty's Navy Royal and Ships; for emptions and provisions appertaining to, and necessary for the said navy and ships, and for wages, salaries of officers, servants, and other persons whatever, belonging to the said Navy or Ships, or any other matter or thing whatsoever in any manner touching or concerning the Navy Royal or Ships; and for the exercise and occupation of the said Office, and for and in satisfaction of all wages and fees of three pence of lawful money for every pound to be received and paid by the said Heary Dundas, by virtue of his said office, His Majesty was further graciously pleased to give and grant unto him by the said Letters Patent, an annuity or yearly payment of 2,2001. And whereas the said Henry Lord Viscount Melville represented, or caused to be represented, or it was represented to His Majesty, that the said annuity or yearly payment of 2,000l. after deducting all charges, taxes, and expences thereon, would not produce to him the said Henry Lord Viscount Melville |