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a further fum of 1,000.00cl. Sterling be raised in the same manner, for the year 1797.---Ordered accordingly.

11. Mr Maurice Robinfon rofe, in confequence of the notice he had given on a former day, refpecting a motion to prevent contractors in foreign loans from fitting in the House of Commons. He reprobated, in general terms, the idea of being concerned in foreign loans on any account whatever. He more particularly alluded to the new endeavours of the miniftry to get a fresh loan of 3,000,000l. Sterling for the Emperor, in order to enable him to fight his own bat tles. He then produced his motion, which was as follows: "That leave be given to bring in a bill to prevent any member of the House of Commons from being concerned as a contractor in any foreign loan."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer faid, that he perceived with what intention the hon. gentleman had introduced his motion, viz. To prevent a foreign loan, and confequently, throw obftacles in the way of the war. With refpect to foreign loans, he would difmifs every question thereon, and leave that to the difcretion of Parliament.

Mr Fox profeffed himself a determined enemy to the carrying on of wars by foreign loans. He had always been a gainst affifting foreign potentates in their broils; in wars we were rifking every thing, not only for ourfelves but alfo for pofterity. He was, he faid, a friend to a bill, paffed fome time ago, to prevent contractors in domeftic loans, from fitting in that House, which was a judicious exception made against them, and he could fee no reason why a fimilar exception fhould not be made in refpect to foreign loans, which were equally, if not more dangerous.

When the motion was put, there appeared For it 19 Againft it 70 Majority

--

-51.

12. Mr Whitebread moved the order of the day for the fecond reading of the labourers wages bill. He thought all legal interference in a subject of this kind was improper, and that it fhould be left to find its own level. He appealed to the candour of gentlemen, whether the price of labour in husbandry was not too low, not in this time of diftrefs and fcarcity, but even up to this period. He took a view of the increase of poor rates from

the time they were only 600,000l. Sterling, till the year 1782, when they were two million Sterling, and in 1794 three or four hundred thousand pounds more were added to them, from whence the increase of mifery was very eafily perceptible. If what he heard was true, and he believed it was fo, the miseries of the poor were great indeed; and that inftead of being defired, by the lower claffes, marriages were avoided, therefore population could not be the caufe of an increase of poor rates, and children, inftead of being looked on as a bles fing, were looked on as a curfe.

Mr Pitt could not, he faid, give a filent vote on a question of fo much importance as the prefent; and the more he confidered it, the greater objections did he find to it, though it did honour to the feelings of the gentleman who brought it forward. He would not dwell, he said, long on the subject; but when the hon. gentleman had compared labour and wages, on the authority of Dr Price, it was his duty to tell him, that though it called for a remedy, yet he did not conceive that it wanted a law, or the interference of magiftrates, and the hon. gentleman himself had wished, that the legislature fhould not interfere, but that it fhould be left to find its own level. The hon. gentleman had his doubts of the propriety of the principles of the laws he alluded to; but it would be found in the enacting part of the fe laws, that they were made to prevent combination to demand exorbitant wages. Many laws had, he faid, been paffed of late, and the queftion was, whether we had not gone too far; for if a poor man was fufpected that he might become chargeable, he was removed from where he might have earned his living, but now the legislature had wifely prevented any perfon from being removed until actually chargeable; if therefore, inftcad of the fe laws, fome means could be contrived, by which labour could be diffused, the people would be rendered much more happy; and inftead of giving magistrates any power of encreasing the price of labour, an endeavour fhould be made to improve the poor laws. Under this idea, friendly focieties ought to be encouraged, and the poor to get that as a reward for their labour which was given as charity. He would therefore recommend fchools of industry, the removing of restraints on perfons from going where

they

they pleafe, and the relieving of the poor by their own labour, and not by poor rates, which might be confidered now as a premium for idleness.

Several of the members having spoke on both fides, the queftion was put and negatived without a division.

MOTION FOR PEACE.

under all the difadvantages of popular difguft and odium. Having stated thus much, he would leave the matter for the confideration of the House; but would afk minifters if they had any thing to fay on this fubject, which, if they had, and if any thing fatisfactory, he would afk leave to withdraw his motion. He then moved, "that an humble address be prefented to his Majefty, that it was the defire of this Houfe, that he would take the firft opportunity of ftating to the French Government our defire for peace, and of giving the defired effect to an immediate negotiation."

13. Mr Grey, in confequence of his notice, introduced his motion for peace, with a speech of confiderable length. He could not help, he said, expreffing s furprife, that it should be again neceffary for him to introduce a motion of this kind, after the many which he had de on the fame fubject. He hoped Mr Pitt faid, that as much as he differthat in the interval, fince the communi- ed with the hon. gentleman on former cation of his Majefty's message, fome- occafions, he never differed with him in thing might have been done to promote any thing more than in this; there was. the object of peace. At the meeting of nothing more hoftile to the views of peace Puliament, he had called on minifters than what was ftated with respect to mito know if any thing had been done to- nifters, when we confidered the fituation wards a peace, but was answered in the of the country; we must admit then one negative by afking these questions re- of two changes, that through the preffure fecting peace, he did not mean to afk of fevere neceffity we were obliged to for ftate fecrets; and had minifters given humble ourselves at the feet of the enemy, him any fatisfactory answer to his quef- and were bound to receive the law at tion, he would not this day have made their hands as conquerors. From the the motion which he now had the ho- moment that overtures of an honourable nour of fubmitting to the Houfe. Had kind offered, he wished that they might they ftated to him, that the ambition of be as fpeedy as poffible; he knew, from France was fuch as precluded all ideas the fate of the enemy, what was their of negotiation, they should not have fituation for war, and as to himself, he heard of his motion this day; but when was as anxious for peace as any other they meant to enter on a new campaign gentleman in that Houfe; but it was a in this fituation of affairs, he found it a- peace on honourable terms. He asked gain neceffary to bring fuch a motion the Houfe, whether it was proper to enforward. He knew that, in repeating it, ter into a measure to fetter the hands of he would weary the attention of thofe the Executive Government? That fince that heard him, neverthelefs he found it his Majefty's meffage had been delivered his duty to prefs forward the object of to that Houfe, minifters had taken every peace. The prefent queftion might be meafure confiftent with the general inreduced to a narrow compafs, viz. that terefts of the country, and with the attenfomething ought to be done for the pur- tion due to her allies, to enable his Mapofe of entering into a negotiation. Mr jefly to take any opportunity, either to Grey here took a view of the declara- meet overtures for negotiation, or to tion of Government in December, and make fuch overtures as might be found then drew a conclufion, that we ought most expedient. That no etiquette with not to ftand on terms of ceremony, but refpe&t to who fhould make the firft overenter on an immediate negociation. His ture--no difficulty in finding a mode of Majefty's declaration had been fuch as making it, appeared to Government to to invite the French government to be an obftacle to negotiation, if, in other peace; they confequently renounced refpects, there appeared to be a probaevery idea of meddling with other go- bility of its leading to juft and honourvernments, and retracted that principle able terms, the great point being what which once had given the hon. gentleman profpect there was of obtaining fuch fo much offence; yet he had confirmed terms. Meafures had been taken to afcerthat which he would not acknowledge tain thefe points, and were now in train; directly but he has changed his ground, and if the enemy were fincere, they must and is now preparing for a new campaign, lead to a negotiation. Whether that ne

gotiation would lead to peace he could not fay, because that depended upon whether the exhaufted state of the enemy would incline them to fet on foot that negotiation with a view to a peace, very different, as to the terms of it, from any which their public declarations had, for a long time past, seemed to indicate: if this was not the cafe, he must say a fpeedy peace was impoffible. Having ftated matters as far as confiftent with his duty, he hoped he fhould not be afked, on a future day, fuch questions as he had heard before in that Houfe. As to the motion, he gave it his direct negative.

Mr Fox, in a fpeech of near two hours, fupported the motion. He fet out with ftating, that though the present was not the most favourable opportunity for negotiation, which had ever yet offered, The confidered, that it might be more favourable than any future period. As to the queftion, who fhould make the firft ftep? he thought that the French, having renounced all interference in the government of other countries, it now became us unequivocally to declare our abandonment of every idea of intermeddling with the concerns of France. Were a difpofition to peace, on the part of the Government, difcovered to the people of England, it would diffuse general happiness over the kingdom; and if it was made known to France, I am convinced (faid Mr Fox) that her conceffions would be as ample as we could with. If the demands of France are exorbitant, let us meet them with reasonable overtures on our part, and moderation will have a greater effect

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than the moft ftrenuous refiftance, in relaxing their exertions. Reafon has too little to do in the government of the world, and juftice and moderation must often yield to power and lawless_might. But let us manifeft to France, to Europe, and to the world, a spirit of moderation

and let us this night addrefs his Majefty to commence a negotiation with the Republic of France.-I fay the Republic of France; for there is more in names than one would fometimes be apt to imagine." Allowing ministers all the confidence they could defire, Mr Fox infifted, that nothing could tend more to evince the confidence of the House in Administration, than the prefent motion. Even if it be the etiquette of the minister, that all declarations of this nature fhall originate in the Crown, a declaration of the Crown was not to be put in comparifon, in point of authenticity, with that which the prefent motion, if carried, would convey.

After Mr Fox had finished, a division took place on the motion of Mr Grey, when there appeared against it

For it

189

50

Majority-139.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

Feb. 3. Lord Mansfield moved an addrefs to his Majefty on the happy delivery of the Princefs of Wales of a daughter. Another addrefs to her Majefty, and another to the Prince and Princess of Wales, on the same occafion.--Agreed to.

MONTHLY REGISTER.

FRENCH REPUBLIC.

Jan. 10. Yefterday many citizens of Paris prefented themfelves, before the council of five hundred, and complained, that they had been taxed in the forced loan to a fum beyond the amount of their fortunes. Many voices cried out, σε that belongs to the executive directory."-Paffed to the order of the day.

11. A refolution was adopted, that all thofe who did not pay their quota of the forced loan, within the period prefcribed by the law, fhould, without any other formality, be liable to the feizure of their moveables, effects, &c.

21. The prefident of the council of elders made a fpeech, in which he expatiated on the charms of liberty, proved that it reftored man to the principle of things, and vowed an eternal hatred to all tyranny. "In fwearing an hatred to 66 we do not extend royalty," said he, our oaths beyond the limits of France; we leave other nations to live under the form of government they have chofen." He now pronounced the oath in the fe terms: "I fear an hatred to Royalty!" Each member, when called on, repeatthat when Baudin took the oath, he took ed the prefident's oath. It was observed, from the head of Brutus the crown placed on it.

73: The

23. The council of five hundred or- factions against one another, than any dered the sale of that part of the national concerted system for the reftoration of domains, fituated in the nine depart- royalism, which can alarm the prefent ments of Belgium united to France, be- ruling powers. For fome time patt this longing to the ci-divant benefice holders, caufe, in La Vendee, appears to have the French ecclefiaftical bodies. been declining; but hitherto the republicans have gained no advantage, which can be confidered as decifive. In many places, throughout the nation, the forced loan hath been filled up; and at Bourdeaux, and other places, where complaints were made, of the rates being fixed too high, redrefs was given by adopting new regulations.

30. The council of five hundred adopted the following refolutions:1. The forms, plates, matrices, punches, and, in general, all the utenfils which have been employed in the fabrication of affignats shall be publicly broken on the 30th Pluvoife (February 1oth), in prefence of the commiffioners of the treafury, and of those appointed by the directory.-II. The paper not employed fhall be fabricated over again.-III. The commiffioners shall burn the affignats arining from the fucceffive re-entries. A detailed statement of this operation shall be laid before the public.—And IV. A fimilar ftatement fhall be published and posted on the 1st and 15th of each month. The council of elders unanimously agreed to thefe refolutions.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

At Paris, January 21ft, was celebrated the anniversary of the death of Louis XVI. Immediately before the prefident announced, that patriotic mufic was a bout to commence, Ca Ira, the Marfeiliois Hymn, and other fimilar airs were performed. Treilhard began an oration thus, "It was at this hour that the tyrant fuffered the punishment due to his crimes. That punishment was honourable to juftice; but it would have availed little if royalty had not been completely annihilated--if the bloody ruins of the throne had not become the folid bafis of the republic!" The ora tor then took an hiftorical review of the various revolutions--ftated the efforts of England, the tyrant of the feas, and thote of proud Auftria, to deftroy the French republic in its cradle--and concluded with a refolution, that there was no true happincís unless in an amalgama of liberty and equality, a deep-rooted hatred to royalty!--This fpeech was loudly applauded, and ordered to be inferted in the journals. Each member took an oath expreffive of his hatred to royalty.

Accounts of counter-revolutionary plots, in different parts of the kingdom, are daily circulated; but which appear rather to be the efforts of exafperated

For fome time past the fubject of peace hath been difcuffed, with great freedom, in the public prints at Paris. It is affirmed to be the general wifh of the people. The high tone, in which their haughty rulers formerly spoke, is now disclaimed; views more moderate, and refpeét to the established governments of Europe, are recommended. In this manner, it seems to be their defign, to prepare the public mind for receiving a peace, on the conditions of withdrawing their armies from the conquered countries, and renouncing pretenfions, which are confidered by the allies, as incompatible with the freedom and the permanent peace of Europe. Meanwhile, along the whole line of demarkation, for the refpective armies to reft on their arms, during the ceffation of hoftilities, the moft vigorous preparations are making for commencing a new campaign.

The difturbances in Belgium, originating from fome counter-revolutionary efforts, made in the vicinity of Jemappe, and the foreft of Soegnis, are completely at an end. The ringleaders have been apprehended and put to death.

In Holland, the project of a National Convention, fo ftrongly urged by the French reprefentatives, continues to receive a determined oppofition in the pro vinces of Zealand and Friefland. The fate of this country, perhaps, doth depend on the part which the Pruffian monarch fhall take in it, who will, probably, not fee, with indifference, the ancient form of government abolished, and one established, fimilar to that in France, fo repugnant to the principles by which he conducts that in his own territories. Movements among his troops, indicating an intention to interfere in that quarter, are faid to be commenced; but it is impoffible to pronounce, concerning the

future

future conduct of a prince, whofe councils have been marked by duplicity, treachery, and weakness.

The difmemberment of Poland being now finally made, it is probable, the defigns of the Empress of Ruffia will begin to be 'developed. Her troops, when they quitted Warsaw, took the route for Moldavia. Other corps from the interior of Ruffia, have been filing off for the Crimea. A ftrong army, under the pretence of appeafing the troubles, is already in Georgia. In no period of her reign, did ever circumstances occur, more favourable to fecond her ambitious and enterprifing views, against the Ottoman empire in Europe.

Ratisbon, Fan 21. The memoir in which Auftria propofed roo Roman months to be raised, for the vigorous profecution of the war, contains the following paffage :-"It becomes the more urgent to form a speedy refolution, concerning new refources and fupplies, as it clearly appears, from the Aulic ratificatory decree of the 10th November laft year, that France is by no means dif. pofed to conclude a peace on juft, reafonable, and acceptable terms; and, under thefe circumftances, no means feem to remain, but with arms in hand, to wreft that peace from France to which fhe has refused to agree."-The Electors of Saxony and Mentz, as well as the Margrave of Baadan and Duke of Wirtemberg, have approved of the propofition made by Auftria; yet the three lat ter have, at the same time, voted for a new propofal of peace to be made to France. Madgeburgh and Bremen have not yet voted in the college of princes, but the majority of votes, in that college, is in favour of the 100 Roman months propofed by Auftria.

The French republican minifter at Venice, having made reiterated remonftrances to the republic, in order to obtain the expulfion of Louis XVIII. and of all the French emigrants attached to his perfon, the Senate, by way of a definitive anfwer, has intimated to him, "that as to the prince himself, he being, by his undeniable birth-right, a fenator of Venice, there exifted no law which could warrant his banishment from the territory of the republic; and as to the French emigrants, the Senate beheld with confcious pride, that thofe unfortunate exiles, who were perfecuted in moft European countries, confidered

the dominions of the republic as an hofpitable country, where the unfortunate were ever fure to find a ready afylum."

The arrangements for the partitioning of Poland have begun to take place. On the 4th January the Pruffians evacuated Cracow, which was taken poffeflion of by the Auftrians on the 5th; the King of Pruffia ftill claims the poffeffion of those diftricts which he confiders to be neceffary as a frontier for Silefia. His foldiers ftill keep poffeflion of the fuburbs of Prague, which are feparated from the city of Warsaw by the Viftula.

On the 9th the Pruffians entered Warsaw, and took poffeffion of that city, which was given up to them by the Ruffians.

The portion of Poland, which the Pruffian monarch has acquired by the new partition, is to be called North Pruffia. It is fuppofed that this difmemberment, with the old one, will form an extent of country of 2684-fquare leagues, and that the population may be moderately rated at two millions, fix hundred, and forty-fix thousand fouls.

HOLLAND.

On the 30th Dec. at nine o'clock at night, the important bufinefs concerning the convening of the National Convention, was at length definitively fettled. It was decided by a majority of three votes, that the national Convention fhould be convened on the 18th of next month. The provinces of Zealand and Friefland as yet perfift in their oppofition to this meafure; it was hoped they will likewife accede to it, as the prefervation of the union of the Dutch Republic depends on their confenting to it.

It is now decided, that at the future National Convention the provinces are to refign their territorial fovereignty; but to retain their names, the regulation of their finances, and every branch of adminiftration which concerns the interior government of the provinces. They are not allowed to fend reprefentatives to the Convention, as this is entirely to be compofed of reprefentatives of the people, the national representation being founded on the numbers of people inhabiting a diftrict, and not on the extent of a province, by which means the province of Holland will fend as many reprefentatives to the Convention as all the other provinces together.

The

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