that the principle of economical reform and the observations of the noble lord would be attended to in all the measures upon that speech, he could not regard as which government during the session fabrications, and, if genuine, they were would submit to the House, in as great a peculiarly calculated to fill his mind with degree as was consistent with the other jealousy and alarm. Those papers he great principle mentioned in the Speech, thought it fair to describe, in order that namely, that of public security.

the object of his notice might be distinctly Mr. Law requested to be informed by understood. The first paper related to the noble lord if there was any intention the Treaty which had appeared before of moving the thanks of the House to the public, and which purported to have general Ochterlony, and the officers and been concluded at Paris on the 26th of soldiers under his command, for their September, 1815, between Austria, achievements in India.

Russia, and Prussia, to which also other Lord Castlereagh replied, that the sub- powers were invited to accede. There ject was not connected with the depart- were, however, no papers on the table to ment to which he had the honour to show whether this country or France were belong, but that he would inquire, and any parties to that treaty, which was ratiinform the hon. member at another time. fied, it appeared, at Petersburgh on the

25th of December, accompanied by an The TREATIES.] Mr. Brougham in- ostentatious statement, that that day was quired whether the noble lord opposite the anniversary of our Saviour's birth. still persisted in his resolution not to This extraordinary treaty was quite vague. accede to any farther delay than Thursday It professed no definite secular or temporal next, to afford gentlemen an opportunity object. The contracting parties put themof examining the mass of papers presented selves forth as the great christian states, to the House, relative to the late Treaties; as if they were the monopolists of chrisFor in that case he was likely to be under tianity. But their pretension justified

. the necessity of making motions for the serious suspicion that they were leagued production of other papers without any against some state not christian, and that previous notice, which he felt to be a pri- they had something in view, which it was vilege belonging to any member of that not deemed prudent to avow. Holy preHouse.

tences and professions were so often the Lord Castlereagh said, that he had not palliatives of unjust designs, that a conexpressed any resolution upon the subject, iract of this nature was calculated to but he had observed, as he felt, that it excite alarm and jealousy (Hear, hear !]; was extremely important to the arrange- Another treaty, to which his motion would ment of our establishments, to our money refer, was one which it was said was conconcerns, and to our foreign politics, to have cluded in January 1815, between Austria 'the great transaction alluded to discussed and France, and some other power not and decided upon by parliament as soon as mentioned, the object of which was to convenient. He had, however, no motive form a guarantee against Russia. He to adhere to a particular day, and there wished to know whether such a treaty had fore he should agree to postpone the pro- not been concluded, M. Talleyrand being posed discussion until Monday week, if it the negociator on the part of France, and were any accommodation to the hon. and what ministers understood to be its object. learned gentle:nan.

Lord Castlereagh assured the House, Mr. Brougham observed, that as the that this country had no reason to view noble lord had thought proper to make the former treaty with any jealousy: It this concession, gentlemen would have had been communicated to the ministers more time, which was necessary to enable of Great Britain before it was concluded ; them to decide what farther papers might but although it was framed in the spirit of be required to elucidate those upon the good faith, yet its form prevented this table; and in consequence of the proposed country from acceding to it. No hostility postponement, he should put off until that was threatened to any state, its object was day week the motion of which he had confined solely to the contracting parties, given notice with regard to the proceed and breathed the pure spirit of the Chrisings in Spain. He should also give notice tian religion. It was certainly couched of a motion for to-morrow, for the produc- in language unusual in diplomatic docution of certain papers; which, considering ments, but it should be regarded solely as the terms of the Prince Regent's speech, a pledge of peace.

Mr. Brougham observed that the noble CONVENTION OF PARIS.] Mr. Bennet lord had given no information with respect rose, pursuant to notice, to move, that a to the treaty said to have been concluded copy of the convention of Paris, should at Vienna in January 1815, for the pur- be laid before the House, to which mopose of forming a guarantee against Russia, tion he understood, no objection would be or of the probable effect of that treaty.

made. But there were other papers conLord Castlereagh observed, that it was nected with this convention, the producusual to communicate to parliament every tion of which he required ; namely, copies desirable information, with regard to the of the letter of marshal Ney, prince of proceedings of the government, and espe- | Moskwa, to the ministers of the four cially the treaties into which it had en- allied powers; the letter of madame Ney tered. But he appealed to the House, to the duke of Wellington, and also the whether to demand information from his letters of Messrs. Berryer and Dupin to majesty's ministers, with respect to trea- the British embassador at Paris. ties concluded between foreign states, and Lord Castlereagh said, that he had no to which this country was no party, with objection to the production of a copy of regard to the opinion or calculation of the convention, and he believed, that the ministers as to the probable effect of such official communication which the earl of treaties, was not to press the spirit of Liverpool had obtained the Prince Reinquiry beyond its legitimate limits. gent's permission to make to parliament,

Mr. Tierney expressed his incapacity would contain all the information the to account for the soreness betrayed by hon. member desired to have laid before the poble lord. His hon, and learned the House. With what view the hon. friend had merely asked, whether the member required the papers to which he poble lord knew that a certain treaty referred, he was pretty well aware, and had been concluded at Vienna. It was without entering into the question at preopen to the noble lord to say simply sent, he could not hesitate to express his aye or no. But instead of this simple confidence, that he would succeed in conreply, the noble lord entered into observa- vincing even the hon. member himself, tions, refusing to answer either aye or no, that in a certain transaction no breach of and thus leaving it to be understood that faith was in the slightest degree imputable, he knew of the existence of the treaty either to the British or to the French goalluded to, although he did not think vernment. proper to avow it. He hoped, however, Mr. Bennet expressed a hope, that all that the noble lord would be disposed to the papers to which he had adverted, give some explanation upon the subject would be laid before the House. by to-morrow.

Lord Castlereagh observed, that he thought the official communication would

contain all the papers the hon. member HOUSE OF COMMONS. required; if, however, it did not, the hon. Friday, February 9.

meinber might point out what he farther

wanted, and that should be supplied. INSOLVENT DEBTORS. Mr. Hart The motion was then agreed to. Davis presented a petition from the merchants and traders of Bristol, praying the MR. BROUGHAM's ΜοTION repeal of two acts of parliament-tbe 530 CHRISTIAN TREATY of the King, for the relief of insolvent Russia, AUSTRIA, AND Prussia.] Mr. debtors, and an act, passed in the succeed- | Brougham rose, pursuant to notice, to ing session, to amend and explain the for- move for the production of a copy of the mer act. He expressed himself satisfied treaty entered into between Austria, that these measures had a tendency to Russia, and Prussia, and concluded at increase the evils they were intended to Paris, on the 26th of September 1815. correct; and hoped, that the subject | He was not, he said, aware, that there would be taken up in such a way, that was any objection to his motion, or that while the benevolent views of the legisla- the noble lord was inclined to oppose it, ture were carried into effect with respect and he was not, therefore, disposed to say to unfortunate debtors, effectual provision any thing on this occasion likely to anticiwould be made for the protection of the pate the general and large discussion honest creditor. The petition was read, fixed for Monday se’nnight. For he was and ordered to lie on the table.

quite aware of the propriety and advan

FOR

THE

BETWEEN

tage of taking at once a full view of back of a solemn treaty with us, the sovethe whole case, which was in that debate reigns alluded to should have entered into to be brought under the consideration of an engagement, to which we were no party. the House. But in consequence of what In this engagement there certainly were had fallen from the noble lord yesterday, some stipulations which called for animadhe thought it necessary to say a word version. He could not, he must say (and or two upon the subject to which his mo- he meant not to speak offensively) suffition referred, in defence of the line of ciently account for the sort of simplicity conduct which he felt it his duty to which the noble lord betrayed, in stating pursue. At the same time, he was ex- that he saw nothing extraordinary in the tremely unwilling to offer any observation nature of the treaty referred to, and that at all tending to compel or induce the truly it proceeded alone from the spirit of noble lord to make any disclosure detri. benevolence and religion. These three mental to the public service. But really great powers professed to pledge themthe treaty to which he referred, and the selves to the maintenance of Christian published copy of which the noble lord principles. But where was the necessity admitted to be correct, was of such an for such a pledged No suspicion was exextraordinary character, that he could not pressed of their adherence to Christianity, reconcile it to his notions of policy or which could require any such declaration consistency to pass it over in silence. It or bond as their treaty contained. For was, in the first instance, material to in the principles which this treaty professed quire, whether this treaty between three to maintain he felt as much regard and great powers, which were our allies, and reverence as any man. He recognised in to which this country was no party, could those principles all that was essential to be regarded in conformity with good good government and human happiness. faith towards us whether the obligations But what were the principles to which to which the contracting parties pledged those sovereigns really proclaimed their themselves, and the effect to which those attachment? or what the cause whiclı obligations were likely to lead, interfered, could be said to call for that proclamaor threatened in any degree to interfere, tion? There was nothing in their peculiar with the treaty entered into between those situation or character, there was nothing parties and this country. It certainly was in the circumstances of the times, that at rather singular, that after having conclud. all required that those sovereigns should put ed a treaty with this country, which themselves ostentatiously forward as the depledged all the contracting parties to an fenders of that Christianity which no danger identity of interest and object, those three menaced, or of those principles, which powers should enter into a treaty for a all good men must be ready to sustain. separate object, to which this country was These sovereigns were not suspected of no party. But the noble lord said, that any inclination to depart from christianity. this exception was merely owing to a There was no charge or impeachment matter of form, the treaty under conside- preferred against their character or views, ration having been signed by the sove- which called upon them either with a view reigns themselves. Was it not, however, to their own vindication, or to what was extraordinary, that such a departure from passing in the world, to enter into a treaty, the usual course should have taken place containing stipulations such as had seldom

-that after having negociated, concluded, been heard of from the earliest times, and signed all the former treaties, through such at least as had not been published the medium of diplomatic agents, the since the time of the Crusades, such certreaty under consideration should have tainly as had no parallel in modern Euhad the signature of the sovereigns them. rope. For the principles avowed in this selves? He called upon the noble lord to treaty he repeated his deference; they explain the cause of this deviation. If the were material to the happiness of all states treaty was framed in that spirit of frank- and kingdoms, yet he saw no necessity for ness and candour and amity, which we any public pledge upon the subject, either were told characterised, and which we from the sovereigns alluded to, or from had a right to expect from states which any other christian prince. But notwithowed us such important obligations, he standing the principles which this treaty could not imagine the cause for any devia- declared a disposition to hold sacred, there tion from the customary practice of nego. was something so singular in its language ciation, or that immediately upon the as to call for observation, and to warrant no little jealousy. After professing at the unprincipled partition had proved, and outset a resolution in the administration fatal it would prove to the peace of Euof their respective states, and in their re- rope till justice was rendered), had almost lations with every other government, to the same words. In her proclamation, take as their sole guide the precepts of dated Warsaw, the language of the treaty, their holy religion, namely, the precepts or something very like it, might be found. of justice, christian charity, and peace, the In the treaty, the sovereigns call upon contracting parties pledge themselves in their subjects to worship no other sovethe very first article of the treaty,“ on reign than him to whom alone power all occasions, and in all places, to lend really belongs, because in him alone are each other aid and assistaace,” and that found all the treasures of love, science, they will lead their subjects and armies in and infinite wisdom; that is to say, God the same spirit of fraternity with which our Divine Saviour, the word of the most they are animated, to protect religion, high, the word of life. The proclamation peace, and justice. Was there nothing to of the empress of Russia, to which he had excite suspicion in such language? When alluded, after she had assisted in parcelling sovereigns spoke of leading armies to pro- out Poland, after shedding seas of blood tect religion, peace, and justice, was there from the veins of her own subjects, and no ground for alarm ? He feared that after sanctioning a massacre of 30,000 there was much reason to apprehend the Poles, and driving out of Warsaw 30,000 consequences of this treaty, notwithstand more to be hunted down by a brutal soling the sacred principles which it professed diery, contained expressions which repreto revere. He feared that something sented the empress to feel for these same more was meant than what immediately Poles all the solicitude of a tender mother, met the eye. He could not think that who was only desirous of witnessing the this treaty referred to objects wholly happiness of her children. From her spiritual. Why were they to engage to previous conduct, it should seem that lead their armies to support the Christian she did not fail to chasten those whom religion, when no power had menaced it? she loved. She ordered a public thanksSuch a treaty appeared to him very ex- giving to God, for the blessings poured traordinary, when it was remembered, down on the Poles (among which, no that but a few weeks before the parties to doubt, she included the massacre of it had concluded, not only a treaty of 30,000 of their number); and ended by peace among themselves, but one which calling upon them “ to swear to serve her was to secure the repose of all Europe. imperial majesty faithfully and loyally, He always thought there was something to rally round her throne, to shed the last suspicious in what a French writer had drop of their blood, the little remaining called « les abouchemens des rois.” When blood which her tender love had left, in crowned heads met, the result of their defence of her person, as they would united councils was not always favourable answer for it to God and his terrible judgto the interests of humanity. It was not ment;" and as a confirmation of the prothe first time that Austria, Russia, and fession made by this oath, they were enPrussia, had laid their heads together. joined “ to kiss the holy word and cross On a former occasion, after professing of their Saviour.” Now, he would only vast regard for truth, religion, and justice, entreat the House to consider the parity they had taken a course which had brought there was between the language of the much misery on their own subjects, for present treaty, and that which was prowhose welfare they affected the greatest faned on that memorable occasion, and to concern, but they had made a war against reflect how unnecessary, how uncalled for, an unoffending country, which had found such a treaty was at the present moment, little reason to felicitate themselves on and they would then be able to judge of finding their conquerors pre-eminently dis- the unparalleled simplicity of the noble tinguished by those feelings which Chris- lord, who could not see that what meant tianity should inspire. The war against so much formerly, might mean something

, Poland, and the subsequent partition of now, and who believed that this treaty that devoted country, had been prefaced was one in which no other power of Euby language very similar to that which rope could have the least interest. Certhis treaty contained, and the proclama- tainly there were not a few suspicions tion of the empress Catherine which created in his mind by the treaty. From wound up that fatal tragedy (for fatal that the frequent use which was here made of (VOL. XXXII.)

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a

the name of religion, so often abused, he Lord Castlereagh said, that as he had was led to apprehend that some sort of admitted, on a former evening, the authencrusade was in contemplation. It could ticity of the document moved for, in such not be against the Poles, for they, un- a way as would fully answer all the purhappily, were in such a situation that no- poses of discussion, he trusted the House thing could be done that would make the would not consider him as narrowing the fate of their country more deplorable grounds of that discussion, if, in the exerthan it was already, but it might be against cise of what he conceived to be his duty, some other power who could not by pos- he should resist the production of it on the sibility become a party to this treaty- present occasion. In adopting tyat course, some nation ranging itself under other he was actuated by no apprehensions, lest banners than those of the cross. With its production should lead to any relaxasuch feelings and such sentiments, he tion of that close and intimate alliance should not think he discharged his duty to which so happily subsisted between this that great discussion which was approach- country and its allies, for our union rested ing, if he did not require from the noble upon too solid grounds to be affected by lord some explanation of the treaty in any such transaction. On former occaquestion, and if he did not address the sions, there certainly had been many Crown for a copy of that document to be doubts entertained and expressed upon the laid upon their table. He should there- possibility of forming that steady co-operafore conclude by moving,

tion of all the powers of Europe, which it “ That an humble Address be presented was necessary to accomplish, in order sucto his royal highness the Prince Regent, cessfully to oppose the common enemy that he will be graciously pleased to give against whom we then had to contend for directions that there be laid before this our rights and liberties; but those prophe House, the copy of a treaty between the cies had all proved utterly fallacious, sovereigns of Austria, Russia, and Prussia, and he had little doubt that the prophesigned at Paris, 26th September, 1815."* cies which had been so liberally indulged

* The following is a Copy of the Treaty cepts of that holy religion, namely, the moved for by Mr. Brougham:

precepts of justice, Christian charity, and Convention concluded at Paris on the peace, which, far from being applicable 26th of September 1815, between the

only to private concerns, must have an Emperor of Russia, the Emperor of immediate influence on the councils of Austria, and the King of Prussia.

princes, and guide all their steps, as being

the only means of consolidating human " In the name of the Most Holy and institutions, and remedying their imper

“ Indivisible Trinity,

fections. “ Their majesties, the emperor of “In consequence their majesties have Austria, the king of Prussia, and the agreed on the following articles :emperor of Russia, having-in conse- “ Art. 1. Conformably to the words of quence of the great events which have the holy Scriptures, which command all marked the course of the three last years men to consider each other as brethren, in Europe, and especially of the blessings the three contracting monarchs will rewhich it has pleased Divine Providence main united by the bonds of a true and into shower down upon those states which dissoluble fraternity, and considering each place their confidence and their hope on other as fellow-countrymen, they will, on it alone--acquired the intimate conviction all occasions, and in all places, lend each of the necessity of founding the conduct other aid and assistance, and regarding to be observed by the powers, in their themselves towards their subjects and arreciprocal relations, upon the sublime mies as fathers of familes, they will lead truths which the holy religion of our Sa-them in the same spirit of fraternity with viour teaches;

which they are animated, to protect reli“ They solemnly declare, that the pre- gion, peace, and justice. sent act has no other object than to pub- “ 2. In consequence, the sole principle lish in the face of the whole world iheir in force, whether between the said governfixed resolution, both in the administra- ments, or between their subjects, shall be, tion of their respective states, and in their that of doing each other reciprocal service, political relations with every other govern- and of testifying by unalterable good-will, ment, to take for their sole guide the pre- the.mutual affection with which they ought

a