observed that since the
last session of Parliament a foundation had been laid for a pacification
between Austria and the Porte, and that a separate peace had been
concluded between Russia and Sweden; noticed the hostilities which had
broken out in India; acquainted the house of commons that the expenses
of the armament, together with the estimates for the ensuing year would
be laid before them; and called particular attention to the state of the
province of Quebec. The address was carried in both houses with large
majorities; though ministers were censured by opposition, in the lords
and in the commons, for the convention which they had made with Spain.
On the 3rd of December, when copies of this convention were laid before
the two houses of parliament, it was urged in the commons that more
papers ought to be produced, and on the 13th of the same month Mr. Grey
made a motion for all that related to the affair of Nootka Sound. This
motion was negatived by a majority of nearly two to one; and on the
following day Mr. Duncombe, one of the members for Yorkshire, after
mentioning that trade and manufactures had suffered but little during
the late dispute with Spain, moved an address to his majesty on the late
successful negociations with the court of Madrid, which was carried by
a still larger majority. A similar address was moved in the lords by
the Duke of Montrose, when the Marquess of Lansclowne took occasion to
reprobate the convention in very strong language. The marquess contended
that the Spanish nation had an indisputable right to the whole of the
American coast on which Nootka Sound is situated; a right which
was acknowledged in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Overlooking the
provocation which Spain had given, and her previously concerted plan to
enter upon a war in conjunction with France, he said that ministers
had, in the arrogance of power, insulted the present weakness of that
country, and inflicted a wound which would rankle in the heart of the
Spanish people. The marquess also argued that they had alienated and
made enemies of Prance, Russia, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as of
Spain. He also argued, that by the late treaty of France, which was an
infringement of the old Methuen treaty with Portugal, ministers,
had alienated the court of Lisbon, and that had war taken place, the
Portuguese, Venetians, and Neapolitans, would have joined the Spaniards
against England. Lord Rawdon spoke on the same side; hinting a