sent to treat the very same principle which had been brought forward in reply to his majesty's first overtures from Switzerland, which had then been rejected by his majesty, but which now appears never to have been, in fact, abandoned by the government of France, however inconsistent with that on which they had expressly agreed to treat. It is therefore necessary that all Europe should understand, that the rupture of the negotiation at Paris. does not arise from the failure of any sincere attempt on the part of France to reconcile by fair discussion the views and interests of the contending powers. Such a discussion has been repeatedly invited and even solicited, on the part of his majesty, but has been, in the first instance, and absolutely, precluded by the act of the French go vernment. It arises exclusively from the determination of that government to reject all means of peace-a determination which appeared but too strongly in all the preliminary discussions; which was clearly manifested in the demand of an ultimatum made in the very outset of the negotiation, but which is prov. ed beyond all possibility of doubt by the obstinate adherence to a claim which never can be admitted-a claim that the construction which that government affects to put (though even in that respect unsupported by the fact) on the internal constitution of its own country, shall be received by all other nations as paramont to every known principle of public law in Europe, as superior to the obligations of treaties, to the ties of com. mon interest, to the most pressing VOL. XXXVIII. and urgent considerations of general security. On such grounds it is that the French government has abruptly terminated a negotiation, which it commenced with reluctance, and conducted with every inclination to prevent its final success. On these motives it is that the further effusion of blood, the continued calamities of war, the interruptions of peaceable and friendly intercourse among mankind, the prolonged distresses of Europe, and the accumulated miseries of France itself, are by the government of that country to be justified to the world. His majesty, who had entered into the negotiation with good faith, who has suffered no impediment to prevent his prosecuting it with earnestness and sincerity, has now only to lament its abrupt termination; and to renew, in the face of all Europe, the solemn declaration, that, whenever his enemies shall be disposed to enter on. the work of a general pacification, in a spirit of conciliation and equity, nothing shall be wanting on his part to contribute, to the accomplishment of that great object, with a view to which he has already offered such considerable sacrifices on his part, and which is now retarded only by the exor bitant pretensions of his enemies. Westmister, 27th Dec. 1796. It gives me the most sincere satisfaction to be authorized to inform you, that notwithstanding the advantages which the enemy possessed at the commencement of the last year, and the successes which attended their operations in the former parts of the campaign, the general situation of affairs is on the whole most essentially improved. The continued and brilliant successes of the Austrian armies upon the Rhine; the important captures of the Cape of Good Hope and of Trincomale by his majesty's forces, and the decided superiority of his fleets, are circumstances of the utmost importance to the common cause; and their effect is strengthened by the internal distresses, the ruined commerce, and increasing financial embarrassments of the enemy. The crisis lately depending in France has led to an order of things in that country, such as will in duce his majesty to meet any dispo. sition to negotiation on the part of the enemy with an earnest desire to give it the fullest and speediest effect, and to conclude a treaty of general peace when it may be effected on just and suitable terms for himself and his allies. The treaty of commerce between his majesty and the United States of America having been mutually ratified, I have ordered copies of it, by his majesty's command, to be laid before you. I have the pleasure to announce to you, that her royal highness the princess of Wales has been happily delivered of a princess: an event, which, by giving additional stability to his majesty's august house, caunot fail to afford you the highest satisfaction. Gentlemen of the House of I observe with the sincerest plea sure that notwithstanding the continued pressure of the war, the commerce and revenues of this kingdom have not in any degree fallen from that flourishing state of advancement, which in the last session of Parliament was a subject of such just congratulation. This circumstance affords a decisive proof that your prosperity is founded on a solid basis, and leads me to indulge the flattering hope, that whatever additional burthens you may find it necessary to impose, will not be materially felt by the people. I have ordered the public accounts and estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before you, and have no doubt of your readi ness to provide such supplies as a due sense of the exigencies of the kingdom shall suggest, and the wise policy of strengthening his majesty's exertions for procuring a solid and permanent peace shall appear to render necessary. My Lords and Gentlemen, It is with regret that I feel myself obliged to advert to those secret and treasonable associations, the dangerous extent and malig nity of which have in some degres been disclosed on several trials, and to the disturbances which hase taken place in some parts of the kingdom. It has at the same time been a source of great satisfaction to me to observe the successful and meritorious exertions of the magistrates in several parts of the king. dom, and the alacrity which his Majesty's regular and militia forces have universally manifested in aid of the civil power, whenever they have been called upon for the pre servation of the peace, and support of the laws. It remains for your prudence and wisdom to devise such measures as, together with à continuance of those exertions, and the additional powers, which, by the advice of the privy council, I have thought it necessary to establish in different counties, will prevent the return of similar excesses, and restore a proper reve rence for the laws of the country. The superior and increasing im portance of the agriculture and manufactures, and particularly of the linen manufacture of the kingdom, will command your utmost support. Under the present situation of Europe you cannot fail to attend with peculiar vigilance to the general state of provisions: and if circumstances shall at any time render your interposition advisable, I have no doubt of your adopting such measures as shall best apply to the existing necessity of the times. I am desirous of pointing your attention to the protestant charter schools, and other institutions of public charity and improvement. Your unanimity and zeal can never be of more importance than at the present crisis, in order to impress the enemy with a thorough conviction of the resources of his Majesty's kingdoms and to procure a favourable termination to your honourable efforts. His Majesty has the fullest reliance on your firmness and attachment, and on the fortitude, spirit, and perseverance of his people. It will be my ambition, as it is my duty, to represent your zeal to his majesty's service; and it will be my personal and most anxious wish to co-operate with your efforts in the common cause in which we are all equally engaged and interested, and my utmost endeavours shall be used to secure the happiness and prosperity of this kingdom, and to protect and maintain its most excellent constitution. Speech of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to both Houses of Partiament, April 15, 1796. My Lords and Gentlemen, IN releasing you from farther attendance in parliament, I am peculiarly commanded by his majes ty to thank yor for that conspicucus zeal and unanimity, so honour. able to yourselves and so impressive on our enemies, which have marked your conduct through the whole session, in promoting by your energy and temper the interests of your country, and in supporting by your spirit and liberality the common cause of the empire. His majesty has taken the steps which appeared most proper for setting on foot a negotiation for general peace, if the enemy should be disposed to enter into such negotiation on grounds consistent with the safety, honour and interest of his majesty's kingdoms and of his allies. If his majesty's views in this respect should fail, he has no doubt that the valour of his subjects, the resources of his kingdoms, and the exertions of the powers engaged. with him, will ultimately produce this desirable end. the year, and it affords me the highest satisfaction to reflect that these objects have been attained by burthens, so judiciously imposed, that they can scarcely affect the lower orders of the people. It is equally satisfactory to observe that your strength and prosperity remain undiminished, notwithstanding the pressure of the war, and it will be my endeavour to cherish your resources, and apply your liberality with economy and prudence. My Lords and Gentlemen, The inquiries I had ordered to be made with regard to the produce of the last harvest, and the measures taken by you to prevent the export of grain, must relieve the public mind from an apprehension of scarcity. If any illicit means should be attempted, to evade the provisions of the laws, which have been enacted upon this important subject, I shall not be inattentive in exercising those powers with which I am entrusted. The vigorous measures you have adopted for the suppression of insurrection and outrage, and the wise provisions you have made for preventing the extension of similar offences, must have the most salutary effects. The new regulation of licences under the superintendence of magistrates, will tend to promote tranquillity and sobriety. The establishment of more frequent sessions of the peace will afford an easy and expeditious administration of justice in the different districts throughout the kingdom. The liberal increase of the salaries of the judges, and the alteration of the civil bill jurisdiction, for the convenience of the lower ranks of the people, will ensure the constant and regular attention of his majes ty's judges to the civil and criminal business that will remain to be done on the circuits. These measures cannot but demonstrate to the people at large the firmness and the temper of parliament, which, whilst it is determined to repress the excesses of licentiousness and outrage, is at the same time anxious to ensure to the country those permanent advantages of security, peace and good order, which are to be deriv. ed from a prompt and upright ad. ministration of justice. I cannot too strongly recommend it to you to give effect to these benefits by your example and presence, and I am confident, that when you are relieved from your duty in parliament, all ranks and descriptions of his majesty's faithful subjects will feel themselves pro- | tected by your exertions and authority in your different counties. Your kind declarations in favour of my administration make the deepest impressions upon my feel. ings. If I have any claim to your confidence and good opinion, it arises from the fidelity with which I have represented to his majesty your loyalty and zeal, and from the sincere desire I feel to conform my conduct to your sentiments.-Great Britain and Ireland form one empire; they are inseparably connected; they must stand or fall together; and we are all equally engag ed, because we are all equally interested in the common cause of defending and upholding our religion, our laws, and our constitution. My Lords and Gentlemen, I have his majesty's commands to acquaint you, that he has thought it necessary to require your attendance in parliament at this early period, and to resort to your deli. berative wisdom at a time when the ambitious projects of our enemies have threatened to interrupt the happiness and prosperity of his people, by making a descent on this kingdom and Great Britain. And although his majesty looks forward with the utmost confidence to the spirit, loyalty, and ability of his faithful people of Ireland to repel such an attack, it will yet become your wisdom to neglect no precautions which may preclude the attempt, or secure the speediest means of turning it to the confusion of the enemy. His majesty has been graciously pleased to direct an addition to be made to the regular forces in this kingdom, by troops sent from Great Britain, the greater part of which is already arrived; and in pursuance of his majesty's commands, I have also encouraged the loyalty and zealous disposition, which has generally displayed itself, to associate in arms, under his majesty's authority, for the better security of property, and the preservation of tranquillity and good order. In consequence of the steps which his majesty has taken to restore peace to Europe, and secure its future tranquillity, a way has at length been opened for an immediate and direct negotiation; and I am commanded to acquaint you, that it is his majesty's intention to send a person to Paris, with full powers to treat for the restoration of general peace. The apparently hostile dispositions and conduct of the court of Spain has led to discussions, of which I am not able to acquaint you with the final result; but, whatever may be their issue, they cannot but afford to Europe a further proof of his majesty's mo deration and forbearance, and cannot fail to animate your utmost exertions in defending the dignity, rights, and interest of the empire against every aggression. In reviewing the events of this year, it must afford you the greatest satisfaction to observe, that by the spirit and exertions of his majesty's navy, the commerce of this kingdom has been protected in a degree almost beyond example; and in no part more completely, than by the skill, activity, and bravery of the squadron stationed on the coasts of this kingdom. The success of his majesty's arms in the East and West Indies has been highly honourable and advantageous to the empire; and evinces, in the strongest manner, the valour and good conduct of his forces both by sea and land. The steady and dignified conduct of the emperor, and the intrepidity of the Austrian forces under the command of the archduke Charles, have given so essential a change to the aspect of affairs on the continent, as to inspire a well-grounded confidence that the final result of the campaign will be such as materially to promote his majesty's endeavours to obtain a safe and honourable peace for himself and his allies. |