The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON

Further Extracts from the Proceedings of the House of Commons, December 11.

MR. Thomas Townshend addressed the House:

There can be very little occasion to remind this House of what I am certain is at present so fresh in their memories; I mean the subject of the propriety of sending out an armed force to St. Vincent's, in order to make war on the wretched natives, nor of the noble Lord's promise, at the same time that we should have every satisfactory information on this head that could be possibly desired. In the motion I am about to make, I would avoid every appearance of any thing particular or personal, having nothing in my intentions but that the question, without any relation to party spirit, may be fairly and openly discussed? It is for that reason, therefore, that I shall state it in general terms, to which in my opinion, there can be no objection. It is true indeed, that in treating with foreign states when any request of this nature is made, there may be many plausible reasons assigned for the difficulties attending such a compliance both in point of delicacy and delay, but in the present instance nothing of that nature can be pleaded. We are not afraid that such an enquiry as the present will be the means of disclosing the secrets of the cabinet to the unfortunate Caribbs, or that they are likely to know any thing at all of the matter. I know the Ministry despise the rest of Europe: I should be therefore extremely glad to discover what it is that is so dangerous in the appearance of those banditti as to claim the attention of Administration in so singular a manner, and who, by the whole tenor of their conduct, have shewn an inattention to every thing besides.

Lord North: I rise to inform the gentleman who spoke last, that I am extremely ready to comply with what he now desires. I should have readily thanked him, and given him credit, for his professions of moderation and impartiality, if he had not unhappily, in the midst of those professions; (by way of parenthesis) put the Ministry in mind of an improper attention on the point under consideration, and an inattention to every other part of our duty. Such a prejudging of the case, by no means gives me a favourable opinion of the impartiality of a person who is to be a judge; however every necessary paper shall be laid before this House, and, I make no doubt, but then, on a candid perusal, every objection hitherto started will fall to the ground. The motion was accordingly agreed to; and being delivered by Mr. Townshend to the Speaker, was read, and is to the following effect:

That his Majesty be addressed by this House to lay before them a copy of the several papers relative to the sending an armed force, to St. Vincent's, and the orders issued by the Secretaries of State for that purpose.