and the fact was, that her Majesty was in the habit of pressing the question of her public situation upon the public authorities of countries; and, first, upon our own ministers, because they were the channels of the highest respectability for introduction to foreign courts. As to guards of honour, which were matters of favour, and by no means matters of right, they were not usually granted to those travelling under an incognito; and from this, and other circumstances, it was to be inferred, that her Majesty's own acts, were the only reason why every facility, of every kind, was not experienced by her. The only question was, whether there had been any unbecoming severity or harshness manifested towards her Majesty, with respect to her coming to this country; and with regard to what might have been the immediate determination of her Majesty upon that head, she was placed in a situation in which she was enabled to know clearly what might happen afterwards; because his Majesty's ministers saw this, that as long as her Majesty remained abroad, and persevered in her determination of residing abroad, so long they should refrain from taking any steps in the case; and he (Lord Castlereagh) did not know upon what other grounds they were to consider that there was no reasou for disturbing the existing state of things. But from the moment that her Majesty determined to come over to this country, when she claimed all the honours of a Queen upon landing; when she claimed to be acknow

Q

ledged in public as Queen of England; from that moment government answered that they had no option left them, (hear,) and thought they could not suffer parliament to remain in ignorance of the facts which were in their possession. He thought he could recall to the House a certain day, when an allowance was proposed to be made to her Majesty, which appeared more ample than that which a sense of duty had taught her Majesty to accept on a former occasion. On the very first day of the sessions, he believed he had stated, that measures had been taken to relieve her Majesty from any embarrassments which might have grown out of the lapse of her income, as Princess of Wales. He could now also state, that the first moment her Majesty was known to be arrived in England, a communication was made to the First Lord of the Treasury, directly from his Majesty, and which was immediately transmitted through the most proper and usual channel, her Majesty's agent or banker, that no interruption or difficulty whatever should intervene, with respect to the payment of her Majesty's income. (hear.) He begged leave most distinctly to observe, that if it happened that no palace could be directly provided for her Majesty, it was far from being any insult upon any member of the royal family. A great part of the royal family, indeed, were stationed, at that moment, in private residences, furnished out of their own private funds; and the instances were but rare where they were

lodged within the precincts of the palace.He thought that he had now touched upon the most considerable points which it was necessary for him to notice: but he would hope to be able, if he should rise at any other period of the debate, to offer to the House any other remarks which might strike him. (hear.) If he knew the feeling of his Majesty's councillors, he thought he could say, that this subject had been pursued by them in a most anxious temper. Every thing, as far as it was possible or proper, had been softened. They had been auxious to soften every thing which might excite irritation in either of the parties; and to prevent those illustrious personages from having their conduct canvassed at a tribunal, which, for the best interests of the country, ought never to have cognizance of it. He did not disguise from himself, nor attempt to conceal from others, the difficulties of the peculiar situation of the House; nor its anxious embarrassment, under the circumstances of the case; nor the desire which it must feel to conclude such a discussion. But he trusted, that whatever were the difficulties of the case; whatever might be their feelings upon it; yet, under the influence of our happy constitution, there would be wisdom enough in both Houses of Parliament to meet them; that there would be found to prevail the most temperate deliberation, and an absence of all that feeling and irritation upon the subject, which might prevent parliament from arriving at

the only goal, which, he would assure the House, was contemplated by his Majesty's governmentnamely, the execution of impartial justice between the parties, without favour or affection. (cheers.) He did trust that the tone and attitude which were always assumed by parliament upon great occasions, would be preserved upon this; and that though the people could not help sharing in the anguish which the unfortunate circumstances of the case were calculated to cause to every bosom in the country, yet they would have the satisfaction of knowing that the interests of justice were properly supported. But if there was any disposition to evade this question, coming as it did before parliament; if, unfortunately, an illustrious personage had lent her ear to any mischievous or false adviser, (loud and repeated cries of hear, hear, hear,) who had taught her that either her honour or her innocence and he trusted that she might be able to vindicate both, (cheers)-would be supported by the agitation of the country, she could reap nothing but regret and disappointment from allowing herself, however undesignedly, to be the dupe of such wicked and dangerous men. If she had any enemies upon earth, whose advice could make her cause despicable, as well as odious, in the sight of all honest men, they were those who would advise her to a garbled, untrue and inaccurate disclosure of facts, or who advised any disclosure but to parliament, which would hear her with that favour with which it was

always disposed to listen to the accused.

It

was only by ignorant, weak, or wicked persons, (cheers) that any appeal could be advised, which might have the effect of reviving crimes, or repeating agitations, which had already disturbed and disgraced the country. He trusted, that if any such individual had presumed to approach her with this pernicious advice; if she had allowed such suggestions to remain upon her mind-(advice and suggestion not more remarkable for their mischief than their incapacity)— he did trust, that if she had allowed herself to be drawn into such crooked and dangerous paths, she would speedily be reclaimed to a sense of what was due to her own cause and character; and that she would perceive that the means of inquiry and explanation which parliament would afford her, were the only means by which she could properly and fully vindicate her character. (hear, hear, hear.) The noble lord concluded by moving to refer the papers to a select committee. The question was then put in the following terms:-" that the papers which were yesterday presented to this House by Lord Viscount Castlereagh, be referred to a select committee, in order to consider the matter thereof, and report their opinions upon the same to this House."

rose.

Mr. BROUGHAM (amidst a general call) then He assured the House that the noble lordhad not risen upon this question with more pain than he now did;-with reluctance, he could not ·