inaudible, at the desire of the noble earl he made, he would seize the first opportunity re-put those questions; and if he under- of avowing to their lordships his feelings stood rightly, the noble earl admitted that on the subject. He therefore referred to he had heard some such declaration ; but the individuals on whom he placed the though the noble earl might not approve greatest reliance, before he ventured to of the feelings which had caused that de- address their lordships, and he found their claration, and might not give it the sanc- recollection so perfect and undeviating in tion of his name, yet he did not think it every particular, that there did not exist was to be considered without limitation as on his mind the shadow of a doubt with to time. Though there was a very great respect to what the individual of whom he difference between the declaration which was speaking had stated. He now held he (lord Clanricarde) had stated to their in his hand, a letter, written by the noble lordships to have been made, and that lady (lady Canning) on Friday last, to which had been personally admitted by whom he had been obliged to allude, in the noble earl, and the declaration which which she distinctly asserted, that that inwas avowed to have been made in another dividual had made a declaration such as place, yet he must contend, though that he had reported to their lordships. He avowal and the declaration which had been should not think it necessary to read the admitted was a sufficient proof of the in- letter, unless he was called upon so to do; consistency of the statement made at Li- in which case, he had the authority of verpool, that at least the right hon. gen- that noble lady to make such use of it as tleman did know, in December last, of he thought proper. It had been stated, some personal enemies to Mr. Canning, that that declaration could not be made though by the lapse of time which en- public without a scandalous violation of sued between that month and January, he confidence. When the communication had had forgotten the existence of any of them. been made to him, he never considered it As to the truth of what he had stated to as confidential : it was never desired that their lordships, it rested on unquestionable it should be so considered : there was noauthority. On his return from the conti-thing in its nature which could give it nent, the right hon. Secretary of State for that character. The declaration had been the Colonies made more than one visit to communicated to others of the same opithe widow of his lamented relative. He nion with himself, and several weeks ago could not state the exact day that, on it had appeared—not exactly in the same going to the house of that lady, he met words as he had described it—in a daily the hon. gentleman just at the moment he journal of the widest circulation, to which, had left. He entered, and was imme- it was clear, that it had not been commudiately informed by his noble relative, and nicated by his lord Clanricarde's) friends, by another person, to whom the subject from the circumstance that there also apwas no less interesting; that the right hon, peared in the same paper the answer which gentleman had to each of them made a had been given to the declaration when it declaration, in the terms which he had had been first uttered ; which answer was stated to their lordships. What the right not known to his friends, until it had aphon. gentleman had said at Liverpool he peared in the public prints. It had been did not think it important to repeat in made a matter of accusation against him, their lordships' house. But when he saw that he had brought forward this question the contradiction, at first the most direct in a place where the right hon. gentleman and flat, but afterwards much qualified, to whom it related could not answer. But which had been given to that declaration, he humbly asked their lordships, where when he saw that contradiction, qualified was he to remark upon the conduct of a as it was, he must own that he was truly minister, and upon a speech which he had astonished. He clearly held in his me- made in a place to which it was irregular mory every minute particular, attendant in him to allude, but which had been uton the circumstances, under which he, for lered in the face of the country, and upon the first time, learned that such a denial an occasion of the deepest importance, had been made; and he doubted whether where was he to observe upon these mathis ears or his memory had not proved ters if not in their lordships' house? It treacherous to him; and he determined, had been a matter of sincere and painful that if on investigation it should prove to regret to him, that in discussing these be the case that such denial had been subjects, he had been unavoidably placed in apparent hostility to the right hon. gen-ed themselves in so hostile a manner totleman, upon whose conduct he had made wards Mr. Canning. He had then told some remarks; but he felt it his duty not the noble lord all he knew on the subject to allow the statements or representations of that declaration. He had told him, made at Liverpool to pass without contra- that, at the time of the formation of the diction. Having thus far experienced the new government, after the death of Mr. indulgence of the House in speaking of Canning, he perfectly understood that a matters of a personal nature, he would not declaration had been made by Mr. Hustrespass further on their lordships' atten-kisson, that, with the feelings he entertion than by stating, that though the in- tained at that time, he was not disposed terval and lapse of time comprised in the to act with those who had opposed themshort

space of four months had not obli- selves to Mr. Canning. That was all he terated in his mind, as it had in that of knew of the matter.

He had no reason others, the remembrance of his lamented to think that the declaration was of such relation, yet, so far from allowing his a nature as to be considered as affecting feelings to place him in direct opposition the conduct of the right hon. gentleman to the government, he sincerely hoped that at a future period, or under other circumthe measures which might be brought for- stances. He would not dilate on the ward would be such as he could conscien- moral reasons which should induce men tiously and cordially support. But, when not to cherish feelings of eternal animosity; he reflected on the tone of disrespect but, in a political view, he thought that in which had been taken by some of the a country like this, it would be impossible members of the present government, and for a government to go on, if expressions the obloquy which had been cast by others used in the warmth of political animosity on the name of that individual, to the sup- and party struggle were to be considered port of whose principles he looked for the as binding upon men for ever. The hiswelfare of the country, he could not give tory of this country, and of every other the present administration a cordial support. free country, was a history of political ani

Earl Dudley confessed himself under mcsities and quarrels, and also of political great difficulty in entering at all into the reconciliations; and that, too, when the consideration of the question—if any ques- quarrel had been of much longer duration tion had been put at all—which the noble than that which had taken place at a late lord, for the second time, had thought fit period, What was the nature of that to bring before their lordships, giving no quarrel? It was this--that after Mr. other notice to any individual whom the Canning had acted, for several years,

with question might concern, than such as those persons who had retired from office, might be collected from clubs and news when he was called upon to form a new papers. It appeared to him, that the sub- administration, circumstances arose, which ject which had been brought under their alienated from him persons with whom he lordships' attention was not of a nature to had formerly acted, and with whom he be discussed in parliament. Parliament proposed to act again ; and that unfortuought to judge of public men on public nate difference continued to the end of grounds and public declarations; but it his life. It continued only for a few was not the province of parliament to in- months, after years of friendship, union, quire whether particular individuals, who and co-operation. He thought, however, had been the friends of Mr. Canning, had that this question was one which could conducted themselves with proper delicacy, not be discussed with any public advanin accepting places or continuing in office tage, for he could not think that discussion with those persons, between whom and to be a proper one for their lardships, that individual any unfriendly feeling had which referred to private papers and to grown up. The noble lord had stated that reports, necessarily very uncertain, of conhe had put a question on a former even- versations which had taken place between ing, relative to a declaration which had individuals, and which were, after all, points been made by his right hon. friend, a with which the public, strictly speaking, member of the other House of Parliament, had nothing at all to do. Society was the the Secretary of State for the Colonies. tribunal before which matters like these The noble lord did ask a question, as to ought to be judged; they were related by that declaration, and as to his joining in no means to topics which ought to be inoffice with those persons who had express- troduced to the notice of Parliament.

· The Marquis of Clanricarde observed, that bate; nor will I now enter upon the several it was necessary for him to show that the points which my noble friend has brought statement which he had formerly made forward, but shall content myself with upon this subject was accurate. This was making that statement which I conceive to all he intended to do. His proposition be due to my noble friend opposite (lord was a very fair one. The right hon. gen. Dudley) and those other friends of Mr. tleman (Mr. Huskisson) made a certain Canning, who form a part of the present declaration respecting the enemies of Mr. administration. Canning; and at Liverpool he had said, Having, my lords, had an opportunity of that “ of personal enemies to Mr. Canning witnessing the habits of friendship and conhe knew of none.” Now, was this cor- fidence which subsisted between my noble rect? It was not, as the noble lord ap- friend opposite, and Mr.Canning, and knowpeared to think, a declaration made only ing the admiration, I may say, the veneration, to persons with whom he was connected; which my noble friend entertained for Mr. nor was it because the declaration had been Canning's transcendent talents, and for made there that he adverted to it. The those, if possible, still more endearing and right hon. gentleman had been reported, fascinating qualities which he possessed; in the public papers, to have used certain having been acquainted also with the cirexpressions at Liverpool. Now, if he did cumstances under which my noble friend use those expressions at Liverpool, he accepted the seals of office which he now used in parliament-he was going to say, holds-circumstances affording no ordinary different ones, but he would not say “dif- proof of friendship on his part, and of ferent,” because his question had not yet confidence on the part of Mr. Canningbeen answered—to whom did the right I cannot believe it possible that my noble hon. gentleman make the declaration to friend was influenced, in the course which which he referred? He must again ob- he took, by any other feelings than those serve, that his veracity had been impeach- of a sincere and genuine sense of what he ed; that an imputation had been cast owed to the memory of his friend. It is upon him; and it was necessary for him impossible, also, for me, my lords, to ento show that there was no ground for it. tertain any other opinion with respect to

Lord Seaford rose and said :-My lords; the feelings which influenced the course it is impossible for me, without feelings of taken by my right hon. friend the Secrethe most painful nature, to enter into the tary for the Colonies. discussion of a subject, which involves a Having, my lords, had an opportunity question of the sacred performance of the of estimating Mr. Huskisson's attachment duty of friendship, to a friend who is now to Mr. Canning, during a period of not no more; a friend, whose friendship was less than twenty years of constant politithe pride and delight of my life, from our cal concert and uninterrupted habits of earliest youth, till the disastrous moment private friendship, it is impossible for me when he was snatched away—though in to doubt the feelings under which Mr. the fulness of fame and honour, yet most Huskisson has acted in accepting office; prematurely for the happiness of his and when I see my noble friend opposite, friends, and the good of his country. and that right hon. gentleman, made the Those feelings are so painful as only to be object of hostile attacks--not only those overcome by a paramount sense of duty; of fair parliamentary hostility, but of other and they have been rendered still more sorts more difficult to be dealt with-I distressing, by the course pursued by my feel that I should not be acting a manly noble friend (lord Clanricarde). The near and honourable part towards them, if I was connection in which he stood to Mr. Can- to shrink from declaring my opinion, and ning, and by which he is still united to claiming my share in whatever obloquy those who were most dear to him, renders their conduct has excited. ence of opinion from him upon points in tacks to which I have adverted; but there which we have both so deep an interest, is one topic which my duty to Mr. Husand the reluctance which I felt to do any kisson compels me to notice. I am well thing which might have the appearance of aware how ill suited such topics are, to unnecessarily entering into a conflict with the gravity of your lordships' discussions, him sealed 'my lips on a former occasion, but the subject having been brought before and prevented my taking a part in that de- your lordships by my noble friend (lord VOL. XVIII.

Y

Clanricarde) and having been made the he has lately avowed in another place. subject of debate in another place, I must Those persons know me very ill, if there take the liberty of troubling your lordships are any who imagine, that by what I now with one or two observations upon this state, I wish to soften down or qualify the poiut, and I trust that my motives for sentiment, which dictated that declaradoing so will be my excuse with your lord- tion. It would be disingenuous in me if ships. I mean, my lords, the attacks I were not to avow, and I trust the noble made on Mr. Huskisson, in consequence duke will do justice to the motives which of a declaration understood to have been dictate the avowal, that some of the made by him in the highest quarter. transactions which took place on the Mr. Huskisson has publicly avowed that formation of Mr.Canning's administration, declaration in parliament; but an attempt and subsequently to that period, did excite was made to discredit the accuracy of that feelings in my mind, and have left an imavowal, and to fix upon him other expres- pression, which would have rendered it sions upon the authority of other persons. very difficult (I do not know how diffi

To the difference between the two ver- cult) for me to have formed a political sions of that declaration I attach no im- connection with those of Mr. Canning's portance; but to the inference attempted colleagues, who separated themselves from to be drawn from their difference to his him on that occasion. But, my lords, prejudice; which is no less than this, that I speak as a private individual, and with he now professes to have used expressions feelings which apply peculiarly, perhaps, which he did not employ upon the occa- to my particular situation. My noble sion, and that he disavows those which he friend and Mr. Huskisson are public did employ. To this, I do attach import- men; they had public duties to perform, ance; and as my name has been brought public duties to their country and to their forward in support of this attempt, I feel friend; and when they received the overit to be due to Mr. Huskisson to declare, ture from the noble duke, they were bound that on no occasion when I may have to consider well, what were the obligations mentioned that declaration, did I mention which those duties imposed upon them, it in a manner which could justify the at- and I cannot but approve of their having tempt to fix upon Mr. Huskisson any pre- acted in conformity to their conscientious cise form of expression, upon my author- sense of those duties. If, my lords, the ity. I never professed to give the pre- explanation received by my noble friend, cise words which he had used on that oc- were as full and satisfactory as he has casion; I attended only to the substance; stated them to have been, and as I doubt and I cannot now pretend to rely upon not, and if the assurances received by my the accuracy of my recollection, as to the right hon. friend, were such as to satisfy precise words which I may myself have his mind, that in forming a part of the used, certainly, not in contradiction to the noble duke's administration, he should not recollection of any friend to whom I may be called upon to abandon the principles have made the communication ; but if which he had always espoused, and which I did use those words that have been had been acted upon by Mr. Canning attributed to me, I am bound to state, then, I say, that I think it was their duty that I have had a subsequent opportunity not to withhold their services from their of knowing that they could not have been country. I think also, that their private the words which were used by Mr. Hus- duty dictated the same course. The noble kisson, and I take no blame to myself for duke's offer to them of retaining the imthis inaccuracy in my recollection, in con- portant offices which they then held-desideration of the manner in which I origi- partments of no slight importance, emnally received the information. In a con- bracing no less than the administration of versation at Paris with lord Granville, on the foreign, colonial, and commercial, pothe subject of this declaration, lord Gran- licy, and the local government of Ireland ville showed me a letter written to him by -without requiring of them any abandonMr. Huskisson, on the day after the de- ment of their principles;—this offer of the claration had been made, consequently, noble duke I cannot but consider a tribute while the impression was fresh upon his of respect so honourable to the memory of mind. In that letter he relates confiden- Mr. Canning, that his friends would not tially to lord Granville what had passed, have been justified in rejecting it on and he does so in the same words which grounds merely personal. "My lords, if I

hold thus high-as I do most high-the appeal to the testimony of every Englishhomage thus paid to the memory of Mr. man who has travelled in foreign countries Canning, I mean nothing disparaging to who has witnessed the universal respect the noble duke, I see nothing in the pro- entertained by the liberal and enlightened position of the noble duke, or in the ex. of all countries, for the principles and poplanations with which it was accompanied licy of the government of this country. on his part, or on that of the right hon. I appeal to the stronger but melancholy gentleman (Mr. Peel) with whom Mr. testimony of the sensation of dismay and Huskisson also communicated on this oc- consternation, which was felt at his death, casion, which the strictest sense of honour which was mourned scarcely less as a pubmight not have dictated. They had both lic than as a national calamity. It is no acted as colleagues with Mr. Canning, disparagement to the noble duke or to the not only in the administration of lord right hon. gentleman to whom I have reLiverpool, but in that of the duke of Port- ferred (Mr. Peel), to be said to have been land, at the commencement of their own approving and concurring parties to policy political career, when my late right hon. of which such were the fruits. The right friend filled the office of Foreign Secre- hon. gentleman at the head of the home tary; they were both of them approving office has, indeed, declared, on more than and concurring parties to every measure, one occasion, and he has lately repeated by which his administration of the foreign the declaration, in a manner which redepartments has been distinguished under flected the highest credit on his candour, the government of lord Liverpool. that, with the exception of the Catholic

My lords, as the measures of Mr. Can- question, there was not any important ning's foreign policy have been the sub- measure on which he did not concur with ject of much discussion and criticism, I Mr. Canning; that there was no one with trust I shall be excused if I cannot per- whom he could have acted more satisfacsuade myself to pass over those criticisms lorily as a colleague, no one under whom altogether without notice. Some noble he would have been better content to serve lords have objected to the principles of as his leader in the House of Commons ; Mr. Canning's foreign policy; others have or even at the head of the administration, admitted the soundness of his principles, if it had not been for the particular situabut have refused to him any merit on that tion in which they each stood with respect score, and have found fault with the exe- to the Catholic question, and the peculiar cution; others have disapproved both his relation of the department which he held principles, and their execution; others, with the person at the head of the governagain, have declared that they did not ment. With respect to any differences of know what were his principles of foreign opinion, such as have been rumoured to policy. To these various, and some of have existed, on some measures of Mr. them contradictory, criticisms, I will not Canning's foreign administration, between make any detailed reply; nor will I pre- him and the noble duke, it is not within tend to submit to your lordships an ab- the competency of any person not in his stract exposition of Mr. Canning's princi- majesty's councils to express any opinion, ples, I will content myself with a general or to have any knowledge of such differand short, but as I conceive a conclusive, ences, or of any discussions which may answer, by a reference to these practical have taken place on any such measures, results to the situation, in which Mr. previous to the decision by the cabinet; Canning left this country, when he was but it is not too much to assume, that they snatched away from the direction of her could not have been such as to make any councils. He left her at the head of the difference on fundamental principles, or councils of Europe ; in that proud station any incompatibility of acting together as which her power and importance among colleagues. That no such incompatibility the nations of the world justly entitled her was felt by Mr. Canning was proved, at to assume; the luminary by which every ca- the time when he received the king's combinet directed their course, if not the guide mands to submit to his majesty the plan they were content to follow! The eyes of of an administration, by his offer to the all the nations of the new, and the old noble duke, and the rest of his colleagues, world, fixed upon her, with gratitude by to retain the situations which they then many, with hope by others, with respect held, accompanied with the assurance, that by all. For the fidelity of this picture, I the government should continue to be