§ Sir Samuel Romillyexpressed his regret, that the bill had reached this stage without the house knowing what was the opinion of his majesty's ministers, as to its merits. He supposed, that they were not hostile to it because they had not opposed it, but it was of no small importance for the house to know, whether it had their support or riot. He remembered, that on a former occasion when a bill similar to the present had been brought into parliament, a right hon. gent. had said, that in his opinion it was a matter of very great indifference, whether it passed or not, that on the one hand it was no invasion of the king's prerogative, and that on the other little practical good could result from it. He was of a good opinion from that right hon. gent. for he thought, that if no practical good could be derived from it, the bill ought not to pass, but he was convinced that much good would result from it, and therefore it had his hearty support.
The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, that he did not know what right his honourable and learned friend had to call upon him, or any of his colleagues, to give his or their sentiments on the present occasion. He had never seen any reason to expect much benefit from the passing of this bill, however much some persons might think it would be productive of advantages. It had come originally recommended by a committee, as being calculated to diminish the public expenditure; and, therefore, it appeared to him not to be a subject that ought to meet with opposition. As it had passed this house formerly, and had afterwards been thrown out in another place, rather by surprise, he thought it but reasonable to allow it to be restored to a similar stage with the former one. These were the motives that induced him to vote 195 for its third reading, and for its passing that house.—The bill was then passed.
[PAPERS RELATIVE TO RUSSIA] Mr. Secretary Canning presented to the house, pursuant to their address to his majesty, the following papers: