§ On the Report of the Committee of Supply being brought up, and the Resolution being read for the grant of one million to Sweden,
Mr. Ponsonbyadverted to what he had said in a former session, as to this transaction ending in a positive pecuniary loss to Great Britain: he contended that the whole of his prophecy had been literally fulfilled.
Lord Castlereaghalso repeated what he had said at that time, namely, that it was extremely desirable to give a French possession to Sweden to secure her co-operation in the general cause. He had predicted the beneficial consequences that would result from this co-operation; and lie would contend, that all he had said had been as much fulfilled as the predictions of the right hon. gentleman.
§ Mr. W. Smithfelt it necessary to take up the subject in another view. He wished to know why we alone were called on to pay the million for the redemption of Guadaloupe, while the measure from which it had arisen had been for the general advantage. He alluded to the transfer of Norway, and said he was happy, to hear that the people of that country were by no means so dissatisfied with the change as it was at first believed they would be.
Mr. Ponsonbyrose to enter his protest against the Treaty concluded with the King of the Netherlands, by which Eng- 786 land was bound to advance a sum of money for Russia. He could not see that any British or European object was connected with this arrangement. The engagements entered into in the present year were more expensive than any ever made before, though they were contracted at a time when the country was least able to bear such burthens.
Lord Castlereaghdefended the policy of the Treaty, and shortly repeated the arguments he had used on a former night, to prove the arrangements which had been made were neither unnecessary nor improvident.
§ The Report was agreed to, and a bill ordered.