Mr. Ewartpresented a Petition from Mr. Robert M'Neil, Merchant of Liverpool, complaining of the capture of the brig Utopia by the Brazilian squadron, and that, although his claim to remuneration had been admitted, still he was unable to obtain relief. This gentleman was part owner of the vessel in question when it was seized by the Brazilian squadron; and retained by them until it was rotten. A verdict had been obtained against that government in a Brazilian Court of Justice, yet redress had not been afforded. It would be recollected that last year a Commission was appointed, with a view to examine and liquidate the claims against the Brazilians, but that the Commission was, he believed, at an end. He understood that the claims of British subjects against the Brazilians amounted to no less than 500,000l., and the Government had neglected to enforce them. The American government had obtained the settlement of all the claims made by American citizens, and he trusted that a similar course would, without delay, be pursued by our own Government. He was happy to hear, a few evenings since, from the noble Lord, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, that the present Brazilian government was more disposed than its predecessor to listen to the just demands of the injured merchant. At any rate, he hoped, that Ministers would see the propriety of enforcing these claims without delay.
§ Mr. Dixonsaid, this was an extremely hard case, and deserved the serious consideration of the Government. The Brazilian government was apparently on a 896 friendly footing with our Government; but, although these seizures had taken place upwards of four years ago, our Government had taken no effectual steps to procure relief. It had been stated, that the Brazilian government was willing to contract a loan for the payment of these claims, and that Ministers assented to the arrangement. He understood, however, that the amount so proposed to be obtained was only 300,000l., which was not half the claim due to the merchants of this country. Moreover, he entertained doubts even if this justice would be done, unless some further steps were taken by Ministers to forward the matter. He was sorry to understand that our Chargé d'Affaires, had been recalled from the Brazils, who had evinced much zeal in the enforcement of these claims. Other governments had obtained satisfaction for their subjects, while ours had regarded the seizure of English ships with comparative carelesness. He had heard a report that it was intended to resort to reprisals, he deprecated that until every other method had been tried. At any rate, it was most adviseable that Government should forthwith declare what course they meant to pursue. The seizures made were not only contrary to all international law, but even contrary to Brazilian law. The American government had very soon obtained redress for their citizens, and had even obtained the same justice for a British ship which happened to be under American colours. He was determined, if no explanation was given, to bring the matter regularly before the House.
Lord Sandonsaid, his constituents felt very strongly in this matter, and he was determined to support their opinions to the utmost of his power.
Mr. Humecomplained of the postponement of these claims, and of the want of protection to British merchants from the British Government, which was disgraceful to the greatest maritime power in the world, when all other nations had obtained satisfaction. He would take that opportunity of asking the noble Lord, what salary was given to the Commissioners for settling certain claims on the Brazilian government, and whether that salary was still continued.
§ Lord Althorpsaid, that, not expecting that the question would be asked, he was not prepared to give the hon. Member the information he required.
§ Petition to be printed.