§ Mr. Parkerpresented a Petition from the Corporation of Cutlers in Sheffield, setting forth that they, in common with others of his Majesty's subjects, had sustained great loss in consequence of the confiscation, several years ago, of property to a large amount by the Danish government, which belonged to British subjects. The hon. Member, in laying that petition before the House, pressed upon their attention the oppressive and unjust conduct of the Danish government, and their utter disregard of those principles which had hitherto regulated civilized warfare. But the petitioners had also a strong claim on our Government, arising from the fact, that our Government had confiscated 1,200,000l. of Danish property, a part of which ought to be appropriated to pay the petitioners. Protection was due from the British Government to every member of the British nation, at home and abroad; and he was sure there was no expense to which the nation at large would more cheerfully contribute than that which relieved their fellow-countrymen from the injustice, however provoked, of a foreign power.
§ Mr. Buckinghamsupported the petition. The claim was only for 100,000l., and that was not one-tenth of the sum received as droits of Admiralty by the Government on Danish property.
§ The Debate was adjourned.