§ Earl Stanhoperose to make the motion of which he had given notice, respecting a resolution that all independent nations should be treated upon the principle of perfect equality and complete reciprocity. In proposing this resolution to the house, he had not merely in his eye the circumstances in which we now stood with regard to America; the principle to which he alluded should, in his opinion, be extended to all states and nations indiscriminately. He could not help noticing the absence of ministers on this occasion; but he had already occasion to observe that they seemed 1184 anxious to avoid all discussion on this topic. He would not say that their conduct was not prudent; but, whatever it might be, he felt it incumbent on him to express his sentiments, when the voice of an imperious duty called upon him to express them. He must, therefore, most earnestly deprecate a rupture with America, and the house would, no doubt, unite with him in deprecating that calamity, when they duly considered the many difficulties and dangers with which we were already beset. They must recollect that in times of scarcity our principal relief was derived, first from Poland, next from America. Poland was now shut against us by the influence of the enemy; would we also shut against ourselves the ports of America by our own folly? Whence were we to derive materials and stores for our naval arsenal, if the north of Europe and North America were to refuse us these supplies? Where was the greatness and security of England, when our navy, the source of our pride, the source of our strength and wealth, was gone? These were serious considerations. He should now only remark, that as all individuals, whether high or low, poor or rich, were the same in the eye of God, so nations, whether powerful or weak, whether opulent or poor, should be the same in the contemplation of the law of nations. This was the principle upon which his motion rested, and upon which he grounded the resolution he had now to move. The noble lord then concluded with moving, "that it be resolved, that the principle upon which we should act towards independent nations at peace with the British government, should be a principle of perfect equality and complete reciprocity."
The Lord Chancellorcould not but commend the serious manner in which the noble earl had expressed himself on topics of such importance. As however, no authentic documents were before the house, to guide an opinion upon matters of such magnitude, he thought it more prudent not to agitate them under such circumstances. The noble earl would therefore, he hoped, excuse him for moving the previous question.
§ Earl Stanhope ,in explanation, thanked the noble and learned lord for his kind attention, and observed that what he advanced, not only referred to the present state of America, but to all independent nations, at all times, when at peace with us.
Earl Mortonobjected to the motion, as tending to legislate, upon abstract principles 1185 which was contrary to the spirit and the practice of parliament.—The question was then put, and the previous question was carried without a division.