Lords Sitting of 3 March 1807

PRUSSIA.
The order of the day having been read for taking into consideration his majesty's message,
Lord Grenvillesaid, with, respect to that part of the message in which his majesty informed the house of the conclusion of treaty with Prussia, as it was also stated that a copy of the treaty would be laid before the house as soon as the ratifications were exchanged, he thought it unnecessary then to enter into any detail respecting it the proper time for discussing the subject being when the treaty should be before the house. With respect to the other part of his majesty's message, relative to the ad-
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vance of 80,000 l. the minister employed in that transaction, was, it was well known, a member of that house, a nobleman distinguished by his military exploits in the service of his country; distinguished also by his great talents and capabilities of mind. That nobleman had, in consequence of the pressing exigency of affairs in those countries which were the theatre of war, and in the exercise of the discretionary power entrusted to him by his Majesty, advanced money to the amount of about 80,000 l. This was not the exact sum, the payments having been made in foreign money; but it was about that sum. He thought there could be little difference of opinion in that house, as to the expediency of entrusting to the nobleman to whom he had alluded a discretionary power to advance a limited sum,in case circumstances should require it; their lordships would, also, he thought, readily believe that there might have existed that pressing exigency of affairs, which would have rendered the advance of this sum in the way stated, highly adviseable and expedient; and he was persuaded their lordships would be of opinion, that such a discretionary power could not be entrusted to better hands. He should therefore merely move, That an humble address be presented to his majesty, thanking his majesty for his most gracious communication, and expressing the readiness of that house to concur in such measures as might be necessary to enable his majesty to make good the said sum.—Ordered.