Lords Sitting of 4 July 1808

SPAIN.
The Earl of Suffolkrose to call the attention of the house to the critical situation in which we now stood with respect to Spain. It was generally understood that a large armament was to be sent to assist the patriotic exertions of that nation in resisting the tyranny that would oppress its liberty, and in enabling it to assert its independence. Who was to command that expedition? Its fate might, perhaps, be closely connected with the auspices and command under which it was to serve. He did not know that we had now any responsible minister. In former administrations Mr. Pitt, lord Sidmouth, and latterly lord Grenville, stood forward

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as the avowed responsible ministers of their day. An expedition had, not long ago, been confided to general Whitelocke, with the issue of which every man was but too sorrowfully acquainted. The individual, it was true, had been punished, but in enterprises of that nature, it was not enough to punish the individual, some atonement should be made at the shrine of the tarnished honour of the country: that expiation was yet unpaid. No minister had as yet pleaded guilty to the charge of that appointment. These considerations led him to enquire who was the responsible minister at the present moment; for by the appointment which must soon take place of a Commander of the Expedition to Spain, not only the character and military fame of the nation, but its most vital interests might be deeply affected. He then alluded to a noble duke who seldom came to the house, and confessed that he was unable to determine whether that noble duke possessed the influence attributed to him or not.—The observations of the noble earl did not meet with any answer.

THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS' SPEECH.
About a quarter before four the archbishop of Canterbury, the lord chancellor, the lord president of the council, the lord privy seal, and the duke of Montrose, took their seats as his majesty's commissioners. Mr. Quarme, the deputy usher of the black rod, was sent to the house of commons to desire their attendance. The Speaker, and a considerable number of members, shortly afterwards came to the bar. A commission for giving the royal assent to certain bills was read by the clerk, by virtue of which the royal assent was given to several bills. After which,
The Lord Chancellor, in his majesty's name, delivered the following Speech.
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
"We have it in command from his majesty to express to you the great satisfaction which he derives from being enabled, by putting an end to the present session of parliament, to terminate the laborious attendance which the public business has required of you.—The measure which you have adopted for the improvement of the military force of the country, promises to lay the foundation of a system of internal defence eminently useful, and peculiarly adapted to the exigences of these times.—The sanction which you have given to those measures of defensive retaliation, to which the violent attacks of the enemy, upon the commerce and resources of this kingdom,
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compelled his majesty to resort, has been highly satisfactory to his majesty.—His majesty doubts not that in the result the enemy will be convinced of the impolicy of persevering in a system which retorts upon himself, in so much greater proportion, those evils which he endeavours to inflict upon this country.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
"We are commanded by his majesty to return his most hearty acknowledgments for the cheerfulness and liberality with, which the necessary supplies for the current year have been provided.—His majesty directs us to assure you, that he participates in the satisfaction with which you must have contemplated the flourishing situation of the revenue and credit of the country, notwithstanding the continued pressure of the war; and he congratulates you upon having been enabled to provide for the exigences of the public service, with so small an addition to the public burthens.—His majesty commands us to thank you for having enabled him to make good his engagements with his allies; and to express to you the particular gratification which he has derived from the manner in which you have provided for the establishment of his sister, her royal highness the duchess of Brunswick.
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
"His majesty has great satisfaction in informing you, that, notwithstanding the formidable confederacy united against his ally the king of Sweden, that sovereign perseveres, with unabated vigour and constancy, to maintain the honour and independence of his crown; no effort has been wanting on the part of his majesty to support him in the arduous contest in which he is engaged.—The recent transactions in Spain and Italy have exhibited new and striking proofs of the unbounded and unprincipled ambition which actuates the common enemy of every established government and independent nation in the world.—His majesty views, with the liveliest interest, the loyal and determined spirit manifested by the Spanish nation, in resisting the violence and perfidy with which their dearest rights have been assailed.—Thus nobly struggling against the tyranny and usurpation of France, the Spanish nation can no longer be considered as the enemy of Great Britain; but is recognised by his majesty as a natural friend and ally.—We are commanded to inform you that communications have been made to his majesty from several of the

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provinces of Spain, soliciting the aid of his majesty. The answer of his majesty to these communications has been received in Spain, with every demonstration of those sentiments of confidence and affection which are congenial to the feelings and true interests of both nations. And his majesty commands us to assure you that he will continue to make every exertion in his power for the support of the Spanish cause; guided in the choice and in the direction of his exertions by the wishes of those in whose behalf they are employed.—In contributing to the success of this just and glorious cause, his majesty has no other object than that of preserving unimpaired the integrity and independence of the Spanish monarchy. But he trusts that the same efforts which are directed to that great object, may, under the blessing of Divine Providence, lead in their effects, and by their example, to the restoration of the liberties and the peace of Europe."
A commission being read for proroguing the parliament, the Lord Chancellor, in his majesty's name, and by virtue of the said commission, declared the parliament to be prorogued to the 20th of August next, to be then and there holden.