Viscount Strangfordhad one or two questions to put to the noble Viscount opposite, upon very important subjects. He was desirous of knowing whether any proper and effectual steps had been taken in concert with the American government to prevent the recurrence during the ensuing winter along the Canadian frontier of that frighful system of aggression on the one hand, and scarcely avoidable retaliation on the other, because, if that system were pursued, it was likely to lead to the most fatal results, so far as regarded the good understanding and harmony of the two countries? That morning he had received a deputation of merchants connected with the North American trade, who stated, that some time ago a memorial had been presented on the subject to her Majesty's Government, and they had requested him to recal to the noble Viscount's recollection the prediction which had been embodied in that memorial. The other question to which he wished to call the noble Viscount's attention was, whether there was any reason- 589 able hope or prospect of a termination of those hostilities which had been so long protracted between France and the republic of Buenos Ayres? Those hostilities had lately assumed a very aggravated form, and not long ago they had received information of the destruction of an entire fleet of small vessels laden with British property, which had been literally burnt to the water's edge by order of the French authorities. Really, when one looked at these things, whether occurring in North America or Africa, he felt bound to say, that the time was come when it would be necessary for this country to address some remonstrance to the French Government. It would be only necessary for him to say two words—"Coercion", and "Canada." It was unnecessary for him to give any notice for the next Session; but it was his intention, at the earliest stage of their meeting there again, to advert to the indignities and injuries which their fellow-subjects had endured on the coast of Africa, at the hands of certain local authorities there. He looked upon these things as a deep stain upon the national honour, and if by that time the representatives of the British Government had not obtained redress, it would be probably for their Lordships to consider how far it 1 would be prudent in them to present an humble address to the Throne, imploring her Majesty's protection for her faithful subjects.
§ Viscount Melbournesaid, he was happy to be able to inform the noble Lord, that every disposition prevailed, both in the United States, North America, and Ca-nada, to prevent a continuance of those proceedings which had unfortunately taken place for the last two years there. With regard to the second question, the blockade of the River La Plata, he was aware there had been no cessation of the conduct that had been pursued in that part of the globe, but he had the satisfaction of assuring the noble Lord, that the Government of France were most anxious to bring those proceedings to a close, and he was in confident hope that, ere long, they would be so.