as you may think suitable to the rank and dignity of the Heir Apparent to the Crown of these kingdoms. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The considerations which prove the necessity of a vigorous prosecution of the war will, I doubt not, induce you to make a timely and ample provision for the several branches of the public service, the estimates for which I have directed to be laid before you. While I regret the necessity of large additional burthens on my subjects, it is a just consolation and satis faction to me to observe the state of our credit, commerce, and resources, which is the natural result of the continued exertions of industry under the protection of a free and well-regulated Government. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, A just sense of the blessings now so long enjoyed by this country will, I am persuaded, encourage you to make every effort which can enable you to transmit those blessings unimpaired to your posterity. conduct of Lord Bridport; and I have every GEORGE III. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, OCT. 29, 1795.] It is a great satisfaction to me to reflect In Italy, the threatened invasion of the been driven back from a considerable part of French has been prevented; and they have the line of coast which they had occupied : there is also reason to hope that the recent operations of the Austrian army have checked of Germany, and frustrated the offensive prothe progress which they had made on the side I entertain a confident hope that, under the protection of Providence, and with constancy and perseverance on our part, the principles of social order, morality, and religion will ulti-jects which they were pursuing in that quarter mately be successful; and that my faithful people will find their present exertions and sacrifices rewarded by the secure and permanent enjoyment of tranquillity at home, and by the deliverance of Europe from the greatest danger with which it has been threatened since the establishment of civilized society. GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, JUNE 27, 1795.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The zealous and uniform regard which you have shown to the general interests of my people, and particularly the prudent, firm, and spirited support which you have continued to afford me in the prosecution of the great contest in which we are still unavoidably engaged, demand my warmest acknowledgments. The encouragement which my allies must derive from the knowledge of your sentiments, and the extraordinary exertions which you have enabled me to make in supporting and augmenting my naval and military forces, afford the means most likely to conduce to the restoration of peace to these kingdoms, and to the reestablishment of general tranquillity on a secure, an honourable, and a lasting foundation. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have to return you my hearty thanks for the liberal and ample supplies which the resources of the country have enabled you to provide, beyond all former example, for the various exigencies of the public service. I have also to acknowledge, with peculiar sensibility, the recent proof which you have given me of your attachment to my person and family, in the provision which you have made for settling the establishment of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and for extricating the Prince from the incumbrances in which he was involved. MY LORDS AND Gentlemen, It is impossible to contemplate the internal situation of the enemy with whom we are contending without indulging a hope that the present circumstances of France may in their effects hasten the return of such a state of order and regular government as may be capable of maintaining the accustomed relations of amity and peace with other Powers. The issue, however, of these extraordinary transactions is out of the reach of human foresight. The successes which have attended their military operations in other parts of the campaign and the advantages which they have derived from the conclusion of separate treaties with some of the Powers who were engaged in the war, are far from compensating the evils which they experience from its continuance. The destruction of their commerce, the diminution of their maritime power, and the unparalleled embarrassment and distress of their internal situation, have produced the impression which was naturally to be expected; and a general sense appears to prevail throughout France that the only relief from the increasing pressure of these difficulties must arise from the restoration of peace, and the establishment of some settled system of government. The distraction and anarchy which have so long prevailed in that country have led to a the issue, but which must, in all human probacrisis, of which it is as yet impossible to foresee bility, produce consequences highly important to the interests of Europe. Should this crisis terminate in any order of things compatible affording a reasonable expectation of security with the tranquillity of other countries, and concluded, the appearance of a disposition. to and permanence in any treaty which might be negotiate for a general peace on just and suitable terms will not fail to be met, on my part, with an earnest desire to give it the fullest and speediest effect. But I am persuaded you will agree with me that nothing is so likely to ensure and accelerate this desirable end as to show that we are prepared for either alternative, and are determined prosecute the war with the utmost energy and to in conjunction with our allies, such a peace vigour, until we have the means of concluding, as the justice of our cause and the situation of the enemy may entitle us to expect. With this view I am continuing to make the greatest exertions for maintaining and improving and vigorous operations in the West Indies, in our naval superiority, and for carrying on active order to secure and extend the advantages which we have gained in that quarter, and which are so nearly connected with our mercial resources and maritime strength. com I rely with full confidence on the continuance of your firm and zealous support, on the uniform bravery of my fleets and armies, and on the fortitude, perseverance, and public spirit of all ranks of my people. The acts of hostility committed by the United Provinces, under the influence and control of France, have obliged me to treat them as in a state of war with this country. The fleet which I have employed in the by the Empress of Russia, and has been enabled effectually to check the operations of the enemy in that quarter. Till that desirable period arrives, when my North Seas has received the most cordial and subjects can be restored to the secure enjoy-active assistance from the naval force furnished ment of the blessings of peace, I shall not fail to make the most effectual use of the force which you have put into my hands. It is with the utmost satisfaction that I have recently received the advices of an important and brilliant success obtained over the enemy by a detachment of my fleet, under the able I have concluded engagements of defensive alliance with the two Imperial Courts; and the ratifications of the treaty of commerce with the United States of America, which I announced to you last year, have now been exchanged. I have directed copies of these treaties to be laid before you. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, It is a matter of deep concern to me that the exigencies of the public service will require further additions to the heavy burdens which have been unavoidably imposed on my people. I trust that their pressure will, in some degree, be alleviated by the flourishing state of our commerce and manufactures; and that our expenses, though necessarily great in their amount, will, under the actual circumstances of the war, admit of considerable diminution in comparison with those of the present year. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I have observed, for some time past, with the greatest anxiety, the very high price of grain, and that anxiety is increased by the apprehension that the produce of the wheat harvest in the present year may not have been such as effectually to relieve my people from the difficulties with which they have had to contend. The spirit of order and submission to the laws which, with a very few exceptions, has manifested itself under this severe pressure will, incentive to apply yourselves with the utmost I am sure, be felt by you as an additional diligence to the consideration of such measures as may tend to alleviate the present distress, and to prevent, as far as possible, the renewal of similar embarrassments in future. Nothing has been omitted on my part that appeared likely to contribute to this end; and you may be assured of my hearty concurrence in whatever regulations the wisdom of Parliament may adopt, on a subject so peculiarly interesting to my people, whose welfare will ever be the object nearest my heart. GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, MAY 19, 1796.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The public business being now concluded, I think it proper to close this Session, and at the same time to acquaint you with my intention of giving immediate directions for calling a new Parliament. The objects which have engaged your attention during the present Session have been of you have adopted have manifested your conpeculiar importance; and the measures which people. tinued regard to the safety and welfare of the The happiest effects have been experienced from the provisions which you have made for repressing sedition and civil tumult, and for restraining the progress of principles subversive of all established government. The difficulties arising to my subjects from the high price of corn, have formed a principal investigating that subject has strongly proved object of your deliberation, and your assiduity in your anxious desire to omit nothing which could tend to the relief of my people, in a matter of such general concern. I have the greatest satisfaction in observing that the pressure of those difficulties is in a great degree removed. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, war. I must in a more particular manner return you my thanks for the liberal supplies which you have granted to meet the exigencies of the While I regret the extent of those demands which the present circumstances necessarily occasion, it is a great consolation to me to observe the increasing resources by which the country is enabled to support them. These resources are particularly manifested in the state of the different branches of the revenue, in the continued and progressive state of our navigation and commerce, in the steps which have been taken for maintaining and improving the public credit, and in the additional provision which has been made for the reduction of the National Debt. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I shall ever reflect with heartfelt satisfaction on the uniform wisdom, temper, and firmness which have appeared in all your proceedings since I first met you in this place. Called to deliberate on the public affairs of your country in a period of foreign and domestic tranquillity, you had the happiness of contributing to raise this kingdom to a state of unexampled prosperity. You were suddenly compelled to relinquish the full advantages of this situation in order to resist the unprovoked aggression of an enemy whose hostility was directed against all civil society, but more particularly against the happy union of order and liberty established in these kingdoms. The nature of the system introduced into France afforded to that country, in the midst of its calamities, the means of exertion beyond the experience of any former time. Under the pressure of the new and unprecedented difficulties arising from such a contest, you have shown yourselves worthy of all the blessings that you inherit. By your counsels and conduct, the constitution has been preserved inviolate against the designs of foreign and domestic enemies; the honour of the British name has been asserted; the rank and station which we have hitherto held in Europe have been maintained; and the decided superiority of our naval power has been established in every quarter of the world. You have omitted no opportunity to prove your just anxiety for the re-establishment of general peace on secure an honourable terms; but you have at the same time rendered it manifest to the world that, while our enemies shall persist in dispositions incompatible with that object, neither the resources nor the spirit of Englishmen will be wanting to the support of a just cause and to the defence of all their dearest interests. A due sense of this conduct is deeply impressed on my heart. I trust that all my subjects are animated with the same sentiment, and that their loyalty and public spirit will ensure the continuance of that union and mutual confidence between me and my Parliament which best promote the true dignity and glory of my Crown and the genuine happiness of my people. GEORGE III. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, OCT, 6, 1796.] It is a peculiar satisfaction to me, in the present conjuncture of affairs, to recur to your advice, after the recent opportunity which has been given for collecting the sense of my people, engaged in a difficult and arduous contest, for the preservation of all that is most dear to us. I have omitted no endeavours for setting on foot negotiations to restore peace to Europe, and to secure for the future the general tranquillity. The steps which I have taken for this purpose have at length opened the way to an immediate and direct negotiation, the issue of which must either produce the desirable end of a just, honourable, and solid peace for us and for our allies, or must prove, beyond dispute, to what cause alone the prolongation of the calamities of war must be ascribed. I shall immediately send a person to Paris with full powers to treat for this object, and it is my anxious wish that this measure may lead to the restoration of general peace: but you must be sensible that nothing can so much contribute to give effect to this desire as your manifesting that we possess both the determination and the resources to oppose, with increased activity and energy, the farther efforts with which we may have to contend. You will feel this peculiarly necessary at a moment when the enemy has openly manifested the intention of attempting a descent on these kingdoms. It cannot be doubted what would be the issue of such an enterprise; but it befits your wisdom to neglect no precautions that may either preclude the attempt or secure the speediest means of turning it to the confusion and ruin of the enemy. In reviewing the events of the year, you will have observed that, by the skill and exertions of my navy, our extensive and increasing commerce has been protected to a degree almost beyond example, and the fleets of the enemy have, for the greatest part of the year, been blocked up in their own ports. The operations in the East and West Indies have been highly honourable to the British arms, and productive of great national advantage; and the valour and good conduct of my forces, both by sea and land, have been enimently conspicuous. The fortune of war on the Continent has been more various; and the progress of the French armies threatened, at one period, the utmost danger to all Europe; but from the honourable and dignified perseverance of my ally the Emperor, and from the intrepidity, discipline, and invincible spirit of the Austrian forces, under the auspicious conduct of the Archduke Charles, such a turn has lately been given to the course of the war as may inspire a well-grounded confidence that the final result of the campaign will prove more disastrous to the enemy than its commencement and progress for a time were favourable to their hopes. The apparently hostile dispositions and conduct of the Court of Madrid have led to discussions, of which I am not yet enabled to acquaint you with the final result; but I am confident that whatever may be their issue, I shall have given to Europe a farther proof of my moderation and forbearance; and I can have no doubt of your determination to defend against every aggression the dignity, rights, and interests of the British Empire. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I rely on your zeal and public spirit for such supplies as you may think necessary for the service of the year. It is a great satisfaction to me to observe that, notwithstanding the temporary embarrassments which have been experienced, the state of the commerce, manufactures, and revenue of the country, proves the real extent and solidity of our resources, and furnishes you with such means as must be equal to any exertions which the present crisis may require. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The distresses which were in the last year experienced from the scarcity of corn are now, by the blessing of God, happily removed, and an abundant harvest affords the pleasing prospect of relief in that important article to the labouring classes of the community. Our internal tranquillity has also continued undisturbed; the general attachment of my people to the British constitution has appeared on every occasion, and the endeavours of those who wished to introduce anarchy and confusion into this country have been repressed by the energy and wisdom of the laws. To defeat all the designs of our enemies, to restore to my people the blessings of a secure and honourable peace, to maintain inviolate their religion, laws, and liberty, and to deliver down unimpaired to the latest posterity the glory and happiness of these kingdoms, is the constant wish of my heart and the uniform end of all my actions. In every measure that can conduce to these objects, I am confident of receiving the firm, zealous and affectionate support of my Parliament. GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, JULY 20, 1797.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I cannot put an end to this Session of Parliament without returning you my most sincere and cordial thanks for the assiduity and zeal with which you have applied yourselves to the important objects which have required your attention, and for the wisdom and firmness which you have manifested in the new and difficult emergencies for which you have had to provide. I must particularly express the just sense I entertain of the salutary and effectual provisions which you made for strengthening the means of national defence; and the measures adopted for obviating the inconveniences which were to be apprehended to credit, from the temporary suspension of payments in cash by the bank, as well as of the promptitude,vigour,and effect with which you afforded me your assistance and support, in suppressing the daring and treasonable mutiny which broke out in a part of my fleet, and in counteracting so dangerous and pernicious an example. I have the satisfaction to acquaint you that, since the accession of the present Emperor of Russia, the commercial engagements between the two countries have been renewed in such a manner as will, I doubt not, materially conduce to their mutual interests. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I must return you my particular thanks for the liberal and extensive provision which you have made for the various exigencies of the public service; and while I lament the necessity which increased them to so large an amount, it is a consolation to me to observe the attention you employed in distributing the heavy burthens, which they occasioned, in such a manner as to render their pressure as little severe as possible to my people. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The issue of the important negotiation in which I am engaged is yet uncertain; but, whatever may be the event, nothing will have been wanting on my part to bring it to a successful termination, on such conditions as may be consistent with the security, honour, and essential interests of my dominions. In the meantime, nothing can so much tend to forward the attainment of peace, as the continuance of that zeal, exertion, and public spirit of which my subjects have given such conspicuous and honourable proofs, and of which the perseverance and firmness of Parliament has afforded them so striking an example. GEORGE III. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, Nov. 2, 1797.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, It is matter of great concern to me that the earnest endeavours which I have continued to employ, since I last met you in Parliament, to restore to my subjects the blessings of peace, on secure and honourable terms, have unhappily been rendered ineffectual. The declaration which I have caused to be published, and the other papers which I have directed to be laid before you, will, I am confident, abundantly prove to you, and to the world, that every step has been taken on my part which could tend to accelerate the conclusion of peace; and that the long delay and final rupture of the negotiation are solely to be ascribed to the evasive conduct, the unwarrantable pretensions, and the inordinate ambition of those with whom we have to contend, and, above all, to their inveterate animosity against these kingdoms. I have the fullest reliance, under the blessing of Providence, on the vigour and wisdom of your counsels, and on the zeal, magnanimity, and courage of a great and free people; sensible that they are contending for their dearest interests, and determined to show themselves worthy of the blessings which they are struggling to preserve. Compelled as we are, by the most evident necessity, to persevere in the defence of all that is dear to us till a more just and pacific spirit shall prevail on the part of the enemy, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we possess means and resources proportioned to the objects which are at stake. During the period of hostilities, and under the unavoidable pressure of accumulated burthens, our revenue has continued highly productive, our national industry has been extended, and our commerce has surpassed its former limits. eminently displayed; my troops, of every deThe public spirit of my people has been scription, have acquired fresh claims to the esteem and admiration of their country; and the repeated successes of my navy over all our by the signal and decisive victory with which different enemies have been recently crowned Providence has rewarded the exertions of my fleet under the command of Admiral Lord Duncan. No event could be attended with more important and beneficial consequences, or form a more brilliant addition to the numerous and present war, have raised to a pitch hitherto heroic exploits which, in the course of the unequalled the naval glory of the country. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before you. The state of the war, joined to the happy consequences of our recent success, will, I trust, admit of some diminution of expense, consistently with the vigorous efforts which our situation indispen sably requires. In considering what may be the best mode of defraying the heavy expense which will still be unavoidable, you will, I am persuaded, bear in mind that the present crisis presents every motive to animate you to the most effectual and spirited exertions; the true value of any temporary sacrifices which you may find necessary for this purpose can only be estimated by comparing them with the importance of supporting effectually our public credit, and convincing the enemy that, while we retain an ardent desire for the conclusion of peace on safe and honourable terms, we possess the means, as well as the determination, to support with vigour this arduous contest, as long as it may be necessary for maintaining the safety, honour, and independence of these kingdoms. MY LORDS AND Gentlemen, After the experience I have had of your loyalty and attachment to me, and of your anxious regard for the interests of my subjects, I have only to recommend to you a perseverance in the same principles and conduct. The events of every day must more and more impress you with a just sense of the blessings which we derive from our civil and religious establishments, and which have so long distinguished us among all the nations of Europe. These blessings can only be preserved by inculcating and enforcing a due reverence and obedience to the laws, by repressing with promptitude every attempt to disturb our internal tranquillity, and by maintaining inviolate that happy constitution which we inherit from our ancestors, on which the security and happiness of every class of my subjects essentially depend. GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, JUNE 29, 1798.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, By the measures adopted during the present Session, you have amply fulfilled the solemn and unanimous assurances which I received from you at its commencement. The example of your firmness and constancy has been applauded and followed by my subjects in every rank and condition in life; a spirit of voluntary and ardent exertion, diffused through every part of the kingdom, has strengthened and confirmed our internal security; the same sentiments have continued to animate my troops of every description; and my fleets have met the menaces of invasion by blocking up all our enemies in their principal ports. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The extensive and equitable scheme of contribution, by which so large a share of our expenses will be defrayed within the year, has defeated the expectations of those who had vainly hoped to exhaust our means and to destroy our public credit. You have been enabled to avail yourselves of farther resources from a commerce increased in extent and vigour, notwithstanding the difficulties of war; and have had the singular satisfaction of deriving, at the same moment, large additional aid from individual exertions of unexampled zeal,liberality, and patriotism. The provision which has been made for the redemption of the land-tax has also established a system which, in its progressive operation, may produce the happiest consequences, by the increase of our resources, the diminution of our debt, and the support of public credit. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The designs of the disaffected, carried on in concert with our inveterate enemies, have been unremittingly pursued; but have been happily and effectually counteracted in this kingdom by the general zeal and loyalty of my subjects. In Ireland they have broken out into the most criminal acts of open rebellion. Every effort has been employed on my part to subdue this dangerous spirit, which is equally hostile to the interests and safety of every part of the British Empire. I cannot too strongly commend the unshaken fidelity and valour of my regular, fencible, and militia forces in Ireland; and that determined spirit with which my yeomanry and volunteer forces of that kingdom have stood forward in defence of the lives and properties of their fellow-subjects, and in support of the lawful Government. The striking and honourable proof of alacrity and public spirit which so many of my fencible and militia regiments in this kingdom have manifested on this occasion, has already received the fullest testimony of the approbation of Parlia ment. This conduct, personally so honourable to the individuals, affords the strongest pledge, both of the military ardour which actuates this valuable part of our national defence, and of their affectionate concern for the safety and happiness of Ireland, which are essentially connected with the general interests of the British Empire. With the advantage of this support, and after the distinguished and important success which has recently attended the operations of rebels, I trust the time is fast approaching when my arms against the principal force of the brought to a just sense of the guilt they have those now seduced from their allegiance will be incurred, and will entitle themselves to forgiveness, and to that protection which it is my constant wish to afford to every class and condition of my subjects who manifest their desire to pay a due obedience to the laws. all its attendant calamities, must be attributed The temporary interruption of tranquillity, and industriously propagated in that country, and to those pernicious principles which have been which, wherever they have prevailed, have never failed to produce the most disastrous effects. With such warnings before us, sensible of the danger which we are called upon to repel, and of the blessings we have to preserve, let us continue firmly united in a determined resistance to the designs of our enemies, and in the defence of that constitution which has been found by experience to insure to us, in so eminent a degree, public liberty, national strength, and the security and comfort of all classes of the community. It is only by perseverance in this line of conduct that we can hope, under the continuance of that Divine protection which we have so abundantly experienced, to conduct this arduous contest to a happy issue, and to maintain, undiminished, the security, honour, and lasting prosperity of the country. GEORGE III. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, Nov. 20, 1798.] MY LORDS ANd Gentlemen, The events which have taken place in the course of the present year, and the signal success which, by the blessing of Providence, has attended my arms, have been productive of the happiest consequences, and have essentially promoted the prosperity and glory of our country. The unexampled series of our naval triumphs has received fresh splendour from the memorable and decisive action in which a detachment of my fleet, under the command of Rear-Admiral Lord Nelson, attacked and almost totally destroyed a superior force of the enemy, strengthened by every advantage of situation: by this great and brilliant victory, an enterprize, of which the injustice, perfidy, and extravagance had fixed the attention of the world, and which was peculiarly directed against some of the most valuable interests of the British Empire, has, in the first instance, been turned to the confusion of its authors; and the blow thus given to the power and influence of France has afforded an opening which, if improved by suitable exertions on the part of other Powers, may lead to the general deliverance of Europe. The wisdom and magnanimity so eminently displayed at this conjuncture by the Emperor of Russia, and the decision and vigour of the Ottoman Porte, have shown that those Powers are impressed with a just sense of the present crisis; and their example, joined to the disposition manifested almost universally in the different countries struggling under the yoke of France, must be a powerful encouragement to other States to adopt that vigorous line of conduct which experience has proved to be alone consistent with security or honour. The extent of our preparations at home, and the demonstrations of zeal and spirit among all ranks of my subjects, have deterred the enemy from attempting to execute their vain threat of invading the coasts of this kingdom. In Ireland, the rebellion which they had instigated has been curbed and repressed; the troops which they landed for its support have been compelled to surrender; and the armaments since destined for the same purpose have, by the vigilance and activity of my squadrons, been captured or dispersed. The views and principles of those who, in concert with our inveterate enemy, have long planned the subversion of our constitution, have been fully detected and exposed, and their treasons made manifest to the world. Those whom they had misled or seduced must now be awakened to their duty; and a just sense of the miseries and horror which these traitorous designs have produced must impress on the minds of all my faithful subjects the necessity of continuing to repel, with firmness, every attack on the laws and established government of their country. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, Under the unavoidable pressure of protracted war, it is a great satisfaction to me to observe that the produce of the public revenue has proved fully adequate to the increase of our permanent expenditure; that the national credit has been maintained and improved; and that the commerce and industry of my subjects have continued to flourish in a degree hitherto unknown. The situation in which we are placed unhappily renders the continuance of heavy expenses indispensable for the public safety. But the state of our resources, and the good sense and public spirit which prevail through every part of my kingdom, will, I trust, enable you to provide the necessary supplies without essential inconvenience to my people, and with as little addition as possible to the permanent burdens of the State. The progress made towards such a system by the measures adopted in the last Session, and the aid given to the public credit by the plan for the redemption of the land-tax, have been attended with the most beneficial effect, which you will, I am persuaded, omit no opportunity to confirm and improve. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I rely with confidence on the continuance of your exertions, to enable me ultimately to conduct the great contest in which we are engaged to a safe and honourable conclusion. We have surmounted many and great difficulties. Our perseverance in a just cause has been rewarded with distinguished success; and our present situation, compared with that of other countries, sufficiently proves how much, in a period of general danger and calamity, the security and happiness of the British nation have depended (under the blessing of Providence) on its own constancy, its energy, and its virtue. GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, JULY 12, 1799.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The favourable appearances which I announced to you at the commencement of the present Session have been since followed by successes beyond my most sanguine expectations. By the progress of the Imperial arms, under the command of the Archduke Charles of Austria, a great part of Switzerland has already recovered its ancient religion, laws, and liberties: and the uninterrupted and brilliant victories of the combined armies under the command of Field-Marshal Suwaroff have, in the short period which has elapsed since the opening of the campaign, nearly accomplished the deliverance of Italy from the degrading yoke of the French Republic. The decision and energy which distinguish the councils of my ally the Emperor of Russia, and the intimate union and concert happily established between us, will enable me to employ to the greatest advantage the powerful means which you have entrusted to me for establishing on permanent grounds, the security and honour of this country, and the liberty and independence of Europe. I have the satisfaction of seeing that interna! tranquillity is in some degree restored in my kingdom of Ireland. The removal of the only remaining naval force of the enemy to a distant quarter must nearly extinguish even the precarious hope which the traitorous and disaffected have entertained of foreign assistance. But our great reliance for the immediate safety of that country must still rest on the experience, zeal, and bravery of my troops of all descriptions, and on the unshaken loyalty and voluntary exertions of my faithful subjects in both kingdoms. Its ultimate security can alone be insured by its intimate and entire union with Great Britain: and I am happy to observe that the sentiments manifested by numerous and respectable descriptions of my Irish subjects justify the hope that the accomplishment of this great and salutary work will be proved to be as much the joint wish, as it unquestionably is the common interest, of both my kingdoms. The provisions which you have made for suppressing those dangerous and seditious societies which have been formed for the purpose of disseminating the destructive principles of the French revolution, are peculiarly adapted to the circumstances of the times, and have furnished additional security to the established constitution. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The unusual sacrifices which you have made in the present moment in behalf of my subjects are wisely calculated to meet effectually the exigencies of this great crisis. They have, at the same time, given additional security to public credit, by establishing a system of finance, beneficial alike to yourselves and to posterity; and the cheerfulness with which these heavy burdens are supported evinces at once the good sense, the loyalty, and the public spirit of my people. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, It is impossible to compare the events of the present year with the state and prospects of Europe at the distance of but a few months without acknowledging, in humble thankfulness, the visible interposition of Divine Providence, in averting those dangers which so long threatened the overthrow of all the establishments of the civilized world. It may be permitted us to hope that the same protecting Providence will continue to us its guidance through the remainder of this eventful contest; and will conduct it finally to such an issue as shall transmit to future ages a memorable example of the instability of all power founded on injustice, usurpation, and impiety; and shall prove the impossibility of ultimately dissolving the connection between public prosperity and public virtue. GEORGE III. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, SEPT. 24, 1799.] I have called you together at this unusual may be productive of the most important and We have seen the happy effects of the measure In the short interval since the close of the Jast Session, our situation and prospects have, under the blessing of Providence, improved beyond the most sanguine expectation. The abilities and valour of the commanders and troops of the combined Imperial armies have continued to be eminently displayed. The deliverance of Italy may now be considered as secured by the result of a campaign equal in splendour and success to any of the most brilliant recorded in history; and I have had the heartfelt satisfaction of seeing the valour of my fleets and armies successfully employed to the assistance of my allies, to the support of our just cause, and to the advancement of the most important interests of the British Empire. | The Kingdom of Naples has been rescued from the French yoke, and restored to the dominion of its lawful Sovereign, and my former connections with that Power have been renewed. The French expedition to Egypt has continued to be productive of calamity and disgrace to our enemies, while its ultimate views against our Eastern possessions have been utterly confounded. The desperate attempt which they have lately made to extricate themselves from their difficulties has been defeated by the courage of the Turkish forces, directed by the skill, and animated by the heroism, of a British officer, with a small portion of my naval force under his command; and the overthrow of that restless and perfidious power, who, instigated by the artifices, and deluded by the promises of the French, had entered into their ambitious and destructive projects in India, has placed the British interests in that quarter in a state of solid and permanent security, The vigilance, decision, and wisdom of the Governor-General in Council on this great and important occasion, and the tried abilities and valour of the commanders, officers, and troops employed under his direction, are entitled to my highest praise. GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, JULY 29, 1800.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, In putting an end to this laborious Session of Parliament, I must express the just senso I entertain of the diligence and perseverance with which you have applied yourselves to the various objects of public concern which camé under your deliberation. It is with peculiar satisfaction I congratulate you on the success of the steps which you have taken for effecting an entire union between my kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland. This great measure, on which my wishes have been long earnestly bent, I shall ever consider as the hippiest event of my reign, being persuaded that nothing could so effectually contribute to extend to my Irish subjects the full participation of the blessings derived from the British Constitution, and to establish on the most solid foundation, the strength, prosperity, and power of the whole Empire. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I return you my particular thanks for the zeal and liberality with which you have provided for the various exigencies of the public service. I regret deeply the necessity of these repeated sacrifices on the part of my subjects, but they have been requisite for the preservation of our dearest interests, and it is a great consolation to observe, that, notwithstanding the continuance of unusual burdens, the revenue, commerce, and resources of the country have flourished beyond all former example, and are still in a state of progressive augmentation. I have witnessed with great concern the severe pressure on my people from the continued scarcity of the season; but I trust that, under the blessing of Providence, there is now every There is, I trust, every reason to expect reason to expect that the approaching harvest that the effort am making for the deliver-will afford a speedy and effectual relief. ance of the united provinces will prove successful. The British arms have rescued from the possession of the enemy the principal port and naval arsenal of the Dutch republic; and although we have to regret the loss of many brave men in a subsequent attack against the enemy, whose position enabled them to obstruct our progress, I have the strongest ground to expect that the skill of my generals, and the determined resolution and intrepidity of my troops and those of my allies, will soon surmount every obstacle; and that the fleet which, under the usurped dominion of France, was destined to co-operate in the invasion of these islands, may speedily, I trust, under its ancient standard, partake in the glory of restoring the religion, liberty, and independence of those provinces, so long in intimate union and alliance with this country. While you rejoice with me in the events which add so much lustre to the British character, you will, I am persuaded, as cordially rapid and favourable change in the general so consonant to the permanent interests of my GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The experience of every day confirms me in MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The course of the campaign upon the Continent has, by a sudden reverse, disappointed the sanguine hopes which the situation of affairs at its commencement appeared fully to justify, and has unhappily again exposed a considerable part of Europe to those calamities rescued by the brilliant success of my allies. and dangers from which it had been recently Much as these events are to be regretted, it will always be matter of just satisfaction to me to reflect that, in the course of this important contest, my efforts, and those of my Parliament, have been unremittingly employed exertions of other Powers in defending the for the maintenance of our own rights and interests, and for animating and supporting the liberties of Europe. Notwithstanding the vicissitudes of war, your constancy and firmness have been productive of the most important and lasting advantages in the general situation of affairs; and the determination manifested in your recent declarations and conduct must afford me the best means of promoting, in conjunction with my allies, the general interests, and of providing under every circumstance for the honour of my Crown, for the happiness of my subjects, and for the security and welfare of every part of the British Empire. GEORGE III. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, Nov. 11, 1800.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, My tender concern for the welfare of my subjects, and a sense of the difficulties with which the poorer classes particularly have to struggle, from the present high price of provisions, have induced me to call you together at an earlier period than I had otherwise intended. No object can be nearer my heart than that, by your care and wisdom, all such measures may be adopted as may, upon full consideration, appear best calculated to alleviate this severe pressure, and to prevent the danger of its recurrence, by promoting, as far as possible, the permanent extension and improvement of our agriculture. For the object of immediate relief, your attention will naturally be directed, in the first instance, to the best mode of affording the earliest and the most ample encouragement for the importation of all description of grain from abroad. Such a supply, aided by the examples which you have set on former occasions of attention to economy and frugality in the consumption of corn, is most likely to contribute to a reduction in the present high price, and to insure, at the same time, the means of meeting the demands for the necessary consumption of the year. The present circumstances will also, I am persuaded, render the state of the laws respecting the commerce in the various articles of provision the object of your serious deliberation. If on the result of that deliberation it shall appear to you that the evil necessarily arising from unfavourable seasons has been increased by any undue combinations or fraudulent practices, for the sake of adding unfairly to the price, you will feel an earnest desire of effectually preventing such abuses; but you will, I am sure, be careful to distinguish any practices of this nature from that regular and longestablished course of trade which experience has shown to be indispensable, in the present state of society, for the supply of the markets, and for the subsistence of my people. You will have seen with concern the temporary disturbances which have taken place in some parts of the kingdom. Those malicious and disaffected persons who cruelly take advantage of the present difficulties to excite any of my subjects to acts in violation of the laws and of the public peace are, in the present circumstances, doubly criminal, as such proceedings must necessarily and immediately tend to increase, in the highest degree, the evil complained of, while they, at the same time, endanger the permanent tranquillity of the country, on which the wellbeing of the industrious classes of the community must always principally depend. The voluntary exertions which have on this occasion been made for the immediate repression of these outrages, and in support of the laws and public peace, are therefore entitled to my highest praise. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, Under the circumstances of the present meeting, I am desirous of asking of you such supplies only as may be necessary for carrying on the public service, till the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland may conveniently be assembled. The estimates for that purpose will be laid before you; and I have no doubt of your readiness to make such provision as the public interests may appear to require. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I have directed copies to be laid before you of those communications which have recently passed between me and the French Government, respecting the commencement of negotiations for peace. You will see in them fresh and striking proofs of my earnest desire to contribute to the re-establishment of general tranquillity. That desire on my part has hitherto been unhappily frustrated by the determination of the enemy to enter only on a separate negotiation, in which it was impossible for me to engage consistently, either with public faith, or with a due regard to the permanent security of Europe. My anxiety for the speedy restoration of peace remains unaltered, and there will be no obstacle nor delay on my part to the adoption of such measures as may best tend to promote and accelerate that desirable end, consistently with the honour of this country and the true interests of my people; but if the disposition of our enemies should continue to render this great object of all my wishes unattainable, without the sacrifice of these essential considerations, on the maintenance of which all its advantages must depend, you will, I am confident, persevere in affording me the same loyal and steady support which I have experienced through the whole of this important contest, and which has, under the blessing of Providence, enabled me, during a period of such unexampled difficulty and calamity to all the surrounding nations, to maintain, unimpaired, the security and honour of these kingdoms. GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT.] I cannot close this Session of Parliament The early period which I have appointed for GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I thank you for the readiness with which you have granted the supplies necessary, under the present circumstances, for the public services. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The detention of the property of my subjects in the ports of Russia, contrary to the most solemn treaties, and the imprisonment of British sailors in that country, have excited in me sentiments in which you and all my subjects will, I am sure, participate. I have already taken such steps as this occasion indispensably required; and it will afford me great satisfaction if they have proved effectual; but if it shall be necessary to maintain, against any combination, the honour and independence of the British Empire, and those maritime rights and interests on which both our prosperity and our security must always depend. I entertain no doubt either of the success of those means which, in such an event, I shall be enabled to exert, or of the determination of my Parliament and my people to afford me a support proportioned to the importance of the interests which we have to maintain. GEORGE III. [OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, FEB. 2, 1801.] At a crisis so important to the interests of This memorable era, distinguished by the accomplishment of a measure calculated to augment and consolidate the strength and resources of the Empire, and to cement more closely the interests and affections of my subjects, will, I trust, be equally marked by that vigour, energy, and firmness, which the circumstances of our present situation peculiarly require. The unfortunate course of events on the Continent, and the consequences which must be expected to result from it, cannot fail to be matter of anxiety and concern to all who have a just feeling for the security and independence of Europe. Your astonishment, as well as your regret, must be excited by the conduct of those Powers whose attention, at such a period, appears to be more engaged in endeavours to weaken the naval force of the British Empire, which has hitherto opposed so powerful an obstacle to the inordinate ambition of France, than in concerning the means of mutual defence against their common and increasing danger. The representations which I directed to be made to the Court of Petersburg, in consequence of the outrages committed against the ships, property, and persons of my subjects, have been treated with the utmost disrespect, and the proceedings of which I complained have been aggravated by subsequent acts of injustice and violence. Under these circum stances, a convention has been concluded by that Court, with those of Copenhagen and Stockholm, the object of which, as avowed by one of the contracting parties, to renew their former engagement for establishing by force a new code of maritime law, inconsistent with the rights, and hostile to the interests of this country. In this situation I could not hesitate as to the conduct which it became me to pursue. I have taken the earliest measures to repel the aggressions of this hostile confederacy, and to support those principles which are essential to the maintenance of our naval strength, and which are grounded on the system of public law, so long established and recognized in Europe. I have, at the same time, given such assurances as manifest my disposition to renew my relations with those Powers, whenever it can be done consistently with the honour of my Crown and with the just regard to the safety of my subjects. ancient You will, I am persuaded, omit nothing on your part that can afford me the most vigorous and effectual support in my firm determination to maintain, to the utmost, against every attack, the naval rights and interests of my empire. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates for the several branches of the public service to be laid before you. Deeply as I lament the continued necessity persuaded you will feel with me the importance of adding to the burdons of my people, I am of providing effectual means for those exertions which are indispensably requisite for the honour and security of the country. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I am confident that your deliberations will be uniformly directed to the great object of improving the benefits of that happy union which, by the blessing of Providence, has now effected; and of promoting to the utmost the prosperity of every part of my dominions. been You will, I doubt not, resumo the enquiries which were so diligently prosecuted in the last Session of Parliament, as to the best means of relieving my subjects from the pressure of the present high price of provisions, and of preventing, as far as it can be done by human foresight, the recurrence of similar difficulties. In these endeavours, and in every measure that can contribute to the happiness of my people, the great end of all my wishes, you may be assured of my cordial concurrence. You may rely on my availing myself of the earliest opportunity which shall afford a prospect of terminating the present contest, on grounds consistent with our security and honour, and with the maintenance of those essential rights on which our naval strength must always depend. It will afford me the truest and most heart-felt satisfaction, whenever the disposition of our enemies shall enable me thus to restore to the subjects of the United Kingdom the blessings of peace, and thereby confirm and augment those advantages which result from our internal situation, and which, even under all the difficulties of war, have carried to so great an extent the agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and revenue of this country. |