to Portugal of the new constitutional charter.  His Majesty’s Government found no fault with Sir C. Stuart for executing this commission; but it was immediately felt that, if Sir C. Stuart were allowed to remain at Lisbon, it might appear in the eyes of Europe that England was the contriver and imposer of the Portuguese constitution.  Sir C. Stuart was therefore directed to return home forthwith, in order that the constitution, if carried into effect there, might plainly appear to be adopted by the Portuguese nation itself—­not forced upon them by English interference.’  On the part of the Government of England, it was evident, therefore, that no advice had been given on the subject of this charter, and that England was in no way responsible for it.  Mr. Canning publicly avowed this fact; therefore there could have been no deception practised upon Portugal, nor could she have placed any reliance upon the participation of England in the transaction.

The right hon. gentleman, in the second part of his speech, had adverted to the discussions at London and Vienna, respecting the acceptance of the regency by Don Miguel, as involving a necessity to support the claims of the young queen.  But surely it was too much to contend that, if England and Austria had taken certain measures respecting the appointment of Don Miguel to the regency, with the sanction of Don Pedro, they thereby became the guarantees of the Queen’s rights.  It was true that the King of Great Britain and the Emperor of Austria took certain measures to induce Don Miguel to comply with the engagements; and it was true that the engagements he contracted with Don Pedro were not fulfilled.  That circumstance might impair the individual character and conduct of Don Miguel, in any discussion regarding his private crimes and vices; but he would remind the right hon. gentleman that the vices and the crimes of this individual were matter of consideration for the inhabitants of Portugal; and if ever we undertook to govern our public policy by considerations arising from the private acts of individuals, he feared that that influence, which he rejoiced to hear we were admitted to possess, would not long continue.  These were considerations which ought not to influence the public policy of other nations.  Then the question came to this—­Was England to undertake the conquest of Portugal for Donna Maria or not?  That was the whole question.  The right hon. gentleman said that England and Austria ought to have compelled Don Miguel to have executed his office of Regent of Portugal.  By what means?  There was only one of two courses of action—­either complete neutrality, or the conquest of Portugal for the Queen.  To give advice to Don Miguel, without intending to follow up that advice by force, if necessary, would be very likely to disappoint its effect:  to threaten, without executing the threat, would be very inconsistent with the dignity of the Crown of England.  To enter into any alliance with Brazil,