If gratitude be the proper description of that sentiment which one feels towards the unconscious bestower of an unintended benefit, I acknowledge myself sincerely grateful to the honourable gentleman (Mr. Macdonald) who has introduced the present motion.  Although I was previously aware that the conduct of the Government in the late negotiations had met with the individual concurrence of many, perhaps of a great majority, of the members of this House; although I had received intimations not to be mistaken, of the general satisfaction of the country; still, as from the manner in which the papers have been laid before Parliament, it was not the intention of the Government to call for any opinion upon them, I feel grateful to the honourable gentleman who has, in so candid and manly a manner, brought them under distinct discussion; and who, I hope, will become, however unwillingly, the instrument of embodying the sentiments of individuals and of the country into a vote of parliamentary approbation.

The Government stands in a singular situation with respect to these negotiations.  They have maintained peace:  they have avoided war.  Peace or war—­the one or the other—­is usually the result of negotiations between independent States.  But all the gentlemen on the other side, with one or two exceptions (exceptions which I mention with honour), have set out with declaring, that whatever the question before the House may be, it is not a question of peace or war.  Now this does appear to me to be a most whimsical declaration; especially when I recollect, that before this debate commenced, it was known—­it was not disguised, it was vaunted without scruple or reserve—­that the dispositions of those opposed to Ministers were most heroically warlike.  It was not denied that they considered hostilities with France to be desirable as well as necessary.  The cry ‘to arms’ was raised, and caps were thrown up for war, from a crowd which, if not numerous, was yet loud in their exclamations.  But now, when we come to inquire whence these manifestations of feeling proceeded, two individuals only have acknowledged that they had joined in the cry; and for the caps which have been picked up it is difficult to find a wearer.

But, Sir, whatever may be contended to be the question now before the House, the question which the Government had to consider, and on which they had to decide, was—­peace or war?  Disguise or overshadow it how you will, that question was at the bottom of all our deliberations; and I have a right to require that the negotiations should be considered with reference to that question; and to the decision, which, be it right or wrong, we early adopted upon that question—­the decision that war was to be avoided, and peace, if possible, maintained.