It is supposed by some noble Lords, that the perpetrators of the second description of crime—­the destruction of property by fire—­are foreigners, and that they are following the example set in another country.  I believe, however, there is no evidence whatever that foreigners have been engaged in the perpetration of those crimes.  It is certain that they have been effected by a conspiracy of some kind or other; but whether the conspirators are foreigners or Englishmen, I believe that no man can at this moment possibly say.  As to foreigners being in gaols, I can only say, that with reference to one county—­the county of Hants—­in which outrages of the most flagrant kind have occurred, there is not one foreigner among the persons with whom Winchester gaol is filled.

Nov. 29, 1830.

Our Portuguese Relations affected by the State of Ireland.

In reference to Ireland, it is of great importance that we should be on good terms with Portugal.  Unfortunately, the great measure which I had the honour to prepare three years ago, has not answered so as to produce—­I will not say all the advantages I expected from it, as I was never sanguine in my expectations, but the amount of advantage which some of your Lordships and part of the public expected.  To use a vulgar expression, a new hare has started, and we must probably look to a length of time ere the agitation excited in Ireland by the new question shall have subsided.  Now, I want to know, whether Portugal will not be as important to us during the agitation of that question as it has been previously?  Will not our reception in the Tagus, and friendly occupation of it, be as important to England now, as it has been heretofore?  I do not now wish to discuss the claims of Don Miguel and Donna Maria—­this is not the occasion for it—­I only mean to convey my decided opinion, that the friendship of Portugal is necessary to this country.  If we deprive Portugal of the advantages of this wine trade for a revenue of 100,000 l., putting political economy and commerce out of the question, we shall make the greatest political blunder that has been seen for a long time past.

Feb. 21, 1831.

How is the Government to be carried on after the Reform Bill?

With respect to another subject (Reform) which must occasion discussion, I quite agree in the determination which has been adopted of postponing all discussions upon it till a future period; but when that period shall arrive, I hope that his Majesty’s ministers, who, upon their own responsibility, have brought the question under discussion, will be so kind as to explain to the House in what manner, and by what influence, they propose that the Government of this country—­the Monarchical Government of this country—­shall be carried on, according to the principles and practice established at the Revolution.

March 3, 1831.

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