Chief, in his department. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, not content with this, declared his belief on his soul, that there was not in the kingdom an individual so able as the Duke to perform the duties of his office.

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The address, proposed by him, stated, that the House has seen the exemplary regularity and method in which business is conducted in the Duke's office, and the salutary regulations introduced by him, some of which were intended to prevent the very abuses complained of; but it feels great concern that a connection should have existed, exposing the Duke's character to public calumny; and that frauds should have been carried on, with which his name has been coupled, of a most disgraceful and dangerous tendency. The regret of the Duke, on this connection, was a great consolation to the House, which is confident that he will keep in view the uniformly virtuous and exemplary conduct of his Majesty, since the commence. ment of his reign, and which has endeared his Majesty to all his subjects. The House adjourned, and the discussion was carried on for several nights. The Chancellor of the Exchequer resumed the debate, and

made a very long legal speech on the evidence, in which he was supported, and nearly with the same arguments, by the Attorney-General.

After several nights' debate, the House came to a vote on the 15th of March, and the first division was, whether they should proceed by Address, or by Resolution, when there were

On the 16th Sir Thomas Turton proposed. an amendment to Mr. Perceval's resolution, purporting, that there were grounds to charge his Royal Highness with a knowledge of cor-. rupt practices, with connivance at them, and consequently with corruption.

For this amendment
Against it

-135

1334

Majority

199

The farther discussion of the question was adjourned to the 20th, and in the interim the Duke of York resigned his command. The resignation was communicated to the House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in which he stated the Duke's very unfounded opinion, that he was acquitted from all corrupt motives, and all participation or connivance at corruption, but that he gave way to the public opinion, drawn on him by the charges, however ill founded. Upon this Mr. Bathurst proposed this resolution-that while the House acknowledges the beneficial effects of the Duke's services, they had observed, with the deepest regret, that in consequence of a connection, most immoral and unbecoming, a pernicious and corrupt influence had been used in respect to military promotions, and such as gave colour to the various reports, respecting the knowledge of the commander-in-chief, of these transactions. Sir W. Curtis seconded the motion, Lord

Althorpe proposed, instead of it, that as the Duke had resigned, no farther proceedings should be now adopted against him. On this an amendment was proposed, that the word now should be left out, when the House divided, there being

Thus ended these proceedings, as far as the Duke was concerned, the enquiry having produced far more than its proposers expected; and the ministers and the Duke were completely defeated.

of

Soon after this Lord Castlereagh was convicted of a fact by his own evidence,. which, though no one acquainted with the world had the least doubt; yet the proofs had never before been exposed in so convincing a manner to public inspection."

The motion brought forward with this view, by Lord A. Hamilton, concluded by proposing the following resolutions.

First, that it appears to this House, from the .evidence on the table, that Lord Viscount Castlereagh, in the year 1805, he having just quitted the

office of President of the Board of Controul, and being then a Privy Counsellor and Secretary of State, did place at the disposal of the Earl of Clancarty, a member of the said Board, the nomination of a writership to India, for the purpose of thereby procuring the said Earl Clancarty a seat in this honourable House.

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Secondly, That it was owing to a disagreement among other subordinate parties to the transaction, that this corrupt negociation did not take effect.

"Thirdly, That Lord Viscount Castlereagh has been, by the same conduct, guilty of a violation of his duty, of an abuse of his influence and authority, as President of the Board of Controul, and also of an attack upon the purity and constitution of this House."

In his Lordship's defence he admitted of the main facts, but pleading unintentional error, he said he looked back with great personal regret at his having any connection with Reding the borough jobber, or trafficking broker. In fine, Lord Hamilton's motion was negatived by 216 noes to 167 ayes. Mr. Canning moved an amendment stating, "That it is the duty of the house to maintain a jealous guard over the purity of election; but considering that the attempt of Lord Castlereagh to interfere in the election of a