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E. LITTELL-CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. William Brown, Printer.

1828.

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HISTORY llach 591

OF THE

for en

REIGN OF GEORGE III.

TO WHICH IS PREFIXED,

A VIEW OF THE PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT of enGLAND,
IN PROSPERITY AND STRENGTH, TO THE
ACCESSION OF HIS MAJESTY.

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5-8-33

HISTORY

OF

THE REIGN OF GEORGE III.

CHAP. XXXII.

General election.—Meeting of parliament-and commencement of Mr. Pitt's administration.-The king's speech.-State of the empire when Mr. Pitt's ministry commenced.—Objects which he proposes to pursue.-First efforts directed to finance.-Bill for the prevention of smuggling.-Commutation act.-Argu ments against and for it.-Regulation on duties for British spirits.-Preliminary motions for the relief of the East India Company.--Bill for the regulation of India. Arguments against it-Arguments for it-Comparison of the two bills as resulting from the characters of their authors.-Debate on the Westminster election. Mr. Dundas proposes the restoration of the forfeited estates.-A law passed for that purpose.-Labours of Mr. Pitt in investigating the public accounts. Supplies.-Loan and taxes.-Session closes.

By dissolving the parliament, his majesty virtually asked the question, Did your late representatives speak your sense, or not? If they did, you will re-elect them; if not, you will choose others. Thus interrogated, the greater part of the people answered, No; and a very considerable majority of members friendly to Mr. Pitt was returned. As far as popular opinion can be a test of either merit or demerit, it was decidedly favourable to the minister, and inimical to his opponents. The general conduct of Mr. Fox often has been erroneously estimated by those who considered defects, without comprehending the excellencies of his plans, acts, and character; but never was he less popular than after his India bill and contest with the sovereign. Still, however, he retained great favour in some parts of the kingdom, especially in Westminster, and his election was the most noted of any that occurred for the new parliament. The candidates were, Lord Hood, who had so eminently distinguished himself with Rodney, Mr. Fox, and Sir Cecil Wray; of whom the two last were the late members. Wray had been originally chosen through the interest of Mr. Fox, but now abandoned that gentleman and joined Lord Hood. For several days, Mr. Fox was superior to either of his competitors; but his majority afterwards rapidly decreased, and he became inferior to Sir Cecil Wray, who was far surpassed by the naval candidate. On the 11th day of the poll he was three hundred and eighteen behind Wray: but an interference now took place that changed the face of affairs. A lady of very high rank, still more eminent for beauty than VOL. VIII.-1

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