e of the discussion it appeared to Sir Robert Peel that
there were still some points in respect to this very embarrassing
question which required the grave consideration of legal authorities,
and that it would not be prudent to take any step, even that of
submitting the case to arbitration, without the highest legal
authority.

The submission to arbitration might avoid the evil (and a very great
one it would be) of public controversy in a Court of Justice, and of
public examination of members of the Royal Family on a matter partly
of a domestic nature; but on the other hand, great care must be taken
that by submitting the case to the award of arbitrators, even should
they be nominated altogether by your Majesty, we do not relinquish any
_fair_ advantage for the Crown of England which would have accompanied
an appeal to the regularly constituted tribunals of the country.

Your Majesty's Solicitor-General was employed as Counsel for the King
of Hanover, and it has been thought therefore advisable to make the
reference to the Attorney-General and to the Queen's Advocate.

Sir Robert Peel has attempted to bring every questionable point in the
case submitted to them under the consideration of your Majesty's law
advisers, and when their report shall be received he will not fail to
lay it before your Majesty.

Sir Robert Peel had a personal interview a few days since with His
Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, on the subject of a
public provision for the Princess Augusta on the occasion of her
marriage.[106]

Sir Robert Peel thought it advisable to enquire from the Duke of
Cambridge, as the impression of the public (of which His Royal
Highness is quite aware) is that he has a considerable fortune of his
own, independently of his annual allowance from Parliament.

The Duke of Cambridge seemed entirely to share the impressions of
Sir Robert Peel that in the present state of the country, and of the
public revenue, great caution is requisite in respect to the proposal
of a grant of public money as a marriage portion to the Princess
Augusta, and that it would be important that in any proposal to be
made there should be a general acquiescence on the part of the House
of Commons.

As the marriage is not to take place for some time it appears to Sir
Robert Peel that it might be advisable to postpone a decision, at
least in respect to the particular amount of any provision to be made,
till a period nearer to the meeting of