to
the person whom you shall think worthy of this trust an annual
allowance not exceeding three lacs of rupees, (thirty thousand
pounds,) which we consider not only as a munificent reward for any
services he shall render the Company, but sufficient to enable him
to support his station with suitable rank and dignity. And here we
must add, that, in the choice you shall make of a person to be the
active minister of the Nabob's government, we hope and trust that
you will show yourselves worthy of the confidence we have placed in
you, by being actuated therein, by no other motives than those of
the public good and the safety and interest of the Company."

Here, my Lords, a person was to be named fit to fill the office and
supply the place of Mahomed Reza Khan, who was deputy-viceroy of Bengal,
at the head of the criminal justice of the country, and, in short, at
the head of the whole ostensible Mahometan government; he was also to
supply the place of Mahomed Reza Khan as naib dewan, from which Reza
Khan was to be removed: for you will observe, the Directors always speak
of a man fit to perform all the duties of Mahomed Reza Khan; and amongst
these he was to be as the guardian of the Nabob's person, and the
representative of his authority and government.

Mr. Hastings, having received these orders from the Court of Directors,
did--what? He alleges in his defence, that no positive commands were
given him. But a very sufficient description was given of the person who
ought to succeed Mahomed Reza Khan, in whom the Company had before
recognized all the necessary qualities; and they therefore desire him to
name a similar person. But what does Mr. Hastings do in consequence of
this authority? He names no man at all. He searches into the seraglio of
the Nabob, and names a woman to be the viceroy of the province, to be
the head of the ostensible government, to be the guardian of the Nabob's
person, the conservator of his authority, and a proper representative of
the remaining majesty of that government.

Well, my Lords, he searched the seraglio. When you have to take into
consideration the guardianship of a person of great dignity, there are
two circumstances to be attended to: one, a faithful and affectionate
guardianship of his person; and the other, a strong interest in his
authority, and the means of exercising that authority in a proper and
competent manner. Mr. Hastings, whe