d his remarks on
this transaction, because they will be equally applicable to _many
others which in the course of this business are likely to be brought
before the board_. There appeared, therefore, to him a probability that
the charge about the corrupt bargain was no more than the commencement
of a whole class of such accusations; since he was of opinion (and what
is very extraordinary, previous to any examination) that the same
remarks would be applicable to several of those which were to follow. He
must suppose this class of charges very uniform, as well as very
extensive.

The majority, however, pressed their point; and notwithstanding his
opposition to all inquiry, as he was supported only by Mr. Barwell, the
question for it was carried. He was then desired to name a day for the
appearance of the accuser, and the institution of the inquiry. Though
baffled in his attempt to stop the inquiry in the first stage, Mr.
Hastings made a second stand. He seems here to have recollected
something inherent in his own office, that put the matter more in his
power than at first he had imagined; for he speaks in a positive and
commanding tone: "I will not," says his minute, "name a day for Mir Zin
ul ab Dien to appear before the board; _nor will I suffer him to appear
before the board_."

The question for the inquiry had been carried; it was declared fit to
inquire; but there was, according to him, a power which might prevent
the appearance of witnesses. On the general policy of obstructing such
inquiries, Mr. Francis, on a motion to that effect, made a sound remark,
which cannot fail of giving rise to very serious thoughts: "That,
supposing it agreed among ourselves that the board shall not hear any
charges or complaints against a member of it, a case or cases may
hereafter happen, in which, by a reciprocal complaisance to each other,
our respective misconduct may be effectually screened from inquiry; and
the Company, whose interest is concerned, or the parties who may have
reason to complain of any one member individually, may be left without
remedy."

Mr. Barwell was not of the opinion of that gentleman, nor of the maker
of the motion, General Clavering, nor of Mr. Monson, who supported it.
He entertains sentiments with regard to the orders of the Directors in
this particular perfectly correspondent with those which he had given
against the original inquiry. He says, "Though it may in some little
degree save the Governor-G