which they might be removed by ministerial
arrangements. No employment really useful to the public would either be
abolished or abridged of its emoluments, A fund, also, fully adequate
to the reward of merit, would be left, and an ample provision would
be secured to the crown for personal satisfaction, and for as much
magnificence as was compatible with the distressed state of the nation.
These propositions, Burke added in conclusion, were made with humility
and integrity: he hoped that they would give confidence to the people,
and strength to the government; that they would render the war vigorous,
and peace refreshing. Burke's plan received high commendation from
several members on his own side of the house, and especially by his
friend and disciple, Charles Fox; but on the ministerial side of the
house a profound and ominous silence prevailed. As Fox observed, it
was evident there was not sufficient virtue in the house, or rather
self-denial, to carry such a plan of economical reform.

CHAPTER XI.

{GEORGE III. 1780-1781}

Burke's Plan of Economical Reform..... Rejection of Lord
Shelburne's Motion for a Commission of Accounts......
Ministerial Bill for Commission of Accounts..... Bill for
excluding Contractors from Parliament rejected..... Motions
regarding Places and Pensions..... Political
Altercations..... Debates on the Increase of Crown
Influence..... Lord North's Proposal respecting the East
India Company..... General Conway's Plan of Reconciliation
with America..... Popular Rage against the Catholics; Riots
in London, etc...... Measures adopted by Parliament arising
out of the London Riots..... Parliament Prorogued.....
Trial of Lord George Gordon and the Rioters..... Admiral
Rodney's success against the Spaniards..... Armed
Neutrality..... Rodney engages the French Fleet.....
Expedition against South Carolina..... Battle of Camden,
etc...... Affairs at New York..... Treason of Arnold and
Fate of Major Andre..... Maritime Losses sustained by the
British..... War with Holland..... General Election.....
Meeting of Parliament.

{A.D. 1780}

BURKE'S PLAN OF ECONOMICAL REFORM.

Although from the silence of ministers Burke might have presaged he fate
of his proposed plan of economical reform, yet he was greatly encouraged
to proceed in his task by the voice of the nation. During the Chris