to the attainment of that object. A substantial reform in the several
branches of the civil list expenditure, on the plan proposed by Mr.
Burke. The diminution of the influence of the crown, under which article
the bills for excluding contractors from seats in parliament, and
disqualifying the revenue-officers from voting in the election of
members, were included." These were arbitrary measures to impose upon a
monarch holding-such sentiments as George III., and it was manifest to
all men of discernment that the men who imposed them upon him could not
hope to possess his confidence. Moreover, there were wide disagreements
in the cabinet, as to the means of pursuing the first of these objects,
and as to the lengths to which the others should be carried. Finally,
mutual jealousies and dislikes existed between the members of the
confederated parties; and it required no prophetic eye to foresee that
they would never act with that unanimity requisite for the establishment
of their power. The issue was, that "every day brought forth a new proof
of that hatred which the parties composing this administration bore
towards each other; the Rockinghams abused Lord Shelburne for want of
good faith; and the reply of the Shelburnes was, that they were in no
ways pledged to Lord Rockingham."

AFFAIRS OF IRELAND.

In consequence of writs having to be issued for new elections, to
replace such members as had vacated their seats by accepting office,
parliament did not re-assemble until the 8th of April, on which day
the new administration commenced the trial of their strength. The first
measure of national importance which they brought forward, was the
repeal of an act passed in the reign of George I., for securing the
dependency of Ireland; and against which a loud clamour had been long
raised in that country. This repeal, which was carried through both
houses of parliament without a division, was virtually a renunciation
of legislating for Ireland; and therefore gave great satisfaction to the
whole body of the Irish people. This satisfaction was increased by
the abolition of the power of suppressing or altering bills in the
privy-council, and the limitation of the duration of the Mutiny Act
to the term of two years. So gratified were the Irish with these
concessions, that a vote of the house of commons in that kingdom passed
unanimously for raising 20,000 seamen for the service of the British
navy. The subject of Irish discontent