equally ample as those made by Lord
Shelburne. His whole party, also, had repeatedly declared that a high
price must be paid for the inestimable blessing of peace. Yet now,
he with others, men who had threatened Lord North with the block for
persevering in the war, endeavoured, by all the means in their power,
to depreciate the treaty which would bring harmony to the world. In the
debate on the amendment he had condemned nearly every concession made;
and he now set forth the desperate condition to which France, Spain,
Holland, and even America, had been reduced by the war, as an argument
why such ample concessions should not have been granted. He was answered
by Pitt, who defended the treaty article by article; and vehemently
condemned the "ill-omened and baneful alliance" which had been formed
between the parties of Fox and Lord North. The chief subject of the
debate was, in truth, the coalition of these parties; some condemning
it, and others defending it from the hot attacks made upon it. There
was full evidence that there existed no patriotism or principle in the
matter: and that the sole object of those in power was to retain their
places, and of those out of office to obtain power. The latter were
successful: on a division, Lord John Cavendish's resolutions were
carried by a majority of seventeen, and Lord Shelburne instantly
resigned.

THE COALITION MINISTRY.

Although Lord Shelburne resigned, yet the rest of the administration
still clung to office. Mis majesty, it is said, sent for Pitt, and
requested him to form a cabinet of his own. Pitt, however, probably
conscious that he could not withstand the power of the coalition,
declined; and day after day elapsed without any new ministry being
formed. The house of commons adjourned from time to time, with the view
of forwarding a new arrangement; but none could be made. Twice the king
sent for Lord North, hoping to induce him to undertake the formation
of a new administration; but as his majesty required that Fox should
be given up, he was twice refused. In the meantime the business of
the nation was suspended, and great confusion was created by
this ministerial interregnum. At no time, in truth, was an able
administration more necessary than at this time. Tumults were spreading
throughout the kingdom, from the disembodying of the militia, and the
discharge of seamen and sailors without pay; the treaty with France
and Spain was not ratified; no commercial a