in order, if
possible, to bring about a coalition. At this meeting am address was
agreed upon, and sent, by a deputation, to the Duke of Portland and Mr.
Pitt, entreating them to communicate with each other, and expressing a
hope that this would lead to a cordial co-operation. All the exertions
of the St. Albans-tavern meeting, however, were unavailing. The Duke of
Portland and Mr. Pitt communicated with each other, but as the former
made the resignation of the latter a _sine qua non_, no union could be
formed.

The house reassembled on the 29th, but on the motion of Fox, it was
again adjourned till the 2nd of February. This adjournment was moved in
order to give more time for the consideration of a union of parties;
but when the house met again they were still as far from a coalition as
ever. Under these circumstances Mr. Grosvenor, member for Chester, who
had presided at the St. Albans-tavern meeting, moved a resolution, to
the effect that the situation of public affairs required the exertions
of an united administration--an administration entitled to the
confidence of the people, and such as might tend to put an end to the
divisions and distractions of the country. In the debate which
this motion occasioned, Fox charged Pitt with preferring his own
understanding to the collected wisdom of the house, and of causing a
breach between the legislative and executive government. In reply,
after alluding to the fact that the people were in favour of the late
ministerial changes, Pitt expressed his determination not to quit
office, inasmuch as he saw that nothing but evil would come from his
resignation. At the same time he added, that he was but little attached
to office, and that, if he could see a strong and well-connected
government ready to succeed him, he would cheerfully retire. Mr.
Grosvenor's motion was carried, and Mr. Coke then moved, "that it was
the opinion of the house that the continuance of the present ministers
in office is an obstacle to the formation of such an administration as
may enjoy the confidence of the house, and tend to pacify the country."
This motion was also carried, and on the next day Mr. Coke, after
expressing his regret at seeing Pitt still in office, moved that these
two resolutions should be laid before his majesty by those members who
were of the privy-council, which motion was likewise affirmed. In order
to give time for knowing what effect this communication to his majesty
would produ