ich stood
for that day, should be adjourned till Monday, which was carried by a
majority of nine; the numbers being one hundred and seventy-one against
one hundred and sixty-two. But this was Fox's last triumph in this
memorable struggle. On Monday the house was crowded to excess. Strangers
had even taken their seats in the gallery as early as ten o'clock in the
morning, in expectation of witnessing this last struggle in the trial
of the two great parties in the house of commons. Before the debates
commenced, however, Sir James Lowther, after complaining that he had not
been able to find room for a friend, and stating that he had reason to
believe there were strangers there not introduced by members, insisted
upon the standing order of the house for excluding all strangers being
carried into execution; and the gallery was forthwith cleared. When
this was done, Fox, after accusing his sturdy opponent with insolent
and unconstitutional conduct, declaring that a union of parties was now
impracticable, and lamenting the disgrace and ruin which this struggle
had brought upon the country, moved, as a last measure, another address
to the throne, which repeated at greater length the prayer for the
removal of ministers; expressing the surprise and affliction of the
house at receiving the answer to its former address, and vindicating
the loyalty of the commons, who were said to be incapable of desiring
to lessen the prerogative of the crown. Pitt sat silent, and the task
of defending the conduct of ministers fell upon Dundas, who did so with
great ability. The debate lasted till midnight, when the house became
impatient to divide. It was an anxious moment for both parties, and loud
and vociferous were the cheers on the ministerial benches, when it was
found that Fox had this time only a majority of _one_ in his favour;
the numbers being one hundred and ninety-one against one hundred
and ninety. The struggle was, indeed, now over; for the opposition
acknowledged the majority of one only as a defeat. Henceforth they tried
no more divisions: the Mutiny Bill and supplies were voted readily, and
the Appropriation Act was no more brought forward. Pitt's triumph was
complete: and yet he deemed it prudent to strengthen his cause by a
new election; lest the opposition should again rally and retard his
measures. Reports to this effect were soon spread abroad, and the
subject was brought before parliament on the 22nd of March, by Sir
Grey Co