re; her contribution being of such a
nature as to keep pace with the gain derived from the new system. Having
thus stated the nature of his plan, Pitt moved a preliminary resolution
"for finally adjusting the commercial intercourse between the two
kingdoms; admitting Ireland to a participation in the commercial
advantages of England, and securing in return a permanent aid from that
country, in the protection of the commercial interests of the empire."
The consideration of this subject was deferred for a week, in order
to give time for the reception of accounts and estimates; and it was
intimated that a further delay would be acceded to if there should be a
sufficient reason for its proposal.

At first, the vastness of this plan seemed to keep the public mind in a
state of suspense. For nearly a month, indeed, after its introduction,
no indications of serious or determined opposition were discernible,
although Fox, when the subject was first started, pointed out many
objections to its provisions. Endeavours, however, were soon made by
the opponents of Pitt's administration to convince the public that the
mercantile and manufacturing interests of England were intended to be
sacrificed to those of Ireland; and at length great apprehensions and
jealousies were created in the commercial world. Petition after petition
was presented against it; every one being led into the belief that
Pitt's bill would ruin his own particular branch of trade. So great was
the outcry raised against it, that the house resolved to examine the
merchants and manufacturers at their own bar; and two months
were occupied in hearing evidence on the subject. In the end, the
anti-liberal feeling which prevailed compelled Pitt to subjoin a variety
of restrictive clauses, binding Ireland to adopt whatever navigation
laws might be hereafter enacted by the British parliament; prohibiting
the importation of any West Indian commodities, not the produce of our
own colonies, into Ireland, or thence into Great Britain; and forbidding
Ireland to trade to any country beyond the Cape of Good Hope and the
Straits of Magellen, so long as the charter of the East India Company
should be in existence. The bill, with even these restrictions, did
not pass without great opposition and warm discussions; some members
maintaining that Pitt was giving too little, and others too much to the
sister kingdom. It was carried up to the lords on the 30th of May, and
various amendments