lty
respecting the execution of the treaty, arose from its inconsistency
with the celebrated Methuen treaty, concluded between Great Britain and
Portugal, by which the duties of Portuguese wines imported into England
were in future to be only two-thirds of those imported from France or
any other country. This point, however, was conceded by France during
the progress of the measure, the duty on French wines being lowered to
that existing on the wines of Portugal, which latter it became necessary
to reduce. After several discussions, in which some young members
distinguished themselves, the measure received the concurrence and
sanction of parliament. On the 8th of March both houses presented a
joint address to his majesty, for concluding a treaty calculated to
promote a beneficial intercourse between the two countries, as well as
the permanent blessings of peace. On the whole, the measure tended
to increase Pitt's popularity; many great commercial towns, which had
hitherto been hostile to him, declared their entire approval of the
treaty, and expressed a conviction that he was seeking the good of his
country.

PITT'S PLAN OF FINANCIAL REFORM.

Encouraged by his success and increased popularity, on the 26th of
February, Pitt introduced a plan for consolidating the various duties
upon articles in the customs and excise, so as to convert them into
single duties upon each article, and thereby get rid of multiplied
grievances to the people, and of a perplexing confusion of accounts, and
wasting expenses of collection to the government, an operation by which
the revenue would gain about L20,000 per annum. At the same time
Pitt proposed to lower the duties on foreign spirits, with a view of
annihilating the smuggling trade, which he stated amounted to 4,000,000
of gallons annually; whilst that which was legally imported and paid
duty did not exceed the sixth part of that quantity. The whole of Pitt's
plan obtained a large majority in both houses; the leading members of
opposition expressing their approbation of it, as well as the clearness
and perspicuity with which it had been unfolded. On a subsequent day,
the 29th of April, when Pitt opened his budget, he informed the house
that the state of the revenue would enable him to provide for all
services of the current year, and apply the stated surplus to a
sinking-fund, without the necessity of any loan or new tax. Fox and
Sheridan contended that the finances were not in