this
occasion, for though he expressed a hope that no notion was entertained
of introducing foreign troops into this island, he made no strong
objection to the subsidy proposed, and he warmly commended the measures
which had been pursued with respect to Holland, and congratulated
ministers on their having renewed our connexions with that country.
Pitt's motion was agreed to unanimously. On the 10th of December a long
debate took place on the subject of an augmentation of forces, which
was proposed by the secretary-at-war, but the views of ministers were
adopted by a large majority, and 3064 additional land-troops were voted.
Money was also voted for erecting fortifications in some of the West
Indian islands, which had seriously felt the want of them during the
late war. These measures were followed by a debate on the numerous
promotions which had recently been made in the navy. Sixteen captains
had been created admirals during the summer, while a much greater
number had been passed over in silence and neglect. This excited great
discontent, and opposition endeavoured to show that great partiality had
been displayed, and a motion was made in the house of commons, "That the
house should resolve itself into a committee to inquire into the conduct
of the admiralty in the business of the promotion." This motion was
negatived; but subsequently, after the Christmas recess, the subject
was renewed in both houses, in the course of the debates on which
the conduct of Lord Howe, the first lord of the admiralty, became
the subject of severe censure, and he resigned in disgust both with
ministers and parliament. He was succeeded by Pitt's elder brother, the
Earl of Chatham.

DISPUTES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, AND THE EAST INDIA COMPANY.

{A.D. 1788}

During the late disputes, when a rupture with. France was anticipated,
government had dispatched four regiments of soldiers for the protection
of our East India territories; and when the disputes were settled, it
was determined to render this addition to the military establishment a
permanent measure. The court of directors had acceded to the proposal
when originally made by the board of control, and had consented that
the troops should be conveyed in their ships and maintained at their
expense. When, however, an amicable arrangement had taken place with
France, and all danger was over, the directors changed their sentiments,
and contended that unless they themselves made the requis