s recess, Mr. Francis, having first eulogised
Tippoo Sultaun, and contended that it was both impolitic and unjust
to think of extending our territories in Hindustan, moved thirteen
resolutions for the purpose of censuring the origin and preventing
the continuance of the war, which he represented as having been begun
without provocation, as being ruinously expensive, and as not likely
to be productive of any great advantage. Pitt and Dundas vindicated the
war, and showed to demonstration that the war originated in Tippoo's
restless ambition, hostility to the British, and long-premeditated
design of subduing Travancore, which would open to him an easy entrance
into the Carnatic, and thus enable him to attack Madras and all our
possessions in that part of the East Indies. A war on our part, it was
argued, was therefore necessary, unless we wished to sacrifice both our
honour and interest, and to forfeit all respect among the native powers.
The feelings of the house were with Pitt and Dundas, especially as great
confidence was placed in the moderation and justice of Lord Cornwallis,
the present Governor-general of India, and hence Francis let his
thirteen resolutions drop without a division. Seconded by the feelings
of the house, a few days after, Dundas moved three counter resolutions;
namely, that it appeared to the house that the attacks made by Tippoo
Sultaun on the lines of Travancore were unwarranted and unprovoked
infractions of the treaty of Maugalore, concluded in 1784; that the
conduct of the governor-general, in determining to prosecute the war
against Tippoo for these attacks on Travancore, was highly meritorious;
and that the treaties entered into with the Nizam and with the Mahrattas
were calculated to add vigour to the operations of the war, and to
promote the future tranquillity of India, and that the faith of the
British nation stood pledged for the performance of the engagements
contained in the said treaties. These resolutions were adopted by the
house without a division.

DISPUTE WITH RUSSIA.

In proposing to continue the additional number of seamen which had been
engaged for the expected war with Spain, Pitt had said that there
were circumstances in the present situation of Europe, which made it
necessary to keep up a naval armament, for a time, of more than ordinary
extent. This had reference to the warlike attitude of Russia. At the
congress of Reichen-bach, the defensive alliance had proposed