terested
in the happiness of the people, I should feel it treason against my own
principles if I did not declare my disapprobation of those seditious
publications which have occasioned the present motion. On this great and
solid basis I will vote for a concurrence with the commons in their
wise and salutary address." In the course of the debate Lord Grenville
observed that such sentiments as those delivered by the Prince of Wales
must warm the breast of every Englishman who heard them, and would
convey the greatest satisfaction to the people at large, inasmuch as
they might expect a continuance of those essential blessings which they
had enjoyed since the accession of the present illustrious family to the
throne of these realms. The address was supported by several opposition
peers, and an amendment moved by Lord Lauderdale and seconded by
Lord Lansdowne was rejected without a division. Having received the
concurrence of the lords, the address was presented in form to the
throne, and it was followed by addresses from all parts of the kingdom.
Encouraged by the public sentiment, the ministry commenced prosecutions
against many offenders, amongst whom Paine, the author of the "The
Rights of Man," was the most conspicuous. Paine was found guilty,
but foreseeing the event, he eluded punishment by absconding to France,
where he was elected member of the national convention. It is a question
whether it was judicious to prosecute the demagogue, for his prosecution
only served as an advertisement to his production, the sale of which
became more rapid and more extensive than ever it had been before.

{GEORGE III. 1792-1793}

TRIAL OF HASTINGS, ETC.

During this session the trial of Hastings occupied twenty-two days but
no decision took place. Towards the close of the session the attention
of parliament was also drawn to the situation of India. In presenting
his annual statement of the income and expenditure of British India,
Dundas drew a flattering picture of its happiness and prosperity;
stating that the surplus of the Bengal revenue for the preceding year
was more than one million pounds sterling. Francis denied every thing
that Dundas said; asserted that one-third of the company's territory was
inhabited only by wild beasts; and prognosticated nothing but disgrace,
defeat, and ruin from the war which was still carried on against Tippoo.
Francis said that the seizures for non-payment of the land-revenue were
notoriou