seven against twenty-three.

THE SLAVE-TRADE QUESTION.

On the 26th of February, Mr. Wilberforce brought the question of the
slave-trade before the house of commons again, by moving for its total
abolition. But this was opposed as before by the West Indian, or rather
self-interest; and on a division, the motion was postponed for six
months, by a majority of seventeen.

TERMINATION OF THE TRIAL OF WARREN HASTINGS.

The trial of Warren Hastings terminated on the 23rd of April. The public
interest in this trial had been much diminished by its prolongation;
and at this time it seems to have been superseded by other matters of
overwhelming importance. Only twenty-nine peers assembled at the final
judgment; to each of whom every one of the sixteen articles was put
separately, with the question of guilty or not guilty. On two charges
he was unanimously acquitted; and with respect to the others the votes
varied from three to six "guilty," against the remainder "not guilty."
The lord chancellor then pronounced Warren Hastings acquitted of all the
charges, and the ex-governor bowing to the court retired in silence.
The propriety of his sentence was chiefly disputed by the advocates of
strict justice; the public in general seemed satisfied with the result
of the trial. The East India Company paid him the cost of his trial,
amounting to more than seventy thousand pounds sterling, and conferred
upon him a pecuniary donation. This was nothing but just; for Hastings
had attended more to their interests in his government than his own: if
he was cruel, it was for them; and if he exacted money from tributaries
beyond that which was due, it was for them likewise. It must be
confessed that the conduct of Hastings was, in some instances,
inconsistent with the rules or British justice and the sentiments of
humanity; but, at the same time, it must be confessed that his abilities
secured the authority and established the dominion of this country over
the east.

MOTION FOR INQUIRY INTO THE STATE OF THE NATION REJECTED.

On the 24th of March Fox moved that a committee of the whole house
should inquire into the state of the nation. His speech on this occasion
is characterized by Burke as one of the most eloquent ever delivered in
the house of commons. In it he showed the necessity for inquiry, from
the rapid progress of the enemy and their acquired superiority; from
the losses sustained by our armies, and from the vast exp