on
had hitherto been confided, particular auditors should be appointed;
and though this new arrangement was to cost from L28,000 to L42,000
per annum, his proposition was agreed to. Some slight improvements were
likewise made in the acts regulating commercial intercourse between
Great Britain and Ireland; and a law was passed for permitting the
free interchange of grain of every kind between the two islands. By the
burdensome imposts of this year the new ministry obtained much odium,
the friends of Pitt taking care to enhance their disgrace in the sight
of the nation by ridicule and reproach. Mr. Canning, in particular,
assailed them both by his oratory and his pen, impugning even their
motives. "All the talents," as this ministry was called, indeed, stood
in no very enviable position in the sight of the country at large.

TRIAL OF LORD MELVILLE.

The trial of Lord Melville commenced in Westminster-hall, on the 29th
of April, before the lords, the members of the house of commons being
present in a committee of the whole house. Although there were ten
charges preferred against him, there were only three in substance. These
were:--"That as treasurer of the navy, Lord Melville had applied
divers sums of public money to his private use and profit. That he had
permitted his paymaster, Trotter, to take large sums of money from the
Bank of England, issued to it on account of the treasurer of the navy,
and to place it in his own name, with his private banker; and that he
had permitted Trotter to apply the money so abstracted to purposes
of private emolument, and had himself derived profit therefrom." Lord
Melville pleaded "not guilty" to these charges, and then Whitbread
produced his evidence to prove his guilt. In this, however, he failed as
regard's Melville's personal delinquency. All that was made clear in
the course of the trial was that Mr. Trotter had increased his salary by
deriving profit from the banking-house of Coutts, on the deposits; and
that while Lord Melville had made use of some sums of money, he had
nevertheless repaid those sums with interest. The trial lasted sixteen
days, and then the lords voted on the several charges, acquitting
the accused of every charge. "Henry Viscount Melville," said the
Lord Chancellor to him, "I am to acquaint your lordship, that you are
acquitted of the articles of impeachment exhibited against you by the
commons, for high crimes and misdemeanours, and of all things contai