others of the
same class of females were examined; but though it seemed clear from
the evidence adduced that Mrs. Clarke was guilty of taking money from
expectants, it was not proved that the duke had any knowledge of her
practices. Mrs. Clarke herself sought to involve the duke in her guilt;
but that he had participated in her gains, or had even any knowledge
of her transactions, were circumstances which depended on her veracity
alone. And her credibility was somewhat shaken, because the duke
quarrelled with her and parted from her, and she was at the time of her
examination living under the protection of Wardle, the duke's accuser.
Some there were, however, who believed her testimony, which was made
manifest in the several divisions that took place on this subject.
Colonel Wardle moved for an address to his majesty, praying that he
would be graciously pleased to dismiss the Duke of York from the command
of the army, on account of the corrupt practices which had been proved
against him: this was rejected by three hundred and sixty-four against
one hundred and twenty-three. Mr. Bankes moved an amendment to the
effect that abuses had existed, which could scarcely have existed
without exciting suspicion in the mind of the commander-in-chief, and
suggesting the propriety of his removal from office: this was negatived
by a majority of only ninety-five. Afterwards a resolution, proposed
by Sir T. Turton, declaring that grounds for charging the duke with
a knowledge of the corrupt practices of Mrs. Clarke rested on good
evidence, was thrown out by three hundred and thirty-four against
one hundred and thirty-five. Subsequently Mr. Percival made a motion
declaratory of the duke's innocence, and this was carried by a majority
of only eighty-two. It is evident, therefore, that many members deemed
him not wholly innocent of the charges against him; and the duke seems
to have felt this, for he soon after took the opportunity of resigning
his official situation. The subject seems to have engrossed the
attention of the public for a long time, and this too at a period
when more important events were taking place daily: events big with
importance to all Europe. From the highest to the lowest members of the
community, these transactions formed the leading topic of conversation.

It has been well observed that "this affair was not without its
beneficial results. A striking proof was given to the world, that under
our constitution, no ra