were of
equal value in public estimation. Without such a resolution the war
could not have been carried on, for there was not sufficient gold in the
country to maintain the public credit.

DEBATES ON THE WAR WITH AMERICA.

{A.D. 1813}

On the re-assembling of parliament in February, several stormy debates
took place on the American war. In these debates the opposition not only
blamed the ministry for the negligent manner in which the maritime part
of the conflict had been conducted, but also with being the aggressors,
and with having provoked an unnecessary and fatal contest. In order,
therefore, to clear themselves from all imputations, Lord Castlereagh,
on the 18th of February, moved an address to the prince regent,
expressing entire approbation of the resistance proposed by his royal
highness to the unjustifiable claims of the American government, a full
conviction of the justice of the war on our part, and the assurance of
a cordial support from that house. The opposition reiterated their
complaints; but they would not venture upon a division, and the address
was agreed to _nem. con_. Another address of a similar nature also
passed the lords in the same triumphant manner.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

The budget was introduced on the 31st of March. The supplies demanded
were L72,000,000 out of which England and Scotland were to furnish
L8,500,000. This was a larger amount than had been voted in any
preceding year, but as the American war promised to be expensive, and as
it was generally felt that we should put forth all our strength in order
to finish the contest in Spain, and prolong our aid to Russia, &c, all
the estimates were voted by large majorities. Among the ways and means
were taxes to the amount of L21,000,000; a fresh loan to the same amount
and a vote of credit for L6,000,000.

RENEWAL OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY'S CHARTER.

One of the most important questions which came before parliament during
this session was the renewal of the East India Company's charter. On
the 22nd of May Lord Castlereagh observed that the term of the existing
charter would expire in May, 1814, and his majesty's ministers had to
consider these three propositions.--"Whether the existing government in
India should be allowed to continue in its present state;--whether an
entire change should take place in the system;--or whether a middle
course should be adopted." Evidence was heard at the bar of the house
in orde