aversion on religious scruples, to
vote for it. The partisans of the queen, headed by Earl Grey, seized
the advantage offered to them by this difference of opinion among her
opponents, and they gave their strong support to it, and the clause was
carried. But by this movement the fate of the bill became evident. It
was read a third time by a majority of nine on the 10th of November; but
there was yet one question to be put,--"that this bill do now pass,"
and ministers shrunk from the point. The queen petitioned to be heard by
counsel against this final step; but Lord Liverpool, in reply, declared
that with so small a majority, in the actual state of public feeling,
he, and his colleagues felt bound to abandon the bill. A motion was made
that the question should be put off to that day six months, which was
carried; and thus ended, in defeat and disgrace, the domestic war
which George IV. had been carrying on for twenty-five years against
his consort. On the 29th of November, her majesty went in state to St.
Paul's to return public thanks, on which occasion she was surrounded by
such multitudes as to make it difficult for her to reach the cathedral.
The general joy was also manifested by illuminations, ringing of bells,
firing of cannon, and the presentation of addresses of congratulation.
But Queen Caroline was soon destined to see her popularity wane. Tired
with the constant rout, orders were given that addresses should only
be presented on one day of the week; and she gradually withdrew
herself from the leaders of the whig party. This was the signal for the
desertion of her cause. What Queen Caroline was doing soon became as
indifferent to the people as what other members of the royal family were
doing, and her final fate an object of curiosity more than of interest.
At the close of the trial of Queen Caroline, parliament was prorogued to
the 23rd of January.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

{GEORGE IV. 1821--1823.}

Meeting of Parliament..... Debate on the Holy Alliance.....
The Catholic Question..... Motions for Parliamentary
Reform, &c...... Report of the Agricultural Committee.....
The Navigation Laws..... The Supplies, &c. Coronation of
George IV...... Death of Queen Caroline..... Meeting of
Parliament..... Changes in the Cabinet..... Motion to
restore Roman Catholic Peers to their Seats in
Parliament..... Motion on Agricultural Digress, &c..... Acts
for the Reduction