contending,
and indeed fully demonstrating that they were--the Duke of Grafton's
resolutions were negatived without a division. The chief speakers on the
side of ministers were the new convert, Lord Lyttleton, who contended
that everything proved the assertion; and Lord Mansfield, whose speech
carried conviction to many minds which had before been perplexed with
doubt upon the subject. Mansfield adduced historical facts to prove that
the people of New England had been aiming at independence, almost from
her earliest infancy; and he maintained that Great Britain could not
concede any one claim which was demanded without relinquishing all, and
admitting disseveration and independence. He concluded by warning the
house that measures of conciliation would only furnish grounds for new
claims, or produce terms of pretended obedience and submission.

THE LAND TAX INCREASED.

On the 13th of November Lord North moved in the commons that the
land-tax should be raised to four shillings in the pound. An amendment
was moved by the opposition that it should be three shillings instead
of four; but this was negatived by a large majority, and the original
motion was carried. War with America had been warmly advocated by
the country gentlemen, and some of the opposition sarcastically
congratulated them upon this enviable first-fruits of their coercive
measures; while others attempted to gall them by declaring that it would
prove a perpetual mortgage on their estates. To say the least of it, it
was an ungracious return made by Lord North for their support, and it
seems to have had the effect of considerably cooling their fiery ardour
for war.

BURKE'S SECOND CONCILIATORY MOTION.

On the 16th of November, Burke again proposed measures of conciliation.
After presenting a petition against the prosecution of the war, he moved
"for leave to bring in a bill for composing the present; troubles, and
quieting the minds of his majesty's subjects in America." This bill
was formed on the model of the statute of Edward I., _de tallagio non
concedendo_. He proposed in it the total renunciation of taxation; the
repeal of all obnoxious laws and acts of parliament passed since
the year 1706; a full amnesty for all offences; and a recognition of
congress, in order to a final adjustment of the existing quarrel. In his
speech, which occupied more than three hours, Burke did not conceal that
his motion would involve a dissolution of the cabin