f L100,000 was voted in addition to the
sum already fixed of L800,000 per annum, for the better support of his
majesty's household. The latter grant was warmly opposed in the house
of lords by the Marquess of Rockingham and the Duke of Grafton, who
endeavoured to enforce the necessity of economy, and to show that the
sum which his majesty already received was sufficiently ample to sustain
his dignity. They also argued, that this increase would furnish him with
the means of obtaining corrupt influence, and an unbounded power and
control over parliament. The opposition, however, were defeated by the
usual large majority, and the amendment which the Marquess of Rockingham
moved was entered as a protest on the journals, which was signed by
fourteen peers.

SPIRITED ADDRESS OF THE SPEAKER TO THE KING.

In presenting this extraordinary grant to his majesty for the royal
assent, Sir Fletcher Norton remarked:--"In a time of public distress,
full of difficulty and danger, their constituents labouring under
difficulties almost too heavy to be borne, your faithful commons,
postponing all other business, have not only granted to your majesty a
large present supply, but also a very great additional revenue--great
beyond example--great beyond your majesty's highest expense; but all
this, sire, they have done in a well-grounded confidence that you apply
wisely what they have granted liberally; and feeling that, under the
direction of your majesty's wisdom, the affluence and grandeur of the
sovereign will reflect dignity and honour on his people." It is said by
some that this freedom of speech was unwelcome to the royal ears, and it
is certain that his courtiers were highly indignant; and yet Lord North
allowed the usual vote to pass, returning the thanks of the house to
the speaker, and requesting him to allow his speech to be printed.
Notwithstanding, his spirited conduct did not pass by unnoticed. In
the course of a debate on an address to his majesty moved by Sir James
Lowther, praying for an increase of income to the king's two brothers,
which was negatived, the recent conduct of the speaker was violently
arraigned by Mr. Rigby, In reply, Sir Fletcher Norton appealed to the
vote of thanks which he had received, as a proof that the sentiments
he had expressed were the sentiments of the house. The court party,
however, retorted, and Lord North, uneasy at the altercation, wished
that the subject might be dropped. But the oppos