re in the situation of the
Governor-General, and who knew what was necessary to support his dignity
and to preserve him from the temptation of corruption: and they have
laid open to you such a body of advantages arising from it as would lead
any man, who had a regard to his honor or conscience, to think himself
happy in having such a provision made for him, and at the same time
every temptation to act corruptly removed far from him.

The emoluments of the office, though reduced from the original plan
which Lord Clive had proposed, may be computed at near 30,000_l._ a
year, when Mr. Hastings was President: 22,000_l._ in certain money, and
the rest in other advantages. Whatever it was, I have shown that it was
thought sufficient by those who were the best judges, and who, in
carving for others, were carving for themselves their own allowance at
the time. But, my Lords, I am to give a better opinion of the
sufficiency of that provision to guard against the temptation, out of
Mr. Hastings's own mouth. He says, in his letter to the Court of
Directors, "Although I disclaim the consideration of my own interest in
these speculations, and flatter myself that I proceed upon more liberal
grounds, yet I am proud to avow the feelings of an honest ambition that
stimulates me to aspire at the possession of my present station for
years to come. Those who know my natural turn of mind will not ascribe
this to sordid views. A very few years' possession of the government
would undoubtedly enable me to retire with a fortune amply fitted to the
measure of my desires, were I to consult only my ease: but in my present
situation I feel my mind expand to something greater; I have catched the
desire of applause in public life."

Here Mr. Hastings confesses that the emoluments affixed to office were
not only sufficient for the purposes and ends which the nature of his
office demanded, and the support of present dignity, but that they were
sufficient to secure him, in a very few years, a comfortable retreat;
but his object in wishing to hold his office long was _to catch applause
in public life_. What an unfortunate man is he, who has so often told
us, in so many places, and through so many mouths, that, after fourteen
years' possession of an office which was to make him a comfortable
fortune in a few years, he is at length bankrupt in fortune, and for his
applause in public life is now at your Lordships' bar, and his accuser
is his country! This,