casion. His conduct had been uniform and consistent, and he had not in any one instance departed from those principles, which had all along influenced his proceedings.

Mr. Fox acknowledged that the mention of anything like terms was highly improper and objectionable; but, as Mr. Pitt had chosen to say that the conduct of one party had been uniform and consistent, it became his duty to declare, that the conduct of the other party alluded to had been equally uniform, perfectly respectful, and entitled to the highest commendations.

Mr. Sheridan now rose, and observed, that he saw no reason on the one hand why the conversation should be prolonged, nor on the other did he conceive that a necessity for abridging it could arise from any apprehension that it might terminate in alter

cation or difference of opinion. He would not enter into the distinctions which Mr. Pitt had attempted to make, and, if the object of them were to insinuate that the merit of the reconciliation belonged exclusively to the ministers of the sovereign, he should leave them to the consciousness of that merit. Opposition were ready to wave every title to credit, since, in truth, the measures which had been adopted were the result of the Prince's own judgment, which none but those who did not know him could consider as needing the assistance or counsel of any other person. Mr. Sheridan, in a very impressive and animated tone, reminded the house, that the Prince of Wales had shrunk from no inquiry, though he acknowledged that no such ideas having been pursued, was a matter that did credit to the decorum, the dignity, and the feelings of par

liament. But, while the Prince's feelings had no doubt been considered on the occasion, he must take the liberty of saying, however some might think it a subordinate consideration, that there was another person entitled in the judgment of every delicate and honourable mind to the same attention: one, whom he would not venture otherwise to describe, than by saying, it was a name, which malice or ignorance alone could attempt to injure, and whose conduct and character were entitled to the truest respect.

Fourteen days subsequent to this conversation a message from the King was delivered to both houses of parliament, informing them, that it was with great concern his majesty had to acquaint them, that from the accounts of the Prince of Wales it appeared that he had incurred a debt to a large amount, which if left to be discharged out of

his annual income, would render it impossible for him to support an establishment suited to his rank and station. Painful as it was at all times to the King to propose any addition to the heavy expences of his people, he was induced to the present application from his paternal affection to the Prince of Wales. He could not however expect, or desire the assistance of parliament, but on a well-grounded expectation that the Prince would avoid contracting any debts in future. With a view to this object the King had directed a sum of 10,000l. per annum to be paid out of the civil list, in addition to his former allowance, and he had the satisfaction to observe, that the Prince had given the fullest assurance of his determination to confine his future expences within the limits of his income, and had settled a plan and fixed an order in those expences,·

which, it was trusted, would effectually secure the due execution of his intentions. The King further recommended to parliament the completing in a proper manner the works that had been undertaken at Carlton-house.

Mr. Rolle was the only person who spoke upon the occasion of delivering this message. He observed,

however, that he would not anticipate the subsequent debate. The accounts were presented to the House of Commons on the Wednesday following, and on the next day an address was voted to the King, to request his majesty to direct the sum of 161,000l. to be paid out of the civil list for the full discharge of the debts of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and the further sum of 20,000l. on account of the works at Carlton-house.