CONTENTS Jan. 23. 1799. His Majesty's message relative to an union between Great Britain and Ireland......... 15 Feb. 3. 1800. His Majesty's message relative to overtures Nov. 3. His Majesty's speech on opening the session 220 Lord Castlereagh's motion respecting mar- tial law in Ireland....................................... List of Administration ... Mr. Grey's motion for a committee on the - Preliminaries of peace with the French repub- Feb.27.1804. Volunteer regulation bill.............................. 303 Mr. Pitt's motion on the state of naval de- fence................................................ Defence of the country..................................................... 332 Army of reserve suspension bill..................... 354 List of Administration.................................. 368 June 25. Proceedings respecting Lord Melville............. 404 Roman Catholic petition................................................. 420 Impeachment of Lord Melville.................. MR. PITT'S PARLIAMENTARY SPEECHES. December 14. 1798, MR. HOBART brought up the report of the committee on the bill for imposing a general tax upon income. On the question, " that this report be now taken into further consideration," Mr. PITT, in reply to Sir John Sinclair, and some other members, who had expressed their decided hostility to the bill, spoke to the following effect: SIR,-Impressed as I am with the conviction that there never was a subject of greater importance in all its aspects, and in all its consequences, agitated within these walls, I should not have thought it incumbent upon me, in the present stage of the business, to have troubled you with any observations, were there not some points which have been touched upon to-night, which I am desirous, as soon as possible, to place in their proper point of view. What has been urged by some gentlemen who spoke in the course of the debate, while it could not be considered fairly as argument, was directed in such a manner against the farther progress of the measure, was so calculated to excite prejudice, and to beget misconception, that it demands some degree of notice. It is a satisfaction to me to find that the propriety of raising a certain part of the supplies within the year has in general been conceded. If we can judge from what has appeared tonight, there is nobody in the House, except the honourable baronet*, who opened the debate, who is disposed to contest the *Sir John Sinclair. |