In conclusion, he
admitted in their full extent the reasons which had been given by the
noble lords for their several resignations, and the statements which
they had made in accounting for that remarkable coincidence; but he
could not help expressing his surprise that government had been able to
go on so long, being conducted, as it now appeared, by ministers who did
not think proper to communicate with one another upon the most important
question which could be agitated among them. Other noble lords, as the
Earls of Mansfield and Winchilsea, and Lord Ellenborough, expressed
their determined hostility to the new government, and a total want of
confidence in its leader. Lord Ellen-borough remarked, that it appeared
clear to him, and he believed to others, that some deceit was about to
be practised. Either his majesty, who had permitted this administration
to be formed with the understanding that the Catholic question was to be
given up, was deceived, or the hopes held out to Ireland, that the new
administration was to extend to that country the peace and tranquillity
which that boon alone could bestow, were fallacious. Earls Mansfield and
Winchilsea expressed a determination of bringing the principles of
the new cabinet at once to the test; and gave notice of motions on the
Catholic question and the state of the nation. Neither of these motions,
however, was ever brought to a hearing; and the retired ministers
exhibited as little concert out of office as they had displayed in
their resignation.
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