But there was another circumstance which had been alluded to, and had received no answer, which, independent of any other, was decisive on this point: was it of no consequence that, at so Important a Crisis, in which every thing essential to the safety of the country was involved, instead of having a ministry completely alive to the urgency of our situation, we should have a set of ministers completely united among themselves, and more anxious to discover and take advantage of the errors of their colleagues than to watch over the 481 operation of the enemy?

His lordship was of opinion, that ministers were particularly culpable in not having consulted parliament upon the measures which were adopted at so Important a Crisis; and, above all, in having suffered four months to elapse before they sent any assistance to Spain.

He could not but congratulate the noble Earl and the country on possessing at so Important a Crisis the assistance of such a law officer as his hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor General, who brought to every case to which he applied himself all the weight and authority that belonged to great ability, the most profound knowledge, and the very highest character, both public and private.