separated from contemporary incidents, which more properly fall under other divisions. The present volume embraces a history of the prerogatives, influence, and revenues of the Crown; and of the constitution, powers, functions, and political relations of both Houses of Parliament. The second volume will comprise, among other constitutional subjects, a history of party: of the press, and political agitation of the Church, and of civil and religious liberty. It will conclude with a general review of our legislation, — its policy and results, - during the same period. Continually touching upon controverted topics, I have endeavored to avoid, as far as possible, the spirit and tone of controversy. But, impressed with an earnest conviction that the development of popular liberties has been safe and beneficial, I do not affect to disguise the interest with which I have traced it, through all the events of history. Had I viewed it with distrust, and despondency, this work would not have been written. The policy of our laws, as determined by successive Parliaments, is so far accepted by statesmen of all parties, and by most unprejudiced thinkers, of the present generation, that I am at liberty to discuss it historically, without entering upon the field of party politics. Not dealing with the conduct and motives of public men, I have been under no restraint in adverting to recent measures, in order to complete the annals of a century of legislation. LONDON: January 12th, 1861. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Restrictions on the personal influence of the sovereign Ministerial power and responsibility. He enforces it against his ministers Lord Bute as premier carries out the king's policy Mr. Grenville coöperates in the king's unconstitutional policy Development of the king's policy under Lord North Protests against the influence of the Crown Intimidation of peers in opposition to the Court Lord North driven from office by the Commons Result of twenty years of kingcraft. Lord Rockingham's second ministry The king's influence employed against them Use of the king's name in Parliament denounced General influence of the Crown augmented The king's influence exerted against Mr. Pitt . His Majesty's opposition to Catholic emancipation. Mr. Pitt resigns on that question The king's friends active against them Pledge required of ministers on the Catholic question Pledge discussed in Parliament INFLUENCE OF THE CROWN DURING THE REGENCY, THE REIGNS OF GEORGE IV., WILLIAM IV., AND HER MAJESTY QUEEN VIC- Mr. Brougham's motion on the influence of the Crown PAGE ib. 138 • 139 Relations of ministers to the sovereign Lord Palmerston's removal from office Increased influence of the Crown now under due control Attempted exclusion of Princess of Wales from the regency Meeting of Parliament during the king's second illness, 1788-9 Rights of an infant king considered on the accession of Wil- CHAPTER IV. REVENUES OF THE CROWN: THE CIVIL LIST: PENSIONS: PREROG. Possessions of the Crown in early times. Alienations of Crown lands restrained. The Civil List from William and Mary to George III. . Settlement of the Civil List on the accession of George III. Charges and debts upon the Civil List Schemes for economic reform. The Civil List Act, 1782. Management of the land revenues on behalf of the public Pensions on the Civil List and other Crown revenues Restrictions on the grant of pensions. Final regulation of the Pension List Guardianship of Princess Charlotte THE HOUSE OF LORDS, AND THE PEERAGE. Progressive increase of the peerage prior to reign of George III. 224 Change in the character of the House by increase of numbers. |