House of Commons, Friday, Half-past Five, Dec, 12th, 1788.
MY DEAR LORD,
Fox got up, on Mr. Pitt's having moved for a Committee to inquire
into the state of the nation on Tuesday. Fox explained away much of
the harshness of the doctrine of _right_ in the Prince of Wales to
assume the royal authority during the temporary incapacity of the
King; but left all the substance of the doctrine. He then spoke his
sentiments of what ought to be done, whatever the manner; namely,
to recognize, _or confer_, as others might say, _full regal
authority_ on the Prince, for the time of the King's incapacity. He
then called on Pitt to relieve the nation from doubt, and give an
opening of his plan.
Pitt, in reply, stated the point of law and the Constitution yet to
be at issue, the _substance_ of difference yet remaining, and that
such great question could not be slurred over. It must be decided
by Parliament, and should be the first subject of debate and
decision; namely, for Tuesday. It was a question for themselves and
for posterity. He then said, that the outline of his plan was, as
_matter of discretion_ and conveniency, to appoint the Prince of
Wales sole Regent, with no permanent council, with power to remove
and make his Ministry at pleasure, and with all other regal powers
necessary for giving force, dignity, and vigour to his
Administration; but with no powers that might be needless,
intrench on the Crown, and cause embarrassment on the King's
recovery, &c.
Our business for Tuesday, therefore, is the _question of right_.
Pitt stands higher and higher in general estimation. As I passed
the gallery to write this, Marquis of Townsend caught my arm, and
said: "A glorious fellow, by G----, Young! His speech is that of an
angel."
Post bell rings.
Yours ever,
W. Y.