bell to England to lay before the Government more fully the exact character of the situation.[1]
All suggestions of delay were absolutely refused by Shelburne. He announced the passage through the English Parliament of a Bill taking off the restriction imposed by the Act 10 William III. on the number of troops to be kept on the Irish establishment, and giving satisfactory security that the force kept in Ireland should amount to 12,000 men; and he further agreed that in order to obviate the difficulties which might arise from the immediate demand of a large sum for levy money, extra clothing, and arms, the execution of the plan should not be begun till the ist of December. This would enable money enough to accumulate to cover all these expenses. He also gave the assurance of protection required by the country members, pointing out that as it was by no means intended that the Lord-Lieutenant should be a non-resident, there was no danger of the Government of the country relapsing into the hands of the oligarchy.[2]
The crisis had now arrived. The Augmentation Bill was made the subject of a message from the Crown to Parliament. An amendment was immediately carried to the address in reply by a majority of four. Here is the account of the debate sent by Barré then Vice-Treasurer of Ireland to Shelburne:
"Conoly and Dawson moved and seconded; Pery opposed mostly upon the ground that the augmentation was meant to enable Britain to keep more troops in America, in order to crush the spirit of her Colonies; the Attorney-General because it was too late in the session, and that such a measure should always be taken into consideration at the beginning of a session, when the members would have time to consider the state of the national finances; thus leaving himself at liberty to hand in the measure in a subsequent session, when such a conduct would be more reconcileable to his private
