BURKE 254 the same month (the house being uncommonly crouded) the Earl of Surrey (late Dake of Norfolk) rose to make his promised motion, when Lord North spoke to order, saying, "He meant no disrespect to the noble earl; but, as notice had been given, that the object of the intended motion was the removal of his majesty's ministers, he meant to have acquainted the house that such a motion was unnecessary, as he could assure the house, on au thority,- that the present administration was no more! and that his majesty had come to a full determination of changing his ministers; and, for the purpose of giving the necessary time for new arrangements, he moved an ad- journment," which was instantly adopted. During this adjournment, a new. administration was formed, under the auspices of the Marquis of Rocking- ham, on whose public prineiples and private virtues the nation seemed to repose, after the violent struggle by which it had been agitated, with the securest and most implicit confidence. The Marquis of Rockingham was appointed first lord of the treasury, the Earl of Shelborne and Mr. Fox, joiut-secretaries of state, Lord Camden pre- sident of the council, Duke of Grafton privy seal, Lord John Cavendish chancellor of the exchequer, and Mr. Burke paymaster-general of the forces. The new ministry, which stood pledged to the people for many reforms, begau iminediately to put them into execution. The first object of their attention was the áffairs of Ireland. A bill was passed through both houses, which, by repealing the act of the 6th George I. rendered the parliament of Ireland independent of that of Great Britain. This was coupled with a resolution, “That it was essentially necessary to the mutual happiness of the two countries, that a firm and solid connection should be forthwith established by the consent of both; and that his majesty should be requested to give the proper direc- tions for promoting the same." On the 5th of April, Burke brought forward his great
