Virginia Argus

The Duke of York.

We have not been favored with a perusal of any English papers which represent the subject of parliamentary enquiry in a clear light. That he had a design on the throne, was only our inference from the scraps we saw, and the rumours we heard: A London paper declares it is nothing but stratagem to divert the English people from reflecting on the dismal condition of their foreign relations, as the defeat in Spain, &c. The following is from an English paper, the "Sheffield Iris," of the 6th of February.

Whig:

"The subject of Mr. Wardle's motion respecting the duke of York, as commander in chief, continued to be investigated in the house of commons. We have given as much of the examination as the limits would allow, to the exclusion of parliamentary matter.

But public curiosity must be gratified, even when shame, confusion of face, and dismay of heart must overwhelm every man who can feel for the honor, the virtue, the laws, or the religion of his country. We care not what may be the decision of the house of commons on the particular charges against the commander in chief; he will be acquitted no doubt; for on such evidence no man ought to be condemned; but by the unblushing avowal of his advocates, advisers & friends. His royal highness as a man, a prince, a christian & a married man, an episcopal prince, an exemplary christian, is sunk into a situation which, with all the splendor, servility and voluptuousness that surround him, the poorest wretch that has applied for charity at the cutler's hall, has no occasion to envy. If there be a conspiracy in this nation to degrade royalty, we need not look at Mrs. Clark's quondam establishment in Gloucester place, to know of what rank the conspirators are, and that being ascertained, we confess that we do tremble for the King and the country.

We rejoice to learn, that the select committee for enquiring into the distribution of East India patronage, is going on—and a report is expected in a few days. In the year 1800, we remember an inquiry was instituted by the directors themselves;—at which time, Mr. Charles Grant very conscientiously stated in his place, that it was put an end to by a special order from the higher powers. It would be fair to demand of Mr. Charles Grant, whom he meant by the high powers.

We understand that a committee is to be moved for, to enquire into the distribution and abuse of patronage generally. Facts have come out, in the course of the present enquiry, and are daily coming out of a character so gross and licentious, that it is totally impossible for the legislature to shut their ears to the scandal."