The Virginia Gazette

In the course of the debates on the second reading of the East India regulating bill in the house of lords, the Marquis of Rockingham, amongst a number of good arguments, in opposition to the bill, was singularly happy in the following: "One principal charge of delinquency, my Lords, that is held out against the proprietors of East India stock is, that from a deficiency of their cash, they have been obliged to petition parliament for a loan; if this be a crime, my Lords, with what face can the minister of this country ever ask of the public the like favour, without incurring the like imputation?" This was so palpable a hit, that even the lords in opposition, in the unguarded moment of conviction, cried out, "All fair! all fair!"