Bristow should be reinstated in his office. This motion,
in itself just and proper in the highest degree, and in which no fault
could be found, but that it was not made more early, was received by Mr.
Hastings with the greatest marks of resentment and indignation. He
declares in his minute, that, "were the most determined adversary of the
British nation to possess, by whatever means, a share in the
administration, he could not devise a measure in _itself_ so pernicious,
or _time_ it so effectually for the _ruin_ of the British interests in
India." Then turning to the object of the motion, he says, "I will ask,
Who is Mr. Bristow, that a member of the administration should, at such
a time, hold him forth, as _an instrument for the degradation of the
first executive member of this government?_ What are the professed
objects of his appointment? What are the _merits_ and services, or what
the _qualifications_, which entitle him to such uncommon distinction? Is
it for his superior _integrity_, or from his eminent _abilities_, that
he is to be dignified at such hazard of every consideration that ought
to influence the members of this administration? Of the former (his
integrity) I know _no proofs_; I am sure it is not an evidence of it,
that he has been _enabled_ to make himself the principal in such a
_competition:_ and for the test of his abilities I appeal to the letter
which he has _dared_ to write to this board, and which I am ashamed to
say we have _suffered_.
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