III. That the said requisition did suppose the _consent_ of the
Rajah,--the very word being inserted in the body of his, the said Warren
Hastings's, minute; and the same was agreed to, though with some doubts
on the parts of two of his colleagues, Mr. Francis and Mr. Wheler,
concerning the right of making the same, even worded as it was. But Mr.
Francis and Mr. Wheler, soon after, finding that the Rajah was much
alarmed by this departure from the treaty, the requisition aforesaid was
strenuously opposed by them. The said Hastings did, notwithstanding
this opposition, persevere, and by his casting vote alone did carry the
said unjust and oppressive demand. The Rajah submitted, after some
murmuring and remonstrance, to pay the sum required,--but on the express
condition (as has been frequently asserted by him to the said Warren
Hastings without any contradiction) that the exaction should continue
_but for one year, and should not be drawn into precedent_. He also
requested that the extraordinary demand should be paid along with the
instalments of his monthly tribute: but although the said Warren
Hastings did not so much as pretend that the instant payment was at all
necessary, and though he was urged by his before-mentioned colleagues to
moderate his proceedings, he did insist upon immediate payment of the
whole; and did deliver his demand in proud and insulting language,
wholly unfit for a governor of a civilized nation to use towards eminent
persons in alliance with and in honorable and free dependence upon its
government; and did support the same with arguments full of
unwarrantable passion, and with references to reports affecting merely
his own personal power and consideration, which reports were not proved,
nor attempted to be proved, and, if proved, furnishing reasons
insufficient for his purpose, and indecent in any public proceedings.
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