But the truth is, that the inquiry was moved for by Mr. Stables,
not on the prayer or appeal of the sufferers, but upon the ill
impression which the said Hastings's own conduct, merely and solely on
his own state of it, and on his own evidence in support of it, had made
on the Court of Directors, who were his lawful masters, and not suitors
in his court. And his arrogating to himself and his colleagues to be a
tribunal, and a tribunal not for the purpose of doing justice, but of
refusing inquiry, was an high offence and misdemeanor (particularly as
the due obedience to the Company's orders was eluded on the insolent
pretence "that the majesty of justice ought to be approached with
solicitation, and that it would debase itself by the suggestion of
wrongs and the promise of redress") in a Governor, whose business it is,
even of himself, and unsolicited, not only to promise, but to afford,
redress to all those who should suffer under the power of the Company,
even if their ignorance, or want of protection, or the imbecility of
their sex, or the fear of irritating persons in rank and station, should
prevent them from seeking it by formal solicitation.
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