This question was whether a pardon could be pleaded in bar of a parliamentary impeachment.

The Commons resolved, without a division, that a pardon could not be so pleaded, [418] The next attack was made on Halifax.

He was in a much more invidious position than Caermarthen, who had, under pretence of ill health, withdrawn himself almost entirely from business.

Halifax was generally regarded as the chief adviser of the Crown, and was in an especial manner held responsible for all the faults which had been committed with respect to Ireland.

The evils which had brought that kingdom to ruin might, it was said, have been averted by timely precaution, or remedied by vigorous exertion.