She certainly was not to be blamed that she wished to make this most important investigation, but it was her own fault that any new machinery had been rendered necessary.

The whole control of the finances had, in the beginning of the year, been placed in the Earl's hands, and it was only by her violently depriving him of his credit and of the confidence of the country that he had not retained it.

He now established a finance-chamber, under the chief control of Reingault, who promised him mountains of money, and who was to be chief treasurer.

Paul Buys was appointed by Leicester to fill a subordinate position in the new council.
He spurned the offer with great indignation, saying that Reingault was not fit to be his clerk, and that he was not likely himself, therefore, to accept a humble post under the administration of such an individual.
This scornful refusal filled to the full the hatred of Leicester against the ex-Advocate of Holland.
The mercantile interest at once took the alarm, because it was supposed that the finance-chamber, was intended to crush the merchants.

Early in April an Act had been passed by the state-council, prohibiting commerce with the Spanish possessions.