Grattan and some of his immediate followers had seceded from an assembly too degraded to appreciate their motives, or to be influenced by their example; and whatever remained of independence in the House of Commons ministers still laboured to bring under their control.

Scarcely thirty votes appeared in opposition on the most important divisions, while Government could at any time readily whip a majority of 100.' According to a Government return made in 1784, by Pitt's direction, 116 nomination seats were divided between some 25 proprietors.

Lord Shannon returned no less than 16 members, and the great family of Ponsonby returned 14; Lord Hillsborough, 9, the Duke of Leinster, 7, and the Castle itself 12.

Eighty-six seats were _let out_ by the owners, in consideration of titles, offices, and pensions.

No less than 44 seats were occupied by placemen, 32 by gentlemen who had promises of pensions, 12 by gentlemen who stood out for higher prices from Government.