But that was simply the arraignment of a subordinate official, upon charges of peculation and cruelty--misdemeanors not uncommon with the Englishmen of that day who were entrusted with Colonial administration.

The great length of the Hastings trial, and especially the participation of Edmund Burke as original accuser and chief manager, have given it an extraneous importance to students of English history and law.

The Articles of Impeachment, drawn by Mr.Burke, were presented at the bar of the House of Lords in April, 1786.

They were so elaborate as to fill a stately octavo volume of five hundred pages.

Mr.Burke's opening speech was not made for two years thereafter, and his closing plea was made in June 1794.