Many persons, therefore, who were sincerely attached to his government, and who on principle disapproved of resumptions, thought the case of these forfeitures an exception to the general rule.
The Commons had at the close of the last session tacked to the Land Tax Bill a clause impowering seven Commissioners, who were designated by name, to take account of the Irish forfeitures; and the Lords and the King, afraid of losing the Land Tax Bill, had reluctantly consented to this clause.

During the recess, the commissioners had visited Ireland.
They had since returned to England.

Their report was soon laid before both Houses.

By the Tories, and by their allies the republicans, it was eagerly hailed.

It had, indeed, been framed for the express purpose of flattering and of inflaming them.