THE author's reply. 



59 



beyond the repayment of certain incidental expenses of a trifling 

 nature that might be occasioned in the daily working out of 

 the business with which I was intrusted^ and that could not 

 be foreseen on the committee-days. 



This discretionary power was denied. I then made several 

 propositions to the Committee, in order to ascertain the real 

 position in which I was placed. 



1st. That advertisements should be sent to the Norwich 

 papers, informing the public when, and how, information was 

 to be obtained. 



2ndly. That printed directions should be dispersed in the 

 form of circulars, and others also, to invite gentlemen to join 

 the Society. 



ordly. That, as Lord Wodehouse had recommended, accord- 

 ing to my plan, as you will doubtless recollect, the establish- 

 ment of local societies, I proposed that the attempt should be 

 made ; and that in case it succeeded in augmenting the funds 

 of the Society, the expenses incurred should be allowed. For 

 instance, if 50Z. were obtained at the cost of two or three, that 

 sum should be allowed out of the 50Z. 



To these propositions I received a tacit negative, except from 

 Mr. Wilson, who said that he would pay the advertisement out 

 of his own pocket, rather than authorize the incurring of any 

 expenses. 



Thus bound hand and foot, justice required that I should 

 be set at liberty, in order that I might act the part of an inde- 

 pendent friend. 



With respect to your admirable similes, pardon my observ- 

 ing that they do not exactly apply to me ; for, instead of the 

 general of an army, I am the pilot of a ship, of which you are 

 the captain. 



While steering the vessel through rocks and quicksands, 

 your crew desire me to alter my course, and submit to their 

 directions. I warn them of their danger ; but they still per- 

 sist. I therefore resign the helm with honour, lest I should 

 be involved in the disgrace of reducing the ship to a wreck. 

 I have the honour to remain. 



Your obedient servant. 

 The Hon. W. R. Rous. John Warnes. 



