The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 09 (of 12) by Edmund Burke
page 17 of 440 (03%)
page 17 of 440 (03%)
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government did not exceed 205,399_l._ per annum; that in the year 1783
the said civil establishment had been increased to the enormous annual sum of 927,945_l._ That such increase in the civil establishment could not have taken place, if the said Warren Hastings, who was at the head of the government, with the power annexed to the casting voice, had not actively promoted the said increase, which he had power to prevent, and which it was his duty to have prevented. That by such immoderate waste of the property of his employers, and by such scandalous breach of his fidelity to them, it was the intention of the said Warren Hastings to gain and secure the attachment and support of a multitude of individuals, by whose united interest, influence, and intrigues he hoped to be protected against any future inquiry into his conduct. That it was of itself highly criminal in the said Warren Hastings to have so wasted the property of the East India Company, and that the purpose to be obtained by such waste was a great aggravation of that crime. That among the various instances of profusion by which the civil establishment of Fort William was increased to the enormous annual sum hereinbefore mentioned, it appears that a Salt Office was created, of six commissioners, whose annual emoluments were as follows, viz.:-- President, or Comptroller, per annum £18,480 1st member 13,100 2d do 11,480 3d do 13,183 4th do 6,257 5th do 10,307 ------ £72,807 |
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