it not been suspected, that a WAR might have been made and supported, to prevent the annihilation of this oligarchy; by turning the attention of the people from a reform of parliament, and endeavoring to give a deadly stab to liberty. If the suspicion be well founded, this very circumstance is the strongest argument for reform which has ever been produced. Oceans of blood and treasure, enough to relieve all the poor in the nation for many years, lavished to establish a despotism, inimical to the King, the people, and to human nature! We have now reached the source of the evil, a source not so concealed as the fountain of the Nile. It is the corruption of boroughs, and the interference of ministers, peers, placemen, pensioners and expectants, in parliamentary elections, which causes the spirit of despotism to increase; for nature, reason, and selfinterest too, if they were not counteracted by corrupt influence, would revolt at it.... The egg would be instantly crushed, if it were not constantly guarded and fostered in the warm, well-fortified nest of boroughinfluence, directing all measures and dispos ing of all patronage. But they are all honorable men, who are concerned in this influence. They may not be morally worse or better than others in their situation. Their situation renders them politically iniquitous. The world is governed by men, and men by their pas sions, and their supposed interest. But it is the business of laws to restrain them.... The people are bound to watch the conduct of all whose conduct is influential on their welfare. Unlimited confidence should be given to no man, when the happiness of millions is concerned in the consequences of his actions or counsels. "The common people," says a sensible author, generally think that great men have great minds, and scorn base actions; which judgment is so false, that the basest and worst of all actions have been done by great men. They have often disturbed, deceived and pillaged the world; and he who is capable of the highest mischief is capable of the MEANEST. He who plunders a country of a million of money would, in suitable circumstances, steal a silver spoon; and a conqueror, who stands and pillages a kingdom, would, in an humbler situation, rifle a portmanteau." I should not, there fore, choose to expose my watch or purse in a crowd, to those men who have plundered Poland, if, instead of possessing a crown of jewels, and the pocket of submissive na tions, they had been in the circumstances of a Barrington. Nor, though men should be called honorable, will it be safe to trust our liberties to their honor, without some collateral security; especially when we see them interfering with and controlling elections, contrary to express laws, and contrary not only to the dictates of honor, but of common honesty. They usurp a power for the gratification of pride and avarice, which they cannot hold but to the injury of the lawful and right owners. How differs this in a moral view from robbery? It differs in a political view indeed, inasmuch as it is infinitely more injurious to society. The opposers of reform, the invaders of the people's rights, are no less blind and short-sighted than meanly selfish. Let them pour their venom on the people, and dispute popular claims to natural right, as much as they please; the people must at last triumph, and liberty will in time flourish all over Europe. Court parasites, and selfish grandees, will do right to use a little foresight; to consider what revolutions may be, by viewing what have been; and not to exasperate mankind too much, lest the irritation should produce, what God avert, sanguinary vengeance. men in I take my leave on this occasion, recommending, from the bottom of my heart, to power, measures of CONCILIATION. Let them come among us with healing in their wings. Let them concede with cheerfulness, whatever cannot be denied without injustice. Let them shew themselves real friends to liberty and man. The English nation is remarkable for generosity and good-nature. All their mistakes will be forgiven. There will be no leading into captivity, and no complaining in our streets. Mercy and truth shall meet together; and righteousness, and peace kiss each other. In a word; let parliament be reformed. This measure will remove all grievances, and satisfy all demands. It will at once give permanency to the throne, and happiness to the people. Kings will be republicans, in the true sense of that term; and the spirit of despotism become the spirit of philanthropy. THE END. CONTENTS. 2.9 III. Certain Circumstances in Education which IV. Corruption of Manners has a natural Tenden- cy to promote the Spirit of Despotism. V. An Abhorrence of Despotism, and an ardent love of Liberty, perfectly consistent with Order and Tranquillity; and the natural consequence of well-informed Understandings and benevo- VI. On the Venality of the Press under the Influ- ence of the despotic Spirit, and its Effects in VII. The fashionable Invectives against Philoso- IX. On taking Advantage of popular Commotions, accidental Excesses, and foreign Revolutions, X. When Human Life is held cheap, it is a symp- tom of a prevailing Spirit of Despotism. XI. Indifference of the Middle and Lower Classes of the People to public Affairs, highly favorable to the Encroachments of the Tory Principle, and therefore to the Spirit of Despotism. |