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particularity of their[1] parliament continuing as long as the crown pleases, I am astonished to observe such a love of liberty still animating that loyal and generous nation; and nothing can raise higher my idea of the integrity and [2]public spirit of a
- “-----------mentem mortalia tangunt.”
- ↑ The last Irish parliament continued 33 years, during all the late King’s reign. The present parliament there has continued from the beginning of this reign, and probably will continue till this reign ends.
- ↑ I am informed, that within these few years, a petition was presented to the house of commons, setting forth, “that herrings were imported into Ireland from some foreign parts of the north so cheap, as to discourage the British herring fishery, and therefore praying that some remedy might be applied in that behalf by parliament.”----
That upon this petition, the house came to a resolution, to impose a duty of Two Shillings sterling on every barrel of foreign herrings imported into Ireland; but afterwards dropt the affair, for fear of engaging in a dispute with Ireland about the right of taxing her.
So much higher was the opinion, which the house entertained of the spirit of Ireland, than of that of these colonies.
I find, in the last English papers, that the resolution and firmness with which the people of Ireland have lately asserted their freedom, have been so alarming in Great-Britain, that the Lord Lieutenant, in his speech on the 20th of last October, “recommended to that parliament, that such provision may be made for securing the judges in the enjoyment of their offices and appointments, during their good behavior, as shall be thought most expedient.”
What an important concession is thus obtained, by making demands becoming freemen, with a courage and perseverance becoming Freemen!
of injustice and bad policy. The lords expunged the word, but as the king was sensible that no supply would be given by the commons, unless they were gratified in all their prejudices, he was obliged both to employ his interest with the peers, to make the bill pass, and to give the royal assent to it. He could not, however, forbear expressing his displeasure, at the jealousy entertained against him, and at the intention which the commons discovered, of retrenching his prerogative.
This law brought great distress for some time upon Ireland, but it has occasioned their applying with greater industry to manufactures, and has proved in the issue beneficial to that kingdom.”
Perhaps the same reason occasioned the “barring the king’s prerogative” in the late act suspending the legislation of New-York.
This we may be assured of, that we are as dear to his Majesty, as the people of Great-Britain are. We are his subjects as well as they, and as faithful subjects; and his Majesty has given too many, too constant proofs of his piety and virtue, for any man to think it possible, that such a prince can make any unjust distinction between such subjects. It makes no difference to his Majesty, whether supplies are raised in Great-Britain, or America; but it makes some difference to the commons of that kingdom.
To speak plainly, as becomes an honest man on such important occasions, all our misfortunes are owing to a lust of power in men of abilities and influence. This prompts them to seek popularity by expedients profitable to themselves, though ever so destructive to their country.
Such is the accursed nature of lawless ambition, and yet----What heart but melts at the thought!----Such false, detestable patriots, in every state, have led their blind, confiding country, shouting their applauses, into the jaws of shame and ruin. May the wisdom and goodness of the people of Great-Britain, save them from the usual fate of nations.
