1793
commenced with the usual aspects, and power appeared to have had a
hardening influence upon the minds of statesmen. The crisis seemed near,
that some salutary and healing measure of reform in the state of the
representation must be adopted; for it was imprudent any longer to be
silent on the subject. Mr. Grey, therefore, moved the question in the
House, on the 30th of April, and was supported ably by Mr. Erskine and
others; but the minister (Mr. Pitt) repelled the motion, and spoke as
warmly for its withdrawal as he had formerly spoken in its defence, and
of its necessity. The result was prejudicial to the rights and
privileges of free-born men; the motion was dismissed, and a
royal proclamation issued against all seditious writings and
correspondences,--plainly proving that the crown needed the aid of
_spies and informers_, in order to continue its baneful and injurious
influence over a deluded and degraded people! Thus was an attempt to
obtain justice defeated by a combination of overbearing tyranny and
oppression; and thus was the "state automaton" moved at pleasure by the
secret springs of court intrigue and infamy, regulated by the queen! One
extreme generally leads to another, and so by degrees the freedom of the
constitution was changed to tyrannical fetters, under the assumed title
of "_improvements in our code of laws_," whilst distress continued, and
expostulation, as usual, proved fruitless.
Mr. Pitt, at this time, through a private channel, communicated his
desire to see Mr. Canning, who of course promptly attended. The premier
complimented Mr. Canning on his reputation as a scholar and a speaker,
and stated, that, if he concurred in the policy which government was
then pursuing, arrangements would be made to bring him into parliament.
These few words will briefly explain to future generations the manner of
introducing members to parliament by this minister.
Previous to this _honourable_ offer, Mr. Canning belonged to what was
then termed "the opposition faction," and among those who were the _most
violent_ in their opinions, _he_ had been considered and spoken of as
their _protege_. But a seat in parliament from the hands of a prime
minister, who, however haughty and reserved in his general manners, had
perhaps, for that very reason, a peculiar power in fixing himself in the
minds of those whom he wished to please, was a tempting offer to a young
man, conscious of superior talent, but rendered by his situation in life
agreeably alive to such flattering and powerful notice. Our readers will
hardly feel surprised, then, at his after vacillating conduct, which we
shall have occasion frequently to notice.
The Prince of Wales now veered in his political expressions, and
deserted his former acknowledged principles, in obedience to the wishes
of the _queen_. The other male branches of the royal family were
revelling in the vortex of voluptuousness; and so expensive were their
amours and gallantries, in addition to their gambling transactions, that
they were continually involved in debt, and, for momentary relief,
borrowed sums of every person willing to run the risk of a loan, or
afraid to incur the royal displeasure.
The king was ignorant of the most dishonorable transactions in which his
sons were so deeply involved; what he did know was sufficient to make
him miserable. Their supplies and income were to an enormous extent; yet
his majesty was aware that the Duke of York's horses and carriage were
seized, while going down Piccadilly, and his royal highness obliged to
walk home!
Declaration of hostilities was announced between Great Britain and
France, and the year's supply amounted to TWENTY MILLIONS. To provide
this enormous sum, extra taxes were again levied upon the people.