posed of slaves indeed, which can tamely submit, without any exertion in its defence.

But the policy of our oppressors lost sight of this principle; and, not content with the exercise of an authority unconstitutionally derived, they have extended it to the entire destruction of our most valuable rights, and our civil and commercial interests.

Hence it is, that during the last session of parliament, the most wanton and reiterated acts of oppression have been multiplied-personal liberty has been rendered insecure-protecting duties (adopted by every wise nation) refused— our chartered rights infringed-the subject unconstitutionally and illegally imprisoned-the trial by jury, in many instances, suspended--the freedom of the press (that grand palladium of our liberties) violated-an infamous power given to expose and restrain private correspondence-a large standing army kept up in the time of profound peace-that badge of slavery, the stampact, so disgracefully altered, as to make it a still greater grievance-and taxation unnecessarily augmented, to the general ruin of the nation.Such are the proceedings of a parliament in which the members of the house of commons do not really represent the people, but have become the representation of an overgrown and overbearing aristocracy, raised upon the ruins of our rights and privileges; whereby the original purpose of the democratic branch of the legislature is defeated, the constitution effectually destroyed, and instead of being a shield against unnecessary

taxation, the commons are rendered the hired instrument to pillage an already impoverished and distressed people.

Thus, fellow-subjects and countrymen, is all confidence in parliament, and the dignity thereof, destroyed the trust of representation betrayedthe instructions of the constituent body of the people disobeyed-commercial interests neglected-and, emigration consequently promoted, to the great discouragement of population, and the diminution of the national wealth; and thus doth experience evince, that a house of commons, under the undue influence of either of the two other branches of the legislature, is ever ready to betray the most sacred rights of the people; and we find, that parliaments chosen as they now are, and continuing for eight years, as they now do, will ever be composed, for the most part, of persons under the guidance of particular noblemen and others, solely aiming at, and perpetually contending for, the power and emoluments of office.

Enjoying the advantages lately held out to us by our sister kingdom, who, with equal justice and magnanimity, unequivocally acknowledged and restored to us our right of exclusive legislature, and to maintain a strict amity with whom, is not less our inclination than our interest, we have to regret that internal situation of our own country, that corruption and venality which pervades our senate, and those defects already pointed out in our legislature, which prevent our pursuing means, that, under the free enjoy

VOL. IV.

2 E

ment of our constitution, and with the prudent direction of virtuous rulers, might render us a prosperous, happy, and united kingdom.

Failing in every other mode of redress, we have been now induced to approach the throne, by an humble petition, praying the dissolution of the present parliament, and seeking that relief from our most gracious Sovereign, which has been indignantly refused by those who assume to be the delegated servants of the people. Nor do we doubt of success, if, meeting with the approbation of our fellow-subjects (which can alone render effectual this salutary and necessary measure) we shall be supported by their warm and zealous co-operation, in bringing those national grievances to the ear of majesty.

Convinced of the necessity, we cannot, however, presume to point out any specific mode for a parliamentary reform in the representation of the people: that, in which all are equally concerned, must receive from all their approbation and support. We call upon you, therefore, and thus conjure you, that, in this important work, you join with us, as fellow-subjects, countrymen, and friends, as men embarked in the general cause, to remove a general calamity; and for this we propose, that five persons be elected from each county, city, and great town in this kingdom, to meet in national congress, at some convenient place in this city, on Monday, the 25th day of October next, there to deliberate, digest and determine on such measures, as may seem to them most conducive to re-establish the consti

tution on a pure and permanent basis, and secure to the inhabitants of this kingdom peace, liberty and safety.

And whilst we thus contend, as far as in us lies, for our constitutional rights and privileges, we recommend to your consideration, the state of our suffering fellow-subjects, the Roman Catholics of this kingdom, whose emancipation from the restraints under which they still labour, we consider not only as equitable, but essentially conducive to the general union and prosperity of the kingdom.

Trusting with the most perfect confidence in your concurrence and support, we entertain the strongest hopes of freeing our country from that yoke of bondage, which domestic enemies have thus imposed on it. The majesty of the people will then re-assume its proper influence in the guidance of the state; and Divine Providence, knowing the justice of our cause, will graciously assist us in obtaining those rights, to which we are entitled by the laws of God and nature.

A. Kirkpatrick, jun. B. Smith, Sheriffs. The following petition to his majesty was also agreed to.

To the King's most excellent majesty. The humble petition of the freemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the city of Dublin. Most gracious Sovereign, permit us, your loyal and dutiful subjects, with every sentiment of duty and attachment to your majesty's person, family, and government, to approach the throne with the greatest respect and humility, to lay a national

grievance of the highest importance to your crown and dignity, and to the liberties and properties of your people of Ireland, at your majesty's feet.

The grievance your distressed subjects thus humbly presume to lay before your majesty, is the present illegal and inadequate representation of the people of this kingdom in parliament, illegal, because the returns of members for boroughs are not agreeable to the charters granted for that purpose by the crown; and inadequate, because there are as many members returned for each of these boroughs, by a few voters, as are returned for any county or city in this kingdom.

Born in a country, where your petitioners, from their earliest infancy, were taught to believe the laws for their government passed through a house of commons elected by the people, they conceived their 'iberties founded on the most firm basis; but finding laws passed, inimical as well to your Majesty's crown as their rights, (which are inseparable,) they were led into a minute inquiry of the cause, and discovering the same to proceed from the present insufficient mode of representation, and the long duration of parliament, which render even the few members, who are constitutionally elected, nearly independent of their constituents, they now most humbly beg leave to inform your Majesty, that men thus elected cease to have any weight with your people.

It is to the grand cause of aristocratic influence, (jealous, as all inordinate power must