THE

SELECT SPEECHES

OF THE

RIGHT HON. HENRY GRATTAN;

TO WHICH IS ADDED

HIS LETTER ON THE UNION,

WITH

A COMMENTARY ON HIS CAREER AND CHARACTER.

BY DANIEL OWEN MADDEN, ESQ.,

OF THE INNER TEMPLE.

LONDON:

HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN.

MDCCCXLVII.

PREFACE.

Few things are more calculated to give pleasure to those interested in the welfare of our country, than the rapid progress which education has made amongst the people within the last

few years.

In order to meet the demand for works on Ireland, it has been proposed to publish "The Irish Library," which will contain a selection from our classic orators and writers;—with original Memoirs of our most celebrated countrymen. The undertaking will also comprise re-publications of works meriting preservation, and difficult to be procured.

The editing of the various works composing "The Irish Library," has been entrusted to gentlemen of different politics, but who are united in love for their country, and in desire to serve her. Thus, though differing in many serious points from the eloquent writer of the interesting Memoir of Curran (published in this series) I have been glad to co-operate with those who have started the present undertaking.

In the Memoir of Grattan, prefixed to this volume, I have confined myself to indicating the growth of his character and genius, to commenting on the most important crisis of his life, concluding with a general review of his carcer, and with some plain remarks on the inestimable value of his example. I might have gone seriatim through all the facts of his life; but, within the limited space assigned to me, there would have been room for scarcely more than a meagre abridgment of his biography. The course I have adopted seemed to be more useful. Such a course was more

suitable to the plan of "The Irish Library," as it will enable those who may treat of Grattan's contemporaries, to select different periods for examination.

This Edition having been designed for the public, and not for students of oratory, I have refrained from extended criticism on Grattan's eloquence. The topic has been treated of by Lord Brougham, Sir James Mackintosh, the Rev. George Croly, the late Chief Justice Bushe, William Taylor (of Norwich), and by a host of other eminent persons. Upon a critical subject so beaten it would be impossible to grow a blade of fresh thought. In the following Memoir, therefore, I have principally regarded the man and his life, rather than the orator and his style.

The valuable edition of Grattan's Speeches (published by his son in 1822), has long since been out of print. It was very carefully edited, and I have freely availed myself of some of Mr. H. Grattan's prefatory notes. I have also to acknowledge my obligations to that gentleman's interesting life of his parent; but it will be seen that our views are not exactly in concurrence. In reverence for his father's memory, however, I believe all rational Irishmen of every party have long since been agreed.

February 3rd, 1845.