Mr. Perceval's objection, and motion agreed to-

-Measures on
the eve of the change-Minifter's conduct against the Catholics→
Real consequence of the secret advisers of the Crown-Result
of the secret advisers council-Lord Grenville's Expose of his
dismissal-Lord Grenville continued-Resolution to withdraw
the bill-Unconstitutional pledge demanded-Lord Howick's
Expose Lord Howick continues on the Government pledge--
Further particulars of the dispatch-Royal objections to Lord
Howick's bill-Effects of the unconftitutional pledge-Lord
Hardwicke's audience of the King-Violent difference of the
two parties-Mr. Brand's motion-Duke of Cumberland's at-
tempt on the university of Dublin-Mr. Perceval, Mr. Grattan
and Sir Samuel Romilly-Marquis of Stafford's motion in the
Lords Mr. Lyttleton's motion and Mr. Tighe's speech
Mr. Gore's speech- Sir John Newport-Mr. Tierney.

A meeting of the Catholics-Mr. Grattan's letters.
Mr. Keogh's speech- -Counsellor Hussey-Mr. O' Gorman.
-Counsellor O'Connell- -Mr. Mahon-Mr. Hussey.
-Latter conduct of the Duke of Bedford- -Arrival of the
Duke of Richmond- -Departure of the Duke of Bedford.

A

HISTORY OF IRELAND,

CHAPTER III.

Administration of the EARL of HARDWICKE, under Mr. PITT.

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THE disgraceful efforts of Mr. Addington, and his inexpert journeymen, to execute the ruinous projects of Mr. Pitt, had so disgusted the thinking and independent, and so alarmed the wavering and interested part of the nation, that that imbecile minister could no longer hold together the majority in Parliament, which was necessary to support a Government even of the King's friends. Mr. Addington had, during a considerable part of his administration been so intoxicated with parliamentary majorities, that he foolishly attributed to his own strength, what arose out of the occasional support of the old opposition, or the internal disunion, forbearance or craft of the seceders. When Mr. Pitt from personal observation, and the busy suggestions of his creatures had been induced to believe the earnestness of Mr. Addington in main

1804.

1804. taining his post against him, who had raised him to it, that ambitious dictator rallied his much diminished forces, and peremptorily summoned to his rank every individual, whom he had originally enlisted in his service by art, fear or largess. Mr. Addington, the weak dupe of the all-venturous craft of Mr. Pitt, tendered his resignation to the King, which was with reluctancy accepted. In the sober hour of reflection he found his triumphs visionary, his impotency real. Whatever were the principles, springs and conditions of Mr. Pitt's return to power, certain it is, that, much negocia

A letter dated on the 8th of May 1801, written by Lord Grenville to Mr. Pitt found its way to the public eye, which let in much light upon those negociations. Lord Grenville and several persons, whom by Mr. Pitt's desire he had consulted, refused to engage in the administration, which he was then employed in forming. For says his Lordship, "No considera"tion of personal ease, no apprehension of responsibility, nor " reluctance to meet the real situation, into which the country "has been brought, have any weight in this decision; nor are we "fettered by any engagement on the subject either expressed or implied: we rest our determination solely on our own strong "sense of the impropriety of our becoming parties to a system

of Government, which is to be formed at such a moment as "the present, on a principle of exclusion. It is unnecessary to "dwell on the mischiefs, which have already resulted from "placing the great offices of Government in weak and incapable

hands. We see no hope of any effectual remedy for these "mischiefs, but by uniting in the public service as large a pro"portion as possible of the weight talents and character to be "found in public men of all descriptions, and without any "exception. This opinion I have already had occasion to express to you in the same words, and we have for some time "past been acting in conformity to it: nor can we, whilst we

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tion preceded it: great difficulties were raised against it at St. James'. Lord Grenville, Mr. Windham and other respectable Seceders refused to come into power under them.

1804.

New Minis

The new arrangements were announced in the Gazette on the 14th May: and an inspection of terial

"remain impressed with that persuasion, concur in defeating an

"

"

“ object, for which the circumstances of the present times afford

at once so strong an inducement and so favourable an occa"sion." His Lordship ended his letter with what amounts to his absolute conviction of Mr. Pitt's insincerity. "We are "certainly not ignorant of the difficulties, which might have "obstructed the final accomplishment of such an object, however earnestly pursued. But when in the very first instance "all trial of it is precluded, and when this denial of it is made "the condition of all subsequent arrangements, we cannot but " feel, that there are no motives of whatever description, which "could justify our taking an active part in the establishment " of a system so adverse to our deliberate and declared opinion.”

Sir Philip Stevens, Sir H. Burrard Neale, Sir John Colpoys,
Admiral Gambier, Admiral Patten, Wm. Dickson, Jun. Esq.

ar

rangements.