the language alluded to, but that either he thought favourably of lord Wellesley at the time, or that he employed it to gain a selfish object. But, be this as it may, the style of the address betrays a mean and abject spirit, totally unworthy of esteem or confidence. It is the language of a valet-dechambre suing for an indulgence from his master: It shews a sycophancy which no gentleman could feel, or express. I have heard it often said, that Mr. Paull has assailed lord Wellesley from motives of personal enmity. It appears probable at least that he might unjustly attack the man he had so basely flattered.-What then are the pretensions of this Mr. Paull, from the account he gives of himself, "even if he speaks the truth?" Unknown, as he confesses himself to be to the City of Westminster, he rests his pretensions upon his prosecution of Lord Wellesley, whom he has so lately flattered. Either he has been a base sycophant, or he is now a false accuser. His other claim is, that he is the disciple of sir F. Burdett. And, on these grounds, he comes forward to oppose Mr. Sheridan !-It is indeed a painful thing to see Mr. Sheridan even opposed by such a person as Mr. Paull; but to see the adulatory, false, and deceitful professions of the latter, preferred to the long, faithful services of the former, is intolerable. Much has been written and much said of the levity of the ungrateful multitude; but if such an adventurer as Mr. Paull, whose whole stock of patriotism lies in empty professions of integrity unvouched, and of purity absolutely disproved, is to rise over the head of Mr. Sheridan, farewell for ever all fair, honest, and disinterested endeavours to serve the people! They can never have profitable servants, who shew themselves unthankful masters. The base malignant insinuation, that Mr. Sheridan had changed his heart and character because he had accepted a high public situation, could only proceed from a mind either conscious of the falsehood of the charge, or of its own depravity. In the eyes of such men as Mr. Sheridan, office is only the means of better serving the public, or it has no charms at all. Mr. Sheridan, of all men, has shewn that he was far above the temptation. Let Mr. Paull serve, like Mr. Sheridan, for 25 years, amidst all seductions, before he has the presumption to contend with Mr. Sheridan. Mr. Paul is but starting; Mr. Sheridan has reached the goal and what judges must they be who would tear the laurel from his brows, to deck those of an equivocal adventurer? What assembly of men, in the least sensible to the distinctions of genius and excellence, could hesitate one moment between the claims of Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Paull?-But while Mr. Sheridan has been the advocate of the just constitutional rights of the people, he has been the steady supporter of the throne. The last, indeed, may be his crime in the eyes of some ;and for this, upon him, living, as upon Mr. Fox, dead, their wrath is poured out. Mr. Sheridan, too, on every trying occasion, has been the bold asserter of the true interests and honour of his Country.-Is it not then disgraceful, not merely to to Westminster, but to England, that between such competitors the victory should even be doubtful? On the one side, Mr. Sheridan, asan orator now unrivalled; as a politician, the acknowledged organ of true patriotic sentiment, the incorruptible asserter of the rights of the people: On the other, Mr. Paull, a person in whom the most consummate assurance supplies the place of ordinary talents;a man of no education, of no acquirements; who has hitherto given no pledge of general political character, and is more than suspected in the only public question with which he has connected his name, of being either the vindictive enemy, or the interested agent. Let the Electors of Westminster fairly weigh and decide.-But be it remembered that there are questions now depending upon this issue, of more importance than the claims of an individual. Principles are now boldly avowed, incompatible with the existence of all government; and an attempt is made to fix their head-quarters in the seat of the royal authority. It is declared that no man is worthy to be a representative of the people, who is honoured with the confidence of the chief magistrate; and that he who serves his Sovereign, is disabled to serve the Country. When the converse has been maintained, the proposition has been admitted to be full of danger. If the favour of the people were to be considered as an argument of exclusion by the court, where could upright and faithful ministers be procured? If, on the other hand, it is to be held as a principle, independent of all proof, that office is a forfeiture of public confidence, what must be the consequences, but perpetual hostility, where harmony should prevail; and, in fine, the overthrow of the constitution? I call therefore upon all honest men of every party to rescue Westminster from the disgrace of being represented by Mr. Paull, and to save the nation from the predominance of principles which are as incompatible with popular rights, as they are with all respectable government. Good lads! in this City that dwell, I call on you now, one and all, When I bid you give plumpers for PAULL; Who daily for Liberty fights, sirs, And sees that the broad-bottom'd brothers Don't narrow the Englishman's rights, sirs. Away, and give plumpers to Paull. 2. Sammy Hood, who now tries to get in, For Tho' about it he makes such pretences: For if you a seat give him here, He'll sell you, and pocket the fee, sirs; With Picton the booty will share : Then sheer his old hulk off to sea, sirs. When he whimper'd, and snivell'd, and whin'd, And crocodile tears found their way, More surely the people to blind, How he play'd with you, just like a toy, Το While your rights, like a bauble, he flung, sirs, your choice recommended a boy, More Piercingly 'cause he was young, sirs. 5. Independence is Paull's righteous creed, And honesty reigns at his heart; To make him desert the good part: But for Freedom will conquer or well die. Your Votes freely give when they call; MR |