CHAP. I.] MR. GRATTAN'S LETTER.

25

down the people, in all their orders and degrees - Dukes, Earls, and Commons; it is not rank, but office, that is now necessary to consecrate the subject against the levelling principle of Ministerial insolence. I like the preface much; it was necessary, and is useful and pointed. I have not read the defences-neither the one which you sent me, nor the other published in some of the papers of Dublin and London; but I looked into both, and saw refutable matter in abundance. One would think from both that animadversion on a judicial character is an unexpiable offence; but that animadversions by that judicial character made on other judicial characters, and on the whole body of the people, is an extraordinary virtue. The publications ought to be answered, otherwise they will give cause to boast. The Castle will say they were unanswerable, not contemptible. Besides, it is much better for us that the subject should not be dropped. The Chancellor is, I believe, vexed; but could he expect to abuse us as a pack of blockheads, and not to meet retaliation? I wish you would speak to M'Can, that no publication should come out in answer until well considered.

Since I wrote the above, I have read the pamphlet, and am very glad it has been written, because it gives a great opportunity and a great opening. The law part is a begging of the question in every position. I don't think it can make any impression, because it is too drowsy to read, as well as too illogical to convince. The only chance it has of being read, is being preserved in the answer to it.

If you see M'Can, tell him the newspapers are to be directed to Buxton, Derbyshire. M'Can writes in high spirits, and says we are very popular. Yours ever,

Is Lord Rawdon gone to England?

H. GRATTAN.

The new Parliament had assembled on the 2nd July, 1790, when Mr. Conolly proposed Mr. Wm.

thanks to Mr. Wogan Browne for his early communication of the resolutions of the Whig Club. However, individually, a majority of the gentlemen present may approve of the spirit of those resolutions, yet as many respectable members are absent, the bar as a body, do not feel themselves authorized to give any further opinion on the subject of Mr. Browne's letter. The words, majority of gentlemen present,' being objected to by Mr. Moore, produced a division to ascertain the point, when nine were for continuing, and five were for expunging them.

"N.B. Such is the public spirit and virtue of the Leinster Bar."

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MR. FOSTER CHOSEN SPEAKER.

[CHAP. I.

Ponsonby as Speaker; but the choice fell on Mr. Foster, who was proposed by Major Hobart, and again elected without a division. The speech from the throne communicated the intelligence of two British vessels having been captured by the Spaniards off the American coast, and their crews imprisoned. The answer to this speech by the House of Commons was remarkable for the unanimity it displayed, and the determination to support the British connexion and British Constitution. In this sentiment Mr. Grattan and the leaders of the opposition fully joined. Parliament was then prorogued, and did not meet till the ensuing year.

Mr. Grattan, whose mind was always active, now sought for information on the subject which his friend Mr. Forbes had undertaken to manage, viz. the Responsibility Bill. In Ireland, the minister was not responsible. Impeachment, or an address to the Crown, was the only mode of punishing political delinquents. Mr. Forbes prepared a bill to remedy this omission, and hence the desire expressed by Mr. Grattan in the subjoined letter.

MR. GRATTAN TO MR. DAY.

MY DEAR DAY,

Tinnehinch, 24th Dec., 1790.

What acts in Ireland are done by the authority of the sign manual? Are not all commissions in the army under the sign manual? Is not the commission or patent of the Lord-lieutenant under the sign manual? I know it is under the great seal of England; but is it not also under the sign manual, as an order to the privy seal, which is an order to the great seal? With secrecy and certainty, as soon as possible, find out for me the above questions. Why I enjoin secrecy I'll tell you this day, when I expect to see you at dinner. Most sincerely yours, H. GRATTAN.

Don't omit to come to me to-day.

CHAP. I. PATENT OF LORD-LIEUTENANT.

REPLY.

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For the appointment of a Lord-lieutenant there first passes a patent in England, and then there comes over to Ireland a King's letter, signed at the top of the page (i. e. superscribed) with the King's sign manual, and undersigned by the Secretary of State of England, directed to the Lord-lieutenant or Lords Justices, directing him or them to prepare patents under the great seal of the kingdom of Ireland. This King's letter is transmitted to the Attorney or Solicitor General, or in their absence, to any of the King's counsel, to prepare what is called the Fiant for passing the patent. When signed by them, or any of them, it goes to the Signet Office, that is, to the Office of the Secretary of State. After it is there signed, it goes to the Hanaper Office, and the clerk prepares an engrossment of the patent, which is transmitted to the Chancellor's secretary, and by him laid before the Chancellor, who puts the great seal to it. From thence it goes to the Rolls Office, where it is enrolled, there being a provision contained in all patents that they are to be void if not enrolled within six months.

Commissions in the army are superscribed by the King's sign manual, and undersigned by the Secretary at War.

CHAPTER II.

Meeting of Parliament, January, 1791-Speeches of Mr. Ponsonby and Mr. Grattan-Character and conduct of Lord Westmoreland-Public feeling in Ireland-Dinner by the Whigs of the capital-Resolutions of the Volunteers-Decree of Louis XVI. in favour of tolerationFrench revolution-French principles in Ireland-Question of Roman Catholic Emancipation-Effect of the penal laws-Edmund Burke's writings in favour of the Catholics-Ill treatment of the Catholics by the Government-Their communication with the Whig Club-Lord Kenmare's address to the Lord-lieutenant-Address of the "Sixty-eight"-People disapprove of both addresses-Conduct of the Opposition-Meeting of Parliament, January, 1792—Mr. Grattan's speech-Remarkable eulogy on Dean Kirwan-Account of his charity sermons.

PARLIAMENT met on the 20th January, 1791. The speech from the throne announced that the rupture between Spain and England had been amicably adjusted, but stated nothing further of importance. The Opposition renewed their enquiries respecting the corrupt proceedings of the late Government. Mr. Ponsonby moved, on the 3rd of February, to enquire into the pensions and additional salaries granted by Government. Mr. Grattan seconded the motion, which was rejected by 117 to 56.

Such a majority at the outset of a new Parliament, and one of its first votes, augured ill for the reformation of abuses and the improvement in the system of Government. Mr. Isaac Corry appeared on this occasion as a defender of the Marquess of Buckingham.

On the 8th of February, Mr. Grattan renewed his motion respecting the sale of peerages, and moved for a Committee to prove the fact. On that occasion, Mr. Ponsonby said

CHAP. II.]

MOTION ON SALE OF PEERAGES.

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"If gentlemen are unwilling to risk their reputation by instituting an enquiry on the ground of common fame, I will state to them what they will consider sufficient ground for this enquiry-a member of this house standing up and asserting that he had good reason to believe that peerages have been sold. This, Mr. Speaker, the gentlemen opposite will acknowledge to be good ground for enquiry. Sir, I am that man. I say I have good reason to believe that peerages have been sold for money; nay, more, I have proof. Go into a Committee; and if I do not establish my charge, degrade me; let me no longer enjoy the character of an honest man. I dare the administration to it. I risk my reputation on establishing the fact.”

The motion was strongly opposed by the Government,* though the facts therein stated were confidently offered to be established in proof by the chief members of the Opposition; but it was defeated by a majority of 135 to 81.

The question respecting the East India trade was revived, and an effort to open that extensive commerce to Ireland was again made, but in vain. The motion to that effect, proposed by Mr. Ponsonby, was lost by 143 to 86.

The

Barren Land Bill, by Mr. Grattan, and the Pension and Responsibility Bills, by Mr. Forbes, were proposed, but without success. The object of the latter bill was to have some responsible men to disburse the public money, as in England, where no charges or drafts could be issued except by individuals whose signatures made them responsible to the public; whereas in Ireland the Lord-lieutenant could issue the money, signing the warrant at the top, and the Secretary at the bottom, neither of whom afforded sufficient responsibility. This debate lasted till near four o'clock on Sunday morning, and the second reading was rejected by 131 to 64. The following are

* Mr. Barrington, author of the "History of the Union," appears to have made as strong a speech in favour of Government as he afterwards did at a subsequent period against them.