am convinced
that the whole of what has this day been done might have then been
effected. But then the minister must have taken it up as a great plan of
national policy, and paid with his person in every lodgment of his
approach. He must have used that influence to quiet prejudice, which he
has so often, used to corrupt principle: and I know, that, if he had, he
must have succeeded. Many of the most active in opposition would have
given him an unequivocal support. The corporation of London, and the
great body of the London West India merchants and planters, which forms
the greatest mass of that vast interest, were disposed to fall in with
such a plan. They certainly gave no sort of discountenance to what was
done or what was proposed. But these are not the kind of objects for
which our ministers bring out the heavy artillery of the state.
Therefore, as things stood at that time, a great deal more was not
practicable.

Last year another proposition was brought out for the relief of Ireland.
It was started without any communication with a single person of
activity in the country party, and, as it should seem, without any kind
of concert with government. It appeared to me extremely raw and
undigested. The behavior of Lord N., on the opening of that business,
was the exact transcript of his conduct on the Irish question in the
former session. It was a mode of proceeding which his nature has wrought
into the texture of his politics, and which is inseparable from them. He
chose to absent himself on the proposition and during the agitation of
that business,--although the business of the House is that alone for
which he has any kind of relish, or, as I am told, can be persuaded to
listen to with any degree of attention. But he was willing to let it
take its course. If it should pass without any considerable difficulty,
he would bring his acquiescence to tell for merit in Ireland, and he
would have the credit, out of his indolence, of giving quiet to that
country. If difficulties should arise on the part of England, he knew
that the House was so well trained that he might at his pleasure call us
off from the hottest scent. As he acted in his usual manner and upon his
usual principle, opposition acted upon theirs, and rather generally
supported the measure. As to myself, I expressed a disapprobation at the
practice of bringing imperfect and indigested projects into the House,
before means were used to quiet the clamors which a m