up. In numerous
instances, the precedent ought to operate as a
warning, and not as an example, and requires to be
shunned instead of imitated; but, instead of this,
precedents are taken in the lump, and put at once
for constitution and for _law_."--R. of M., part
ii., chap. iv.

_Junius._

"Precedents, in opposition to principle, have
little weight with Junius, but he thought it
necessary to meet the ministry on their own
ground."--Let. 16, note.

"I am no friend to the doctrine of precedents,
exclusive of right, though lawyers often tell us
that whatever has been done once may lawfully be
done again."--Preface.

Many examples could be given of the above likeness, but these are
sufficient.

* * * * *

I submit the following in regard to Lord North:

_Paine._

"As for Lord North, it is his happiness to have in
him more philosophy than sentiment, for he bears
flogging like a top, and sleeps the better for it.
His punishment becomes his support, for while he
suffers the lash for his sins, he keeps himself up
by twirling about. In politics, he is a good
arithmetician, and in every thing else _nothing at
all_."--Crisis, vii.

_Junius._

"The management of the king's affairs in the House
of Commons can not be more disgraced than it has
been. A leading minister repeatedly called down
for absolute ignorance, ridiculous motions
ridiculously withdrawn, deliberate plans
disconcerted, a week's preparation of graceful
oratory lost in a moment, give us some though not
adequate ideas of Lord North's parliamentary
abilities and influence. Yet, before he had the
misfortune of being Chancellor of the Exchequer,
he was neither an object of derision to his
enemies, nor of melancholy pity to his friends. I
hope he [Grafton] will not rely on the fertility
of Lord North's genius for finance; _his lordship
is yet to give us the first proof of his
abilities_."--Let. 1.

Mr. Paine, no doubt, had in his mind this passage of Junius when he
described him a