The Life of William Wilberforce (Volume 3) - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1839. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 1805. TO LORD MUNCASTER. 225 him he was defending a bad cause. I spoke so late that very little of what I said appeared in any of the newspapers; but from various circumstances, I spoke with more effect than has almost ever happened to me in the House of Commons. I am reproached with having materially contributed to the catastrophe. To all Pitt's and Melville's friends I say, and most truly, that whatever may be the consequences of this affair, and whether the administration may or may not be able to stand, it is perfectly clear that they could not have weathered the storm, and rode out the gale, with Melville in the vessel after the publication of the Tenth Report. "You will agree with me as to the good consequences from such an unusual demonstration of integrity in the House of Commons. But I should like (though it would be too provoking) to ask those staunch constitutionalists, who are such zealous friends to the honour of the House of Commons, and congratulate us so warmly on the proof of our public spirit, which has lately been exhibited, whether they think the same vote against Lord Melville would have passed, if he (for he was a party to the attempt) and Pitt had succeeded in their endeavours to form the strong government they talked of with so much hope, of Foxites, and Windhamites, and Grenvillians, and Pittites, &c. for which they said, most falsely that the whole country was so clamorous? Why should I think better of Fox and Windham than of Sidmouth and Pitt? Yet the latter could vote against the Resolution, though they would not directly defend Melville, and so doubtless they all would have done. In short, what is called a strong government, and is eulogized as such in high terms, is often, in my opinion, the most corrupt of all others; as it is able...