tages, and her own efforts, which, after a long time, and by flow degrees, have prevailed in fome measure over the mifchievous fyftems which have been adopted. Far enough she is still from having arrived even at an ordinary state of perfection; and if our jealousies were to be converted into politics, as fyftematically as fome would have them, the trade of Ireland would vanish out of the fyftem of commerce. But, believe me, if Ireland is beneficial to you, it is fo not from the parts in which it is reftrained, but from those in which it is left free, though not left unrivalled. The greater its freedom, the greater must be your advantage. If you should lose in one way, you will gain in twenty.

Whilst I remain under this unalterable and powerful conviction, you will not wonder at the decided part I take. It is my custom fo to do, when I fee my way clearly before me; and when I know, that I am not misled by any paffion, or any personal interest; which in this case, I am very fure, I am not. I find that disagreeable things are circulated among my conftituents; and I wish my fentiments, which form my justification, may be equally general with the circulation against me. I have the honour to be, with the greatest regard and esteem,

A PLAN FOR THE BETTER SECURITY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF PARLIAMENT,

AND THE

OECONOMICAL REFORMATION OF THE CIVIL

AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS.

SPEECH,

&c.

I

Mr. SPEAKER,

Rife, in acquittal of my engagement to the house, in obedience to the strong and juft requifition of my constituents, and, I am perfuaded, in conformity to the unanimous wishes of the whole nation, to fubmit to the wisdom of parliament, "A plan of reform in the conftitution of "feveral parts of the public œconomy.”

I have endeavoured, that this plan fhould include in its execution, a confiderable reduction of improper expence; that, it should effect a converfion of unprofitable titles into a productive eftate; that, it fhould lead to, and indeed almost compel, a provident administration of fuch fums of public money as must remain under difcretionary trufts; that, it should render the incurring debts on the civil establishment (which must ultimately affect national strength and national credit) fo very difficult, as to become next to impracticable.

But what, I confefs, was uppermoft with me, what I bent the whole force of my mind to, was the reduction of that corrupt influence, which is itself the perennial spring of all prodigality, and of all disorder; which loads us, more than millions of debt; which takes away vigour from our arms, wisdom from our councils, and every fhadow of authority and credit from the most venerable parts of our conftitution.

Sir, I affure you, very folemnly, and with a very clear confcience, that nothing in the world has led me to fuch an undertaking, but my zeal for the honour of this house, and VOL. II.

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