Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub

when the writs for a new parliament were issued, in consequence of the appointment of Mr. Pitt to the offices of first lord of the treasury and chancellor of the exchequer, that even his reelection for Westminster had become problematical. It accordingly happened, that this gentleman, who, on a former occasion, had baffled all the influence of the crown, was no longer supported by the voice of the multitude.

His

Mr. Horne Tooke now openly declared himself among his enemies, and stated his reasons in a bold, manly, and energetic manner. countenance to and support of lord Hood and sir Cecil Wray, the two ministerial candidates, in 1784, proved of great consequence, and contributed not a little to their triumph. The new premier, whose personal hostility to his opponent, was not, perhaps, altogether worthy of a great man, could not but be highly gratified with his exertions on this occasion; and he accordingly took frequent opportunities to express his obligations. At the conclusion of the contest, lord Hood found himself at the head of the poll; and Mr. Fox, while obliged to struggle for the other seat, by means of a long and unprecedented scrutiny, was forced to obtain an entrance into the house of commons through a

district of Scotch boroughs, his claim to which was also disputed.

Let it be here recorded, to the honour of Mr. Horne Tooke, that both on this and the subsequent election for the city of Westminster, he refused to go beyond the strict bounds of propriety with the party which he had espoused. His at tachment was founded on broad and constitu tional principles. He considered Mr. Fox as no longer entitled to public favour in consequence of his new political alliance with the ostensible author of the American war. But he, at the same time, deprecated the employment of bludgeon-men and hired ruffians by either side, On one part, the Irish chairmen, a fierce and numerous body, were notoriously organized and brought forward in support of Mr. Fox. The impropriety, injustice, and illegality of such an intervention, was felt and exclaimed against by no one, with more energy and effect, than the subject of these memoirs. On being consulted by Mr. Pitt, as to the means of repelling such a flagrant aggression, he calmly but forcibly replied, "that recurrence ought to be had to the laws alone." He accordingly advised an appeal to the magistracy; the summoning of all the constables of Westminster; the active and efficient interposition of the police of Bow Street;

and even the assembling of the posse comitatus, if necessary.

But finding his counsels of no avail, and perceiving that one monster was about to be combated by another, he immediately left the Hustings on the first appearance of a disorderly body of armed sailors, led on by naval officers. He consequently avoided beholding those scenes of tumult, violence, and murder, that ensued; all of which had been foreseen, and would have been provided against, had not opinions of a different and less legitimate kind prevailed.

CHAPTER II. .

1786.

Mr. Horne Tooke publishes the first edition of the Diversions of Purley.

THE year 1786 forms an important epoch in Mr. Tooke's life, for it was then that he published vol. i of the EMEA IITEPOENTA, or the "Diversions of Purley." From early youth he had addicted himself to a course of study, by which he was well qualified to obtain distinction on the present occasion; nor was it a subject unsusceptible of labour, or of genius, for, to use his own words, although, as "the foundation of all other knowledge, grammar be one of the first things taught, it is always the least understood."

In compliance with the custom of the ancients,

he adopted the didactic form of a dialect, in which himself and his old friend Dr. Beadon were the two principal speakers; a third person being admitted merely out of compliment, which was also extended to his residence, by the name of which, the work in question has been usually designated.

*

Of that work, which, by its acuteness, originality, and profundity, first produced a great change in the public mind, and finally obtained for him the reputation of the greatest philologist of the age, I shall content myself

with a brief account:

"This humble offering' is dedicated to the university of Cambridge, by one of her grateful sons, who always considers acts of voluntary justice towards himself, as favours. And particularly to her chief ornament for virtue and talents, the reverend Dr. Beadon, master of Jesus College."

In the introduction, the author declares grammar to be "absolutely necessary in the search after philosophical truth; which, if not the most useful, perhaps, is at least the most pleasing employment of the human mind. And I think it no less necessary," adds he, “in the

[blocks in formation]
« VorigeDoorgaan »