Thatthisbodymaybeenabledtocompassalltheendsofitsinstitution，itsmembersarescarcelyevertoaimatthehighandresponsibleofficesoftheState。Theyaredistributedwithartandjudgmentthroughallthesecondary，butefficient，departmentsofoffice，andthroughthehouseholdsofallthebranchesoftheRoyalFamily：soasononehandtooccupyalltheavenuestotheThrone;
andontheothertoforwardorfrustratetheexecutionofanymeasure，accordingtotheirowninterests。Forwiththecreditandsupportwhichtheyareknowntohave，thoughforthegreaterpartinplaceswhichareonlyagenteelexcuseforsalary，theypossessalltheinfluenceofthehighestposts;andtheydictatepubliclyinalmosteverything，evenwithaparadeofsuperiority。Whenevertheydissent（asitoftenhappens）fromtheirnominalleaders，thetrainedpartoftheSenate，instinctivelyinthesecret，issuretofollowthem;providedtheleaders，sensibleoftheirsituation，donotofthemselvesrecedeintimefromtheirmostdeclaredopinions。
Thislatterisgenerallythecase。Itwillnotbeconceivabletoanyonewhohasnotseenit，whatpleasureistakenbytheCabalinrenderingtheseheadsofofficethoroughlycontemptibleandridiculous。Andwhentheyarebecomeso，theyhavethenthebestchance，forbeingwellsupported。
ThemembersoftheCourtfactionarefullyindemnifiedfornotholdingplacesontheslipperyheightsofthekingdom，notonlybytheleadinallaffairs，butalsobytheperfectsecurityinwhichtheyenjoylessconspicuous，butveryadvantageous，situations。
Theirplacesare，inexpresslegaltenure，orineffect，allofthemforlife。Whilstthefirstandmostrespectablepersonsinthekingdomaretossedaboutliketennisballs，thesportofablindandinsolentcaprice，noMinisterdareseventocastanobliqueglanceatthelowestoftheirbody。Ifanattemptbemadeupononeofthiscorps，immediatelyhefliestosanctuary，andpretendstothemostinviolableofallpromises。Noconveniencyofpublicarrangementisavailabletoremoveanyoneofthemfromthespecificsituationheholds;andtheslightestattemptupononeofthem，bythemostpowerfulMinister，isacertainpreliminarytohisowndestruction。
Consciousoftheirindependence，theybearthemselveswithaloftyairtotheexteriorMinisters。LikeJanissaries，theyderiveakindoffreedomfromtheveryconditionoftheirservitude。Theymayactjustastheyplease;providedtheyaretruetothegreatrulingprincipleoftheirinstitution。Itis，therefore，notatallwonderful，thatpeopleshouldbesodesirousofaddingthemselvestothatbody，inwhichtheymaypossessandreconcilesatisfactionsthemostalluring，andseeminglythemostcontradictory;enjoyingatonceallthespiritedpleasureofindependence，andallthegrosslucreandfatemolumentsofservitude。
Hereisasketch，thoughaslightone，oftheconstitution，laws，andpolicy，ofthisnewCourtcorporation。Thenamebywhichtheychoosetodistinguishthemselves，isthatofKING’SMEN，ortheKING’SFRIENDS，byaninvidiousexclusionoftherestofhisMajesty’smostloyalandaffectionatesubjects。Thewholesystem，comprehendingtheexteriorandinteriorAdministrations，iscommonlycalled，inthetechnicallanguageoftheCourt，DOUBLECABINET;inFrenchorEnglish，asyouchoosetopronounceit。
Whetherallthisbeavisionofadistractedbrain，ortheinventionofamaliciousheart，orarealfactioninthecountry，mustbejudgedbytheappearanceswhichthingshavewornforeightyearspast。ThusfarIamcertain，thatthereisnotasinglepublicman，inoroutofoffice，whohasnot，atsometimeorother，bornetestimonytothetruthofwhatIhavenowrelated。Inparticular，nopersonshavebeenmorestrongintheirassertions，andlouderandmoreindecentintheircomplaints，thanthosewhocomposealltheexteriorpartofthepresentAdministration;inwhosetimethatfactionhasarrivedatsuchaheightofpower，andofboldnessintheuseofit，asmay，intheend，perhapsbringaboutitstotaldestruction。
Itistrue，thataboutfouryearsago，duringtheadministrationoftheMarquisofRockingham，anattemptwasmadetocarryonGovernmentwithouttheirconcurrence。However，thiswasonlyatransientcloud;theywerehidbutforamoment;andtheirconstellationblazedoutwithgreaterbrightness，andafarmorevigorousinfluence，sometimeafteritwasblownover。Anattemptwasatthattimemade（butwithoutanyideaofproscription）tobreaktheircorps，todiscountenancetheirdoctrines，toreviveconnectionsofadifferentkind，torestoretheprinciplesandpolicyoftheWhigs，toreanimatethecauseofLibertybyMinisterialcountenance;andthenforthefirsttimeweremenseenattachedinofficetoeveryprincipletheyhadmaintainedinopposition。Noonewilldoubt，thatsuchmenwereabhorredandviolentlyopposedbytheCourtfaction，andthatsuchasystemcouldhavebutashortduration。
Itmayappearsomewhataffected，thatinsomuchdiscourseuponthisextraordinaryparty，IshouldsaysolittleoftheEarlofBute，whoisthesupposedheadofit。Butthiswasneitherowingtoaffectationnorinadvertence。Ihavecarefullyavoidedtheintroductionofpersonalreflectionsofanykind。Muchthegreaterpartofthetopicswhichhavebeenusedtoblackenthisnoblemanareeitherunjustorfrivolous。Atbest，theyhaveatendencytogivetheresentmentofthisbittercalamityawrongdirection，andtoturnapublicgrievanceintoameanpersonal，oradangerousnational，quarrel。Wherethereisaregularschemeofoperationscarriedon，itisthesystem，andnotanyindividualpersonwhoactsinit，thatistrulydangerous。ThissystemhasnotrisensolelyfromtheambitionofLordBute，butfromthecircumstanceswhichfavouredit，andfromanindifferencetotheconstitutionwhichhadbeenforsometimegrowingamongourgentry。Weshouldhavebeentriedwithit，iftheEarlofButehadneverexisted;anditwillwantneitheracontrivingheadnoractivemembers，whentheEarlofButeexistsnolonger。Itisnot，therefore，torailatLordBute，butfirmlytoembodyagainstthisCourtpartyanditspractices，whichcanaffordusanyprospectofreliefinourpresentcondition。
AnothermotiveinducesmetoputthepersonalconsiderationofLordButewhollyoutofthequestion。Hecommunicatesverylittleinadirectmannerwiththegreaterpartofourmenofbusiness。Thishasneverbeenhiscustom。Itisenoughforhimthathesurroundsthemwithhiscreatures。Severalimagine，therefore，thattheyhaveaverygoodexcusefordoingalltheworkofthisfaction，whentheyhavenopersonalconnectionwithLordBute。ButwhoeverbecomesapartytoanAdministration，composedofinsulatedindividuals，withoutfaithplighted，tie，orcommonprinciple;anAdministrationconstitutionallyimpotent，becausesupportedbynopartyinthenation;hewhocontributestodestroytheconnectionsofmenandtheirtrustinoneanother，orinanysorttothrowthedependenceofpubliccounselsuponprivatewillandfavour，possiblymayhavenothingtodowiththeEarlofBute。Itmatterslittlewhetherhebethefriendortheenemyofthatparticularperson。Butlethimbewhoorwhathewill，heabetsafactionthatisdrivinghardtotheruinofhiscountry。Heissappingthefoundationofitsliberty，disturbingthesourcesofitsdomestictranquillity，weakeningitsgovernmentoveritsdependencies，degradingitfromallitsimportanceinthesystemofEurope。
ItisthisunnaturalinfusionofaSYSTEMOFFAVOURITISMintoaGovernmentwhichinagreatpartofitsconstitutionispopular，thathasraisedthepresentfermentinthenation。Thepeople，withoutenteringdeeplyintoitsprinciples，couldplainlyperceiveitseffects，inmuchviolence，inagreatspiritofinnovation，andageneraldisorderinallthefunctionsofGovernment。Ikeepmyeyesolelyonthissystem;ifIspeakofthosemeasureswhichhavearisenfromit，itwillbesofaronlyastheyillustratethegeneralscheme。Thisisthefountainofallthosebitterwatersofwhich，throughahundreddifferentconducts，wehavedrunkuntilwearereadytoburst。ThediscretionarypoweroftheCrownintheformationofMinistry，abusedbybadorweakmen，hasgivenrisetoasystem，which，withoutdirectlyviolatingtheletterofanylaw，operatesagainstthespiritofthewholeconstitution。
AplanofFavouritismforourexecutoryGovernmentisessentiallyatvariancewiththeplanofourLegislature。OnegreatendundoubtedlyofamixedGovernmentlikeours，composedofMonarchy，andofcontrols，onthepartofthehigherpeopleandthelower，isthatthePrinceshallnotbeabletoviolatethelaws。Thisisusefulindeedandfundamental。Butthis，evenatfirstview，isnomorethananegativeadvantage;anarmourmerelydefensive。Itisthereforenextinorder，andequalinimportance，THATTHE
DISCRETIONARYPOWERSWHICHARENECESSARILYVESTEDINTHEMONARCH，WHETHERFORTHEEXECUTIONOFTHELAWS，ORFORTHENOMINATIONTO
MAGISTRACYANDOFFICE，ORFORCONDUCTINGTHEAFFAIRSOFPEACEAND
WAR，ORFORORDERINGTHEREVENUE，SHOULDALLBEEXERCISEDUPON
PUBLICPRINCIPLESANDNATIONALGROUNDS，ANDNOTONTHELIKINGSOR
PREJUDICES，THEINTRIGUESORPOLICIESOFACOURT。This，Isaid，isequalinimportancetothesecuringaGovernmentaccordingtolaw。
Thelawsreachbutaverylittleway。ConstituteGovernmenthowyouplease，infinitelythegreaterpartofitmustdependupontheexerciseofthepowerswhichareleftatlargetotheprudenceanduprightnessofMinistersofState。Evenalltheuseandpotencyofthelawsdependsuponthem。Withoutthem，yourCommonwealthisnobetterthanaschemeuponpaper;andnotaliving，active，effectiveconstitution。Itispossible，thatthroughnegligence，orignorance，ordesignartfullyconducted，MinistersmaysufferonepartofGovernmenttolanguish，anothertobepervertedfromitspurposes：andeveryvaluableinterestofthecountrytofallintoruinanddecay，withoutpossibilityoffixinganysingleactonwhichacriminalprosecutioncanbejustlygrounded。Theduearrangementofmenintheactivepartofthestate，farfrombeingforeigntothepurposesofawiseGovernment，oughttobeamongitsveryfirstanddearestobjects。When，therefore，theabettorsofnewsystemtellus，thatbetweenthemandtheiropposersthereisnothingbutastruggleforpower，andthatthereforeweareno—waysconcernedinit;wemusttellthosewhohavetheimpudencetoinsultusinthismanner，that，ofallthings，weoughttobethemostconcerned，whoandwhatsortofmentheyare，thatholdthetrustofeverythingthatisdeartous。Nothingcanrenderthisapointofindifferencetothenation，butwhatmusteitherrenderustotallydesperate，orsootheusintothesecurityofidiots。Wemustsoftenintoacredulitybelowthemilkinessofinfancy，tothinkallmenvirtuous。Wemustbetaintedwithamalignitytrulydiabolical，tobelievealltheworldtobeequallywickedandcorrupt。Menareinpubliclifeasinprivate——somegood，someevil。Theelevationoftheone，andthedepressionoftheother，arethefirstobjectsofalltruepolicy。ButthatformofGovernment，which，neitherinitsdirectinstitutions，norintheirimmediatetendency，hascontrivedtothrowitsaffairsintothemosttrustworthyhands，buthasleftitswholeexecutorysystemtobedisposedofagreeablytotheuncontrolledpleasureofanyoneman，howeverexcellentorvirtuous，isaplanofpolitydefectivenotonlyinthatmember，butconsequentiallyerroneousineverypartofit。
InarbitraryGovernments，theconstitutionoftheMinistryfollowstheconstitutionoftheLegislature。BoththeLawandtheMagistratearethecreaturesofWill。Itmustbeso。Nothing，indeed，willappearmorecertain，onanytolerableconsiderationofthismatter，thanthatEVERYSORTOFGOVERNMENTOUGHTTOHAVEITS
ADMINISTRATIONCORRESPONDENTTOITSLEGISLATURE。Ifitshouldbeotherwise，thingsmustfallintoahideousdisorder。ThepeopleofafreeCommonwealth，whohavetakensuchcarethattheirlawsshouldbetheresultofgeneralconsent，cannotbesosenselessastosuffertheirexecutorysystemtobecomposedofpersonsonwhomtheyhavenodependence，andwhomnoproofsofthepublicloveandconfidencehaverecommendedtothosepowers，upontheuseofwhichtheverybeingoftheStatedepends。
Thepopularelectionofmagistrates，andpopulardispositionofrewardsandhonours，isoneofthefirstadvantagesofafreeState。
Withoutit，orsomethingequivalenttoit，perhapsthepeoplecannotlongenjoythesubstanceoffreedom;certainlynoneofthevivifyingenergyofgoodGovernment。TheframeofourCommonwealthdidnotadmitofsuchanactualelection：butitprovidedaswell，and（whilethespiritoftheconstitutionispreserved）better，foralltheeffectsofit，thanbythemethodofsuffrageinanydemocraticStatewhatsoever。Ithadalways，untiloflate，beenheldthefirstdutyofParliamentTOREFUSETOSUPPORTGOVERNMENT，UNTILPOWERWAS
INTHEHANDSOFPERSONSWHOWEREACCEPTABLETOTHEPEOPLE，ORWHILE
FACTIONSPREDOMINATEDINTHECOURTINWHICHTHENATIONHADNO
CONFIDENCE。Thusallthegoodeffectsofpopularelectionweresupposedtobesecuredtous，withoutthemischiefsattendingonperpetualintrigue，andadistinctcanvassforeveryparticularofficethroughoutthebodyofthepeople。Thiswasthemostnobleandrefinedpartofourconstitution。Thepeople，bytheirrepresentativesandgrandees，wereintrustedwithadeliberativepowerinmakinglaws;theKingwiththecontrolofhisnegative。
TheKingwasintrustedwiththedeliberativechoiceandtheelectiontooffice;thepeoplehadthenegativeinaParliamentaryrefusaltosupport。FormerlythispowerofcontrolwaswhatkeptMinistersinaweofParliaments，andParliamentsinreverencewiththepeople。
IftheuseofthispowerofcontrolonthesystemandpersonsofAdministrationisgone，everythingislost，Parliamentandall。Wemayassureourselves，thatifParliamentwilltamelyseeevilmentakepossessionofallthestrongholdsoftheircountry，andallowthemtimeandmeanstofortifythemselves，underapretenceofgivingthemafairtrial，anduponahopeofdiscovering，whethertheywillnotbereformedbypower，andwhethertheirmeasureswillnotbebetterthantheirmorals;suchaParliamentwillgivecountenancetotheirmeasuresalso，whateverthatParliamentmaypretend，andwhateverthosemeasuresmaybe。
Everygoodpoliticalinstitutionmusthaveapreventiveoperationaswellasaremedial。ItoughttohaveanaturaltendencytoexcludebadmenfromGovernment，andnottotrustforthesafetyoftheStatetosubsequentpunishmentalone——punishmentwhichhaseverbeentardyanduncertain，andwhich，whenpowerissufferedinbadhands，maychancetofallratherontheinjuredthanthecriminal。
BeforemenareputforwardintothegreattrustsoftheState，theyoughtbytheirconducttohaveobtainedsuchadegreeofestimationintheircountryasmaybesomesortofpledgeandsecuritytothepublicthattheywillnotabusethosetrusts。Itisnomeansecurityforaproperuseofpower，thatamanhasshownbythegeneraltenorofhisactions，thattheaffection，thegoodopinion，theconfidenceofhisfellow—citizenshavebeenamongtheprincipalobjectsofhislife，andthathehasowednoneofthegradationsofhispowerorfortunetoasettledcontemptoroccasionalforfeitureoftheiresteem。
Thatmanwho，beforehecomesintopower，hasnofriends，orwho，comingintopower，isobligedtodeserthisfriends，orwho，losingit，hasnofriendstosympathisewithhim，hewhohasnoswayamonganypartofthelandedorcommercialinterest，butwhosewholeimportancehasbegunwithhisoffice，andissuretoendwithit，isapersonwhooughtnevertobesufferedbyacontrollingParliament，tocontinueinanyofthosesituationswhichconfertheleadanddirectionofallourpublicaffairs;becausesuchamanHASNO
CONNECTIONWITHTHESENTIMENTSANDOPINIONSOFTHEPEOPLE。
Thoseknotsorcabalsofmenwhohavegottogether，avowedlywithoutanypublicprinciple，inordertoselltheirconjunctiniquityatthehigherrate，andarethereforeuniversallyodious，oughtnevertobesufferedtodomineerintheState;becausetheyhaveNO
CONNECTIONWITHTHESENTIMENTSANDOPINIONSOFTHEPEOPLE。
Theseareconsiderationswhich，inmyopinion，enforcethenecessityofhavingsomebetterreason，inafreecountryandafreeParliament，forsupportingtheMinistersoftheCrown，thanthatshortone，THATTHEKINGHASTHOUGHTPROPERTOAPPOINTTHEM。Thereissomethingverycourtlyinthis。Butitisaprinciplepregnantwithallsortsofmischief，inaconstitutionlikeours，toturntheviewsofactivemenfromthecountrytotheCourt。Whateverbetheroadtopower，thatistheroadwhichwillbetrod。Iftheopinionofthecountrybeofnouseasameansofpowerorconsideration，thequalitieswhichusuallyprocurethatopinionwillbenolongercultivated。Andwhetheritwillberight，inaStatesopopularinitsconstitutionasours，toleaveambitionwithoutpopularmotives，andtotrustalltotheoperationofpurevirtueinthemindsofKingsandMinisters，andpublicmen，mustbesubmittedtothejudgmentandgoodsenseofthepeopleofEngland。
Cunningmenarehereapttobreakin，and，withoutdirectlycontrovertingtheprinciple，toraiseobjectionsfromthedifficultyunderwhichtheSovereignlabourstodistinguishthegenuinevoiceandsentimentsofhispeoplefromtheclamourofafaction，bywhichitissoeasilycounterfeited。Thenation，theysay，isgenerallydividedintoparties，withviewsandpassionsutterlyirreconcilable。IftheKingshouldputhisaffairsintothehandsofanyoneofthem，heissuretodisgusttherest;ifheselectparticularmenfromamongthemall，itisahazardthathedisguststhemall。Thosewhoareleftout，howeverdividedbefore，willsoonrunintoabodyofopposition，which，beingacollectionofmanydiscontentsintoonefocus，willwithoutdoubtbehotandviolentenough。Factionwillmakeitscriesresoundthroughthenation，asifthewholewereinanuproar，whenbyfarthemajority，andmuchthebetterpart，willseemforawhile，asitwere，annihilatedbythequietinwhichtheirvirtueandmoderationinclinethemtoenjoytheblessingsofGovernment。Besidesthat，theopinionofthemerevulgarisamiserableruleevenwithregardtothemselves，onaccountoftheirviolenceandinstability。Sothatifyouweretogratifythemintheirhumourto—day，thatverygratificationwouldbeagroundoftheirdissatisfactiononthenext。Nowasalltheserulesofpublicopinionaretobecollectedwithgreatdifficulty，andtobeappliedwithequaluncertaintyastotheeffect，whatbettercanaKingofEnglanddothantoemploysuchmenashefindstohaveviewsandinclinationsmostconformabletohisown，whoareleastinfectedwithprideandself—will，andwhoareleastmovedbysuchpopularhumoursasareperpetuallytraversinghisdesigns，anddisturbinghisservice;trustingthatwhenhemeansnoilltohispeoplehewillbesupportedinhisappointments，whetherhechoosestokeeportochange，ashisprivatejudgmentorhispleasureleadshim？HewillfindasureresourceintherealweightandinfluenceoftheCrown，whenitisnotsufferedtobecomeaninstrumentinthehandsofafaction。
Iwillnotpretendtosaythatthereisnothingatallinthismodeofreasoning，becauseIwillnotassertthatthereisnodifficultyintheartofgovernment。UndoubtedlytheverybestAdministrationmustencounteragreatdealofopposition，andtheveryworstwillfindmoresupportthanitdeserves。Sufficientappearanceswillneverbewantingtothosewhohaveamindtodeceivethemselves。Itisafallacyinconstantusewiththosewhowouldlevelallthings，andconfoundrightwithwrong，toinsistupontheinconvenienceswhichareattachedtoeverychoice，withouttakingintoconsiderationthedifferentweightandconsequenceofthoseinconveniences。ThequestionisnotconcerningabsolutediscontentorperfectsatisfactioninGovernment，neitherofwhichcanbepureandunmixedatanytimeoruponanysystem。Thecontroversyisaboutthatdegreeofgood—humourinthepeople，whichmaypossiblybeattained，andoughtcertainlytobelookedfor。Whilesomepoliticiansmaybewaitingtoknowwhetherthesenseofeveryindividualbeagainstthem，accuratelydistinguishingthevulgarfromthebettersort，drawinglinesbetweentheenterprisesofafactionandtheeffortsofapeople，theymaychancetoseetheGovernment，whichtheyaresonicelyweighing，anddividing，anddistinguishing，tumbletothegroundinthemidstoftheirwisedeliberation。Prudentmen，whensogreatanobjectasthesecurityofGovernment，orevenitspeace，isatstake，willnotruntheriskofadecisionwhichmaybefataltoit。Theywhocanreadthepoliticalskywillseenahurricaneinacloudnobiggerthanahandattheveryedgeofthehorizon，andwillrunintothefirstharbour。Nolinescanbelaiddownforcivilorpoliticalwisdom。
Theyareamatterincapableofexactdefinition。But，thoughnomancandrawastrokebetweentheconfinesofdayandnight，yetlightanddarknessareuponthewholetolerablydistinguishable。NorwillitbeimpossibleforaPrincetofindoutsuchamodeofgovernment，andsuchpersonstoadministerit，aswillgiveagreatdegreeofcontenttohispeople，withoutanycuriousandanxiousresearchforthatabstract，universal，perfectharmony，which，whileheisseeking，heabandonsthosemeansofordinarytranquillitywhichareinhispowerwithoutanyresearchatall。
ItisnotmorethedutythanitistheinterestofaPrincetoaimatgivingtranquillitytohisGovernment。Ifthosewhoadvisehimmayhaveaninterestindisorderandconfusion。Iftheopinionofthepeopleisagainstthem，theywillnaturallywishthatitshouldhavenoprevalence。Hereitisthatthepeoplemustontheirpartshowthemselvessensibleoftheirownvalue。Theirwholeimportance，inthefirstinstance，andafterwardstheirwholefreedom，isatstake。Theirfreedomcannotlongsurvivetheirimportance。Hereitisthatthenaturalstrengthofthekingdom，thegreatpeers，theleadinglandedgentlemen，theopulentmerchantsandmanufacturers，thesubstantialyeomanry，mustinterpose，torescuetheirPrince，themselves，andtheirposterity。
Weareatpresentatissueuponthispoint。Weareinthegreatcrisisofthiscontention，andthepartwhichmentake，onewayorother，willservetodiscriminatetheircharactersandtheirprinciples。Untilthematterisdecided，thecountrywillremaininitspresentconfusion。ForwhileasystemofAdministrationisattempted，entirelyrepugnanttothegeniusofthepeople，andnotconformabletotheplanoftheirGovernment，everythingmustnecessarilybedisorderedforatime，untilthissystemdestroystheconstitution，ortheconstitutiongetsthebetterofthissystem。
Thereis，inmyopinion，apeculiarvenomandmalignityinthispoliticaldistemperbeyondanythatIhaveheardorreadof。InformerlinestheprojectorsofarbitraryGovernmentattackedonlythelibertiesoftheircountry，adesignsurelymischievousenoughtohavesatisfiedamindofthemostunrulyambition。ButasystemunfavourabletofreedommaybesoformedasconsiderablytoexaltthegrandeuroftheState，andmenmayfindintheprideandsplendourofthatprosperitysomesortofconsolationforthelossoftheirsolidprivileges。Indeed，theincreaseofthepoweroftheStatehasoftenbeenurgedbyartfulmen，asapretextforsomeabridgmentofthepublicliberty。Buttheschemeofthejuntounderconsiderationnotonlystrikesapalsyintoeverynerveofourfreeconstitution，butinthesamedegreebenumbsandstupefiesthewholeexecutivepower，renderingGovernmentinallitsgrandoperationslanguid，uncertain，ineffective，makingMinistersfearfulofattempting，andincapableofexecuting，anyusefulplanofdomesticarrangement，orofforeignpolitics。IttendstoproduceneitherthesecurityofafreeGovernment，northeenergyofaMonarchythatisabsolute。Accordingly，theCrownhasdwindledawayinproportiontotheunnaturalandturgidgrowthofthisexcrescenceontheCourt。
TheinteriorMinistryaresensiblethatwarisasituationwhichsetsinitsfulllightthevalueoftheheartsofapeople，andtheywellknowthatthebeginningoftheimportanceofthepeoplemustbetheendoftheirs。Forthisreasontheydiscoveruponalloccasionstheutmostfearofeverythingwhichbypossibilitymayleadtosuchanevent。Idonotmeanthattheymanifestanyofthatpiousfearwhichisbackwardtocommitthesafetyofthecountrytothedubiousexperimentofwar。Suchafear，beingthetendersensationofvirtue，excited，asitisregulated，byreason，frequentlyshowsitselfinaseasonableboldness，whichkeepsdangeratadistance，byseemingtodespiseit。Theirfearbetraystothefirstglanceoftheeyeitstruecauseanditsrealobject。Foreignpowers，confidentintheknowledgeoftheircharacter，havenotscrupledtoviolatethemostsolemntreaties;and，indefianceofthem，tomakeconquestsinthemidstofageneralpeace，andintheheartofEurope。SuchwastheconquestofCorsica，bytheprofessedenemiesofthefreedomofmankind，indefianceofthosewhowereformerlyitsprofesseddefenders。Wehavehadjustclaimsuponthesamepowers——rightswhichoughttohavebeensacredtothemaswellastous，astheyhadtheirorigininourlenityandgenerositytowardsFranceandSpaininthedayoftheirgreathumiliation。SuchIcalltheransomofManilla，andthedemandonFrancefortheEastIndiaprisoners。ButthesepowersputajustconfidenceintheirresourceofthedoubleCabinet。Thesedemands（oneofthem，atleast）arehasteningfasttowardsanacquittalbyprescription。Oblivionbeginstospreadhercobwebsoverallourspiritedremonstrances。
Someofthemostvaluablebranchesofourtradearealsoonthepointofperishingfromthesamecause。Idonotmeanthosebrancheswhichbearwithoutthehandofthevine—dresser;Imeanthosewhichthepolicyoftreatieshadformerlysecuredtous;I
meantomarkanddistinguishthetradeofPortugal，thelossofwhich，andthepoweroftheCabal，haveoneandthesameera。
If，byanychance，theMinisterswhostandbeforethecurtainpossessoraffectanyspirit，itmakeslittleornoimpression。
ForeignCourtsandMinisters，whowereamongthefirsttodiscoverandtoprofitbythisinventionoftheDOUBLECABINET，attendedverylittletotheirremonstrances。TheyknowthatthoseshadowsofMinistershavenothingtodointheultimatedisposalofthings。
JealousiesandanimositiesaresedulouslynourishedintheoutwardAdministration，andhavebeenevenconsideredasacausasinequanoninitsconstitution：thenceforeignCourtshaveacertainty，thatnothingcanbedonebycommoncounselinthisnation。IfoneofthoseMinistersofficiallytakesupabusinesswithspirit，itservesonlythebettertosignalisethemeannessoftherest，andthediscordofthemall。Hiscolleaguesinofficeareinhastetoshakehimoff，andtodisclaimthewholeofhisproceedings。Ofthisnaturewasthatastonishingtransaction，inwhichLordRochford，ourAmbassadoratParis，remonstratedagainsttheattemptuponCorsica，inconsequenceofadirectauthorityfromLordShelburne。ThisremonstrancetheFrenchMinistertreatedwiththecontemptthatwasnatural;ashewasassured，fromtheAmbassadorofhisCourttoours，thattheseordersofLordShelburnewerenotsupportedbytherestofthe（IhadliketohavesaidBritish）
Administration。LordRochford，amanofspirit，couldnotendurethissituation。Theconsequenceswere，however，curious。HereturnsfromParis，andcomeshomefullofanger。LordShelburne，whogavetheorders，isobligedtogiveuptheseals。LordRochford，whoobeyedtheseorders，receivesthem。Hegoes，however，intoanotherdepartmentofthesameoffice，thathemightnotbeobligedofficiallytoacquiesceinonesituation，underwhathehadofficiallyremonstratedagainstinanother。AtParis，theDukeofChoiseulconsideredthisofficearrangementasacomplimenttohim：
hereitwasspokeofasanattentiontothedelicacyofLordRochford。Butwhetherthecomplimentwastooneorboth，tothisnationitwasthesame。BythistransactiontheconditionofourCourtlayexposedinallitsnakedness。Ourofficecorrespondencehaslostallpretencetoauthenticity;Britishpolicyisbroughtintoderisioninthosenations，thatawhileagotrembledatthepowerofourarms，whilsttheylookedupwithconfidencetotheequity，firmness，andcandour，whichshoneinallournegotiations。
Irepresentthismatterexactlyinthelightinwhichithasbeenuniversallyreceived。
SuchhasbeentheaspectofourforeignpoliticsundertheinfluenceofaDOUBLECABINET。WithsuchanarrangementatCourt，itisimpossibleitshouldhavebeenotherwise。Norisitpossiblethatthisschemeshouldhaveabettereffectuponthegovernmentofourdependencies，thefirst，thedearest，andmostdelicateobjectsoftheinteriorpolicyofthisempire。TheColoniesknowthatAdministrationisseparatedfromtheCourt，dividedwithinitself，anddetestedbythenation。ThedoubleCabinethas，inboththepartsofit，shownthemostmalignantdispositionstowardsthem，withoutbeingabletodothemthesmallestmischief。
Theyareconvinced，bysufficientexperience，thatnoplan，eitheroflenityorrigour，canbepursuedwithuniformityandperseverance。ThereforetheyturntheireyesentirelyfromGreatBritain，wheretheyhaveneitherdependenceonfriendshipnorapprehensionfromenmity。Theylooktothemselves，andtheirownarrangements。Theygroweverydayintoalienationfromthiscountry;andwhilsttheyarebecomingdisconnectedwithourGovernment，wehavenottheconsolationtofindthattheyareevenfriendlyintheirnewindependence。Nothingcanequalthefutility，theweakness，therashness，thetimidity，theperpetualcontradiction，inthemanagementofouraffairsinthatpartoftheworld。Avolumemightbewrittenonthismelancholysubject;butitwerebettertoleaveitentirelytothereflectionsofthereaderhimself，thannottotreatitintheextentitdeserves。
Inwhatmannerourdomesticeconomyisaffectedbythissystem，itisneedlesstoexplain。Itistheperpetualsubjectoftheirowncomplaints。
TheCourtpartyresolvethewholeintofaction。Havingsaidsomethingbeforeuponthissubject，Ishallonlyobservehere，that，whentheygivethisaccountoftheprevalenceoffaction，theypresentnoveryfavourableaspectoftheconfidenceofthepeopleintheirownGovernment。Theymaybeassured，thathowevertheyamusethemselveswithavarietyofprojectsforsubstitutingsomethingelseintheplaceofthatgreatandonlyfoundationofGovernment，theconfidenceofthepeople，everyattemptwillbutmaketheirconditionworse。Whenmenimaginethattheirfoodisonlyacoverforpoison，andwhentheyneitherlovenortrustthehandthatservesit，itisnotthenameoftheroastbeefofOldEnglandthatwillpersuadethemtositdowntothetablethatisspreadforthem。
Whenthepeopleconceivethatlaws，andtribunals，andevenpopularassemblies，arepervertedfromtheendsoftheirinstitution，theyfindinthosenamesofdegeneratedestablishmentsonlynewmotivestodiscontent。Thosebodies，which，whenfulloflifeandbeauty，layintheirarmsandweretheirjoyandcomfort;whendeadandputrid，becomebutthemoreloathsomefromremembranceofformerendearments。Asullengloom，andfuriousdisorder，prevailbyfits：
thenationlosesitsrelishforpeaceandprosperity，asitdidinthatseasonoffulnesswhichopenedourtroublesinthetimeofCharlestheFirst。Aspeciesofmentowhomastateoforderwouldbecomeasentenceofobscurity，arenourishedintoadangerousmagnitudebytheheatofintestinedisturbances;anditisnowonderthat，byasortofsinisterpiety，theycherish，intheirturn，thedisorderswhicharetheparentsofalltheirconsequence。
Superficialobserversconsidersuchpersonsasthecauseofthepublicuneasiness，when，intruth，theyarenothingmorethantheeffectofit。Goodmenlookuponthisdistractedscenewithsorrowandindignation。Theirhandsaretiedbehindthem。TheyaredespoiledofallthepowerwhichmightenablethemtoreconcilethestrengthofGovernmentwiththerightsofthepeople。Theystandinamostdistressingalternative。Butintheelectionamongevilstheyhopebetterthingsfromtemporaryconfusion，thanfromestablishedservitude。Inthemeantime，thevoiceoflawisnottobeheard。Fiercelicentiousnessbegetsviolentrestraints。Themilitaryarmisthesolereliance;andthen，callyourconstitutionwhatyouplease，itistheswordthatgoverns。Thecivilpower，likeeveryotherthatcallsintheaidofanallystrongerthanitself，perishesbytheassistanceitreceives。ButthecontriversofthisschemeofGovernmentwillnottrustsolelytothemilitarypower，becausetheyarecunningmen。Theirrestlessandcrookedspiritdrivesthemtorakeinthedirtofeverykindofexpedient。
Unabletorulethemultitude，theyendeavourtoraisedivisionsamongstthem。Onemobishiredtodestroyanother;aprocedurewhichatonceencouragestheboldnessofthepopulace，andjustlyincreasestheirdiscontent。Menbecomepensionersofstateonaccountoftheirabilitiesinthearrayofriot，andthedisciplineofconfusion。Governmentisputunderthedisgracefulnecessityofprotectingfromtheseverityofthelawsthatverylicentiousness，whichthelawshadbeenbeforeviolatedtorepress。Everythingpartakesoftheoriginaldisorder。Anarchypredominateswithoutfreedom，andservitudewithoutsubmissionorsubordination。Thesearetheconsequencesinevitabletoourpublicpeace，fromtheschemeofrenderingtheexecutoryGovernmentatonceodiousandfeeble;offreeingAdministrationfromtheconstitutionalandsalutarycontrolofParliament，andinventingforitanewcontrol，unknowntotheconstitution，anINTERIORCabinet;whichbringsthewholebodyofGovernmentintoconfusionandcontempt。
Afterhavingstated，asshortlyasIamable，theeffectsofthissystemonourforeignaffairs，onthepolicyofourGovernmentwithregardtoourdependencies，andontheinterioreconomyoftheCommonwealth;thereremainsonly，inthispartofmydesign，tosaysomethingofthegrandprinciplewhichfirstrecommendedthissystematCourt。ThepretencewastopreventtheKingfrombeingenslavedbyafaction，andmadeaprisonerinhiscloset。Thisschememighthavebeenexpectedtoansweratleastitsownend，andtoindemnifytheKing，inhispersonalcapacity，foralltheconfusionintowhichithasthrownhisGovernment。Buthasitinrealityansweredthispurpose？Iamsure，ifithad，everyaffectionatesubjectwouldhaveonemotiveforenduringwithpatiencealltheevilswhichattendit。
Inordertocomeatthetruthinthismatter，itmaynotbeamisstoconsideritsomewhatindetail。IspeakhereoftheKing，andnotoftheCrown;theinterestsofwhichwehavealreadytouched。
IndependentofthatgreatnesswhichaKingpossessesmerelybybeingarepresentativeofthenationaldignity，thethingsinwhichhemayhaveanindividualinterestseemtobethese：wealthaccumulated;
wealthspentinmagnificence，pleasure，orbeneficence;personalrespectandattention;andaboveall，privateeaseandreposeofmind。Thesecomposetheinventoryofprosperouscircumstances，whethertheyregardaPrinceorasubject;theirenjoymentsdifferingonlyinthescaleuponwhichtheyareformed。
Supposethenweweretoask，whethertheKinghasbeenricherthanhispredecessorsinaccumulatedwealth，sincetheestablishmentoftheplanofFavouritism？IbelieveitwillbefoundthatthepictureofroyalindigencewhichourCourthaspresenteduntilthisyear，hasbeentrulyhumiliating。Norhasitbeenrelievedfromthisunseemlydistress，butbymeanswhichhavehazardedtheaffectionofthepeople，andshakentheirconfidenceinParliament。
Ifthepublictreasureshadbeenexhaustedinmagnificenceandsplendour，thisdistresswouldhavebeenaccountedfor，andinsomemeasurejustified。Nothingwouldbemoreunworthyofthisnation，thanwithameanandmechanicalrule，tometeoutthesplendouroftheCrown。Indeed，Ihavefoundveryfewpersonsdisposedtosoungenerousaprocedure。Butthegeneralityofpeople，itmustbeconfessed，dofeelagooddealmortified，whentheycomparethewantsoftheCourtwithitsexpenses。TheydonotbeholdthecauseofthisdistressinanypartoftheapparatusofRoyalmagnificence。
Inallthis，theyseenothingbuttheoperationsofparsimony，attendedwithalltheconsequencesofprofusion。Nothingexpended，nothingsaved。Theirwonderisincreasedbytheirknowledge，thatbesidestherevenuesettledonhisMajesty’sCivilListtotheamountof800，000poundsayear，hehasafartheraid，fromalargepensionlist，near90，000poundsayear，inIreland;fromtheproduceoftheDuchyofLancaster（whichwearetoldhasbeengreatlyimproved）;fromtherevenueoftheDuchyofCornwall;fromtheAmericanquit—rents;fromthefourandahalfpercent。dutyintheLeewardIslands;thislastworthtobesureconsiderablymorethan40，000poundsayear。Thewholeiscertainlynotmuchshortofamillionannually。
ThesearerevenueswithintheknowledgeandcognizanceofournationalCouncils。WehavenodirectrighttoexamineintothereceiptsfromhisMajesty’sGermanDominions，andtheBishopricofOsnaburg。Thisisunquestionablytrue。ButthatwhichisnotwithintheprovinceofParliament，isyetwithinthesphereofeveryman’sownreflection。IfaforeignPrinceresidedamongstus，thestateofhisrevenuescouldnotfailofbecomingthesubjectofourspeculation。FilledwithananxiousconcernforwhateverregardsthewelfareofourSovereign，itisimpossible，inconsideringthemiserablecircumstancesintowhichhehasbeenbrought，thatthisobvioustopicshouldbeentirelypassedover。Thereisanopinionuniversal，thattheserevenuesproducesomethingnotinconsiderable，clearofallchargesandestablishments。Thisproducethepeopledonotbelievetobehoarded，norperceivetobespent。Itisaccountedforintheonlymanneritcan，bysupposingthatitisdrawnaway，forthesupportofthatCourtfaction，which，whilstitdistressesthenation，impoverishesthePrinceineveryoneofhisresources。Ioncemorecautionthereader，thatIdonoturgethisconsiderationconcerningtheforeignrevenue，asifIsupposedwehadadirectrighttoexamineintotheexpenditureofanypartofit;butsolelyforthepurposeofshowinghowlittlethissystemofFavouritismhasbeenadvantageoustotheMonarchhimself;which，withoutmagnificence，hassunkhimintoastateofunnaturalpoverty;atthesametimethathepossessedeverymeansofaffluence，fromamplerevenues，bothinthiscountryandinotherpartsofhisdominions。
Hasthissystemprovidedbetterforthetreatmentbecominghishighandsacredcharacter，andsecuredtheKingfromthosedisgustsattachedtothenecessityofemployingmenwhoarenotpersonallyagreeable？ThisisatopicuponwhichformanyreasonsIcouldwishtobesilent;butthepretenceofsecuringagainstsuchcausesofuneasiness，isthecorner—stoneoftheCourtparty。Ithashoweversohappened，thatifIweretofixuponanyonepoint，inwhichthissystemhasbeenmoreparticularlyandshamefullyblameable，theeffectswhichithasproducedwouldjustifymeinchoosingforthatpointitstendencytodegradethepersonaldignityoftheSovereign，andtoexposehimtoathousandcontradictionsandmortifications。
ItisbuttooevidentinwhatmannertheseprojectorsofRoyalgreatnesshavefulfilledalltheirmagnificentpromises。Withoutrecapitulatingallthecircumstancesofthereign，everyoneofwhichismoreorlessamelancholyproofofthetruthofwhatIhaveadvanced，letusconsiderthelanguageoftheCourtbutafewyearsago，concerningmostofthepersonsnowintheexternalAdministration：letmeask，whetheranyenemytothepersonalfeelingsoftheSovereign，couldpossiblycontriveakeenerinstrumentofmortification，anddegradationofalldignity，thanalmosteverypartandmemberofthepresentarrangement？Nor，inthewholecourseofourhistory，hasanycompliancewiththewillofthepeopleeverbeenknowntoextortfromanyPrinceagreatercontradictiontoallhisowndeclaredaffectionsanddislikes，thanthatwhichisnowadopted，indirectoppositiontoeverythingthepeopleapproveanddesire。
Anopinionprevails，thatgreatnesshasbeenmorethanonceadvisedtosubmittocertaincondescensionstowardsindividuals，whichhavebeendeniedtotheentreatiesofanation。Forthemeanestandmostdependentinstrumentofthissystemknows，thattherearehourswhenitsexistencemaydependuponhisadherencetoit;andhetakeshisadvantageaccordingly。Indeeditisalawofnature，thatwhoeverisnecessarytowhatwehavemadeourobject，issure，insomeway，orinsometimeorother，tobecomeourmaster。Allthishoweverissubmittedto，inordertoavoidthatmonstrousevilofgoverninginconcurrencewiththeopinionofthepeople。Foritseemstobelaiddownasamaxim，thataKinghassomesortofinterestingivinguneasinesstohissubjects：thatallwhoarepleasingtothem，aretobeofcoursedisagreeabletohim：thatassoonasthepersonswhoareodiousatCourtareknowntobeodioustothepeople，itissnatchedatasaluckyoccasionofshoweringdownuponthemallkindsofemolumentsandhonours。Noneareconsideredaswell—
wisherstotheCrown，butthosewhoadvisedtosomeunpopularcourseofaction;nonecapableofservingit，butthosewhoareobligedtocallateveryinstantuponallitspowerforthesafetyoftheirlives。NonearesupposedtobefitpriestsinthetempleofGovernment，butthepersonswhoarecompelledtoflyintoitforsanctuary。Suchistheeffectofthisrefinedproject;suchisevertheresultofallthecontrivanceswhichareusedtofreemenfromtheservitudeoftheirreason，andfromthenecessityoforderingtheiraffairsaccordingtotheirevidentinterests。Thesecontrivancesobligethemtorunintoarealandruinousservitude，inordertoavoidasupposedrestraintthatmightbeattendedwithadvantage。
IfthereforethissystemhassoillanswereditsowngrandpretenceofsavingtheKingfromthenecessityofemployingpersonsdisagreeabletohim，hasitgivenmorepeaceandtranquillitytohisMajesty’sprivatehours？No，mostcertainly。Thefatherofhispeoplecannotpossiblyenjoyrepose，whilehisfamilyisinsuchastateofdistraction。ThenwhathastheCrownortheKingprofitedbyallthisfine—wroughtscheme？Ishemorerich，ormoresplendid，ormorepowerful，ormoreathisease，bysomanylaboursandcontrivances？HavetheynotbeggaredhisExchequer，tarnishedthesplendourofhisCourt，sunkhisdignity，galledhisfeelings，discomposedthewholeorderandhappinessofhisprivatelife？
Itwillbeveryhard，Ibelieve，tostateinwhatrespecttheKinghasprofitedbythatfactionwhichpresumptuouslychoosetocallthemselvesHISFRIENDS。
Ifparticularmenhadgrownintoanattachment，bythedistinguishedhonourofthesocietyoftheirSovereign，and，bybeingthepartakersofhisamusements，camesometimestopreferthegratificationofhispersonalinclinationstothesupportofhishighcharacter，thethingwouldbeverynatural，anditwouldbeexcusableenough。Butthepleasantpartofthestoryis，thattheseKING’SFRIENDShavenomoregroundforusurpingsuchatitle，thanaresidentfreeholderinCumberlandorinCornwall。TheyareonlyknowntotheirSovereignbykissinghishand，fortheoffices，pensions，andgrantsintowhichtheyhavedeceivedhisbenignity。
Maynostormevercome，whichwillputthefirmnessoftheirattachmenttotheproof;andwhich，inthemidstofconfusionsandterrors，andsufferings，maydemonstratetheeternaldifferencebetweenatrueandseverefriendtotheMonarchy，andaslipperysycophantoftheCourt;Quantuminfidoscurraedistabitamicus！
SofarIhaveconsideredtheeffectoftheCourtsystem，chieflyasitoperatesupontheexecutiveGovernment，onthetemperofthepeopleandonthehappinessoftheSovereign。Itremainsthatweshouldconsider，withalittleattention，itsoperationuponParliament。
Parliamentwasindeedthegreatobjectofallthesepolitics，theendatwhichtheyaimed，aswellastheinstrumentbywhichtheyweretooperate。But，beforeParliamentcouldbemadesubservienttoasystem，bywhichitwastobedegradedfromthedignityofanationalcouncil，intoamerememberoftheCourt，itmustbegreatlychangedfromitsoriginalcharacter。
Inspeakingofthisbody，IhavemyeyechieflyontheHouseofCommons。IhopeIshallbeindulgedinafewobservationsonthenatureandcharacterofthatassembly;notwithregardtoitsLEGAL
FORMANDPOWER，buttoitsSPIRIT，andtothepurposesitismeanttoanswerintheconstitution。
TheHouseofCommonswassupposedoriginallytobeNOPARTOFTHE
STANDINGGOVERNMENTOFTHISCOUNTRY。Itwasconsideredasacontrol，issuingimmediatelyfromthepeople，andspeedilytoberesolvedintothemassfromwhenceitarose。InthisrespectitwasinthehigherpartofGovernmentwhatjuriesareinthelower。Thecapacityofamagistratebeingtransitory，andthatofacitizenpermanent，thelattercapacityitwashopedwouldofcoursepreponderateinalldiscussions，notonlybetweenthepeopleandthestandingauthorityoftheCrown，butbetweenthepeopleandthefleetingauthorityoftheHouseofCommonsitself。Itwashopedthat，beingofamiddlenaturebetweensubjectandGovernment，theywouldfeelwithamoretenderandanearerinteresteverythingthatconcernedthepeople，thantheotherremoterandmorepermanentpartsofLegislature。
Whateveralterationstimeandthenecessaryaccommodationofbusinessmayhaveintroduced，thischaractercanneverbesustained，unlesstheHouseofCommonsshallbemadetobearsomestampoftheactualdispositionofthepeopleatlarge。Itwould（amongpublicmisfortunes）beanevilmorenaturalandtolerable，thattheHouseofCommonsshouldbeinfectedwitheveryepidemicalfrenzyofthepeople，asthiswouldindicatesomeconsanguinity，somesympathyofnaturewiththeirconstituents，thanthattheyshouldinallcasesbewhollyuntouchedbytheopinionsandfeelingsofthepeopleoutofdoors。BythiswantofsympathytheywouldceasetobeaHouseofCommons。ForitisnotthederivationofthepowerofthatHousefromthepeople，whichmakesitinadistinctsensetheirrepresentative。TheKingistherepresentativeofthepeople;soaretheLords;soaretheJudges。Theyallaretrusteesforthepeople，aswellastheCommons;becausenopowerisgivenforthesolesakeoftheholder;andalthoughGovernmentcertainlyisaninstitutionofDivineauthority，yetitsforms，andthepersonswhoadministerit，alloriginatefromthepeople。
Apopularorigincannotthereforebethecharacteristicaldistinctionofapopularrepresentative。ThisbelongsequallytoallpartsofGovernment，andinallforms。Thevirtue，spirit，andessenceofaHouseofCommonsconsistsinitsbeingtheexpressimageofthefeelingsofthenation。Itwasnotinstitutedtobeacontroluponthepeople，asoflateithasbeentaught，byadoctrineofthemostpernicioustendency。ItwasdesignedasacontrolFORthepeople。Otherinstitutionshavebeenformedforthepurposeofcheckingpopularexcesses;andtheyare，Iapprehend，fullyadequatetotheirobject。Ifnot，theyoughttobemadeso。
TheHouseofCommons，asitwasneverintendedforthesupportofpeaceandsubordination，ismiserablyappointedforthatservice;
havingnostrongerweaponthanitsMace，andnobetterofficerthanitsSerjeant—at—Arms，whichitcancommandofitsownproperauthority。Avigilantandjealouseyeoverexecutoryandjudicialmagistracy;ananxiouscareofpublicmoney，anopenness，approachingtowardsfacility，topubliccomplaint;theseseemtobethetruecharacteristicsofaHouseofCommons。ButanaddressingHouseofCommons，andapetitioningnation;aHouseofCommonsfullofconfidence，whenthenationisplungedindespair;intheutmostharmonywithMinisters，whomthepeopleregardwiththeutmostabhorrence;whovotethanks，whenthepublicopinioncallsuponthemforimpeachments;whoareeagertogrant，whenthegeneralvoicedemandsaccount;who，inalldisputesbetweenthepeopleandAdministration，presumeagainstthepeople;whopunishtheirdisorder，butrefuseeventoinquireintotheprovocationstothem;
thisisanunnatural，amonstrousstateofthingsinthisconstitution。SuchanAssemblymaybeagreat，wise，awfulsenate;
butitisnot，toanypopularpurpose，aHouseofCommons。Thischangefromanimmediatestateofprocurationanddelegationtoacourseofactingasfromoriginalpower，isthewayinwhichallthepopularmagistraciesintheworldhavebeenpervertedfromtheirpurposes。Itisindeedtheirgreatestandsometimestheirincurablecorruption。Forthereisamaterialdistinctionbetweenthatcorruptionbywhichparticularpointsarecarriedagainstreason（thisisathingwhichcannotbepreventedbyhumanwisdom，andisoflessconsequence），andthecorruptionoftheprincipleitself。
Forthentheevilisnotaccidental，butsettled。Thedistemperbecomesthenaturalhabit。
Formypart，IshallbecompelledtoconcludetheprincipleofParliamenttobetotallycorrupted，andthereforeitsendsentirelydefeated，whenIseetwosymptoms：first，aruleofindiscriminatesupporttoallMinisters;becausethisdestroystheveryendofParliamentasacontrol，andisageneralprevioussanctiontomisgovernment;andsecondly，thesettingupanyclaimsadversetotherightoffreeelection;forthistendstosubvertthelegalauthoritybywhichtheHouseofCommonssits。
Iknowthat，sincetheRevolution，alongwithmanydangerous，manyusefulpowersofGovernmenthavebeenweakened。ItisabsolutelynecessarytohavefrequentrecoursetotheLegislature。Parliamentsmustthereforesiteveryyear，andforgreatpartoftheyear。Thedreadfuldisordersoffrequentelectionshavealsonecessitatedaseptennialinsteadofatriennialduration。Thesecircumstances，I
meantheconstanthabitofauthority，andtheinfrequencyofelections，havetendedverymuchtodrawtheHouseofCommonstowardsthecharacterofastandingSenate。Itisadisorderwhichhasarisenfromthecureofgreaterdisorders;ithasarisenfromtheextremedifficultyofreconcilinglibertyunderamonarchicalGovernment，withexternalstrengthandwithinternaltranquillity。
Itisveryclearthatwecannotfreeourselvesentirelyfromthisgreatinconvenience;butIwouldnotincreaseanevil，becauseIwasnotabletoremoveit;andbecauseitwasnotinmypowertokeeptheHouseofCommonsreligiouslytruetoitsfirstprinciples，I
wouldnotargueforcarryingittoatotaloblivionofthem。Thishasbeenthegreatschemeofpowerinourtime。Theywhowillnotconformtheirconducttothepublicgood，andcannotsupportitbytheprerogativeoftheCrown，haveadoptedanewplan。Theyhavetotallyabandonedtheshatteredandold—fashionedfortressofprerogative，andmadealodgmentinthestrongholdofParliamentitself。Iftheyhaveanyevildesigntowhichthereisnoordinarylegalpowercommensurate，theybringitintoParliament。InParliamentthewholeisexecutedfromthebeginningtotheend。InParliamentthepowerofobtainingtheirobjectisabsolute，andthesafetyintheproceedingperfect：norulestoconfine，noafterreckoningstoterrify。Parliamentcannotwithanygreatproprietypunishothersforthingsinwhichtheythemselveshavebeenaccomplices。ThusthecontrolofParliamentupontheexecutorypowerislost;becauseParliamentismadetopartakeineveryconsiderableactofGovernment。IMPEACHMENT，THATGREATGUARDIANOF
THEPURITYOFTHECONSTITUTION，ISINDANGEROFBEINGLOST，EVENTO
THEIDEAOFIT。
BythisplanseveralimportantendsareansweredtotheCabal。IftheauthorityofParliamentsupportsitself，thecreditofeveryactofGovernment，whichtheycontrive，issaved;butiftheactbesoveryodiousthatthewholestrengthofParliamentisinsufficienttorecommendit，thenParliamentisitselfdiscredited;andthisdiscreditincreasesmoreandmorethatindifferencetotheconstitution，whichitistheconstantaimofitsenemies，bytheirabuseofParliamentarypowers，torendergeneralamongthepeople。
WheneverParliamentispersuadedtoassumetheofficesofexecutiveGovernment，itwilllosealltheconfidence，love，andvenerationwhichithaseverenjoyed，whilstitwassupposedtheCORRECTIVEandCONTROLoftheactingpowersoftheState。Thiswouldbetheevent，thoughitsconductinsuchaperversionofitsfunctionsshouldbetolerablyjustandmoderate;butifitshouldbeiniquitous，violent，fullofpassion，andfulloffaction，itwouldbeconsideredasthemostintolerableofallthemodesoftyranny。
Foraconsiderabletimethisseparationoftherepresentativesfromtheirconstituentswentonwithasilentprogress;andhadthose，whoconductedtheplanfortheirtotalseparation，beenpersonsoftemperandabilitiesanywayequaltothemagnitudeoftheirdesign，thesuccesswouldhavebeeninfallible;butbytheirprecipitancytheyhavelaiditopeninallitsnakedness;thenationisalarmedatit;andtheeventmaynotbepleasanttothecontriversofthescheme。Inthelastsession，thecorpscalledtheKING’SFRIENDS
madeahardyattemptallatonce，TOALTERTHERIGHTOFELECTION
ITSELF;toputitintothepoweroftheHouseofCommonstodisableanypersondisagreeabletothemfromsittinginParliament，withoutanyotherrulethantheirownpleasure;tomakeincapacities，eithergeneralfordescriptionsofmen，orparticularforindividuals;andtotakeintotheirbody，personswhoavowedlyhadneverbeenchosenbythemajorityoflegalelectors，noragreeablytoanyknownruleoflaw。