"We have expressed sentiments in which we are unanimous, and which, with pride and pleasure, we attest under all our signatures, entreating you to favour us as frequently as you can, with your assistance in the Committee; and you shall have due notice of the days on which your advice and instructions may be more particularly necessary.
"We have the honour to be,
"With the most perfect respect, Sir,
"Your most faithful and obliged humble servants,
|
Edmund Burke, chairman. |
Dudley Long. |
Next to Indian affairs, his masterly views in relation to which he lost no opportunity of impressing upon the House, parliamentary reform engaged the greatest share of his attention; accordingly we find him in 1792 actively employed in forming the Society of Friends of the People, whose admirable address and declaration were composed by him. On the celebrated motion of Mr. Grey on that subject, he candidly confessed, that he had previously doubted the propriety of reform, and had therefore twice given his vote against different plans of reform introduced by Mr. Pitt; but that the view and contemplation of doctrines and principles introduced from day to day, and of transactions in the last and present parliament, had removed his doubts. His benevolent and disinterested exertions for the abolition of the slave trade, deserve our warmest praise; although urged by every motive of interest and connection to oppose that measure, these had little weight in his mind when balanced against justice and humanity. He felt for the oppressed and degraded.
