230 GRATTAN. those. In a word, it is but the sentence of one tongue, and upon that tongue I leave i t . I d o not, however, pre tend t o dispute a ministerial fact, which a gentleman i n confidence alleges. He has been i n the confidence o f the Duke o f Portland,-he i s a s much a minister a s any man who i s not i n office. “Thus much, therefore, I must give t o this ministerial assertion, that I shall find i t impossible for me, under such a n interdict, t o pay my respects a t his majesty's castle o f Dublin, which otherwise I should b e prompted t o discharge. And I mention i t thus publicly, that my absence may not b e interpreted into any want o f the most perfect duty and loyalty t o my prince, o r o f the greatest respect t o the nobleman who presides there. I am not a man formed t o court proscription; I will not seek disgrace; let i t remain i n i t s den, I will not revoke i t . Sir, I have trespassed too long, and I am oppressed with the weight and multitude o f thanks which I owe you and the House; I have troubled you too long upon a private subject, but, with your permission, I will endeavour t o make amends the next day, b y bringing before you a subject o f more importance,—the economy o f the nation. I beg pardon for what I have said, I have promised too much, I am i n your judgment whether I shall d o i t . You have heard what has passed upon my subject; I appeal t o you i f I am that character that has been drawn; i f I am that character i n any degree, I d o not deprecate your justice, but I call for i t , and exhort you, for yourselves and your country, t o get rid o f a member who would b e unworthy t o sit among you.” On the 12th o f August, 1785, Mr. Secretary Orde moved the House for leave t o bring i n a bill, which was a mere transcript o f Mr. Pitt's celebrated India Bill. The debates o n this occasion, and more especially o n the side o f Opposition, were long and animated. Whatever had the least appearance o f infringing o n the legislative inde pendency o f Ireland, was marked and stigmatised i n terms o f the utmost indignation and contempt. The
