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times apt to be unjuſt, is one of the ſalutary guards of that freedom, which is our pride, our glory, and the great ſource of our proſperity.
Of theſe topics of ſtrict inveſtigation there are particularly two, which Parliament in its inherent and neceſſary function is frequently called upon ta examine and to diſcuſs, on behalf of themſelves and of their conſtituents,—the Influence of the Crown, and the Public Expenditure; the laſt indeed as important with reference to the former, as from its own ſubftantive effects on the eaſe and happineſs of the people. Its importance, in both points of view, is in proportion to its magnitude; and now, therefore, when the circumſtances of the times, and the ſituation of the country, call for its exertion beyond all former example, almoſt beyond all former conjecture, it is doubly incumbent on the Houſe of Commons to exerciſe that guardianſhip of the public purſe with which it is inverted, by increaſing checks, and by frequent enquiry.
This part of its duty, Parliament has, in fact, performed within the laſt four-and-twenty years in
a manner more efficient, as well as more active,
