Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1805 edition. Excerpt: ...which they held all the common sense of the country, that, though I have talked with Mr. Elwes frequently upon tb, e subject, I never could really learn why he supported it.. When he had quitted Parliament, no man more reprobated this measure than he did: but I really believe he thought at the time, that Mr. Fox and Lord North were the only men able to govern the affairs of England. For had Mr. Pitt been then known to the world, the opinions of Mr. Elwes, as a man careful of large property had been decidedly in his favour; for he has frequently declared to me since, and the declaration is curious and worth recording, because it is in the character of the man, and was in the outset of Mr. Pitt's political life: --" That after he experience he had had of public speakers and members of Parliament, there was only one man, he thought, could now talk him out of his money, and that was young Pitt.'" With this coalition ended the parliamentary life of Mr. Elwes, who had continued firm in his support of it, and which was almost the only line of conduct he ever did support in Parliament for any length of time. The character, however, which Mr. Elwes had long borne in Berkshire for integrity, might have made.a reelection not improbable, notwithstanding the rage which had gone forth against all the abettors of the coalition and its principles. But here the private principles of Mr. Elwes stepped in, and prevented all thoughts of a contested election. Such a thing would have been so contrary to the saving features and very, countenance of his character, that he would have died at the first election dinner. The usual parade of colours and cockades would have been to him a death-ivarrant; and open houses at his expense, immediate execution. Thus...