The Speeches of William Pitt in the House of Commons [Ed. by W.S. Hathaway].

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1806. Excerpt: ... MR. PITT'S PARLIAMENTARY SPEECHES. February 2, 1800. THE order of the day being read for taking his Majesty's message into consideration, Mr. Dundas moved an address to the throne, approving of the answers that had been returned to the late communications from France, relative to a negociation for peace. After Mr. Whitbread and Mr. Erskine had delivered their sentiments against the address, and Mr. Canning in suppert of it, Mr. Pitt rose, and spoke as follows: --Sir, I am induced, at this period of the debate, to offer my sentiments to the house, both from an apprehension that, at a later hour, the attention of the house must necessarily be exhausted, and because the sentiment with which the honourable and learned gentleman began his speech, and with which he has thought proper to conclude it, places the question precisely on that ground on which I am most desirous of discussing it. The learned gentleman seems to assume, as the foundation of his reasoning, and as the great argument for immediate treaty, that every effort to overturn the system of the French revolution must be unavailing; and that it would be not only imprudent, but almost impious, to struggle longer against that order of things, which, on 1 know not what principle of predestination, he appears to consider as immortal. Little as I am inclined to accede to this opinion, I am not sorry that the honourable gentleman has con- Mr. Erskine. VoL. Iv. B template! the subject in this serious view. I do, indeed, consider the French revolution as the severest trial which the visitation of Provid. nee has ever yet inflicted upon the nations of the earth; but I cannot help reflecting, with satisfaction, that this country, even under such a trial, has not.only been exempted from those calamities wh...