THE 
which were attributed to, or sup- 
‘posed to be connected with, the 
imperfect and corrupted state of 
the representation of the people in 
parliament.—We do not admit that 
the immediate non-existence of 
grievances, which the acknow- 
ledged corruption of the institution 
is at all times equally capable of 
producing, is any objection against 
taking securities to prevent the re- 
turn of such grievances. But we 
positively affirm, that in fact, a case 
has lately occurred, which, on the 
very principles of the objection, 
establishes the necessity of a reform 
in the construction of the House of 
Commons. We mean the late ar- 
mament intended to act against 
Russia, which might have involved 
the nation in a most impolitic and 
ruinous war; and to which a large 
majority of the House of Commons 
gave their support, in direct con- 
tradiction to the real interests, and 
to the acknowledged sense of the 
people.—With respect to the mode 
of our proceeding, we conceive, 
that the objections urged against 
it ought to have been as precise, 
as specific, as the reasons we have 
assigned in support of it. Instead 
of comparing the principles we 
profess with those of the constitu- 
tion; instead of canvassing the terms 
of our declaration, and proving a 
contradiction between our profes- 
sions and our conduct, it is thought 
fit to load us with a loose, unsuyy- 
ported, general charge, expressed 
in the language of reproach, not of 
argument; of uniting with certain 
_bodies of men, whose principles 
and practice, as far as they appear 
to be such as they are represented, 
we have not only disclaimed in the 
strongest terms, but have declared, 
that we are determined to resist to 
CHRONICLE. 
83 
the utmost of our ability. Nota 
single proposition,not one senteuce, 
not even a word in the Declaration 
and Address, which we have sub- 
mitted to the public, has been 
pointed out as liable to an objec- 
tion of any kind. We do believe 
that the minds of men are every 
day more and more enlightened on 
the subject of the constitution and 
government of their country, as 
well as more attentive to it, than 
in former times:—that disposition 
has not been created by any efforts 
of curs:—we are of opinion, that 
it exists very generally through this 
kingdom. Is it useful to discour- 
age, is it possible to suppress it? 
We earnestly recommend it to 
those who wish well to the peace 
of the kingdom, to consider seri- 
ously, whether, under the acknow- 
ledged existence of abuses, a de- 
clared resistance to every proposal 
for amendment may not, in the 
event, prove favourable to the views 
of men whose principles’ are de- 
structive of all good government, 
and wholly irreconcileable with the 
object of our Association.—Hefore 
the motion, to which one of our 
members, in compliance with the 
request of the Society, has pledged 
himself, can be made, we hope the 
sense of the country will be dis- 
tinctly expressed. If, after having 
done every thing in our power to 
obtain the reform, which we think 
wanting, the country shall appear 
to be satisfied with the present state 
of representation, we must and shall 
submit: if, on the contrary, the 
propriety of our measures shall ap- 
pear to be generally felt and ac- 
knowledged, we_shall hold ourselves 
bound to use every Jegal and con- 
stitutional means of effecting a time- 
ly and temperate retorm ; the only 
FQ one 
