92 Political Bribes termed Compensations. 



being bribed, without the charge calling forth 

 the indignation of parties, or even an attempt 

 at refutation. Many of the bare-faced jobs 

 were dragged into public view, and as these 

 could not pass sub silentio^ disgraceful and 

 futile endeavours were made to designate such 

 enormities by the title of compensations. 

 Nothing could afford a more complete sanction 

 to the union than the means by which it was 

 ultimately effected. The odium attached to its 

 completion rests with the bribed, not the briber; 

 and as the measure had become expedient, and 

 was indispensable, it was better to advance at 

 once the whole cost of corruption, and have 

 done with it, than to pay an annual interest on 

 this aggregate of national delinquency. 



The general sentiment of the English parlia- 

 ment, as far as I could judge, was to deal libe- 

 rally towards Ireland in all that related to its 

 trade; and had it not been influenced, the 

 same disposition would have been manifested 

 in dispensing with all religious distinctions. 

 Had this been effected, great credit would have 

 been due to Mr. Pitt ; but even as it was, the 

 measure was confessedly a most desirable one 

 for both kingdoms. 



If a free trade in grain was withheld, it ought 



