“As I have been led to mention this subject, I will
further venture to add, that, of all the opportunities which have hitherto
occurred, of opening the eyes of the people to their true situ-
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 251 |
“In the Upper House, your Lordship will, I hope, confute
their destructive notions, with that clearness of argument and dignified
freedom of speech, which have always characterised your exertions in the public
service. The sentiments of the Marquis of
Lansdowne, at such a time and on such an occasion, would produce
an inconceivable effect; but, in the other House, who is there that can place
this great truth in so luminous a point of view—who can enforce it
| 252 | LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. |
“From the time that the minister attempted to starve the people of France, England may date the commencement of its present distress. The immense purchases of grain made by government, at exorbitant prices, overturned the mercantile system of that traffic, and, by disgusting the regular men of capital, threw the trade into other channels. Since that period, the constant interference of government and its agents in the purchase of every article of food, for an immense military and naval establishment, has been a constant and enormous drain upon both the living and dead stock of the country; and as government, in fact, never pay for what they consume, or in other words, are paid back by the people, it matters not to them at what price it is purchased. Nay, the agents of government enrich themselves; whilst the middle and lower classes of the community are pining under deprivations, or perishing in want.
“Faintly as I have been able to state my reasons, I
flatter myself your Lordship will agree with me, that the opportunity is not
only favourable, but the only one likely to be afforded for producing an
important and beneficial effect; and that even the abilities of Mr. Fox could not have a greater subject for
their exertion. His comprehensive mind will see how the war con-
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 253 |
“I know not what apology I can make for the freedom I have taken in thus expressing my sentiments on so momentous a subject, unless I may be allowed to plead the interest which I feel, in common with your Lordship, in the honour and prosperity of the country; and the desire of seeing it rescued from the grasp of those, who are not less hostile to the real happiness of this nation than they are to that of the human race.”
