Speeches of the Late Right Honourable Richard Brinsley Sheridan (Volume 3); (Several Corrected by Himself) - Tapa blanda

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1816. Excerpt: ... The house divided on the previous question, moved by Mr. Jenkinton; ayes 270; noes 44; majority against Mr. Fox's motion 226. - February 20. NOTTINGHAM PETITION FOR PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. Mr. R. Smith read a petition signed by about 2,500 inhabitants of the town of Nottingham, stating, among other things, that as the constitution now stands with respect to representation in parliament, the country is amused with the name of a representation oj the people, when the reality is gone ; that the right of election had passed away from the people almost together ; and that thereby the confidence of the people with respect to parliament was weakened, if not destroyed. The petition, therefore, prayed the house to consider of the proper mode to effectuate a reform in parliament, and suggested, as one part of a general plan of ref orm, that the right of election should be in proportion to the number of adult males in the kingdom. On the question being put for bringing up the petition, Mr. Pitt opposed it.--The petition, he said, contained expressions sb disrespectful to the house, and so irreverent to the constitution, that it appeared to him impossible that the house, consistently either with dignity or propriety, could allow the petition to be brought up in its presentform, though he would not certainly think it right to refuse receiving any petition, tohatever might be the object of its prayer, if expressed in proper and respectful terms. Mr. Sheridan, after remarking that nothing was so likely to produce ill temper in certain gentlemen as referring to the principles they had formerly maintained, hoped the house would not imitate the example of those gentlemen. If they wished to be treated with respect by their constituents, their true course was to treat their constituents with respect. An ...