. • 199 . Page 158 171 173 174 176 178 179 196 197 Intrigues of the Beresfords, &c. 202 Interview with the King on the subject of his Recall-His 208 . 212 Roman Catholics on the appearance of the French off Bantry 264 Good Conduct and Loyalty of the Irish in 1796, when the French appeared 276 311 314 317 317 318 319 322 . · 265 - . INDEX TO LETTERS. xiii . . . Page 323 344 344 361 383 403 404 410 411 412 . October, Same... to Mr. Erskine, ist November, 1798,- His statement on - . . the Report of House of Lords 413 414 the conduct of the Guild of Merchants and the Dublin 416 419 421 422 422 425 . 426 426 429 434 . . . . • 437 Page 437 · 438 ditto • 438 ditto • 439 . . LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF HENRY GRATTAN. CHAPTER I. The rights of the City of Dublin invaded—Conduct of the Lord Chan cellor on Mr. Curran's speech before the Privy Council-Adverse decision-Indignation of the people-Proceedings of the Whig Club, and their vindication in reply to the Chancellor's attack—Meeting of the citizens of Dublin-Their resolutions-Letters of Mr. Grattan to Mr. M‘Can, Mr. Day, and the Rev. Edward Berwick-Mr. Foster chosen Speaker of the new parliament, Responsibility Bill— Mr Grattan's letter to Mr. Day on that subject. Not satisfied with his successful proceedings against the opposition, the Chancellor (Lord Clare), now sought to quell the popular spirit that prevailed in the metropolis, and he involved the Government in a squabble with the city. Alderman James had been appointed Commissioner of the Police; he set up as candidate for the office of Lord Mayor, under the patronage of the Government, and was chosen by the Aldermen, but rejected by the Commons,* who selected Alderman Howison, a popular individual. In such a case, the custom was, that the Aldermen should send down the name of another candidate. This they declined to do, and insisted that Alder * These bodies sat apart, the board of aldermen resembled the Upper House, the sheriffs and common councilmen the Lower; a fair representation for the city, had they not been corrupted and prejudiced by the castle. VOL. IV. n. B man James was elected. The approbation of the Privy Council being necessary to confirm the election of the Lord Mayor, both parties appealed to that body on behalf of their respective candidates. The case was argued before them, Doctor Duigenan defending Alderman James, and George Ponsonby, and Mr. Curran, Alderman Howison. The result was that the council sent the parties to a new election. It was on this occasion, that Mr. Curran made a splendid speech, in which he alluded to Lord Clare, and portrayed his character in colours which could not be mistaken, and the brilliancy of which will never fade. His description of Ireland was spirited and patriotic; his description of Lord Clare was just, eloquent and severe, and conveyed the most caustic satire in the most polished style, — which latter quality is not always to be found in Curran's speaking. But a long metaphorical invective was not perhaps the best mode of encountering Lord Clare. Curran had beforehand mentioned that he meant to attack him; so that he was immediately stopped : for though the Lord-lieutenant (who is the head of that court) was present, yet Lord Clare assumed the right to direct, and accordingly he cleared the chamber. This, however, did not prevent the publication of the speech and the invective. But if Curran had pressed very hard on the legal opinion of the Chancellor, which in point of law was quite wrong, and had delivered some very hard sentences before he could have been stopped, he would have borne him down, and his success would have been more complete. Curran, however, did neither. The Chancellor never forgave this attack; the picture was too like; there was no mistaking it, and in consequence he fatally revenged himself |
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