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A Memoir of the Political Life of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke
A Memoir of the Political Life of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke Author:George Croly Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER IV. Election for Bristol—Speech at the Hustings—Popular Delusions— Famous Speech on American Affairs—Apostrophe to Lord Bathurst—Keen Parody by Johnso... more »n. The dissolution of Parliament put an end to Burke's representation of Wendover. But his rank in Opposition made his presence necessary to his party in the House; and, by the Fitzwilliam interest, he was returned for Malton. But he was to ascend a higher step in popular distinctions. While he had scarcely more than made his acknowledgments to the northern electors, a deputation from Bristol was announced. It had been sent by a strong body of the merchants, to propose his nomination in their city, and bring him in free of all expense. So striking an evidence of public opinion could not be declined. He immediately took leave of Malton, and started for Bristol; where he arrived only on the sixth day of the election ! There was no time to be lost; and, notwithstanding his weariness, for he had travelled forty hours without rest, he drove to the hustings. The candidates had been Lord Clare and Mr Brickdale, VOL. I. H the late members; with Mr Cruger, a considerable merchant. On the second day of the poll, Lord Clare had given up the contest; but Brickdale had rendered himself unacceptable to the merchants, and they determined to find a candidate at once master of the commercial interests of the empire, and possessing weight in the House. The deputation had immediately set out for London in search of Burke; from London they bad followed him to Yorkshire, and they soon had the gratification of seeing him returned for their city. The speech which he addressed to the electors on his arrival; a brief, but clear exposition of his political views, shewed at the instant how highly his friends were justified in his selecti...« less