The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

On Friday March 26, in a Debate in the House of Commons, concerning the Recommitment of the Corn Bill, the following was in Substance,

Mr. E. Burke's Speech.

...mons to lower the high Price of Provisions. God forgive the Man who advised the King to hold out false Hopes of Relief to the People.--- It was known that this House had not and could not, afford any Relief ; yet Sir, a cajoling Speech from the Throne was made, to deceive the People; and it is well known that the House, at this Moment lies under a popular Odium for not (as this cajoling Speech advises us) affording Relief to the Poor. The King of Sweden sent Orders to the Diet to lower the high Price of Provisions. He knew it was impossible. Our King indeed was imposed upon, and thought the Commons could lower the Price. The Diet like us, obliged to obey, could do nothing. the People became alarmed and enraged. " What (said they) do You betray us ? (for they also knew better) The King ordered you to lower the Price of Provisions, and you refuse." Advantage was immediately taken.---- The Passions of the People were favourable at that Instant to the Designs of the Tyrant. A Peck of Meal was distributed to every House, the Diet was turned out ; Despotism was established ; and in one Moment their Liberties were irretrievably lost! I hope to God Sir, no such Design is formed against us. Have we not had a mock Enquiry ? Have we not pretended to do what we knew we could not ? It was impossible we could lower the high Price of Provisions ; and, Sir, I repeat it again, that it is impolitic and unjust to flatter the People. Of all Systems it is the worst, although it has been the Practice of late Years,--- I wish this House to act with Firmness and Consistency. We are not to consult popular Prejudices without Doors. The Multitude are incapable of judging from their Ignorance. Let us not deceive them but meet them upon fair & honest Ground. Bravely oppose their Passions, and tell them we CAN NOT RELIEVE you ; that we cannot alter the Decrees of Providence, notwithstanding you have been told the contrary in a cajoling Speech from the Throne. This would be a fair and open Part, worthy of us to act ; the other is a crooked System which will ever return to it's Authors. Petitions I allow, have been presented to us from large manufacturing Towns and Cities..-- What then ! are they capable of instructing the landed Gentlemen ? No! they know how to eat, but they do not know how to raise Corn.----The City of London have also petitioned us ; and I do not mean to flatter them: How should they know about Corn ? They, who do not know but crammed Fowls drop down from the Sky. They may know the Prices of Iron and Linen, but they should never pretend to prescribe Prices to the Farmer. Shall Men Sir, who are continually gorging recommend an economical and frugal Manner of living to the Farmer ? Shall their Ignorance instruct the landed Interest ? for ignorant they are, and Ignorance will always be found in large Cities. Let us not regulate our Conduct within by the Voice without. I advise the Minister to oppose popular Applause in this Instance, and not because I would have him unpopular, for

I recommend to him what I would follow myself. I advise him to act with Intrepidity, and by no Means flatter the People.-- He will then be supported with Dignity, and be able to command it. Without it he will sink into Disgrace, Contempt & Infamy.