Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

LONDON.

Extract of a letter from Dr. PRICE to the Printer of the Volunteers-Journal.

All civil authority being derived from the People, and forfeited as soon as it is exercised in any other way than as a trust for them, it is trifling to say, they have no right to petition for the correcting of abuses. Without all doubt, they (that is, a fair majority of them) have a right not only to petition, but to claim; and possessing this right, they must also have a right to assemble, for the purpose of exercising it, and to appoint Delegates and Conventions for collecting and concentrating their sentiments. I have, therefore, been surprised to find, that the Delegation for this purpose in Ireland should have been called illegal and unconstitutional. If, indeed, this is true, it proves that the laws in Ireland establish Slavery, and that the constitution (in consequence of an accumulation of abuses) has deviated so far from its original principles, as to render a reformation absolutely necessary, and the efforts of the People for accomplishing it, their indispensable duty. Such efforts, if conducted with temper and firmness, must in the end succeed; for it is impossible that the aristocratical despots, who have an interest in maintaining abuse, and who would keep mankind forever in ignorance and abjectness, by giving the name of innovation to reformation, should be able always to stand their ground against the general voice and requisitions of an enlightened People. I hope, therefore, that notwithstanding repeated disappointments, THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND WILL PERSEVERE. They have just now an encouragement of a very particular nature. Several of the friends of that parliamentary Reform, for which they are struggling, are now in power. A late event has shown our Sovereign that he would be much greater and happier at the head of a real Representation of his people. Our prime minister has assured us, that he will exert all his abilities to obtain this object. The principal leader of the opposition (Mr. Fox), concurs in this with the Minister, and Lord North himself, since his coalition with whigs, may be expected to become a less violent enemy. These are circumstances which render the present moment peculiarly favourable; and it ought to be anxiously improved. A liberal and virtuous People, contending earnestly and yet decently, and without tumult or riot, for the blessings of legitimate government, is one of the noblest spectacles that can be seen on this earth; may Britain and Ireland exhibit such a spectacle, and never relax their zeal, till they have recovered their rights.

I am Sir, with all good wishes,

Your most obedient and humble servant.

RICHARD PRICE.

To Wm. Nicholson, Esq. Dublin.