lowing effect:--My lords, I
have so long honoured the abilities, and so often concurred with the
opinion of the noble lord who began the debate, that I cannot, without
unusual concern, rise up now to speak in opposition to him; nor could
any other principle support me under the apparent disadvantage of a
contest so unequal, but the consciousness of upright intentions, and the
concurrence of the whole nation.

I cannot but consider myself, on this occasion, my lords, as the
advocate of the people of Britain, who, after continued oppressions,
losses, and indignities, after having been plundered and ridiculed,
harassed and insulted for complaining, have at length flattered
themselves that they should have an opportunity of appealing to our bar
for justice, and of securing themselves from future injuries, by the
punishment of those that had so long triumphed in their guilt,
proclaimed their defiance of justice, and declared that the laws were
made only for their security.

The expectations of the people have been frustrated by the unexpected
obstinacy of the agents of wickedness, by a plea that was never made use
of for the same purpose before, against which the known laws of the
nation have provided no remedy, and which your lordships are, therefore,
now called upon to overthrow.

That the nation calls loudly for an inquiry, that the misapplication of
the publick treasure is universally suspected, and that the person
mentioned in the bill is believed to be the chief author of that
misapplication; that at least those who have squandered it, have acted
by his authority, and been admitted to trust by his recommendation, and
that he is, therefore, accountable to the publick for their conduct, I
shall suppose, cannot be denied.

The nation, my lords, has a right to be gratified in their demands of an
inquiry, whatever be the foundation of their suspicions; since it is
manifest that it can produce no other effects than those of giving new
lustre to innocence, and quieting the clamours of the people, if it
should be found that the government has been administered with honesty
and ability; and it is not less evident that, if the general opinion is
well grounded, if our interest has been betrayed, and that money
employed only to corrupt the nation which was raised for the defence of
it, the severest punishment ought to be inflicted, that all future
ministers may be deterred from the same crimes by exemplary vengeance.

Thus,