far assimilated in the two kingdoms as to admit of the
formation of one National Debt and one system of taxation. Despite the
favourable nature of these proposals, Pitt encountered a spirited
opposition. Grey declared the measure to be a gross violation of the
rights of the Irish people. Sheridan, Dr. Laurence (the friend of
Burke), and Tierney continued in the same strain; and Grey finally dared
the Minister to dissolve the Irish Parliament and appeal to the people.
Throwing off all signs of bodily weakness, Pitt took up the challenge.
Last year, he said, when the Commons of Ireland rejected the Union,
certain members applauded them. Now, when they passed it, the same
members said "appeal to the people." He refused to do so, knowing well
the scenes of violence and intimidation that would result from
consulting primary assemblies of Irishmen. The reference to those
bodies, so notorious during the French Revolution, clinched his reply;
and the House expressed approval of the Union by 236 votes to 30 (21st
April 1800).

The further debates on the Bill are of little interest. In the absence
of Fox, Grey was the protagonist of Opposition. Bankes, once a firm
supporter of Pitt, opposed the measure. Wilberforce confessed to
tremulous uncertainty about it, ostensibly because the addition of 100
Irish members to the House would add to the influence of the Crown, but
more probably because he foresaw Catholic Emancipation. Peel, already
known as one of the most successful and patriotic of Lancashire
manufacturers, spoke up manfully for the Union, though he deeply
regretted that Ireland would retain certain protective duties against
Great Britain. Very noteworthy, in view of the son's championship of
Free Trade in 1845, was the contention of the father that a weak country
(Ireland) had no need of "protection" against a stronger one. In reality
it would be as if a poor family shut its doors against assistance from a
wealthy one. On the trading proposals Pitt's following was thinned down
to 133; but the main question went through in May by overwhelming
majorities in both Houses. In the following month it passed through the
Irish Parliament.

Castlereagh thereupon introduced a Bill to indemnify the holders of
pocket boroughs who would lose patronage by the proposed changes. The
Government, having now revised its previous resolve, proposed to
disfranchise as many as 84 small Irish boroughs, and allotted L15,000
for each, or L1,260,0