BURKE RE-INTRODUCES THE SUBJECT OF ECONOMICAL REFORM, ETC.

On the 15th of February, after some debates on the affairs of India,
Mr. Burke re-produced his scheme of economical reform which had been
rejected in the last session. He opened his proposition by stating the
powerful motives that called upon him to resume that subject. These
motives were the celebrated resolutions of the late parliament,
respecting the alarming increase of the influence of the crown; the
general wish and expectation of the people; and the direct application
made to himself and others from several counties and associations. It
seems probable that he was chiefly induced to renew the subject through
the influence of the associations, which, notwithstanding the scenes
which had occurred through them in the metropolis during the last year,
still endeavoured to stimulate opposition by inflammatory resolutions,
not only against fancied invasions of public rights, but against the
license supposed to be now granted to military authority. At this
period, indeed, political associations had acquired considerable
strength and consistency, and their danger was increased by the new
and unconstitutional measure of appointing delegates to transact their
business in the capital, and to promote the objects of their petitions.
Their chief object was a reduction of expenditure, but with this they
coupled what was afterwards called a "Radical Reform" of the house of
commons. It was notorious that Burke received from these associations
many complimentary addresses, for his efforts in the cause of reform,
and he seems from hence to have been stimulated to renew the subject
in the house. This, indeed, is indicated by his allusion to the
associations. After making this allusion, Burke, in continuing his
speech, said that the nation was involved in expenses which reached the
utmost limits of the public ability, and that as it was originally
the duty of ministers to have framed and carried into execution such a
scheme of economy as he now brought forward, so it was their interest to
secure themselves from punishment by making some amends for their former
neglect. Burke displayed considerable address in his appeal to this new
house. The three resolutions of the late parliament, he said, were a
valuable legacy bequeathed to the public, and an atonement for previous
servility; adding, that they formed a body of maxims, authorizing the
people to expect from their pres