al or scheme to introduce
any dangerous innovation into our excellent constitution; and that Burke
might rest assured they could never differ in principles, although they
might disagree in the application of principles. Burke rejoined, and
expressed himself satisfied with the explanation of his right-honourable
friend; and the discussion might have ended for the present, had it not
been for Sheridan, who wished to make a speech on this grand subject.
Sheridan, in rising, said, that he felt it his duty to declare that
he differed from Burke in almost every word respecting the French
revolution. In his opinion it was as just as our own, proceeding upon
as sound a principle, and a greater provocation. Sheridan then eulogised
Lafayette, Bailly, and other patriots of that stamp, and vehemently
defended the general views and conduct of the national assembly. He
concluded his harangue by charging Burke with being an advocate for
despotism, and with having spoken of the national assembly with an
unwarrantable freedom of speech. Burke instantly rose to reply; and in
doing so he expressed his indignation at the language which Sheridan
had used, and declared that henceforth his honourable friend and he were
separated in politics. Sheridan's language, he said, was not new, since
it was only a repetition of what was to be heard at the reforming clubs
and societies with which the honourable gentleman had recently become
entangled, and for whose plaudits he had chosen to sacrifice his
friends. He added, that his argument was chiefly an argument _ad
invidiam_, and that all the applause he could hope for from clubs was
scarcely worth the sacrifice which he had chosen to make. The Whig party
were alarmed at this breach in their camp; and attempts were instantly
made to bring about a reconciliation by means of mutual explanations.
But these attempts were fruitless; the bond of union was for ever
broken. The Whig party were rendered still more uneasy by the conduct of
Pitt, who declared that Burke had that day conferred a great obligation
upon the country, and warmly applauded the zealous and seasonable
attachment which he had displayed to the principles of the British
constitution. No man, in truth, rendered more service to the cause of
constitutional liberty than did Burke at this period. This was but
the first of a series of splendid harangues which he uttered upon the
subject of the French revolution, and which were as the sound of a
tr