whilst it was using its power in the most remorseless way for the purpose of preventing every expression and punishing every action on behalf of what were called "French principles," which included any word or thought in favour of liberty or reform. They joined the Ministry in the same year in which the prosecution of Muir, Palmer, and others, in Scotland resulted in trials which were a mockery of justice and sentences which were an outrage on mercy; in which attempts to punish Horne Tooke, Hardy, Thelwall, and others, in England failed only because of the firmness and honour of English juries; and in which, after that failure, the Habeas Corpus Act was suspended, and the liberty of the subject handed over to the tender mercies of ministers who did not hesitate to denounce in Parliament the men whom the juries had just acquitted.[1]
The Government grew stronger by its converts, and continued to use its strength without moderation. Early in 1795 Sheridan moved to repeal the Act suspending Habeas Corpus, but was defeated by 184 to 41; and motions against a continuance of the war met with a like fate. The distress which such a war so conducted was certain to cause began now to be felt, and when the King went to open Parliament on the 29th of October, he was mobbed by people, who cried out for cheaper bread and the dismissal of Pitt, and a shot was fired at his carriage. The Ministry had but one reply to its
- ↑ In the debates on the address, Windham spoke of Horne Tooke and others as no better than acquitted felons. On the 6th of October, 1794, the grand jury of Middlesex found true bills against Hardy, Horne Tooke, Thelwall, and nine others, for high treason. Hardy, who had been secretary to the Corresponding Society, and had written and published some very strong things, was first tried. There was a very full bench of judges, and Scott—afterwards Lord Eldon—opened the charge in a speech which lasted nine hours. After being carried on for eight days, the trial ended on the 5th of November, in a verdict of acquittal. As Hardy's was certainly the strongest case, there was not much chance of the conviction of the other prisoners. The Government, however, determined to persevere, and on the 17th of November Tooke was put upon his trial. He amused the public and irritated the prosecution by his wit, and on the 22nd he was acquitted. Thereon all the other cases were abandoned, except that of Thelwall; but, after a trial lasting over four days, he also was found not guilty. These trials are evidence at once of the malignity of the Ministry and the independence of English juries.
