leave the business to them, expressing at the same time some doubts as to the real existence of the wrongs of Ireland. Incensed at this language, and at the neglect of the Government, Shelburne on the 2nd of June moved—
That this House do present an humble Address to his Majesty, requesting that his Majesty would be graciously pleased to order to be laid before this House, "an account of such steps as have been taken in consequence of the Address of this House of the nth of May, and of his Majesty's most gracious Answer thereto;" and humbly to recommend to his Majesty, if his royal prerogative, as vested in his Majesty by the constitution, be not adequate to the relief of the acknowledged, distressed, and impoverished state of his Majesty's loyal and well-deserving subjects of Ireland, that he would be pleased to continue the parliament of this Kingdom as now assembled, and give immediate orders for calling forthwith his parliament of Ireland, that their just complaints may be fully considered and remedied without delay; that the wonted union of affection may be preserved between both Kingdoms, always desirable, but in the present position of public affairs absolutely essential and indispensable to the preservation and welfare of both; and that the united strength of Great Britain and Ireland may in due time, and with due effect, be exerted, under the blessing of God, against the common enemy.
In the course of his speech he declared that the American War had commenced on less provocation than this country had given Ireland. The resolution, though supported by the whole Opposition, was rejected by a large majority.[1]
In October the Irish Parliament met. Among the members was Henry Grattan, who had first been elected in 1775 as member for Charlemont, and now rapidly assumed a leading position. On the 12th of October, through his instrumentality, an amendment to the Address was carried in the following words: "That it is not by temporary expedients, but by a free trade alone, that this nation is now to be saved from impending ruin." Non-importation agreements, after the American fashion, began to be made, and the volunteer movement assumed gigantic proportions.[2] In England the Opposition, who, it has
