The New Student's Reference Work/Pitt, William (son)

Pitt, William, second son of the great Earl of Chatham, was born on May 28, 1759, in Kent, while his father was in the house of commons and the most honored man in England. Owing to ill-health he was educated at home, his father carefully superintending his studies and training him in those lines which would best fit him for a brilliant career in Parliament. To this was due that wonderful command of choice and accurate English which Pitt possessed above all the orators of his time. He entered Parliament, Jan. 23, 1781, and his first speech made a great impression. Burke said: “He is not a chip of the old block, but the old block itself.” A member of the opposition said to Fox: “Pitt will be one of the first men in Parliament.” Fox replied: “He already is the first.” Although but 23 and poor, he refused the office of vice-treasurer of Ireland, saying he would accept nothing but a seat in the cabinet. Although this speech caused wide-eyed astonishment at the time, three months later he was in the cabinet as chancellor of the exchequer. A year later George III urged him to act as premier and choose his associates, but with rare judgment and self-restraint Pitt declined the dazzling offer. However, on the speedy fall of the coalition ministry then formed, with Fox and North as joint secretaries of state, the king arbitrarily appointed Pitt chancellor of the exchequer and first lord of the treasury. The best judges in the political world then considered his position hopeless, and foretold a briefer ministry than even the last three had been. He was opposed by North, Sheridan and Burke, who united against him, but his dauntless courage, skill and firmness won, and on March 25, 1784, Parliament was dissolved and Pitt, only 25 years of age, was elected minister. He was one of England's most powerful premiers, and held sway for 20 years. (See England and France). He died at Putney, Jan. 23, 1806, and was buried beside his father in Westminster Abbey. See biography by Lord Stanhope and Pitt, in the Twelve English Statesmen Series, by Lord Rosebery.