The Works And Correspondence Of The Right Honourable Edmund Burke (volume 3)

Synopsis

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1852. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... MR. BURKE'S SPEECH, OB PRESENTING TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, (ON THE 11th FEBRUARY, 1780, ) A PLAN BETTER SECURITY OP THE INDEPENDENCE OP PARLIAMENT, And Tin; ECONOMICAL REFORMATION OP THE CIVIL & OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS. SPEECH. Mr. Speaker, I rise, in acquittal of my engagement to the House, in obedience to the strong and just requisition of my constituents, and, I am persuaded, in conformity to the unanimous wishes of the whole nation, to submit to the wisdom of parliament, A Plan of Reform in the Constitution of several Parts of the Public Economy. I have endeavoured that this plan should include, in its execution, a considerable reduction of improper expense; that it should effect a conversion of unprofitable titles into a productive estate; that it should lead to, and indeed almost compel, a provident administration of such sums of public money as must remain under discretionary trusts; that it should render the incurring debts on the civil establishment (which must ultimately affect national strength and national credit) so very difficult, as to become next to impracticable. But what, I confess, was uppermost with me, what I bent the whole force of my mind to, was the reduction of that corrupt influence, which is itself the perennial spring of all prodigality, and of all disorder; which loads us, more than millions of debt; which takes away vigour from our arms, wisdom from our councils, and every shadow of authority and credit from the most venerable parts of our constitution. Sir, I assure you, very solemnly, and with a very clear conscience, that nothing in the world has led me to such an undertaking, but my zeal for the honour of this House, and the settled, habitual, systematic affection I bear to the cause, and to the principles of government. I enter p...