, on the opening of that business,
was the exact transcript of his conduct on the Irish question in the
former session. It was a mode of proceeding which his nature has wrought
into the texture of his politics, and which is inseparable from them. He
chose to absent himself on the proposition and during the agitation of
that business,--although the business of the House is that alone for
which he has any kind of relish, or, as I am told, can be persuaded to
listen to with any degree of attention. But he was willing to let it
take its course. If it should pass without any considerable difficulty,
he would bring his acquiescence to tell for merit in Ireland, and he
would have the credit, out of his indolence, of giving quiet to that
country. If difficulties should arise on the part of England, he knew
that the House was so well trained that he might at his pleasure call us
off from the hottest scent. As he acted in his usual manner and upon his
usual principle, opposition acted upon theirs, and rather generally
supported the measure. As to myself, I expressed a disapprobation at the
practice of bringing imperfect and indigested projects into the House,
before means were used to quiet the clamors which a misconception of
what we were doing might occasion at home, and before measures were
settled with men of weight and authority in Ireland, in order to render
our acts useful and acceptable to that country.
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