The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 10: Parlimentary Debates IJohnson, Samuel
History
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 10: Parlimentary Debates I
Johnson, Samuel
Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons -- History -- 18th century
That for such attempts they are vilified and reproached, is not to be
observed without indignation and astonishment; astonishment which
nothing could abate but the recollection of the situation of those lords
who have united to promote so unjust a censure.
Let us, my lords, consider the circumstances of the three noble lords by
whom this motion has been made and supported, let us take a view of
their conduct, and consider the visible motives to which it may be
ascribed, their places, their dependence--
Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, I rise
thus abruptly to preserve that order and decency which is essential to
publick councils, and particularly suitable to the dignity of this
assembly, which can only become a scene of tumult and confusion by such
methods of debate, and lose that respect which it has hitherto
preserved, not only by the justice of its determinations, but by the
solemn grandeur of its procedure.
The motion, my lords, is allowed to contain nothing but what every man
avows in speculation, and observes, or ought to observe, in publick
transactions, and yet those that offer and support it are represented as
abettors of oppression, and instruments of tyranny.
It is surely wonderful, my lords, that those who are solicitous for the
preservation of their own honour, and so diligent to obviate the most
remote reflection that may glance upon it, should not remember, that the
same delicacy may raise in others the same resentment, when their
reputation is openly attacked; and that while they are asserting the
right of the minority to an exemption from censure, they shall not allow
the greater number at least an equal claim to the same privilege.
Lord TALBOT then resumed:--My lords, whether any thing has escaped from
me that deserves such severe animadversions, your lordships must decide.
For what I might intend to say, since by the interruption of that noble
lord I was hindered from proceeding, I hope I shall not be accountable.
Not that I acknowledge myself to have asserted any thing either contrary
to law, or to the privileges of the house, or inconsistent with the
character of an independent lord, a character which I shall always
endeavour to preserve, and which I will not forfeit for the smiles of a
court, the dignity of high employment, or the affluence of a pension.
Nor, my lords, whenever the necessities of my country require that I
should speak my sentiments with freedom, will I be awed into silence and
submission, but will set any power at defiance that shall dare to
restrain me.
I pretend not, my lords, to be always in the right, I claim no other
merit than that of meaning well; and when I am convinced, after proper
examination, that I am engaged on the side of truth, I will trample on
that insolence that shall command me to suppress my sentiments.
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