tate. The repeated invitations which he received at the last general election, in 1802, to represent one of the most populous commercial boroughs in the kingdom, and the universal regret which his old constituents expressed at the bare suggestion of this event, sufficiently demonstrate the universal approbation which his public conduct has merited. At the commencement of the French revolution, Sir Robert Peel appears to have hailed with satisfaction the dawn of a temperate reformation and emancipation of an ingenious people from the fetters of despotism; but when the day began to lower, and virtue and intelligence to be sacrificed to the turbulence of ambition, he very carly perceived the fatal direction which the revolution had taken; and sensible that a fever generating daily so much malignancy in the neighbourhood.of our own shore, would require every measure of precaution to secure us from its contagious influence, he gave his whole support to the late ministry in all their important measures. The basis of his political opinions during the recent eventful war, as they appear in his speeches and conduct in parliament, may probably lie in the following proposition: that nothing could more effectually preserve this country from experiencing the same fatal calamities, which the revolution entailed on France, than an uniform and strenuous support of the executive government. But although no man more steadily supported the energetic measures of the constitutional council, or more liberally encouraged the spirited exertions of the nation, yet as few possessed greater considerations. involved involved in it, so no man more cordially rejoiced at the termination of the contest. To the transcendent talents and incorruptible integrity of Mr. Pitt, Sir Robert Peel has indeed ever borne the highest testimony; and the support he gave his long administration was steady and unequivocal in all great national measures: but this adherence, it should seem, arose more from a wish not to embarrass the hands of government in times of difficulty, than from a blind attachment to party; for he occasionally expressed his disapprobation, and evinced his independence, by giving his vote against the Minister. In the debate on the 7th of May, 1802, when a feeble attempt was made to impeach that distinguished statesman, Sir Robert Peel's appeal to the feelings and recollection of the house was so strong, and he described, in so impressive a manner, the protection and extension which commerce had experienced under his administration, amidst circumstances peculiarly hostile to foreign intercourse, that a subscription was opened in the city the day following, and he was himself one of the most liberal subscribers, to erect a statue of Mr. Pitt, expressive of the lively sense entertained of his services, and to convey to the world a lasting mark of the gratitude of the nation; which if not occasioned, was greatly promoted by this speech. In the voluntary contributions of 1797, Sir Robert Peel stood unrivalled in patriotic liberality. In that triumphant list we find the unadorned names of Mess. Peel and Yates subscribed for ten thousand pounds; and it is very well known, that had a disposition proportionally liberal shewn itself in other individuals of the community, equally competent, the sum, as was originally intended to have been subscribed by this family,would have been forty-five thousand pounds. How proud a day was that for Lancashire, to witness one of her own sons, who, having availed himself of the combined local advantages which she possesses, had acquired a princely fortune, devoting the fruits of his labours with unbounded liberality to support the independence of his country! In 1798, besides the large contributions he made, and the powerful patronage extended to the Lancashire fencibles, and the Tamworth armed association, he placed himself at the head of a corps of volunteers, consisting of six companies, mostly of his own artificers; and if ever officer possessed the hearts of his soldiers, it was the lieutenant colonel commandant of the Bury loyal volunteers. The spirited energy of a patriot, softened by the paternal solicitude of a master, breathe in every sentiment of the very impressive address he made to his corps at the consecration of their colours. "I should be extremely wanting (says he) in justice to you and to my own feelings, if I did not embrace this opportunity of testifying the high sense entertained by myself and brother officers of your soldier-like behaviour and good conduct. At a time when the British shores are menaced by a hostile invasion; when our rapacious enemies, enemies alike of the cottage and the palace, thirsting for our blood and treasures, and anticipating the promised destruction of our religion, government, and commerce, are appointing task-masters to be stationed in our work-shops, to seize the fruits of our industry, and to fetter us in perpetual bondage, a new spectacle presents itself, appalling to the slaves of despotisin, Men Men forced into military service by the terror of the guillotine were palsied at the sight of British volunteers, serving their sovereign without pay; of peaceable citizens converted into soldiers; of the industrious mechanic supporting his family by labour in the day, and learning the use of arms by night: this spectacle dissipated every apprehension at home, and penetrated with despair the hire lings of ambition. "Having the honour of being placed at the head of this highly respectable corps, and considering you as a part of my own family, allow me to call your attention to the discharge of those duties which our new engagements have rendered indispensable. Continue a regular attendance at the places appointed for your exercise: associate not with the vicious, but having raised yourselves to a situation commanding respect, continue to deserve it by your conduct. Attend to your officers, and you will ever experience from them a return of kindness and friendship. With regard to myself, I wish to be considered rather as your parent than commander; and in your sickness and distress, I shall ever feel happy in affording every assistance in my power to yourselves and families." The patriotic spirit of volunteer service to resist the menaced invasion, which this year pervaded all ranks of Britons, is a glorious and triumphant page in the history of the late war. It was a spark which was no sooner kindled in one part of the island, than the flame of it penetrated to the other. This loyal enthusiasm merited and obtained the confidence of the Sovereign, who, feeling himself enthroned in the hearts of his people, unreservedly opened his armoury; while Britannia sat undismayed on her immoveable rock, surrounded by a nation of soldiers: protected by a rampart so impregnable, she smiled at the menaces of invasion uttered by her foes. Although impelled by imperious necessity to as sume the military character, Sir Robert Peel is yet an enemy 1803-1804. C enemy to war, as hostile to every moral and religious sentiment, and destructive of the best feelings of our nature. To witness the nations of the earth cultivating the blessings of peace,, and the European powers mutually conceding considerations of small moment, and reciprocally endeavouring to revive the confidential habits of commercial intercourse, must be the wish of every friend to his country. Commerce, so far from being "a spot on the vestal's robe," is favourable to the cultivation of the virtuous feelings of the heart, and contributes remotely to the improvement of the faculties of the mind; for by interchange of good offices, mutual confidence is inspired, and the productions of different nations arc reciprocated: by the collision of different manners, the reinotest nations are conciliated, and the more barbarous gradually refined emulation in scientific pursuits, and in the cultivation of the fine arts, is every where excited, and the general situation of the human race is in a state of progressive amelioration. Plains unbounded, waving with the gifts of harvest, seas with commerce thronged, and busy ports with chearful toil, is every nation's bulwark, and every people's glory. Under the bowers of peace are indulged the most animating assurances of future prosperity; and there the harmony of Nature's works is felt. Under a more peaceful order of things, the active principle in human nature would take a more favourable direction; and, instead of cultivating the science of human destruction, we might expect to see new energies of mind called forth, and nations striving for pre-emi nence |