INTO THE STATE OF THE NATION, AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION. " In hujus modi opibus tenere tantoque bello, maximæ curæ est, ut quæ copiis et sociorum fidelitate teneamus.' CIC. EPIST. FOURTH EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS. LONDON: PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HUST, REES AND ORME, AN INQUIRY, DA510 INTRODUCTION. SINCE the constitution of this country acquired its present form, and public bu siness came to be transacted regularly in the great council of the nation, it has been customary in all important junctures, for our representatives to undertake a general investigation of the state of our affairs. The method of conducting this examination has varied at different periods, Sometimes a motion for inquiry has been .B 341 . agreed to by the ministry, and their adver saries have been permitted to bring forward their propositions upon the situation of the commonwealth. Sometimes the motion for inquiry has been opposed, while a view of the public misfortunes was given as the ground of claiming solemn investigation. But in every case the inquiry has substantially been entered into, and has consisted always in the free and comprehensive discussion to which such motions gave rise. Those who have attended to the tactics of parliamentary debate, and remarked how greatly the separation of different articles of charge assists the party accused in shifting off the attack from any one point, will easily admit the superior advantages of such a comprehensive view of the actual posture of affairs, as we commonly denominate " a state of the nation." It happens, however, that se veral years have now elapsed, pregnant beyond all former experience in disastrous changes, without any discussion of this wholesome and constitutional nature. In consequence, too, of certain recent occurrences, it has been found impossible to investigate at all, even in their distinct character, those measures which occupied the government during the last vacation. And thus a new ministry is formed, and a new system about to commence, before the account has been settled with the old; before the causes of our present calamities have been ascertained; before the nation has been able to determine, either the extent or the origin of its dangers. Greatly as this change of men and of measures is to be rejoiced at, we may venture to question, whether it would not have secured more solid benefit to the country, had it been delayed until the wisdom of parliament had been applied, to such a full discussion of the late calamitous interference with continental affairs and such a comprehensive review of our present situation in every particular, as can alone furnish the ground-work of that radical change of system, in which our |
