178

SPEECHES.

greatly deceived, not more new than dangerous. It is verydifferent in its character and effects from the old doctrine,that the constituents have a right to assemble and formallyto instruct the representative ; and though I would not holdmyself bound to obey any such instructions, yet I con-ceive that the doctrine is not of a very dangerous character,as the good sense of the people has as yet prevented themfrom exercising such a right, and will, in all probability, infuture prevent them. But this novel doctrine is of a fardifferent character. Such instructions may exist any day,and on any subject. It may be always at hand to justifyany aberration from political duty. I ask its advocates, inwhat do they differ in their actions from the mere trimmer—the political weathercock ? It is true, the one may have inview his own advancement, in consulting his popularity ;and the other may be governed by a mistaken but con-scientious regard to duty ; yet, how is the country benefitedby this difference, since they equally abandon the plain roadof truth and reason, to worship at the shrine of this politicalidol ? It was said by a member from Massachusetts (Mr.Conner), that this right of instruction is only denied inmonarchies ; and in proof of it, he cited the opinion of Mr.Burke, (whom he called a pensioner,) expressed at the Bristolelection. So far is he from being correct, that in none ofthe free governments of antiquity can he point out the leasttrace of his doctrine. It originated in the modem govern-ments of Europe , particularly in that of Grreat Britain. TheEnglish parliament had, at its origin, no other power or dutybut to grant money to the crown ; and as the members ofthat body were frequently urgently pressed to enlarge theirmoney-grants, it was a very convenient excuse, to avoid thesqueeze, to say that they were not instructed. The gentle-man was incorrect in calling Burke a pensioner, at the timehe delivered the celebrated speech at the Bristol polls.Burke, at that time, whatever may have been his subsequent