Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 1.djvu/416

 CAULFIELD. 405 country; and though beads of a bill for the purpose had twice passed the houses of parliament, even with the simu- lated support of those who were, at bottom, the most decided enemies of the measure, because they were confi- dent it would be stifled in the privy council, through which it must pass, before it could be transmitted to England; the British cabinet, at length vexed by this duplicity, through which the whole odium of rejecting so popular a measure was thrown upon the government, sanctioned the bill, and returned it confirmed, with orders to dissolve the parliament at the close of the session. But it was considered at the time, perhaps truly, to have been adopted by the British cabinet, as a measure of experiment to break down the phalanx of Irish aristocracy, who controlled the parlia- mentary influence of the crown, at their own discretion. The first public writer in suggesting this measure, was Doctor Charles Lucas, the friend and physician of Lord Charlemont; whose able advocacy excited the exertions of other spirited writers, and finally the voice of the whole country, whose object was ultimately successful: an in- stance (as Lord Charlemont was wont to observe) that should stimulate the exertions of every true patriot, and teach him to cherish, as an infallible maxim, "that every measure, intrinsically just and good, will finally be carried by virtuous and steady perseverance."-A maxim, which he solemnly recommended to his children after bim, adding that "although the first advocate of a good measure might not live to witness its success, yet he may lay the foun- ation of that success for his survivors: and that the man who lays the first stone of the temple of liberty, deserves as much, and perhaps more, credit with posterity, thap he who lives to complete the edifice." In the year 1768, Lord Charlemont married Miss Hick man, daughter of Robert Hickman, Esq. of the county of Clare; a lady, whose mind and accomplishments were perfectly congenial with his own, and eminently contri- buted to his subsequent happiness through life. The dissolution of the old parliament, in consequence of