Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/386

 388 LUCAS, at the corner of Charles-street. Heafterwards took out a degree in medicine, and (what is not a little singular, considering the virulence with which his character, both public and private, was afterwards attacked) his profes sional skill was never called in question. Dr. Lucas became early distinguished as a political writer, and, in consequence of the bold freedom of his opinions, he found it advisable to withdraw to the continent. On his return to Dublin, he became a member of the common council, in which station he determined to exert himself in behalf of the privileges of that body. The new rules, framed in the reign of Charles the Second, by authority from a clause in the act of explanation, had, as in other corporate towns, changed the powers of the city corporation. To increase the influence of the crown, among other innovations, they deprived the Commons of the power of choosing the city magistrates, and placed it in the board of aldermen, subject in i t s exercise, o n each election, t o the approbation o f the chief governor and privy council. Of this injury Lucas loudly complained; but the law being absolute, could not b e combated. Sus pecting, however, that i n other respects encroachments had been made o n the rights o f the citizens not justified b y law, h e examined the city charters, and searched dili gently into the ancient records, b y which h e became con vinced that his apprehensions were well founded. He published his discoveries, explained the evidence resulting from them, and encouraged the people t o take the proper steps for obtaining redress. I n consequence, a warm con test commenced between the Commons and aldermen in 1741, which continued the two succeeding years. Though the former struggled i n vain t o recover their lost privi leges, the exertions o f Lucas i n every stage o f the dis pute, were strenuous and persevering. These services raised him s o high i n the esteem and confidence o f his fellow-citizens, that, o n the death o f Sir James Somerville, they encouraged him t o declare himself a candidate t o represent them i n parliament. Ambitious o f a n office s o