Page:Cassell's Illustrated History of England vol 5.djvu/56

42 Burke, who was now fast rising into notice, in a letter, on the 18th of May, stated clearly how much lay in the power of Pitt. "Nothing but an intractable spirit in your friend Pitt can prevent a most admirable and lasting system of administration from being put together, and this crisis will, show whether pride or patriotism be predominant in his character; for you may be assured he has it in his power to come into the service of his country upon any plan of politics he chooses to dictate, with great and honourable terms to himself and every friend he has in the world, and with such a strength of power as will be equal to anything but absolute despotism over king and kingdom. A few days will show whether he will take this part, or continue on his back at Hayes, talking fustian."



Pitt showed himself disposed to accept office, on condition that general warrants should be declared illegal; the officers dismissed on account of their votes be restored; and an alliance with protestant powers, and especially with Prussia, should be formed, to counterbalance the family compact betwixt France and Spain. This was asking a great deal; but Pitt demanded more in the particulars of appointments, namely, that Pratt, who had opposed the court so decidedly as regarded Wilkes and general warrants, should be lord chancellor, and he opposed the court desire that the duke of Northumberland should be at the head of the treasury. Northumberland was a Mr. Smithson, who had married the heir of the Percies, and received the title, but was a man of no particular talent. Pitt, moreover, designed the treasury for Temple. But, when Temple arrived, he refused to take office at all. He pleaded a