Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/121

 1815.] Dismissal of Grenville to the End of the War. 107 proceedings as these, hopeless of immediate success, became the principal work of the Radical party. Their proposals were at first scorned as extreme and unpractical : they were always hated by the Tories. At first they were neglected or opposed by the Whigs, who slowly and piecemeal adopted them ; and they came at last to be recognized as essential parts of a wise and liberal national policy. The year 1812 opened amid signs of widespread distress, and manifestations of the lawlessness and disorder which suffering inevitably produces among an ignorant and neglected people. The Orders in Council were no doubt increasing the commercial depression, as well as causing a quarrel with the United States, and it was found impossible to maintain them. Efforts were vainly made to modify or to temporarily prolong the Orders, and at last they were entirely revoked. Brougham, who had, as counsel, worked so ably against them, had entered Parliament in 1810, and had now the satisfaction of assisting as a member in their defeat. The people, who were starving, had not the patience to wait for the distant effect of economical reforms, and they had not the knowledge of the real origin of their distress. Many of them in the manufacturing districts, especially in Nottingham and its neighbourhood, thought that the introduction of machinery was the chief cause of their suffering. That the changes which mechanical improvements induced did for a time inflict hardship, not only on individuals, but on large classes, was undeniable, and it fell upon people who were unable to bear the strain either upon their resources or their temper. Violent and dangerous disturbances broke out, and frame-breaking became a crime which called for special treat- ment. No one denied that such excesses would have to be suppressed. Some members thought inquiry into the causes of the outrages and attempts to alleviate the distress ought to accompany the repressive measures. On the I4th leave was asked to bring in a bill positively revolting in its character. A division was challenged, but only eleven votes, including those of Burdett and Whitbread, were recorded against the