Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/150

 136 History of the Radical Party in Parliament. [1815- manifested, utterly hostile to the Constitution of this country, and aiming not only at the change of those political institu- tions which have hitherto constituted the pride and security of this country, but the subversion of the rights of property and of all order in society. I have given directions that the necessary information on this subject shall be laid before you; and I feel it to be my indispensable duty to press on your immediate attention the consideration of such measures as may be requisite for the counteraction and suppression of a system which, if not effectually checked, must bring confusion and ruin on the country." The gentlemen of the House of Commons were then informed that "the necessity of affording protection to the lives and property of his Majesty's loyal subjects has compelled me to make some addition to our military force." It was a new thing, even in the worst times of English politics, to increase the army for the preservation of domestic peace. The debates on the address turned, of course, upon the Manchester meeting and its consequences. Parliament met on the 23rd of November, and on that day the opposition in both Houses moved amendments asking for an official inquiry into the case, and in both it was urged that reform and con- ciliation ought to take the place of mere coercion and repression. In the House of Lords Earl Grey said, " He had heard strong observations on the progress of sedition and treason, and on the necessity of adopting measures of coercion calculated to avert the danger which threatened the country ; but he had as yet heard no recommendation to avert the danger by relieving the people from some part of the heavy burdens which oppressed them. It was by conciliation, by a reduction of the enormous public expenditure which weighed down the country, and by a system of timely reform and economy, that the threatened danger should be met." In the other House the Marquis of Tavistock said, "With respect to the difficulties which threatened the country, he thought they might be overcome, and the breach might be healed, if they did not drive the people to despair by refusing inquiry. He should