Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/47

Rh reform, which, especially after the success of Dunning and the splendid advocacy of Burke, was brought well within the range of practical politics. During this year, 1780, the Liberal members at once informed the committee, and received from it encouragement and support on both these subjects. At the meeting on the 3rd of November, at which Fox was in the chair, a resolution was passed against the continuance of the American war, as "if it could possibly be attended with success it would not only be destructive of the Liberties of England; but in the highest degree injurious to the general interests of mankind." On the 30th of the same month, Fox again presiding, the thanks of the committee were voted to "Mr. Wilkes and such other friends to public liberty as opposed the vote of thanks to General Clinton and Lord Cornwallis on Monday last, on the ground that success in the American war would be the ruin of the liberties both of America and England."

At the close of this year the proceedings give us an illustration of the feelings, not only of confidence but of affection, with which Fox was regarded by his associates and colleagues. On the 10th of November, John Churchill in the chair, thanks were given to Fox for his conduct in the House, accompanied by a declaration that his honesty and boldness may make him "the object of such attacks as he has already received;" and the inhabitants of Westminster were invited to do their best "to preserve to the great body of citizens by whom he has been elected, and to his country, the benefit of his services and the inviolable security of his person." On the 14th of December, when Colonel Fitzpatrick was in the chair, it was resolved to carry Fox at the election without any charge whatever to the candidate.

In the following year, 1781, the committee continued its outside agitation and its influence with the popular Liberals in the House. On the 23rd of January, Fox, the Earl of Effingham, Sheridan, General Burgoyne, W. Wyndham, W. Scott, and John Churchill were appointed delegates to attend in London or Westminster, to communicate with the