Page:History of the Radical Party in Parliament.djvu/60

46 perform. In 1778 he had written of himself: "People flatter me that I continue to gain rather than lose estimation as an orator; and I am so convinced this is all I shall gain (unless I choose to be one of the meanest of men), that I never think of any other object of ambition. I am certainly ambitious by nature; but I have, or think I have, totally subdued that passion. I have still as much vanity as ever, which is a happier passion by far, because great reputation I think I may acquire and keep; great situations I never can acquire, nor, if acquired, keep, without making sacrifices that I will never make." This statement is not only a wonderful specimen of self-appraisement, but it shows the insight of genius into the conditions of the time, and the political instruments with which he would have to work. None of the great objects on which the mind of Fox was set could be obtained with the then existing constitution of Parliament, and a change in that constitution seemed to become ever less and less possible. Both these facts were manifest in the case of Pitt when he was firmly seated in office.

The strength of his Ministry has been the subject of remark to all historians of the time. The Parliamentary majority was overwhelming; there was a fusion of both the old political parties, and an agreement of many and varying social interests in its favour. But the power of the Premier was not coincident with that of his administration. It is true that he had the appearance of almost despotic rule; but he had soon to learn that there were limitations to his authority, and these mark not only the boundaries of his personal influence, but those of possible political action. Pitt, when he first took office, was a Whig, alike by tradition, training, and sympathies. He had especially made himself the advocate of a reform more advanced than the old Whigs would accept: he had co-operated with Wilkes and Sawbridge, and obtained the thanks of the popular committees. This must be remembered in thinking of the manner m which his accession to office was accepted by the Liberal opinion of the country. He endeavoured to redeem the pledges which he had given, and