Page:Life of William Shelburne (vol 2).djvu/76

54 Fox on account of language spoken in the House of Commons, rose to defend his own conduct. Mr. Fergusson next vindicated the conduct of Mr. Fullarton, and Burke the language of Shelburne; as did Fox, who announced his intention of renewing the attack on Mr. Fullarton, when the new levies came before the House, and on the same grounds as Shelburne. The debate concluded by Rigby expressing a pious hope that all parties had obtained a lesson in moderation, and the subject then dropped. Meanwhile the news of the duel had been noised abroad. It was insinuated by many persons that Fullarton was only the instrument of the Government, and it was noticed that he, like Adam who had fought Fox, was a Scotchman. The old animosity between the two nations at once blazed forth; numerous addresses were sent to Shelburne; several towns conferred their freedom on him, and the Common Council of London sent to inquire how he did.

The deputation of the County Committees next issued from the St. Alban's Tavern a Memorial signed by their Chairman, Mr. Wyvil, recommending the Associations to ask for shorter Parliaments, and the addition of one hundred county members. On the 5th of April a great meeting was held at Westminster, when Fox spoke in favour of these demands. A riot was expected and the Guards were ordered to be in readiness, but the precautions proved unnecessary. The following day the House of Commons considered the Petitions from the Associations. There were forty of various kinds. "They were piled on the table," says Walpole, "signed by thousands of names." It had been arranged that Dunning, without having given previous notice, should move "that the influence of the Crown has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished"; and he now rose to do so. "He stated his proposition," writes Barré to Shelburne, "in a most