subvert government from the very foundation.  It turns our public councils into the most mischievous cabals; where the consideration is, not how the nation’s business shall be carried on, but how those who ought to carry it on shall circumvent each other.  In such a state of things, no order, uniformity, dignity, or effect, can appear in our proceedings, either at home or abroad.  Nor will it make much difference, whether some of the constituent parts of such an administration are men of virtue or ability, or not; supposing it possible that such men, with their eyes open, should choose to make a part in such a body.

The effects of all human contrivances are in the hand of Providence.  I do not like to answer, as our author so readily does, for the event of any speculation.  But surely the nature of our disorders, if anything, must indicate the proper remedy.  Men who act steadily on the principles I have stated may in all events be very serviceable to their country; in one case, by furnishing (if their sovereign should be so advised) an administration formed upon ideas very different from those which have for some time been unfortunately fashionable.  But, if this should not be the case, they may be still serviceable; for the example of a large body of men, steadily sacrificing ambition to principle, can never be without use.  It will certainly be prolific, and draw others to an imitation. Vera gloria radices agit, atque etiam propagatur.

I do not think myself of consequence enough to imitate my author, in troubling the world with the prayers or wishes I may form for the public:  full as little am I disposed to imitate his professions; those professions are long since worn out in the political service.  If the work will not speak for the author, his own declarations deserve but little credit.

FOOTNOTES: 

[38] History of the Minority.  History of the Repeal of the Stamp Act.  Considerations on Trade and Finance.  Political Register, &c., &c.

[39] Pages 6-10.

[40] Pages 9, 10.

[41] Page 9.

[42] Page 9.

[43] Page 6.

[44] Page 9.

[45]
  Total imports from the West Indies in 1764 L2,909,411
  Exports to ditto in ditto 896,511
          
                                      ----------
  Excess of imports L2,012,900

In this, which is the common way of stating the balance, it will appear upwards of two millions against us, which is ridiculous.

[46] Page 6.

[47]
            1754.  L s. d.
  Total export of British goods value, 8,317,506 15 3
  Ditto of foreign goods in time 2,910,836 14 9
  Ditto of ditto out of time 559,485 2 10
          
                             ------------------
  Total exports of all kinds 11,787,828 12 10
  Total imports 8,093,479 15 0
                                       ------------------
  Balance in favor of England L3,094,355 17 10
                                       ------------------