they tell the symptoms of the complaint; but we know the exact seat of the disease, and how to apply the remedy according to the rules of art.  How shocking would it be to see us pervert our skill into a sinister and servile dexterity, for the purpose of evading our duty, and defrauding our employers, who are our natural lords, of the object of their just expectations!  I think the whole not only practicable, but practicable in a very short time.  If we are in earnest about it, and if we exert that industry and those talents in forwarding the work, which, I am afraid, may be exerted in impeding it, I engage that the whole may be put in complete execution within a year.  For my own part, I have very little to recommend me for this or for any task, but a kind of earnest and anxious perseverance of mind, which, with all its good and all its evil effects, is moulded into my constitution.  I faithfully engage to the House, if they choose to appoint me to any part in the execution of this work, (which, when they have made it theirs by the improvements of their wisdom, will be worthy of the able assistance they may give me,) that by night and by day, in town or in country, at the desk or in the forest, I will, without regard to convenience, ease, or pleasure, devote myself to their service, not expecting or admitting any reward whatsoever.  I owe to this country my labor, which is my all; and I owe to it ten times more industry, if ten times more I could exert.  After all, I shall be an unprofitable servant.

At the same time, if I am able, and if I shall be permitted, I will lend an humble helping hand to any other good work which is going on.  I have not, Sir, the frantic presumption to suppose that this plan contains in it the whole of what the public has a right to expect in the great work of reformation they call for.  Indeed, it falls infinitely short of it.  It falls short even of my own ideas.  I have some thoughts, not yet fully ripened, relative to a reform in the customs and excise, as well as in some other branches of financial administration.  There are other things, too, which form essential parts in a great plan for the purpose of restoring the independence of Parliament.  The contractors’ bill of last year it is fit to revive; and I rejoice that it is in better hands than mine.  The bill for suspending the votes of custom-house officers, brought into Parliament several years ago by one of our worthiest and wisest members,[45]—­would to God we could along with the plan revive the person who designed it! but a man of very real integrity, honor, and ability will be found to take his place, and to carry his idea into full execution.  You all see how necessary it is to review our military expenses for some years past, and, if possible, to bind up and close that bleeding artery of profusion; but that business also, I have reason to hope, will be undertaken by abilities that are fully adequate to it.  Something must be devised (if possible) to check the ruinous expense of elections.