Large as were the additions made to the number of Peers they were insufficient to give the House its due weight as a separate Estate in the Legislature.  Through the reigns of Charles, William, and Anne, whether the Crown was disposed to tyranny, or the Commons were venal, factious, or arbitrary, we see too many proofs of the Lords wanting natural strength to maintain their rights, and carry their patriotic wishes into effect, even when they were supported by marked expressions of popular opinion in their favour.  If the changes which had taken place in the structure of Society would have allowed them to act regularly as an independent body upon its intrinsic resources, a deathblow was given to such expectation towards the close of the reign of Queen Anne, when twelve Peers were created in one day.  This act, deservedly made one of the articles of impeachment against Lord Oxford, shewed that their sentiments, as a Body, were at the mercy of any unprincipled Administration, and compelled them to look about for some other means of being attended to;—­and the most obvious was the best for the Country and themselves—­That of taking care of, and augmenting, the influence which they possessed in the House of Commons.  Reformers plead against this practice, constitutional resolutions still existing.  The slight review which has been given demonstrates its necessity if the Constitution is to be preserved.  The only question which a practical politician can tolerate for a moment relates to the degree of this influence;—­has it been carried too far?  The considerations which put me upon writing the present note (for the length of which I ought to apologise) do not require the discussion of this point.  The amicable reader will rejoice with me that, in spite of mutual shocks and encroachments, the three Orders of the State are preserved in salutary equipoise, although the mode of bringing this about has unavoidably changed with change of circumstances.  The spirit of the Constitution remains unimpaired, nor have the essential parts of its frame undergone any alteration.  May both endure as long as the Island itself!

V. OF THE CATHOLIC RELIEF BILL, 1829.

NOTE.

See Preface in the present volume for details on this ‘Letter;’ which was addressed to the Bishop of London (Blomfield).  This is printed from the original Manuscript.  G.

OF THE CATHOLIC RELIEF BILL, 1829.

My Lord,

I have been hesitating for the space of a week, whether I should take the liberty of addressing you; but as the decision draws near my anxiety increases, and I cannot refrain from intruding upon you for a few minutes.  I will try to be brief, throwing myself upon your indulgence, if what I have to say prove of little moment.