Introduction.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

CHARACTERISTICS.

English parties from 1760 to 1790 .

Burke's task during this time, the revival of Whig doctrine

The ideal of a Patriot King exploded by the incapacity of George III.

The Thoughts on the Present Discontents a virtual refutation of the

Patriot King.

Page

1

3

9

11

13

15

Illustrates Burke's general influence on the Whigs

Four movements of English political thought in this century, and

Burke's place in the third of them.

16

His appreciation of the relativity of political conceptions

20

The exigencies of practical politics weakened him as a thinker

26

But the tone which they gave to his treatment of questions

strengthened his influence.

28

His wisdom

30

His repugnance to inquiries into the g ounds of prevailing beliefs. 32

Page

Exhibited as early as 1773

He opposes, for example, a relaxation of Subscription

Proclaims his preference for peace over truth

36

37

44

A passionate enthusiasm for order, the key to his character .

46

His consistency.

50

CHAPTER II.

ISSUES OF THE TIME.

As an object either of pictorial or moral study, Burke is incom-
parably interesting.

His patrician competitors.

Historic study is concerned with his attitude in the greater move-
ments of his time

Important activities at work in the Spiritual, Industrial, Specula-

tive, and Political Orders.

Their common direction, (1) Industrial Development, (2) Over-

throw of Privilege

Burke's mind moved along with these tendencies, though unaware
of their goal

Three leading issues from 1760 to 1783-(1) the supremacy of the
Lower House in the Legislature, (2) the supremacy of the
popular will in the Lower House, (3) the responsibility to the
House of Commons of the Executive

NOTE.

CHAPTER III

THE CONSTITUTION.

England after 1688 an aristocratic republic.

The first great constitutional case in Burke's time

Circumstances of the Middlesex Election

Usurpation by the Commons

Explanation of popular sympathy with Wilkes

Burke's comprehension of Wilkism

Illustration of the strength of the popular feeling

Case of Privilege. The Printers.

Interference with the records of an independent court

Significance of this case

Page

77

78

78

82

85

87

89

91

93

95

Burke's consistent hostility to the Reform projects of his party

To triennial parliaments .

To the exclusion of placemen and pensioners

. 103

104

. 108

His own theory of the relations between the House and the

His policy in precise accord with his general conception of the

Constitution

114

The social conditions of the Colonies gave room for the expansion

of such a sentiment.

130

The Rebellion the last outcome of the ideas of the sixteenth cen-

tury, and not the first of those of the eighteenth

133

The attitude of England a consequence of a metaphysical convic-

Justice, or the highest form of expediency, the true criterion in

politics..

This truth forgotten in every part of our colonial policy.

The nature of this policy. .

Its bearings on the Rebellion

.

Morality of the Declaration of Independence

Philosophy of American evolution not yet possible

. 150

152

153

157

1 161

162

Anglo-Irish relations with England and with the natives during

the eighteenth century.

180

Removal of commercial and religious restrictions, the double

process obviously necessary

184

The effect of the American War on the Anglo-Irish

185

III. India. Is the sovereignty over inferior races desirable for us