It was not only in the instance of the Irish propositions
That he had been thus fortunately checked. ' He had also brought in a plan for a commercial treaty with America, and that would admit of no possible delay. The House however, had taught him the rashness of the proceeding; and that bill he never brought again into the House. On that subject he had been made completely to change his mind, in consequence of the lights which he received by prudent delay.The House would please to consider the size of the object which they were thus required without the necessary information being granted, and without even providing for a full attendance of members, by a call of the House, decidedly to investigate. They were to consider its influence on all that was great in the features of their general commerce in the principles under which, whether right or wrong, that commerce had flourishedand in its power over their connections with other states, and particularly Portugal. He must still urge how greatly he felt himself alarmed at the state of our connection with that power. He was not convinced that it would be wise for England to enter into a commercial connection with France, unless it was clearly demonstrated that such a connection was in no wise to affect our valuable connection with Portugal. What was the alternative of this treaty ? If there was to be no sacrifice of the revenue arising from wine, there was to be a sacrifice of the Methuen treaty. If the Methuen treaty was not to be sacrificed, then there was to be a sacrifice of revenue in the article of wines only, to the amount of between 150 and 2oo,oool. a year. He surely should not, in spite of this immense loss, hesitate a moment, if the necessity of the alternative was apparent, which side to take; for the Methuen treaty had justly been considered as the commercial idol of England. There were extravagant rumours out of doors, if they were to listen to all the extravagant rumours circulated concerning the Portugal trade that it had fallen off, and that it was no longer to be viewed in the same light as formerly. But to these rumours he could give no ear; and the House ought ceftainly to know the precise state of the trade.