SPEECH, &c. BRISTOL, SATURDAY, 9th Sept. 1780% This morning the fheriff and candidates affembled as ufual, at the Council-house, and from thence proceeded to Guildhall. Proclamation being made for the electors to appear and give their votes, Mr. BURKE stood forward on the huftings, furrounded by a great number of the corporation and other principal citizens, and addreffed himself to the whole affembly as follows: I GENTLEMEN, DECLINE the Election.It has ever been my rule through life, to observe a proportion between my efforts and my objects. I have never been remarkable for a bold, active, and fanguine purfuit of advantages that are perfonal to myself. I have not canvaffed the whole of this city in form. But I have taken fuch a view of it as fa tisfies my own mind, that your choice will not ultimately fall upon me. Your city, gentlemen, is in a ftate of miferable diftraction: and I am refolved to withdraw whatever fhare my pretenfions may have had in its unhappy divifions. I have not been in hafte; I have tried all prudent means; I have waited for the effect of all contingencies. If I were fond of a conteft, by the partiality of my numerous friends (whom you know to be among the most weighty and refpectable people of the city) I have the means of a sharp one in my hands. But I thought it far better with my strength unfpent, and my reputation unimpaired, to do, early and from foresight, that which I might be obliged to do from neceffity at laft. I am not in the leaft furprised, nor in the leaft angry at this view of things. I have read the book of life for a long time, and I have read other books a little. Nothing has happened to me, but what has happened to men much better than me, and in times and in nations full as good as the age and country that we live in. To fay that I am no way concerned, would be neither decent nor true. The reprefentation of Bristol was an object on many accounts dear to me; and I certainly should very far prefer it to any other in the kingdom. My habits are made to it; and it is in general more unpleasant to be rejected after long trial, than not to be chofen at all. But, gentlemen, I will fee nothing except your former kindness, and I will give way to no other sentiments than those of gratitude. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for what you have done for me. You have given me a long term, which is now expired. I have performed the conditions, and enjoyed all the profits to the full; and |