Political Candour, i.e., Coalition "Resolutions" of June 14th 1805 : pro bono publico / Js. Gillray, inv. & ft.

Print shows Fox making a speech in the House of Commons, with a large section of the Opposition benches shown at right. Pitt sits alone on the Treasury Bench, behind him is the Speaker's Chair, with the tiny head of Abbot surrounded by a vast wig, appearing just over the table. From the table hangs a scroll: 'Resolutions respecting the Chancellor of the Exchequer - 40000 - Bank of England - Boyd & Benf[ield] - Trotter - Jellicoe - Speculation - Participation'. Fox is saying: '" - Yes Sir, I do assure the Right Honble Gent" "though our lives have ever been opposite, though in "almost every instance we have disagreed, & though I have "constantly blamed the whole of his conduct, yet I should "be everlastingly unhappy had it turned out that he had "acted wrong or had soiled his hands in the manner we "meant to attribute to him ... [etc.]. Pitt responds "Here! - Here! - Here!!!", touching with his finger the vacant place beside him, inviting Fox to take it. Next Fox's hat sits Grey clutching his cocked hat with papers: 'State of . . . Na[tion]'; 'Enquiries into the Public Offices'. He says: "Yes I find they'll be all prov'd Honest, so I'll destroy my Papers too!" Next, partly concealed by Fox, slouches Sheridan; he is silent (opposed to any praise of Pitt, especially from Fox). Next sits Tierney, hands on knees, saying sanctimoniously, "O how I shall enjoy to sit down with him, upon the Bench of Honesty". Next sits Lord Henry Petty, hands folded, feet together, saying priggishly, "an Immaculate Statesman! - just like my own Papa" [Lansdowne, or 'Malagrida']. On the second bench Windham sits behind Fox's empty seat, biting a pen; he holds 'Notes and Speeches for the Political Register', and says: "Why, he deserves a Statue of Gold more than Porcupine himself!" Next, little Wilberforce claps tiny hands, saying, "O he's an Angel of Light! - a Cherubim of Glory!" Beside him is Erskine, saying, "he scorns a dirty Cause, I vow to G-d".