Mr. Jo x mroNE of Stmiton,the member for the Stirling
Boroughs, has issued a proclamation, or as he calls it, a protest, against the Dutch expedition. It is amusing as a specimen of the intellect and English of the things that men are now and then induced to make legislators of. We give a couple of sentences- .. Fellow-countrymen--Are you for war, or not for war !!! The decision is with your- selves. if you arc for war. and arc ready to accede to the farther increase of your already past-enduring burdens and taxation, you cannot complain when saddled with them, or say that none of your representatives did their duty in warning you of its consequences, or in raising their voice to protest against it. But, fellow-countrymen, as I do not think that you can consider as expedient or necessary the present unealied-for and unjust war with Holland, our old and ancient ally, which has only been brought by the imbecility of our protocolizing officials, who have become the dupes of the more clever and crafty Frenchmen, I feel it as an imperative duty hereby, in any own name, and in the name of all the people of Britain who choose to adhere to it, to protest against the acts of the Ministry, in so far as they have embarked us in this unjust and unnecessary war; and farther, against their longer daring to continue it, and causing thereby the certain in- crease of oar haulms and taxation, and immense loss to all, but more especially to the commercial interest:, and as bringing no honour to the British name, even if attended with victory."
Fancy a person who can thus scribble, in defiance of sense, gram- mar, and common English, addressing " his extrumpery" to the people of Great Britain! The Duke. of NEWCASTLE writes sad stuff, but nothing compared with Mr. JOHNSTONE'S : and then the Duke is somebody, and the son of somebody—but JoHNSroNE, Who is he?
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