cxlvii.] [Footnote 120: "Memorials of Fox," ii., 292.] [Footnote 121: The proceedings of the Irish Parliament on this occasion will be mentioned in the next chapter.] [Footnote 122: Mr.Hallam (iii., 144, ed.

1832) gives a definition of the term "unconstitutional" which seems rather singular: "By unconstitutional, as distinguished from 'illegal,' I mean a novelty of much importance, tending to endanger the established laws." May not the term rather be regarded as referring to a distinct class of acts--to those at variance with the recognized _spirit_ of the constitution or principles of government, with the preservation of the liberties of the people, as expressed or implied in the various charters, etc., but not forbidden by the express terms of any statute ?] [Footnote 123: The entry in the "Parliamentary History," November 20, 1788, is: "Both Houses met pursuant to the last prorogation.

Later meetings were in consequence of successive adjournments."] [Footnote 124: In the Commons by 183 to 33; in the Lords by 119 to 11.].