Debate in the Commons on the King's Speech.] | The Commons being returned to the House, it was moved, "That an humble Address be presented to his majesty, to return him the dutiful and unfeigned thanks of this House for having graciously communicated to his parliament, that he has received intelligence of an Invasion intended from Spain against these kingdoms; and to assure his majesty that this House will support him with the utmost vigour and efforts to defeat so extraordinary an attempt; and to desire that his majesty would give the necessary orders to strengthen and augment his forces by sea and land, in such manner as he, in his great wisdom, shall think fit; assuring his majesty that this House will effectually make good any increase of expence that shall arise from such an augmentation, and effectually enable his majesty not only to disappoint the designs of his enemies, both at home and abroad, but by the blessing of God turn them to their own confusion."

None of the members did directly oppose the motion, only

Mr. Robert Walpole took this opportunity to find fault with the administration: particularly with respect to the sending a fleet into the Mediterranean, whilst Great Britain was left

Proclamation was published against the duke of Ormond, and the other lords that were with him, with a reward of 5,000l. for seizing the duke, and of 1,000l, for each of the rest, and of 500l. for every gentleman. As the rumour of the Invasion increased, some forces were ordered into the north and into the west of England: The States General had notice to have 2,000 men ready to transport into England when occasion required; and were at the same time desired, not to suffer the suspicious embarkations of ammunition and men that were making at Amsterdam, which they agreed to, notwithstanding the endeavours of the Spanish ministers to the contrary. Above all, the naval armament against the Spanish squadron was hastened, The king's speech had all the effect the king could expect or desire. Both Houses assured him of their support; and the Commons desired him to augment his forces by sea and land, in such manner as he should think fit, promising to make good any increase of expence on that account. With these assurances of the parliament, the king had the satisfaction to see his allies exert their zeal in his defence. The States sent over the 2,000 men; and the marquis de Priè, governor of the Austrian Netherlands, six battalions of Imperialists. The duke of Örnleas offered no less than 20 battalions, but it was not thought proper to accept his offer. These precautions taken by the king were very just, but as, it hap pened they proved needless. The Spanish fleet came with a fair wind as far as cape Finistere, when a violent storm arose, which lasted two days and two nights. The fleet was entirely dispersed, and disabled from pursuing their course." Tindal.

naked, and exposed to the insults of a provoked enemy abroad. He also reflected on some steps, whereby the discontents had been much encreased at home; and, among others, took notice of a bill lately brought into the House of Lords, [meaning an Act for settling the Peerage of Great Britain] which could not fail making most of the Scots peers implacable enemies. He added, That though he could not forbear blaming the conduct of the ministers in some particulars, yet he still retained the same thoughts with respect to his majesty, and would readily concur with the House, in giving him the most hearty proofs of their zeal and affection for his majesty's person and government; and even go so far as to give his vote for suspending the Habeas Corpus Act, in case of necessity; but that in his opinion, it became the wisdom of that House, to know whether the advices his majesty had received of an intended invasion, were well grounded be fore they either alarmed the public, or engaged the nation in needless expences. This speech was answered by

Mr. Craggs, who said, That as to what has been suggested about the Peerage Bill, that af fair being yet depending in the other House, it was unparliamentary to take notice of it, before it came regularly before them: But that however, he would before-hand venture to say, that as it was a most gracious condescension in his majesty, to suffer a branch of his royal prerogative to be restrained, in order to secure the liberty of parliaments, so he doubted not, that when that bill came down to them it would be un、 animously approved. That as to the advices the king had communicated to his parliament of the Invasion with which his dominions were threatened, though it was unusual for the sovereign to declare his intelligence, yet his majesty had been most graciously pleased to tell them from whence he received his information. therefore it would be want of respect, to question his majesty's intelligence; and he was sure no member of that House had authority to do it. That he hoped there was no great danger from the Invasion with which they were threat ened: but that it would be the highest piece of imprudence not to take all the necessary pre cautions to repel any insults from the Spaniards, and to defeat all the designs of his majesty's and the nation's enemies, both at home and abroad. And as to the conduct of his majesty's ministers, on which that member was pleased to reflect, if a motion were made for appointing a day to inquire into the same, he would readily second it.

That

After this, the motion, for an Address to his majesty passed into an unanimous Resolution, and without losing time in drawing it up in form, it was farther resolved, That the said Resolution be laid before his majesty by the whole House; which being done accordingly the next day, the king returned this Answer. "Gentlemen;

"I take this Address as a fresh instance of that duty and affection which you have so often

xpressed for my person and government. I trust in God it will enable me to defeat the designs of our enemies, and to provide effectually for what is dearest to me, the security and welfare of my people."

Mr. Freeman's Motion for adjourning the Call of the House.] April 14. Upon reading the order of the day for the House to be called

over:

Mr. Freeman made a speech importing, That some weeks before, he thought it necessary that the absent members should be summoned to attend the service of the House, in order to oppose some dangerous alterations [meaning the Peerage Bill then depending in the House of Lords] which were intended to be made; and that he observed, with a great deal of satisfaction, that the summons had not been ineffectual, since there was so great and so unusual an appearance of members; which shewed that all true patriots were resolved to exert their zeal and efforts in defence of our excellent constitution: But that he hoped, that by this time the danger was pretty well over, and that the contrivers of that project began already to repent it; that therefore the trouble it unnecessary to give the members he thought of calling over the House; and since they had dispatched all the public business that lay before them, they had best adjourn themselves to the 17th.

Accordingly the Call of the House was adjourned to that day; to which time likewise the House adjourned themselves.

Resolution against the issuing of Money out of the Chamber of London touching Elections.] April 17. In the House of Lords a Report was made from a committee, appointed to examine what sums of money have been issued, or ordered to be issued out of the chamber of London, for the prosecuting, defending, or maintaining certain causes or Writs of Error in this House, or any other causes of the like nature, for such time passed as the committee should think proper, and by what warrant or authority, and on whose application. And after debate had thereupon, the question was put, "That it is the opinion of the House, that the Common Council of London, having issued great sums of money out of the chamber of London, in maintaining several suits of law between citizen and citizen, relating to controverted elections, havę abused their trust, and been guilty of great partiality, and of a gross mismanagement of the city treasure, and a violation of the freedom of Elections in the city." It was resolved in the affirmative by 46 against 17.

Protest against the said Resolution.] The following Protest was entered on the Journals: "Dissentient'

1. "Because no proof upon oath was made before the Committee, of any one of the facts mentioned in the report; and we conceive, that without a due proof, upon oath, being first

made, so heavy a censure ought not to be passed on any person whatsoever, much less on so considerable a body as the Common Council of the city of London, who have been, on many pressing occasions, eminently-serviceable to the public.

"2. Because the Common Council of the city of London have never been heard to the several matters of which they stand condemned by this resolution, nor have they been any way made acquainted, as far as appears to us, that they stood accused before this House of any misbehaviour whatsoever.

"3. Because the several matters or offences specified in this resolution, are properly cognizable in courts of law or equity; and this resolution may, we fear, be construed as a determination of such matters as may possibly hereafter be brought again before this House judicially, by writ of error or appeal.

"4. Because the several sums of money mentioned in the report to have been issued by the Common Conucil out of the chamber of the City of London, in relation to controverted elections, might possibly, had the Common Council been heard, have appeared to bave been so issued by them, in defence of their ancient rights and privileges, and in order to prevent any incroachment thereupon.

"Buckingham, Montjoy, Harcourt, Mansell, Bathurst, Bingley, Compton, Trevor, Gower, Strafford, Carlton, Bruse, Oxford, Weston, Northampton, Foley."

The King's Speech at the Close of the Session.] April 18. The King came to the House of Peers, and, after passing several Bills, put an end to the session, with the following speech which the Lord Chancellor read to both Houses

"My Lords, and Gentlemen ;

in which you have shewn many great and sea"I am now come to put an end to this session, sonable proofs of your duty and affection to my person and government, and of your care for the safety and welfare of your fellow subjects.

"By the blessing of God on our endeavours, we have hitherto disappointed the ill designs of our enemies, who flattered themselves with success from our unhappy divisions.

"We perceive, by the rash and wicked councils which have lately prevailed in the court of Spain, that the desperate and extravagant projects of one ambitious man, though not capable of giving fears to their neighbours, may occasion to them some expence and trou

ble.

odious and destructive to the Spaniards, who "That court, being influenced by counsels find themselves neglected and oppressed, after having endeavoured to foment conspiracies and seditions, both here and in France, and stooped to practices unusual, accompanied by manifestoes of a stile unheard of among great princes, has at last proceeded to acknowledge the Pretender..

"As this news has given great surprise to all Europe, I question not but it will be res

ceived by every good Briton with indignation and contempt.

"It is our happiness at this juncture, to find ourselves assisted by the greatest powers of Europe against an enemy that has no allies, but those who would betray the governments under which they live and are protected.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons;

"I thank you very heartily for the supplies you have granted me this year; The manner in which you have raised them, without any new burthen to my people, the great addition

design, by the blessing of God, to meet you early next winter; I will only recommend to you most earnestly, that, laying aside all animosities, you would, in your several countries and stations, use your utmost endeavours to preserve the public peace, and see a due execution of the laws."

Then the Lord Chancellor prorogued the parliament to the 19th of May following; and ther prorogued to the 23d of November*. it was afterwards, by several prorogations, far

MENT or GREAT BRITAIN.

The King's Speech on Opening the Session.] Nov. 23. The King went to the House of Peers with the usual state, when the Lord Chancellor, by his majesty's command, read the following Speech to both Houses :

mons.

"My Lords and Gentlemen; "There being nothing more desirable, at all times, than a firm union between Protestants; I reflect with satisfaction upon the law you have passed this session, which will, I hope, prove effectual to that purpose. As it is a signal instance of moderation and indulgence in our Established Church; so I hope it will beget such a return of gratitude from all dissenting Protestants, as will greatly tend to her honour and security; both which I shall ever have near at heart.

"I have always looked upon the glory of a sovereign, and the liberty of the subject, as inseparable; and think it is the peculiar happiness of a British king to reign over a free people. As the civil rights therefore, and privileges of all my subjects, and especially of my two Houses of Parliament, do justly claim my most tender concern; if any provision, designed to perpetuate these blessings to your posterity, remains imperfect, for want of time during this session, maturely to discuss and settle matters of so great importance, I promise myself, you will take the first opportunity to render my wishes for your happiness complete and effectual, and to strengthen the union, which is of so much consequence to the welfare of this kingdom.

"If the circumstances of my affairs shall allow of my going abroad this summer, I shall take the same care of your interest as if I remained here. The many negotiations which will be on foot to restore the peace of the North, in which the trade and tranquillity of this kingdom may be very much concerned, will make my presence there of great use to these my dominions; And, as in that case I

"My Lords and Gentlemen;

"The satisfaction, with which I always meet you, is very much increased at this time, when it has pleased Almighty God so to strengthen the arms of Great Britain and our confederates, and so to prosper our several negotiations, that, by his blessing on our endeavours, we may promise ourselves to reap very soon the fruits of our successes. I am persuaded it will be accounted, by all my good subjects, a sufficient reward for some extraordinary expence, that all Europe, as well as these kingdoms, is upon the point of being delivered from the calamities of war by the influence of British arms and counsels. One Protestant kingdom has al

"Soon after the prorogation, the king de clared his intention of going to Hanover, and appointed for Lords Justices, in his absence, the archbishop of Canterbury, lord chancellor Parker, the dukes of Kingston, Argyle, Newcastle, Bolton, Marlborough, and Roxburgh, the earls of Sunderland, Berkeley, and Stanhope, and secretary Craggs. The prince and princess of Wales, not being appointed regents, retired into the country, and appeared no more till the king's departure, a few days after which they came to St. James's to see the young. princesses, who kept a levee twice a week: And to them it was, that the Lords Justices, and a numerous appearance of foreign ministers, nobility, and gentry, made their compliments on the king's birth-day, who was entered into the 60th year of his age.

"After six months absence, the king returned to London, the 14th of November, more respected than ever, on account of the great things he had done for the welfare and interest of his dominions. He was received with demonstrations of the liveliest joy, and those who were not forward to shew it were punished by the populace, and the windows broken that were not illuminated. Whilst in Germany, he had sent orders for the meeting of the parlia ment on the 23rd of November." Tindal. + Sweden.

ready been relieved by our seasonable interposition; and such a foundation is laid by our late Treaties for an union amongst other great Protestant powers, as will very much tend to the security of our holy religion.

"I believe you cannot but be surprized at the continuation of a war, where our enemies have nothing to hope, and so much to fear. It is indeed difficult to frame any judgment of those counsels, which have broke out of late in so many rash and ill-concerted measures: If they depend upon our divisions at home, I doubt not but in a very short time, their hopes, founded upon this expectation, will prove as vain and ill-grounded as any of their former projects.

In congratulating with you on this happy posture of affairs, I must tell you, that as I have been very just and faithful to my engagements, so I have met such frank and powerful returns of assistance from my allies, as will, I doubt not, establish a lasting friendship among us.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons; "You will see, by the accounts I have or dered to be delivered to you, how moderate a use I have made of the power entrusted with me to augment my forces by sea and land. I depend upon the eminent duty and affection you have always shewn to my person and government, that you will be vigorous in dispatching the necessary Supplies for the year: to which purpose I have ordered the Estimates to be laid before you. And, at the same time, I must desire you to turn your thoughts to all proper means for lessening the Debts of the Nation.

"My Lords and Gentlemen; "You all must be sensible of the many undeserved and unnatural troubles I have met with during the course of my reign. Our divisions at home have gone magnified abroad, and by inspiring into some foreign powers a false opinion of our force, have encouraged them to treat us in a manner which the crown of Great Britain shall never endure while I wear it. The trouble and expence which this hath brought upon us have been the most loudly complained of by those, who were the occasion of them. But with your assistance I have hitherto got through all those difficulties, and by the continuance of your help, I hope very soon to overcome them, since the hand of God hath so visibly been with us in all our undertakings. "If the necessities of my government have sometimes engaged your duty and affection to trust me with powers, of which you have always with good reason been jealous, the whole world must acknowledge they have been so used, as to justify the confidence you have reposed in me, And as I can truly affirm, that no prince was ever more zealous to increase his own authority, than I am to perpetuate the liberty of my people, I hope you will think of all proper methods to establish and transmit to your posterity the freedom of our happy constitution, and particularly to secure that part which is most liable to abuse. I value myself upon be

ing the first who hath given you an opportunity of doing it; and I must recommend it to you, to complete those measures which remained imperfect the last session.

"So far as human prudence can foretell, the unanimity of this session of parliament must establish, with the peace of all Europe, the glory and trade of these kingdoms on a lasting foundation. I think every man may see the end of our labours. All I have to ask of you, is, that you would agree to be a great and flourishing people, since it is the only means by which I desire to become a happy king."

tion.] As soon as the King was withdrawn and The Lords' Address of Thanks and Congratu the Commons were returned to their House, the duke of Manchester made a motion for an Address of Thanks and Congratulation to his maJesty; and being seconded by the earl of Holderness, the same was unanimously agreed to, the archbishop of Canterbury only desiring that acknowledge his majesty's seasonable interpo a clause might be added to the said Address, to sition in favour of the Protestants abroad, which was readily complied with. The Address was as follows:

"

"Most Gracious Sovereign:

We, your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in parliament assembled, beg leave to congratulate your majesty, on your safe and happy return to this kingdom, and upon the great success with which it has pleased God to bless the wise measures taken by your majesty, to procure and establish peace in Europe.

"It is with the utmost pleasure and satisfac tion, that we see che present happy union between your majesty' and the other great Protestant powers, which does so visibly tend to the security of our holy religion: and we desire to express the deep sense which we have of your majesty's seasonable interposition, for the poor persecuted Protestants abroad; and we humbly beseech your majesty, that you would he pleased to continue your powerful protection and offices in favour of them.

"We also beg leave to assure your majesty, that we will, to the utmost of our power, stand by and support your majesty, in the prosecu tion of such measures as you shall think farther necessary to take, for the completing the great ends your majesty has in view, for the security of trade and glory of these kingdoms, and the general tranquillity of all Europe: and we promise ourselves, that the whole world will soon be convinced with how little foundation the enemies of your majesty and your kingdoms have flattered themselves to reap any benefit from our intestine divisions:

"We should be wanting in our duty to your majesty and our country, if we did not return your majesty our most hearty Thanks, for that tender and unprecedented care and concern your majesty has been pleased to express, in your most gracious Speech from the throne, for the liberties of your people, and the freedom of